Alphabet File page 320

Brought papers to Sunday morning containing full accounts of affairs at Baton Rouge up to the 5th which claims to be a victorious repulse of the rebels on our part. But at the same time a rumor of another attack by a stronger force and that the fortunes of war were going against us. We await anxiously

 

 further news.

 

Went to ride this evening. On returning from the picket saw the light of a large fire in the direction of New Orleans. The rebels it is said have several times attempted to fire the city. It raged for more than an hour, but by nine had already died away.

 

Moved the adjutant's office to the West side of the plank road.

 

Work on the sand battery and rifle progressing.

 

August 13, 1862 - Wednesday

 

The Light House Sloop came in today and reports the fire to be on the shore near the Rigolets.

 

There was no further attack on our forces at Baton Rouge.

 

August 14, 1862 - Thursday

 

The "Grey Cloud" came in today, bringing the Quarter Master and two more Prisoners, one Judge, Alexander Walker (editor of the "Delta,") the other Mr. Gillen, also a political prisoner. They are with Judge Andrews and thus are very much dissatisfied with their quarters. I whistle Yankee Doodle to their grumbling and let it pass. Prisoners cannot be waited on as Gentlemen, as they expect to be.

 

The "Grey Cloud" has a Co. of 26th Massachusetts on board bound on an expedition up the lake. She has two nice Dahlgren howitzers on her forward deck. Had a drink of ice water on the "Grey Cloud" which was a great luxury .

 

The Light House Sloop went to New Orleans with passengers. I sent Bennett Fuller with mails and dispatches.

 

August 15, 1862 - Friday

 

Had a very pleasant call from Capt. Alden of the "Richmond." He is the finest appearing officer I have seen.

 

The starboard side of the "Richmond" is completely riddled with shot, and grape protrudes from her side so we could almost climb by them on deck.  Let him have the donkey engine and pump from the "Annie."

 

Had as rousing shower this afternoon preceded by a sand shower which the wind whirled in drifts all about this Island.

 

I have got my office braced up so I think it will stand these heavy glows.

 

Wrote letter today in answer to G.P. Farwell, Col. Nesseltine and Dr. Gordon.

 

August 16, 1862 - Saturday

 

Had a beautiful shower this evening with some of the most brilliant lightning.

 

Wrote letters today to Sue and N>U> Walters upon the Island in water glow.

 

August 17, 1862 - Sunday

 

Rear Admiral Farragut came in today in the flag ship "Hartford" with a consort, the "Brooklyn," I think.

 

He was saluted with seventeen guns each from the different vessels in the harbor.  It has been the coolest day for a month with a strong Easterly breeze.

 

The Admiral sent me six Mobilians ashore with the request I would forward them to New Orleans.  They are runaways from conscription (Mr. Gooding of the Light House board ("Billy Goodwin" of Portland) with Dr. Banzano of New Orleans called on me to see about repairing the Light House. They will call again in the morning. They came in a pretty little schooner in "fine" style.

 

August 18, 1862 - Monday

 

Had a very pleasant call again from the Light House friends and Lieut. Palfrey.   I showed them what material we had. They will send some men next week to work on her.

 

The "Rhode Island" came in tonight with Naval supplies with dates from the North to August 2nd.

 

It has been cool and pleasant all day.

 

Made the muster of troops required by the War Department although I have only newspaper accounts that it has been required.

 

August 19, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Had a call this evening from Capt. Alden of the "Richmond." He has promised to rig my flag staff and furnish me with halliards.

 

Rode up near the head of the Island. Got wet, twice.

 

August 20, 1862 - Wednesday

 

"Grey Cloud" came in this morning and went out at midnight. She brought mails and two prisoners - Mr. Drury and Mrs. Cozen. Had to put the lady into Wilson's (?) quarters for the night. Capt. Kensel brought her.

 

Mr. Phillips also came over with permission to stay with his wife until departure of the boat next time.

 

August 21, 1862 - Thursday

 

Moved High Buck (?) prisoners into the building used jfor Quartermaster stores and gave Mrs. Cozen the one occupied by them.

 

German woman came over from Ocean Springs bringing her household goods. Wants to go to New Orleans. Put her temporarily with Mrs. Cozen which creates mutual disgust.

 

August 22, 1862 - Friday

 

Went on board  the "Relief," Capt. Mounton (?) to breakfast. Got sea sick and couldn't eat. The tide was higher than it has been for months, evidently the effects of a storm below.

 

Took up the body of Sergt C.N. Friend, 14th Maine Regmt, for transportation home. The brig "Julia" will take it to New Orleans and thence it will go by  Adams Express.

 

August 23, 1862 - Saturday

 

German woman went to New Orleans this morning in a skiff. In gratitude for my protection she sent me a bottle of Champagne and her biggest Gobbler.

 

Wrote to Capt. Ben and family.

 

Cool and pleasant. Shower in evening.

 

August 24, 1862 - Sunday

 

Very cool morning.

 

"Grey Cloud" came in about 9 a.m. She brought no mail nor news. Brought provisions and will take away lumber. Took dinner on the "Morning Light." Came off with Capt.

 

Maulton of the "Relief" in his gig. Capt. M. laid a wager that my haughty secesh lady Mrs. Cowen would walk with him. I gave him a permit and he won.

 

August 25, 1862 - Monday

 

Have been quite ill today from diarrhea. It has troubled me seven days, but today my back feels as if it was nearly broken.

 

The "Light Keeper" boat came in tonight with the Diegos. She had been gone 12 days. She had ten gallons on Whisky on board which I confiscated. I shall settle the accounts between them tomorrow.

 

August 26, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Settled the dispute between Uncle Brown and the Diegoes by making them pay over the passage money they collected - they to collect their time and he their use of and damage to (??)It's a skunk and hedgehog quarrel every hour.

 

Capt. Alden sent his Boatswain ashore and rigged my flagstaff so for the first time I swing my bunting to the breeze.

 

I took from the Diegoes three rifles, two pistols, and some ammunition. We will try and do what shooting is to be done ourselves.

 

Paid for Mr. French for expense of disinterring his son as follows: Negroes $4 - Mr. Moore $2.50 - Soldiers $10.00, making $16.50 - this I have written him to pay Mr. Reed. Had a long talk with my French prisoner Mr. Dunoy. He is anxious to take the oath of allegiance and go home.

 

Saw a bright comet tonight for the first time although the boys say it has been visible for a week.

 

August 27, 1862 -- Wednesday

 

Expected "Grey Cloud" today but she did not come.

 

The "Owasco" took a trip today to try her machinery and has not returned.

 

A big steamer came in tonight but it was so dark I could not see what she was and another seems to be anchored in the offing.

 

August 28, 1862 - Thursday

 

The steamer we saw last night in the offing was the "Owasco" aground. She got off by the help of the "Miami" and came in today.