May 31, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 31-Saturday

     A very hot day and any quantity of business on hand.

     I am about used up already am worked way down thinner than for years before.

     Arrested Murray at 4 O.C. PM put him in Custom house and was on my way back to report when I thought I would stop and eat dinner went in, and found orders to move right away up the river somewhere, we expected into a fight.

     Got away from the City at 11 ½ O Clock PM steamed up the river and in good sprits but myself in poor health 7 ½ O Clock PM. we came to Anchor opposite Baton Rouge Col Dudley went ashore for orders and finds we are to land here, with both Regiments, Indiana 21st & our own.

     Our Band has enlivened our voyage, very much indeed and is quite an addition to our Regiment they are all Germans and enlisted in New Orleans 12 pieces and fine musicians to.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Saturday, May 31, 1862.
     Fine again sailing along finely
     There is some very handsome places
     Along the sides of the river.
     We don't know just where we
     Are agoing.  at 5[6?] Oclock. we
     Dropt anchor opposite the city
     Of Baton Rouge the Capitol of
     Louisiana a very pleasant and
     Healthy looking place.  there is
     2 Gun boats here.

May 30, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     May 30, 1862. We went aboard the steamer Mississippi, and proceeded up the river to Baton Rouge.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

      May 30-Friday

     A tremendous hot day and my work has been hard have traveled a great deal am almost as familiar now with the Orleans city as with Lowell.

     At 4 O Clock P.M. Succeeded in arresting the Murray who I have been looking for since yesterday morning. put him into the Custom house and stepped into Quarters to get my dinner before making a report. found the Company had been ordered away and were packing up to leave I eat dinner and packed my things and at 6 O Clock was on board Mississippi steaming up the river and once more attached to the Regiment, probably will never be detached again.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 30
     Fine day. with some dust.  got
     Off guard duty at 5 oc. this morn
     Got orders to pack up ready
     To leave at 4 oclock.  at 4 left
     The hall marched round the streets
     To the levee embarked on board
     The transport Missisippi at
     12 Oclock she started up the River.

May 29, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     New Orleans, May 29, 1862.
     Dear:
     I have received the letters sent by Lieutenant Johnston and Captain Clark. I saw, after Colonel Dudley arrived, that Governor Andrew would commission the officers of this regiment. I never wanted the Quartermaster's position, for it is one that no man living ever filled to the satisfaction of a regiment, and again, it is a staff appointment. I want a Second Lieutenancy. I don't care to what regiment I may be appointed, if I am only commissioned. A private who was in the 19th Regiment, on the Potomac, was commissioned in ours, and has joined it; all the result of influence. You seem to be afraid to have me enter as a line officer, lest I may be killed or suffer hardships. Folks at home are ignorant of war. You must understand that there is a vast difference between an enlisted man and a commissioned officer. If the one chooses to resign he can do so, the other is held. I acted as Lieutenant from the time the regiment began to recruit until it was organized, which would aid me a good deal in procuring a position as Lieutenant. I spoke to Captain Haggerty the other day, but he said all was helter-skelter now, by and by it would be different.
     I have just read the papers of May 16, which did me good. The time will not be long distant ere peace will be declared. Texas cattle have been cut off from the enemy at Corinth, by our gunboats on the river. Deserters state they are suffering for food. Everything is quiet in the city. I met an old schoolmate to-day; he belongs to Nim's Battery. The ship North America sails to-day. Lieutenant Farson will go home, as he is not commissioned, but he deserves to be. I sent thirty-five dollars home on the "Undaunted," by Adams' Express. Have you received it?

SON WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 29-Thursday

     Very warm to day and more oppression than at all prior.

     my work to day has been very severe, recieved an order the arrest Thos. Murray & Richard Estabrook. find nothing by which I can spot my men do not know their business or residence find Estabrook name in directory of Estabrook and also find he left town a week ago, over the Lake, find 6 Thos. Murrays and know not which one I want know no other way than to arrest the whole pack must do it unless I can by some means get some description to go by.

     have inquired by our detective but none of them know him or which one is meant but but have a little clue to track tomorrow it is said he is President of the notorious Humbug, called free market if so I will have him tomorrow. this has kept me busy to day all the time business as usual at Office all we can attend to.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Thursday 29
     Fine day.  Inspection this AM.
     No other duty for our crowd but
     Drill at 5 Oc. this PM.
     Our Co has to do patrole duty
     To night.  i shall come in for
     My share of that from 11 till
     5 Oclock.  our [Regt.] has organized a fine
     Band and joined it to the regt.  it is
     Quite an improvment on the drum corps.

May 28, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 28-Wednesday

     Business not very brisk this morning.

     Took an order to arrest B[---] of our navy an asst. Purser and take him before Gen. Butler, done so, and returned to Office. the rest of the day I spent in Office at table of Lt. Levi Stafford acting Deputy Marshall, find it harder than the running around the City, continuous talking, answering questions about assaults and battery. confederation money, and thousand other useless questions, which we have nothing to do with at all.

     Provost Office continually beat with a hungry crowd for passports & licenses and enough work to keep 20 men jumping all the time more business then I was ever connected with in all my life.

