The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1899-03-17
From the Philippines.

MANILA, P. l., jan q, 1899.
EDITOR HERALD ADVANCE:
DEAR SR.-I thought would drop you few
lines and let you know how am, and few things
that have happened. had to quit just now to 60
out 10 the river bank to see the Honolulu, new
sidewheeler iron clad gunboat which is going up
the river her trial trip She has 2 twoinch
guns and gatlings besides about 20 riflsmen
All of the crew on board engineers and all with
the exception Of or 5 of the 3rd artillery 70
man the guns and one regular army oficer, are
South Dakota men. Lieut.. Harting OF Co. A. of
this regiment is in charge Of the rifemen. The
boat was formidable looking object, in her war
paint dark slate color, as she slowly steamed mp
the river she only: went up the river about mile
and then returned The boat is intended for use
as patrol steamer the river, and also If there
is any trouble with the insurgents to capture their
two gunboats which are on the Lake Lagnna de
Bay. Owing to DR.. Bowman and Quartermaster
Murray resigning and going home, there will be
several promotions in the regiment. Capt Den
ny of Co. l also went home. Adjt. Lien wi Il he
made Captain of Co. l., Lieut.. Young will be made
Adjutant, Lieut.. Burdck. Quartermaster, and
Sergeant Bratt of Co. f., End Lieut.. and Sergeant
Patrichen Of Co. L., End Lieut..
l see that regulars are going to be cent here to
replace us and that South Dakota will be one Of
the first regiments to leave here, but don't be-
lieve we will be home before June or July at the
least.
Bugler Berg of Co. F died Of black diphtherfa
this morning A good many Of the deaths in the
army are caused by carelessness of the army
doctors. They may have been good physcians
at home, but they don't show it here. They are
having fine time, draw their salary and don't
have to worry about their practice. One instance
that know Of Is doctor doing ! surgical oper-
alton with jack knife.
The oficers can say they want to 60 home, but
l know better. Some of them never had such
Jobs in their life nor drew as large q salary.
man In Co. by the name of Smith, was
knitted in the face by a native while on ont post
during the evening Of January 10. He was walk
ing along his beat and two natives crossed about
two feet in front Of him. He said "Buenas
Noches" to them, when one of them whipped out
machete and struck him blow which was In
tended to cut hie head on, but only gave him On
ugly cut on his cheek. Smith threw up his Run
en l shot the native dead before he had run nifty
feet He also shot tho other native, but only
wounded him. Smith was brought home on
horse and put IN the hospital but 10 ont again
He 10 excused from duty for 20 days. He IL
very cool headed and brave man and deserve
much credit for HE conduct In the matter.
Mr.. Frank Halstead, leader Of the band
has written and arranged march In US time
entitled "lst South Dakota March" II 10 goo.
march and has fine trio. He has arranged
piano part which will be out in couple Of weeks
l have copied the band arrangement to brin
home for our band at home also purchased
copy Of Camp Dewey March" written by Adam
of the California band. We have hne orchestr