Alphabet File page 327

Saw Col Ferriss' 28th Connecticut Dress Parade. It was very fair for a green regiment.

 

December 14, 1862 -  Sunday

 

Vessels continue to arrive. The "Che Kiang" is remaining to repair her machinery. Will not leave until Tuesday morning. The troops from "Atlantic" and "Baltic", the 28th Massachusetts and 116th New York will come on shore and await transportation in some light draught vessel. They are under my orders so far as duty upon the Island is concerned. I rode amongst them today with Lt. Col. Abert and up the Island. Went on board the "Haze" about noon, somewhat expecting to see my Maine friends; but was disappointed.

 

Went off to dine with Capt. Manton on turkey. Then went to the "Che Kiang" to see Capt. Brown, where we were sumptuously entertained.

 

Came ashore about 5 P.M. to find the "Curlew" ashore on the South side of the Island nearly abreast of the barracks. She evidently attempted to run in in the night using the chart for a guide and supposing the Light House as her guide down to be upon the extreme West Point of the Island which it is not.

 

I have a suspicion today that Banks is to supersede Butler. If so, I should stand a chance of being able to do something.

 

December 15, 1862 - Monday

 

Vessels continue to come. The "Curlew" landed her troops during the night and this morning the "Che Kiang" tried to tow her off but after parting two hawsers gave up the attempt.

 

The "Atlantic" and "Baltic" are sending horses, men and Regimental property ashore.              (25th?)

 

There are now upon the Island the 23d and 28th Connecticut, the 116th New York, the 28th Massachusetts and a detachment of the 114th (or 119th) New York.

 

Took dinner on board the "Che Kiang" with Capt. Madigan, Col. Abert, and Capt. Hooper.

 

The "Che Kiang" was to have another trial on the "Curlew" but at sundown the wind came round to Northward and she desisted. We are like to have a Norther.

 

It is said the _________"Sanford" is lost but troops saved.

 

December 16, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Some few more vessels arrived.

 

The "Che Kiang" gave another pull at the "Curlew" but did not succeed in getting her off. She has coaled tonight.

 

Ride with Capt. Maintain, the Dr. and Adjutant to see the dress parade. Spent the evening in discussing tactics (Carries). Have borrowed a copy and must study it.

 

December 17, 1862 - Wednesday

 

Br. Genl Emery came ashore this morning. Found him very pleasant. Rode with him around the encampment. Called on Col. Ingraham who is acting Brig. Genl.

 

This afternoon rode up again to witness the drill of the troops.

 

The "Curlew" off tonight.

 

The "Thorn," "Che Kiang," and a Canal boat went to New Orleans.

 

No "Sykes" yet. She is now five days over due.

 

December 18, 1862 - Thursday

 

Some few vessels arrived today and went away, none containing troops that I know.

 

The "Eastern Queen" which it was feared was lost came in. She had on board part of 16th New Hampshire.

 

December 19, 1862 - Friday

 

Three vessels this morning including the "Honduras" with Staff Horses.

 

Got papers to the 9th of December. It looks like Burnsides got into Winter Quarters. I am sorry for that although I feared he might be obliged to do so.

 

December 20, 1862 - Saturday

 

The "Sykes" came in this morning bringing the Quarter Master, _____ prisoners (four colored) and orders for Col. Abort and Capt. Hopper of Genl Banks Staff to proceed to New Orleans leaving their duties to me.

 

"Speed" also came from New Orleans and will return there when the "Sykes" comes back from Pensacola. It seems Banks supersedes Butler and an entire change of affairs are taking place whereat the Crecent citizens are greatly rejoicing. The papers bring Banks orders and Butler's farewell.

 

I have received nothing officially as yet.

 

December 21, 1862 - Sunday

 

Only one steamer today, the "Prometheus," 18 days from New York with a detachment of 15th New Hampshire.

 

The event of today was a dinner on the "Baltic." Turtle Soup, etc. Capts. Madigan, Manton and Eldrige, Col. Abert, Capt. Hooper and myself dined well. I have been full to repletion ever since.

 

The "Sykes" has to yet (10 P.M.)  arrived.

 

December 22, 1862 - Monday

 

"Sykes" came in 4 A.M. Took Abert, Capt. Hooper and Capt. _____ to New Orleans.

 

A Light House supply vessel came in also, the barque "Templers" from Bangor with bricks for Fort thirty days out. None of Banks expedition have arrived.

 

Sick today.

 

December 23, 1862 - Tuesday

 

Feel better today. Feverish symptoms have left.

 

Only one arrival, that from New Orleans, the "Pocahontas." She will take stores from the "Ericson" and detachments from 110th and 119th New York and 23rd Connecticut.

 

December 24, 1862 - Wednesday

 

The "Salvor" came in this morning. Co. Dwight and four Companies of 160th New York. They left at 10:15 A.M. for New Orleans.

 

The barque "Amazonian" with stores also came in before dinner and I sent her right away to New Orleans.

 

The "Cambrian" also came from New York bringing dates to the 13th. She had detachment 15th New Hampshire on board. Newspapers tell us that Burnside is across the Rappahannock and a battle is imminent.

 

The "Eastern Queen," "Reliance," from the River about dusk.

 

December 25, 1862 - Thursday

 

CHRISTMAS

 

The "Sykes" came in about midnight. She brought sad news, in fact that we were repulsed on the 13th and 14th at Fredericksburg and that Burnside is retiring. Our hopes are dashed to the ground and our Christmas is not so merry as it otherwise would be. We still hope he will retrieve.

 

The "Wizard King" came in this morning with horses. She had lost twenty-five. Sent her to New Orleans.

 

The "Pocahontas" left this morning and the "Eastern Queen" this afternoon carrying 110th New York and detachments of 23rd Connecticut and 113th New York.

 

There is now left but two Regiments beside my original command.

 

Took dinner on the "Baltic." There was Mrs. Edge and a Miss Mitchell, Capts. Comstock, Eldrige, Madigan, Manton and Edge, Surgeons Bates, Falton and Gray; Maj. Rodman and myself. Capt. Adams came down in the "Jackson" from Grants Pass and added to the party. The dinner was excellent and the occasion pleasant.

 

Captain Ure and Mr. Wright are released today; the former by reason of expiration of sentence, the other by order of Genl Banks.

 

December 26, 1862 - Friday

 

The "Quincy" arrived this morning and sailed.  The "Chunnebary" and "Albany" arrived and have not sailed on account of the thick weather and of mending toilers.

 

The "Moro Castle" and "Jennie Beale" arrived outside and reported by boat. Do not know if they have sailed, the weather is so thick.

 

The "Sykes" at 9 P.M.

 

It has been a chilly long day.