     Lieut Covey got in trouble at the Lake and in some manner shot a woman of the town, the ball entering the fleshy part of the thigh but doing no serious injury, Lt is Quartermaster of the 31st Mass Vols.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Wednesday, May 28, 1862.
     A first rate morn.  got steam
     Up and started down the river got
     Into the lake stopped at fort pike
     Landed Ver[mont] men and left for home
     Got into wharfe went on board the
     Cars and started for N Orleans where
     We arrived about 8 Oc.  marched to the
     Quarters.  we feel first rate after
     The expedition.

May 27, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 27-Tuesday

     Another warm day, unfavorable for business.

     Not much doing to day. Capt. Clark and Lieut Johnson arrived and brought me 4 or 5 letters. also one for John which I must send to the Hospital. Capt Shipey also got a few letters and papers. they report that Emerson and Prince have recieved commissions and started some time before they did from home, with commissions for our Officers, who have been fortunate enough to receive them, and I hear Capt Whit and myself are among the number. I would like to see the document for I am heartily sick of hearing about them.

     My wife writes she has moved into her new store and is doing well. this is good news, all are well, how I would like to see my home, wife, and many other things and persons there, but no I must not think of it, my work lays in another direction. and upward an onward must be my motto. go ahead when this Rebellion is suppressed then Will I go home and settle down once more in civil life. and live like a man again.

     Capt Shipley and Lieut of Vermont 8th Whitcomb & myself went out to the Lake to night. Capt had not been out and wanted us to go with him to show him round. we went into the Pistol Gallery and had a few shots. I came out victor and Capt had to pay the bill. we met Capt Crowley, Lt. Gardiner, Lt. Norcross and nearly all of Gen Butlers staff out there, had a very good time.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Tuesday 27
     Fine morn.  the boat steam up.  at 1 Ock
     We started with a guide about 5 1/2 miles
     Across lots[?] after another boat but the
     Men had moved her father up the
     River.  we took a mail rider & a rebel
     Spy.  he informed the rebels we were
     After the boats.  we took a flat boat
     And some canoes & came down the river
     To the steamer up[?] & sound.  the mail
     Had some important letters in it

May 26, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 26-Monday

     Pleasant and warm day as usual.

     Nothing of importance to day all still and quiet as usual. fast learning the ways of New Orleans.

     Organizing the police force quite fast and no doubt they will have a better set of officers than has been in New Orleans for some years. I have admin-istered the Oath of Allegiance to some 200 of the old Policemen, and a most villainous lot of men I ever came across. Mostly low miserable Irishmen who would sell their very souls for a Pieagune, and most of them have already done so if reports are true murder is no crime at all among them.

     I have often heard of the vice and cor-ruption in New Orleans, but never realized it until I came here. Sunday is the Holiday of the week, go down and walk up the Levie and every Groy shop will be open, and doors wide open so that anyone going by can look in and see a crowd around a table set out openly in the room playing cards, money laying loose on the table, no one thinks of troubling them at all, in another they will be dancing, low places, low women, poor rum , and degradation are sights often seen. Liquors and poorer kinds are the principal attrac-tions of this section of the City. In the other portions will be found the same things but the Genteel instead of the miserable.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Monday 26
     Fine morn.  we sailed up the lake
     To fort pike and took some of Co B
     Of 7th Vermont and went up the
     Lake into a bayou and landed in
     The swamp where we waded about
     Hip deep about 1/2 mile.  come into
     A clearing.  travelled all day towards
     Night.  we found a steamer and took
     Possesion of her.  put her in order.
     The Grey Cloud.

May 25, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 25-Sunday

     A very warm day as usual. I find that I never saw any weather or warm weather before.

     Sunday and as the office is closed there is not much doing Whitcomb and myself went out and took a walk around town, enjoyed ourselves a little. considering we are away from home so far. we can never enjoy myself here unless I could have my friends, home and last but not least my wife, home is nothing without a wife.

     I met or rather we had an invitation to go up to the Lake, along with Sam Smith, and Thompson, went up and met Lt. Burt of 31st and a number of friends it is a beautiful place. he has a century plant which is expected to bloom everyday and he has any quantity of visitors to see it. his place is located on the Banks of Lake Ponchartrain. and is a delightful place a resort of the elite of the City, and is always thronged with people. He has a Pistol Gallery, bowling alleys, and a very fine garden and grounds around it. the road is a hard shell road and a very pleasant drive, had a fine time and a nice ride, some fast horses around him but nearly all Pacers.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Sunday, May 25, 1862
     Fine again.  there is no news of
     Any account.  i wrote a letter to my
     Wife & 1 to Eddy and sent home with
     A new orleans papers had orders
     This PM to pack our blankets and
     Take 2 days rations which we did and
     Marched to Ponchatrain RR Depot
     And rode to the head of the lake and
     Went on steamer whiteman and stopped

May 24, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 24-Saturday

     Very quiet day. and very warm indeed have not done much to day in the way of business. though there has been a considerable done. Whit has been duty nearly all day. I do not know about what he has done.

     Capt pretty well used up Diarrhea and weakness. he now gives us out our jobs or has command of the Officers and men who are connected with the Office. Col French sends his orders to him and he reports on them, and gives them to whom he pleases for execution, except in some par-ticular case when Col wishes one or some particular man to attend to a job.

