Tag: U.S.S. Charleston

Wednesday, May 17th, 1899

Cavite, Luzon Island – Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo

Hot, cloudy weather. Slight shower in Manila.

Up early. Ready a psalm, prayed and hastened away without cooking breakfast. A banana or two, cup of lemonade & punched peanuts took the edge off my appetite. Paid 20 cent at the Cavite ferry landing on the Pasig & boarded the boat. At 7.30 a.m. the same backed into the stream and we dropped down the Pasig into Manila bay. We passed part of the 23d U.S. Inf. on casco, being towed by a tug out to a steamer. The flag of rebellion has been raised on the Sulu islands. The 23d are under orders for Jolo and ?.

When I arrived in Cavite about 8.30.a.m struck out for the Naval hospital in the Arsenal. Was disappointed. Bro. Eletson had been removed to the “Olympia” on or two days since the steward or head nurse as the case may be scouted the idea of Eletson having beri-beri. Said he is troubled with malaria. Spoke to several men (patients) about salvation & left a War Cry. Turned to go back to town. Dealt personally with 2 Sailors about Christ & eternal life. One, Edmund Henninger of the cruise “Charleston” claimed to be a New York Salvationist. Is hardly more than a boy. Advised another boy, (backslider) with him to return to Christ. These & other seamen were pushing a push car loaded with ship stones. The sweat streamed down their faces. Gave Henninger a New York War Cry & bade him adieu. Passed on to Fort San Felipe. The sentinel at the sally-port permitted me to enter. Entered K company’s quarter, 10th Pennsylvania, to have a spiritual talk with Private Jas. Hillman, a backslider. On my way to the Naval Hospital met him on the drill ground in front of the fort & tackled him about his soul. Called at his quarters to follow up the first attack by appointment but he was absent. Left a War Cry on his bunk. Sat down on a chest & with an audience of 3 Pennsylvanians, as usual availed myself of an opportunity to advertise the saving power of Christ.

Crossed over to the Ice Factory to see Chief Engineer Miller. The plant was undergoing repair. Got in a few words with Miller (who was busy) about the state of his soul & the prospects for meetings. Replied that Glunz & Jackson are trying to put up a tent in the town for services.

Passed on up Calle Arsenal & at the General Hospital out the sidewalk unexpectedly ran upon Bro. Andrew J. Smith who is now in charge of a ward. Told me Bro. Verweibe intended going over to Manila on the 2 p.m. Gov’t ferry. I climbed the stairs & after waiting a few minutes shook hands with him back in the bakeshop. Inquired after the state of his soul. We arranged to cross to Manila on the Gov’t ferry providing they would pass me; if not I would come later on the 4 p.m. citizen’s ferry. Verweibe said he expected to remain over night in Manila. Invited him to stay with me.

My next move was to the guard house just outside the San Roque gate, where the American sentries are stationed. A conversation with the troops followed – got in a few words for the Lord.

Returned to town & on Calle Real stopped at the “International” restaurant. Kept by a Spaniard or one who looks like a Spaniard & talks Castellana. Paid 50 cts Mex for a poor dinner. After eating called at the 10th Penn. Regimental Headquarters & asked a lieutenant who was adjutant acting for Lt.-Col. Jas E. Barnett for a pass to Manila on the Gov’t ferry. “Certainly” said he. One was issued immediately. Thanked him. Going down stairs to the street door, urged the sentry there, a backslider Baptist, to return to Jesus.

Back to the arsenal again. While waiting for the the ferry boat to leave, more salvation talk with men there, making 12 or 15 dealt with personally about their souls during the day in Cavite & Manila. The Lord directs my labor, to His name be glory for all the good accomplished.

Bro. Verweibe came down. The sailor at the gang-plank let me go aboard without looking at my pass. Verweibe for some reason unknown to me did not come aboard. I felt sorry for this. I left Cavite 2 p.m. & arrived in Manila shortly after 3. Immediately walked up to the post office. Rec’d an “American” daily. On the street purchased from a Filipino some land & sea shells for my collection.

