Alphabet File page 323

The "Pinola" is in the harbor for repairs.

 

October 7, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Wind still S.E. "Ceres" came in this morning.

 

Brought Adgt Speed of 26th Massachusetts and a prisoner for Fort Pickens.

 

The "McLellan" also came in with Genl Dow moved to Pensacola. Went off to see the coast. He came ashore with me and looked around the Island. He had word that Genl Butler was coming here on his yacht. He was not here when due, so I hurried the "Ceres" back to look for him.

 

Went off and dined with Capt. Munton and then call on the Genl again in the evening.

 

Wind blows fresh and Genl Butler not arrived at 11 p.m.

 

The "Pinola" is in the harbor to receive repairs for engines sustained off Mobile in the late gale. Saw the Surgeon of the "Pinola" in the "Relief."

 

October 8, 1862 - Wednesday

 

Genl Butler came on shore this morning before I was up. He reports passing the "Ceres," that her boiler exploded and she was burned to the water, only twelve of the crew and passengers escaping, and that the officer on board of her, Lieut. Sherburn, was not seen. I expect we have lost him. The accident is serious at best, but at no time has there been so little property on board, so few passengers or crew, or important dispatches. We are anxious for further particulars.

 

The Genl seemed pleased with the condition of the Island and his visit was very pleasant.  He was accompanied by a part only of his staff, Maj. Strong, Paffer, and another, and a Mr. Dean from Massachusetts.

 

He went on board the "McLellan" about 7 when she steamed out for Pensacola. Did not see Genl Dow today.

 

Went shooting up the neck today to try my gun. It did not miss once and its range is first rate; should start again in the morning.

 

Took dinner in the "Relief."

 

October 9, 1862 - Thursday

 

Started early this morning and went with Capt Manton in his yacht up the Island shooting.  Beat up to the head spit of the Island, shot terns birds and cooked them on the beach. This with the material carried with us gave us both a pleasant breakfast and dinner. Spent the day very pleasantly indeed.

 

The boat is one I gave him and is a gay sailor.

 

The "New London" came ins today with Pensacola mails from New Orleans.

 

She returns taking our mails and I gave Mr. Morgan of the "Relief" to get our mails from the Post Office and take them here on his return.

 

Saw a paper with news from the North to the 27th September. Nothing especial but the President's Proclamation of Emancipation.

 

Our belief is strengthened that Lieut. Sherburn was lost in the "Ceres."

 

October 10, 1862 - Friday

 

Spent the forenoon cleaning my gun and trying its range. After dinner tried it on some birds. Shot twenty-five at one discharge of ball. Think it good for fifteen rods even with small shot.

 

It has been squally all day. No arrival of boats.

 

October 11, 1862 - Saturday

 

The wind last night and today is blowing a regular Norther. A prize schooner was blown upon the beach; several small boats have been stove in. The new "Georgia (?) Monitor" which lay at the New Wharf has torn up the wharf, stove a hole in her side and is pounding her bows on the sand. Other vessels are in a precarious situation..

 

The "Xenophon" has dragged her anchors half way to shore. Her light tender, "Florida," and Gen Butler's Yacht are bobbing like egg shells in the water.

 

Went to ride in the afternoon and found the cool air quite bracing.

 

October 12, 1862 - Sunday

 

The "Tennessee" came in from Pensacola.

 

The weather continues cold. The "Tennessee" brought mails for New Orleans and news to 29th. Nothing of importance from the North.

 

Genl Butler's yacht went tonight to New Orleans carrying mails and several Navy officers.

 

Hope to get letters by return boat.

 

October 13, 1862 - Monday

 

Weather has moderated and is clearing up. Wind N.W.

 

Went to ride this afternoon with Capt. Munton and Dr. Wells of the "Tennessee." Took a boat for landing on the South Side of this Island and brought her into port, but she had papers from Custom House to permit her coasting so let her go. She was the "Antelope," a 15 ton schooner.

 

October 14, 1862 - Tuesday

 

The "Vincennes" Sloop of War, 7 guns, came into port today. She came in splendid style. I find her Comdg. Officer Lt.

 

Comdr Madigan served seven years with L.P. Phelps, and was an old chum of his. I like him much.

 

October 15, 1862 - Wednesday

 

The "Owasco" came in from Galveston via Pensacola with the news that Galveston was taken. The men cheered heartily.

 

October 16, 1862 - Thursday

 

This morning the "Rhode Island" came in from the North with dates to 5th October.

 

And the "St. Mary" from New Orleans in a mail. I got letters from Father, Sue, Nell, Nor, etc.

 

Billy Wilson came in "Rhode Island" and came ashore to see me in the forenoon.

 

Mr. Wm. Nademan came on board the "Vincennes" and after dinner, he and his officers, four in all, came riding up the beach. I furnished them horses and it was a break-neck affair. We made the circuit of the Island and most of the bay, say twenty miles in two hours. He went to New Orleans in Joe Falco's yacht and I was glad when he was off.

 

The Navy had a little skirmishing last night between us and the shore. The vessels in the harbor beat to quarters and we expected trouble.  I re-inforced my pickets, established patrols along the beach, and had the men in readiness to move at any time, but our Gun boats passed up the Sound out of sight.

 

October 17, 1862 - Friday

 

We hear nothing this morning of last night's affair.

 

Have been busy all day writing letters.

 

October 18, 1862 - Saturday

 

Started early this morning with Capt.  Manton up the Island shooting.  We shot forty birds including one hawk, one king fisher, two crow black-birds, one magpie, one curlew, one sand piper and the rest were different varieties of snipe.  I traveled around all the bayous and made a thorough exploration of the Island, but did not get very tired. We took dinner at our old place under the live oak and I enjoyed it very much.

 

October 19, 1862 - Sunday

 

Warm and pleasant.

 

"Tennessee" came in from Pensacola. Will remain some time for repairs.

 

"Pocohontas" came in to put in some masts.

 

Went aboard the "Relief"  to sleep so as to get a good start for Cat Island in the morning.

 

October 20, 1862 - Monday

 

Started about four A.M. for Cat Island in the Captain's yacht. Dr. Purneho went in the Gig. We forgot our compass and while steering by ________ and thinking ourselves near the Northern part of the Island found ourselves below the Southern spit, tacked and ran up to shore. Coasted along to the western end.

 

Stopped at the old Light Keepers house. Found Mobile papers of the 12th; questioned the dagoes.

 

Went to the North shore and took breakfast. Walked down the North shore. Shot 26 birds, most large ones, and took dinner near the Sand Hills.

 

The wind had gone down so we took passage back in the gig, the men pulling back in about an hour.