Happy Birthday Sweetheart. How I do wish we were together a top the Mark Hopkins, lifting over a “few”. Just you and I. I wonder how you are darling, and what you are doing today. Do hope you are not worrying too much about me. We are getting along quite well so far taking everything into consideration.
Today is the start of our fifth month in this camp. In some ways it hardly seems possible, then again, it seems ages. It is reported that there is no more flour in Manila so we have had no bread on the line for more than two weeks. This is only the beginning of things to come. Now that Corregidor has fallen, Manila Bay is filled with Jap ships loading up and carting away all their war booty. According to information received from the outside, just about everything of value owned by us in here is being taken, including automobiles, refrigerators, radios and all the canned goods and groceries they can lay their hands on. We also learn that there was a total of seven thousand officers, troops, civilians and nurses on Corregidor when they surrendered. I rather expected that there was much more than this, which makes it all the more surprising that they should have run out of food and ammunition, necessitating their surrender. This whole affair out here makes one very dis-heartened to think that we were so poorly prepared and managed. Surely the command will have a lot to answer for. But we at least have something, if you can call it that, and that is the distinction of being the first American civilians ever to be put in a concentration camp in their own territory. Likewise the American troops, to surrender their own territory. Not a pretty picture at all.
Yesterdays paper carries an item to the affect that San Francisco was under an air raid alarm for twenty seven minutes on May 5th. Can it be possible that the Japs are really intending taking over the United States proper? I don’t believe any one ever thought they could go as far as they have, but the facts are known and so far as we know, they have not yet been slowed down. It is all so inconceivable, yet the proof is before us and the devils are still going strong. I believe, along with many others, that we should have been able to recover from the first blow long before this but apparently no soap.
Have just gone out to the shanty to get a new pencil and there met a fellow who has been out on a sick pass and he tells a different story about Corregidor. He says there are 11,473 men on the island and that the Japs have refused to accept their surrender unless all other armed forces in the Philippines surrender. The Japs have them bottled up there on the island, under heavy guard, and intend to kill every one of them if the balance of our forces do not surrender within four days. He heard General Wainwright’s plea over the radio to commanders of other forces to lay down their arms and further says he is a broken man, sobbing all the time he was trying to talk. It is terrible and almost unbelievable, but after hearing of the many atrocities committed on the natives I can believe anything. The only thing I wonder about is, how long is the U.S. going to stand for this.
I also heard this morning that the Jap army trucks go dynamiting around town, hell-bent-for-leather, driving wrecklessly and have killed endless numbers of civilians, both pedestrians and others riding in carromatas, etc; the chap who tole me says he has seen many such cases. On his way down to camp this morning he saw two killed outright and the truck did not even stop to render aid.
My stenographer came down this morning and managed to talk the guard into letting her come in. so we had quite a little chat. She has been a peach of a kid. Did not have much to say about things outside but take it there is much room for improvement. Was happy to have talked to her as it breaks the monotony.
That’s about all for today Sweetheart. We have just received notice that we can again try to send notes to the states by means of the Brazilian consul, so will scribble you off a line and hope you may receive it before long. Some how I don’t have much confidence that you will ever receive it but am not passing up an opportunity. So here’s hoping.
May 9, 1942
Time marches on! Was busy yesterday making a table for a friend so again this was neglected. By keeping busy the time fairly flies and I don't seem to get around to doing half the things I should. Have sent outside for some tools and hope to go into the carpentry business and pick up a little small change now and then around camp. Have also been busy making home brew from pineapple cuttings. Bottled the first batch this morning and it's not bad either, although a few days more might do it some good. We are not allowed any liquor in here so quite a number have been making their own. I hope to get in a little "alky" to spike it then we'll really have something - Or go blind - either one - What does it matter?
The fall of Corregidor is definite. Yesterday the Japs were parading all around town on band wagons celebrating the occasion, and the morning paper shows General Wainwright surrendering. At last nights rumor session we hear that Corregidor had run out of both food and ammunition. This is surprising as most every one was under the impression that they could hold out for at least two years. This appears to be another example of poor management or judgement on the part of our forces. It is going to be a most interesting story to read after this is all over.
The European situation appears to continue toward the final climax which we all hope will be soon. It is my opinion that we here in the Philippines have seen the last of actual warfare and fighting and that the decisive battle grounds will be Japan. We know of only two air raids on Japan to date but expect there will be plenty as soon as Germany folds up.
