Heading: (Philippine-American War)
Author: Whittington, E.B.
Title: Three letters from a private serving in the Province of Bataan during the Aguinldo Filipino Insurrection against U.S. colonial domination
Place Published: Samall, Orani, [Bataan], Philippine Islands
Publisher:
Date Published: 1900
Description: 3 Autograph Letters Signed. To G.W. Whittington, Wyandotte, Oklahoma.
Jan. 12, 1900, 2 pp.
Jan. 24, 1900, 4 pp.
Dec. 17, 1900, 1 pg.

When Aguinaldo's revolt lasted longer than Americans had expected, the 32nd Regiment, made up of 1800 volunteers from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma, was hurriedly organized in July 1899. It sailed for the Philippines in September and had its first brush with the enemy in December with fighting continuing into the spring. Whittington was stationed at a camp 100 miles northwest of Manila, from which troops were sent on long "hikes" - reconnaissance missions - into the mountains in search of the Insurgents.[January 12] "... Only some of the volunteers have gone home. I am going to Manila ... and see about getting me a job on the police force there if I can and may not come home yet a while there is $65 a month in it and that beats plowing corn... something I would sure have to do if I came back and I am getting climated here and like this climate better every day and in Manila there is lots of white people and it's almost like a city in the States and I think probably it would be the best thing I can do..."

[January24] ...The insurgents in this province are surrendering right along... just been out to help the corporal of the guard to lower the flag to half mast in the mourning of the Queen of England... I'm very sorry to say I had to turn that bolo [machete-knife used by insurgents] I had for you over to the authorities. Such things are called equipments of war, and they must be turned in...There are three Regiments gone home... guess our time will come before long... I can get me a job on the Police force in the city... But I decided it would be to monotiness for 2 years more..."

[Dec. 17] "...Pvt Manning died last week and there is several of the boys in the hospital. Mostly homesick is the complaint. I haven't been on the sick report since July... There is 300 of our men on a hike [reconnaissance mission] in the mountains been gone for days haven't heard from them since they left. I guess this will be about the last hike the 32nd will have, hope so anyhow..."

Last letter's upper portion detached at fold and inexpertly repaired; overall fair to good.