Private Walter Klinepeter was born 29 Sep 1886 and died February 1965. He had a 6th grade education and was listed in a later US census as a “shop man.” Originally from Pennsylvania, and standing at only 5 feet and ½ inch tall he enlisted February 1905 at Harrisburg, PA for one four year cruise, leaving the Marine Corps February 1909. He served a good portion of that cruise aboard the gunboat USS Wilmington where he served as the Captains orderly. Prior to joining the USS Wilmington he served in the Philippines Islands and was listed as a telephone orderly. Klinepeter, like many Marines who kept such logs, was fascinated by the distances they traveled which he noted at the end of most days’ entries.  Strangely, Pvt Klinepeter stopped making entries in his log after he qualified as a 1^st Class Gun Pointer March 21st 1908. Yet we know from the Marine Corps Muster Rolls and photos found with his log, he continued to serve aboard the Wilmington until November 1908, when he resumed duty at Olongapo before returning to the United States to be discharged. For a man with limited education, Klinepeter’s penmanship is excellent making each entry easy to follow.  

The Wilmington was a 1,596 ton gunboat with a draft of 9 feet. She and her sister ship the USS Helena were orginally built to serve in China. A veteran of the Spanish American War, with a subsequent tour off South America, she was finally transferred to the Far East in 1901. Here the Wilmington served until 1904 when decommissioned. On 2 April 1906 she was recommissioned and would serve in the Far East until 1922. Returning home she served on Lake Erie before becoming the Dover during World War II. In December 1945 she was decommissioned and sold for scrap a year later.  

1905

Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on the 25^th day of February 1905 at the Recruiting office No 32 North Third Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Left Harrisburg Penn. Same day at 2:30 P.M. and arrived at League Island, Penn, same day at 6:00 P.M. Distance 115 miles.

March 11^th was transferred from the U.S. Marine Barracks to the USRS Lancaster, stationed at League Island for Training Ship. Made 8 trips to Portsmouth, N.H. to take prisoners there, to the U.S. Prison Ship Southery. Distance traveled during trips 6500 miles. Made one trip to Boston, Mass. Delivered Prisoners there. Distance 630 miles.

1906

March 24^th 1906 was transferred from the Lancaster to the Marine Barracks, League Island, Pa.

April 9^th at 1:25 P.M. left League Island with a detachment of 100 Marines for Washington, D.C. arrived there at 7:00 P.M. same day. Distance 280 miles.

April 10^th at 2:30 P.M. left Washington D.C. with a detachment of 500 men for Philippines Islands, crossed the continent, and arrived in San Francisco, Cal April 16^th at 12:00 P.M. at 1:00 P.M. was transferred aboard U.S.A.T Sheridan, and immediately steamed out of Frisco Bay. Distance 3200 miles. Passed through the Golden Gates and stood out to sea.

April 23rd 5:00 A.M. arrived Honolulu Hawaiian Islands. Distance 2100 miles. Liberty at 4:30 P.M. and arrived at Guam, Ladson Islands May 7^th at 4:45 P.M. Distance 3100 miles.

Left Guam May 8^th at 4:00 P.M. and arrived Manila bay, Philippines Islands, May 14^th at 6:00 P.M. and anchored behind the Breakwaters. Distance 2500 miles.

Left the U.S.A.Transport Sheridan May 1th at 9:00 A.M. and went aboard the U.S. Navy collier Iris, and left Manila Bay for Olongapo P.I. arrived at Olongapo same day at 7:00 P.M. distance 60 miles.

May 16^th was attached to Co. D 1^st Regiment.

July 9^th The dry dock Dewey arrived at Olongapo from New York.

Company D 1^st Regiment left Olongapo August 9^th and arrived at Cavite Navy Yard same day. Distance 60 miles.

August 16^th I left with Sergt Corbett for Camp Stotsenburg for a Marine who enlisted in the Army.

August 18^th let Camp Stotsenburg with the prisoner and arrived safely in Cavite. Distance 106 miles.

November 8^th at 8:00 A.M. left Cavite with Sergt Norton in charge of two prisoners for the USS Mohican stationed at Olongapo. We went aboard the USS Piscataqua and left Manila Bay at 9:00 A.M. arrived at Olongapo same day at 2:30 P.M. and delivered the prisoners to the Mohican, distance 60 miles.

Nov 9^th at 7:00 A.M. left Olongapo and arrived at Cavite same day 1:00 P.M. distance 60 miles.

USS Wilmington

November 22^nd was detailed for the USS Wilmington, and went aboard the ship same day.

November 25th at 10:00 AM left Manila Bay and arrived Olongapo P.I. same day 6:00 P.M.  Distance 60 miles.

Nov 26^th proceeded in floating dry dock, scraped bottom and put in new steam value.

Nov 29^th left at 8:30 A.M. and anchored in Olongapo Bay. At 1030 A.M. up anchor and left Olongapo arrived Manila Bay 6:00 P.M. and anchored off Cavite. Distance 60 miles.

Thanksgiving dinner at sea

Nov 30^th coaled ship 200 tons.

Dec 1^st at 9:00 A.M. up anchor and stood over to Manila and anchored near Flag Ship at 9:00 A.M. Distance 8 miles. Admiral left flag ship and came aboard this ship. A salute of 13 guns was fired when the Admiral left flag ship, salute was retuned by this ship gun for gun. Hoisted the Admiral’s flag at 10:00 A.M. AT 10:10 all hands up anchor and left Manila Bay for the Southern Islands.  The USS Raleigh Guard Ship, fired a salute of 13 guns while we were passing, salute was returned by this ship with 7 guns.  Passed Corregidor Island, at 1:00 P.M.