Now that the Japs have complete control of the Philippines many believe that we will soon be let out to shift for ourselves before the rainy season sets in. Unless the States banks open in which we have money, I don't see that it will do us much good as the Japs have taken over all our properties, business money and jobs. We understand that the Red Cross expense for feeding us in here, two damn slim meals per day, isP1.20 [pesos] or U.S. $.60 (sixty cents). I'd like to know who is getting the fifty cents, for the meals surely can not cost more than a dime at the very outside. Personally I believe the big shots in the Red Cross are making a fortunate [sic] on this. One of the directors happens to own a business in Manila that has been taken over by the Japs so guess he is trying to make up for it at our and the Red Cross' expense. It must be the nature of the beasts to be always on the look-out to gyp some one out of a dime even in critical times such as these. One of Bill's friends.
The fall of Corregidor is definite. Yesterday the Japs were parading all around town on band wagons celebrating the occasion, and the morning paper shows General Wainwright surrendering. At last nights rumor session we hear that Corregidor had run out of both food and ammunition. This is surprising as most every one was under the impression that they could hold out for at least two years. This appears to be another example of poor management or judgement on the part of our forces. It is going to be a most interesting story to read after this is all over.
The European situation appears to continue toward the final climax which we all hope will be soon. It is my opinion that we here in the Philippines have seen the last of actual warfare and fighting and that the decisive battle grounds will be Japan. We know of only two air raids on Japan to date but expect there will be plenty as soon as Germany folds up.
Now that the Japs have complete control of the Philippines many believe that we will soon be let out to shift for ourselves before the rainy season sets in. Unless the States banks open in which we have money, I don't see that it will do us much good as the Japs have taken over all our properties, business money and jobs. We understand that the Red Cross expense for feeding us in here, two damn slim meals per day, is
May 7, 1942
Quite some time has elapsed since my last entry, during which time the rumors have been coming in strong and unreliable as ever and I have been keeping out of trouble puttering around making one thing and another. Have made three folding canvas chairs, cabinet for supplies and a shanty for a friend. When I get started on these jobs I don't like to quit until I'm finished, resulting in the neglect of this. Although there has not been much to tell lately anyway.
Apparently all the rumors about reinforcements arriving in the Philippines is "bunk." Bataan has definitely fallen and today we have confirmation that Corregidor surrendered yesterday. This is the last of American stronghold and completes the surrender of the Philippines to the Japs. Needless to say, no one is feeling any too good today. It now looks like we will be here for a long while. In three more days we will have completed four months in the "klink."
According to rumor, the European situation is more favorable and the betting by Lloyds and Wall Street is four to one that the mess there will be over in thirty days. The Russians are going strong and progress is being made on all other fronts. Naturally, the sooner the European mess is cleaned up, the better it will be for us out here as an all out on the Japs can then be made. We hear of large convoys arriving in Australia from the U.S.A. which is, I imagine, the preparation or ground work for the big push. In the mean-time, we are still locked up and the chow getting no better fast. Am down to 160 pounds now.
Am not much in the mood for writing today, but this has broken the "ice" so will be back again tomorrow with the latest.
Apparently all the rumors about reinforcements arriving in the Philippines is "bunk." Bataan has definitely fallen and today we have confirmation that Corregidor surrendered yesterday. This is the last of American stronghold and completes the surrender of the Philippines to the Japs. Needless to say, no one is feeling any too good today. It now looks like we will be here for a long while. In three more days we will have completed four months in the "klink."
According to rumor, the European situation is more favorable and the betting by Lloyds and Wall Street is four to one that the mess there will be over in thirty days. The Russians are going strong and progress is being made on all other fronts. Naturally, the sooner the European mess is cleaned up, the better it will be for us out here as an all out on the Japs can then be made. We hear of large convoys arriving in Australia from the U.S.A. which is, I imagine, the preparation or ground work for the big push. In the mean-time, we are still locked up and the chow getting no better fast. Am down to 160 pounds now.
Am not much in the mood for writing today, but this has broken the "ice" so will be back again tomorrow with the latest.
