February 6, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     February 6 to 12, 1862. Had good weather and a fine sail. On the 12th, we dropped anchor near Ship Island and landed at once. I was very busy getting tents and stores ashore. Our camp is near Camp Thompson.


From a Letter:
     On Board Constitution, February 6, 1862.
     Set sail again at 3 p. m. The pilot left ua at Cape Henry. While we were at supper, a jar of the vessel startled us. It proved to be a collision with a schooner. Our Captain saw her coming and stopped, turning from his own course; she struck our quarter and no damage was done.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 6-Thursday
     Commenced raining last night and continues this morning. quite stormy.
     We had a visit from Adjutant Gen. Schouler this forenoon he says the State Aid laws has passed by a unanimous vote both the Senate & Legislation over Gov. Andrews vetos. this will make a much different feeling among our men.
     A mail steamer came into Port who has the appearance of being fired into.
     4 O Clock P.M. once more started on our voyage and if nothing new turns up we don’t work or pick up any stray vessels on our way and have to put back. we shall probably get some where sometime or other or somewhere else.
     6 O Clock P.M. struck a schooner lowered a boat and went where she was and she wasn’t there having gone on his way rejoicing probably that she got off so easily.
     Find my health is on the improve having eaten supper to night. the first meal for 3 or 4 times.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Thursday, February 6, 1862
     We sailed again at 4 Ock this PM
     And are going along first
     Rate. the men all in first
     Rate condition and happy as
     Can be expected.

February 5, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     Ship Constitdtion, Hampton Roads, Va., 
     February 5, 1862. 
     Dear:
     By an unexpected event, you find us at Hampton Roads. About 5 o'clock last evening, our Captain discovered a sail in distress and made for it. It proved to be a gunboat, bound for Hatteras Inlet, which had lost her rudder, sprung a leak and had nine feet of water in her hold. Captain Fletcher got out hawsers, made them fast to her, and put about for Fortress Monroe, where we arrived at 11 o'clock in the morning. We shall coal up and leave again to-morrow. I send this letter by Parker.
WARREN.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 5-Wednesday
     Pleasant but very cold and Windy. 
     We are now on our return trip to Fortress Monroe. time 10 ½ A.M. off Cape Henry. 11 A.M. we leave our prize which we ascertain to be the Miami from Philidelphia for Hatteras Inlet. ultimate destination Ship Island. After leaving her we get fairly started once more on our outward voyage. when after a consultation between Surgeons & Colonels we are once more turned about and headed Fortress Monroe. after arriving there. there is a man carried on shore with the small P. which I find to be the cause of our sudden turn for Port. 
     Captains Hart, Bates & la were on board and passed a pleasant hour with us once more and I suppose now for the last time we are now coaling up for our return trip to Ship Island where if nothing happens and we have a good run we may expect to see in about 6 days.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Wednesday 5
     We are here yet. we have 2 or 3
     Cases small pox on board. we
     Were all turned up on deck to
     Be examined by the surgeon
     And only about 150 out of the lot
     Had to be Vaccinated.

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.