     4 O Clock P.M. just going to dinner Lt Boles of Gen Shipley’s staff, came in with an order to go and arrest a man, complaint entered by a woman who keeps a bad house up town. She says that this man had threatened her life with a pistol, and thrown a Dirk knife at her several times. We went to look at the house but could not find the man. but Boles got his pistol. a Colts revolver 6 shots and his Dirk cane. So he will not trouble her any more.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Saturday 24
     Warm with showers.  Nims Battery
     Has arrived.  3 transports arrives
     Yesterday with more troops.
     Our Regt has to do guard and
     Patrole duty for the city at present
     I got another shirt & drawers & 2
     Pr socks.  i recieved 2 letters & 2
     Papers from home to day.  the folks
     Were all well.

May 23, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

    May 23-Friday

     As usual a very hot day, not much in the weather to make one feel smart or even as though he wanted to do anything but lay down and sleep or keep quiet. No place for a man to feel ambitions at all. the heat takes all a mans energy away from him.

     Business quiet done nothing at all to day, true there is always, something to do in the way of looking around, and some small jobs but nothing of any account whatever.

     No news to write of any importance. No news from the North for some few days. [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 23
     Fine again.  our Co. have been out all
     Night on patrole duty and i feel some
     Tired being on duty 2 nights with but
     Little sleep.  our regt have a great
     Deal of Guard & Patrole duty now
     There was a member of Co B. fell
     From a 4th story window last night
     Have not heard wether he is alive or not.
     More troops come in this PM.

May 22, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 22nd Thursday

     Weather hot and sultry. I am afraid that New Orleans is agoing to be a little warm for me especially if I am to continue in this Department. to much travel in the sun. This has been a very quiet day not much doing here now. put the work on to the Officers of the other Companys I have been at the Office at Lt. Col. Stafford’s desk. find it no more pleasant than other portion of the work and not near so must variety in it.

     Col Dudley is threatening to have us in the Reg’t I would not be much sorry for we are losing in drill, and it is no doubt an injury to the Regiment, for so many to be away. Col. is Commander of our district and Asst. Military Commandant of New Orleans— [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Thursday, May 22, 1862.
     Fine day.  we got marching orders
     yesterday.  but they was countermanded
     Again.  Genl Shepley has taken
     Command of the city.  Jonas H French
     Chief of Police.  there was a large
     Lot of the old police force were
     Removed because they would not
     Take the oath of office.  B R Chase
     Of our company died at Ship Island
     May 13th.  he was an honest upright man.

May 21, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 21-Wednesday

     Heat as usual, tremendous heat Linen pants seem quite comfortable it is quite a relief to get our woolen pants off and put on even a little Linen.

     My orders on to day again from old Wheeler, but he has some little recomdation. another man came with him who brings a plan with him in the interior of Griswold’s Foundry, and portions where he says are Muskets Stocks stowed away and some other portions of equipments he thinks there are some rifles there also. sent Sergeant and 8 men with Wheeler for a guide as usual. they were gone all the forenoon and came back with 1000 Carbine Stocks unfinish-ed and one finished Carbine. Cooks & Brothers pattern, rough unfinished clumsy Carbine, very poor affair. took the stocks from the tall chimney had to stave a hole though the bricks to get them. Also got a piece of Machinery belonging to the Mint, a Planing & Boring Machine, made in Springfield Massachusetts.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Wednesday 21
     Fine again.  my day on guard.  the
     Officers keep making seizures.
     A number of store keepers have been
     Taken to court and fined 100 Dols
     Each for not opening their stores
     In obeidence of Maj Gen Butlers
     Orders.  there was a rebel arrested
     This PM. on a charge of trying
     To make trouble among the people.

May 20,1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 20-Tuesday

     This morning recieved an order to go to a Store house near Canal St. and seize a Brass Cannon and other Military equipments. by looking around I find that this is one of Wheelers orders therefore send and Sergeant Stinson and a few men to do the work with Wheeler for a guide. And I go up to the Office. Stinson goes down and finds not a Brass Cannon but an old fashioned 6 lb. Iron Gun, and some artillery round abouts and body belts. White leather ones. the man who owned the property says that it formally belonged to this company it was previous to the breaking out of the war. At that time or a little before the Company was disbanded. He is a French resident and has French protection. He also gave Stinson an American flagg, small size silk flagg, very nice one. Stars wrought in silk.

     Whitcomb seized 33 Springfield Muskets 1849 pattern and in very fine order also a full set of Equipment for a company.

     This does up our days work.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Tuesday 20
     A fine morn.  the birds are singing
     Merrily which reminds me of spring
     At home.  there was 6[?] released prisoners
     Tried for breaking their parole of honer
     By trying to enlist men for the rebels
     And found guilty and sentenced to be
     Shot.  Approved by Maj Gen Butler.  we
     Had a fine march around the city
     This PM.  we have got a first rate colonel.

May 19, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 19-Monday

     This day will be remembered by many persons for a long time for this reason. The Mayor, City Marshall, a number of under Officers, Recorders & among whom is our friend Adams of last eve. some of the leaders of the reign of terror which has reigned supreme for so long time. but the sun is now breaking though the clouds, and in a few weeks or more all will be sunshine. Gen. Butler is spoken of highly for the firm and I may say quiet manner in which he has done his duty. He is no doubt the right man in the right place.

