The Story of Patrick Corbett

The Davenport Times, Feb 14, 1901

Taal, Bantanas Prov. PI, Dec 6,

Mr. Denny Moyland, Davenport, Washington

Dear Sir:--It is with pain that I inform you of the loss of Patrick Corbett, on Nov 25, 1900. Pat was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Manila. His company was shortly ordered aboard the US transport Sumner, to sail for this point. Pat thought himself well enough to some, so he was released from the hospital to accompany his command. He seemed fairly well during the trip, but on the way the ship dropped anchor off the coast of Maricaban island to disembark troops and reconnoiter that island. This was on the morning of Nov 26. The Captain thought Pat not well enough to go, in consequence he was left aboard ship. On the morning of Nov 27, he reported at the ship’s hospital for medicine, and this was the last time he was seen. It is thought, however, that he had fallen overboard, or temporarily out of his mind had jumped in the bay. The full particulars of his disappearance is undetermined, as no one saw him from the above stated hour, until he was missed that night. The only thing certain is, poor Pat is gone. As it would have been an utter impossibility for him to land, as the ship was lying at least one mile east at sea, and as all the “life boats” were absent at the time, there was no way possible in which to reach the shore. If you would kindly inform those that it may concern in that locality, or publish the facts in a Davenport paper you will confer upon me a favor as I believe it is my duty to inform his friends of his mysterious disappearance. In conclusion I will state that Pat was an excellent soldier, was always found when needed for duty and was much beloved by his comrades, so the loss is mourned among them as well as by those at home. Yours Respectfully, Frank E. Frink, Co “I” 39 Inf USV.

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