The Filipino American War as seen by diarists in real time with some additional commentary and sourc

We broke camp and marched down the Luneta (the fashionable driveway) to Malate, a suberb of the city, and were assigned to barracks, which are built of bamboo and covered with nipa, a Kind of palm-leaf. they are very cool and comfortable

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

The weather is dry and comparatively cool. Our troops do not find blue wool uncomfortable. Private Hines of the Montana’s took his blue overcoat out this p.m. Said he was too cold at nights without it for comfort. Perhaps this may appear strange for a tropical land.

First thing this morning after washing face etc, Bible reading & prayer. Finished reading Genesis. God’s ways are wonderful as proved in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & Joseph. Praise be to His glorious name forever.

After breakfast wrote & copied a letter of introduction which I wrote to L.B. Armstrong, Barcelona, Spain in favor of an ex-Spanish Artilleryman Senor Jose Aguiar whose residence in Spain is Orense Verin, Villamayor. This man was taken prisoner by the Americans at the capitulation of Manila. His enlistment expired during his imprisonment, but the Governor General insisted on all Spanish military men returning home, so he must go. Got acquainted with him as he was a frequent visitor at No. 2, taking English lessons from Rev. Owens.

I loaned Owens 50 cts Mex. today. Had no change.

Was introduced by Dr. Kellog to his wife who has recently arrived. Three or 4 visitors called. Prayed with 2, urged one to seek salvation. Went to town in the forenoon. Rec’d 2 letters & several papers & magazines. A Christian mother in Pennsylvania asked me to hunt her boy Tom Anderson who she thinks is in the 8th Army corps down here. Said he was converted several years ago in the S.A. in Montana. I passed the letter on to Private Hines to make inquiries in the Montana regiment for him with request to ret. letter.

Catalogued & wrapped some curios and relics.

Was shaved in a Spanish barber shop on the Escolta.

Did some reading in the Local Officer; –for S.A. Sergeants.

Fighting today out on the front: vicinity of the water works. —

Genesis 49:22-25

New International Version

22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine,

a fruitful vine near a spring,

whose branches climb over a wall.

23 With bitterness archers attacked him;

they shot at him with hostility.

24 But his bow remained steady,

his strong arms stayed limber,

because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob,

because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,

25 because of your father’s God, who helps you,

because of the Almighty,[c] who blesses you

with blessings of the skies above,

blessings of the deep springs below,

blessings of the breast and womb.

We attended a reception put on by our troops and the native population at 5 p.m.

This has been a quiet night until 5 o’clock when the Oregonians had a hot engagement which lasted until noon. In the afternoon, the sharpshooters kept themselves busy but we did not take any notice of them. The papers are announcing the number of killed and wounded, but it is nearly a hundred killed and about 400 wounded. The sick and wounded are doing fine. All is quiet at Taps. I am sleeping in the trenches tonight.

We unloaded our equipment from the ships.

The Washington, South Dakota and Pennsylvania Regiments were fighting all night; but, towards the morning, the enemy ceased firing. But, at 10 o’clock, just as I drove up with a load of beef, the enemy suddenly opened up a hot fire. Three of our men were out too far, just about 400 yards from the enemy not noticing their trenches. Of course the three opened fire but finally the insurgents made a charge on them. About 50 of them charged by the Utah Battery put a shell among them which raised a cloud of dust and after it disappeared we could see 20 rebels who were no doubt killed. All the rest retreated but the Utah Battery put five more shells into them but they never fired another shot all day. We had a fine chance to advance but orders are to remain in our place. The Nebraska Regiment had a heavy engagement and lost four or five killed and as many wounded.

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

As usual after morning ablutions, read Scripture –chapter in Exodus– & communion with my precious Creator. To such thrice blessed souls as have had a revelation of God in His “new best name of Love” He is precious. Cooked breakfast washed dishes took dinner late with Rev. & Mrs. Owens & made supper of dry bread & lemonade.

Such is batching in Manila.

Remained at home all day; only went as far as the Cuartel Meisig to purchase a loaf of bread.

Wrote & copied 3 letters (1) Lt-Col Wm Evans, sending him 7¼ pages Ms. copy for S.F. War Cry –narrative of Philippine experiences. Subheads: “Fort Rice”, “A Mummy”, “Damasa Garcia” & “Wild Boys.” Sent him 7 Kodak views taken by myself, to illustrate the same.