Dec 2^nd at 4:40 PM arrived at Iloilo Panay Island distance 425 miles. The Admiral, Flag Lieutenant and Captain left ship to visit the US Army Post. When the Admiral left the post a salute of 13 guns were fired as honor and returned aboard at 7:00 P.M. At 7:10 up anchor and stood out to sea.

Dec 3^rd at 4:45 arrived at Zamboanga, Mindanao Island and anchored. Admiral, Flag Lieutenant and Captain left ship to visit Governor General Bliss, was not there and returned to the ship. Distance 260 miles. At 7:10 P.M. up anchor got underway and stood out to sea. Arrived Jolo, Zulu Island.

Dec 4^th 8:00 A.M. distance 110 miles. Admiral, Flag Lieutenant and captain left ship to visit the US Army Post and Governor General Bliss. When the Admiral left post a salute of 13 guns were fired as honor. Left Jolo, Zulu Island same day at 11:45 A.M. and arrived Zamboanga same day at 7:25 P.M. Distance 110 miles.

Dec 5^th 7:10 A.M. up anchor and got underway and arrived at Isabela, Basilan Island same day 8:30  A.M. distance 17 miles. Up anchor at 9:30 A.M. and back to Zamboanga and arrived there 10:50 A.M. Distance 17 miles. Admiral, Flag Lieutenant and Captain made another official visit to the Army Post. A salute of thirteen guns was fired when Admiral left the post as a Honor Gov General Bliss and staff officers returned the Admirals call.  When Gov General Bliss left the ship a salute of 17 guns was fired as honor. The USS Elcanio arrived from Cavite and anchored. Saluted Admirals flag with 13 guns. Salute was returned with 7 guns.  Left Zamboanga at 6:00 P.M. and stood out to sea.

Dec 6^th 8:30 A.M. arrived at Pollac, Mindanao Island. Distance 102 miles. Marine Officer and doctor left ship to inspect the Marine Barracks at Pollac. Found everything in good condition. Up anchor and stood over to Panang a distance of 6 miles.  Left Panang art 2:30 P.M. and arrived at Malabang at 9:00 PM and same day and stood out to sea. 

Dec 8 Arrived at Illigan Bay, Camp Overton. 10:00 A.M. distance 413 miles. The Captain made an official visit to this post. The Admiral and Flag Lieutenant arrived at Camp Overton 2:00 P.M. and returned to the ship and immediately up anchor and stood out to sea.

Dec 9^th arrived at Cebu Island 8:15 A.M. distance 157 miles. The Admiral and Flag Officer left ship and returned at 11:00 A.M. At 11:15 A.M. up anchor and stood out to sea.

Dec 10^th at 10:00 P.M. arrived at Target Range. Distance 410 miles. Signaled over to Flag Ship USS West Virginia for boat to take the Admiral and Flag Officer back. They left the ship 10:20 P.M. The Admiral was very well pleased with the trip to the Southern Islands. Left the range at 10:30 P.M. arrived at Cavite and anchored. Distance 8 miles. On our way from Cebu to Manila we lost one blade from our starboard propeller.   

Dec 12^th at 11:15 A.M. up anchor and got underway. Arrived at Olongapo same day. 6:20 P.M. Distance 60 miles.

Dec 13^th Up anchor and proceed in dry dock. On our way from Manila to Olongapo lost another blade.

Dec 15^th at 7:45 left dry dock and proceed back to Cavite. Arrived at Manila bay same day and anchored off Cavite 1:30 P.M. Distance 60 miles.

Dec 16^th Coaled ship 230 tons.

Dec 17^th 1:30 P.M. up anchor and stood out to sea enroute for Hong Kong, China. At 3:00 P.M. exercised Man-over–Board drill.

December 20^th 12:15 P.M. arrived at Hong Kong China and anchored. Distance 660 miles. Harbor Master came aboard and immediately up anchor and received berth inside of harbor at Buoy No 23. Fired a salute of 13 guns when passed German Flag Ship. Salute was returned with 7 guns.

Dec 22^nd at 3:30 P.M. the armored Cruisers arrived from Cavite and anchored. The Flag Ship Est Virginia fired a National Salute of 21 guns. Salute was returned by the shore battery gun for gun.

Dec 26^th at 9:50 P.M. Admiral Brownson, Flag Lieutenant barge and barges crew came aboard at 10:00 P.M. unmoored ship and stood up the river.

Dec 27^th at 8:30 A.M. arrived Canton China and anchored off Shameen Island. Distance 90 miles. USS Concord saluted flag with 13 guns. Salute was returned by this ship gun for gun. Admiral, Flag Lieutenant and Captain left ship and visit the old city of Canton and returned in the evening.

Dec 28^th The American Consul visit this ship and on leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns were fired as honor.

Dec 28^th at 10:10 P.M. up anchor and stood down the river. Arrived Hong Kong China.

Dec 29^th 7:00 A.M. and moored at buoy No 17. Distance 90 miles. The Admiral, Flag Lieutenant and barges crew left ship at 8:00 A.M. and proceed to the West Virginia.

Dec 30^th at 08:30 the USS Concord arrived from Canton China and moored at buoy No. 13 about 200 yards from our stern. The USS Concord fired a national salute of 21 guns with British Ensign at the fore. Salute was returned by the shore battery gun for gun. The Armored cruisers left Hong Kong China.

1907

Jan 2 enroute to Cavite P.I. The USS Concord left Hong Kong Jan 3 for Cavite P.I.

Jan 3 at 5:00 P.M. unmoored ship and underway at 5:30 P.M. stood out to sea. Ship rolling 53 degrees. Arrived Manila Bay

 

The Wilmington, like it's sister, the USS Helena shown here, tended to roll very heavily in high seas

 

Jan 6^th 10:15 P.M. and anchored near Flag Ship. Distance 660 miles.

