August 9, 1899
When we came on deck this morning (6 A.M.) the Philippines were all about us. Shortly we made out Luzon itself, for we round the
When we came on deck this morning (6 A.M.) the Philippines were all about us. Shortly we made out Luzon itself, for we round the
Passed into Manila Bay, Corregidor island on our starboard, about 2 or 3 P.M. came abreast of a little village of thatch. Above it was
Have been kept on the ship. The niggers left on the 11th and very glad we were to have them go. The Cavalry got away
Lieut. Oakes took me with him on a business trip. All over the walled and outside city. Much impressed with the oddity and strangeness of
This is the winter season here, which accounts for the coolness which we all remarked. Not that it is not warm, but the heat is
Teams pass to the left as in England. English sparrows here. I noticed a man fishing on the beach with a net the poles of
Left Malate at about 7 A.M. for the station, three miles’ distance. Went in heavy marching order and was wet through with perspiration when we
Up at 6 A.M. and helped cook coffee and bacon. Started back at about 8. Immediately went through a brook waist deep, were going back
Saturday. Breakfast 5 A.m. Washed clothes. The barrack is evidently the old house of a rich man, across the road is a broad river. Stone
The company being in the field stands no calls. Everything when one is not on duty is made as easy as possible. The only thing
On guard at the barracks. Difficulty in keeping awake, 3-5 A.M. Rare wood very common. The rough kitchen benches are made of beautiful mahogany planks,
Yesterday was called to officers’ quarters. Found a number of non-coms there. Was asked by Lieut. Ferguson if I had ever done any work with
Was sitting on my bunk killing time. It was pouring outside, when I heard the sudden hurry in the barracks which always denotes that a
Slept nearly all day when I was not eating. Country around here a vast marsh of rice fields. The town is about a mile away.
Dawned clear but soon clouded. The men who did not bring the mosquito bars could not sleep for the insects. Had mine and was very
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
Back to Collulit [Calulut] to join my map to the railroad. Had a guard. Warned us at the outpost that the niggers were round. Had
Same thing. Same territory, only between the road and the railroad.
Consolidating the maps into one. Not very accurate but the best in existence of the country. Four miles wide from Bacolo[r] through San Fernando to
On map from 6 to 8.30 A.M., when I, our map being done, am leaving for Gen. McArthur’s headquarters to draw some maps for him.
Muster and inspection of arms at 7 A.M. Cannot begin work at headquarters until 9 A.M., worked until about 1 A.M. when orderly came down,
Spent the entire day drawing the map we got the data for yesterday. It seems we were within a mile of San Jose, where there
San Fernando is beginning to wear quite a business-like aspect. When we first came here it was quite deserted save for the troops, but since
Sunday. Nothing to do. Wrote a number of letters. Borrowed Root’s “Topographical Sketching” from the Captain and spent most of the day reading that. After
Rain continuous. Spent the entire morning on Root’s book. If this keeps up I shall soon master surveying. Not that it is so extremely difficult.
Was on the early morning “hike” that goes three and one-half miles down the track to meet the patrol coming up. Was waked at 4
On guard at Gen. Wheaton’s headquarters. Gen. Wheaton being at Collulit [Calulut], the guard was only three men, myself acting Corporal. By a curious coincidence
Spent the morning at Gen. McArthur’s headquarters tracing a map. It seems that that ladrone captured yesterday belonged to the native regiment that deserted Spain
Forenoon, drew. Had pie for dinner. Have had it several times now. It is curious how good it tastes. Afternoon, drew.
Guagua and Santa Rita were attacked last night. They are only three or four miles away and the firing, rifles, machine and field guns, was