Time seems to fly remarkably fast. Days go by & I wonder what has been accomplished. (2) Lt-Col. Alice Lewis, New York, 18th weekly letter. (3) Wm Eletson on Flagship “Olympia.” Encouraging him on spiritual lines, asking movements of the flagship’s launches with a view to trying again to hold a service aboard & also asked names of commanding officers of the vessels.

Private Clayton Scott came in this evening. Sent the letter to the post office, also a bundle of mixed War Crys for the “Olympia” & H.M.S. “Narcissus” –British. Prayed with Scott. Said his brother will probably be released from Bilibid prison today & tomorrow.

At the Utah bakery a Utah artilleryman said a big advance will be made tomorrow by American troops. Lying in trenches is growing monotonous to the men, when rain commences will be very disagreeable.

General Order No. 6 –issued by Major General Otis is quite an inconvenience to such as I who desire to conduct evening services. The second & last paragraph reads as follows:


The war so far has not been destructive to American life seriously. The “Times” of 7th March reports: Total dead in field and hospital, 87; total wounded brought in, 247. Total dead & wounded brought in 334. Cases of exhaustion since returned to duty 22; wounded men returned to duty, 58. God has favored the American cause, praise His name.

President McKinley by proclamation restored property of Cortes family, No. 17 Calle Gandara where I first resided in Manila, was the city residence of Senor Maximo Cortes.

Exodus 33:12-23

Moses and the Glory of the Lord

12 Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

Wrote & copied 3 letters (1) Lt-Col Wm Evans, sending him 7¼ pages Ms. copy for S.F. War Cry –narrative of Philippine experiences. Subheads: “Fort Rice”, “A Mummy”, “Damasa Garcia” & “Wild Boys.” Sent him 7 Kodak views taken by myself, to illustrate the same.

The war so far has not been destructive to American life seriously. The “Times” of 7th March reports: Total dead in field and hospital, 87; total wounded brought in, 247. Total dead & wounded brought in 334. Cases of exhaustion since returned to duty 22; wounded men returned to duty, 58. God has favored the American cause, praise His name.

Today I went over to Cavite and seen the ships of the Spaniards that Dewey had sunk.

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

Night closes in as I commence to make this entry in my diary dark and gloomy slow falling raindrops drip from the sullen clouds & the feeling comes to me with peculiar force: this is a dangerous and disagreeable night for the American outposts; all the more force is given to this feeling because heavy cannonading was heard over towards Malibon [Malabon]. From this room where I am writing the heavy roar of the great gun shocked the air with sudden impact, the flesh-creeping whir of unseen shells followed by the explosion of those missiles of death. Then comes the thought: “men are being killed at this moment. Possibly some man in health and strength a moment ago is now torn in fragments and passing into eternity.” Matters are hurrying to a crisis now quite swiftly. The 20th & 22d U.S. Inf. regulars arrived within the past 6 days & today the transport “Grant” came in port from New York via the Suez canal. 50 days en route. She brought over 1698 troops besides 49 officers & others. The 17th Inf. U.S. reg. came & 4 companies of the 4th Inf. reg. General Lawton & staff also arrived on the vessel. These reinforcements will greatly strengthen our fighting force at the front.

The transport “Arizona” sailed yesterday for San Francisco carrying a long list of soldiers, among them G.W. Spankie of E. company 1st Idaho Vol. Inf. Spankie is a backslider Salvationist. Was formerly Sergeant-major of the Fresno Cal. Corps, I dealt with him several times out here about his soul.

I remained close at home all day. Did not go outside the front door. Have felt disinclined to leave No. 2 lately for various reasons. When the boys drop in from the front I want to be at home to pray with them & encourage them in the Christian life if they are followers of Jesus. I can reach more by remaining at home than by going away.

Cooked breakfast & supper. Made my dinner of bread, honey & lemonade.

Put in several hours arranging Spanish & Tagalog manuscripts and cataloging them. This war has scattered to the winds vast quantities of manuscripts, representing the governmental routine of the Spanish Government & Roman Catholic church. The burning & looting of towns send adrift material that otherwise might never have reached the public eye. Private papers, ecclesiastical, legal, military & naval, are swept by on the tide of destruction. Chinese & Filipino dealers wrap up sugar, peanuts, & almost everything else suitable in these papers. How they get possession of them is the question. I am trying to collect as many as possible to save them from destruction. Have on hand hundreds of such MSS. with seals, coats of arms, signatures, etc. showing the importance once attached to them.