Jan 7^th at 12:15 P.M. up anchor and stood over to Cavite and anchored at 1:00 P.M. Distance 8 miles.

Jan 9^th The USS Galveston arrived from Shanghai, China and anchored off breakwater in Manila Bay.

Jan 11^th USS Chattanooga arrived from Shanghai, China and anchored in Manila Bay off Mariveles, quarantine station.

Jan 12^th up anchor and stood over to Manila and anchored near flag ship. Distance 8 miles. Immediately up anchor and proceed to target range for annual record target practice. Distance 8 miles.

Readers Note: During this time a fellow Marine, Pvt Harry Floyd recorded in a letter to a young stateside boy: We had a great time when we was out at the target range. "When there was nothing to do we would fish for sharks. At first they would break all our lines and hooks but the blacksmith made us a good big hook and then we took a big chain for a line and the new caught three of them. They ranged between eleven and fifteen feet long…”

Jan 16^th finished target practice, up anchor and stood over to Manila and anchored near flag ship. Distance 8 miles.

Jan 20^th all hands cleared ship for action for admirals inspection.

Jan 21^st at 101:10 A.M. Admiral Brownson came aboard, inspected the crew and ship. The Admiral was satisfied with the inspection. At 3:00 P.M. up anchor and stood over to Cavite and anchored, Distance 8 miles.

Jan 22^nd coaled ship. 175 tons.

Feb 3^rd The USS Elcano arrived from Zamboanga P.I. and anchored off Cavite.

Feb 5^th up anchor and stood over to Manila and anchored near Flag Ship. Distance 8 miles.

Feb 7^th up anchor and stood out towards Corregidor Island for tactical maneuvers. Completed maneuvering and returned to Manila and anchored near Flag Ship. Distance 85 miles. At 8:30 P.M. general signal came from Flag Ship for all Marines of the fleet to shift into heavy marching order and report on board the Flag Ship. The time was 25 minutes and made by this ship.

Feb 8^th at 8:15 A.M. the 1^st and 2^nd Division got underway in fleet formation. The 1^st Division consisting of the Flag Ship West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Maryland. The 2^nd Division, Chattanooga, Galveston, Cincinnati, Washington. Maneuvering all day and at 6:00 P.M. dropped anchor off Corregidor Island.

Feb 9^th at 6:30 A.M. the 2^nd Division got underway and came up to us at 11:00 A.M. Exercised general quarters. At 2:30 P.M. The USS Baltimore passed us flying her homeward pennant. At 3:30 P.M. Received orders from the Admiral to leave squadron at once and proceed to Cavite and coal. Distance traveled during maneuvers 190 miles. Coaled ship 50 tons. At 8:00 P.M. up anchor and stood out to sea.

Feb 12^th at 9:30 A.M. arrived Zamboranga, Mindanao Island. Distance 590 miles.

Feb 13^th Governor General Bliss, Moro Datto and body guard came onboard. Body guard consisting of 100 men. When Gov General Bliss left ship a salute of 21 guns were fired as honor. The Marine guard, 1^st, 2^nd Division left ship and paraded ashore at Zamboranga Fair. At 6:00 P.,M. the USFS Rainbow stood in and anchored, when leaving the ship a salute of 13 guns were fired as honor.

Feb 15^th at 11:45 P.M. up anchor and stood out to sea.

Feb 18^th at 11:30 A.M. arrived at Manila Bay and anchored off Cavite. Distance 590 miles. Coaled ship same day and stood over to Manila, and anchored at 6:30 P.M. near Flag ship. Distance 8 miles.

Feb 19^th at 6:00 A.M. the 2^nd Division got underway for fleet maneuvers and stood out as far as Olongapo, speed 10 knots. The First Divisor got underway at 8:30 A.M. and came up to us at 6:30 P.M. and returned back to Manila and anchored off breakwater. Distance travelled 135 miles.

Feb 21^st at 11:45 A.M . up anchor and stood over to Cavite and anchored. Distance 8 miles.

Feb 23^rd Coaled ship, 116 tons.

Feb 24^th at 6:00 A.M. up anchor and got underway enroute for Shanghai China.

Feb 26^th at 8:40 A.M. sighted Formosa Straights.

March 2^nd at 1:00 P.M. arrived at Woosung forts and anchored. Distance 1180 miles. Saluted port with 21 guns. China Ensign at the fore. Salute was returned by the shore battery gun for gun…. Chinese Flag Ship stood in and anchored. Saluted Flag with 17 guns. Salute was returned with 7 guns. British cruisers stood in and anchored about 300 yards from us at 4:00 P.M. up anchor and stood up the river. Dropped anchor at 5:10 P.M. off Woosung embankment. Distance 5 miles.

March 4^th the gunboats Helena, Quiros and Villalobos arrived from Shanghai and anchored near us. Captain made an official call to the USS Helena.

March 5^th coaled ship 175 tons.

March 6^th the USS Chattanooga arrived from Cavite P.I. an stood up the Woosung River and anchored at Shanghai

March 8^th The Armored cruisers arrived from Manila and anchored off Woosung forts. Flag ship West Virginia saluted port with 21 guns, Chinese Ensign in the fore. Salute retuned by the shore battery gun for gun.