At home rested myself a little & read the newspapers. Private Perkins of the 3d Heavy artillery called to bid me good-bye. Will proceed to the front tomorrow morning. Says every available soldier is being sent out of barrack & hospital to the scene of action. Bade Perkins adieu & sent my love to the artillery boys. The perverseness & stupidity of the Filipino leaders is forcing a stern alternative upon the American army to kill as many as possible. The daily American now publishes news which dashes the fond hopes of the volunteers. They may have to remain 6 months longer instead of returning home immediately.

When Perkins departed I turned to and cooked supper.

Everything is quiet tonight. To my God be praise & glory. Amen.

Tuesday, May 16th, 1899

Manila, Luzon Island – Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo

Feel tired tonight & more like retiring to bed than writing a diary.

Am kept on the jump from morning till night.

Read a chapter in Numbers, a psalm, prayed, cooked breakfast, then turned to & wrote & copied my 26th weekly letter to Lieut Col. Alice Lewis, New York and a letter to Admiral Geo. Dewey, who sails in the “Olympia” next Saturday for home. I thanked the Admiral for permitting me to visit the vessels of his fleet thus making the services possible I led on the “Concord”, “Raleigh”, “Charleston”, “Baltimore”, “Monterey” and “Monadnock”. The letter finished I went down to the post office and mailed them. Rec’d a letter from Bro. Wm Eletson of the Flagship “Olympia”. Requested me to see him in case I have any message to take home. Is to leave the hospital to on the “Olympia” Friday & sail Saturday. Concluded to go over to Cavite tomorrow morning (D.V.)

Met. Rev. C. Owens in the P.O. Together we called at the new American barbershop, opened yesterday for the first time. We waited a weary time for our turn to get shaved & then had to pay 50 cents, Mexican, for the shave!

Rev. Owens paid me $17.50 mex. rent for his room in No. 2, for the month April 16 to May 15th. Receipted for the money. Got back home just in time to escape a heavy shower. Took a lunch & after the shower cleared away. Owens called a quilez or we two drove down to the Post Captains Office. At the quay I hired a sampan for $2.50 mex. 3 Filipino boatmen, to take us out to H.M.S. “Powerful” and back. Crawling in under the low bamboo roof. Owens & I cut down close to the floor on a seat about 2 inches above the bottom. It was on hard row out & back to near the sea wall. Here our boatmen threw a line to some bargemen who were being towed in by a tug. After that we went flying over the bay and up the Pasig.

My visit to the “Powerful” was in answer to a letter of invitation written by Private Wm Hy. Barnes, Mess 48; Royal Marines. Took 1 copy London War Cry & 1 copy London War Cry & I copy Toronto do, Easter edition. A marine received us at the landing. Had only 30 minutes to 4 p.m. when visitors must go ashore. During this brief period. I met & spoke to 3 of the 9 comrades. One of them is in the hospital. A comrade shared us over part of the vessel. The war vessel is a monster. The Britishers hold service on the upper deck every night, amidships but the attendance is small. There are many backsliders on board. When we left one of the comrades asked me to call again. There are 840 men on the vessel.

From the quay (Pasig) landing O & I walked back to No. 2. Met Mr. Randall, British Bible Society colporteur & a negro sitting in a Chinese store. We halted. Talk. Answered their question stating we were just in from H.M.S. the “Powerful.” “Are you not afraid to go abroad?” inquired. “Oh no,” I replied, “England is our friend.” Negro. “Yes – the most friendly of our enemies.” Owens. “England can whip the United States can whip England”. “We had better part company or there’ll be trouble”. Exit Owens & the writer.

Cooked supper after my return home & now for bed is past 9.

Tuesday, Dec. 27th, 1898

Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.

