Sixteen Months, Hard Campaigning, P.I. 1898-1899

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Sixteen Months, Hard Campaigning, P.I. 1898-1899 The Photographs, Campaign Hat& Letters belonging to Private David M. Curran, Company H, 10 th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Curran was a resident of Washington, PA, enlisted May 9, 1898. The 10 th PA departed San Francisco for the Philippines, June 14, 1898, aboard the steamship Zealandia, arrived in Manila, PI, July 21. On the evening of July 31 st , they went into battle with Spanish forces, fortified at Malate. Along with batteries of the Utah Light Artillery, the 10 th PA repelled the attack of both Spanish artillery and infantry, who managed to advance within 100 yards. The battle lasted until 3:00 AM. In this first engagement with the enemy, the 10 th PA had the help of the 1 st CA Inf., Utah Light Artillery (4 batteries), and 3 rd U.S. Artillery. August 12, the Spanish surrendered, the 10 th moved in and occupied Manila. On Feb. 4, 1899, Aguinaldo's army of insurgents, who were before the occupation, allied with the American forces, fired on an outpost of the 1 st NE Inf. Heavy fighting began the next day and the 10 th PA, along with units of the 1 st SD, 1 st NE, 1 st MT, and UT Light Art., were constantly engaged until March 17 th . Until March 24, the 10 th PA was busy building fortifications when an advance on Malolos was ordered. They were able to begin the advance only 400 yards when Aguinaldo's insurgents again opened the engagement, fighting lasting two days, until the 28 th . Again, in the advance toward Malolos on Mar. 30, fighting commenced, but the troops were able to enter Malolos. April 14 th , the 10 th PA was relieved from the advance line w they had been since Feb. 4 th , 1899. After a short period of rest in Manila, the regiment was ordered to Cavite to relieved the 51 st Iowa, who had also been in extended combat since their arrival (They were actually the heaviest engaged regiment during the Philippines Campaign) While in Cavite, elements of the 10 th PA were again engaged with the enemy to aid the movements of General Lawton on the line south of Manila. August 1 st , they arrived back in San Francisco, after 16 months of active campaigning and hard fighting in the Philippines. August 22 nd , the 10 th PA was mustered out of U.S. service in Pittsburg. This group consists of Pvt. Curran's felt, regulation campaign hat. The present condition of the hat is not as a result of poor storage, this hat is just like he saved it! It is well used, well worn, but is not moth damaged, except for some scattered surface "tracking". the crown has numerous breaks in the fabric, simply from daily wear in the worst conditions. Hat lacks the leather sweatband. Many soldiers removed them as they were considered by some as too hot. They also cut open their campaign hats in order to permit additional ventilation. This hat has a few open areas that appear to be soldier made, most are just simple wear. The silk hat ribbon remains in place inasmuch any photograph of soldier's who have campaigned in Puerto Rico or the Philippines for any length of time they appear bedraggled, tired and dirty. Their campaign hats drooping and with many holes. T are six photographs, one of Pvt. Curran himself (marked), with the reverse inscribed, "Taken on Corregidor island - April 1899 -" Company H, Pvt. Curran's company, was one of two companies who were not able to rest while at Manila, being sent to the Island of Coregidor until just a few days before departure for the United States. Also two other cabinet photos of partially destroyed dwellings, Filipino families, etc. Also, photos of his father and sister. Also, two letters, from family members (mother & sister) addressed to him, April, 1899, in Manila. Also, a large, copper Spanish penny, made into an ID device, with stamped "D.C." initials and small, drilled hole for a neck cord. This is a nice honest group for a genuine veteran of much combat. The group also includes rosters and copies of his regimental history. Further records should be obtained from the National Archives. read more

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