March 9^th at 8:00 A.M. up anchor and stood down river and anchored near flag ship. At 8:30 the Admiral came aboard and immediately up anchor and stood up river. Arrived at Shanghai `10:00 A.M. and at the B.& O. buoy off French Bund. Distance 18 miles. The Admiral left ship to visit Shanghai and returned at 5:00 P.M. At 5:30 summoned ship and got underway for Woosung. At 7:00 P.M. run aground but easily back off and drop anchor Gouge Island for the night on account of heavy fog

March 10^th at 6:30 A.M. up anchor and stood down the river arrived at Woosung Forts 7:35 A.M. and anchored near flag. Distance 18 miles. Admiral left ship at 7:55 A.M. and proceeded to West Virginia.  At 11:00 A.M. and got underway for Nanking, China. Arrived at the mouth of the Yangtze Kiang River 12:45 P.M. and anchored at 2:30 P.M. up anchor and stood up the river and dropped anchor at 4:30 P.M. on account of heavy fog.

March 11^th at 6:20 A.M. up anchor and stood up the river. Sighted Hitunankin Island at 1:30 P.M. Passed British gunboat at 2:40 P.M. dropped anchor at 11:00 P.M. off Chinkiang

March 12^th at 5:30 A.M. up anchor and stood up the river at 11:00 A.M. arrived at Nanking and anchored. Distance to Nanking 250 miles. British and Chinese cruisers in harbor.    

March 13^th at 0800 saluted port with 21 guns, Chinese ensign at the fore. Salute was returned by the shore battery gun for gun. At 9:30 A.M. the armored cruisers arrived from Woosung and anchored. The flagship saluted port with 21 guns. Salute was returned by shore battery gun for gun. Chinese and British cruisers saluted flag with 13 guns. Flagship returned salutes gun for gun. The US Vice Council made and official visit to flagship, and on leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns were fired as honor. Captain made an official visit to flagship to receive orders from Admiral.

March 15^th the Chinese Vice Roy visit the flagship West Virginia. On leaving the ship a salute of 17 guns were fired as honor.

March 16^th at 6:00 A.M. the cruisers Colorado and Pennsylvania left Nanking for Woosung

March 17^th at 5:30 A.M. the cruiser Maryland left for Woosung. At 7:20 A.M. the Admiral left the flagship and went aboard the USS Villaobos and stood upriver for hunting trip. At 7:30 A.M. the flagship West Virginia left for Woo Sung. Hoisted Admirals flag at 8:00 A.M. Admiral and Flag Lieutenant returned from hunting trip at 4:30 P.M. and immediately up anchor and stood down river. At 7:00 P.M. dropped off the mud flats, Madison Point.

March 18^th at 6:00 A.M. Admiral and officers left ship and went on hunting trip, and returned at 12:15 P.M. At 12:00 up anchor and stood down the river. At 2:00 P.M. dropped anchor at Deer Point. At 4:40 P.M. up anchor and stood down the river.

March 19^th 12:45 A.M. dropped anchor off Bat Point Beacon, at 6:00 A.M. up anchor and stood down the river at 1:15 P.M. passed two Chinese gunboats on port side. At 4:45 P.M. arrived at Woo Sung Forts and anchored near flagship. At 5:00 P.M. the Admiral and Flag Lieutenant left ship and proceed back to West Virginia.

March 20^th at 10:15 A.M. the Admiral came aboard, up anchor at 10:30 A.M. and stood up river and arrived at Shanghai 12:45 P.M. and moored at B & O buoy off French Bund. Distance from Nanking to Shanghai 268 miles. Chattanooga’s Captain came aboard, and left ship with the Admiral and Flag Lieutenant to visit city of Shanghai.

March 21^st at 4:00 P.M. The Admiral and returned from Shanghai, at 4:10 P.M. unmoored ship and stood down the river. Arrived at Woosung Forts 6:00 P.M. and anchored near Flagship. Admiral left ship and proceeded to West Virginia. Immediately up anchor and stood up the river and dropped anchor off Woosung Creek.

March 23^rd at 9:30 up anchor and stood up the river. Arrived at Shanghai 11:30 A.M. and dropped anchor off French Bund. Distance 36 miles.

March 25^th coaled ship 150 tons.

March 26^th at 6:00 A.M. left Shanghai for Ningpo. At 6:00 P.M. anchored off Horn Island account of heavy fog.

March 27^th at 4:45 A.M. up anchor and stood out to sea. At 10:00 A.M. stood up the Ningpo River. Saluted port with 21 guns. Arrived at Ningpo 12:10 P.M. Distance 135 miles. Saluted British flagship with 13 guns. Salute was returned with 7 guns. Captain made an official visit to the Bristh flagship. On leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns were fired as honor.

March 28^th Chinese Mandarin Tai Tai visit this ship. A salute of 3 guns were given when he came aboard and the same was given when leaving.

On the quarterdeck looking toward the Marines Quarters

March 30^th Japanese flagship stood in and anchored. Saluted flag with 13 guns. Salute was returned with 7 guns.

March 31^st Captain made an official visit to Japanese flagship. Japanese admiral returned the call at once. At 3:00 P.M. up anchor and stood down the river enroute to Foochow. At 7:00 P.M. dropped anchor off round-a-bout Island. 40 miles from Ningpo.

April 1^st up anchor and stood out to sea.

April 2^nd at 2:45 P.M. arrived at Foochow and anchored off Pagoda island,. Distance 335 miles. British Council visit ship. On leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns were fired as honor.

 April 5^th The US Consul visit this ship and stayed for the night.

April 6th The Consul left ship and fired a salute of 7 guns as honor.

April 7^th 6:00 A.M. up anchor and stood down the river. At 11:00 A.M. stood out to sea.

April 8^th dropped anchor off Saddle Island for the night on account of heavy fog.

April 9^th at 6:20 A.M. up anchor and got underway. Arrived at Woosung forts4:30 P.M. French Flag ship in harbor. Saluted with 13 guns while passing. Salute was returned gun for gun. Chinese flagship in the harbor.  Saluted flag with 15 guns while passing. Salute was returned gun for gun. Stood up the Woosung River and arrived at Shanghai 6:30 P.M. and anchored off French Bund. Distance 485 miles.

