A Civilian in Lawton's 1899 Philippine Campaign: The Letters of Robert D. Carter
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A Civilian in Lawton's 1899 Philippine Campaign: The Letters of Robert D. Carter
216eBook
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Overview
In the midst of the Philippine-American War, twenty-two-year-old Robert Dexter Carter served in Manila as a civilian quartermaster clerk. Through his letters to his family, he provided a vivid picture of army life in Manila—the sights, the smells, and his responses to the native culture. In addition to his letters, his diary and several related articles present a firsthand account of the historic voyage of the United States Army Transport Grant through the Suez Canal to Manila in early 1899. Carter’s writings not only tell of his sometimes harrowing experiences, but also reveal the aspirations and fears of a young man not quite sure of his next steps on life’s journey.
Carter’s father, Robert Goldthwaite Carter, was a war hero and a longtime friend of Maj. Gen. Henry W. Lawton. Carter obtained his position through Lawton’s influence, and his respect for Lawton is clear throughout his writings. A frequent guest in the Lawton home, the young clerk was introduced to many notable figures both military and civilian. Carter’s letters, particularly to his father, are full of news and gossip related to his commander. In other letters, he reveals the kindness and generosity of Mrs. Lawton, who took time to look out for Carter while he was in the hospital and often loaned him books.
This well-researched and expertly edited work casts light on the role of support troops in war, a subject too often minimized or ignored. Shay begins each chapter with an introduction that establishes the setting, the context of events, and the disposition of Carter and his compatriots and provides notes and commentary to place the letters in context. By choosing not to edit the offensive expletives of a sometimes arrogant and racist young man, Shay presents a fully nuanced portrait of a young American exploring the larger world in a time of turmoil.
Enhanced by photographs from collections at the Library of Congress and the Military History Institute, as well as many of Carter’s own whimsical drawings, the book will appeal to armchair historians and scholars alike.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780826273055 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | University of Missouri Press |
| Publication date: | 10/29/2013 |
| Series: | American Military Experience |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 216 |
| File size: | 6 MB |
About the Author
Michael E. Shay is a Senior Superior Court Judge in Connecticut. He has had a lifelong interest in American history, particularly the story of the 26th “Yankee” Division in World War I. His previous books include Revered Commander, Maligned General: The Life of Clarence Ransom Edwards, 1859–1931 and Sky Pilots: The Yankee Division Chaplains in World War I, both published by the University of Missouri Press.
The American Military Experience Series, edited by John C. McManus.Read an Excerpt
A Civilian in Lawton's 1899 Philippine Campaign
The Letters of Robert D. Carter
By Michael E. Shay
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI PRESS
Copyright © 2013 The Curators of the University of MissouriAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-8262-2008-0
CHAPTER 1
The Diary
"My little pocket diary which I had with me on ship was lost for quite a little time. Yesterday I found it. A few extracts from my daily life might be of interest."
—Robert Dexter Carter
January
Mon. 16 Appointed. Married. Left for NY.
Tue. 17 A beautiful day, magnificent sunrise, Hudson full of floating ice, the sun behind the great skyscrapers in NY. 23rd St. Ferry. Went to Hotel St. Denis, 11th & Broadway, fine breakfast. Found Percy, went down Broadway, crossed Brooklyn Bridge, went aboard Grant. Spent afternoon on deck and quay with H. Pulled out to the Liberty [Island] in evening.
Wed. 18 A fine day. Gen. Corbin and officials were on board, band played, salutes fired. About 4 P.M. got under way and went up Hudson to Grant's Tomb, cheering crowds on ferry boats, bitter cold. Saluted. Anchored off Cortland St. Many men left, cooks, etc. Wrote many letters. Years may pass before I again set foot in my native land. Dropped down off Liberty [Island] during night. Lawton overhauled Baker.
Thur. 19 Snow during night. Got under way about 10 A.M. Went down in hold and worked getting up stores. Rec'd postal from Father. The last word from home. Am glad H. is home at last safe. Passed Sandy Hook. Disappearing batteries fired salutes. Swarms of gulls follow ship. Adjust compass. Had to change quarters. Have not been sick.
