Alphabet File page 321
It has been very monotonous. Nothing doing.
August 29, 1862 - Friday
The "Ceres" came in this morning from the Mississippi River. By her we learn that the "Grey Cloud" has been taken from the line and that she is substituted. She brought Capt. March, freight and some of the men who did not pass the board for discharge.
Also Col. Hesseltine who came with orders to relieve me. I had no orders to be relieved so consequently declined so doing.
It seems that five Companies of the 21st Massachusetts are sent to Fort Jackson to relieve our three now there, and they are at St. Phillips and as Lt. Col was not wanted at St. Phillips the Genl sent him here. He feels he is in somewhat in a fix.
I have written the Genl that I desire to retain this command and hope that I may.
August 30, 1862 - Saturday
The "Ceres" left this morning about 7 for Lakeport. Quartermaster Ring went over to settle up his monthly accounts.
Took dinner at 5 p.m. with Capt. Alden of the "Richmond." Enjoyed myself much.
Coming home found Capt. Mauton of the "Relief" in my quarters. Had some sport with him about the note he had just got from Mrs. Cowen.
August 31, 1862 - Sunday
Mustered the troops for payment.
It was a hot day and I got very tired going up to Hospital. Found things there in capital order.
Had a call from Manton and Spear in the evening. They got caught out up the Island in a nice shower.
September 1, 1862 - Monday
Lieut. Weigh came over in Genl Butler's Yacht with a pardon for Mrs. L. Cowen. That nice lady celebrated the event by getting tight.
Lieut Neyher and Palfrey with Capt. Muntone passed the evening with me.
September 2, 1862 - Tuesday
Lieut. Weigh started after dinner with his liberated prisoner for New Orleans. At sundown, he was still in sight in direction of Biloxi. The current was stronger than the wind. Went to ride with Capt. Manton (Moulton?)
September 3, 1862 - Wednesday
The "Ceres" came in this morning with five prisoners. Put them in the building vacated by Mrs. LaRus. Had a present of some wine, etc. from the prisoners. As it was delivered before I knew it, I thanked them for it but told them that I could accept no more presents from them.
September 4, 1862 - Thursday
Took tea on board "Relief." Enjoyed myself better than any day I have been on the Island.
The "Jackson," "Clifton" and "Harriet Lane" arrived from Pensacola. They are to cruise in the Sound.
September 5, 1862 - Friday
Had a call today from Capt. Alden. Nothing of importance has transpired.
Played Dominoes with Capt. Munton, Col. Kessellman and Lieut. Goodwin.
September 6, 1862 - Saturday
"Ceres" came in early bringing 5 prisoners and 15 head of cattle.
Went out at noon with part load of lumber, Quartermaster Ring, Col Kesseltine and Lieut. Goodwin.
September 7, 1862 - Sunday
"Connecticut" came in this morning with a large mail which she has put on the "Relief." Also some ordinance which she has put on the "Xenophon."
She brings dates to 23rd stating that McLellan has made junction with Pope; that a gunboat ran the blockade at Mobile; that the "Richmond" was ordered there as soon as possible; in the meantime the "Harriet Lane" and "Owasco" to Mobile to return after she gets there.
September 8, 1862 - Monday
"Morning Light" left for Texas since dinner. She had light wind and was in sight at sundown.
Finished the battery this morning.
Had a call from Mrs. Guernsy and another Lady stopping up the Island. It is the first conversation I have held with a civilized female since last February.
September 9, 1862 - Tuesday
We have been looking for steamer all day. The "Clifton" came in this morning from New Orleans and brings rumor from Secret sources that Stonewall Jackson has taken Washington. I would believe it true, but have great anxiety to see the steamer from the Lake to learn more particularly about it.
September 10, 1862 - Wednesday
The "Ceres" came in this morning bringing dates to 30th
August.
War matters are looking dubious and it is impossible to tell which side will be or is uppermost. So we wait impatiently for another mail.
Col. Hesseltine returned. The Quarter Master did not.
Got a letter from Mort and one from Mary.
The "Owasco" and "Harriet Lane" came back today. The "Richmond" left last night for Mobile.
I had no instructions from Head Quarters in relation to Prisoners or other matters on which I had written. At which I feel disappointed.
September 11, 1862 - Thursday
Wrote a letter to Maj. Grover today. Nothing of importance has transpired.
September 12, 1862 - Friday
Wrote West a letter.
Monotony. Same as yesterday
September 13, 1862 - Saturday
Had a present of a quarter of beef from Capt. Guest of the "Owasco."
Took dinner on board the barque "General Benjamin," Capt. Emery. He is a pleasant and oldish kind of man and enjoyed myself well.
September 14, 1862 - Sunday
Found today that Capt. Guest had been killing six of our cattle and wrote him a letter in relation to it, but the boat has been off all day so did not get a chance to send it. Went to Negro prayer meeting in the evening.
September 15, 1862 -- Monday
The wind has blown steadily all day first from the North veering round to North West.
A man direct from Mobile came here in a skiff this morning. His name is Franklin Corson of Cape May County, New Jersey. He has been some years in the South, and represents the state of things there as dreadful. He got thoroughly drenched in the rain and was very tired, as he landed at the upper part of the Island (eastern MJS), and walked down bringing his valise and carpet bag in his hands.
September 16, 1862 - Tuesday
It blew hard last night and has done so today, the wind veering round to West and South West, where it now is. It has rained heavily. I guess we may call this a liner (?).
I have been under the weather today, living on faith, a blue pill, and one of the Doctor's castor oil and spirit Turpentine Cocktails. I can taste it now.
September 17, 1862 - Wednesday
Wind blew all day somewhat
"Ceres" arrived at night.
Wrote a letter to Capt. Guest of the "Owasco" notifying him that he had killed six of our cattle. Got a reply which showed him less of a gentleman than I supposed.
Received an invoice of twelve prisoners and bad news from the North.
Got a letter from Sue and one from Jabez Woodburn.
Had notice from Washington that our returns were not received since April. They have always been sent to __________ or Division Headquarters for transmission, but owing to somebody's neglect we must make some more.
September 18, 1862 -- Thursday
"Ceres" left about noon today.
Mrs. Phillips and Judge Walker and Trepagnier gave their parole and were set at liberty. My interview with Mrs. Phillips was unique. She would not admit that her husband had ever asked a favor of Genl Butler, or interceded on her behalf. "She would have died in martyrdom rather than to have had him." I knew better, but indulged my fancy.