February 7, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 7, 1862. We are now in a warm climate. Passed a steamer bound for Port Royal with the United States mail aboard. Porpoises can be seen in our wake. We are sailing eleven miles an hour. The weather looks squally. We crossed the Gulf Stream at 4 o'clock.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 7-Friday
     My health this morning is rather poor having a very bad cold and suffering from bad pains in my bones and limbs.
     We are now making good headway. the weather being fine and all things now in favor of our making a prosperous and speedy voyage. the men all begin to have a cheerful look and care seems banished from among us.
     Our voyage thus far has been marked with no events worth recording except the one refered to yesterday.
     1 O Clock P.M. off Cape Fear we are now under a tropical sun and a genial atmosphere all is beauty and one scene of pleasure around us. one can now realize to some extent the beauties of the sea. [Illustration]


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 7
     Made the edge of the gulf stream
     We have the company of a
     Lot of porpoises at the side
     Of the ship jumping and
     Frolicing like alot of puppies
     We are getting towards warmer
     Weather