     Our duties have not been very severe. hardly any running to day. the Vermont Officers are just doing something and we laying back unless it is, something of some importance.

     Weather does not seem to grow any cooler and if it grows much warm we shall some of us, have to sell out and go home. For I am beginning to feel the effects of the heat.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Monday, May 19, 1862.
     A very hot morn.  i went with a guard
     Of men up to the marine[?] hospital
     To get Sar[?] White of Co G who was hurt
     Very bad by a horse last night.  it
     Is where the rebel that were wounded
     At forts Jackson are and some others
     From up the river we were treated
     First rate.  our Co. was out on patrole
     Duty till 4 Oc. this morning
[Mem]
     The Mayor & 4 other citizens were
     Arrested By the Prov Marshall to day.
     And sent to fort Jackson for aiding
     And encouraging the rebel army.
     Major Gen Butler has given till the
     27th for the issuers of confederate
     Money to withdraw it after that
     None but U States Money is good.

May 18, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     New Orleans, May 18, 1862.
     Dear:
     The steamer which was to carry the mail met with an accident and will be delayed a day or two, so I will write again. Sunday in New Orleans and Sunday in Lowell, what a difference! The bar rooms,eating houses, cigar shops, all are open. I attended church this morning, in company with three other officers. The church was of the Episcopal denomination. It seemed like home, it being the first time I have had an opportunity to attend public worship since I left Lowell. Our regiment has received a new uniform throughout and I am busy just now issuing these to the companies. I have adorned myself with a white shirt to-day and I feel very comfortable. In my last letter I mentioned that the prisoners who were taken at the Forts were released on parole. Yesterday five or six were re-arrested, as they had been detected in organizing a company which was to join the Confederate Army. General Butler has ordered them to be shot. Good! say I. Confederate money is to be abolished on the 27th of this month, as well as "shin plasters." The last mentioned consist of paper money issued by private firms which are doing business in the city, and is considered good according to the state of the man who sends it out. I enclose one for twenty cents. General Phelps' command is in camp at Carrollton, seven miles up the river.
     I suppose my sisters would like to know how the young ladies of New Orleans dress, so I will try to describe some. The bonnets are flaring; colors, pink, white and blue, they are adorned with large roses; muslin dresses, lace and silk mantillas made in different shapes and sizes, some wear hoops, some do not. Flowers grow in profusion here. I should like to send you a bouquet of magnolias, negroes sell them in the street, one bit each (ten cents). We are quartered in Lafayette Square, opposite Camp Street. Fran., I think I shall take a Creole home with me when I come back. No more just now. I hope you are all well.

I am your son and brother,
WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

      May 18-Sunday

     Very warm and pleasant day nothing doing all day in the way of business.

     Whitcomb and myself strolled around town and looked around the city. things are changing very rapidly in the city. it commences to look a little cheerful. but still we find a good many black looking face and scowls from the ladies. One of the ladies left a pew in a Church in which she was sitting, because the Sexton had the impudence to show a Federal Officer, into the same pew. This is the feeling of a large portion of the (women) here you certainly cannot call them Ladies.

     Went up to the Office to night and Whit got an order to arrest one, Adams a recorder of the 4th district a noted man and said to be very desperate. As Whit was coming up by the office, his man passed on his way down he immediately put his hand on his shoulder and says you are my prisoner he made no resistance but went down & was locked up in the Custom House.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Sunday 18
     We had a thunder shower last night
     The first we have had since we come here
     Had an inspection this morn it was
     Very hot.  had orders parade & battalion
     Drill this PM.  it was hot work
     Uncle Sam has given us another
     Suit of clothes.  Blouse Pants Shirt
     Trausers Shoes & socks.  good on his head.

May 17, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 17-Saturday

     The 8th Vermont Regiment arrived to day from Ship Island and are Quartered close by the Provost Office just around the corner in the rear of us.

     Took an order this morning to go to 7 different places and search for contraband of war. Whitcomb and I jumped into our Hack and commenced our search. one place had been used for recruiting Office for a Light Battery but was boarded up one of their bills were on the door. Got the key and went in found nothing. another was for some tents said to have been moved into a building on Camp St. went there and found nothing the number given me is a vacant lot of land no building on it except a shed. We then visited the other places and met with like success everything had been moved away, and no doubt in many instances never was anything in the places— but men having any emnity against another give such information to injure persons who are really innocent.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Saturday 17
     Another fine day.  the guard took
     13 rebel prisoners yesterday morn
     They were all armed some with knuckles
     Hung Shot. Rifles Pistols &c.  they had
     Some of our coats and other things with
     Them.  the officer of the day seized a
     Large lot of arms this AM.  the P Marshal
     Seized an immense lot of rebel stores
     Of all kinds this PM. all right.

