February 17, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 17-Monday
     Relieved at 10 A.M. Rained in torrents and look as though it had just commenced it has stormed every day since we arrived except the one we landed.
     3 Rangers deserted last night in a small boat, belonging to the Constitution it is supposed they have gone over to the rebels, one of them is a nephew of Jeff Davis.
     Two men transferred to our company from Company B. names McIntire & Bailey
     Lieut Lovrien getting much better he went up on the beach and with a squad of men and got some logs for fire wood.
     The carpenters have gone on board the Constitution but she has no appearance of sailing as yet.
     The English Steamer has started for New York, 6 P.M. the weather so rough she put back to port.
     The 2nd Lieut of the Essex Battery has resigned he is a Frenchman. there seems to be a considerable dis-satisfaction among the officers stationed here.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Monday 17
     Storming yet our company
     Has to do guard duty to day
     This is the rainy season
     Should think we a great
     Deal of thunder & lighting
     The heaviest i ever knew.
     There is a large lot of vessels
     Of every description laying
     Off in the harbor.