Manila, P.I.
Oct.1, 1898
Mrs. F.B. Hamlin,
Roseburg, Ore.
My Dear Wife,
Mail arrived here on the Arizona Sept 27, bringing me letters from you dated Aug 7 - 15 - 26 and 28. Also letter from Father, Mother, Jay, Emma, Emmett and Lt. Hildebrand. Was very glad to know that you are well, and that the children are getting along so well.
I have not tried to keep anything from you in regard to my health or sickness, in fact I think I have kept you posted on that better than anything else. Have had cramps once for a few hours, symptoms of fever once for couple of days and two other slight attacks of the diarrhaea; that is all, and I am now in good health and feeling well. Have sent some shells to Emmett with instructions to sell them and turn over the commission for selling to you. In regard to the money question I should not like to have people think that I - who receive a fair salary - did not send at least a part of it home to the support of my family. Of course it is nobodys business, but I should not like that impression to get out. You might say that I made my remittances to the Bank, but that would not make much difference.
I think I have written already concerning the arrangements made with C. N. bank of S. F. Think it over in this light. Sell the Richards cow if you want to. I would not be in favor of renting the house at all, especially as I expect to be back before long now.
The Emergency Fund of $75.00 received. The Capt. says he has about $80 of the Portland fund left yet, so you see we are pretty well fixed now. He spends it very sparingly. The Ashland people have not sent them money yet. I shall use this fund to the best interests of the Co.
[The boys of our Co. are all in pretty good shape. In some of the other's they are not so fortunate (in answer to penciled question.)]
suppose you have rec'd packages from Warren [?] by this time.
This is in answer to yours of the 26th.
I will now give attention to yours of the 28th.
Will answer Virgil & Nellis on separate sheet.
Met a couple of brothers - Dimmick by name, grandsons of Mrs. Jane D-- of Wilburn. They are in the Idaho Cavalry.
I am not particularly pleased with your taking up milinery work at this particular time. It breaks up the family completely.
I am afraid something will happen to Nellis; there are so few that can be depended upon to take the proper care of children, not their own.
I have no objections to your learning the trade, to Miss Winniford, or to Mrs. Abrahams store, as the place, her it seems to me to be of all times the worst. However if you feel that you are indeed widowed and feel the need of getting in and [??] for your sex I don't suppose that anything I could say at the present time would cut any ice, especially as it is now over a month since you made up your mind and then wrote and told me about it.
I hope Jim may be able to dispose of some stock, hay, or grain at a good figure, and to keep you well suppplied with wood.
You did not refer in your letters to McCances [?] of Artisans, I can't understand why my oath of office has not been rec'd. It was mailed about July 20 and should have been in A.C.M's. hands before this time.
Some of the articles appearing in the various papers scoring the Oregon Regt. are true in part but most of them are far from the truth. I write a short article for the Plaindealer this mail. Sent one last.
Enclosed find F.S. Godfreys check for $50.00. I could not get Postal Order and as he wanted some cash, he just drew his check and I cashed it. It amounts to the same thing as cash. Debits him and credits me.
In one of your letters I believe you held out as an inducement to me to take good care of my health, and behave myself, that when I came home I should have straw-berries and cream etc. Is that the best you have to offer? You have evidently not rec'd all my letters or it would not have been necessary for you to ask the question that you penciled at the top of your last letter but one. In one of my letters I had already exhausted that subject (answered also at bottom of page 3 of this letter)
We hear a rumor today to the effect that we are to go home some time in Nov. or Dec. Don't know whether it is true or not. - hope it is so.
George Starmer died the 27th at Div. Hospital and was buried in Malaka [?] Cemetery.
Sent his mother his money--over $400. Some things are very cheap here and some are higher than they are in Roseburg.
I have already laid aside some things for you, but must not tell you what they are as it would spoil your pleasure in receiving them when the time comes; however, if there is anything in particular that you want just let me know and I will see if it is to be had here at an advantage. But I must close for this time. Take good care of those boys, and of yourself, both as to health and to conduct which might subject you to criticism.
Believe me to be yet a while
Your Devoted Husband.
F.B. Hamlin
1st Lt Co B etc.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
September 20, 1898, Frank to Cressida, Manila P.I.
Manila P.I.
Sept 20/98
My Dear Wife.
Another mail steamer leaves in the morning for the U.S. and another in a day or so, so I drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well etc
I have just come from the post office over in New Manila about one mile away when I went to register a letter to Geo. Starmens [? sp.] mother enclosing a check for George's pay, $430.00 He has been discharged and allowed milage [sic] to Roseburg, also free passage to San Francisco by steamer City of Puebla, Board and Medical attendance.