Fri. 20 Have passed no ship since leaving [Sandy] Hook. Rather heavy swell. In the hold in morning. We are crossing the Gulf Stream and the temperature is gradually getting warmer. We made up to noon 280 mi. So far have not been sick, headaches. Have heard quite some tales of Manila, smallpox, etc. Every night I look toward west at sunset. Behind I have left the whole world to me behind.
Sat. 21 One poor fellow died last night. Made 240 miles. Engine stopped 2 ½ hrs.
Sun. 22 218 miles today. Feel fine, worked hard in store. Heavy sea. Talked with Mrs. L. Passed the British tramp Laura. Slight squall in morning. Issuing fruit all morning. We are not making very fast time. It seems like Sunday. This evening I sit alone and think of one week ago with H. Now on the sea, how brief the time, how great the distance.
Mon. 23 301 miles. Rough night. Am feeling well. Rained in morning, heavy blow in evening. Making fast time. Talked with Gen. L. He seems to think I want to stay in Manila the rest of my days. That is out of the question. Moonlight on the water. Will write some tonight. The sea, the sea, the sea.
Tue. 24 292 mi. Heavy swell, dishes flying. In the hold hunting L's box. Wrote on my article. Slept badly.
Wed. 25 294 mi. About half way. Hard work in the store this P.M. Heavy roll. Vessel getting lighter from taking out coal. Wrote H. I have made up my mind to go off the ship at Manila and stick to Lawton.
Thur. 26 282 miles. Over half way. May sight the Azores tomorrow. Not a hard day. Showers every few hours. My head aches, no appetite, stomach alright. Wrote some on my article. Shall write to H tonight. This is my night with her at home.
Fri. 27 Longest run yet, 308 mi. Hard work in store, sold 600 cans fruit. Musical in Saloon Last eve. A beautiful morning, heavy sea, and wind in P.M. Tomorrow possibly land, land. Talked with Gen. L. last evening on deck.
Sat. 28 A fine day, 280 miles. Passed Santa Maria, southern island Azores. Great mass of rocks, mountains, etc., bronze color. Played cards in evening. Not feeling well.
Sun. 29 Much work. One would never know it was Sunday. Worked a long time in store. Did some writing.
Mon. 30 245 mi. Rainy. Worked in office. Game evening.
Tue. 31 285 [mi], fair. Not much doing. Only the ocean. Passed some vessels distant. 3300 mi. so far. Tomorrow will probably land us on the "Rock." About 8 P.M. engines stopped. Land in sight. Will enter Straits of Gib in morning. A beautiful day, heavy thunderstorm during night.
February
Feb. 1 [Wed.] A cold rainy morning. Passed through Straits. Long lines of jagged cliffs and mountains. Passed "Ape's Head," one solid gray rock 2800 ft. The "Rock" is a beautiful sight. Came to anchor, health officer aboard, heavy sea, quarantined, salutes from sea and 1st Line of Defense. Japanese torpedo boat in harbor, also Princeton. Great swarms of gulls. Tugs having a hard time. One of the after launches slipped from davits throwing sailors into water. Musical in evening.
Feb. 2 A succession of heavy squalls increasing in P.M. Too rough to coal. Moored anchorage at 10 A.M. between Devastation and American steam yacht. Very rough. Even L & staff and Gen. H. went ashore. Torpedo destroyer circled around us at high speed. HMS Griffon. Two Englishmen aboard. One gave me considerable information.
Fri. 3 A good day. Checked coal until 4 P.M. Went ashore. Bought some things. Came on ship. Went back 8 P.M. with Engineers. Saw the town. Was with two English soldiers, R.A. Hotel Cecil Café Universal, Spanish dancers. Got on board 12:30. Came on launch with officers who went to masked ball, all drunk.
Fri. 4 Checked coal. Was presented with box yesterday from Father. One today from H. Cleared the port about 2:30. Now in Med. To Port Siena Nevada. Starboard Mts. of Atlas. Ceauta. Colonial Penal Settlement in sight.
Sun. 5 Sunday, when that day comes I can not but think of my H. All day in sight of the undulating hills of Africa. Weather fine. Very little motion.
Mon. 6 Rainy in forenoon, cleared in P.M. Passed points at entrance to Algiers Bay. Drew, wrote.
