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.

April 29, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     April 29, 1862. All aboard and steamed up the river. Beautiful views of orange groves. Negroes on the banks waving bandannas. Arrived at New Orleans May 1. Disembarked May 2 and quartered in the Odd Fellows' Hall and Lafayette Square near by. I was so weak I did not go ahead with the regiment, but reported later. I went to the top of the building to a hall used for the sick; lay on the floor over night. The next morning made up my mind I must get out of there or I should die, so I crawled down; bought a milk punch, which braced me. I continued to use this medicine, and got well, after which, aside from my duties, I enjoyed my stay in the city very much.
 
From a Letter:
     Mississippi River, Opposite Fort Jackson, April 29, 1862.
     Dear:
     When I last wrote you found me at the head of the Passes awaiting the reduction of the Forts. Yesterday they surrendered and a steamer took us in tow the same afternoon and we arrived at the Forts at 6 o'clock. Our regiment and the 12th Connecticut came up the river, while the remainder went around in the bay on the east side to cut off retreat. There was a mutiny at Fort Jackson and two hundred and fifty, being" loyal, deserted. They were cut off by our troops, as I have indicated. Fort Jackson is built of brick and is surrounded by a moat. As the Fort is situated on low ground, it can be flooded inside. Fort Philip consists of earthworks, thrown up along the river. Our fleet cut the chain and passed up, through, under heavy fire. They took Fort Peru, farther up, killing all, so the sailors had to go ashore to bury the dead. To-day we were landing for both Forts, when General Butler came down the river and said all must re-embark and sail for New Orleans immediately. Hurrah! The fact is, the soldiers are impressed into the service and are held by traitorous officers. The commander of the Fort, named Colonel Duncan, escaped. The garrison was made up of soldiers from the Irish and Italians, not many true Yankees. After they had surrendered the officers blew up a floating battery, and it is rumored they will be hanged for doing that. The soldiers say the officers, when they were in action, stood over them with loaded revolvers and would shoot them if they did not fire. It is very warm here and I intend to put up at the St. Charles Hotel, ana will drink your health. New Orleans must be ours! Hurrah! I am well and in good Spirits. Plenty of alligators. I have seen the papers of March 30; later than that, I know nothing. I hope the army of the North are going on, that we may meet them. Our shells did good execution on the Forts, where they fought bravely. We lost one boat going up, when the chain was cut. Hoping my next will be from New Orleans, I am

SON WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 29-Tuesday

     Weather fine warm and very pleasant but a tremendous heavy dew. The worst I ever saw wet my blanket way through

     Farley and No. America came up and anchored opposite the Forts. we lost a man overboard from the No. America Boats went out but could not save him. when a man once falls overboard in this river he is lost and no power can save him the current is about 5 knots per hour.

     Met [---] Metcalfs brother here a prisoner of war he has lived south some 15 years and is a bitter Secessionist curses Mass. and the Northern Abolitionist says Mass. is a d-d Abolition State and I think about the same. but thank God I never voted anything but a through Democratic ticket and am not ashamed of it.

     Capt Shipley is command of Fort Jackson quite an honor for Phalanx. Capt Manning Battery with us and one squadron of Calvary without horses with us Lt. Perkins is in Command.

     We find the Fort mounted 71 Guns captured about 500 stand of arms in this Fort do not know what is in the other one. Everything is in a most dirty condition. I can not see how white men could live there it is 6 or 8 inches deep in Stagnate water in some places. Commenced taking inventory of Stock. but are ordered away to New Orleans which is said to have surrendered to Commodore Farragut. the 26 Mass Vols. are to have command of Quarantine and the two Forts. and we are going on to the Crescent City. General Butler came down and went into the Fort as we were leaving. 5 O Clock P.M. I got a letter for John to day but none for me.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Tuesday 29
     Fine morn.  we are on our way up the
     River.  a member off Co K was drowned
     This AM.  we have got orders to proced
     Up to N Orleans.  dropt anchor off Quart
     To leave provisions for our troops.
     There is about 200 prisoners there
     The QWF[?] has passed us with the
     12th Conn.  it is very slow going up
     The river the current runs so swift

