It was map sketching they wanted me for. About 8 A.M. Lieut. Ferguson, myself and one man as guard started out on the road to Mexico. Beyond the outposts started to map. Went as far as where the river crosses the road at La Gudi [Lagundi] (deserted). Lieut. F. much pleased with my map. Started me alone to map the line of the insurgent trenches beyond to the west of the Mexico road. Trenches are deserted, but this was in the enemy’s country and beyond our outposts. Met him and his guard at Carmen, another deserted village. Dinner. “Follow the line of trenches till they end, then strike for the railroad.” He took the guard. Rice to my knees. After about two miles began to meet natives, not pleasant, smiling faces but the reverse. I had never seen a map of the country, my sole geographical knowledge was that the railroad ran about north. Finally struck a bull-cart trail that gradually grew into a road. Around a turn suddenly came face to face with a native who at once went down on his knees and laid a large knife, eighteen-inch blade, at my feet. Was puzzled. Could not carry the knife. Decided that if he had wanted to stick me he could have done it. Motioned him up. Started to follow me. Did not like that. “Vamoose,” and laid my hand on my revolver belt. He vamoosed. By this time knew by the sun it was 5 P.M. Knew by Mt. Arrarat [Arayat] I was miles from San Fernando. Did not know how far from the railroad, struck a river, across it could see men with rifles. Did not know whether Americans or not. Bore to the south. Saw an outpost. It was the 7th at Collulit [Calulut] (where the bull trains go). They said there were no American troops where I had seen the armed men. Supper with the 17th. Walked back to San Fernando, six miles, over the road I had thought so dangerous (it was) when I came with the bull train. Darkest night I ever saw. San Fernando about 8:30 P.M. I walked fast.
