January 19, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     January 19-Sunday
     Morning very pleasant but I find any quantity of mind if this is the sacred soil of old Virginny as the niggs say. I think the soil of Massachusetts is still more sacred.
     Baked Beans and Oysters was my breakfast this morning at Brother Charleys. then went down to the Hygea Hotel and saw Mrs Bent. she was very glad to see me. gave me a bottle of Brandy & Peaches which look quite nice and no doubt they are so. I went on board about noon after having a very hard time to do so. for I could get no boat but at last went on board with Col Shepley. Kinnear also was with me.
     We saw a horrid sight on our way to the Wharf or rather on the Wharf. a team which had been drawing cannon to the wharf on the running gear of a heavy wagon. drawn by 4 horses one of the axles broke down and the horses started on a gallop up the Wharf. we had to jump in order to save our own lives. the man all this time hanging on with his hands around the pole. and still holding the reins. he ran some way, and was at last stopped by a Zouaves of the N. York 16th the man was not killed, but very badly hurt. the hair all worn from his head where it had come in contact with the mud. he was taken up and carried off. and we have heard no more from him.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Sunday, January 19, 1862
     Fine again not ashore yet
     The men are quite uneasy
     They want to go ashore and
     Have a wash.  we are getting
     Rather dirty with more
     Passengers than we started
     With by Thousands lively &
     Scratching times.