Tues. 7 Islands, high rocky ones. South of Sardinia. Worked in hold and store. Am in doubt but think the Island of Malta is in sight. Cool and clear. Sighted many vessels.
Wed. 8 Beautiful day, the finest so far. Very busy below. No land in sight, passed Malta during the night. Water calm, a summer day.
Thur. 9 Showery, big run, 301 mi., will be in Said tomorrow night. No land today, [we] are now south of Greece and north of Egypt. Quite cool in evening. Vaccinating men this week.
Fri. 10 Clear. Big run, 305 mi. Water changes from the River Nile's delta. Was paid $55 gold on a/c.
Sat. 11 Entered Said15 in Suez Canal about 11 A.M. Went ashore in afternoon, a great old town. Left about 12 P.M. The Princeton and Raleigh are here. Rec'd news of great battles in Manila. Sent letter & mans [manuscript] home. Sent H $45. Post Office, Bank, Photos [taken] Day before [:] Egyptian Christmas, police, American sailors, boats coaling ship, E. India boat coming in, ornaments, circus, ships draped.
Sun. 12 Passing through Canal all day. Saw Ismaila, a beautiful spot near Bitter Lakes. Mid-Arabians, totally nude ran for miles beside ship, [crying] "Bacheech." Got into Suez about 9 P.M. Associated Press correspondent, Mr. Collins, came on board. Waited all night to get soldiers and firemen who were left in Said. Soldiers singing at night. (desert, camels, dredges, stations)
Mon. 13 Foggy. Sailed early in morning, passed to stern of Italian mail steamer, passed French transport, men all in white. Gulf of Suez, red sandstone cliffs. About 5 P.M. passed mountains on both sides. Mt. Sanaii, very ragged. Beautiful sunset.
Tues. 14 300 miles. A fine sunset. Distant glimpses of land. Now in Red Sea at evening, the distant peaks of mts. 60 miles away were discerned. Quite a celebration last night. Valentines delivered, a supper afterwards. Have very little time.
Wed. 15 Weather fine. Nothing of interest. Sea calm. Hot.
Thur. 16 Fair. Hot. Calm.
Fri. 17 Heavy sea, rain in A.M. About 4 P.M. entered harbor [of] Perim Island, English, black rock covered in sand. Coaled. Black divers. Barren black soil. Somalais from Africa, wild fellows. 30 white men on island, English club. First American ship. Snakes extremely venomous, houses built up in air. Capt. B full.
Sat. 18 Weather fair. Nothing of note. Distant land.
Sun. 19 Saw the last of Africa. Eng. ship was near us signaled "Good Luck."
Mon. 20 Fair. The sea.
Tue. 21 Fair. The sea. Superb
Wed. 22 Fair. The sea. Salutes. Moonlit
Thur. 23 Fair. The sea. Nights
Fri. 24 Fair. The sea.
Sat. 25 Beautiful day. Saw in the dim distance mts. at the end of India. Floating coral, flying fish, whale, porpoises. Passed close to several ships. Got into Colombo about 12 P.M., anchored in rear of Russian transport.
Sun. 26 Very warm, fair. Went ashore, P.O., got photos, rode in ricksha, heard of more fighting in M. The boats are green. Church music. Very beautiful flowers, sweet perfumes. Breakwater. Coal dust streaks. Cleared about 12, passed signals with "Good Luck." Alan Robertson. Launches selling jewelry.
Mon. 27 Showers during night. Fair. Boxed up my overcoats and winter stuff.
Tue. 28 Nothing of note. Clear.
March
Wed. Mar. 1 Clear.
Thur. 2 Clear.
Fri. 3 Sighted land. Lay too [to] for hrs. to get soundings in Straits of Malacca.
Sat. 4 Cloudy. Many islands. Got into Singapore about 7 P.M. Went ashore. Ricksha, Chinese coolies, stores, Royal Oak Hotel, Japanese Quarter, Tanjong Pagan, Up all night.
Sun. 5 Cloudy. Heavy sea.
Mon. 6 Heavy sea. Superb sunset.
Tues. 7 Clear. Nothing except water, quite a heavy sea. Remola. Learned finger exercise on typewriter.