Rushed thro’ this day. Am afraid that I am biting off more bread than I can chew. Constant high pressure wears out the physical man, however, I like to be very busy for Jesus.

Cooked breakfast. Washed dishes. After clearing up walked down to the U.S. Quartermaster’s warehouse. On inquiring found 2 boxes there addressed to me. Receipted for them Mr. Norton, chief clerk, detailed a Filipino & caromata in the employ of the Government to take them to No. 2. I went along. Left the boxes there then rode back with him to Binondo plaza. There alighted & called at the post office. Rec’d 2 letters (1) from Capt. W.P. Wood in answer to mine of earlier date, granting permission to hold services on board his vessel, the gun boat “Petrel”; (2) from Calvin Liles, U.S.S. “Charleston” sending a Come Home ad and – seeking whereabouts of his wife & child thro’ New York War Cry & Inquiring Dep’t.

I answered Capt. Wards’ letter immediately & set Sunday next for a service on his ship, God willing.

Made a cold dinner of fried bacon, bread & strawberry jelly and lemonade satisfy my wants physically.

One-thirty p.m. took horse cars to Escolta & out to Calle Real Malate, thence on to 2d Reserve Hospital, where Private Flansberg 13th Minn. (saved over recently) joined me. Hunted up Bro. Temple of Hospital corps. Arranged the dining room & led a service, audience including Salvationists. This is the Convalescent’s hospital. The patients are being removed to Corregidor Island. Rent is said to be $500.00 a month.

No souls forward. Returning I stopped at a Filipino stand & bought some Iloilo shells for my museum.

Returned home & cooked supper. While eating thereof Privates Devine (Landon) Amie & Hoffenstine of the 3d Artillery came in. Leaving dishes unwashed together we proceeded to San Miguel street – back of No. 6 are the q’t’r of Battalions 2 & 3. Had a service in the tent out in the yard. Audience 45 including Salvationists. God was present. Good spirit, much interest manifested but no souls forward. Taking Salvation Army soldiers around to walk for Jesus does them good.

Dealt with several pressures re salvation personally.

Took my camera with me & photographed several scenes.

Paid the Montana soldier $1 Mex for developing a film.

Expected trouble with Aguinaldo’s insurgents seems to have passed, but while the tension is not so great, the U.S. troops are alert. The South Dakota’s are held in their barracks like prisoners for emergencies.

Visitors today about 8.

Saturday, Dec. 24th, 1898

Camp Santa Mesa –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.

Christmas Eve on a foreign shore, but our environments are radically different from what we have been accustomed to in the home-country. Anywhere for Jesus. Cooked breakfast of ham & chocolate, fried oatmeal mush left over from last night.

Struck out for San Miguel & took 3 photographs there & left a film with a soldier-photographer to develop for me. Comrades Hines (who is a company barber) shaved me for free. From the 2d to 3d battalion barracks I returned to the Escolta. Could not get either a postal money order, note or check at the post office or bank for $3 to remit that am’t to Staff Captain F. Symons at Hongkong for the balance required to print my Kodak films. Returning home about noon near Calle del Rosario passed the quarters of part of the 20th Kansas Vol. Inf. Their guns were stacked in the street, their knapsacks packed & ready inside the building & the soldiers lying around waiting orders. So much for Filipino friendship. The Montana and South Dakota regiments were roused up late last night. False alarm from the outpost. This condition of affairs cannot continue much longer.

Comrade Eletson of “Olympia & Dansare of the “Charleston” paid me a visit this afternoon likewise Private Harry Kline of Co. K. 1st California Vol. Inf. He brought me 12 Kodak films, sent by Lt.-Col. Wm Evans from San Francisco.

I had a long talk with Kline who is in a backslidder state & advised him to return to Jesus. Prayed with him. Would not give his heart to the Savior.

Write & copied 4 letters. Took dinner with Rev. Owens.

