For your enjoyment (with a few questions): Trunk of Spanish War, Philippine Insurrection, and potential Boxer Rebellion veteran

November 14, 2025

Hello everyone! I have had this trunk for some time now. I have recently found some interesting history about this trunk I would like to share. This trunk is named to Major R. J. C. Irvine. Early in his career, Irvine served in the 11th Infantry Regiment. He was with the Regiment from 5 SEP 1886 until 28 FEB 1901. He was then moved to the 9th infantry Regiment 28 FEB 1901 where he served until at least 02 MAY 1903. During his career, he was involved in the Spanish War, Philippine Insurrection, and potentially the Boxer Rebellion. Here are my questions: when would he have realistically physically arrived to 9th infantry? Would he have most likely reported to the 9th infantry on 28 FEB 1901, left the 11th Infantry on 28 FEB 1901, or would he have been in transit during this time? The 9th Infantry was in China for the Boxer Rebellion and was withdrawn back to the Philippines in mid-1901. I understand he would have not been in any major engagements, but how likely would it be that Irvine was in China with the 9th Infantry?

Here is what I have been able to find on Irvine so far:

As a First Lieutenant, he was part of the Columbian Guard. They served to maintain the the peace during the 1893 Columbian Exposition, separate of the Chicago Police. I have found his name cited in the official directory of the exposition. I believe I may have found a picture of him as well. Here is a staff photo of the Columbian Guard. I have not confirmed this, but I believe there may be a typo of some sorts in the caption. I believe he could be #7 in the photo under "Capt. I. R. Jenkins." Every other name cited in the directory is present in the photo, with there being another typo for someone else as well.

As a Captain, Irvine helped the muster the Michigan volunteer infantry regiments for the Spanish War. He would have still been with the 11th infantry regiment as well. During this time he would have participated in the Puerto Rican Campaign and fought at the Battle of Silva Heights. Here is a local newspaper clipping from 23 SEP 1898 briefly speaking about his muster efforts:

After the Spanish War, Irvine was transferred to the 9th infantry regiment. He would have either met the regiment in China towards the end of the Boxer Rebellion or in Manila, Philippines, when the regiment was withdrawn to the Philippines in June 1901. He would have been with the Regiment when they were assigned to Samar and been present for the Balangiga Massacre on 21 SEP 1901. He was also present for the Pacification of Samar, the incident that ensued as a result of the Massacre. Irvine was a witness to the order given by General Jacob H. Smith (Howling Jake) to kill everyone in Samar over 10 years old. He was also a witness for General Smith's Court Martial. Here is a local newspaper clipping from 21 JUN 1902 explaining Irvine's Involvement:

Following the Philippine Insurrection and Court Martial, Irvine would have been with the Regiment when they received the famous Liscum Bowl that is currently on display at the 2nd Infantry Division Museum in Korea in April 1903.