April 25, 1942
The hot weather continues and so does the rumors. We have been getting in the rumor for the past few days that Italy is asking for a seperate peace with the Allies and are holding a meeting in Lisbon for that purpose. To my way of thinking, this is not at all unlikely as we have not heard of Italy taking any offensive lately or, as a matter of fact, doing much of anything. It was a surprise to many when Italy cast her lot with the Axis and now that the tide appears to be changing it is the natural thing to do in an effort to salvage something at least.
We have a very similar case right here in Manila but on a personal scale, of a prominent official connected with the Agp. When the Japs first took over Manila, this party was not interned with the rest of us but was out in custody of a high ranking Nazi official friend of his. Up to several days ago, said party enjoyed all the freedom and protection of the present Jap military regime. This naturally encumbered certain obligations and before long said party was making radio speeches about co-operating with the new order of East Asia and telling the Filipinos how badly they had been exploited by the Americans. Apparently due to either a change of heart or a change in the military situation out this way, said party tried to swing over to our side and wanted to come in to camp and be interned like all the rest of us, several days ago. The Jap commandant in charge of this camp would not accept him and referred him to the military headquarters. I saw and talked to him when he came in here to apply for admission. I have known him for some time; played golf and many a drink we've had together. Always thought him to be a fine fellow and a good sport up to the outbreak of war. It is very amusing to see how people re-act when the pressure is applied. It's an experience worth millions that you couldn't sell for a plugged dime. Now to get back to the story: this morning the rumor comes in hot and heavy that two Americans were executed by the Japs yesterday, one of which was an official of the Agp. No one seems to know who the other one was, or why he was executed. All the other officials of Agp are in here which leaves only one answer as I see it. But that's war! Said party may have had another side to the story that we don't know and many of us are hoping that this execution is only a rumor so that we may some day know the full story.
And speaking of people that change their nationality, there were two in our immediate shanty that turned yellow when the pressure was applied; one, formerly connected with the Army who destroyed a U.S. passport and other equipment and kept only a foreign birth certificate for identification. However, when things got tough on the outside and the Japs issued stern warnings to foreigners to register, they got scared stiff and finally came into camp. If the U.S. was a little more strict in their admission of foreigners to U.S. Citizenship, they might value it more highly. On the other hand, you will probably find native born citizens who are no better and ready to jump on any band-wagon to save their selfish flesh and blood. It gets me!!
There is considerable air activity around here today; guess they are out after Corregidor again. We have had very little news lately. Even the K.G.E.I. transcripts have nothing on the Philippine situation. We have either been forgotten, or this is the calm before the storm. Quien sabe! We have heard nothing on the Bataan situation lately or what has been done with the sixty thousand troops that have been taken prisoners.
We have a very similar case right here in Manila but on a personal scale, of a prominent official connected with the Agp. When the Japs first took over Manila, this party was not interned with the rest of us but was out in custody of a high ranking Nazi official friend of his. Up to several days ago, said party enjoyed all the freedom and protection of the present Jap military regime. This naturally encumbered certain obligations and before long said party was making radio speeches about co-operating with the new order of East Asia and telling the Filipinos how badly they had been exploited by the Americans. Apparently due to either a change of heart or a change in the military situation out this way, said party tried to swing over to our side and wanted to come in to camp and be interned like all the rest of us, several days ago. The Jap commandant in charge of this camp would not accept him and referred him to the military headquarters. I saw and talked to him when he came in here to apply for admission. I have known him for some time; played golf and many a drink we've had together. Always thought him to be a fine fellow and a good sport up to the outbreak of war. It is very amusing to see how people re-act when the pressure is applied. It's an experience worth millions that you couldn't sell for a plugged dime. Now to get back to the story: this morning the rumor comes in hot and heavy that two Americans were executed by the Japs yesterday, one of which was an official of the Agp. No one seems to know who the other one was, or why he was executed. All the other officials of Agp are in here which leaves only one answer as I see it. But that's war! Said party may have had another side to the story that we don't know and many of us are hoping that this execution is only a rumor so that we may some day know the full story.
And speaking of people that change their nationality, there were two in our immediate shanty that turned yellow when the pressure was applied; one, formerly connected with the Army who destroyed a U.S. passport and other equipment and kept only a foreign birth certificate for identification. However, when things got tough on the outside and the Japs issued stern warnings to foreigners to register, they got scared stiff and finally came into camp. If the U.S. was a little more strict in their admission of foreigners to U.S. Citizenship, they might value it more highly. On the other hand, you will probably find native born citizens who are no better and ready to jump on any band-wagon to save their selfish flesh and blood. It gets me!!
