Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.
Sky covered with light hazy clouds which hardly broke the force of the sun’s rays. Weather hot.
Bible reading, prayer, breakfast & lesson for Bilibid prisoners. About 10.30 a.m. struck out on Paseo Azcarraga for Bilibid Prison. Arrived there in good season. Met Major Bean first who directed me to Lt. Wolf of the 2d Oregon’s. We had a long talk in the yard re yesterday’s fight. He is quite friendly. Provost Sergeant M. Ryan went around among the military prisoners & invited them to attend my meeting in the yard. Only three responded. The Sergeant then suggested the quarters of the white civil prisoners. Agreed. Had an audience of 25; very rough men; mostly sailors and beach combers –apparently. I was thankful to the Lord for this change. Don’t have to stand in the hot sun. My rough audience joined heartily in the singing. The service was broken off abruptly, by dinner call. Indeed when we entered the cook was already dishing out dinner on the floor to the prisoners of this ward. The food was left standing until the close of the service. At the close I was invited to return again. The Sergeant & I managed to have future meetings in that place as it is the best I have seen up to date in Bilibid.
Walked back home thro’ the hot sun, & found my table covered with mail from the United States. After going thro’ the letters gave my attention the remainder of the day to the War Crys of different countries. The number is increasing in variety. Lt-Col. Alice Lewis sent me a “Dispo.” for Dec. ’98. the first to come so far. Now for the letters:
(1) Feb. 20th ’99 from Capt. V.R. Post enclosed Postal order No. 30678 date Feb 17th. –my salary; am’t $36. U.S. coin.
(2) Brigadier Jno. Complin, Canadian General Secretary acknowledged receipt of my copy for their War Cry re Philippines.
(3) Private G. Bertrand sent his Soldier’s Pass for me to sign
(4) Lt-Col. Wm Evans, pv. B. acknowledges War Cry copy.
(5) Lt-Col. Alice Lewis, New York. Refers to receipt of several weekly letters, says she quoted contents to Commander Booth-Tucker & Consul. Feel anxious about me & ask me to advise them what to do in my case whether to remain or go away. It has been decided for the present that the Philippines remain attached to United States as my work is with the American soldiers & sailors.
This last item at least settles my mind for a short time, as Commandant’s letter greatly unsettled me. Expected Australasian officers to come up from the land of the Kangaroo any day.
Heavy cannonading this afternoon. “Monandnock” shelled Paranaque.
A German prince is reported killed today at our lines. Was a spectator. Colonel of the 22d U.S. Inf. also reported killed.