April 26th coaled ship 150 tons.

April 27^th The USS Galveston arrived from Amoy, China and anchored off the French Bund, Shanghai China.

May 8^th coaled ship 125 tons.

Readers Note: While in Shanghai fellow Marine Pvt Harry Floyd noted the Wilmington Marines went to a rifle range at Hangchow to fire rifles and revolvers at two and three hundred yards.  Floyd also goes on to note in Shanghai the ship’s featherweight prize fighter won $250.00 by defeating the Royal Navy’s featherweight champion.  

May 9^th 1:15 P.M. up anchor and got underway and stood down the river, enroute for Hankow. Passed the German flagship (SMS Furst Bismarck) in Woosung and fired a salute of 17 guns which was returned gun for gun. At 3:00 P.M. stood up the Yang-stze-Kiang River. At 6:30 P.M. anchored for the night.

May 10^th at 6:00 A.M. up anchor, and stood up the river. At 8:05 A.M. passed Chinese cruise. Arrived at Bale Point beacon and anchored at 6:30 P.M. for the night.

May 11^th at 5:30 A.M. up anchor and stood up the river, arrived at Chin-Kiang 12:45 P.M. and anchored. Distance 185 miles. German gunboat Tiger stood down the river.

May 15^th The German flagship Furst Bismarck stood up for Nanking.

May 19^th 6:00 A.M. up anchor, and left Chin-Kiang, China and stood up river. At 9:45 P.M. same day arrived at Wu-Hu and anchored. Distance 100 miles.

May 20^th at 6:00 A.M. up anchor, and stood down the river. At 11:20 A.M. arrived Nanking, China and anchored. Distance 52 miles. The USS Villalobos in harbor. The American Counsul made an official visit to this ship and on leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns were fired as honor.

May 21^st at 6:00 A.M. up anchor and stood down the river, enroute for Shanghai China. At 6:00 P.M. dropped anchor for the night.

May 22^nd 6:10 A.M. up anchor and stood down the river. Arrived at Shanghai 1:45 P.M. and anchored. Distance 250 miles.

May 28^th Chinese coolies coaled ship 150 tons.

June 13^th at 11:45 A.M. up anchor and stood down the river enroute for Chefoo China.

June 14^th at sea.

June 15tgh at sea. Exercised man-over-board drill.

June 16^th at 1:07 P.M. arrived at Chefoo, China and anchored about 400 yards abreast the USS West Virginia. Saluted port with 21 guns, Chinese ensign at the main. Chinese flagship returned salute gun for gun, U.S. ensign at the fore. The Captain of the ship made an official visit to the flag ship to receive orders from the Admiral. Distance from Shanghai to Chefoo 543 miles.

June 17^th shifted anchorage, and anchored abreast Drill Island. Distance 2 ½ miles.

June 19^th 6:00 P.M. the US Counsel General made and official call to this ship, on leaving the ship a salute of 9 guns were fired as honor.

June 23^rd three Japanese cruisers arrived from Japan and anchored near the big four [as the US Armored cruisers were called].

June 24^th at 9:10 A.M. up anchor and stood out to the target range. At 9:50 ran into a Chinese junk and had to stop the ship and settle the case, damage $10.00 Mex. Arrived at the range 11:50 A.M.. Distance 6 miles. The USS Chattanooga stood out to the range.

June 29^th 4:00 P.M. up anchor and stood into Chefoo. Arrived at 5:30 P.M. and anchored abreast the USS Concord. Distance 8 miles.

July 1^st at 9:10 A.M. received orders from the Admiral to coal ship at once and immediately made preparations for coaling. At 11:00 A.M. up anchor and got underway, and moored alongside the US Navy collier Iris. Distance 3 miles. Commenced coaling at 12:45 P.M. finished at 9:00 P.M. 211 tons. At 9:10 unmoored ship and proceed to same berth, abreast USS Concord. Distance 3 miles.

The USS Wilmington dressed for a national holiday

July 4^th at 12:00 N[oon] All man-o-Wars in harbor fired a national salute of 21 guns.

July 5^th at 11:15 A.M. up anchor and proceed to target range. At range 1:30 P.M. Distance 8 miles.

July 7^th 5:00 P.M. up anchor and proceed to Chefoo on account of stormy weather. On our way in rolled 30 degrees. Arrived at Chefoo 6:30 P.M. and anchored distance 8 miles.

July 9th at 8:30 A.M. up anchor and stood out to target range, arrived at 10:00 A.M. at range and anchored. Distance 8 miles. At 4:00 P.M. up anchored and got underway speeding 10 knots for battle practice, to fire broad ship guns consisting of four 4 inch each firing 12 rounds. Made 14 hits. At 6:30 P.M. stood into Chefoo and anchored. Distance 8 miles.

July 10th at 5:30 A.M. All hands cleared ship for action for Admirals inspection. At 9:00 A.M. the Admiral came aboard and inspected ship and crew.

July 11^th 3:40 P.M. up anchor and got underway enroute for Shanghai.

July 12^th at sea.

July [no date listed] at 11:45 P.M. arrived at Woosung and anchored. Distance 594 miles.

July 14^th at 6:10 A.M. up anchor and stood up the Woosung R9iver. At 9:00 A.M. arrived Shanghai and anchored. Distance 18 miles.

July 17^th at 3:15 P.M. Commander W.R. Rush took command of the USS Wilmington, and W. L. Rodgers was relieved from duty to sail for the United States.

Readers Note: William Rees Rush would go on to win the Medal of Honor at Vera Cruz, Mexico in 1914 and retire a Captain. William Ledyard Rodgers would eventually become a Vice Admiral and return, December 1918 to command the Asiatic Fleet. He was a Navy Cross winner as well.

