Alphabet File page 319

Singed animals of all sizes, shapes and kind are flying in the candle, flying about my head, buzzing in my ears, crawling down my neck and even in my hair - so I must quit writing, close my door, blow out my candle, get under my bar and try to get them. Whew! What a plague they are!

 

July 29, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Three refugees came over from Pass Christian to escape conscription. They have left their wives, children and property to prevent being taken by force from the same and dragged into a war in which they have no heart. They are a poor, broken spirited suffering set.

 

The persecution of women even, if their husbands are not in the war is terrible, and many are actually starving for want of food of any kind. They have subsisted for months on fish and oysters, but now their skiffs are taken and that is denied them.

 

It is said that the conscript law takes every man from eighteen to thirty-five years to fill up the active regiments in Confederate service, and from thirty-five to fifty, they go into camp in State Service to act as Home Guard and Reserve when needed.

 

July 30, 1962 - Wednesday

 

Got two guns in position today. The rifled gun must be unspiked, and sights put on it. They are heavy things, weighing over four and one half tons besides the carriages each.

 

It is exciting to hear the sailors chorus as sixty or seventy of them bend upon a rope and heave at the big fellows. Wrote a letter to Mrs. Kendall today thanking her for her present of a pair of shirts given me last Fall but never worn until lately.

 

July 31, 1862 - Thursday

 

The "Connecticut" came in today, bound north from New Orleans. We boarded her and sent our mails home. She looked good; and I almost wished I was in her.

 

We got no news except that all was quiet, and that Farragut's fleet was coming out of the river, would rendezvous here in a few days, and go to Pensacola.

 

Our Mail Sloop has not arrived. I am beginning to feel anxious about her.

 

August 1, 1862 - Friday

 

Our Sloop came in this afternoon bringing mails, Major Grover and Gen. Dow. The Major has been sick with jaundice and is in a tour for his health.

 

I got no letters from the North but lots of dispatches. They will keep me busy for some days.

 

The Major and I went to ride this evening up the Island.

 

August 2, 1862 - Saturday

 

Have amused myself today learning the news from Forts Jackson and Phillips. Maj. Grover has been under arrest for letting a prisoner escape and honorably acquitted.

 

Genl. Dow has grumbled with Lt. Col. H. and sent him to Fort Jackson. Lieut. Carson has resigned. Twenty (?) (Captains) wants to. Col. Dow is at Ft. Phillips. No companies are at Quarantine. The boys like their location better than here.

 

August 3, 1862 -- Sunday

 

Have been busy writing all day making returns, etc.

 

Mrs. LaRue has permission to return to New Orleans if she will give me a pledge that she will behave herself. She was indignant at first, but the idea of liberty when once harbored grew too strong for her and she has consented. So I shall send her back when the Sloop goes.

 

August 4, 1862 - Monday

 

Witham pulled the mast out of the Sloop in trying to careen her down and scrape her bottom. She will have to be repaired. Another Gunboat came in today and lies in "the offing."

 

I find heaps of work in making out my papers to forward. The Major is improving. I have had a billious attack for the last few days; hope I may not have the jaundice.

 

Got an intimation that my prisoners were to make a desperate exertion to escape so I doubled the guard. I shall get them into the new plank Guard House tomorrow.

 

August 5, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Moved the Prisoners this morning.

 

Some refugees came here today in a squall within a small boat with cow, calf, hens, chickens, ducks and furniture. I almost opened a negotiation for milk which will supply our mess. I intended to send off the Sloop today but the weather would not permit.

 

Goodale came this morning from St. Phillips direction in the "Dixie." The General sent for some corn, stores, etc. which I shall not send as it was not according to "red tape." He merely sent a memorandum without any signature, with no resemblance to a requisition about it. He either presumes upon my ignorance or else "something else is the matter."

 

August 6, 1862 - Wednesday

 

Sent off the Sloop this morning to New Orleans. Major Grover returned to her. Qtr. Master Ring also went. He will try to get us ice, grain, clothing, etc.

 

Mrs. LaRue also went away feeling very good natured. A pleasant riddance for all such I say.

 

Also sent three convalescents from Hospital and three detailed men.

 

A barque and schooner came in tonight. They have not yet reported.

 

August 7, 1862 -Thursday

 

This morning on awaking found the "Grey Cloud" just coming into the wharf. She brought provisions and took back all the spare horses, the Telegraph Property, and a balance of load of lumber.

 

She also brought back Lieut. Ring to look after repair matters, Capt. Archer, Stevens and Lieut. Moulton.

 

Lieut. Andrews, Provost Sheriff New Orleans, also brought four Prisoners.

 

It seems that the Sloops came with all passengers thoroughly wet by a drenching shower. The Sloops will stop at Fort Pike until the return of the Steamer.

 

Capt. Archer very soon concluded he had best resign which he did. I endorsed it strongly and sent it forward. I am afraid my family in the Mississippi do not live very happily .

 

August 8, 1862 - Friday

 

The "Grey Cloud" advised us last evening, I learn that the obstructions are removed at Grant's  Passo so that steamers can come out. We may get a shot anyway. I have notified Gen. Butler.

 

Next course to New Orleans just before the "Grey Cloud" Capt., that there had been a fight at Baton Rouge, and Genl

 

Williams killed, that the Ram "Arkansas" had got by our fleet and headed down the river, that Farragut, who was under orders for Pensacola and had got to New Orleans, went immediately back to take her. I am anxious to hear from there.

 

I was busy enough yesterday, but today has been very quiet. It is just such hot stifling sultry weather as the weather wise say breeds hurricanes. The Gulf looks hot, white and glassy, but the surf rolls heavily in without a breath of air to help it.

 

August 9, 1862 - Saturday

 

It has been the warmest day of the season. Nothing of interest has transpired except that a Gunboat came in this evening and has anchored inside.

 

The prisoners have been policing around Head Quarters today.

 

August 10, 1862 - Saturday

 

The "Owasco"  came back tonight. They claim the officer was in such a hurry to get away before Com. Farragut should get here and order him to remain that his repairs were not completed and he could not go on. He will remain two weeks longer I think.

 

Went to ride this evening; found my horse frisky.

 

Had a talk with the Lieut. of the "Owasco" about taking some sand battery around the guns. The crew will come off tomorrow and commence it.

 

August 11, 1862 - Monday

 

The "Richmond", steam frigate, Capt. Arlain (?) Aldan(?) came in today from Pensacola, for repairs. She brings Northern news as to the lst inst. All quiet. No movement at Richmond. Have commenced our sand battery of barrels and bags.

 

We have had slight breezes today but still it is very hot.

 

August 12, 1862 - Tuesday

 

The Sloop came back at 2 a.m.  Left Lieut. Ring, Capt. Bates and the mail to return by the "Grey Cloud," which will be here tomorrow or next day.