Alphabet File page 326

Wind is blowing heavily from N.W. and increasing.

 

The 8th Vermonters look as if they might be good men if properly cared for and officered. The Captain and Lieutenant made me think of McHenry and Noyes.

 

The "Jackson" has been here in the harbor shore more or less since last spring and this is the first time I have been on board her. She has the heaviest kind of armament for her class - a hundred and twenty pounder rifle forward, a ten or eleven inch Dahlgren aft, and four 9-inch funs amidship and is able to bring four guns to bear in any direction. She is a Fulton Ferry Boat purchased for the Navy.

 

Continued from Rust-1

 

November 28, 1862 - Friday

 

"Sykes" came in this morning with mails from the North to the 15th inst. There is no news of importance except the circumstances attending the removal of Genl McLellan from the Army of the Potomac, and a rumor of southern sources that a big battle had been fought by Burnside.

 

Capt. Syned of 26th Massachusetts came over for property kept here by the Regiment. He is a gentlemanly fellow.

 

The "Kensington" came in today.

 

November 29, 1862 - Saturday

 

A fine pleasant day.

 

Have been busy all day writing letters to Capt. Snell, Major Grover and Augusta, also made inventory of Public  Stores for inspection, etc. etc. and feel very tired.

 

November 30, 1862 - Sunday

 

A warm pleasant day.

 

Have been reading "Handy Andy." It is quite good for a humorous work.    There is a great many fine touches of wit. Had a little excitement in the harbor. Saw a steamer creeping along the Biloxi shore. Fired a rifle shell at her and brought her to. All hands were at quarters. She proved to be the "Hatteras" passing from Grants Pass to Bay St. Louis.

 

December 1, 1862 - Monday

 

It has been a beautiful day, warm and pleasant.

 

The ships launches have been chasing a sloop down by Chandeleur Light but she escaped. Coming back, four boats went over toward Biloxi after one there. Don't know if they have returned or not.

 

Settled with Otis to Nov. 26th.

 

December 2, 1862 - Tuesday

 

MY BIRTHDAY

 

I am twenty-nine years old today! and there is a fair prospect of my being an Old Bachelor if ever one existed, particularly if this war keeps me on Ship Island a year longer.

 

I have spent the day very pleasantly. The "Sykes" came in from New Orleans about 4 A.M. bringing one prisoner, an order for Capt. Nell to attend a Court of Inquiry, an order for me to evacuate the Light Keepers Building, now used as a hospital, and several unimportant matters after attending to these and reading the New Orleans papers.

 

Capt. Adams sent his gig for me and I went on toward the "Jackson" to Breakfast. Breakfasted from 10 to 11, when Capt. Manton came on board and we chattered and smoked until one.

 

Then came ashore, looked about for a couple of hours and then went all hands on board the "Vincennes" to dinner. All the Commandants in port, "the four and no more," had a jolly time until 10 P.M. playing the Old Down East game of "High Low, Jack in the Evening." The new low in regard to the Navy, prohibiting liquors on board, will save the officers many a dollar of their earnings and at the same time it enables one to partake of their hospitality without a dead certainty of a headache afterwards.

 

December 3, 1862 - Wednesday

 

It has been chilly and uncomfortable and somewhat rough in the Harbor. Wind N.E.

 

Had some confiscated liquor stole from the Wharf yesterday, but it was not found out in season by the officers of the Guard to detect the thieves or who of the sentries were remaining on duty. It is very provoking.

 

Dined with Capt. Manton in company with Capts. Madigan and Adams.

 

The  "Sykes" came in. Took some hay from the wharf. Brought Speed from Pensacola. He stopped onshore with two Captains of Artillery about a half hour and then left for New Orleans. Quarter Master went to New Orleans to see about Hospital. Also Capt. Hall and his witnesses.

 

December 4, 1862 - Thursday

 

Had a general policing of quarters today, stables and all. It is cold and rainy.

 

December 5, 1862 - Friday

 

"Sykes" came in from New Orleans bringing our mail, the Doctor and Quarter Master, and a rumor that we are soon to be moved to the city.

 

December 6, 1862 - Saturday

 

Commenced having this evening a school of the Battalion. "Sykes" came in late and went to New Orleans.

 

December 7, 1862  - Sunday

 

Beautiful day. Went to ride with Capt. Manon up the Island, and afterwards went with him and Dr. Bates to his ship and spent the evening.

 

December 8, 1862 - Monday

 

Went aboard the "Vincennes" and took dinner with the club. Had school in evening. They are interesting as of old.

 

December 9, 1862 - Tuesday

 

"Sykes" came in early as usual from New Orleans, brought two prisoners (one of them one of Billy Wilson's) condemned to three years hard labor ball and chain.

 

Also Capt. Hall returned with the addition of some officers. Got no orders to leave the Island. Got papers to 25th November and 2 letters to self. Have been busy reading and working all day.

 

December 10, 1862 - Wednesday

 

Wrote a letter to New Orleans and took a long ride up the Island.

 

Dr. Bonzano came in Harbor in his schooner. Had a pleasant chat with him.

 

December 11, 1862 - Thursday

 

Quarter Master went last night to New Orleans for beef.

 

Had a letter today from some of my prisoners; they learning I was to leave this Island sent their testimonial of good treatment and their kind wishes.

 

The Illinois of New York has just got into Port with 42nd Massachusetts Regiment and 18th New York Battery, the advanced guard of Bank's Division.

 

The "Che Kiang" came later with 23rd and 28th Connecticut. Col. Greenleaf commands 52nd Massachusetts; Col. Holmes the 23rd Connecticut.

 

December 12, 1862 -  Friday

 

Have been very busy. Took a portion of Geo Hamiltonn's staff in ambulance and Cols. Holmes and Greenleaf up to show them the Island and camping ground.

 

Took dinner on board the "Illinois."

 

The "New Brunswick" came in this forenoon with 24th Connecticut, and the "SR Spaulding," Capt. Howes, with the 22nd Maine, Col. Jerrard. Twenty-three more steamers daily expected.

 

No "Sykes" today.

 

December 13, 1862 - Saturday

 

General Banks arrived in "North Star." Some fourteen steamers in all arrived today.

 

Genl Banks came ashore in the morning with Genl Grover, Olion (?) and Staff. After taking a glass of sherry to steady their sea legs and stomachs they proceeded to business, and in five hours their arrangements were all perfected greatly and systematically and Genl Banks with his expedition were steaming for their destination.

 

They go up the Mississippi and all vessels who come will be sent after them. Col. Abert and Capt. Hooper of the General's staff will remain here for a few days to forward the vessels as they arrive.

 

The General was very pleasant and affable. Expressed a desire to see my prisoner so I took him in and introduced him to Dr. Bachelder and others.

 

The "Atlantic" and "Baltic" will discharge troops and stores here as they cannot get over the bars. The troops are coming on shore tonight.