April 21, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     Head Of Southwest Pass, Mississippi River, Miss.,
     April 21, 1862.
     Dear:
     My last was written the day before my departure. The following regiments comprise the expedition: the 26th, the 30th and the 31st Massachusetts, three Western, two Connecticut, and four batteries. Our regiment is on the ship North America, three on the Great Republic, one on the E. Wilder Farley, two on the Mississippi and one on the Matanzas. We were towed to sea by steamers and ordered to report to Pass A'Lutre, thence ordered to Southwest Pass. All crossed the bar with help of steamers, except the Great Republic. There is sixteen feet of water over the bar, and she draws nineteen. Going up with a fair wind, we enjoyed the scenery. The water is very muddy. The ground, as one enters the passes, is low and swampy, covered with tall grass, and reminds one of a western prairie, with a narrow river winding through it. The distance from the mouth of the river to the head of the Pass is fifteen miles. Pilot Town is situated about six miles from the mouth of the river. The buildings here have piazzas on each story and are very quaint looking. A vessel passed us on the way down, and stated that bombarding was to begin that day. Soon after, firing was heard, and smoke could be seen, which has continued ever since. We are anchored twenty miles distant, awaiting the reduction of Forts Jackson and Philip. This morning we heard from a gunboat that a breach had been made in the walls and a lot of cotton fired, inside the Fort. The gunboat brought down nine wounded seamen and conveyed them to Pilot Town, which is to be used as a hospital. They have sunk one mortar boat. They have a chain just above the Fort, supported by rafts and anchored boats, also fire-rafts, which are sent down on our fleet, if a near approach is made. Fort Philip is not so strongly fortified, but the one commands the other. Last night our boats were to advance and cut the chain, after which our fleet can surround the Fort and obtain a better position. Firing has been continued day and night and it is a hard fight. The army can do nothing until the Fort is captured and that cannot be stormed, as no landing can be made. Last night, at 11 o'clock, a row boat hailed us and called for a line. The river runs very fast here; the boat drifted astern onto another boat which was floating by a line from our ship. The row boat was rapidly filling with water and was in a very dangerous position, being run somewhat under the other. We soon found that it was General Butler and his Aid who were in the partially swamped boat, and all possible speed was made in lowering a third boat to take them aboard. It was a very narrow escape for them. And such confusion as there was on both ship and boat, I never saw. After the third boat was lowered, they scrambled aboard. I tell you, they shook and trembled like leaves. They had been going from one steamer above us to another alongside, and the water swept them down on us. I don't know how long we shall remain here, probably until the Fort is captured, and then we shall occupy and advance...

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 21-Monday

     Weather warm and pleasant to day.

     We are to day having a little target practice from Quarters Deck. the Col. having got a few rounds of Cartridges, to give the men some idea if estimating distance. and the use of sight. some make very good shots. and some make very poor there is a great chance for improvement in nearly all. besides instruction for the men it seems to relieve the monotony of ship life which is getting very irksome. in fact we are getting to think that we are attached to the marine Corps. I for one shall be glad when we get off Shipboard for good. and once more settled on land where we can live natural and seem like men and have some health for it uses up our men to be crowded on a ship so long. Firing continues as usual but we get no news.

     Services to night as usual. Dr. Cleaveland is getting along on to Abolition a little to strong to suit us. and is in my opinion should be stopped for we are not here to fight for the freedom of Slaves. when we come to that I for one will resign and go home.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Monday 21
     A clear morn a great coat comfortable
     Maj Gen Butler come near being swamped
     Alongside our ship.  there has been firing at
     The fort all night we had a fine dinner
     Of seawater[?] & hard bread yesterday we
     Are all getting tired of the old[?] ship as
     We are all crowded together like a lot of
     Hogs.  the ship is old and dirty.  all we have
     Had to eat since we left the island is
     Salty water, Hard Bread, Beans & Peas
[Mem]
     Water & poor coffee.  the steamers
     Saxon & Lewis got in ship island
     There is a bark arrived here from Boston
     To night loaded with Shells &c. for
     Our fleet.  she has some other stuff
     Cakes, Nuts &c.

April 19, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 19-Saturday

     A very pleasant but warm day as usual.

     This is the anniversary of our riot in Baltimore it would be well celebrated could we only march into New Orleans but we must wait for a few days longer before that pleasure is allowed for us. no doubt but it will be soon and it remains to be seen, wether that murderous scene awaits us there.

     Gunboat Winona came down the river but brings no news from our fleet. she has one hole though her cutwater made by one of the enemy shots. it shows that all their lead is not thrown away.

     Great Republic can not get over the bar and she in company with Saxon and Matanzus go around the point and land their troops in the rear Fort St. Phillip and be ready for an attack in rear if needed. 26th and Western Reg’t are on board with 31 Mass. Farley and us stay here to go up river.

     Our boys who have a fancy that way enjoy themselves by pulling against the tide of the Mississippi in Captains Gig. Capt Ferris, Wells, Lieuts Howe and some others & they make quite a boat club.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Saturday, April 19, 1862.
     Fine again.  it is a year today
     Since our troops left the North
     For the seat of war, washington
     It is hot and pleasant here the
     Birds are singing marrily,
     Among them is the mocking & Canary
     Birds.  got under weigh again and sailed
     Up to steamer missisippi and dropt
     Anchor astern of her the jackson come
[Mem]
     Down the river and took Butler &
     Staff on board & went up the river.
     The saxon went down this PM.
     There is all sorts of stories concerning
     The fight at the fort.  we can hear the
     Guns from the fleet.

April 11, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 11-Friday

     We this morning received marching orders. packed up our baggage and got all ready. 40 rounds Ball Cartridges given to each man. look like fight a little but we cannot tell.

     Afternoon came up a heavy storm. Thunder & Lighting Tents blown down. Artillery had to move all their horses up on our Regimental parade ground to keep them out of water and from drowning. 3 or 4 pools of water on the Island between our Quarters and the Wharf. It is a very hard storm.

