St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-09-19
cONGToN
A LETTER
From a Soldier Far Away
from Home.

Believing that it would be of interest
to the people of my home community
in Louisiana to know of some of the
experiences which one of their members
has gone through as a regular in the
U. S: Army. l will endeavor to present
to you in a few words some of my
experiences as a soldier.
After having served as a volunteer
in the Spanish-American war, and one
enlistment in the regulars, thus becom-
ing accustomed to army life, to its
sunshine and shadow, l decided to re-
en- list. | assisted at the recruiting
barracks of Columbus, o., in May 1905.
The post at Columbus is considered as
being modern and up-to-date in every
respect, the buildings are in first class
condition, and everything is provided
for the spiritual, mental and physical
development of the soldier. He has
&C cess to the post library and well
equipped gymnasium. Hot and cold
baths are at his disposal. Such con.
dltions at the post makes a favorable
impression on the recruit.
Towards the end of the winter OF
1906 the rumor was circulated among
the boys that they were to go to the
Philippines. This news was received
with great joy for everyone was anxious
togo to the Far East, and serve his coun
try, which he has sworn to defend. A
last the long looked for day of depalt t Ire
the twentieth of FEBRUARY, 1906 arrived
when we left on fast train of the Santt
Fe Road. The boys always manag
to have good time, and it is immateria
to them where they are, wheathel
they are on land or sea, or on trair
They spent the time on the train sing
ing songs, such as Darling Nellie Gray
Home, Sweet Home, My old Kentucky
Home, etc, while the train rolled on
| ward. Some amused themselves BY
playing checkers and cards, while the
| others enjoyed the scenrey and sights
which their eyes had never fastened
on before. entertained the boys par
of the time telling fortunes with cards
| forImanywere anxious to know what the
future had in store for them, especially
along matrimonial lines. Some coulG
be seen writing letters to friends
relatives and sweethearts. We had {
phonagraph on the train with scores Of
records playing old familiar songs anc
the latest airs. Crowds gathered al
the stations along the roads to say
farewell to the soldiers bound for The
Philippines. At Needles, Col, ar
Indian chief boarded the train anC
travelled with us short distance
while the boys gathered around hin
to get glimpse of the old warrior, anC
exchange few words with him. Al
the station in New Mexico the Indians
came to the station to dispose o.
| trinkets, beeds, etc.
At length we arrived at Sar
Francisco, where we embarked March
5th, on the transport Logan for th'
Islands. We stopped for two days at
Honolulu, the most Important city or
Hawaiian Islands the garden spot of tht
Pacific. AS we were ready to leave
this mid-ocean paradise. the band, com
posed of 70 pieces, played the familiar
air, Goodbye little girl, goodbye.
At length we landed at Manila th'
coming city of the Far East, wher'
we stopped for several days until W,
were ready to go to Camp Jossman t.
relieve the 18th infantry.
Upon our arrival at said camp we wer
greeted as the Welcome 9Th, for our con
ing gave them an opportunity to SCI
| home and friends once more. We re
mained here for several months, whe1
we were ordered to the islands of Leyte
the home of the Visyans. The native
raise hemp, rice and tobacco, the hem
being considered the best in the world
Their food, whichis cooked in clay pots
consists mostly of rice and fish. M
knives and forks are used by them
and if asked why they don't use them
they will tell you that fingers wer
| made before knives and forks, whicl
is a sufficient reason for them. TIL
houses are made of a bamboo frame
work covered with nepa, a kind o
grass. The framework is tied to
gether with bajuka, no nails belnl
used. Fine timber is grown in tn
Philippines, such as the bayan tree
some measuring 8 feet across, tn
mahogany, ebony and other varieties
The favorite pastime of the natives is
cock fighting, and they are interested
| in this sport as much as the American
are in baseball. At length we lef
the Philippine Islands, and were home
ward bound at last. We stopped a
Nagasika, Japan where we took on coal
The cooking was done by women, wh'
! formed so-called bucket chain, b.
which method they are able to load
transport in a surprisingly short time
| We went ashore for short time tax
ING in the sights, and living high "a
the bows called it, by having a few
good meals and drinks. At length w
arrived at San Francisco; where We
STAYED for three days, until we left TO
| Monterey, CAL, an old historic town
1t is cool here all summer and the fire
are burning every night, around Whlc
the boys gathered to spin yarns.
NV time of service is soon over, for
will be discharged Novemeer IA, when
will leave on the 2:55 afternoon train
s"The overland Limit for Mandeville
La. where expect to see my friend
and relatives again. am anxious t
see the old familiar faces again, for
seems to be an interchangeable law Q
nature, that distance makes the hear
..,..,,, fondor Yours. truly,