He is very weak but they think he will make the journey all right. He goes on board this morning. Hope he gets back safe and has a speedy recovery. He has chronic diarrhaea I believe. The rest of the Company are well. Godfrey, Shambrek [? sp.], Sloune [? sp.], Day, Wright, send letters by this mail as do also most of the other boys.
I send a box containing some "relics" of my own and other boys of the Co. addressed to Richards as it is quite heavy and would be much trouble to handle. I will have him deliver the packs to their owners. Take good care of mine. We are still in the dark as to when we are to return, but nearly all expect to hear before very long as to whether we are to stay here long or not.
We were paid off here thru 17th, but as yet have found no way to make remittance. They are out of money orders at the post office, and the Paymasters will not write checks till next week some time, so will have to wait a few days. Will send at the first opportunity.
Hope to hear from you soon again. The Australia is expected here most any time now. She is reported to have left S. F. on the 3rd. Ought to be here by the 1st of the month at farthest.
The weather is quite cool nights and evenings and quite warm from 9 A.M. to P.M. or there abouts, except when it rains which is quite often.
I am in excellent health. Hope that you and the boys are the same.
With Love,
Your Affectionate Husband
F. B. Hamlin
Sept 20/98
My Dear Wife.
Another mail steamer leaves in the morning for the U.S. and another in a day or so, so I drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well etc
I have just come from the post office over in New Manila about one mile away when I went to register a letter to Geo. Starmens [? sp.] mother enclosing a check for George's pay, $430.00 He has been discharged and allowed milage [sic] to Roseburg, also free passage to San Francisco by steamer City of Puebla, Board and Medical attendance.
He is very weak but they think he will make the journey all right. He goes on board this morning. Hope he gets back safe and has a speedy recovery. He has chronic diarrhaea I believe. The rest of the Company are well. Godfrey, Shambrek [? sp.], Sloune [? sp.], Day, Wright, send letters by this mail as do also most of the other boys.
I send a box containing some "relics" of my own and other boys of the Co. addressed to Richards as it is quite heavy and would be much trouble to handle. I will have him deliver the packs to their owners. Take good care of mine. We are still in the dark as to when we are to return, but nearly all expect to hear before very long as to whether we are to stay here long or not.
We were paid off here thru 17th, but as yet have found no way to make remittance. They are out of money orders at the post office, and the Paymasters will not write checks till next week some time, so will have to wait a few days. Will send at the first opportunity.
Hope to hear from you soon again. The Australia is expected here most any time now. She is reported to have left S. F. on the 3rd. Ought to be here by the 1st of the month at farthest.
The weather is quite cool nights and evenings and quite warm from 9 A.M. to P.M. or there abouts, except when it rains which is quite often.
I am in excellent health. Hope that you and the boys are the same.
With Love,
Your Affectionate Husband
F. B. Hamlin
Saturday, October 10, 2009
August 17, 1898, Frank to Nellis - his son
Manila
Aug 17, 1898
Dear Nellis,
I wrote one letter to mama and one to Virgil and now I will write one for you. I want you and Virgil to be good boys and mind your mama, so you won't get sick. papa is coming home pretty soon to see you if you want him to. I saw two monkeys the other day but they were ugly things and would bite and scratch. I think the nicest things I can send you are some sea shells. Do you want some more?
If you do tell mama to write and tell me about it.
Your Loving Father
F. B. Hamlin
I wrote one letter to mama and one to Virgil and now I will write one for you. I want you and Virgil to be good boys and mind your mama, so you won't get sick. papa is coming home pretty soon to see you if you want him to. I saw two monkeys the other day but they were ugly things and would bite and scratch. I think the nicest things I can send you are some sea shells. Do you want some more?
If you do tell mama to write and tell me about it.
Your Loving Father
F. B. Hamlin
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Aug. 17, 1898, Frank to Cressida - Manila
Return address:
F. B. Hamlin
1st Lt. Co. B
Manila P.I.
Addressed to:
Mrs. F. B. Hamlin
Roseburg
Douglas Co. Oregon
------------------------------------
Manila, P.I.
Aug. 17, 1898
My Dear Wife,
I wrote you a few lines yesterday. Don't know whether it was mailed in time to get off on the Co. ? or not. We are told the mail goes again in a few days but such things are so uncertain that about the only way to do is just to write when you have time, mail at once and let the postal department do the rest. All our troops have been worked pretty hard. Most of the officers and men have been on guard duty of one kind and another nearly all the time since we landed on the afternoon of Aug. 13 to the present time.