     Impossible to drill any to day on account of the storm. [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Tuesday March 11, 1862.
     Fine again the idahoe on the
     Flats yet.  they have thrown over
     5 or 600 Barrels of provisions to
     Lighten her there was a fleet
     Of mortar boats and some Gun
     Boats come here to day they are
     To join in the expedeition on
     The Missippi river we had a
     Brigade drill to day.  Col Jones
     Of the 26th went over to Missisip
[Mem]
     City with about 100 men and
     Got more than he bargained for
     The rebels sent him back with a
     Flea[?]in his ear Uncle Ben
     Sent his money home with a
     Letter yesterday.  Hugh[?] McGlue[?]
     Was here to see me last night
     He is in the 6th[?] Battery of Mass
     His health is first rate.

April 7, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 7-Monday

     Weather very warm as usual.

     My turn on Police or Regimental gaurd to day. Had a Batt drill this morning on firing with blank cartridges. fired by Battalion by Wing Company, Rank. & by file. done very well much better than was expected

     3 or 4 vessells in to day. our tides very high and a strong wind blowing from off the shore

     Js. Bohannan was down and [---]. Bills watch and chain

     Bill went up to the 26th & by good luck got it back. no knowing how soon Bill will get away from here. he is waiting for the undaunted.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Monday, April 7, 1862.
     A fine morn.  the Black Prince
     Sailed yestersday for boston the
     Gun Boat Saxon went out last
     Night with provisions for
     Our fleet in the Mississippi
     The 7 * 8th Vermont Regts are
     Landing.  there was 2 gun boats
     Come in to day.  their is a
     Report that the 16th[?] Mass
     Regt is all cut up.

March 31, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 31-Monday
     It really seems hotter than yesterday if such a thing is possible. I never saw such weather in my life. it is en-tirely impossible for a person to keep at all comfortable.
     We are drilling hard and im-proving fast every day and I think we are just as fit now for service as any Reg’t that is going away now. but our turn has not come yet & we must await it.
     Troops are still embarking the 26 & 9 Conn. have gone back to 2nd to wait until more transport are ready for them.
     Lieut Whitcomb has been detailed on Court Martial. Col Dudley is on the same court. it is a General Ct Martial. Capt Haggerty has been appointed Judge Advo-cate.
     Drills as usual.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Monday 31
     This is a very hot day there is
     No news stirring.  it very hot
     Drilling.  we have 2 Battalion
     Drills a day there is about
     6,000 waiting orders to move.

March 28, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From 2 Letters:
     March 28, 1862. The General and Staff came ashore to-day. A salute of thirteen guns was fired. Colonel French is to be on General Butler's Staff.
     Our new Colonel, N. A. M. Dudley, and the Major have arrived, and taken command. Lieutenant Tenny, from Boston, has been appointed Quartermaster. Lieutenant Claiborne has resigned and will go home. One of the new Lieutenants will take his place. The division has been formed into brigades, under Generals Phelps, Williams and Shepley; we are under Shepley. The three cavalry companies are distributed to the three Brigadier Generals. The island is becoming slightly domesticated. A large number of hens and turkeys have been brought out and they are strutting around the camp. The steamer Connecticut arrived this forenoon with the mail. I hope I shall have a letter. Good bye, from
 
     SON AND BROTHER WARREN.

     Ship Island, March 28, 1862.

     Dear:
     I received your letter last night in a bundle of papers, dated February 18, also a package of papers which were sent to father. In spite of all you have done, I receive the news of the war before I get your letters. I think some of them miscarry. A mail has arrived to-day, which has been lying at Fort Monroe, dated February 6. I hear that an advance will be made in less than ten days. Three companies have gone to Horn Island to obtain cattle. An engagement took place between one of our gunboats and five rebel steamers, about ten miles from here, towards Mississippi; we could partially see it. A sand bar between them prevented much harm being done. A part of our expedition leaves to-day, viz., the Western, the 12th Connecticut, the 26th Massachusetts, under General Butler and General Williams. No one knows where their destination will be. The rest expect to follow soon. I have seen a paper dated March 10, which gave an account of an engagement between the Monitor and the Merrimac. A flag of truce came over, which was brought by four white men and women, these were the first white women I have seen since I left Fortress Monroe. How the soldiers ran to look at them! They wore log cabin bonnets and two were quite pretty. There are eleven ships unloading here, besides some steamers. A building is being erected in the rear of Read's shop which is to be used as a machine shop. I am afraid we shall be whipped, as the enemy are all being driven south and we shall have to take them in the rear, where, if we get ashore, there will be no retreat. I don't think the General has sufficient force, but he may come out all right. All will fight manfully. I like the new Quartermaster pretty well. I shall leave all my baggage behind and take only a blanket, haversack and canteen. We may go to Fort Jackson by land and then throw up fortifications. Warm weather is coming on and alligators are hatching.

2d Lieut Elliot:
Diary:

     March 28-Friday

     Weather warm and pleasant as usual.