Thur. 9 Clear.
Fri. 10 Clear. Got into M about 9 A.M., salute, etc. Met Monterey on way in. British ship Narcissus manned the yards and went home, fine sight. Unloaded the 17th Infantry in cascoes.
Sat. 11 Dewey came aboard. Met Capt. Lamberton. The 4th Infantry went ashore. I went ashore in P.M. and mailed package to Father and letter. Got 2 letters from H. Wrote Percy.
Sun. 12 All day in the hold getting out baggage. Fire on shore, fight among firemen, engineers, etc. Got 2 letters from H, answered them.
Mon. 13 Heavy firing all day and last night. The Baltimore came in.
Tues. 14 In the hold. Big fire at night.
Wed. 15 In hold.
Thur. 16 In hold.
Fri. 17 Clear. Unloading ammunition. Gen. L received his assignment.
Sat. 18 Clear. Went ashore, got a Spanish dinner, went through burnt district. Oregon arrived in evening.
Sun. 19 In hold.
Mon. 20 In hold.
Tues. 21 In hold.
Wed. 22 In hold.
Thur. 23 In hold.
Fri. 24 Went to Spanish hotel. Was paid off $114 + left ship, damned glad of it. Old westerner who had been to India in same room.
Sat. 25 Ate breakfast at American restaurant at Bilibad [sp]. Went to Gen. L's Hdqtrs. Major Edwards and I went to Palace. Was sent out on Grant for transfer papers. Was assigned to Capt. Walcutt Chief, Q.M 1st Div., 8 A.C. Ate lunch on Grant. Got off for last time. She sailed in P.M.
Sun. 26 No entry.
Mon. 27 Wrote H of my assignment. Sent her MO $60.37
Tues. 28 No entry.
Wed. 29 No entry.
Thur. 30 No entry.
Fri. 31 No entry.
April
Sat. Apr. 1 Sent H $20. Was paid for balance of month from 24th.
Sun. 2 No entry.
Mon. 3 No entry.
Tues. 4 No entry.
Wed. 5 No entry.
Thur. 6 No entry.
Fri. 7 No entry.
Sat. 8 Clear. Started in P.M. with money box and in soldiers traps [sp] to Gen. Lawton's house. There embarked in launch Maria; went up Pasig. Bad night's work, launches are all aground at San Pedro Macati. Look on troops. Dined on ginger snaps and a bottle of Apollonaris. 3 A.M. all in lake, got started up lake. No sleep. Walked on all night.
Sun. 9 Beautiful sunrise. At noon consultation. Afternoon moved on Santa Cruz, shelled woods, landed troops. Went around in front of city, enemy not in sight. Walcutt arrived at night. Came off in early morning covered with mud.
Mon. 10th Gen. [Lawton] was up before daybreak. Opened on city, cleaned niggers out in short time. In evening went ashore, carried much money. Wounded on wharf. Slept in Palace.
Apr. 11–30 No entries.
May
May 1–5 No entries.
May 6 Went to Palace in P.M. Horse ran away into mounted orderly, threw us on ground. Got paid, sent H $55.
End of Diary
CHAPTER 2
January—February 1899
Getting There
At this time, the Army Transport Service, part of the Quartermaster Department, was responsible for the transport of its own troops and supplies. During the run up to the Cuban expedition, the Navy had stolen a march on the Army when it quickly supplemented its own fleet with the charter or purchase of private vessels, including some pleasure craft. As a consequence, there was a serious shortage of suitable transport at Tampa available to carry General Shafter's force to Cuba, let alone supply it. Not wanting to be left out of the "great adventure," anxious troops and their commanders engaged in a wild scramble to secure a place in those few ships. Notwithstanding the aggressive creativeness of Colonels Wood and Roosevelt, a very disappointed contingent of the Rough Riders had to be left behind. This situation, along with an inefficient supply system, would increasingly call into question the competence of Secretary of War Russell Alger. Eventually, Alger would become a scapegoat and his name synonymous with incompetence (i.e., "Algerism").
