From a Letter: Dated March 10th
March 7, 1862.
Water froze in my tent. A steamer came in today which proved to be the Calhoun, taken awhile since from the enemy. She will be a good boat to run up the creeks into the main land, as she draws only six feet of water and will run sixteen miles an hour. A schooner arrived with mechanics aboard, who come to re-build the Fort; they brought the materials with them. On March 8 the steamer Fulton arrived with six companies of the Maine 13th Regiment. Five Lieutenants came on her with their commissions in their pockets, signed by Governor Andrew, to join our regiment; it seems that the Governor has carried his point and some of our officers will be forced to go home. It causes hard feelings, I assure you.
The General is expected every day on the Mississippi, also a new Colonel, Major, etc. .The General may bring his entire Staff, and then where shall I be? Two companies from the 26th went over to a landing near Mississippi scouting, they landed, marched along, when a masked battery opened on them; they retreated to their boats in season to prevent their being cut off by some cavalry.
2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
March 7-Friday
A very cold and windy day
One of these steamers that came in last night is a Mud Steamer belonging to Secesh she seems or did seem from New Orleans to Mobile. and was taken by the New London with a mail on board. it was armed with 4 large Guns as large as any we have in use in the service.
A Gunboat came in this morn and brings news from the Idaho she is at Key West having landed her troops there on account of severe weather. as soon as the sea becomes smooth she will come on her way to this port. this Gunboat is one of 30 that have been made for this expedition and are coming here. this one is to wait until the Major General comes the 13 &14 Maine are coming here. also the Western Bay State.
The ground has been laid out for the Post Office & Express Office this morn.
A Ship and Schooner have just arrived time 10 AM said to be the North America.
Battalion drill to day consist ed in the loading & firings by Battalion. I am in command.
The name of the prize mentioned above. is the Calhoun she had a cargo of 300,000 worth of powder on board when captured, which was some 6 weeks since.
Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
Friday 7
Fine again all quiet and no
News stirring in the camp.
The men all well and contented.
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