     Relieved from gaurd at 9A.M. by Lieut Brown one of our new Officers appointed for Comp. A. fired at target and went on Battalion drill in the afternoon.

     Got two letters from my wife this morning dated Feb 5 & 7th wrote one and put into the office an shall another if I can get the chance before the mail [---] there is nothing new to write that I can think of now. except that we expect one of our Brigades will move from here soon and is still probably be Gen’l Williams Company 26th Maine, 9 Conn. & the 3 Western Regiments, 1 Battery 1 Company Mounted Rifles.

     Our Colonel I find to be a fine man and a gentleman, and one who knows his business thoroughly. I like his style of drilling and am under the impression that he will be liked & respected by Officers and men. I for one have taken altogether a different view of him from what we expected to.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Friday 28
     Another very hot day the steamer
     Hatteras arrived this morning
     The large Steamer Froyusis[?]
     Arrived this afternoon with
     Orders for the army.

March 23, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe,
Diary:
     March 23, 1862. Company E, Captain Brown, was detached from the regiment to act as pioneers.
From a Letter:
     Ship Island, March 23, 1862.
     Dear:
     Although I haven't received a letter from you since I arrived, I will write. The steamer Mississippi arrived on Wednesday morning, bringing the General and his Staff, also the Western Bay State Regiment. It has been blowing hard since then, consequently they haven't landed. They were obliged to stop ten days at Port Royal on account of a disaster; the steamer ran aground and stove a hole in her bottom. Aide-de-Camp Weigel was ashore yesterday, and says the Captain is in irons, and they think he is secesh.
     A number of changes will take place in our regiment as Governor Andrew has gained the day. The Colonel takes command to-day, and the Major soon after. I understand that the new Quartermaster is to be Post Commissary. Probably Colonel Butler will go home. Our officers feel like going home, two, for none like the new arrangement. Colonel French will be on the General's Staff, if he chooses, as Inspector General. Possibly the non-commissioned staff will be superseded and then what will become of me? It is astonishing to see the wirepulling for commissions; nearly all who succeed do so through influence only, no matter whether they are dummies or not. It is vexatious to see aspirants gain their points, who, literally, know nothing in military affairs. Governor Andrew has sent five officers, who don't know enough to tie up the door of a tent. This is a fact, for I pitched a tent for them and one asked me how to tie the door up. The boys say he is to finish his study in Greek at Ship Island, as he left college to come here. ,AM are sorry to lose Colonel French. I rode up the island, on horseback, the other day. Plimpton is in Read's store. We have the following regiments here: the 26th Massachusetts, the 9th Connecticut, Eastern Bay State (30th Massachusetts), [Western Bay State (31st Massachusetts), the 12th Connecticut, the 8th New Hampshire, the l2th, 13th and 14th Maine, the 21st Indiana, one from Michigan, one from Wisconsin, Major Read's three companies of cavalry and four batteries, and more are coming. The navy consists of one frigate, two sloops of war and six or eight gunboats.;
     I weigh one hundred and fifty-nine pounds and am very well. I have obtained the autographs of our regimental officers, which I will send home. I heard that Captain George has been arrested for cheating in the contracts for the government. Is that so?

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 23-Sunday
     Pleasant and quite warm though still windy.
     Col Dudley went through in-Spection. this morning he appears like a smart man and I guess he is so.
     Still more trouble Col Shipley has been appointed Brig’r Gen 12th 13th 14th Maine and our noted Regiment in his brigade. this is like the last straw that breaks the Camels back and it seems as though I could stand no more.
     Freeman Butler was in this morning and says there Is a package on board the Mississippi for me. I should like to see it.
     Captain Brown’s Company E. has been detailed on detached service as Pioneers or Sappers & Miners. they are under orders of Lieut.— of the Engineer Corps. Sergeant F. W. Clark of Comp E recieved his commission as 2nd Lieut in this Regiment to day but has not as yet been as-signed to any particular Comp. probably will go into Comp. E as Lieut Gardner has the offer of 2nd. Lieut in 2nd. Vermont Battery.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Sunday, March 23, 1862.
     A fine but cold day another gun
     Boat arrived this morning Our New
     Colonel inspected us this morning
     His name is N A M Dudley and he
     Is a good looking man.  Butler
     Landed this morn with his wife
     And servant girl.  there was a
     Member of Co. E. buried to day.  there
     Is about 13 or 14,000 troops here on
     The island now quite an army.

