October 1, 1898, Frank to Cressida, Manila, P.I.

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.

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