Things are getting somewhat settled now, and we will undoubtedly have less to do from now on. Our whole Co. was on duty guarding the arsenal and magazine yesterday and last night. I had charge of a magazine in which was said to be stored 80 tons of powder and 5 tons of gun cotton.
The sentinels all attended strictly to business. I slept about 3 hrs. during the 24, but am feeling first rate now. May take a nap this afternoon. If not will go to bed early tonight and get a good rest. it rains a great deal here now and is quite cool especially at night. Think I am pretty well acclimated.
Our Co. L.M. Sgt. F. S. Godfrey has gone over to Cavite to day for the Co. Property that we left behind. We brought no blankets -- in fact nothing but guns, ammunition and hard-tack and canned meat for 48 hrs rations. We have rec'd since arrival hard-tack, coffee, canned salmon, can-beef, and rice. This for the Co. - in addition to which I have been able to purchase in Manila for our officers mess some peaches and jelly in glass jars at the rate of about 50c per pint jar.
We the officers of Co. B. have our food cooked by the Company cook, and in addition purchase fruit [?] from the commissary Dept. at very reasonable rates, almost as cheap as same can be bought in Roseburg.
We are guaranteed in Cuartel de Espania, the barracks in which the 6th Batallion de Infanteria Spanish troops were quartered. The Water of the City Water Works has been turned on, but we are using cistern water at present, from the galvanized iron roofs of our barracks.
There are thousands of rifles still stacked in the plaza taking the rain. They are being moved to shelter and cared for, but very slowly.
We are told that our [?] is to be armed with Mouser rifles captured here. There are said to be about 2000 brand new guns that have never been unpacked, and many of the guns turned in are practically new. Many of the captured cannon are new and of the latest patterns. Immense stores of ammunition of all kinds have also been captured. Flour and meat in Manila was very scarce but they seem to have had plenty of everything else.--We hear today that peace negotiations are progressing and that the Pres. has ordered hostilities to cease. That being so, it may not be very long till the volunteer troops return to the U.S.-- possibly by Christmas as I guessed some time ago.
Honolulu is a nice place, and so is Manila, what I have seen of it, but I don't think they would either one be a good place in which to raise such boys as ours.-- Too much Latin blood here, and influences not good.
Nearly everybody here is said to be affected more or less with syphalus [sic]. This refers to all those both men and women-- who are not strictly virtuous. Many even of the small children and babies are covered with sores and scabs, the results of tainted blood of parents till I am almost afraid to handle anything they touch. Their "Margaritas" -- loose women-- are on the streets and everywhere both day and night. They are not allowed in any of our camps and most of the boys are as "fraid as pisen" of them. One variety of the Asiatic Syph-- is said to show upon the unfortunate victim within one hour.-- But I don't know that this will interest you at all. --or that it would be worth my while to assure you that I shall return unscathed, however trusting that you have by this time some little confidence in me, I will say that I expect to return to you as I left, and that I expect you to put the same confidence in me that you would have me place in you. -----------------
I sent you a week or so ago Registered Letter containing Check for $40, and $5.00 bill. Sent also at same time to Emmett. P.O. Money order for $7.25 money collected for goods sold members of Co. B before we went to Portland. Sent also 3 pgs. of sea shells. One to you one to Emmett, for sale, and one to Jim.
Will send you another in a few days and one to mother. Have some very pretty ones. Will likely be able to start? [send?] you some more money about the first of next month, likely $80, or more.
Harry Slocum, F. S. Godfrey, D. R. Shambrook [?], Geo. Day, Hubert Knight, and in fact all our Roseburg & vicinity boys are well, except Geo. Starmer, and he is getting much better. Able to be up and around.
Hope you got that basket of things I sent by Wm. Wann. Expect to use the mail mostly from this time on.
But I must close for this time.
Write often and let me know everything just as it is. I shall do the same.
As ever Your Affectionate Husband
F. B. Hamlin.
I enclose small token of remembrance in shape of a handkerchief,
FBH
F. B. Hamlin
1st Lt. Co. B
Manila P.I.
Addressed to:
Mrs. F. B. Hamlin
Roseburg
Douglas Co. Oregon
------------------------------------
Manila, P.I.