March 16, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 16-Sunday
     Today by our rules or orders is my fatigue duty day. I reported with my gaurd of Friday. after Inspection go on board transport North America and unload provisions on to the Anna, and land them at the wharf. the work of 3 days is now used up by gaurd duty, and instead of the easiest duty done it is the hardest we unloaded about 200 Barrels in all to day. Flour, Potatoes, and Hard Bread. Caps of the ship asked me in to dinner with him & of course I did not refuse, had a very fine dinner got though for to day about 3 ½ P.M. just in time for drill parade. Bill up in the woods Horseback. and I was just in time to save his bacon.
     Our Mortar fleet is supposed to have gone to fort Jackson on the Miss issippi. I hope we will be successful. It is reported that 26th and 9th Con Reg’ts to here under order to be ready to more at a minute notice.
     If this is so probably our turn will come next. but I do want at least one letter from my wife before I leave here.
     Order issued by Col French that all men must attend divine services at least once every Sunday. and all those who are well and fit for duty and do not do so will be punished to day I [---] on duty have not been able to attend. I like Dr Cleveland much and like to hear him preach.. I have now been connected with this Company longer than I was at the Relay House but being in for much longer time I do not count the minutes at all as I did there. and am therefore astonished to look back and find how long it is ever since we left Lowell. Almost 2 long months and 6 weeks since I heard from home. I hope she has recieved my letters for she would be in a continual worry.
     Paid for my Blue pants to day 2.82

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Sunday 16
     Fine again the steamer Constitution
     Sailed this morning.  A rebel ??
     Schooner[?] run the blockade this morn
     The new london gave chase but
     Was to late.  took a walk up to the
     Rangers and see[?] ? H Hilton[?] he
     Was quite smart.  there was 2
     Of the Mich Regt buried this
     AM.  there is a number of sick
[Mem]
     Among them we had divine worship
     And then our company were all
     Turned out to do fatigue dut[y] such
     As unloading flour bricks and
     All sorts of stuff.  Good finishing
     Up of sunday.

March 11, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:  Dated March 10th
     March 11, 1862. A number of schooners are coming in to-day, which are a part of a mortar fleet, so you may expect to hear from us ere long. A company went to the island fishing, to-day. They caught in the seine a lot of salmon and bass. I have a green palm leaf, which is used as a fan; it is pretty and I wish you had it. I suppose you are singing, "Oh, the Cold, Stormy March Days." The mail is about to close, so must I.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     March 11-Tuesday
     Weather warm and pleasant to day and some hard work on our hands.
     1 hours Company drill from 8 to 9 2 hours Regimental drill from 10 to 12 1 hours Company drill from 2 ½ to 3 ½ Brigade drill from 3 ½ “ 6 O Clock if this is not some drill for one day I don’t know anything about it.
     Some 20 Mortar Boats have arrived here to day shower tonight.
     Nothing of news to day write in fact it is but dull mornin here to make the best of it. and no doubt we shall have something to liven it up for us soon. for there are pretty stormy indications of a move in some direction very soon. our War vessells are all sending down their ships and putting them in shore and putting them in fighting trim. 

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Tuesday March 11, 1862.

     Fine again the idahoe on the

     Flats yet.  they have thrown over

     5 or 600 Barrels of provisions to

     Lighten her there was a fleet

     Of mortar boats and some Gun

     Boats come here to day they are

     To join in the expedeition on

     The Missippi river we had a

     Brigade drill to day.  Col Jones

     Of the 26th went over to Missisip

[Mem]

     City with about 100 men and

     Got more than he bargained for

     The rebels sent him back with a

     Flea[?]in his ear Uncle Ben

     Sent his money home with a

     Letter yesterday.  Hugh[?] McGlue[?]

     Was here to see me last night

     He is in the 6th[?] Battery of Mass

     His health is first rate.

March 10, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
Portions from this letter moved  to the dates that they refer to (treated as thought they were a diary entry. 

     Ship Island, March 10, 1862.
     Dear:
     As there is a mail going to-morrow, I will write. My last was sent in the South Carolina, by way of Key West. I wrote you of the scouting party to Horn Island, which island used to be a breeding ranch, owned by Southerners. I received a letter dated March 6, by way of Fortress Monroe, dated February 12, directed to father.
...March 7
...March 9
     March 10, 1862. Troops are being landed; all is confusion on the wharf. I have pitched the tents for our tenth company. The ship Ocean Pearl arrived with horses, of which they lost ten on the passage. Captain Jones has been discharged for knocking down a contraband on the steamer; father knows him. Parker has received his papers as Postmaster. We have quite a large fleet here now, and I don't think we shall stop here long after the General arrives. I think it will be a pity if Colonel French has to go home, after he has worked so hard to drill the regiment. We had a brigade drill this afternoon, consisting of four regiments; it was a grand sight. We draw ten days' rations to-morrow for the regiment.
...March 11