The “Times” of this p.m. states that the few houses left standing in San Roque were destroyed last night & the town is now practically “wiped” out. While I pen these lines the towers of Tondo Roman Catholic church in our quarter of Manila, stands out in bold relief against the darkness. A burning house sends the glare against the building. I am inclined to think another attempt will be made to burn Manila before we are done with the Filipino question.

Last night I had the large second floor to myself of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena. Rev. & Mrs. Owens passed the night on a ship out on the bay.

Before the present war the Chinese boy who came here for English lessons quoted some Filipinos who said, “Filipino boom, boom; Americano run.” They put a heavy discount on American courage.

Wrote & copied a spiritual letter to Private Geo. Berry of Co. H. 1st Montana Vol. Infantrty today –.

I want to be at home to pray with them & encourage them in the Christian life if they are followers of Jesus. I can reach more by remaining at home than by going away

Their was a little fighting all along the line but no damage was made. This was also kept up all day. A few Americans were killed and many insurgents were killed at San Pedro Macati. This was almost captured by the Californians but they hadn’t force enough to hold and therefore retreated. The Utah Battery and Pennsylvania Regiment were engaged all afternoon. One Utah lieutenant was wounded in the leg. For the first time the insurgents used their artillery since the 15th of February but none of them reached our trenches. The Utah Battery soon silenced them at Taps. Everything is quiet on the line. The sick and wounded are doing fine at the hospital.

We marched out of Manila amid the playing of bands, to a place called San Pedro Macarti [Macati] about 4 miles east.

The insurgents are only ½ mile away, their outpost and ours can almost speak to each other.

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

The night closes in dark & threatening rain. Reminded me of fall weather in Humboldt county, on the north coast of California. This forenoon the sun shone out quite hot at times.

As usual, Bible reading & prayer; special prayer for God’s guidance upon this day’s work. Cooked breakfast, washed dishes, tied up 40 S.A. Camp meeting song books, then at 9.35 a.m. struck out on foot for Bilibid prison. Followed the large, wide cross street Calle Azcarraga to the same, thro’ the large Filipino quarter. The sentries readily passed me in. Major Edwin S. Bean instructed Lieut. Geo Wolf to arrange details for a service among the prisoners –American military. Before doing so, the Lieut. went the rounds with a doctor on a tour of inspection & took me along, thus giving me a pretty good idea of the interior of the prison.

The government of the same is military. As stated U.S. military prisoners are kept here, also Spanish & Filipino civil convicts who are kept separate under a special overseer. Lieut Wolf instructed Provost Sergeant M. Ryan to let the military prisoners out to meeting such as cared to come. These were ranged in the shade of a prison parallel to the main entrance gate. A sentry, 17th U.S. Infantry, regulars –with Kragg-jorgensen on shoulder paced to & fro behind me. I stood out in the hot sun to lead the service, while Sergeant Ryan timed me by his watch. Mess call would blow at 11.45 a.m. Distributed the song books. The men helped me sing. Having no assistant, all the praying, bible reading, fell to my lot. Before closing I asked the prisoners if they wanted another meeting next Sunday to raise their hand. About 4/5 responded affirmatively. Audience including guards 28. I felt greatly pleased over this beginning. Praise God.

Before leaving I showed Sergeant Ryan the letter of application sent by me to Major Gen’l E.S. Otis–Philippine Governor general. Is a curiosity. My letter is covered with endorsements –only 5. (1) commencement: John Milsaps requests permission to hold services for American prisoners in Bilibid. (2) Referred to Provost Marshall Gen’l by Maj-Gen Otis; (3) Referred to Major Bean by Brig-Gen’l Hughes (4) Major Bean returns the application to Acting Assistant Adjutant Provost Marshall, with request that the writer apply to him (Maj. Bean) in person to make arrangements & passed it back to Provost Marshall Gen-Hughes who invites Gen’l Otis attention to Major Bean’s endorsement. At this juncture all the blank space on the back of my application was used up. The application was returned for final action to Gen-Otis & an additional piece of paper was pasted on my letter & printed thereon my attention was called to Major Bean’s endorsement –i.e. John Milsaps’ attention was called to it, by the Asst-Adjt Gen’l. After all this travel & toruble Mr. Milsaps, called on Maj. Bean Saturday Feb. 11th & held his service Feb. 12th. Date of application: Jan’y 25th.

