From the Soldier Boys Through the courtesy of Mr. J. M. Graham, we are enabled to give the following letter, written by Frank Graham to his parents in this village, to our readers. Frank is a member of Co. H, 1st North Dakota Inft., U. S. V., and writes as follows; MANILLA, P. I., Aug. 22, 1898 Dear Ones at Home: Of course you will have heard of the fall of Manilla, and will be worrying for fear I was killed or wounded. Well. I escaped both and am feeling quite well today, although I had the pleasant feeling of hearing the enemy's bullets flying over me, and realize what actual warfare means. We had a short, sharp scrap with the Spanish Saturday afternoon, the 13th of August, and that evening we marched into the city and had the pleasure of seeing the stars and stripes waving over the city. On the morning of the 12th we got orders to go into the trenches before Manilla with two days' rations and one hundred rounds of ammunition. We laid in the trenches 24 hours, when we were relieved by other soldiers. We fell back behind a large stone church to rest. In about an hour Dewey commenced the bombardment of the city which lasted about an hour, when we got orders to make the assault on the Spanish breastworks which we did on the double quick. I tell you, I was tired, but I kept right with my company. We have just a splendid captain, Brave and true. He was out in the kitchen cooking pancakes for us yesterday morning. We get hardtack, coffee, beans, rice, biscuits, roast beef, pancakes, bacon, and we will get from now on on Australian mutton. These goods are now first class. This is a grand old city. You can see most any class of people here. They have street railroads, electric lights and fine water works, which have all been shut down since the blockade was started, but are being started up again now. I have had two letters since I got here. I think it will take about ten weeks for you to write to me and get an answer. Eva put a five cent stamp on her letter; two is all that is necessary for the mail is carried by the U. S. G. I received two big bundles of papers from the editor of the New Rockford paper last night, and it seemed good to see them, I tell you, If I stay here you can send me the PRESS, if you like. The weather here doesn't seem to be so warm as it did in San Francisco. We are right by the sea, so we can go in bathing every day. Some of the boys spend half of their time in the water. Eva asked in her letter about the society and costumes. I am sorry to say the society is poor, although there are some fine boys in our company. Our clothing is brown duck, light underwear and the common army suits. You must send this to the girls. I have so many to write to, I can't write to everyone. Your letters are addressed all right. The fourth expedition came in yesterday from San Francisco. Well, I will close, hoping this will find you all well as it leaves me. Give love and regards to all. Your son, FRANK R. GRAHAM
Click here to send Joan an e-mail Back to menu
Copyright © 2001 Donated by Linda Cates