     SON AND BROTHER WARREN.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     March 10-Monday
     Morning salty and very warm Idaho still by aground although they have thrown a number of Barrels of provisions from on board into the sea. Salt Beef, Rice etc. this seems a pity when there are a many men on the Island
     This morning another War Vessell arrived here but not the one long looked for in which is Gen. Butler Barney McCabe came on shore to day and is now in our Company he was arrested in Sewall just before the Idaho sailed. Ansart has not arrived yet.
     The Maine & Vermont Batterys have both come ashore to day and camped on our parade ground. the Connecticut and Maine Regiments have Encamped on the South shore of the Island up above the 26th Reg’t. we must now have some 8,000 men on the Island. this makes quite a force. but I do not think enough to take New Orleans. though I think we may have an opportunity to see before long.
     Today we had our first experience in Brigade drills. 4 Regiments under command of Brig. Gen’l Phelps, it must have been a fine shore for a Spectator we had a very nice drill though a little severe for our first attempt.
     Today I finished my equestrian portrait of our honorable Gov of Massachusetts, his excellency John A Andrews. who has sent us out a lot of his young aspirant for military honors Bah= all in my eye. I don’t see it in that light. Cilligians and Greek Scholars are not the men for our expedition it wants different kind of Stock, especially when they acknowledge thy have no military experience whatever.
     This day seems winding up with a Thunder shower and rains quite fast.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Monday 10

     A fine day again i go on fatigue

     Duty to day with the guard.

     There is a great many arrivals[?]

     Of strangers here every day

     There is a large gang of men

     Here to work on the fort and

     Build other large buildings.

     There was 4 Mules landed Saturday

     For working here in carts.

March 9, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     March 9, 1862. Monday. Company K, our tenth company, joined us. This is a dreary place to bring troops; where the wind blows the sand drifts like snow. It is hard to make the tent pins secure in such ground. I was pleased to meet father here, he having preceded me and was in charge of some mechanics who have erected building for storage, etc. Our regimental store-house is occupied in part, at one end, by the sutler. The boys wanted some of his lager beer, so Sergeant Fay and I tied a small rope to a pail and one of us went over the partition and turned the faucet, repeating our raids until the barrel was empty. There being no friendship or mercy shown for sutlers* nothing was done about it.

From a Letter:  Dated March 10th
     March 9, 1862. The ship Idaho arrived, bringing a tenth company with their batteries. A member of Company C died and was buried under arms to-day. The Chaplain preached a short sermon, the text was: "He that is not with me, is against me." We all like the Chaplain very much.
 

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     March 9-Sunday
     A very pleasant day. inspection by Company commanders in Regimental line on Reg’t parade ground.
     Services in Afternoon by Dr. Clinton text those who are not with me are against me he illustrated by comparing our war with Sucess like this. those that are not Union or loyal must be Secesh there can be no ½ way in the matter. this is his argument on religion and it may be a true one.
     Capt Brown buried that morn of his to day. had the Connecticut Band, the Maine Regiment 12th also buried one. they had the 26th Band. Browns man was a Catholic and the Priest Officiated.
     Our new Officers seem to be shunned by all of our present Officers and well may they be. for no one of us knows but our own head is to be out off to make room for them. and not many of us seem to care much. they have doubtlessly heard some remarks not very pleasant to their ears.
     Lieut Frost has been down and paid us a short visit this eve had quite a nice little talk.
     Col Jones and one of his Companys I. I believe, went over to Mississippi City. and after proceeding up the Wharf some 350 feet discovered a body of Rebels awaiting them with a Battery, with which they poured in a volley of Grape and had they followed up their advantage. would no doubt have either killed or taken prisoners the whole lot. Jones men were not loaded nor had they bayonets fixed. one man only was wounded and he not severely.
     Steamers supposed to be the Mississippi has been laying off all day. the Idaho has at last arrived, but like all the rest of this unlucky division, she is aground near the other shore, under the protecting wing of one of our Gun Boats.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Sunday 9

     Fine again.  the ship Idaho was

     Run aground near bat[?] Island they

     Lay on an oyster bed.  there was a

     Member of Co. C burried the PM.

     And one of the 12th Maine Regt.

     But the men are getting

     Healthy again.

March 7, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
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.

March 4, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     March 4-Tuesday
     Windy and cool day.
     Battallion drill this P.M. under Major Paine. formed Square. and Countermarch Battalion. had a very good drill considering how the wind blew.
     Tonight we have a report that Lieut Willey and some 10 or 12 privates of the 26th Regiment. who were up on the upper end of the Island chopping wood were surrounded by a party of Rebels who came in a boat from Secesh and landed surprised these men and took them away.
     I also learn that Capt Reed had some 8 or 10 privates with him when he went away. & that he went without leave.
     Capt Fessenden is before a court of examination for getting drunk while Officer of the day on day before yesterday. he is of the 12th Maine Reg’t.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary: 

     Tuesday 4

     A fine day they began to pay

     Off the 9th Conn to day it will

     Be our turn next.  the new

     London is after a craft on the

     Rebel shore.

