Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-02-15
SOLDIERS LETTER.
George Houston Writes From Philippines to
His Brother Frank at Green Bay.


His Brother Frank at Green Bay.
CapiZ, P. l.. Xmas Day, 1899-My
Dear Brother: Yours received two
days ago and also the photograph of
your humble self. Tis good and me-
thinks you are still boy, for surely
you look very young. All. Frank, |
have had great experiences since |
wrote you last and strictly enjoyed
myself every moment.
We left IlOilO on the "ElcanO" for
destination unknown and had the
First Battalion of Eighteenth
Infantry on board. We had our
instruments and also our KragJ JeTgen
sons and six shooters along and dis
courSed sweet music for the boys and
covered the landing of troops when
needed. Our first stop was at Bananta
and all was well there. Ami, the next
town, was different aud as the Pom
pagna, a small gunboat formerly Of
MOntejO'S fleet, now United States
property, was slowly Steaming along
the coast, it was fired upon by the
insurgents. She backed out OF range
and bombarded the town and trenches.
Troops were landed and the insurgents
ran away. The town was burned and
'all was quite on the Wabash"
EStancia. our next stop offered no
resistance and the ''presdente" with
his staff Of wise men came TO the boat
and conversed with the officers. They
were amigos and advice was given
them by the interpreter as to the
government, etc. They left highly
pleased.
After leaving here we got orders to
prepare for an ambuScade for we had
to pass through narrow strait
before reaching Conception. We
buckled on our belts and saw that
our "KragS" were O. K. but nothing
happened till Conception was sighted.
This city had been strongly defended
heretofore and US band boys got orders
to embark and charge the works. The
bait TALON Of troops were not on
board. We landed from the boats in
water waist deep and quickly found
the skirmish line. 1000 yards below
the hill, where trenches could be seen.
The bugle gave the advance and band
and nOn-cOmmiSSiOn staff moved
nervouSly toward the top. Twas
anxious moments for all as we waded
through water and squeezed our way
through brush, knowing at any time
AS we came to the trenches nothing
resembling niger could be seen.
We were mOnarchS of all we surveyed
surely for the insurgents had left some
time before. Had there been a force
there some of us would have Jared
badly I'm afraid. But it is all ended
now and we band boys claim the
capt.. Of Conception.
We are now in CapiZ but soon 20
back to our old quarters at Jaro and
It's good news indeed. The campaign
is about ended here now and the in
SurgentS are badly defeated. Our
forces lost some men but it is to be
expected.
Pertaining to the skulls | will get
you two surely at Jaro. There is
large bone heap there and can get good
ones. | have some fine piano solos.
which were looted when IloilO was
taken. | have Faust complete. also
Lohengrin and others. The Philip
pinOS are fine musicians and play no
cheap trash. Bach, Verdi, RoSSini,
Wagner, etc, are their favOriteS and
'tis wonderful what skillful performers
they are. We shall be in the states
before July 4, | believe. Enclose our
Christmas bill Of fare, and a good one
too:
CapiZ, Isle de Panav,
2. Islands.
Dec 25. 1899
SOUPS
oysters CHM Ox-tail
MEATS.
Baked chicken Baked fish Hamburger
VEGETABLES
Sweet potatoes Irish ditto
Cabbage Corn Peas
DESSERT
Olives Pine Apples Pickles
Chocolate Peppermint
Peach Pie Plum Duff Cranberry Pie
REFRESHMENTS
Tea Coffee Chocolate
"Anheuser Busch
BEER
Cigars Cigarettes
There's no stamps in this town, so
must send letter without and let you
pay postage. Have not received
instruction book, but perhaps the
next mail will bring it. Well must
close for this time. Will write a
letter for publication when [ get to
1loilO. | am still we'll and fat as
usual. Got a letter from F. Gardner
at Manila and he was glad to hear
from me.
Love to all,
GEO. r. Houston,
18th Inf. Band, IlOilO,
p. |.