Aug. 17, 1898
My Dear Wife,
I wrote you a few lines yesterday. Don't know whether it was mailed in time to get off on the Co. ? or not. We are told the mail goes again in a few days but such things are so uncertain that about the only way to do is just to write when you have time, mail at once and let the postal department do the rest. All our troops have been worked pretty hard. Most of the officers and men have been on guard duty of one kind and another nearly all the time since we landed on the afternoon of Aug. 13 to the present time.
Things are getting somewhat settled now, and we will undoubtedly have less to do from now on. Our whole Co. was on duty guarding the arsenal and magazine yesterday and last night. I had charge of a magazine in which was said to be stored 80 tons of powder and 5 tons of gun cotton.
The sentinels all attended strictly to business. I slept about 3 hrs. during the 24, but am feeling first rate now. May take a nap this afternoon. If not will go to bed early tonight and get a good rest. it rains a great deal here now and is quite cool especially at night. Think I am pretty well acclimated.
Our Co. L.M. Sgt. F. S. Godfrey has gone over to Cavite to day for the Co. Property that we left behind. We brought no blankets -- in fact nothing but guns, ammunition and hard-tack and canned meat for 48 hrs rations. We have rec'd since arrival hard-tack, coffee, canned salmon, can-beef, and rice. This for the Co. - in addition to which I have been able to purchase in Manila for our officers mess some peaches and jelly in glass jars at the rate of about 50c per pint jar.
We the officers of Co. B. have our food cooked by the Company cook, and in addition purchase fruit [?] from the commissary Dept. at very reasonable rates, almost as cheap as same can be bought in Roseburg.
We are guaranteed in Cuartel de Espania, the barracks in which the 6th Batallion de Infanteria Spanish troops were quartered. The Water of the City Water Works has been turned on, but we are using cistern water at present, from the galvanized iron roofs of our barracks.
There are thousands of rifles still stacked in the plaza taking the rain. They are being moved to shelter and cared for, but very slowly.
We are told that our [?] is to be armed with Mouser rifles captured here. There are said to be about 2000 brand new guns that have never been unpacked, and many of the guns turned in are practically new. Many of the captured cannon are new and of the latest patterns. Immense stores of ammunition of all kinds have also been captured. Flour and meat in Manila was very scarce but they seem to have had plenty of everything else.--We hear today that peace negotiations are progressing and that the Pres. has ordered hostilities to cease. That being so, it may not be very long till the volunteer troops return to the U.S.-- possibly by Christmas as I guessed some time ago.
Honolulu is a nice place, and so is Manila, what I have seen of it, but I don't think they would either one be a good place in which to raise such boys as ours.-- Too much Latin blood here, and influences not good.
Nearly everybody here is said to be affected more or less with syphalus [sic]. This refers to all those both men and women-- who are not strictly virtuous. Many even of the small children and babies are covered with sores and scabs, the results of tainted blood of parents till I am almost afraid to handle anything they touch. Their "Margaritas" -- loose women-- are on the streets and everywhere both day and night. They are not allowed in any of our camps and most of the boys are as "fraid as pisen" of them. One variety of the Asiatic Syph-- is said to show upon the unfortunate victim within one hour.-- But I don't know that this will interest you at all. --or that it would be worth my while to assure you that I shall return unscathed, however trusting that you have by this time some little confidence in me, I will say that I expect to return to you as I left, and that I expect you to put the same confidence in me that you would have me place in you. -----------------
I sent you a week or so ago Registered Letter containing Check for $40, and $5.00 bill. Sent also at same time to Emmett. P.O. Money order for $7.25 money collected for goods sold members of Co. B before we went to Portland. Sent also 3 pgs. of sea shells. One to you one to Emmett, for sale, and one to Jim.
Will send you another in a few days and one to mother. Have some very pretty ones. Will likely be able to start? [send?] you some more money about the first of next month, likely $80, or more.
Harry Slocum, F. S. Godfrey, D. R. Shambrook [?], Geo. Day, Hubert Knight, and in fact all our Roseburg & vicinity boys are well, except Geo. Starmer, and he is getting much better. Able to be up and around.
Hope you got that basket of things I sent by Wm. Wann. Expect to use the mail mostly from this time on.
But I must close for this time.
Write often and let me know everything just as it is. I shall do the same.
As ever Your Affectionate Husband
F. B. Hamlin.
I enclose small token of remembrance in shape of a handkerchief,
FBH
Nov 26, 1898, Frank to Cressida - Manila
Return address:
F. B. Hamlin
1st Lt. Co. B ?? O.U.S.V.
Manila P.I.
Addressed to Mrs. F. B. Hamlin
Roseburg
Douglas Co. Oregon,
U.S.A.