Returned from Bilibid via Paseo de Azcarraga. About half an hour later dense clouds of smoke & raging flames attracted attention to that street. In company with Rev. Owens I went over there. About 2 or more squares of nipa huts, which I passed but a few minutes previous, were in ashes. Filipino “bombaderoo” (firemen) & American soldiers fought fire. Great crowds of people watched the exciting scene.

I met Mr. Waddell, an ex-Salvationist, whose brother is now an S.A. Ensign in the Pacific Coast Division at the fire. Urged him to return to Christ. Waddell is an engineer on the U.S. transport “Indiana.”

During the afternoon remained a home reading. About dark Mr. Isaac Russell came up stairs & we had a long conversation. Russell was formerly editor & proprietor of the defunct “American Soldier.” The first Am. paper published in Manila. Russell is fresh from the hospital. Was cut twice (in 2 frays) about the head by Filipinos. He shot 4 or 5 Filipinos since Feb. 4th, killing 3 or 4 of them. Formerly belonged to the Utah artillery but is now a civilian.

This morning about 3 o’clock I awoke with the sound of battle in my ears. A “scrap” was in progress at the front. An uprising was expected again last night in Manila. American troops were on the alert. The Filipinos are evidently not yet satisfied in this city. Trouble may come tonight, or some night when we are not expecting trouble. Possibly all of 150,000 Filipinos reside in Manila. To live under a constant apprehension of this flood breaking its bounds, is very unpleasant. Fire & blood such an event means, & death to many who are now living.

One of the Utah light artillerymen shot a boa with his revolver & killed it. This snake was a large fellow, about 6 feet long & 3 inches thick. His snakeship was dragged into my backyard where a Filipino skinned him & then sliced the reptile into sections for the cook pot. These snakes catch rats & eat them; Filipinos also catch the rat catcher & eat him.

To live under a constant apprehension of this flood breaking its bounds, is very unpleasant. Fire & blood such an event means, & death to many who are now living.

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

Weather somewhat cool, with heavy clouds hanging overhead. Like this weather.

Remained at home all day.

As usual Scripture reading & prayer began the morning hours’ serious business.

Wrote & copied Weekly Letter No 19 to Lt-Col. Alice Lewis No. 124 W. 14th St. New York.

Private Hummer of H. Battery 3d Artillery-heavy called. A long talk on the war & God in history followed closing with prayer. Later Private Joe Stahl of the same regiment, a Texan & fellow town’sman of mine –that is of Houston. Gave him some Houston, Texas semi-weekly “Posts” & had quite a conversation re the aforesaid city & it’s affairs. Stahl said he was at one time an alderman & engineered thro’ the city council the scheme to pave Main street with asphalt. Hummer brought me word that Bro. Devine (Landon) is in the General Hospital down with dysentery.

Rev. Owens brought me, from the post office some periodical mail, especially from Madrid Spain, the following: 40 copies of a children’s paper printed in Spanish –“El Amigo de la Infancia.” Año XXVI-No. 296, Jan’y 1st 1899.

Last night the sawmill, a large building about 200 feet from my Headquarters was set on fire. Chinese extinguished the same. Last Sunday, some clothing was discovered buring in the house occupied by me. Tonight the sky is red again from a conflagration somewhere in the distance.

Rev. C. Owens paid me $17. rent today, Mex. money, for 3 rooms & a kitchen in No. 2, which pays up to tomorrow. The right wing of the American army is now sweeping the Filipinos towards Malolos, between Manila, Pasig river & Laguna de Bay.

Deuteronomy 20:8

Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, ‘Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him depart and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart.’

It has rained all night and several regiments have been engaged but on our line all is quiet until morning. The sharpshooters are shooting everywhere by not much attention is paid to them. Firing could be heard all along the line. The Utah Fleet is doing fine and captured several boats from the rebels with ammunition and rations. They also captured many prisoners. A good many rebels were killed today. Also a few of our men were killed. Mail leaves today via Hong Kong. Several foreign ships arrived in the bay as much saluting is heard from the bay. It has rained steadily all day at Taps. Everything is quiet on the line but several large fires are in the city.

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

The night closes in dark, with a slow, steady rain falling. Must make our boys very uncomfortable out at the front. The shooting I heard last night 9.30 p.m. was along our line from Caloocan to La Loma cemetery; otherwise Binondo cemetery. Prayer of Bible reading this morning. God the Holy Ghost manifested His presence in my soul last night, revealing His love.

I love my God.

Cooked breakfast & supper. Washed the dishes. My dinner consisted principally of dry bread lemonade & peanuts.

Remained at home until about 2 p.m. Considerable company called to see the Owens’ –Americans.