July 18^th Chinese coolies coaled ship 120 tons.

July 22^nd at 3:00 P.M. unmoored ship, got underway and stood down the Woo Sung river enroute to Chin Kiang. At 5:00 P.M. arrived at the mouth of the Yangtze Kiang River. At 7:15 P.M. dropped anchor for the night.

July 23^rd at 6:00 A.M. up anchor and stood up the river. At 11:55 A.M. passed Chinese gunboat with Chinese Commodore aboard. Fired a salute of 11 guns, which was returned gun for gun. Arrived at Chin Kiang same day 10:30 P.M. and anchored. Distance 185 miles.

July 25^th at 5:00 A.M. got underway and stood up the river. Arrived at Nanking same day 10:00 A.M. and anchored. Distance 56 miles. Chinese cruiser in harbor with Admiral on board saluted flag with 13 guns which was returned gun for gun. Saluted port with 21 guns, which was returned by flag ship gun for gun. The Capitan made and official call to the flagship.

July 26^th Chinese Commodore returned the Captains call on leaving the ship salute of 11 guns was fired as honor. Chinese coolies coaled ship 81 tons.

July 27^th at 5:00 A.M. got underway and stood up the river. Arrived at Wu–Hu same. 12:15 P.M. and anchored. Distance 59 miles.

July 29^th at 4:45 A.M. got underway and stood up river. Arrived at Nanking same day and anchored abreast Pagoda anchorage. Distance 119 miles.

Readers Note: At the back of Klinepeter’s log he wrote out an offense he was charged with while at Nanking: between 11:00 P.M. and 12:00 midnight he was caught asleep at his post by the Marine officer was visiting the sentinels. On 30 July he was brought to the Captains Mast and the Captain considered his case. On 31 July Pvt Klinepeter was put on six months’ probation with the understanding that if he commits another offense during that period he would be punished for both offenses.  The Marine officer was 1^st Lt Albert Randall, who had recently assumed command of the Marine detachment from 1st Lt Robert Underwood.

August 2^nd at 7:00 A.M. got underway and stood up river. Arrived Kiukiang same day. 8:20 P.M. and anchored. Distance 99 miles.

August 13^th at 9:00 A.M. up anchor and stood down the river, at 101:10 A.M. stood up Poyang Lake about 10 miles, and anchored off Taku Tang- Distance 36 miles.

August 14^th at 6:00 received orders to proceed to Shanghai at once. At 9:00 A.M. up anchor, got underway and stood down the lake. At 6:45 P.M. same day anchored off Taitzchi point for the night.

August 15 at 5:00 A.M. up anchor and got underway and stood down the river, arrived at Wu-Hu 11:50 A.M. and anchored. Distance 218 miles.

Reader Note: Here Klinepeter adds a small note on a separate sheet of paper: “On our way from Wuhu to Nanking an accident occurred aboard this ship. One of the tubes in boiler D exploded and three men badly scalded.  One who died of the effects 7 hours later, the deceased was Phil Hind, Fireman 1^st Class, USN.”

The grave of a fellow shipmate who died during Klinepeter's Wilmington cruise, Shanghai

August 16^th at 6:10 got underway and stood down the river. Arrived at Nanking and anchored. Distance 59 miles.

August 17^th at 8:00 A.M. the Captain made and official call to the Chinese Commodore, and return to the ship at 9:25 A.M. The Commodore returned the Captains call, on leaving the ship a salute of 11 guns was fired as honor. The US Consulate call on the Captain, on leaving the ship, a salute of 17 guns were fired as honor.

August 19^th at 5:00 A.M. up anchor, got underway, and stood down the river , At 6:55 p.m. Came to anchor for the night.

August 20that 5:00 A.M. got underway and stood down the river, arrived Shanghai 9:30 A.M. and anchored. Distance 241 miles.

August 27^th Chinese coolies coaled ship. 100 tons.

September 18^th at 1:00 P.M. up anchor, and stood up river, at 3:45 P.M. entered Shanghai dry dock.

September 19^th at 1:00 P.M. left the dry dock and stood up the river, and moored ship at B&O buoy off the French Bund.

September 20^th coaled ship 150 tons.

September 28^th coaled ship 50 tons ands immediately after coaling cleaned ship and made preparations to get underway and prepare for sea. At 1:50 unmoored ship and stood down the river.  enroute for Hong Kong China, via Ningpo, Wenchow, Pagoda anchorage (Foochow), Amoy and thence to Hong Kong. At 9:00 P.M. same day came to anchor off Gutzlaff Island for the night.   

September 29^th at 7:00 A.M. got underway . Arrived Ningpo 1:25 P.M. and anchored. Distance 136 miles.

September 30^th the Captain made an official call to the British Consul, the Consul immediately returned the Captain’s call, on leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns were fired as honor.

October 2^nd at 6:55 up anchor. Got underway and stood down the river. At 6:45 P.M. same day came to anchor off Tai chow Island for the night.

October 3^rd at 6:00 A.M. up anchor and stood out. At 11:18 A.M. came to anchor off White Rock point, to take the pilot onboard. At 2:15 P.M. up anchor and stood up the Wenchow River, arrived Wenchow 4:30 P.M. and anchored. Distance 208 Miles.

October 5^th at 6:20 A.M. up anchor, got underway and stood down the river. At 9:20 A.M. came to anchor of White Rock Point and immediately after anchoring send a working party with officers ashore to survey the Tai Chi Channel.

October 8^th received a cablegram from the Admiral to proceed to Hong Kong at once and to be there the 10^th instant and to immediately made preparations for sea. At 4:10 P.M. up anchor and stood out to sea.