May 16, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 16-Friday

     Recieved an order this morn for the arrest of Tilloton firm of Tilloston & Co. Shoe dealers. Charges, making shoes and supplying the Rebel Army. I arrested him and then went to Gen. Shipley, who examined him. I then put him under arrest according to order and went up to his place of business on Camp. St. and looked it over but could find nothing that looked like Contraband goods. then took him out and up to Marshall’s Office and administrated the Oath of Allegiance to him and let him part in peace. He has a large Manufactory across the river some miles up on the Jackson but he denies having anything to do with it says it belongs to the man who was his partner, and who is now carrying it on.

     Lieut Burt had to day seized a large lot of small arms and other military equipments. one very fine Rifle said to be worth $200.00 it is a very fine Rifle Silver mounted and packed in a mahogany case.

     Delta Office closed up to day, and also the Bee by order of Major Gen’l Butler commanding the dept. of the Gulf.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Friday, May 16, 1862
     Fine again we have no rain for
     Some days.  i am on fatigue duty today
     We have not had much to do except to go
     To a large store house and clear out
     Some confederate property from the
     Quarter Masters department.  i was
     Lucky enough to get about 1 quart
     Of sweet oil which i divided among
     Some of the boys.  it was valuable to us.

May 15, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 15-Thursday

     Weather as usual hot enough to Bake apples in the sun. a great saving of wood for the army.

     Capt Shipley took possession of a large Foundry and its contents. said Foundry having been used for the manufacturing of Guns and other war implements for the Rebel Army.

     We found a large Secession flagg some 20 foot long and about 14 wide in the building. we think some of sending it home to the Mayor of Lowell as a trophy of the war and Old Lowell Mechanic Phalanx. found no property liable to confiscation except the machinery and that will not be moved. I think it so enormous large and heavy, and it is also just as safe there as at any other place for the same reason they cannot well move it without being detected.

     I am nearly tired of waiting for letter from home.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Thursday 15
     Hot again.  there was some work
     For the guard yesterday.  the provost
     And his Officers are busy hunting out
     Secesh property of which they get
     Considerable.  i had to go out last
     Night as one of the Lieut Cols
     Body Guard.  we had to go from
     One end of the city to the other.  it
     Was a fine moonlight Night.

May 14, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 14-Wednesday

     Weather hot again to day as usual, and our usual amount of running about town to do. It is hard work, but still quite pleasant I have an opportunity to see nearly the whole city am as familiar with it as with Boston almost.

     To day our orders were to arrest some Rebel Officers who are in town and have been endeavoring to get recruits for the Rebel Army. in the course of the day our Company have succeeded in arresting 8 of them one Captain and the rest Lieutenants. this is doing well. things are now coming down pretty fine and N. Orleans will soon be a good and prosperous city once more. perhaps it will be from necessity and no doubt it will. though there are many good Union men here. But they do not dare as yet to come out boldly and avow their true sentiments, fear has carried much of the secession in New Orleans.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Wednesday 14
     Another hot day.  i am on guard duty
     Today.  the news we get from up the
     River is good.  there is hundreds of bales
     Of cotton here that has been taken
     It is to be sent north as soon as
     Possible.  there has been a large lot of
     Clothing seized that had been made for
     Sesesh soldiers.  Butler is after them
     All around.

May 13, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     Medical Director's Office, New Orleans, May 13,1862.
     Dear:
     When I last wrote, I was on the way to New Orleans, where we arrived on May 1. The 26th Regiment was left at Forts Jackson and Philip; the others of this expedition followed us up the river. Immediately above the Forts, plantations present themselves. It is seventy miles up to this city and it is a beautiful sail at this season. Sugar cane is about eight inches high. On every plantation gangs of slaves can be seen at work. The proprietors' houses are large and surrounded by orange trees. The houses for the slaves are little white cottages, with a veranda to each. I counted twenty on one plantation. Each plantation appears like a small village. As we neared the city, buildings became numerous. All the people ran out to see us pass. Some waved handkerchiefs, others stood dumb. Of course all the darkies hopped and danced. Outside the limits of the city, as we were approaching, we saw a company of Frenchmen hastening to protect their property. Everybody was running to and fro; large numbers of them were crowding the wharf, still they said nothing. Soon all our shipping came to anchor, and the next day we were landed.
     The troops are quartered all about the city, in buildings. Our regiment is in camp in Lafayette Square, Odd Fellows' Hall. The remainder of our troops has arrived from Ship Island. There have been no mobs, although they are all hot traitors. The poor rejoice in our arrival. Flour has been selling at $30 a barrel; there was no tea or coffee. Our General has been giving provisions to the poor. I went to the Custom House the other morning, and should think there were one thousand women with baskets to obtain food. Before we came, all who could not be forced to go to the war, had to drill every day, or pay a fine. You never saw such a state of affairs. Three of our companies are on provost duty, under Colonel French. Company C, Captain Shipley, seized one million dollars in specie, yesterday. They had put it under the Spanish flag for protection. Eight hundred thousand has been seized in a bank, and arms, etc., are found in various parts of the city. All the cotton on the levee was burned when it was known the Forts had surrendered. All the shops had been closed, but a few are opening now. Yesterday our forces seized three loads of cotton up the river.
     It is very interesting to sit on the sidewalk and watch the passers. Oh, just look at the colored folks dressed so finely, with their high colored turbans. An aristocratic young lady took particular pains to pass several times, wearing a secesh flag at her waist. She said she would tear the United States flag before our eyes, if she only could get one. I sung out, "Three cheers for the red, white and blue." The city is not a desirable place to live; it is too low, on a level with the river, and the water does not run off freely. The river is high now. I expect we shall have to stay here all summer. A vessel has just arrived with one year's stock of camp equipage. We heard that the Federals gained a victory at Shiloh but lost at Corinth last Friday. I wish the war was over. There is too much speculation carried on by politicians. I have good quarters, sleep on two stuffed settees. The Staff board at a hotel. The mosquitoes are very thick, it is useless to try to sleep without a mosquito bar. My health is good. Dr. Cleaveland has gone home, took a sudden start, I don't know why. Parker has an office in the Custom House and is Postmaster of New Orleans. I wish you could see what is used for money here! There is no specie. The horse railroad checks pass for five cents. Recruiting is brisk; we enlisted twenty-five men in our regiment to-day. I shall write at every opportunity. This letter goes on the Matanzas.

