Manila, Luzon Island – Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo
Cloudy, but rainless. Cool breeze.
Read a chapter in Numbers and prayed. Cooked breakfast next. Ditto supper in the evening. Prepared 2 bowls of lemonade at dinner time, one for Private W. Mason, D. Co. 9th U.S. Infantry, who walked in from Caloocan and whose suit of brown & blue was saturated with perspiration. Tried to purchase a pie at the Utah bakery but failed, so had no food to eat. On his way to Manila Mason saw an old Filipino man tottering along under the weight of a small tree. Very much to the surprise of the old man & other Filipino passers-by, he carried the tree half a mile for him. Before M. returned to camp he & I had prayer together.
Private Devine came in twice today. He is beginning to look better in health. He brought a Filipino mauser rifle for me to take care of for him. We discussed spiritual matters. Before he left we prayed together.
About 5 o’clock p.m. I & Bro. Turner of the Ecclesia mission took the Jolo street car to the post office. I rec’d 2 letters (1) Ensign May Jackson, Kowloon, China. Her health is bad. Her father wants her to return home. She is probably en route now but hopes to come back again. Wants me to write. (2) Capt. V. Post, stenographer S.A. headquarter, San Francisco, Cal. Wants me to send him photos of the Philippines for his album. Is willing to pay for the same.
Victor Peterson, sailor, returned tonight from San Fernando, where he spent several days. Is in good humor from his outing at the battle front.
Reinforcements are arriving – 13th U.S. Inf. regular, have just came from the Western Hemisphere. There is much talk of Volunteers returning home, but if any have gone yet, I do not know of it.
Completed reading my catalogue of bound books to refresh my memory. The number of bound books catalogued up to date is 1908 volumes.
Rev. & Mrs. Owens are preparing to leave, but say the 2d Oregon Inf. will return on the first transport to leave – s.s. “Hancock” All the space is taken, so can’t go on her. Don’t know whether the sailors can go or not.