Joseph J. Collins

(October 17, 1877 — July 1, 1946). Second Lieutenant in the Philadelphia Volunteers, Co. “D” 47th Regiment.

December 22, 1899

We sighted the Island of Luzon at 10 o’clock. we arrived at Manila at 4.30 PM.

December 23, 1899

Still on the boat we think we will land monday. Left boat about 4 PM were put on lighters and sent up the Pasig River

December 24, 1899

On church guard with Danfield very lonesome

December 25, 1899

Today is Christmas who would have thought it Sergt Dumkle shot in the leg at about 1 AM first shot in the company. called to

January 17, 1900

Left San Pedro Macati went down the Pasig river in lighters boarded the U.S.A. T. Hancock.

January 18, 1900

Still in bay loading all our supplies sailed out of Bay at 5.30 PM 5 transports with Gunboats Nashville and Helena have to travel very

January 19, 1900

Nothing of importance lots of small Islands in sight

January 20, 1900

Arrived in Sorsagon [Sorsogon] Bay at 9 AM 3 Battalan [battalion] left in row-boats for Sorsagon at 4 PM. have to retire early as 1st call

January 21, 1900

Got up at 4.30 am packed all of our equipment and boarded the Helena with Co A. left Sorsagon [Sorsogon] Bay at 8 AM reached

January 26, 1900

Our quarters were set on fire by burning arrows at 12.45 I was on guard on the beach in the tower.

January 28, 1900

Went to a town about 6 miles up the coast we were attacked there was only 26 of us and 250 of them we killed

January 29, 1900

Went to a town 9 miles south of here called Pilar had no trouble taking the town that same night we were attacked and 8

January 30, 1900

At noon they set a house afire on the edge of the town getting a little nearer at 7 PM they set a town on

January 31, 1900

At 6:30 PM they finished their job across the river

February 9, 1900

House on the outskirts of town set on fire lots of yelling by niggers but no shooting.