With the defeat of the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, Admiral Dewey asked for a sufficient number of troops in order to garrison Manila. Once again, the Army would be challenged to transport troops, this time halfway around the world. As a result, the Quartermaster Department purchased a number of passenger steamers which they renamed in honor of prominent Civil War generals, like Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Thomas, Hancock, and Hooker. While some of these ships were utilized throughout the Caribbean, the majority were sent to the Pacific, where they made twice-monthly runs between San Francisco and Manila.
In addition to his diary, young Carter maintained a regular correspondence with his family while aboard the USAT Grant. His letters at this time are necessarily short, as he undoubtedly wanted them to be sent home on the next available westbound boat.
USAT Grant
January 18, 1899
Dear Mother,
My time is short. I send this by one of the party who came on board this a. m. with Sec. Alger. Have just been talking with Mrs. Lawton. She thanks you for your kind note. Says she is sorry she has not time to answer it. I got on board in plenty of time yesterday. Poor Helen, I felt so bad to leave her. Percy was very kind and took her to the train. For my sake treat her nicely and do all you can for her. I want to find out about whether I get any allowance for traveling expenses. As it is now, I am paying at the same rate. Enclosed find $5.00. Give this to Helen and tell her I am sorry I could not send her more, but my money was in sad shape, small bills and Gold, that I did not dare to send it by letter. They say sea voyages in the Mediterranean were very beautiful. We are now anchored off of the Statue of Liberty. Time is short. Must say good-bye in haste.
Your affectionate son, Robert D. Carter
January 28, 1899
Dear Sister,
I take this opportunity while waiting for my lunch to write you. I have hardly a minute to spare or would have written you from day to day. It is a beautiful, clear day. Very much as we have in the early part of April and May. Nearly all day we have been in sight of land, the first we have seen for many days. In fact, since our departure, we are now passing the extreme southern island of the Azores, Santa Maria. It looks in outline somewhat like this and from this distance, seems a massive mass of bronze colored rocks. The trip so far has been smooth and pleasant. I have not been sick at my stomach since departure. The only effects felt was a severe headache and dizziness when I went down in the fore part of the vessel due to the extreme pitching there. A great deal of the routine of the ship, and various like incidents, you will probably find in a letter which I will mail Helen at Gibraltar. That is if you get her to read it or show you it. Today is the first day that I have not had to hustle [torn and indecipherable] blessing on a trip like this. My duty so far has been to really be a commissary clerk and sell fruits and stuff and various articles to the soldiers. Nothing clerical whatever.
When you write me, let me know if you got my letter written from New York to you, [and] also, if Helen got money I sent her. Off Sandy Hook, I received a post [from] father. Have been writing up a dry and salty article which possibly may do [to] start the Star on. I understand him to say Harries had fixed it O.K. Commencing at "Gib" there will be something to write. Since leaving New York, there has been nothing of interest to write about. The sea—miles upon miles of waves flecked with foam, that's all. Someone left a camera here, as they never returned for it, I consider myself in [luck]. The question is now, for films and how to preserve them until I can get them developed. If you get a chance, read a book called Yesterdays in the Philippines by Stevens. It is good and if things are as he says, then it will be O.K. An officer said you can live out there and have a servant for $9.00 per month. Let us trust it is so.
Mrs. Lawton, and especially the children, were dreadfully seasick. The General said he felt it more than he ever had before. In fact, I think he was pretty sick. He is in citizen's clothes and does not seem to mingle much with the other officers. Speaks to me every day; wants to know how I am, etc.
On ship board one has a very light appetite. The grub is grand—steamed oysters, salads, etc. for lunch, roast wild duck, goose, turkey and all meats with preserves for dinner; likewise ice-cream and varied desserts. Sometimes we have large fat partridges for breakfast. No "embalmed" meat here. This is no horror ship. There's money and grub to burn. One man died about the second day out of meningitis; sealed him up and put him in the hold. Will land him at Gibraltar. Evenings, the talented people get together in the Dining Room, and sing individually and collectively. One fellow plays a violin grandly. Over in the corners, the old pikers, not so talented, run a game.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from A Civilian in Lawton's 1899 Philippine Campaign by Michael E. Shay. Copyright © 2013 The Curators of the University of Missouri. Excerpted by permission of UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI PRESS.
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