January 12, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt, Howe:

From a Letter:

     January 12, 1862. Sunday.

     Have been shipping our goods to Fort Independence. Three companies are aboard. At night an order came countermanding. What queer works! I shall be able to tell any box of ours as far as I can see it, we have tumbled them over so many times. It does not seem like Sunday; I should have forgotten it but for a notice given that there was to be preaching at 3.30 o'clock. I think we shall go to Fortress Monroe or Ship Island. By the way, I am twenty-one years old to-day. Oh, dear, I wish it was sixteen! I shall be an old man when the war is over, if I live. We expect to sail early to-morrow morning. Captain Paul R. George took dinner with us to-day. This will be my last until I arrive at my destination. I am as comfortable as I should be at home in the parlor. The fog is all that prevents us from sailing at this moment. Good bye.

2d Lieut. Elliot:

Diary:

     January 12-Sunday

     Still pleasant but quite cold returned on board the Constitution this morn about 10 O Clock. have had at least one nights rest. took my breakfast at Marstons in Cornhill.

     I have had no opportunity to see William or Walter Hart. since I have been here.

     Had services on board ship this afternoon by the main Chaplain. [Illustration]

January 11, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     January 11-Saturday
     Weather this morning pleasant but very cold
     I went on shore this evening to go to Lowell but missed the cars and have come to the conclusion that I will stop over night in Boston.
     Went to the Hotel and stopped over night should liked to have gone up to Lowell but am disappointed. and do not believe I shall have another opportunity. but shall take one if possible.
     It begins to grow monotonous this staying on Shipboard and not being able to get home when almost in sight of it and going away from ones home and friends for so long a time and per-haps for ever
     Recieved orders to disembark for Fort Independence this morn one Comp. D. went down in the Saxon and they came back for another load but the order has been counter manded. and they are to come back. When we sail for Fortress Monroe.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Saturday 11
     We had a fine sail down the
     Harbour to Fort Independence
     Which is a first rate place.  we
     Had just got settled when we
     Got orders to pack up and go
     Back to the ship again some
     Long faces and some laughing.
     Got back about dark.  had [just?]
     An excursion or picnic.

January 10, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     January 10, 1862. Friday.
     Went ashore to get some cases of shoes, bought a pair of canvas shoes. General Butler came aboard and then went to Fort Independence. Returned for dinner. We are to go to the fort and await orders. A gunboat came alongside and I loaded our tents and stores on her, we move in the morning. So we have been fighting for the "Constitution" eight days and have gained "Independence!" Well, we must go where Uncle Sam sees fit to send us. News that the Burnside expedition has sailed. Expect a hard day's work to-morrow.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     January 10-Friday
     Another cold and wintiry day. I really think that that if we ever get into warm weather.
     Nothing new to write or say anything about this morning still in Boston Harbor now some 8 days. as long as the men should be allowed for their health to stay them but they must stay there untill they are ordered off.

January 3, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     January 3,1862.
     Friday. Very cold last night. Went ashore to-day to see about the balance of the goods. Could not ascertain anything at the freight depot; accordingly went to Lowell and obtained information desired. Called at Mr. Brooke's office and bade the folks goodbye, then went home and took a farewell dinner, after which rode up to camp and saw Lieutenant Fiske on business matters. Took the 2.15 train for Boston, arriving on board at 6 p. m.