The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1899-09-16

you letter from IT. Crook, Neb.,
which NJ the time could not very well
answer. We left Fort Crook May, ~,
1899, for San Francisco, California,
arriving May. 20 and and went aboard
u. 8. A. Transport Grant as soon as we
got ont Of the ferry boat. Left San
Francisco on Decoration day at p. m.
en- route to the Philippines. Arrived
at Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, after 2
days and one hours travel, and re-
manned there coaling for three days
We had all the opportunity to see the
place. Well Dick, 1t Is beyond my
ability 70 give you fair description Of
the place. All can say is that wish
could pass my last days there. We
had nearly the freedom OF the city
during our stay and all behaved well.
The population Is mostly Chinese, Jsps
and natives. The natives principally
are the most noteworthy Of the three.
They are very industrious as far Ms
could see. The women are very large
and well developed. The reason. prob
ably is. that they do not wear eofsets.
only mother hnbbards". Stores Of all
kinds are kept by Chinese, Japs and
Americans. The Americans are com
ing very fast to the front.
After leaving Honolulu we took our
course for Manila. In all our travel
from Honolulu TO Manila. we did not
pass vessel Of any kind as we Travelled
In direction 10 avoid anything for
fear Of collision. The Grant had
,7Si soldiers aboard, beside the crew,
and was loaded with provisions and
baggage 10 her full capacity. The
boat management messed the whole
outfit In two sections. We had great
time aboard. We were packed like sar-
dimes on deck during the days and even
iDgs as II was almost impossible TO re-
main any length Of time between decks.
During our trip from Honolulu 70
Manila we passed two volcanoes at
quite distance, but we could see them
plainly rs 1t was dark and could see
Ire emitting from each one We had
as pleasant y trip as we could wish for
and the ocean was as calm at all times
as lake Ceur d'Aiene. All the rolling
we had was on the first day after pass
ing the Golden Gate. We had but few
cases Of sea sicknes. About % honrs
before reaching Manila We came very
close to land and kept in sight Of it the
rest Of the trip and dropped anchor ia
Manila Bay. Manila Bay is very bear
tifnl. There you can see vessels OF all
nations loading and unloading. Wal
vessels are plentiful as result Of tht
war. The Americans and English KEEP
generally together and the Germans
by themselves. We remained aboarc
the Grant in the bay for two days be
fore being landed. We had to get ou
in caScoes the most ancient boats
have ever seen. They were handled b!
Filipinos and Chinese. l was fortunate
enough 10 60 ashore aboard a tugboaI
with the headquarters. AS soon rs We
were ashore we went into bamboo bar
racks at Malate and remained there
three days after which we were ordered
10 the firing line. The headquarter
aud third battalion Cos. u, +, II and l
are at La Iona church; LIST. battalion
A, c. ID and X, at Deposito; End. bat
TALON, +, G, l, and NJ, at Caloocan
They call this the firing line but wha
for do not know except II Is to keel
natives from going to the front. 1t i
nearly IS miles from this place wher'
the lighting is going on: that is in Sar
Fernando. We have been wading ia
mud and water since our arrival. w
had a respite Of two days and during
! that time the roads did nearly get DIR!
! but since we had another shower which
lasted 81 hours. Il does not rain as IL
. the states but IL comes down by tn
J tank full. We are getting quite
J large sick report but their cases are no
very alarming. Many men who are dis
charged here are applying for furlough
! upon Refreshments but in all cases the
are returned disapproved by Genera
Otis. No furlough is to be granted I'm
I'll hoStilities are at an end Then al
ter that they viii be favorably consid
cred. Owing to that fact men who ar
discharged do not generally reenlisI
Chief Musician Klein left Manila 70
IT. Crook, Neb. on the 27th OF July, b
having been granted a furlough 70
7 three months per telegraphic instruC
, tons from Washington, owing to III
severe illness of his wife.
/ Well Dick, they claim here that W
are now having winter, IL 1t should b
I the case do not wish for summer Il
/ come. Whenever the sun shines W
are roasted alive, at night we are cate
} by mosquitoes and small ants. You an
all the time scratching same as IL yol
had the I year itch. Things are 81
. quiet here at present I do not know
what more to say. will close thi
/ time hoping this will lind you In goo
health.
Yuur true friend