Kline said ex-Lieut-Col. J. J. Keppel & wife are returning to California to take charge of the American volunteer work for the Ballington Booth’s movement. Kline also brought me gloomy tidings officers & soldiers leaving the Salvation Army because of double-dealing on the part of the Booth-Tucker, Mrs. Evans & their respective chief assistants. I hope what K. said is not true. Made me feel bad. May God direct the S.A.

Took a cup of lemonade, 2 bananas & some dry bread for supper. Then hurried away to the Escolta where several Salvationists had agreed to rendezvous. Comrades Hines, Berry, Lloyd & Freeman of the Montana regm’t & Clayton Scott of the North Dacota’s met me there in front of the post office. Two quilez’ were hired & drove us out to Camp Santa Mesa where the 1st Nebraska’s Vol. Inf. are encamped on a hill. We arrived late; found the Chaplains tent filled with singing soldiers. Had an audience of 50 Chaplain Mailie testified, also our 6 Salvationists & some others. While the meeting was in progress I heard an Insurgent bugle blast or call in the distance. The Filipino troops, I heard surround Camp Santa Mesa on three sides.

I read the Scripture – Luke re the birth of our blessed Christ & exhorted the troops to yield to Him. None came forward. Several invitations were extended to us to come again.

An agreeable flutter of excitement struck the Montana boys today while I was in their quarters – Christmas boxes came.

Visitors 7 at No. 2 Calle Santa Elena.

Rev. Owens’ said he heard that tonight is the time set for the Filipinos to break loose.

Bro. Eletson of the Olympia said Rear Admiral Geo. Dewey is troubled much by autograph fiends who annoy him with their importunity. Dewey goes through his waste paper basket & hunts for everything personally bearing his signature & run a knife across it to spoil the signature. Eletson knowing the Admiral’s habit in respect resorted to a stratagem to secure an autograph for Senator Perkins of California. The Senator tried to get it but failed. Eletson sent in a request asking an extended furlough ashore – not expecting as a matter of course to get it. In due course request was returned, with the Admirals signature refusing to grant permission.

Saturday, Dec. 10th, 1898

Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.

Cool, cloudy weather. Want rain bad, because my water jars are getting empty. Remained at home during the forenoon reading newspapers & arranging Spanish manuscripts from the prison & the arsenal at Cavite for my library.

A Spanish artilleryman – private – commenced taking lessons from Rev. Owens in English for which he teaches Spanish. A Chinese boy also takes lessons in English. My parlor or reading room is used for this purpose. The back room & kitchen are now used by Mr. D. Brown. The supposition being that the Owens are renting them to him & are responsible to me for half the rent of this house $17.50 mex.

Cooked my own breakfast, took dinner with Rev. & Mrs. Owens & supper with Bros. Hines & Lloyd at a Chinese restaurant in Binondo square or Plaza.

Visitors 8.

Afternoon called at the post office. Rec’d a letter from Bro. Wm Eletson & one from Lieut-Com’dr G. Blacklinger of the U.S. S. “Charleston”. Latter granting request to hold services thereon.

Went to the Palace in Old Manila & read & corrected the proof of the Soldier’s Passes being printed for me.

Gave Bros. Chester Blaney 30 San Francisco War Crys for force distribution in the 2d Battalion of the 10th Pennsylvania Vol. Inf. viz., 15, No. 569 ed. Oct. 22d; 15 No. 570 ed Oct. 29th . Also prepared bundles of Crys for our trip to the fleet & Cavite tomorrow.

Wednesday, Dec. 7th, 1898

San Roque, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.

Clear weather & comparatively cool. Up early. Cooked breakfast hastily then a way on the 8.30 a.m. ferry boat to Cavite, accompanied by Rev. & Mrs. Chas. Owens. Showed them some places of interest. Asked Capt. Geary of A. Battery, Cal. Vol. & Serg’t. Major Kohane of same re an alledged new discovery of a dungeon in Cavite. Said not true. I met Ex-Capt. Chas Spurgeon of Honolulu (18th U.S. Inf.). Counseled him to return to Christ & the U.S. Army. Spoke to 2 other backsliders; one Ed Franzen Co. K. 18th U.S. Inf. is under conviction. Said he is trying to return to Jesus.