SON AND BROTHER WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 13-Tuesday

     Warm and quite pleasant if we can keep out of the sun, which in my business is impossible for it is sun, sun continually.

     This morning I had an opportunity for a fine intrigue but not wishing anything to do with such affairs took no notice. I do not wish to interfere in any mans family between himself and wife. A lady who lives in a building in the rear of our Office came to her window and shows me a note at the same time motioning me to come and get it. I left the Office and went down stairs out in the Backyard and she throws me the note tied to a piece of wood I opened it and find it is in relations to a policeman’s family. She says he raised a company for the Rebel army and also that the property he holds belongs to his wife, who she says he abuses very badly, and tries to kill, and numerous other charges. she winds up her note by saying that said Lady is a perfect Angel (Angle) and implores me to go to her assistance. perhaps she thinks beauty would be some object to me. I destroyed the note after having shown it to the Colonel whose opinion is about the same as mine in regards to it.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Tuesday, May 13, 1862.
     Fine again i feel better bussiness
     Getting brisk.  the people begin to
     Get sociable with us.  A member of
     Co. D & 1 of Co. C of our Regt died
     At the gen hos. last night.  our folks
     Are making seizures of value everyday.
     Major Gen Butler is enlisting new
     Recruits from the impressed[?] soldiers
     Of the rebel ranks.

May 12, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 12-Monday

     Weather warm and pleasant

     To day has been quite a long day with me here. put a gaurd on to 4 warehouses and examined them for contraband goods was not very successful.

     No news from our forces in any portion of the Army in fact we do no seem to hear anything from any one. are shut out from direct communication with the North. and news is at least 2 weeks old when it arrives here.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Monday 12
     Fine again.  Butler has made
     Some more heavy seiziures up the
     River of cotton and all sorts of
     Stores.  also some more money
     A number of thousands.  the St
     Charles. Butlers quarters has been
     Crowded all day with applicants
     For provisions.  Bussiness is getting
     A little brisker and the people
     Look more smiling.

May 11, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:

Diary:

     May 11-Sunday

     Warmest day we have had as Yet the pavement almost smokes with the heat.

     Spices all moved away from the Office to day and taken to the Mint where it will be taken care of.

     Wrote to Jane, Mother, and Drew Lieut. Burt seized 80.000 this morn No work for us to day unless some jobs may turn up. The Office is closed up for the day.

     John Foster came to duty to day. Whitcomb and myself went up town and looked the city over a little. It is quite a place and no better regulated streets in any of our Northern Cities all laid out in squares or Blocks Philadelphia style.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Sunday 11
     Pleasant again.  Major Battles[?]
     Made a large haul of money
     Yesterday.  about 2 Millions.  he also
     Has seized a large lot of provisions
     Of all kinds.  he is agoing to begin
     To relieve the poor in this city
     To morrow.  there is a great deal
     Of want and suffering among all
     Classes in the city.  i am no better.
     William Libby & Martha A Clarke
     Were Married.

May 10, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 10-Saturday

     Went on quite a tramp with one Wheeler an informer to find Guns and numerous implements of war. traveled about 5 miles in the hot sun to Thos. Griswold’s and Luther Holmes Foundry’s searched them through but found nothing. found several pieces of U.S. Machinery (so Wheeler says) but it is to solid and heavy to move without machinists help. then went to a dwelling house and found 264 Calvary Saber Scabbards. 78 blades and a number of Hilts that is all we succeeded in finding at this time. I think Wheelers is a humbug.

     While I was away Capt Shipley on an order from Gen Butler took possession of the Consul of the Netherlands office, in Hope Insurance Office and found 170 kegs of spices belonging to Confederate Government.

     Our company relieved by a company of the 31st Regiment. everything remains quiet in the city and stores are opening a little. think business will soon revive.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Saturday, May 10, 1862.
     A very hot day.  our troops are all
     Scattered & quartered over the city as
     Guards.  the Maj Genl is busy hunting
     Up Secesh stores of all kinds.  and the
     Provost Marshall has made a
     Number of seizures.  i have got
     The bowel complain rather hard
     And am on the sick list.

May 9, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 9-Friday

     Went down and took a bath put on clean clothes and threw my dirty all away. now feel a little better. Showering this morn.