February 28, 1862

Sketch from the 1862 Diary of Richard Elliot
the image and diary can be found online at:
http://libweb.uml.edu/clh/All/el1.pdf

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 28-Friday
     A very warm I may add a hot day. the sun beat down upon us very hard. And we have had the hardest days work since we came here. some of our men are obliged to leave the ranks from the heat and fatigue.
     Our line was formed at 8 ½ A.M. for review and inspection the 26th Mass, 9th Connecticut, Maine 12th and last but not least 2nd or Eastern Bay State Regiment 1 Quadroon of Mounted Rifles on foot and Essex Battery of Mass. we marched in review at Quick time. and from thence to our Company parade ground were dismissed for about 10 minutes and then called into line line for muster and inspection Gen. Phelps called the names from the muster roll and then went through with the inspection our men were all properly accounted for and all but 2 present in line or Hospital. Captain was in his own Quarters and could not come out his health does not seem to improve any as yet.
     I today have written to Jane and have also sent a letter I wrote some 2 or 3 days since.
     Lieut and some of our men are building our cook house this afternoon.
     We to day hear that the N.H. 8 Regiments are on there way here and that George Ayer is in the Regiment as a 2nd Lieut. another old Phalanx.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 28
     Fine day.  got up at 4 Ock and went
     To cleaning guns Brasses equipments
     And brushing up to lookin well
     As possible for general inspection
     By Genl. & Phelps.  took breakfast
     And fell into line it was very
     Hot and we had a hard march of
     Over 5 miles in the heat & sand
     The old Gen inspected all 4 of the
[Mem]
     Regts.  he appears like very nice
     ???.  the lighthouse was lightt
     Up to night for the first time
     Since their land was taken possession
     Of by us.  there was a member of
     Co. C buried yesterday it was a very
     Impressive sight.  there is a number
     Sick yet in the hospital the nicagura
     sails for Key west & N York tomorrow

February 26, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 26-Thursday
     Weather this morning very warm & quite pleasant.
     Last night I sat up until ½ past 12 O Clock making out our pay rolls and have not get them finished yet tomorrow is our muster day and they must be finished at all events.
     Today has been a sad day with us in our company for the first death has occurred in our company. Daniel C. Eastman died this morning and at 4 O Clock P.M. we buried him under arms a soldiers life not a soldiers death he died of Typhoid fever and has been a very sick man for some time past. The 26th Regiment Band played us to the burial place. 2 horses and a wagon running gear served as a hearse. An escort of 8 men and Corp. Thos. England escorted the procession to the grave and fired 8 blank Cartridges were fired over his grave our company marched by the Flank as mourners Officers in the rear. Lieut L. & myself were alone from our Company but Lieuts Johnson & Fuller of Comp F. accompanied us in our solem mission.
     The afternoon and evening was devoted by the Company to cleaning up Equipment and getting ready for inspection and muster tomorrow.
     Capt Shipley seems no better & the Doctor does not seem to know what his trouble is any more than a boy three years old would of the same thing.
     This evening we were called into the Colonels tent and some free hints about our tomorrow labors given us for our benefit and the appearance of the Reg’t.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Wednesday 26
     Another fine morn after on[e?] of the
     Most terrific thunder storms i ever
     Knew.  my hand lame yet and no drill
     The ship undaunted[?] Capt[?] Elliott
     Arrived with horses i went and see
     Them landed it was done by hoisting
     Them over the side of the ship in
     A sling and swimming them on
     Shore.  The captain of a brig got a
     Duckling[?] this PM.  it is very hot

February 15, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 15-Saturday
     Very Stormy and extremely cold. the boys from the 26th Regiment say it is the coldest it has been since they have been here.
     Lieut Lovrien on fatigues & police duty for the day. here our gaurd duty keeps a gaurd on duty most of the time for 12 hours.
     One of the Rangers died on board the Lewis last night his disease I have not been able to find out.
     The Niagara just came in towing a small schooner the story here is that she sailed boldly up to her and gave Nigara 2 or 3 shots supposing her to be the Constitution but she got slightly mistaken the Niagara opened her ports and gave her a few shots which took out her mask she surrendered and the Niagara took her in tow and brought her into this port.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Saturday, February 15, 1862

     We have had a hard storm a regular

     Norther.  very cold & rainy with high

     Winds There was 2 men hurt very

     Badly yesterday while at work

     On the wharfe i went with

     A squad of men today bricks to

     Floor over the captain tent

     After getting the job done the

     Captain treated to 3 pies

February 14, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 14, 1862. Friday. I worked hard all night unloading, as also did Parker, and the boat has just left for the wharf. The wind blows and she has drifted ashore above the wharf. We brought out four hundred and fifty thousand muskets, cartridges and a large amount of shells. We expect ships with stores every day. The sutlers have sold out nearly everything. Robert Read and William Wight came aboard; they are looking fine, and have a nice store. Read is making money fast in his sutler's shop. A bakery has been set up and the men buy soft bread every other day and night. Four or five of our boys have died of fever since arriving; they caught cold at the camp at Fortress Monroe. I saw a rifle ranger boy last night who was dying; it seemed sad, probably he has a kind mother at home who is unaware of this. I was just told that the 26th Massachusetts Regiment were to take possession of the island fifteen miles to the west of this, towards Mobile.
     Our wood comes from the upper end of the island and a chopping party goes out every day to cut it, then it is rafted down. There used to be a large brick house on the island, which was destroyed when the rebels evacuated. Our boys are digging bricks out and making cooking ranges. No alligators or coons yet. Two rebel boats came along the main shore yesterday on their way from New Orleans to Mobile; our gunboats headed them off and they returned; they come down once in a while and show a little fight. A schooner with nine men, belonging to us, took an English steamer which was loading at Matanzas with cotton, she had five hundred bales aboard; is built of iron and is valued at five hundred thousand dollars, all told. She would have tried to run the blockade.
     Seventeen of the mechanics are going home, Colonel Butler says so many are not needed. I am feeling tip-top and shall not be homesick; not that I do not think of home and friends, for I think of you all every day, but I feel like this, that I can take care of myself, and only hope you won't give yourselves any anxiety about me. If other troops come along I don't think we shall stay here long. I haven't been inside the Fort yet. It is poorly built. The main land is from twelve to fifteen miles away. 
 

