Alphabet File page 318

I gave them some ice in the morning for a sick man and this afternoon the Capt. called and paid his respects with the Surgeon of the "Sumter." (?)

 

The "Grey Cloud" and "New London" came back with "fleas in their ears." They found the river blocked up with piling so the steamers could not get up, and sent men through in a launch. They were fired on and had eight men wounded, some badly. They returned the fire and as usual the Guerillas "skedaddled."

 

Fitted out the Lieut. Comdg "Grey Cloud" (Buchanan) and Purser Murry with horses for a ride.

 

Killed one of our cows  tonight.

 

July 19th, 1862 - Saturday

 

Took breakfast on board the "Grey Cloud." Saw there a Lieut. of the "Owasco." Can't remember names; that troubles me much. She ("Owasco?") and the "New London" went back this afternoon to the Lake Port on board the "Grey Cloud" (GC); four sectional buildings, and the General Hospital, etc., patients, hospital stores and all.

 

Sent requisition for fifty-tons more of ice. Hope we may get it. Corp. (?) is sick today, has not been well for several days past.

 

The Sutler's Clerk had a scrimmage with one of our men, drew a pistol on him, and I gave him his choice or an arrest and trial, or leaving the island. He chose the cutter (latter?) and went to New Orleans in the "Grey Cloud."

 

Commenced on our new Mess this morning. Have messed 8 days with Capt. March.

 

Had an old woman teasing me all day for two barrels Flour. She is sick, French, and from Pass Christian. She got an order from Gen. Butler to come here and buy two barrels and as soon as she got them was determined to have two more. I had to be uncivil to her at last to get rid of her. She then begged my pardon and left.

 

These poor devils in the South are absolutely starving, have to depend upon our generosity to keep soul and body together, and yet they hate the North. Flour has been, is now worth $40 per barrel on shore, everything else in proportion and but letter can be got at that. I am thinking this woman will have her flour taken from her by the Guerillas.

 

July 20th, 1862 - Sunday

 

Capt. Moore brought over a mail from New Orleans. Nothing for me but papers bring accounts of the big battles before Richmonld up to July 7th.

 

Had to decide a fugitive slave case today. A man, whom I believe to be a rebel, came here with a pass from Genl Butler to get a slave girl, if she chose to go back. She did not choose to and I sent him off. He came back again about sundown upon some frivolous matter so I have arrested him and put him under guard. She keep him until morning and then send him off again notifying him that if he appears here again I shall put him in irons and send him to New Orleans. The Nigs here all say he was one of the Rebel Guerillas at Pass Christian.

 

The sloop "R R R" which I lent the machinists got aground on Cat Island bar, and sent here for help. I sent a note to Capt. Eagle of the "Sumter," desiring him to afford the necessary aid.

 

July 21, 1862 - Monday

 

Found some sailors in custody of our guard this morning. They got on a spree, was not to be found so as to return to their ship at sundown, and at midnight they were arrested for disturbing and insulting some negro wenches who are quartered here.  I turned them over to an officer of the "Sumter."

 

A sloop load of sailors has gone out to the relief of the "R R R."

 

Sent Philip Ackers, my negro catcher, away from here with a flea in his ears. The Capt. of the "Northern Light" put $84.50 in my hands for the whites employed here upon the "Eliza" and "Ella."

 

July 22, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Had another pleasant call from Capt. Eagle. He thinks he will leave in a week and is in hopes to get orders for a Northern Port as his men are most all sick with the scurvy from being so long at sea without fresh provisions.

 

I find he is considered by other Naval officers too slow for this progressive age. It may be as he is well advanced in years and age begets caution.

 

It is very warm and sultry. It is notwithstanding a fresh breeze warmer than our warmest dog days weather north. The wind is hot, and we can sit almost without clothing in a direct draft at midnight and still be in a profuse perspiration.

 

Paid off the white men what was due them from the "Eliza" and "Ella" and wrote a letter to Washington.

 

The "Owasco" has been practicing at a target.

 

July 23, 1862 - Wednesday

 

Had a communication from Capt. Eagle in regard to the defenses of the Island. Master Spear of the "Morning Light" will be his request assist in getting some guns in 'Position."

 

Have been around this island but am as yet unable to determine where to locate them.

 

July 24, 1862 - Thursday

 

Went round this morning again to locate some point for guns. Conferred with Capt. Guest of the "Owasco," and he advises that these be placed near the Commissary Building, pointing over the Sound and up the Island. Think I will do so. Passed a few hours very pleasantly on the "Sumter." It was refreshing to again get some ice water.

 

This day has been very sultry - but it was comparatively cool on board ship.

 

Found two Lieutenants who knew L.J.P. They are Lieuts. Nash and Mitchell.

 

July 25, 1862 - Friday

 

Took dinner on the "Morning Light." The "Creole" came in from New Orleans. She will go to Pensacola and remain. She brought me letters from Col. Kimbull and Maj. Hastings. The Major has resigned and he will start North in steamer today.

 

The "New London's" crew have been on shore this P.M. at work on new guns.

 

July 26, 1862 - Saturday

 

Another sultry day. I l sent the sloop this morning to New Orleans in charge of Capt. Williams with Sergt. Freeman  and a guard of four men with mails and dispatches.

 

They took as passengers Dr. Meserve, Blossom and Forsaith Smith, three refugees, the two printers and Businessman King. Got one of the 9 inch shell guns (Dahlgren) down near its position today, hoisted the rifled 24 pounder, found its carriage too small and the gun spiked. They will fix it at the machine shop. Shall commence on the platform on Monday. Have been reading "Miss Martineau's Society in America." The prisoners have been policing around the negro quarters. It was a filthy place. I hope by the end of another week to be pretty clean around our location.

 

July 27, 1862 -Sunday

 

Another very warm day.

 

Six colored men and women and seven children came today from Wolf River and Red Creek in two boats. In half an hour after their arrival, a squall arose brought in the sea and nine boats were scattered in fragments along the beach.

 

Went to the nigger prayer meeting this evening. It was a unique performance. Think I shall not forget it soon but will not describe it here. Have written a description to _______.

 

July 28, 1862 - Monday

 

Carpenters commenced building platform for the new battery. Prisoners have been at work cleaning up around the Island. Immediately after dinner a fat old colored woman came rushing in, her body wreathed in smiles, followed by two new arrivals, greeting me with: "Hi! Massa Colonel. Hyars here more womens jes cum ober. Wouldn't you please shoot the big gun, Massa, to let 'um know dey got ober safe? Dey'l want to know ober todder side and dat's what dey said dey'd do."

 

I referred them to the quarter-master, and so got rid of them.