Alphabet File page 328

December 27, 1861 - Saturday

 

"Sykes" went to New Orleans this morning.

 

It rained most all night, was chill and blowing this noon. It cleared off before noon and the wind is getting to the Northeast.

 

No arrivals today but two large ships are in the offing.

 

December 28, 1862 - Sunday

 

The ship "T.J. Southard" with army stores and the barque "Volligrew" with troops put in from the Thames were beating up to Port this morning. I sent out to them and ordered them to New Orleans.

 

The "Lavery" came in from New Orleans tonight with Capt. Buck and the Paymaster. We are now paid up to the last of October. I received for two months pay $381.70, instead of $464.00 as per old pay lists (green backs at that).

 

The "Illinois," "Northern Light" and "North Star" came in tonight for troops and stores. They will take the two remaining Regiments and the stores of the "Atlantic" and "Baltic."

 

When we shall go is the question now.

 

The news from the North has been fully discussed. It looks bad.

 

Genl Banks designs an attack on Port Hudson soon and all agree that it is to be a big fight.

 

December 29, 1862 - Monday

 

The "Northern Star" this afternoon took 116th New York.

 

December 30, 1862 - Tuesday

 

The “Sykes" came in this morning bringing one prisoner and an order for the release of a dozen.

 

My Zoo tried to get away last night but failed.

 

The "Northern Light"  got away with the __9th Massachusetts this morning and the steamer "Mississippi" came in with 1500 Massachusetts and New Hampshire troops. She brings dates to the 22nd from N.Y.

 

Things look squally at the North.

 

I have written to Cobb today. It is blowing a big Norther tonight and the waves come sheeting in upon our northern beach and around the Wharves beautifully.

 

December 31, 1862 - Wednesday

 

Mustered the troops for payment. Found them in splendid condition.

 

Gave my little green gig to the Capt. of the "Baltic," Joe Comstock.

 

In the evening the darkeys had a New Years and Emancipation Ball in the dining hall of the Fort workmen. They had a gay old time of it. Most of the Captains of the fleet were present and I went in with them. I was some what afraid of a disturbance but everything went off quietly.

 

Released a lot of prisoners today and sent the Irishman Scarnem and his family from the Island.

 

January 1, 1863 - Thursday

 

I have passed the first day of the new year very quietly. The "Baltic" left at noon for the North.

 

A steam tug came in tonight having Lieut. Sergeant and Actg. A.D.G. to Genl Banks who will intercept future transports and order them to New Orleans.

 

I took dinner and wild duck etc. with Capat. Manton on board the "Relief."

 

Have not seen Capts. Madigan, GAmble, Eldrige or Babcock today.

 

January 2, 1863 - Friday

 

The "Atlantic" sailed for the North today. Sent letters to Father and Sue by her.

 

No vessels for the expedition today.

 

January 3, 1863 - Saturday

 

"Sykes" came in from New Orleans. Had a box from H.N. Merrill containing a coat, pair of pants, four shirts, pair gloves, collars and cravat. The coat had nine buttons in a row instead of seven as per regulations.

 

January 4, 1863 - Sunday

 

Went to ride up the Island. My horse got into the quicksands and went down throwing me off, the first time I ever left him involuntarily. He did not get hurt in anyway.

 

I expect to be lame tomorrow.

 

January 5, 1863 - Monday

 

The "Fox" was relieved by the Nassau who brought news of the recapture of Galveston by the Texans, the capture of the gunboat "Harriet Lane" and destruction of the "Westfield" with most of both crews.

 

January 6, 1863 - Tuesday

 

Pleasant in morning. Norther came on in afternoon and the schooner "C.N. Russel," taking in ballast, is chafing heavily at Wharf.

 

January 7, 1863 - Wednesday

 

"Sykes" came in this morning but refused to come from the Wharf or wait for our boat to get out so had to send schooner "Fair Play" with her released Prisoners and Quarter Master Sergt. R. Cossian, Lieut. Jordan and others up to New Orleans.

 

January 8, 1863 - Thursday

 

Had two refugees from Biloxi this morning.  They brought "Mobile Register and Advertiser" of January 4, 1863.

 

They report a victory for Confederates at Murfreesboro and Vicksburg. Bad again.

 

January 9, 1863 - Friday

 

No "Sykes" today.

 

"Tennessee” came in from Mobile and reports the capture of an English iron steamer [off Mobile Point] with arms, ammunition, etc.

 

Took tea with the Doctor in his office in "oyster blaze."

 

January 10, 1863 - Saturday

 

"Tennessee" went out this morning. No "Sykes" yet. Everything chill and monotonous.

 

The officers have taken to playing ball for exercises and "development of muscles."

 

January 11, 1863 - Sunday

 

A beautiful day!

 

"Circassian” came in from New Orleans. Brings news that the "Sykes" has broken down.

 

Also northern papers to 20th Dec. Not much.

 

Took dinner on board the "Relief."

 

January 12, 1863 - Monday

 

Morning. A steamer has just come on the Wharf with nigger troops on board, evidently to relieve us. Oh Lord!

 

The Colonel has not yet reported. But I think I would make an entry in my diary now lest I shouldn't have time bye and bye. Evening: Well, they have arrived. Col. Daniels and seven Companies of 2nd Louisiana Native Guard.

 

I am to be relieved and suppose it was the intention for me To go back in the "Northern Light," the steamer which brought them here. But I got no official orders.

 

The Colonel has only a memorandum of an order which he says was issued from which he cannot ascertain whether I am to take my two Companies along or not so I decline to act in the premises at all until such time as orders arrive.

 

I was ordered "if practicable" to ship ten of the heavy 9 inch guns in the Steamer and they weigh 10,000 lbs. each and the Captain says the ship is not safe to take them besides the fact that he is aground at the Wharf at high water without freight.

 

I expect to be scolded about this at Head Quarters but I can do no better. If they expect their wishes answered, they must make them known. If they wish their guns transported, they provide proper means.

 

I am very much afraid these two Companies are to be left here.

 

January 13, 1863 - Tuesday

 

"Nigger in the Brain." No, I have not got that. It has struck to my stomach and gone all over me. The feeling of certainty that I have got to leave my two good Companies here to come into collision with these niggers has made me feel homesick, and I have serious thoughts of resigning.

 

I went to see them drill the Battallion this afternoon. The Adjutant conducted the exercises, neither field officer being present. There was some good marching but the other exercises were indifferently done.

 

January 14, 1863 - Wednesday

 

The schooner "Rocky Nell" came in today with our provisions, clothing and medical stores. It is so windy she will not be at the Wharf and so windy there was no nigger drill except by Company.  They drill better so that by battalion.