     Changed our quarters this morn and enter upon our new duties as Provost gaurd. We are now under Col French and out of the Regiment entirely for the present. We have fine quarters 2 large rooms for our Company and one for ourselves. we are in a building on corner of Camp and Canal Sts. near the Custom house and over the Marshall’s office. Also over [---] & Co Banking house our room furnished well with Desk and Chairs n a very fine style our furniture all come from the Custom house and Col Lovell’s old Quarters.

     Col Lovell was in command of the Rebel in New Orleans when we came into the city. he is now at Camp Moore with his command.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Friday 9
     Hot again.  the[re] was one of the
     9th Conn Regt got stabbed 2 or 3
     Nights ago. in row. and died in
     The Genl Hospital.  he was a first
     Rate man.  i took a guard of Twelve
     Men with our side arms and went
     Down to the levee to get the
     Officers trunks.  had a good time
     And got back all right.

May 8, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 8-Thursday

     Our baggage has at last arrived and on board the Tennessee a ship formally owned north. but taken when all other property was and now taken back again by our fleet when they came up the river. Our Officers are all used up. Mosquito thick as toads after a heavy shower and a great deal more troublesome.

     5 P.M. Lieut Whitcomb and 50 men ordered out for Special duty for Provost Marshall French. He went to a recruiting office of the Rebel Army found 2 Guns and an enlisting roll but the men were not to be found.

     G. Capt Yeaton and Lt. Norcross ordered out to find some ammunition and Guns. Got two small flags 2 Carbines Cooks manufactured and a small quantity of Balls and Ordnance Stores.

     My duty is with 10 men to go to Steamers. Lt. Maurice and examine passports and passengers with their baggage. The boys and girls all sing the Bonny Blue flagg. the favorite Rebel song and very pretty song to. does not hurt any feelings at all. got back at 11 P.M. went at 6 P.M.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Thursday 8
     A hot day.  the people begin to
     Move about the streets and some of
     The stores are opened.  everything is
     Quiet except once in a while a
     Secesh tries to kick up a row
     But there is no notice taken
     Of him.

May 7, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 7-Wednesday

     Very warm and pleasant a little to warm for our work. we have a 5 mile march to go up to Thibadoux a small French town of some 2000 inhabitants. took one piece of artillery from depot with us dragged by men as we have no horses. got out a short distance and met a team of 4 mules and a wagon driven by a Negro which we pressed into service and made him pull up Rifle & powder for us. had a tiresome march and found that what we were after had been removed for safe keeping— we had to break into an Odd Fellows lodge room as no one would give us the keys. had a great crowd but they offered no insult to us at all. went back got on board and started on our way back to New Orleans. I brought no rations with me therefore had no breakfast except a hard bread which Orderly spared me from his store.

     Stopped on the way down and killed 3 cattle for our Hospital in New Orleans. The owner was in the field but would no take a note from the U.S, for pay. He was very much excited but could not help himself as we were too many guns for him and his two Negroes.

     Got home at about 7 O Clock and went to Quarters pretty tired but better than when I left here yesterday. The tramp I think has done me some good.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Wednesday, May 7, 1862.
     A fine morning.  everything
     Quiet.  some of the Boys got out
     And got Our[?] musick[?] ?? ??? for their
     Bericks[?] ???? have to take ???? of
     Guard?????.  there is no ??????
     Stiring ??? but[?] secesh[?] and ???/
     ?? ??? ??? have got a bakery
     On?? ????? have ????? ??? ?? ????
     For ??????? to night.

May 6, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 6-Tuesday

     Time 11 A.M orders to provide one day rations and go up Opelousas R.R. under command of Lt. Kinsman of Gen Butlers staff, For an expedition. went over to Algiers and took cars. one Section of Battery consisting of two Steel Rifled Guns and one Corp 21st Indiana Reg’t and got under weigh found our Engineer from the Indiana and go on our way at 3 ½ O Clock.

     Found that a detachment of Indiana under their Col had been up an expedition and saw 2 French guns they have captured.

     Met the Col of 21st up some miles farther without either wood or water and after helping them out of their trouble proceeded on our way. Alligators plenty and palm leaf in any quantity all along out route which is through a very large swamp.

     We go some 70 miles up the road and took possession of the Rail R. Station for our Quarters through the night. posted gaurd and I lay down in a freight car & slept until morning. Everything quiet and right.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Tuesday 6
     Had a shower this morn but
     Have had a fine day nothing
     Stirring.  Beginning[?] a little
     ????? Every thing quiet.
     Corp Perkins taken to the Gen
     Hospital.  Luke Maegher taken
     To[?] the Regt Hospital W ???ber
     ???? taken to the Regt Hosp
     Nothing stirring.

May 5, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 5-Monday

     Quite sick to day with my diarrhea but trust it will not last long. Capt no better then I am. Whit is the toughest of the lot I guess after all he seems to stand up and hold his own. He is a fine fellow and we made a very good thing by the exchange.

