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News Articles (From the Sardis News June 29, 1906) Transcribed by, Christine Walters Malabang, Mindanao, March 14, 1906 You have by this time received news of the death of your son, Tom. I hope so, as I would not want to be the first one to send you such heart-rending news. First. let me offer my heartfelt sympathy to you and Tom's relatives in this sad bereavement. He was a man, and a soldier, well liked by all who knew him. I knew him very intimately as he was a member of my squad. I always found him very attentive to his duties and in every way ready at all times to do what he could to help others. Believe me, I miss Tom indeed. He was my "Bunkie" and I now mow miss him, as the space he had occupied alongside of my bunk is now vacant and there is no Tom to talk to and joke with. Again, let me offer you my heartfelt sympathy, and rest assured, Tom is missed in every sense of this company. Now then, let me tell you the reason for my writing to you; The fighting in which Tom Harrison lost his life was prolonged two days. It seems orders were changed after we had arrived at the top of the mountain on the 6th of March. We waited in sight of the enemy to take action. But we were recalled from our position and told to wait another day. It was during this wait, from 9:00 a.m. til 3:30 p.m. that Tom and I made an agreement to write to each other's people in case of anything happening to us. We were to write for one another and tell just how the other died, or was wounded. Now it is to this promise I gave Tom on the top of Mount "Budajo" that I write. This promise and agreement was made with the idea that it would never have to be fulfilled by either; more to keep us from thinking how perilous was our position. It was only "talk" but it seems it has turned out otherwise. It was on the 7th of March at about 3:45 p.m. just as he was answering the charge, Tom had gained the top of the mountain, and was just going to step up on the trench as he was speared in the stomach. He died almost intantly. Help was at his side as he fell, but Tom was beyond that stage. The day before this final charge I must say that Tom's actions were very courageous and brave, and although no doubt he toroughly realized his danger; and it was very great, ne never gave the least sign. He wanted to do his part. Did he succeed? God alone knows. But we, of the company, must acknowledge that Tom was there for the "charge" and tried to do his duty as a soldier. Tom was buried in Jolo Jolo, P.I. (Philippine Islands) on the 9th day of March as was also ten other good and true soldiers. They received the honors as was theirdue. Still it does not fill the void that we, of the company, feel in not having Tom Harrison with us. He died as we, all of the army, hope to die - "Fighting" God Rest His Soul. In conclusion I would say, I hope and pray that I have fulfilled my obligation to the dead. If in any way in after years I can do any service, let me know of it. You will shortly hear from the Government as to the financial condition of Tom. I know he had saved some, but do not know what extent of savings he had. Again offering my smypathy, I beg to remain. Yours most sincerely
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