The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-04-11

lead into their ranks; they did not ad-
vance as we expected they would, and
we didn't advance because we are not
strong enough to do any good. We are
now waiting for re-enforcements and
as soon as we get 1T think we will
make an investigation of the enemies
forces.
This lake have spoken about is
mile long by halt mile wide. We are
at the north end and the insurgents are
at the south, our outpost and the in
surgents outpost are only about 600
yards apart. at low tide the lake is
almost dry; there is a heavy growth of
under brush all through the lake and
that is great advantage to the natives
because their mode OF fighting is good
deal like the American Indian, they
sneak upon the enemy and also do
most of their fighting after night, we
are at work clearing away the brush as
fast as we can in order to have clear
field to fight IN.
Guard duty here is not as pleasant as
1t might be. There is always danger
OF the black rascal sneaking upon the
guard and throwing knife into him:
Its their knife that we fear and NOT
their guns, because thew are very poor
marksmep, they know nothing about
handling gun, every shot that they
have fired at us SO far have gone .way
over our heads, but they are experts
with the knife.
haven't had my shoes off but ono
night since we landed, we have ia he
prepared for an attack at any moment.
we have had great many things to
contend with, lots of times we run
snort on provisions and sleep on the
ground every night. The water we
use for cooking and drinking purposes
much be carried half mile, and then
It's not fit to drink until it is boiled.
since February 5, there has been one
continuous battle with the insurgents
between here and Manila. The battle
began at Manila about 4 O'Clock in the
morning; the loss on the American side
has been very light while heinsurgents
nave been losing heavily. 1t is claimed
tnat IN the first two days of the battle
tnere were 1900 Insurgents killed. Our
forces at Manila have driven them back
about ten miles since the fight bepan.
we now have firing line 25 miles long.
II extends from the ba, to the foot
nllls and Che insurgents dare not 90 in.s /
10 the mountains. There they have V
stlll greater enemy than we are. There
is another tribe there called the Ma
caoeroes they are only half civilized
and they hate the insurgents.
Feb. IA, at p. m., We established a
fort here and raised the stars and
stripes. The fort was named after
Major Rice of the light artillery. Dur
ing the day its very warm but the nights
are nice and cool. The mosquitoes are
very bad they come at man like
swarm of bees. [ must close my dis.
crlptive letter for the present. If Il
ever get time will try and tell you
about our trip across the waters and
our stay In IlOilO harbor. BEN
| lreceived your letter dated about the
last OF December or the first of January
1.-The letter is at camp in Cavite so /
cannot refer to it now, and that ia
hVe miles from here. l am writing on
the battle field, We have had one battle
mere and expect another one most any
time.
| The way things look now since this
last outbreak it may be that the Vol
unteer Regiments will be held here the
Iull time OF our enlistment, in this case
Twill be all of year before can get
home. and as tor me getting discharge
that is out OF the question as long as i
am we'll and able to stay and that 1 am
at the present writing. am enjoying
perfect good health. / 60 on guard
again tonight SO will close for the
present. 1t may be day or two before
have a chance to mail this. Witha
good word to all, close,
Your Brother,
BAN.
Tuesday, February 81, '99-I was out
on out post last night, a boat load af
natives attempted to pass into our
waters but they didn't get far, as soon
as | saw them gave them few shots.
1t was dark but could see them NOV 4
ing in the water.
| We ewill soon have more help here.
there are several regiments of regulars
expected here on or before the first Of
March. We can hold our own all rioht
where we are.
4; we have killed hundreds of dogs in
the last few days. They are getting
desperate from hunger, the dogs are
killing and eating one another, We
came across one the other day that was
'eaI,ns Thasa 'ne nd Iesn nssn IRON ron live dog;
, rem were starving to death and The las lasr
few days we have been taking food to
them, War is cruel and there is no
mistake about that especially to those