Caloocan Battlefield. Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo, Manila.
I feel very tired & sleepy tonight. Hardly had any sleep last in the “block house”. The ground was hard, atmosphere cold & coffee Im inclined to think excited my nerves too much.
The Lord used me to talk salvation to several persons. Went over to the Binondo or La Loma (Spanish) mortuary chapel early in the morning & took a photo of it. Made my breakfast standing at the platform constructed for Spanish marksmen; the same served me for a table. A soldier belonging to Co. G. 20th Kansas Vol. Inf., gave mesome coffee in an old tin can. He & I sipped out of it. Devilled ham & bread (which I shared with him) completed my breakfast.
From the tower of the blockhouse on the hill watched the movements of the Insurrectos, sometimes thro’ an opera glass. The Filipinos appear to be gathering in force & a battle is imminent. One battle line commenced to intrench themselves –the men. Likewise 2 more guns were planted alongside our blockhouse by the Utah’s & hasty breastworks constructed.
I went along the battle line where the men lying two days & talked with a number of the men. Not only did I visit the 3d artillery but likewise the Montana’s whom I found forming in the woods to receive an attack from the enemy. I took 2 Kodak views of Co. E. Two letters written on the battlefield were given me to mail. One was a postcard –a hard looking affair.
The dear Lord was near me last night.
Made my dinner on peanuts & water.
Met Mr. John F. Bass (war correspondent for Harper’s weekly) again, on the field.
A number of ex-soldiers and civilians are hanging about, desirous of sharing in the battle. Minnesota (13th) soldiers are slipping out of town, where they do police duty, to take part in the expected battle. One of the Minnesota men told me that an outbreak is expected daily. Last night they slept on their arms. Have killed 50 natives since hostilities commenced Saturday night.
Co. E of the 1st Montanas took possession of the blockhouse (No. 2) just before dark. I left part of my baggage in charge of Private Hines & struck out on foot for Manila. This was difficult as rheumatism makes my night foot pain me. Walked a mile & a half along the dusty road where a soldier overtook me. I asked a ride. Granted it. Was lost. I showed him how to reach old Manila where he wanted to go. Spoke to him re Jesus.
Good night; am very tired. God be with all.
On second thought will add: On my way back through the Filipino quarter along Dulumbayan street a great many white flags were hanging out in front of the private houses — flags of truce or surrender probably. I heard when reaching home that Aguinaldo declared war against the United States today. Rumor says the Filipino chief said he cannot restrain his men any longer. Otis sent word back that he will restrain them for him then. Aguinaldo’s private secretary has been captured.