------------------------------------
Manila, P.I.
Nov. 26/98
Dear Cressie,
Just a few lines this morning to let you know that I am in continued good health. Recruits arrived in harbor 23 and were landed yesterday - Thanksgiving Day - just after noon. Our Co. had eaten its dinner , but had reserved and kept hot dinner for the recruits who were expected some time in the P.M.
I got yours of July 12th which was carried to me by Father Agee. Also one from Emmet. All well.--
Suppose you have rec'd. trunk[?] *somethin* this. You will receive several other longer letters from me, in this same mail I think.
Merry Xmas & Happy New Year.
Your Loving Husband
F. B. Hamlin--
F. B. Hamlin
1st Lt. Co. B ?? O.U.S.V.
Manila P.I.
Addressed to Mrs. F. B. Hamlin
Roseburg
Douglas Co. Oregon,
U.S.A.
------------------------------------
Manila, P.I.
Nov. 26/98
Dear Cressie,
Just a few lines this morning to let you know that I am in continued good health. Recruits arrived in harbor 23 and were landed yesterday - Thanksgiving Day - just after noon. Our Co. had eaten its dinner , but had reserved and kept hot dinner for the recruits who were expected some time in the P.M.
I got yours of July 12th which was carried to me by Father Agee. Also one from Emmet. All well.--
Suppose you have rec'd. trunk[?] *somethin* this. You will receive several other longer letters from me, in this same mail I think.
Merry Xmas & Happy New Year.
Your Loving Husband
F. B. Hamlin--
May 25, 1898 Frank to Cressida - SF Harbor
Envelope has return address:
F.B. Hamlin
1st Lieut & act'g. Adj.
2d Ore. Infy. U.S.V.
Manila P.I.
U.S.A.
Stamped:
[Soldier's Mail
W.S. Gilbert.
Chaplain 2nd Oregon]
Addressed to:
Mrs. F. B. Hamlin
Roseburg,
Oregon.
U.S.A.
------------------------------------------------
San Francisco Harbor
Wednesday Morning
(8 o'clock) May 25, 1898
Dear Cressie, Virgil & Nellis,
We are on board the steamer Australia lying just off from Pier No 7 Oceanic Wharf in Bay of San Fran. We came to wharf from Presidio, yesterday morning, started about 8 and arrived at 9-30. Loading of stores and troops was finished at about 4-30 and the boat moved out a few hundred yards and is now at anchor along side the City of Peking and City of Sidney. The Charleston and Monterey are to escort us. It is believed now by many of the officers that we will stop at the Sandwich Islands for some time.
The Charleston & Monterey are already outside the harbor. We expect to start in a few hours. A few more stores to load.
Quarters for officers & men are very comfortable.
The ship is one of the largest and best of the Spreckles passenger steamers.
The bay is quite calm but several have been sea-sick already. Don't know whether I will be seasick or not; will know later.
Each Capt. and his Lieut has a state room to themselves. Good berths. Plenty of bedding
[Assume letter is missing a page or pages; Frank usually closed with a tender message to his wife & a signature.]
F.B. Hamlin
1st Lieut & act'g. Adj.
2d Ore. Infy. U.S.V.
Manila P.I.
U.S.A.
Stamped:
[Soldier's Mail
W.S. Gilbert.
Chaplain 2nd Oregon]
Addressed to:
Mrs. F. B. Hamlin
Roseburg,
Oregon.
U.S.A.
------------------------------------------------
San Francisco Harbor
Wednesday Morning
(8 o'clock) May 25, 1898
Dear Cressie, Virgil & Nellis,
We are on board the steamer Australia lying just off from Pier No 7 Oceanic Wharf in Bay of San Fran. We came to wharf from Presidio, yesterday morning, started about 8 and arrived at 9-30. Loading of stores and troops was finished at about 4-30 and the boat moved out a few hundred yards and is now at anchor along side the City of Peking and City of Sidney. The Charleston and Monterey are to escort us. It is believed now by many of the officers that we will stop at the Sandwich Islands for some time.
The Charleston & Monterey are already outside the harbor. We expect to start in a few hours. A few more stores to load.
Quarters for officers & men are very comfortable.
The ship is one of the largest and best of the Spreckles passenger steamers.
The bay is quite calm but several have been sea-sick already. Don't know whether I will be seasick or not; will know later.
Each Capt. and his Lieut has a state room to themselves. Good berths. Plenty of bedding
[Assume letter is missing a page or pages; Frank usually closed with a tender message to his wife & a signature.]
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