The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1909-09-03

end fr1enQ. well, ne ualleU uS
about joining the church Che belonged
TO Trinity parish). | did not think l
was in a sufficient state of spiritual
grace to take the step, but l did so
just them same. 1t certainly did me
no harm, and in a way known only to
myself did me considerable good, and
have never regretted the step, even
though some of my companions who
knew me, said l was a ''hypocrfte on
wheels"
| settled down, joined the church,
but didn't get married. l will not tell
you about that, though.
One thing always bothered me.
had no more than got back than
longed to return to these islands.
thought about that more than l did of
my work. 1t was very cold deliver
ing letters during the winter; icy
sidewalks, frozen feet and fingers, and
often bad falls. Taking all circum-
stances into consideration, | thought
it expedient to transfer with a carrier
at Pensacola, Fla, who wanted to
come to New York. did not like the
idea of going to Pensacola. l had
never been in that part of the state,
knew no one there, etc., but accord
ingly went
On the way there l stopped off a
week at Jacksonville, which l spent
with my sister (Estelle), Mrs. R. E.
Yoneg, Jr. 1t had been so long since
we met, and both had changed so, that
neither knew the other. l had been
away since 1894, and my accent had
changed somewhat, but after few
days things came out all right, and
we both began to realize the affinity
between brother and sister. | was
sorry when the time came to leave,
but arrived in Pensacola in due time.
Some of the boys met me, treated me
fine, but after four days working
there, l decided that letter carrying,
where sand was everywhere about six
inches deep. was not my diversion, so
| | resigned, returned TO Jacksonville,
from there to New York and from
there to Washington, D. c., where
enlisted, with the understanding that
would be sent Immediately for SER
vice in the Philippines, which con-
tract, l am pleased to say, was car
ried out with dispatch.
| arrived January 5th, last, happy
to get back. The longer l live here
the better I like it. l have no inten-
ton of ever returning. at least not at
an early date, but let me say right
here, this is not the land of milk and
honey. Because l like it is no sign
that many would like it, or would
stay here once they got here.
This post is fine place. We have
brigade here, and understand it is
one of the largest permanently occu-
pied garrisons of the world
1t is situated 1-2 miles from Ma
Mia, up the Pasig river. The street
car fare to Manila is the same number
of cents, .075. Now, you can't under
stand about half cents, but it's neces-
sary in the Orient.
l enclose a centavo, which is half
of one cent in United States money
I'll send you some more of this brand
of money if you are interested. 1t
may help you to solve the financial
problem.
l saw Allan Rodgers while in Jack,
sonville. Years seemed to have made
him more optimistic and philosophical
than he naturally was when younger
He claimed that 'the step to writing
for the press was a short, but very
dangerous one" | thought there was
something in that, and have been
bordering over it ever since.
Being a soldier. it would not be well
with me to be too free with my pen
SO | have resolved nevtr to use it in
any degree to attacks upon character
and if do that I'll be On the safe side
Should you want to know any more
about myself and the Philippines let
me know. Possibly if you suggest
something here concerning the cir
cumstances, could answer you very
we'll
Remember me kindly to Mr.. and
Mrs. Bittinger, Sim Lummus, Bot
Harper, your family and all others
who may be interested. Good luck
and believe me,
Your friend,
WILLIAM H. TRANTHAM,
Co. D., Hospital Corps,