     Three of our Companies detailed to day from Regiment for Provost duty. Comp C, G, & H. H. has gone to the Jackson R.R. and taken possession of the Depot and track, Stock and all property belonging to the company. Company C and G reported to the Provost Marshall for orders but have been sent back to await further orders. our company detailed for patrol duty. I am pretty sick to night and not on duty. Comp G. on patrol duty also.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Monday 5
     Another fine morn.  we had
     3[?] Unionists come to our quarters
     For protection.  i lent one
     My 2 blankets & overcoat
     And made him a bed on the
     Floor he had been in prison
     3[?] weeks for not taking the
     Oath of alliegence to jeff
     Davis.  everything is quiet.

May 4, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 4-Sunday

     Very quite our usual Sunday inspections this morning Regimental everything looks well. marched down to the Levie and went through with it. a rather sorry looking set of Officers for Inspection. with no good uniforms in the line at all in our old fatigue jackets. Whit and myself with our heavy top boots on in a hot day, and dusty City.

     Our Officers are all, nearly all used up with Diarrhea a very violent kind. and some of them are very severely used up. I have had only a slight attack as yet. but may have at any time for it seems to take, them all. Capt Shipley I do not think has been well since he left Ship Island, and I do not believe he will be as long as he remains in this climate. It certainly does not agree with him.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Sunday, May 4, 1862.
     Fine again.  I am on guard to day
     This is a holiday with the majority
     Of the people.  the colored population
     Are out dressed in their best
     The stores are nearly all closed
     And the people treat us with
     Coolness but respect, except
     Now & then a secesh soldier
     Then we take our ?????? of.

May 3, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 3-Saturday

     Had a hard drill in morning before breakfast. run hot and a double quick drill does not improve the feelings of sick men a particle our men are nearly all ½ sick from their long confinement on shipboard. Capt Yeaton buried another man to day. he seems to have hard luck with his men has lost more than any Company in the Regiment thus far.

     Changed our Quarters marched to Odd Fellows hall and took possession it is a fine building and seems a shame to put soldiers into such places. The Lodge room we do not interfere with at all. Only the hall used for concerts and Dances. Col and staff quarter at Park Hotel. our meals are costing us a little more than a $1.50 per day. everything is very high in the City and only a few places are open at all. the city seems almost deserted.

     Almost an hour drill in the afternoon we keep our drills no matter where we are and it has always has been so that accounts for the excel-and drill of our Regiment it is called Number one.

     Ge. Butlers quarter at St. Charles.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Saturday 3
     Drery pleasent day had a battalion
     Drill this morn. about 11 Oc had orders
     To fall in in heavy marching orders and
     March up into the city and took
     Quarters in a splendid building the
     Hall we have was used by Mayor
     And Odd fellows.  it was very hot
     I got 4[?] letter yesterday.  1 from my wife
     1 Martha Got 1 Heather[?].  The populace
     Are quiet the stores are all closed
[Mem]
[Possible memorandum for the day, but not located yet.]

May 2, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 2-Friday

     Miami landed her troops and returned down river this morn.

     Right wing of our Regiment went on board river boat Diana at 12 M and are on their way for a land-ing some 2 miles up river. the North America is being towed up by a boat of the Seven Star line of tour boats of New Orleans manned by our Yankees. We landed our right wing and in about an hour the left came up and disembarked and joined us took our way up the Levies and took possession of a large store house for our Quarters said house contains large quantities of Grain, Sugar, and Molasses. Right wing into N.O. 3 ½ P.M. leave John on board Ship to night. he not being able to land.

     Found some little excitement jeering and cheers for Jeff Davis, Beauregard and Co. but no trouble.

     Recieved 3 letters one from my wife, one mother and one from Chas. Kimball Old dates Feb 27th.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Friday 2
     Fine again we went on board
     The river steamer Diana a spendid
     Floating Palace and went up to the
     Leves & Landed and marched toward[?]
     Somerville[?] then took up our
     Quarters[?] in a Large Warehouse
     ????? by Board of St Louis
     It has Corn, Rice, Rye Barley &
     Plenty[?] ?? alot of White Sugar
[Mem]
[Memorandum currently missing]

May 1, 1862

2d Lieut Elliot:
Diary:

     May 1-Thursday

     Rhode Island our mail boat passed up river this morning also gunboat Miami. this is the one we put back to Fortress Monroe with on our trip out to Ship Island. One of our Gunboats aground on the flats. Rhode Island at work towing her off.

     Arrived opposite New Orleans at 4 P.M. do not land until to morrow. out Gunboat having left us and gone down river if he had kept us along we would have been the first to land. One of our Gunboats and our Frigate came in collision Frigate came of best. Gunboat carried away foremast and smokestack. But I think no very serious damage done either. one man drowned by his boat capsized.

     The 31st Mass. Regiment disembarked to night. 12th Conn Reg’t also landed Col Demming. these are the two first on shore. a few pistols fired through the night but everything seemed to pass of quietly. no alarm.

     Brent Johnson and I on guard again to day we have good luck in coming together. no mail from Rhode Island. she left it at Ship Island for destribution.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Thursday, May 1, 1862
     A Fine morning.  hoisted anchor
     And was turned up the river by
     Gun boat Jackson it was very
     Beautiful along the banks of
     The river  there is a great many
     Plantations some very large and
     Handsome watched[?] large gangs of
     Slaves at work.  we anchored off wast[?]
     The city about 4 Oclock.