Visited the native town San Roque. This is held by Aguinaldo’s insurgents. We passed several sentries but they did not challenge us. We hired 2 carimatas [carromatas]. Rev. & Mrs. Owen, occupied one & I the other. Drove thro’ San Roque past the English shipyard to Fort Canacao on Sangley point, destroyed by Dewey’s fleet.

The causeway between or connecting Cavite with San Roque looks like war. The Cavite end is guarded by an American sentry & the San Roque end by a Filipino. Rumors and signs of the times point to a coming rupture between the U.S. & Filipino republic.

Took dinner after return at lunch house of the Mr. B. Silver on Calle Real. Paid 50 cts. mex.

Bought $1 Mex worth of sea shells for my collection.

Returned by the 2.p.m. ferry to Manila. Fare 20 cts. mex.

Hired a quilez, did we 3, & called out the post office & several stores. A letter from Capt. B. P. Lamberton notified me that I cannot hold service on the “Olympia” now, but that the cruiser will soon return to her anchorage off Manila, when he will be pleased to have me come aboard and hold service. Wrote immediately to Capt. H. Glass of the cruiser “Charleston” requesting permission to hold service next Sunday on her ship. Also wrote letters (2) Bro. Eleton & Capt. Lamberton of the “Olympia”.

Cooked supper after my return from Cavite.

Visitors today 8.

God the Holy Ghost blessed me in my soul last night by the revelation of His love. Glory to my God forever!

Sunday, Dec. 4st, 1898

Cavite, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.

Worked hard. Night finds me tired and sleepy. Up & out of bed early. Cooked breakfast after morning prayer, washed dishes. Private Clayton Scott came in early & we started out in good season for the Cavite ferry opposite the U.S. quartermaster’s department. Scott kept out of sight until the boat left the wharf to escape the notice of Mr. Norton the Quartermaster’s chief clerk. Didn’t want to work Sunday.

Arriving in Cavite (upper) found a steam launch waiting to take us out to the U.S. Cruiser Baltimore, Capt. N.M. Dyer, commander. When we arrived inspection was in progress. Comrade Rasmussen went ashore just after our arrival. Whether accidental or intentional I do not know.

Capt. N. M. Dyer received me kindly & ordered Lieutenant Haywood, officer of the deck, to arrange for our service. Two large tubs were placed on top each other & covered with a large white flag, containing a large blue cross in the center. Led the service assisted by Scott. God gave me liberty. Audience 22 including several officers. Had to close at 11.30 to give the deck to the officers. Some officers & men shook hands with me & said they were glad we came. Officer of the deck (I believe) requested me to come again. Mr. G. P. Shocky, Painter, showed us about & to the lower deck for dinner with the sailors.

12.15 the officer of the deck sent ashore in a steam launch. Distributed 10 War Crys (S.F.) on the “Baltimore”.

When landed at the Arsenal or Navy Yard proceeded immediately to the Military Hospital on Calle Arsenal opposite the Collegio de la Sagrada Familia. Visited the wards & spoke to one convalescent patient about his soul. When leaving met Dr. De Muy who is in charge. Expressed himself glad to see me. Want the S.A. to open fire in Cavite & promises to support it in case officers are sent.

I lost Scott at the hospital. Waited for him at the upper ferry landing. While there a United States soldier, who enlisted in Honolulu & knew me three years ago, came up to me & inquired if I would like to see Spurgeon. Dreamed not that he was in Luzon. Off course. Brown went away & presently ex. Capt. Chas Spurgeon, one of our brightest officers & for a long time type setter on the S.F. War Cry under me, appeared. Confessed himself backslidder. Said it was fault of Adjutant L.M. Simmson of Hawaii. Urged Spurgeon to return to Christ but he refused. Belongs to Co. K. 18th U.S. Infantry – regulars.

