James J. Loughrey

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

December 2, 1898

A National Salute was fired at 11.50 am. We received new khaki uniforms and boots, gratis.

December 5, 1898

We were inspected by a US Regular Army Officer.

December 20, 1898

I came off guard at 8.10 am. only to have an immediate call to arms. The regiment formed up where we changed clothes, got ammunition,

December 24, 1898

We assisted in raising the flag over the first public school in Manila. A runaway buffalo ran down the street and was poleaxed by Moore

December 25, 1898

Christmas Day. We celebrated with High Mass at 9.30 a.m. and later had a big dinner. We had a fairly good time.

December 31, 1898

We mustered and were inspected. Later we had a big time celebrating the New Year with ‘Taps’ at 12.30 a.m.

January 1, 1899

We received orders to pack up everything and were confined to quarters.

January 3, 1899

Following breakfast at 6 am. we were ready to move. We left our quarters at 4 pm. and had our supper on the sidewalk at

January 7, 1899

We have now been six days on board ship.

January 9, 1899

We received orders to go ashore at 1.30 p.m. and completed the operation by 3.30 p.m.

January 10, 1899

We were back in our old quarters where I felt pretty sick and closed myself with bismuth and quinine.

January 11, 1899

We were called to arms at 3 pm. but were stood down at 3.30.

January 14, 1899

Peculiar things happened; firstly, Williams loaded his rifle during the night for no reason and. secondly, Fales chased a coloured man from the ‘Cazadero’ with

January 15, 1899

We received cots after sleeping on floors since August 15th last. Stanton and Cunningham went to Iloilo.

January 18, 1899

The weather has started to get warmer.

January 19, 1899

I went on outpost duty at 9 p.m., and arrived at the firing line at 10 pm. I was there until 5 a.m. next morning

January 23, 1899

I started the day on guard, everything was very quite. We received our Christmas boxes from home rather belatedly! I was paid $46.00 and $3.40

January 27, 1899

I was on outpost duty again today from 8.45 p.m.

January 28, 1899

I returned to quarters at I 1.45 p.m. I heard a shot and 2 white rockets were sent up from the mole on our right.

January 31, 1899

Reveille at 4.15 am. We were prepared in light marching order at 5.15 a.m., but recalled at 6.15 a.m., which was followed by inspection by

February 4, 1899

We were called to arms at 8.35 pm. and recalled at 9.15 p.m. There was a second call to arms at 9.45 p.m. when the

February 5, 1899

We were called to arms at 4 a.m., had our breakfasts and then left for the 6th Artillery Battery and then on to Paco Cemetery

February 6, 1899

We left San Pedro Mercati [Makati] at 10 a.m. on reconnoitre and had a hot skirmish around Guadaloupe [Guadalupe] where Culling was shot through the

February 7, 1899

Reveille at 6 a.m. We had chicken for breakfast. We held 16 Insurgent prisoners, one of whom was dressed in woman’s clothing and was suspected

February 8, 1899

We prepared to go to the city for 24 hours to relieve ‘C’ and ‘I’ Companies. We saw a gunboat go up river to shell

February 9, 1899

At 8 a.m. we were ready to leave for the city and arrived there about noon. Last night several thousand Insurgent cavalry were advancing on

February 10, 1899

Last night we were called out and later slept in our clothes all night. Late this afternoon the battle of Malabon took place. The coloured

February 13, 1899

Reports state that the Insurgent leader Aguinaldo wants to surrender Malabon but Otis will not accept unless Malolas [Malolos] surrender as well.

February 14, 1899

Confession and Communion at St. Ignatius Church. Reports state that Iloilo has surrendered without loss of life.

February 16, 1899

We left our quarters for San Pedro Mercati [Makati].