The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-20
BEFORE Thu BATTLE
LETTER FROM COL. AMES, WRIT
TEN JUST AFTER GEN. OTIS
PROCLAMATION
RELATIONS WERE STRAINED

Soldiers Feared That Clash Would
Embitter the FilipinOs, Who Were
Imbued With n Wholesome Fear
and Respect for Them-Christ-
mas Presents Were Received on
Time.
Gov. Lind yesterday received a let
ter from Col. Ames, of the Thirteenth
Minnesota, written just before the bat
tie with the insurgents, which throws
new light upon affairs in the island.
= The letter from the colonel is only one
OF a dozen OF more which he has re-
celvcd from non-commissioned officers
and privates revealing the same facts.
From the letter 1t is evident that the
natives were anxious to have the Unit
ed States form protectorate at the
sea ports and give them their inde-
pendence, which they had been fight
ing for for many years The letter is as
follows:
Headquarters OF the Thirteenth Infantry,
Minnesota Volunteers, Manila, P. l., Jan. u,
1S99-Hon. John Lind, Governor of Mime
sota-Dear Sir: I wish TO extend to you, as
gratulations ard wishes Of success OF the
Thirteenth regiment OF volunteer infantry,
of which I have the honor to be colonel. AL
though We are separated from our beloved
state by thousands OF miles by land and
sea- doing our duty as soldiers to our country,
never losing our interest citizens, we wish
to convey to YOU, as soldiers like ourselves
in this war with Spain. our fluctuations and
promises OF loyalty and esteem. Knowing that
you will be pleased to hear from time to
time of the condition OF our regiment, l
take the opportunity TO inform you Of the
affairs At present the Thirteenth regiment
is part of the provost guard, which consists
of cur regiment, the Twenty third United
States regulars the First Oregon volunteers
and the First Tennessee volunteers, under
the command of Brig Gen. R. P. Hughes as
provost marshal general. We formed an in
dependent brigade from the balance of the
Eighth army corps. The different companies
are Quartered in the different police precincts
of the city, and have virtuaiy done the police
duty of the city since our arrival here, which
was Immediately uron the surrender, Aug.
IS. I feel no hesitancy in reporting to you
that the service has been well done, We
have been highly complimented upon the
same by cur superior officers. The work has
been arduous and unpleasant az tines but the
men and officers have done their duty without
grumbling.
During the wet season and while 1t was
very hot, the sickness Increased due to a
certain extent from the character of the
work necessitatirg the patroling of the streets
in the hot portion Of the day. Malaria and
typhoid fever were quite prevalent, and two
cases of smallpox in a very virulent form
made their appearance. I thereupon rented
a large, roomy house near the sea Shore with
a large yard filled with shrubs ard trees, and
started a regimental convalescent hospital
This was done, of course, with the consent Of
the regimental medical authorities. for the
purpose OF relieving the companies of all
cases of men who were sick in quarters but
not sick enough to be removed to the division
hospital. Since We opened our hospital, which
Nov. l, we have taken care Of from
twenty to forty men daily, giving them first
class medical attendance. nursing and proper
diet. 1t has proved great success, and I
feel satisfied that the good people who so
generously subscribed to our regimental fund
will feel pleased to have their money used
in this direction Our poor fellows who hare
: lost their lives are buried in the cemeteries
and have plain marble slab with name,
date and regiment engraved thereon, placed
at the head Of the graves, which are also paid
for cut OF the funds Of the regiment.
GcG grant that the United States govern
mert may take some action soon to have
these remains brought back to be buried on
American soil. The climate is now very
pleasant, although 1t is hot at times in the
middle of the day: the nights are cool and
delightful. The beneficial effects Of the
change are noticeable in the sick reports
which are growing decidedly smaller every
cay.
Lieut. Col. John Friedrich was taken sick
and sent home or the steamer Ohio and
hope Will reach home safely and recover his
health again. We are all waiting patiently
and hope that tie regular troops will relieve
us ard send us home The cabegram that
you sent me Jan. 9, that you had received my
code. I received, and 1 was glad to learn
the fact. I got together few words to cover
sentences most likely to be used ana which
will save quite sum Of money, as cabline
between Manila ard st. Paul is very ex.
pensive.
The situation here is quite strained at pres
ent. caused by a proclamation made by Gen
Otis and not accerable to the insurgents
who desire that the United States government
hold the coast cities and form a protectorate
over the islands, but give the Filipinos theil
independence.
The army here in Manila has strengthened
its outposts and reserves and every pre-
caution has been taken to guard against sur
prise and to prevent trouble in the city The
most OF us hope that there will be 10 trouble
and that the matter will be amicably settled
for should the natives attempt an assault they
will be moved down by hundreds and for tht
future prospects of dealing with these peo-
pie il is far better not to have bloodshed
as that would embitter them against u.s. while
now they respect and fear us.
should be very much pleased and highly