I left on the 2p.m. ferry for Manila minus Scott. At No. 2 found quite a crowd – including Br. Danson of the U.S. cruiser “Charleston”.

Cooked supper for 2. Scott arrived on the 4.30 boat.

In the meeting 19 U.S. soldiers were present. The Lord made the meeting interesting but no souls forward.

Visitors today, total so far as I know, 29.

Over in Cavite & in Manila, the whisper going around among some of the troops told of coming trouble with the Filipinos. If we do not have a war with them before December closes I will be arguably disappointed. The signs of the times, events all trend in that direction so far as they appear to me. May God guide us.

Monday 11-28-98

Work in office in a.m. & in p.m. took a crew to town to mail letters on Hongkong steamer leaving at 2. Took inside route, passed the wooden wreck of a cruiser which the Spanish blew up. Up to the Customs House then Serg’t Maj. Joe Smith & I went to P.O. Passed many wild-eyed, abused buffaloes, yoked to 2 wheeled carts. Rings in their noses and have a great breadth of heavy black horn –slow and patient. Crossed canal upon a floating bridge where $25.00 would place a stone one. Very narrow winding streets –and every where the pushing, trotting laborers, strange faces and costumes as well as customs. The calls of nature responded to at once –anywhere by both sexes, old & young. To P.O. on Escolta then to several stores. Silks are very cheap and broadcloth goes at 50¢ American per yd. Went to Alhambra, a drinking hall, heard a native orchestra. Crossed over the old bridge & stood on old town and watching the throng of carriages, buffalo carts, laborers too, who all travel in the road, as the sidewalks are only 2 ft. wide. Such a crowd of heathen. This is the bridge over which rushed the terrible rabble of Aug. 13. To principal market of thatch houses or booths, having everything for sale –fish, fruit, nuts and many strange things to eat & wear. Back via barracks of Penn. boys on bank of canal on Escolta. They have a lot of monkeys in trees, also parrots. Found boat at Res. Espanol and at 5 we took stream down under bridge, and below the Customs House a tug took us up –and we got to “Ohio” too late for mess. So went to bed in bunk as it was raining hard. Ger. Cruiser “Irene” left at 6 p.m. and at 7 the transport “Zealandia,” with Tenn. reg. slid in between the Arizona and Ohio. “Raleigh” turned on her lights and she turned and was soon out of sight towards Cavite. “Raleigh” threw up red & white lights for half hour, was answered from the flag ship and at 12 she put to sea. Followed at 2 a.m. by the “Charleston.”

Query: To follow “Irene”?

Wednesday, November 2d, 1898

Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.

Hot dry weather. Heat oppressive. Remained at home & did much writing. (1) a long report _14 pages – descriptive of the Philippines, their present status further prospects etc., religiously & materially. Suggested to Commandant Herbert Booth that he send 6 lasses here & a married D. O. to take charge. Am hurrying the report off so that he can act speedily. Additional to the long report wrote a 2-page letter to H. Booth stating that en route have I would gladly visit Australia & unite up the work there for the War Crys. Copied the report & letter.

Also wrote & copied 2 letters to secure permission to hold services next Sunday 10 & 1 o’ clock thereabouts, on the “Charleston” and “Boston.” Letters were to Capts. Glass and Wilds.

Visitors 8. Prayed with several.

Some Spaniards who have taken a room beneath me, put a lock on the water closet that had been assigned to my use, I stirred up the landlady & others but the lock was not taken off until long after dark. I am getting tired of this house. No privacy any more. Two Spaniards and a Filipino family make use of my front basement door & have free access to my rooms upstairs by ascending the latter. Must hunt up another house.

Cooked breakfast & supper & satisfied hunger with a cold dinner.

Cablegrams today state the U.S. Gov’nt will hold the Philippines.