October 9^th at sea.

Hong Kong

October 10^th at 4:30 P.M. entered Hong Kong harbor, saluted port with 21 guns, British ensign at the main. Salute was returned by the shore battery gun for gun. At 5:30 P.M. moored ship at buoy No. 19. Distance 590 miles.

October 14^th the US Consul General made an official call to this ship, on leaving a salute of 9 guns were fired as honor.

October 22^nd coaled ship 206 tons.

October 24^th at 10:15 A.M. stood out to sea, enroute to Swatow.

October 25^th at 12:15 P.M. arrived at Swatow and anchored. Distance 210 miles. British Consulate at Swatow call on the Captain, on leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns fired as honor.

October 31^st the French Consul call on the Captain, on leaving the ship the same salute was fired in honor (7 guns). At 4:00 P.M. same day up anchor, got underway and stood out to sea, enroute for Hong Kong.

November 1^st at 10:30 A.M. arrived at Hong Kong and moored ship at buoy No. 13. Distance 210 miles. Saluted Chinese Commodore with 11 guns, salute was retuned gun for gun. Saluted French Admiral wit h13 guns. Salute was returned gun for gun.

November 4^th coaled ship 150 tons.

November 5^th at 4:00 P.M. unmoored ship, got underway and stood out to sea enroute for Manila, PI by way of Swatow.

November 8^th at 8:00 P.M. arrived at Cavite and anchored off Sangley Point, distance 876 miles.

November 9^th at 10:30 A.M. got underway and stood over to Manila, arrived at 11:15 A.M. and anchored near the USTS Rainbow. Distance 8 miles. At 12:00 N[oon} the Flagship Rainbow , Chattanooga, Galveston, & four torpedo boats, Chauncey, Barry, Bainbridge and Dale, left Manila Bay for Vladivostok, Russia with Secretary of War Taft aboard the flagship. USS Denver and Cleveland are at Cavite. Chinese cruiser stood in and anchored behind the breakwater, flying the admiral’s flag.

November 10^th 11:15 A.M. His Excellency the Chinese Missionery Yang Chi made a official call to this ship, on leaving the ship a salute of 17 guns fired in honor.

November 11^th at 5:30 A.M. got underway and stood over to Cavite, at 6:10 arrived Cavite and anchored. Distance 8 miles.

November 15^th at 8:00 A.M. dressed ship in honor of the Empress of China, who’s birthday is on this day at 12:00 N[oon]. Fired a National salute of 21 guns as honor.

November 19^th the crew of the Wilmington coaled ship 180 tons in 4 ½ hours. The First Division and Marines on starboard side, the Second Division and Power Division on the port side. The Starboard side beat the port side by ¾ of an hour, each side having 80 tons.

November 23^rd at 1:00 P.M. up anchor, got underway and stood out to target range for night battle practice. Arriving at range 2:15 P.M. from 2:30 P.M. until 5:00 had tactical maneuvers. Distance 32 miles. At 7:30 P.M. got underway and stood over USS Denver to take umpires aboard, and thence to the range at 9:00 P.M. commenced firing, fired No. 1 and 3 six pounders of the starboard side and No. 2 and 4 of the port side, completed firing at 9:45 P.M. and returned to Cavite and came to anchor at 11:00 P.M. Distance 24 miles.

December 1^st at 5:00 A.M. up anchor, got underway and stood out to sea. Arrived at Olongapo 11:45 A.M. same day. Distance 60 miles. At 2:00 P.M. the 1^st and Powder Divisions left the ship for Navy rifle range, 3 miles from Olongapo for small arm target practice.

December 3^rd at 3:30 P.M. the Second Division and Marines left the ship for target range. The 1^st and Power Divisions left the range when the 2^nd Division and Marines arrived.

December 7^th at 3:30 P.M. broke up camp and left the range for the ship. Arrived aboard at 4:20 and immediately making preparations for getting underway at 4:50 P.M. up anchor got underway and stood out to sea. At 11:00 P.M. arrived at Cavite and anchored. Distance 60 miles.

December 9^th the crew coaled ship, putting 150 tons on in three hours and twenty minutes, hear again the starboard side beat the port side by ½ hour. Finished coaling and cleaned ship and made preparations for sea. At 5:00 P.M. up anchor, got underway and stood out to sea. Making passage to Hong Kong, China.

December 10^th at sea.

Dec 11^th at sea, at 2:00 P.M. passed the USFS Rainbow, USS Chattanooga and USS Galveston on their way to Manila, P.I. returning from Vladivostok Russia.

December 12 at sea. The morning of the 12^th the ship rolled 58 degrees breaking her previous record of 53 degrees.

December 13^th at 4:15 A.M. sighted land and at 8:30 moored ship at buoy No. 17 making the trip in 87 ½ hours. Distance 788 miles. While entering the harbor saluted the German flagship Furst Bismarck with 13 guns. Salute returned gun for gun. The Japanese admiral made an official call to this ship, on leaving the ship, a salute of 13 guns were fired as honor.

Dec 16^th Chinese coolies coaled ship 150 tons.

December 19^th the U.S. Consul General of Hong Kong called officially. On leaving the ship a salute of 9 guns were fired as honor.

December 20^th at 7:00 A.M. unmoored ship, got underway and stood up river for Canton, and anchored off Shameen Island. Distance 90 miles. The Captain made an official call to the U.S. Vice Consul and returned to the ship. The Vice Consul returned the Captains call as once. On leaving the ship, got underway and stood down the river. Arrived at Hong Kong same day 2:35 P.M. and moored at buoy No 19. Distance 90 miles.

