Spanish American War (diary)

MinnGuy · 2023-11-26T01:52:42+01:00

Are there any history buffs on here? Is it appropriate to share some of the family history I have with the islands? Here are some excerpts from my great grandfathers diary from around this time in 1898. This was typed up by my Grandfather in 1932 and scanned with OCR by me in 2009 Nov. 18 - Very warm all day. Had our parade tonight, the boys did very fine and were complimented by General Ovenshine. Nov. 19, 1898 - Saturday - It is reported today that some of the troops are to leave for home when the transports arrive and that some regiments will be sent to the provinces. Nothing official can be learned at Headquarters. Nov. 20 - This is a great 'Fiesta', the natives have been preparing for this for days and today the streets are alive with people all dressed in their Sunday best. It is called the Feast of Our Lady of Remedies and seems to be one of the important holidays of the year. Bands are playing and the churches are crowded with people. The children are dressed up like dolls and all are happy as though they were going to a circus. Nov. 21 - Rumors of movements of troops are current. Two more deaths in our regiment - Frank M. Harden of Co. "Bill and Ole T. Lakken of Co. "K" both died late this evening at Division Hospital. The last named was almost recovered from fever and it is thought he died from heart failure which is often the case after a run of fever. I understand that an autopsy is to be held in the last case. Poor fellows they have done their duty. Nov. 22 - Two transports arrived this A. M. the Senator and the Valencia, both with troops on board. Got some mail this noon. Nov. 23 - A pleasant day, not very warm, everybody is expectant for tomorrow - Thanksgiving Day. Nov. 24 - Holiday today. Everybody had a good dinner and the men are feeling excellent. We had a fine turkey and chicken at our mess. In the evening Lieut. Berg, Proctor, Gearey and I took dinner at the Paris Restaurant and agreed to meet with our wives at Grand Forks next Thanksgiving Day. Proctor and Berg both being single were ordered to get married within six months after we are mustered out. After dinner we took in the performances of the Filipino Theatre and enjoyed a very pleasant evening. Nov. 25 - Mail leaves for home today. Sent several packages and hope they will reach home safely. Nov. 26 - Nothing special today. Raining pretty much all day. Nov. 27 - Fine day but very warm. Had a call from John Lees, a young fellow who used to live in Le Sueur (Minn.) and now living in South Dakota, a nephew of Mt. Gebbie who runs Fattens elevator at Le Sueur. He is a Corporal in Co. "G" 1st. South Dakota. Has been sick for some time in the Hospital and not yet fully recovered. Nov. 28 - Regiment was inspected by Capt. W. E. Birkhimer, 3rd. Art., U. S. Inspector General. I was serving as President of a Court Martial and could not be at the Inspection. The regiment marched to the Lunetta and formed at 9 A. M. in the midst of a drenching rain, everybody was wet to the skin and I hope no one mill get sick from the exposure. It is our first thorough inspection since we are in the service and the Inspector is looking into all the little details. He does not say much but game us some good compliments at Headquarters for the way our records and papers are kept. Adj't. Proctor feels good and set up the cigars. He inspected the company quarters, kitchens, canteen, sinks, quartermaster and commissary departments, books and papers and in fact there was nothing that escaped his eagle eye. He complimented Co. "B" as having the best barracks that he had inspected during his tour, excepting as he said, probably two troops of the 4th U. S. Cavalry. Co. "B" is quartered in a large residence and have better means of keeping their quarters in shape than those quartered in the Nepo huts. We are all pleased at the compliment to Lieut. Gearey, who is an efficient and painstaking officer. Co's "H" and "K" are on outpost duty and will be inspected tomorrow. I presume he will find flaws somewhere to roast us on and we are anxious to see the official report in order that we may profit by this experience for we have gained some valuable pointers from this inspection.

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bigpearl ViP

Member since 27 January 2018

bigpearlViP14 December 2023 00:41:01

#41

3534

LOL.

said I would keep my distance but can't help myself same as most here.

Bob, Dan we have our ups and downs over the years but are not thin skinned like some that can't or won't take criticism on the cheek, learn and continue fwd. Agree at times to disagree while learning every day.

I remember the OP's first post and he/she didn't like the responses and suddenly left field came a history lesson/account. The OP's original post was walked away from any different now?

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl ViP

Member since 27 January 2018

bigpearlViP14 December 2023 00:42:08

#42

3534

Good call OP.

Steve.

MinnGuy Active member

Member since 22 November 2023

MinnGuyActive member14 December 2023 00:47:21

#43

@Cheryl

Please go ahead and close this thread. I'm not posting any more excerpts on this site.

Enzyte Bob ViP

Member since 26 October 2018

Enzyte BobViP14 December 2023 01:23:47

#44

3752

MinnGuy said to mugteck. . . . I have nearly 50 pages of diary starting that date It's Feb4, 1899

**********************

I rather read 50 ways to leave your lover.

MinnGuy Active member

Member since 22 November 2023

MinnGuyActive member14 December 2023 01:58:34

#45

I'm gonna post a few pictures my ggdad brought home.

I'll do one first to see if it works.

This is a church in the Sn Miguel district

https://drive.proton.me/urls/1HYCYWVRM4#be1EIP9saEnu

===

This is labelled "The Boneyard" No idea why the bones are piled up here.

[link under review]

MinnGuy Active member

Member since 22 November 2023

MinnGuyActive member14 December 2023 02:16:35

#46

Labelled as NativeGroup

https://drive.proton.me/urls/7N7C6EY0V0#qnqVgqPSft5O

MinnGuy Active member

Member since 22 November 2023

MinnGuyActive member14 December 2023 02:20:25

#47

Labelled as Paco Cemetery

This is my ggDad on the far right and his company of men around a grave.

I don't know who is buried there.

https://drive.proton.me/urls/CMZMCH1QKG#fLiRJlV0daRO

Closed

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