January 18, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     Fortress Monroe, Va., January 18, 1862.
     ...No doubt you are anxious to hear from Warren, accordingly I will write. We are still on board, waiting for orders. The more I see of this, the greater humbug I think it is. A fortnight has passed since we came aboard. The men and the officers are discontented. Last night, the men broke open the ship's stores and got liquor, a row followed, several were put in irons, one or two injured. I went ashore Friday and stayed all day; enjoyed myself finely. Ate a hearty dinner of baked beans with the boys. Everything about the Fort looked natural. The boys are all well, but wish to get away from the Fort. The company has been changed to a Flying Artillery Corps. They are to have six rifled pieces, drawn by horses, and will go into the field next spring. It will take some time to learn the drill and obtain an outfit. The boys live "like fighting cocks " now. I suppose you have seen George Pray. He will be here in the morning. A flag of truce went up to Norfolk to-day. The report is that General Wool sent word to have all the women and children leave the place, which would lead one to suppose that an engagement is to take place soon. Some think that Burnside's expedition has gone there by way of Hatteras, and our war vessels are to go down Elizabeth River; but it is impossible to tell. Our Major, Charles J. Paine, arrived from Washington to-day. Parker is no longer Quartermaster. G. C. Easterbrook supersedes him. He is from Worcester, Mass. Parker feels well; he will probably get something as good, if not better. Captain P. A. Davis is attending to my transfer. Gus Ayling, of the 7th Battery, stayed aboard with me last night; he had an influential uncle in Boston, who helped him to his new position. We expect orders to sail every morning when the Baltimore boat arrives.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     January 18-Saturday
     Becoming very pleasant and quite warm.
     I went on shore to day. went to Charlys and had supper with him and Ann. also Mr. Briggs had a fine supper of fried oysters and Beef Steak. and although Charlys habitation is not according to our Northern ideas of a tenement or a house. but still it seemed at that time a home almost for it really seemed natural little Gus is as happy and merry as possible. I had have been fortunate enough to have got on shore yesterday I should have seen Georgette & Emma. I would certainly have liked very much to have met them.
     Went in and slept with Nell in bed. played serichre until quite late and had a fine time enjoying myself as well as I could anywhere away from home wife, friends and all a man has to care for. [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Saturday 18
     Rather Rough.  the same
     Old thing not landed yet.