The fleet arrived for the first time in the Phillipines on October 2nd.  Their arrival corresponded with the tail-end of a cholera epidemic that had caused more than 12,500 deaths in 12,450 cases in the pervious 2 months.  With this Admiral Sperry directed there would be no visit.  His fleet had yet to meet the Japanese fleet and he chose not to take a risk on introducing cholera to the ships.  The local reception committee was upset having spent $170,000.00 on arches, bunting and perishable food to feed the crowds of a naval parade.  Unfortunately, no food or drink would be purchased ashore or for re-supplying the ships.  The ships took on coal and departed after a week.

While half the fleet was enjoying the hospitality of the Empress of China, the other half return to Subic Bay to conduct gunnery practice.  On November 8th the fleet regrouped from the visit to Amoy and entered Manila Bay.  It was Sperry's wish to visit the city but the epidemic was worse than before.  American prestige was suffering as the Manila Times stated that Admiral Sperry behavior "has persisted in a line of boorish and rude to the extreme, and was absolutely unwarranted and unpardonable."

This series of cards show the fleet at anchor in Manila.  Unlike other cards showing the battleships in Manila, these cards have a printed postal back and higher quality images on the front.  At right, Kansas, Minnesota, and New Jersey.

The above photographs, from the M. R. Battey collection, show the fleet landing entry gate at Manila.  Sailors found rain the days they were on liberty.  Below are additional cards from the Battey collection that show the rivers, people,  city and decorations for the fleet visit.

Manila-Georgia

The fleet's visit was of interest to the American soldiers that were stationed there after the Spanish-American War in 1898.  The above cards were the possession of a soldier that included cards from the Fleet's visit as well as his bunk, the USS Dale, USS Monterey, and SS-3.  The cards below show living conditions and some sites of the city.

Manila-Minnesota

The above cards were sent by sailors of the fleet while visiting Manila

The fleet was inport Manila for Thanksgiving.  Holidays onboard the ships were special and meals were planned well in advance as can be seen by the printed menu for the crew of the USS Connecticut.

Entertainment ashore included Wild West shows, parades and ceremonies to support the local merchants.  The events were generally avoided by all including Admiral Sperry.  Further,

pouring rain through much of the shore visit dampened spirits and stranded 1800 sailors ashore.  On December 1st the fleet hoisted anchors and headed for the Indian Ocean.