Mounted a street car & went directly out to the Brigade or General Hospital on the north side of the Pasig river. Called at Ward No. 10 & met Private Albert Scott of the North Dacotas. Scott is under treatment for his ears. Said some kind kind of an insect in this part of the world destroys the drum of the ear. He thinks this pest caused the destruction of one drum & the subsequent deafness. S. smoked a cigarette in my presence. Has lost ground in his soul, but claims to be not wholly backslidden. I was saddened by this confession. Advised him to give up tobacco & be a whole-hearted Christian for the reason that he cannot half-heartedly serve God successfully. Also counseled Scott to be a man of prayer & work for the salvation of souls in the hospital. S. has been discharged from Bilibid prison. Held one meeting in that place. When he tried to sing a Salvation song the men took it out of his hand and turned it into vulgar singing. Scott said he was glad to stop. Promises to call & see me tomorrow at No. 2. I hope by God’s grace to get him to the foot of the Cross for a complete victory.

Together we visited the morgue or dead house attached to the hospital. No dead bodies were in there at the time of visit, but a corporal was washing the floor with a hose. The place made me think of a butcher pen; only this was for butchered men not animals. All the killed and wounded are brought to this hospital from the field. Very suggestive indeed of war’s work was a pile of black coffins under the verandah in front of the morgue., two standing up on end near the entrance and another close at hand. These are all waiting for occupants & will probably not wait long. Dead American soldiers are embalmed & sent back to the United States.

From the morgue we went outside main gate to the rows of tents pitched for overflow cases. In two rows of tents Filipino wounded are kept. We passed between the cots, giving a smile or speaking a kind word here and there to the poor fellows. A very sad spectacle they present to the visitor. Arms & legs are gone, others are wounded in different parts of the body. None asked us for food. All have sufficient, but they did beg for cigarettes & cigars. However I would not grant such requests. Don’t believe in the tobacco vice.

I was surprised & rejoiced to meet the old white haired woman we discovered the evening closing the Tondo Dist. uprising behind the monument by the canal, near the tramway where it crosses the bridge out towards Caloocan. She was carried by our crowd to the street car & taken to the city & here she is. In spite of her age the old woman seems to be doing quite well. One poor Filipino was far advanced towards the shadow land –consumption is killing him.

Dealt personally with several men today about their soul’s salvation. On the Escolta, a soldier from Cavite, member of 1st California vol. heavy artillery; corporal in charge of the sentries at gate of the Brigade Hospital; a patient –20th Infantry– U.S. regulars; a teamster who was driving a 4-mule team into the Hospital courtyard. He stopped. Recognized me; knew me in San Francisco.

Called at the post office & mailed 2 letters for Scott. Rec’d several packages of papers –3 new S.W. War Crys. I receive no more the 120 War Crys of each issue from S.F. Neither do I see any more articles from my pen in that War Cry. They have written me nothing on the subject so I am at a loss to know what they are doing.

Purchased some Mindanao Island sea shells, also a couple of magazines.

At the hospital heard that 17 men were wounded again. Fighting every day on the right wing over at Pasig town now.

P.S. The teamster said he read an article of mine in the S.F. War Cry in San Francisco before his departure from that city, re the Philippines.

Considerable company called to see the Owens’ –Americans.

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines occupies 152 acres on a prominent plateau, visible at a distance from the east, south and west. It contains the largest number of graves of our military dead of World War II, a total of 16,859, most of whom lost their lives in operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. The headstones are aligned in 11 plots forming a generally circular pattern, set among masses of a wide variety of tropical trees and shrubbery.

The chapel, a white masonry building enriched with sculpture and mosaic, stands near the center of the cemetery. In front of it on a wide terrace are two large hemicycles. Twenty-five mosaic maps recall the achievements of the American armed forces in the Pacific, China, India and Burma. On rectangular Trani limestone piers within the hemicycles, are inscribed the Tablets of the Missing containing 36,286 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. Carved in the floors are the seals of the American states and its territories. From the memorial and other points within the cemetery there are impressive views over the lowlands to Laguna de Bay and towards the distant mountains.

I love my God.

It has rained all night. At 8 o’clock, firing opened up on our extreme right and the Nebraskans and Californians had a good deal to do as it kept up until noon but it started again in the afternoon and kept up until 4 p.m. By 5 p.m. all along the line we were engaged. The Utah and 6th Artillery Batteries did some good work. We got some mail early in the morning. I received three letters and answered the same before night as the mail leaves in the morning. Everything is quiet on the line but the rain is coming down in torrents at Taps, 10 o’clock.

