Friday 1-27-99
January 27, 1899
Wrote to Tops. Very hot. A Co. I boy buried today, making 2 for Co. I. Several German and British boats came in today, and
Alfred Burton Welch
(September 26, 1874 — June 30, 1945). Served with Company D, 1st Washington Volunteer Infantry in the Philippines, April 30, 1898 to November 1, 1899.
Saturday 1-28-99
January 28, 1899
More mail. Letter from Jennie Adams. Lay around all day. Read “Irene’s Vow,” a tale of bloodshed and revenge. “Too late for the balm when
Sunday 1-29-99
January 29, 1899
Wrote to Miss Adams in a.m. At 11 Frank Coombs and I went to senora Rivera’ Casa on Calle Looban, 29. About 20 natives were
Monday 1-30-99
January 30, 1899
Worked on map in a.m. Wrote letters in afternoon. Mail in from Hong Kong. Got letter from Wilson, who “left” us in Honolulu. To bed
Tuesday 1-31-99
January 31, 1899
Serg’t Coombs whispered in my ear at 2.30 a.m. “Welchen, get up & put on your fightin’ clothes.” Fell in the battalion until six a.m.
Wednesday 2-1-99
February 1, 1899
Went to Singalon[g] in a.m. Got a “bolo” from a native. A few days ago the ins. caught a staff officer and a 1st Lieut.
Thursday 2-2-99
February 2, 1899
“To Arms” at 11 p.m. last night and went to Calle Real y Pena Francisco [Peñafrancia] where the regiment was formed. Gen. Chas. King with
Friday 2-3-99
February 3, 1899
And got home and went to sleep. Slept nearly all day. Lieut. Hobson is in the bay. We sent a detail of sharpshooters to the
Sunday 2-5-99
February 5, 1899
Firing opened at line by Pandacan at taps on Sat. eve. Battle around by bay by North. Opened on line on south of river at
Tuesday 2-7-99
February 7, 1899
Reviewed by Gen. King. In afternoon took line to San Pedro [Macati]. Had a patrol in night, 12 miles. Dogs & birds feasting on stray
Wednesday 2-8-99
February 8, 1899
In Santa Anna. Other Wn CO’s on line beyond San Pedro.
Friday 2-10-99
February 10, 1899
At Santa Anna. A battle raged to the east last night –could hear the volleys. Wrote to Gypsy.
Saturday 2-11-99
February 11, 1899
Buried some Filips. The 14th were pressed on Pasa [Pasay] and we were called out to help, but were not needed. Maloban [Malabon] was taken
Tuesday 2-14-99
February 14, 1899
Fighting at Pasig on the Laguna de Bahia [Bai]. Reg. called out and went directly to San Pedro de Macati, where we rested & had
Wednesday 2-15-99
February 15, 1899
Lay down at Sn Pedro, tired out, for I had carried Sgt Burtt’s traps besides my own. Fighting was on all night along the outposts.
Thursday 2-16-99
February 16, 1899
Last night we had a hot time, for the niggers charged us four times. Co. D bore the brunt of these attacks & they came
Friday 2-17-99
February 17, 1899
Made our “forts” stronger & had a little rest. Yet the sharpshooters were very annoying. At sunset we were advanced under Col. Smith into the
Saturday 2-18-99
February 18, 1899
That night the fighting was spirited along parts of the line. The village across the river was shelled and burnt but large numbers of rebs
Sunday 2-19-99
February 19, 1899
Last night they attacked and after a half hour’s fight they took it for it was vacated. Then the Scott’s battery soon had it afire.
Monday 2-20-99
February 20, 1899
Resting in a.m. The Filips are gone but we can hear their bugles ring in the hills. S. Shooters are close but smokeless powder makes
Tuesday 2-21-99
February 21, 1899
Last night was very quiet, for they were too badly demoralized to reform, still the s.s’ were in evidence and succeeded in shooting a Cal.
Wednesday 2-22-99
February 22, 1899
Washington’s birthday –opened early but did no damage. Went to StA in a.m. –shaved &c & combed my hair for the first time in 8
Thursday 2-23-99
February 23, 1899
The ins. threw out a strong skirmish line –200 yds in front, last night– but we set with our rifles in hand all night. Only
Friday 2-24-99
February 24, 1899
Slept until late. City still burning. Little rain last night. Very little shooting today –sharpshooters. Hot –with good breezes. Quiet. Recv’d letters from home, folks,
Saturday 2-25-99
February 25, 1899
At work along line making map of entrenchments. One of the Filips left on field last night was found shot thro’ the head, ball going
Sunday 2-26-99
February 26, 1899
This is our regular “fightin’ day.” but aside from pot hunters were not molested. They were very aggravating & shot all day persistently, often in
Monday 2-27-99
February 27, 1899
Desultory firing all day, but many birds hang low over the jungle, they perhaps smell filips. Think there is an American with the ins as