February 21, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 21-Friday
     Weather very pleasant and warm almost a June morning at home.
     7 A.M. New London in sight with 8 or 9 small vessels in tow the story is this, the Captain ran into a small port and sent his men out in small boats and took these small vessells. he had only 8 men left on his crew, when 2 rebel steamers hove in sight and took after him, he run untill thought he should lose his men and prizes to. so he turned and chased them. they took to their heels, in turn after he had chased them out of sight he returned and took possessions of his prizes and brought them into this port.
     The name of the vessel taken in yesterday instead of Galveston was Magnolia it seems the engineer undertook to blow her up and was killed, and one of the mates, the Captain is also dead. all three were buried here yesterday.
     The Saxon arrived here this morn with provisions. she returns tomorrow. I have written to Wife and sent by her.
     Gunboat arrived here with stirring rumors. a great fight in Kentucky a large numbers of prisoners & a decided victory. Also Burnside has taken Roanoke Island and some 5,000 prisoners and is marching on Norfolk, meeting with great success.
     They also say that Manassas has been evacuated by the Rebels in order to regain Kentucky. All this comes through Rebel sources.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday, February 21, 1862
     A fine morn the steamer new
     London come in this AM with
     11 small craft she had taken as
     Prizes the Gun Boat Saxton come
     In about 10 Ock she brought a
     Large mail some of our men
     Has letters from home but there
     Was none for me i wrote a
     Letter for ??? to send by the axon[?]
     Tomorrow