January 16, 1862

Fort Monroe 
Image Online at:
The Fort Monroe Authority

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     January 16, 1862. Thursday.
     Weighed anchor at 7 o'clock and again made for the Fortress. We soon saw Cape Charles, then Cape Henry. All came on board to look around. Some of the officers fired at ducks. Lieutenant Norcross fired and a ball passed through his finger, but don't think he will lose it. A fleet appeared ahead of us which proved to be a lot of schooners belonging to the Burnside expedition, carrying horses and luggage. We gave and received cheers. We dropped anchor and the Colonels have gone ashore. Oh, I must go and see the boys. Later.—The Burnside expedition sailed two days since. It is thought it has gone to Pamlico Sound. All are now writing home, if I have time I shall write more. The Colonel has come aboard. We shall stop a day or two. Captain Davis and Lieutenant Fifleld came aboard and took dinner with us. The R. L. I. is to be changed into a Flying Artillery. Corporal Hartwell has gone North to recruit.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     January 16-Thursday
     Morning very pleasant weighed Anchor at 7 A.M. and sailed for Fortress Monroe. where we arrived at 11 ½ a.m. as we came in we passed the Pensacola. and a number of Men of War.
     As we came up to the Fortress the crew cheered us and we returned but not strictly in Man of War style.
     Briggs came on board and informed me that my wifes father died on Sunday. the day before we left Boston. Charley or Nell I have not as yet seen but shall no doubt before I leave here.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Thursday, January 16, 1862
     Made land Hampton Roads were [sic]
     Arrived opposite Fortress Monroe
     About 10 ock [sic].  dropt anchor and
     The Colonels went onshore, and
     See the commander of the fort.
     There is a large blockading
     Squadron here.

January 14, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     January 14, 1862. Tuesday.
     Stormed all day. Quite monotonous. No land in sight. At night we came to a standstill, it was so foggy. There are heavy swells, we sail slowly, stop often. It cleared up a little at noon. Saw two sails on the port bow, land on the starboard, supposed to be Cape Charles. Made towards it, direction southwest. , It grows thick again. Stopped and cast anchor. We are about thirty miles from the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, anchored in eight fathoms (48 feet). It seems as if we might have been in, ere this, and owe the delay to the fact that twenty-five dollars per day is paid for the use of the steamer. I saw four whales, two passed on our starboard side, quite a sight. The Colonel continues sick. I am O. K.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     January 14-Tuesday
     Morning fair and pleasant really I have enjoyed our trip this far.
     Our boys are feeling the effects of Sea sickness in its much hideous forms. some of them have hardly left their bunks since starting from Boston but keep down in that hold where they are continually breathing that confined and impure air. when if they would come up on deck they would feel much better then they do now.
     Tomorrow we expect to make Fortress Monroe. and then I shall see lots of friends I suppose for there are a number of my acquaintances at that place especially in the Richardson Light Infantry.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Tuesday 14
     Out of sight of boston and the
     Islands.  a fine day.  some of
     The Boys begin to feel sea
     Sick.