April 30, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 30-Wednesday

     Weather warm and pleasant as usual.

     At Quarantine 9 ½ morning wrote letter to Jane this morning John getting better. A little rain at noon.

     The scenery along the river is very beautiful. Orange groves in abun dance. some magnificent Plantation along river but few signs of friends along the whole route. The first time I ever saw a plantation being worked is to day I have seen a number and they all seem content-ed and happier no doubt than if free and have the care of life to contend against no care no trouble when their days work is over dance and sing and then you see a Negro con-cert in reality.

     Dr. Cleavland exasperated Col Dudley and many other Officers of our Regiment, by giving a very strong Abolition speech and I am in favor of having a stop put to it, it is not right we are not Slave catchers, or liberators when we come to that I must go home, it is the Union as it has been, and Abolition of Slavery. I want and the majority of our Regiment are the same Col Dudley is a thorough Dem-ocrat. and will not fight for Niggers any more than I will and we are not alone.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Wednesday 30
     Fine day.  Genl Inspection.  we started
     Up the river again this morn.  it is
     Very fine and beautiful.  there is some
     Very large & fine plantations along Up the
     River.  there is some very large sugar
     Fields with any amount of slaves of both
     Sex at work.  the scenary here is the
     Finest i ever see.  2 large gunboats
     Been down cheering as they went
     Which we returned with interest.