Daily camera., 1898-08-29
ANXIOUS TO FIGHT.
Another Manila Letter Comes From Boul-
der's Soldier Boys.

Another Manila Letter Comes From boui-
der's Soldier Boys.
The following letter was received by
w. M. Rule from his son, now sergeant
in Company H, First Colorado Volun-
teers:
On field between Manila and Cavite.
July 2oth, 1893.
NV Dear Father:-We came on shore
Monday, at about 7 o'clock in the even
ing. The lighters which transported US
from the China could get only within 200
feet of shore, and then the natives
brought out boats. (they wading and
pushing their "dyaks," as they are called)
and took most of US off from the lighters,
while perhaps 100 of the boys waded in
from the transports. After getting ashore,
(it was dark, as there is no twilight here
| posted and made the first guard on the
Philippines. We had no tents, and had
to sleep on the ground in hard, tropical
rain storm. Nobody, however, seemed
to suffer from this, as it was good and
hot the next morning. Tuesday we were
issued shelter tents, one to every two
men. These are about four feet high
sx6 feet inside, that is, on the ground.
The women carry all their bundles on
their heads. Their scant clothing is of
various styles. A company of insurgents
went past here this a. M, headed by a
band and the colors of the natives. Some
OF their clothing gave the wearers dead
away, being the Spanish uniform. Their
head gear was varied from nothing to a
silk stove-pipe hat! They go to the front
one halt at time, and worry and halass
the enemy constantly.
Last night the call to arms was sound
ed, and we all fell in, wearing the best
attire we could find in the dark. Our
outposts had been fired upon. The
Spaniards are in the habit of making a
rush from the city, the insurgents falling
back, but last night the latter held their
ground (backed by our putposts) and as
soon as the enemy heard our rifles speak
they retreated to their intrenchments. 1t
was midnight before we got to bed again.
Thursday, July 2Ist-This has been a
rather cool day, breeze making the dit
ference in temperature. We have seen
no action as yet. For flooring in the
tents we use bamboo stalks, split in two.
They make excellent beds. being very
springy. Bananas are worth only six
cents dozen, and are very good.
Friday, July 22d-Colonel Hale gave
US little talk this evening, saying how
proud he is of his regiment-the ranking
regiment in the volunteer service. A
compliment from him must be well earn
ed, and honestly, or he would never have
given usthe praise he did.
Saturday, July 23d-We expect the
Monterey at any time now, also the third
expedition. | wish that we would do
something pretty soon, because this camp
life is very monotonous, although we can
get out of camp at any time, as long as
we 90 no more than mile without spec
ial permission. All the privileges that
one could desire are given US, as long as
they are not abused.
Tuesday, July 2S-We had outpost
duty, l. e. sending out patrols toward the
fighting lines. The night was miserable,
rain and wind all the time. Yesterday
had charge Of the foraging detail after
wood, consequently I've been soaking
wet all day, and all of the time for sixty
hours. Notwithstanding, my health is
excellent.
The camp is named Camp Dewey.
Rainy season has set in, and we have
pouring down every day. wish we
could move on Manila and get into de.
cent quarters. The third expedition is
in, also the Monterey and Gen. Merritt.
Your son, WILL.