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 14-Friday
     Weather cold windy and stormy very fortunate we arrived here as we did or our passage would have been a hard one and probably dangerous.
     Wrote a letter to Pond, Charley Kimball and done up a parcel and gave to Mr. Kimball to give Jane for me when he gets home. Some 18 of the Mechanics are going to return home in the Constitution.
     One of the men who came out with us for the Battery has died and was buried to day. the 26 Reg’t. Band played for the funeral. the coffin drawn by two horses and covered with our countrys flag. followed by the members of the Battery passed here about 4 O Clock P.M.
     We have had another accident here to day while getting our baggage on shore by the Lewis she ran aground and in their endeavors to get her up to the wharf the Hauser slipped and one man was quite ser-iously injured. he now lays insensible his name was Hopkins and he was Boss Waggoner of the Maine 12th.
     We wrote to Westford Selectmen about Gilsons State Aid. also to S.W. Stickney about allotment rolls of the same.

Corlp. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Friday 14

     We? very pleasent turned out at

     Sunrise took breakfast had no

     Drill today but dress parade at

     At 2[?] Ock.  there was 2 of the Maine

     Soldiers died and was buried yesterday

     They died of the measels.  One 4th

     Mass Batt died and was buried

     This PM.  he came with us is

     The ship with us and belonged to

     Andover.  he had a lung fever.

February 12, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 12, 1862. Wednesday. Did not come in sight of land yesterday, but about 7 o'clock to-day made Chandler's Light, and soon after saw shipping in the distance, which proved to be at Ship Island. When we were within half a mile distance, our regimental flags were displayed and the starboard and port guns were fired. Large numbers were on the beach, anxious to have an interview. The island is not as barren a place as I expected, although it is sandy where the encampment is. We weighed anchor and the boats put off for the shore. Colonel Butler came aboard. As soon as orders came, I had to spring and work the rest of the day, getting the tents ashore. Father came aboard towards night; he looks fleshy and sports a moustache. The troops were all landed during the afternoon and the tents were pitched. I went ashore in the evening. Father has a little wooden shanty which he occupies for sleeping and storing goods. His clerk stays with him. I remained with father all night and went aboard in the morning and worked all day, discharging cargo.
 

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 12-Wednesday
     8 A.M. Land ho Chan de Seur Islands in right this is a chain of Islands that run out from the Main land some 20 or 25 miles in length.
     8 ½ Ship Island in full view a it appears from this distance like a huge snow drift fully inhabited there is a large amount of Shipping around it and to my eyes from this distance it looks quit pleasing to my eyes.
     Came into the harbor about 11 O.C. A.M. Col. Jones came on board & was as pleased to see us as if we had risen from the dead. it seems us through they had completely given us up.
     3 O Clock P.M. disembarked had my first ride on a Missippi flier boat a prize taken from the rebels a huge clumsy looking affair side wheels and an independence boiler for each wheel.
     Lieut Lamson of the 26 Reg’t came down and invited us that is Capt Shipely and me, Lieut. up to supper with him we had a fine supper of hard tack and salt jawh mixed with Sardines a rarity indeed.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Wednesday, February 12, 1862

     Another fine morn men all

     In good spirits and anxious to get

     At the end of our voyage saw a

     Large number of birds such as

     Gannetts Gulls Pelicans & others

     About 8 Ock made land on our

     Starboard bow.  appeared to be an

     Island with a lighthouse on it

     Next about 9 Ock made land on

[Mem]

     our starboard bow which proved

     To be Ship Island.  Dropt anchor

     Opposite the island.  we had 3 Rows-

     ing cheers from those onshore.

     There is a large number of

     Vessels of all kinds here in the

     Harbor.  We left the good Ship

     About noon and landed at

     The wharfe where i met some

     Old friends as soon as i landed

     I went on a tramp up to the

     26th Mass and the 9th Conn when

     I got back Uncle Ben was

     After me and very glad to see me

     He began to think we was

     Not coming.  I went and took

     Dinner of Soft Bread & Soup.

     The boys were very glad to

     See me and like to have shook

     My arms off.  this is altogether

     A different place from what

     I expected to find.  it is all

     Sand with no grass trees or

     Anything green but soldiers

     This afternoon we pitched our

     Tents and went to housekeeping

     They have a kind of fort here

     Called fort Massachusetts the

     4th Battery quarter here.