that you were having so many ups and downs out in the Philippines. According to my notion Uncle Sam made a big mistake when he didn't let the islands alone after Dewey's victory. Seems to me the Filipinos deserve their liberty just as much as anybody.
"Howsomever, now you are in the ranks, you want to keep on doing your duty by your country to the finish. Walter sailed on the ship Central, and I guess he will be with you about the time you get this. I hope none of you get shot, and all come home safe and sound after the fighting is done. I don't see how you can keep on sodgering so long—'twouldn't suit me nohow.
"That turning around about Braxton Bogg nearly took my breath out of me, for I was afraid my property was gone now sure. Was awful glad that you caught that Spaniard and got half the bank money anyway, and I hope you or the U. S. detective officers get the balance of the money before you give it up. Such outrageous rascals ought to be strung up.
"Well, I ain't got much more to write about. A speculator wanted me to invest in a new get-rich-quick concern, but I told him I had had my eye-teeth cut and wasn't investing in nothing excepting what