1908

Klinepeter's New Years Day menu. Reproduced courtesy of Henry Voight of wwwtheamericanmenu.com

 

January 12^th Chinese coolies coaled ship, 200 tons.

January 21^st dressed ship in honor of King Edward the VII birthday. At noon all ships (Man-o-wars) in the harbor fired a national salute of 21 guns.

Jan 27^th Dressed ship in honor of Kaiser Wihelm of Germany, who‘s birthday is on this day. At noon all ships in the harbor fired a national salute of 21 guns. At 3:00 P.M. same day unmoored ship got underway and stood out to sea, enroute for Swatow.

January 28^th at 2:45 P.M. arrived at Swatow and anchored. Distance 240 miles. HMS Cleo in port, and Chinese cruiser flying the Commodores flag, which we saluted with 11 guns, salute was returned gun for gun.

January 29^th The Chinese Commodore call officially to this ship, on leaving a salute of 11 guns was fired as honor. H.M.B Consul called on the Captain, on leaving the ship a salute of 7 guns was fired as honor, with respective ensigns at the main. Sent a landing party ashore light equipped consisting of the 1^st Div and 2^nd Div & Marines.

Reader Note: At the back of the Log, Klinepeter notes at the beginning of February, Captain Rush removed the charge against him for falling alsleep on post from July 1907, due to Klinepeters excellent character since that incident. 

February 3^rd at 4:00 P.M. up anchor and stood out to sea, passage to Hong Kong.

February 4^th at 1035 A.M. arrived Hong Kong, and moored at buoy No. 19. Distance 200 miles. While entering the harbor fired a salute of 13 guns with the Japanese ensign in the main. Salute was returned by the Japanese flagship gun for gun.

Diver at work, Hong Kong

February 5^th the Captain made an official call to the Japanese Admiral and the Admiral returned the Captains call the same day.

February 17^th Chinese coolies coaled ship 50 tons.

February 22^nd at 8:00 A.M. all Man-o-Wars in the harbor dressed ship and at 12:00 N[oon] fired a national salute of 21 guns in honor of George Washington’s birthday. At 4:00 P.M. the USS Denver arrived from Cavite, P.I. to relieve USS Wilmington, and took birth at buoy No.25.about 200 yards from this ship.

February 24 at 8:00 A.M. the USS Denver saluted the port with 21 guns, with the British ensign in the fore, a salute was returned by the shore battery gun for gun.

February 25^th at 3:00 P.M. unmoored ship, got underway and stood out the West Entrance of Victoria Peak enroute for the Philippines Islands.

February 26^th at sea.

February 27^th at sea. Rough weather, both days.

February 28^th the sea calmed down, and arrived Olongapo and came to anchor at 2:25 P.M.. Distance 737 miles. The Captain at once made an official call to the Commandant of Naval Station, Olongapo and returned to the ship. The Commandant returned the Captains call.

March 6^th the crew coaled the ship. It took 50 minutes to put the coal on.

 

The Dewey Dry Dock, from a post card made during the time of Pvt Klinepter's Far East Cruise

March 7^th at 7:15 A.M. up anchor and proceeded in dry dock, all hands over the side. 

March 9^th at 10:00 A.M. the work on the ship was completed, and at 10:45 commence lowering the dock, and at 10:38 started out under own steam, stood out and came to anchor at 10:55, about 300 yards from dock. The USS Helena was standing by to go in dock, soon as we left the dock. She stood in.

March 10^th at 11:00 A.M. up anchor and stood out to sea for Cavite. Arrived at Cavite and came to anchor at 4:40 P.M. Distance 70 miles. USS Rainbow flying the admiral’s flag. Saluted the flag with 13 guns. Salute returned with 7 guns. The Captain at once left the ship officially to call on Admiral Hemphill and thence to the Commandant of Naval Station, Cavite, P.I.

March 11^th the crew coaled ship 200 tons. All hands called at 3:00 A.M. started in coaling at 3:30, and finished coaling at 7:23 A.M. at the rate of 70 tons per hour. The Captain set a period for coaling, he said if the crew was willing and try to do their best and put the coal on, at a rate of 1 ton per minute, would break the record of other ships in her class. And the crew started to do their best, which they did, and put the coal on in 173 minutes. After coaling the captain congratulated the officers and men of their wonderful success in coaling, and this would be the record for some time. Had breakfast and started to clean the ship. At 4:30 P.M. up anchor, got underway and stood to the Target range for sub-caliber practice. Came to anchor at 6:05 P.M.. Distance 12 miles.  

March 12^th, 13^th, 14^th, 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, & 18^th had sub-caliber practice. The USS Concord arrived at the range.

March 19^th Bore sited all guns and making preparations for the annual record practice.

March 20^th the USS Concord stood on the firing line, for her annual record target practice.

March 21^st The USS Helena stood in from Olongapo and came to anchor on the range art 7:00 A.M. received umpires from the Helena, and immediately stood on the firing line. Commenced firing at 7:30 A.M. for annual record target practice, and finished at 5:15 P.M. and came to anchor. The crew did some excellent firing and it is considered that she will get the trophy for 1908.

March 23^rd the USS Helena stood on the firing line, for her annual record practice.

March 24^th at 8:25 A.M. received orders from the Admiral to proceed to Cavite when the Helena is through with firing. At 9:25 we got underway and stood over to Cavite and came to anchor at 10:30 A.M. Distance 12 miles. The Concord and Helena stood in from range an hour later.  

Here Pvt Klinepeter ends his log, although he does note in the back of the log on the 21^st of March 1908 he qualified as a 1^st Class Gun Pointer on No.4-6 pounder. His crew made a score of 8 hits out of 10 shots in fifty seconds, or an average of 9.6 hits per minute. This allowed him to draw 4 extra dollars per month in pay from the day he qualified.