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

Weather cool and pleasant; sky cloudy.

Cooked breakfast & supper. My meals are quite scant with too much sameness of diet to tempt the palate. Still my health is excellent, praise God. The Lord is my only true comfort. I feel the sting of injustice at the hands of the Booth family continually, & oftentimes am ashamed of the leaders who so long have dominated the Salvation Army. That family (the members) as far as they dare show their hands, are against Americans. Since the Booth-Tuckers took charge of the United States they have been slyly working European (chiefly English) officers into the United States & placed the divisions in their charge. The American officers have been backseated or set adrift –that is, given positions of little or no importance. They are carefully lifted out of places where they have controlled field forces. During all my service of 16 years I have endeavored in my own case & taught others to eliminate the word nationality. We were one Salvation Army; Christ was the great bond of union. The theory I held was that English, French, Germans or Americans, as such, should not be recognized, but we should be one indevisible, great, happy, useful family, going forth in the power of the Holy Ghost, to preach Christ, glorify God & save the world. Our English leaders encouraged us in that line of thought, but alas they have played the fox. They have talked one way & acted the reverse. The Salvation Army is run as an English concern, & the Englishmen who are at the head of affairs are clannish to the last degree. They fill every position of trust with British officers as far as they dare. That’s why I am ashamed. I have stood by them, defended them, given them credit for disinterested motives, until at last I am forced against my own wishes to recognize the policy of the Booth’s in the U.S. as anti-American. Such foxiness in religious leaders is despicable. May God guide the Salvation Army.

Seeing a cloud of smoke arising out Paseo Azcarraga this forenoon Rev. Chas. Owens & myself, walked over to the fire. A district of nipa palm shacks –native huts– was in ashes when we arrived & a building (the last of the conflagration) in flames just outside the walls of Bilibid prison. A large number of Filipinos watched the fire. Incendiaries are charged with this work, supposedly Filipinos. They generally manage to burn themselves out of house and home. I met & had a talk with the City Editor of “Freedom” at the fire. He gave me todays paper printed in green ink, in honor of yesterday patron saint –St Patrick.

This has been a day of expectation. Is mail day –par excellence– i.e. mail from the United States. Three letters & a pile of papers were handed out to me at the general delivery window when I inquired late in the afternoon. Why do we rejoice to get mail? Bad news comes as well as good. Private Andrew Waterman (dear, good boy) of Co. H. 1st South Dakota Vol. Inf. writes from Palace Malacanan, Manila, endorsing his Soldiers Pass for me to sign. God bless him. His company have returned from the front for a few days. “I can truly say” (writes Waterman). I am saved & kept by the grace of God all thro’ these trying times. I wish I could see some of your articles in the War Cry.”

My articles have not appeared in the San Francisco War Cry since edition No. 581 January 14, 1899. altho’ much copy has been sent. I have been thinking of late that my copy was consigned to the waste paper basket. Another letter (Lt-Col. Wm Evans) under date of feb. 9th in the postscript says “Send us as fast as possible descriptive accounts of how matters have been going, together with any photographs you think would be useful.” In the beginning of the letter the Lt-Col. writes: “I want to take this opportunity of expressing to you our concern for the perilous position that you at this time, are placed in. I want to say to you that your comrades over here will not fail to ask our Father to be over & about you with His protecting wings.” Mrs. Lt-Col. Evans (his wife) writes under date of Feb 4th (letter came in same mail) “The longer you are over there, the more convinced I become that you are just the right man to send, & that you will be able to do for God & the Army that which should make a lasting impression.”

Rec’d 5 visitors today. Prayed with several men & urged salvation on the attention of wavered one personally.

Gave a Filipino woman beggar 01 cent, Mex. & a sailor (probably English –talked like one) 10 cts. Mex.

Read papers, for quite a number came.

Sent some War Crys & S.A. magazines to the front, with Private Hines, also writing paper.

Purchased from a Filipino street vendor some sea shells for my collection.

Everything is quiet tonight.

Matthew 5:15

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Gave a Filipino woman beggar 01 cent, Mex. & a sailor (probably English –talked like one) 10 cts. Mex.

The weather is clear. Everything is quiet along the line. The mail arrived from Hong Kong. I received three letters and lots of paper. I also received a box of candy. Queen Regent of Spain signed the Treaty. We had fresh beef and fresh bread today.