The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-04-13

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~ II r. 5 J. ilippanss.
We N ~ y ~. i. n. lliljsr.
lor u n ine interesting lsessr:
fasay, Cavalry 1s1Sls.
Manila, r. l., Feb. LII, 1Do4.s
Dear Harry: 81:
received your most welcome letter
and also the bundle Of PIONEER Ex-
iREssxs, for all Of which I am devoutly
thankful. What a lot Of changes have
taken place in little old Pembina since
the day Albert cavileer and padded
out on the Roaring Red. About all the
young folks seem to have got married.
Welt Harry, we still continue to do
business at the old stand, as you will see
by the address above, and I cannot say
when we shall move out The greater
part Of the regiment is in barracks now
resting up after a very severe and fatgu-
ing campaign. We had dress parade
this evening and the adjutant read re-
port from the general commanding the
last campaign, which certainly eulogizes
the 4th Cavalry to the skies; it is official
too, so that if there is any satisfaction in
belonging to the military, it is gratifying
to be member OF good organization.
Our poor horses suffered terribly; they
took out the band horses, and old Gar
field" my steed. looked forlon and
saddle sore; in fact like the first picture
In the ad "before and after" He whin-
nered when he saw me and came over
and nosed me "glad to get back"
don't have anything to do except
musical duties, being clerk for field staff
and band. This gives me room of my
own and my own way. In fact l have
more real authority than the drum
major. burn the lamp all night some
times, in fact it is now quarter OF twelve.
The weather here continues superb, nice
and cool in the nights and not too warm
( II the day time. We go in swimming
pnce or twice day. Think Of that; you
oor wretches shivering, shaking and
polxing wood into the stoves.
I'll send you some photos Of scenes in
this vicinity in short time, with little
description of each. Kink Of showman's
spiel. can't tell whether they will
interest you much or not, but suppose
you will naturally take little amuse-
ment at some Of the pictures Of natives.
They are not quite ready yet but have
placed my order and soon as they are de-
livered will be forwarded.
There is a great future ahead Of this
country: The mountains are full of
mineral. coal, lots of precious stones
found here. The natives have sold lots
ofjewelry to the American soldiers. You
can get nice diamond ring here for go.
There is no duty on jewelry. In my own
mind, think that some of these bargains
will turn out to be sells. The Filipino
and Chinaman are about team and you
know what Bret Harte says "For ways
that are dark. and tricks that are vain,
the heather Chinee is peculiar" : -
We've got all kinds Of pets round our
quarters; a goat, deer, mongoose, four
monkeys and three. native cats. The
boys brought the deer from the noun
tains for q regimentaf mascot: IT'S q
beautiful little. creature; with spathetic,.
large, dark eyes and quite tame. The
monks are ajolly lot Of feilers. Goats
ill right. Cats, we raised with q spoon
on condensed milk. Mangoose is like
big, gray ferret, with jet black beads for
eyes. He is snakes nemesis. When
Mr.. Mongoose meets Mr.. Snake the
undertaken strikes ajob. They say he
can fascinate birds too. All kinds Of
lizards here; there is pretty little fellow
looking at me as Iwrite. They are quite
harmless. have the skin of an iguana
tanned. Ihad him tied with a rope for
long time and he seemed to be flourish
ing but l found him dead one day, so
took the pelt of him. The leather is
much more beautiful than alligator. l
have lots of curiosities gathered up. l
wish could send you some things, but
will bring them back with me. have
made about twenty-five walking canes. l
sold one of them for q, SO they must be
all right. Have got Spanish ougIe,
Mauser rifle, Spanish sword, sthree war
bolos "a kind of curved knife about two
feet long, all kinds of shells and polish
ed sea bean, etc. If can only get them
all packed away I'll have a collection
when get back to the States. There is
a rumor going about that we are to be
sent back to the U. S. before long, but
don't take much stock in it just yet at
any rate, though if justice were done,
they would give the 4th Cavalry, 14th
Infantry and few other regular regi-
ments rest for while and let some of
those new volunteer outfits distinguish
themselves, which no doubt they are
burning to do. had nice, long letter
from the mater the afternoon, which put
a rather different complexion on things
in general. 1t is good to get news from
home.