There is considerable air activity around here today; guess they are out after Corregidor again. We have had very little news lately. Even the K.G.E.I. transcripts have nothing on the Philippine situation. We have either been forgotten, or this is the calm before the storm. Quien sabe! We have heard nothing on the Bataan situation lately or what has been done with the sixty thousand troops that have been taken prisoners.
April 24, 1942
There seems to be a great wave of optimism lately along the lines of rumors. Planes continue to bomb Japan and our forces are reportedly moving up from Australia, sweeping the Japs as they roll along. It is also rumored that our forces have landed on the southern tip of Luzon at a town named Legaspi. All last night we could hear a heavy movement of tanks and trucks moving northward, which according to the optimists is Japs retreating from the south. It does add up and maybe there is something to it. Who knows?
Here's a rich one! After being in camp for over three and one half months, yesterday I met a man by the name of Calvert, who received a letter from his wife in San Francisco on the last clipper to come to these parts, telling him all about meeting you and your mother and you coming out here. We had quite a little chat comparing notes, etc; and both look forward to having a big "bust" when you and his wife do come out here. The fact that both you and his wife just missed by bare inches, in getting caught in this mess gave us much in common to be grateful for. Every time I think how close you came to being caught, cold chills run up and down my spine. Mr. Calvert seems to be a very fine chap and a regular fellow. Will undoubtedly see more of him from now on. He is from San Francisco also so we get along O.K.
It is surprising, that although we are all cooped up here together, weeks go by with out seeing certain ones we know. Just this morning I met a fellow who I thought had been out on a pass as I had not seen him for some time, but he had been here all the time, same as I, and wondered whether I had been out. I have been thinking of trying to get out for a day to get some money and incidently a "snoot-full," but passes are hard to get so am not planning on it too keenly. Havn't had a drink in almost four months so guess I can get along without it for a little while longer.
Here's a rich one! After being in camp for over three and one half months, yesterday I met a man by the name of Calvert, who received a letter from his wife in San Francisco on the last clipper to come to these parts, telling him all about meeting you and your mother and you coming out here. We had quite a little chat comparing notes, etc; and both look forward to having a big "bust" when you and his wife do come out here. The fact that both you and his wife just missed by bare inches, in getting caught in this mess gave us much in common to be grateful for. Every time I think how close you came to being caught, cold chills run up and down my spine. Mr. Calvert seems to be a very fine chap and a regular fellow. Will undoubtedly see more of him from now on. He is from San Francisco also so we get along O.K.
It is surprising, that although we are all cooped up here together, weeks go by with out seeing certain ones we know. Just this morning I met a fellow who I thought had been out on a pass as I had not seen him for some time, but he had been here all the time, same as I, and wondered whether I had been out. I have been thinking of trying to get out for a day to get some money and incidently a "snoot-full," but passes are hard to get so am not planning on it too keenly. Havn't had a drink in almost four months so guess I can get along without it for a little while longer.
April 21, 1942
The rumors are "hot" today. We have it that K.G.E.I. and also Japan radio has broadcast that Japan has been bombed two days in succession causing heavy damage to military factories and etc; Japan says that only hospitals and residences were bombed. This remark is naturally to be expected but the fact that Japan admits being bombed is good news.
Another one from Australia is that New Guinea has been cleaned up of Japs and that our forces are now in Java, British Borneo and Mindanao (Southern Philippines) mopping up there, and headed for Manila.
There is more air activity today than we have seen for the past week, which is a pretty good sign that something has stirred them up. Since they (Japs) have taken Bataan, things have been rather quiet with the exception of Sunday evening we heard a lot of what was thought to be heavy artillery not far from camp. Nobody seems to know what it was all about and not even a good rumor has come out of it yet.
Another one from Australia is that New Guinea has been cleaned up of Japs and that our forces are now in Java, British Borneo and Mindanao (Southern Philippines) mopping up there, and headed for Manila.
There is more air activity today than we have seen for the past week, which is a pretty good sign that something has stirred them up. Since they (Japs) have taken Bataan, things have been rather quiet with the exception of Sunday evening we heard a lot of what was thought to be heavy artillery not far from camp. Nobody seems to know what it was all about and not even a good rumor has come out of it yet.
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