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Monday, April 23, 2012

April 23, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter Dated 4/21/62:
     April 23,1862. Fighting still going on, but with what success I am unable to say. A gunboat passed yesterday with one mast shot away: she was going down to the hospital. A sad accident occurred last night. Captain Durivage fell overboard about 1.30 o'clock. No one saw him, but the sentry heard a splash and sung out, but the Captain sank to rise no more, the current here is so swift it took him under. A gloom prevails. Tell father to see Homer Bartlett and Joseph White regarding my commission. The mail is going out.

WARREN.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     April 23-Wednesday
     Gunboat Saxon down river brings no news. says the rebels are sending down five rafts upon our fleet. one came down last night the ruins of which passed by our vessel this morning about 125 foot long. The boats send our small boats and tow them away and tear them apart.
     Capt Shipley sick to day. John Foster sick also men getting sick every day from laying aboard ship.
     Services to night as usual prayers and singing Dr. Cleavland never forgets our wives and families at home. neither does he forget his country’s cause.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Wednesday 23
     A fine morn.  but hot.  they have been
     firing to night up the river, Capt
     Durivarge of the L[?] Cavalry fell over
     board last night and was drowned.
     No news from the fleet above.  we all
     Had a bath to day which we needed as
     We were getting some dirty & lousey on
     The ship.  there is a boat alongside
     With stuff to sell of all kinds.

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