James J. Loughrey

(July 4, 1869 — August 28, 1965), Sergeant in ‘A’ Company of the United States California Volunteer Infantry.

July 5, 1898

Inspection by General Anderson at 9 a.m. The Guam prisoners were taken ashore under a strong guard of Regulars and Marines. General Anderson gave Capt.

July 6, 1898

Reveille at 4.40 a.m. Biscuit and coffee at 5.30 a.m. Inspection of quarters at 8 a.m. by General Anderson. There was a big battle between

July 7, 1898

Reveille at 4.40 am. An English warship entered the harbour at 1 p.m. At 7.30 p.m. we received news that a great battle had been

July 8, 1898

I went swimming at 9.30 a.m. Several fellows got stung by stingarees [stingrays] and had spasms for hours afterwards. Corporal O’Connell was bad for two

July 9, 1898

Inspection 8. a.m. I had cramps for three days, not too badly. Yesterday the 3rd Battalion went out ten miles reconnoitring. Several men collapsed from

July 12, 1898

The 1st Battalion went on match at 6 a.rn. Corporal Egan, E Company, shot off his fingers while cleaning his rifle. I went on guard

July 13, 1898

A sentry was caught sleeping on Post No. 9 at 3 a.m. and was placed under arrest. He claimed he was sick. We played baseball

July 14, 1898

I was sergeant of a fatigue party from 7.15 am. until 4.15 p.m. It was a hard job for they were a tough crowd to

July 15, 1898

Reveille at 4 am. At 6 a.m. boarded an old sampan bound across the bay to establish camp at Tarnbo [Tambo]. Arrived on Bus: at

July 16, 1898

Part of our company went on guard at 8. a.m. I was treated at hospital for a boil on the elbow, which finally healed about

July 17, 1898

We arrived back in camp front outpost at 5 a.ni. around daybreak. A second expedition arrived in the bay at 7 a.m. There was a

July 18, 1898

Reveille at 5 am. Drill 6 t0 7 am. We received news of General Sampson’s great victory in Santiago de Cuba, through a Japanese cruiser.

July 19, 1898

Mail went at 7.30 am. I had to run two blocks to catch it. 2nd Battalion arrived in camp at 11 am. Call to arms

July 20, 1898

Sick call at 7 am. A native kid cut off his finger; none of his colleagues passed any remarks on it. 3rd Battalion together with

July 21, 1898

I’m feeling fine today and ate heartily for the first time in five days. General Green took over command. Dress parade at 6.10 p.m. I

July 23, 1898

Inspection 8 a.m. Insurgents bombarding Spanish. It rained all day. We received orders for outpost duty tomorrow; 150 rounds of ammunition were called in leaving

July 24, 1898

Mass at 6 a.m. Outpost duty at 8 a.m., relieved at 9 a.m. It rained again today. General Merritt arrived with 500 troops and mail.

July 26, 1898

General Merritt visited our camp. Dan Nichols died in the camp hospital. I received letters from home.

July 28, 1898

Sergeant O’Donnell went to drill without his belt. We received orders to be ready to move. The flag was lowered on the flagstaff. Rumours circulated

July 29, 1898

At Headquarters we were entertained by three natives playing guitars and mandolins. They played ‘After the Ball’ and ‘Over the Waves’. I signed the payroll

July 30, 1898

Muster and Inspection 8.40 to 10 a.m., reviewed by Colonel Smith. There were reports that an armistice had been declared until November 4th. The Spaniards

July 31, 1898

Mass at 6.15 am. One of the wounded men died today. The 4th Expedition arrived at 3 p.m. At 11.30 pm. we were called to

August 1, 1898

Colonel Smith gave us a bottle of whisky in the trenches, which saved our lives. Sergeant Justh was buried at 3 p.m. 350 Spaniards were

August 2, 1898

There was a fierce engagement last night which resulted in 11 Americans killed and 35 wounded. Received mail from home.

August 3, 1898

I went on outpost duty at 8 a.m., arriving at Pasay Crossroads at 9 am. One man was shot last night. I met a Pennsylvanian

August 4, 1898

I returned to camp from outpost duty at 10 a.m. Captain Richter died of his wounds during the day. We had a checkroll report at

August 5, 1898

Mass at 6 a.m. Captain Richter was buried with full military honours at 10 a.m., accompanied by a band. There was heavy fire with big

August 6, 1898

Mass at 6 a.m. It rained all day. I received my first pay of $41.04, two months less six days up to July 1st 1898.

August 13, 1898

We left Camp Dewey at 10 a.m. to march on Manila. We formed up in battalion formation in a field of the Pasay Road where

August 23, 1898

We were called out at 8 p.m. and remained on duty until 6 am. The outposts at Cavite had been fired on by the Insurgents