The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1898-10-07

There are some quite pretty places
here, with vines all over them and
banana and cocoanut trees around
them, besides much other tropical
luxuriance. The houses are all two
stories high, with iron gratings on
the windows. There are electric
lights and city water here. The
streets are narrow as are also the
sidewalks. They are dirty. and one
can see hogs, chickens, dogs, and
most anything at any time there.
There are lots of Englishmen here,
and they have an English club house
that is certainly very fine. There are
about 10000 Spanish prisoners, but
they are not confined and are allowed
the privileges of the town. l went
all through their quarters. They are
very friend y and look as though they
were glad That we had taken the
Town and made them prisoners. The
natives hate the Spaniards as they do
us now, because no native is allowed
IN town with arms, and they were not
allowed to loot the town az they ex
pected. 1t was rumored yesterday
that AguiDaldo, the ingurgent chief,
had given the Americ ms "A hours t.
leave the island. but we have no fear
of them as they know better than to
attack us. 1t isn't safe though to 60
outside of the city alone.
Foot ball season WILSON commence
and wish l were there to take part
in it, as l like it SO much. l am keep
ing diary, but guess it isn't much
good, although l am keeping it up
much better than I ever expected to
The finest thing l ever saw is the
sunset here There is no twilight.
AS soon as the sun goes down it be.
comes dark and the bright sky shows
up fine against the black horizon.
take ocean baths nearly every day, but
don't like them as well as fresh water
ones. 1t is kind of fun though if the
surf is very high.
1 received fathers letter on the
boat, and the S. came in very handy
as l had been out of money some
time. We don't expect 10 get paid
until about the middle of September.
1t is all Spanish and Mexican money
here, and one of our dollars is worth
two OF theirs. Also things are very
cheap here. l want to bring lots OF
things home but expect they won't
allow US to carry much. However,
father may expect some cigars that
are very fine, and each Of you may ex
pect something. l am going to try
and bring a monkey home as they are
very cheap here (only Mexican dol
lar and also a parrot, but am afraid
they won't live. Tell Clark the army
is no place for him. l have wished a
Thousand times that l was home.
However. 1 don't regret that l am
here. Tell father that l wouldn't
live in this "God-forsaken" country
for ten fortunes. 1t is such q dirty
hole and no Americans here. One
would die of lonesomeness. There is
nothing to do and it would be long
time before one could begin to make
money. How are you all? l guess
would be glad to get some of mothers
pies and things. You'll have to keep
things nailed down when get home.
Father, 1 tell you l will be satisfied
to drive team when l get home. 1t
beats this all hollow. Hope you are
getting along we'll in business. l
guess this will have to do now. You
don't know how eDjov your letters.
1t is so lonesome here. have SO much
to tell that / can't describe, so you
may expect me to be loaded when l
come home. Well, good by all OF you.
With lots Of love.
AS ever,
GEORGE,