February 1, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:

From a Letter:

     Camp Stanton, Fort Monroe, Va., February 1, 1862. Dear:

     I will begin my letter by saying I am O. K. My discharge was obtained from the War Department by order of General McClellan, through the intercession of General Butler. I have felt very anxious ever since I landed and am very much pleased to know that everything is satisfactory at last. If I hadn't obtained my rank after working so hard with the regiment, I should have felt like—well, no matter what. I am sitting on a camp stool in Captain Blanchard's quarters. On my left, the Captain's servant is peeling potatoes. Lieutenant Fiske is reclining on a couch, reading Yankee Notions; behind him a drummer boy is writing home, and such is camp life.

     I have to see to the provisions and wood, assisted by Commissary Fay. These are obtained from the Fortress. I wish you to send my equipment, viz., knapsack, haversack and canteen, to Captain Davis. The boys are all pleased to know that I have obtained my discharge and promotion. There has been quite a controversy between Governor Andrew and General Butler through the War Department in regard to which one has the right to commission the officers. I hope the General will come out all right. You must not believe all the statements in the Boston papers in regard to any subject, but the letters which come directly from the soldiers. The paper correspondent does more injury than good.

     Colonel Shepley has been to Washington and received sailing orders. The steamer is taking on supplies. The Maine Regiment goes aboard to-day. I met George Richardson with whom I used to attend school. He is Purser's Clerk on the Pensacola. I went alongside and sent my letter by him to father. The Pensacola is going to the Gulf and is the vessel that ran the blockade on the Potomac. There are a number of vessels in the Roads. I shall send some money in my next letter, which will be when we sail. You can deposit or use it, as you like.

     I will write you my position at night. I have two large cord wood sticks which I place the width of my body apart; on these I pile a sand pillow, then spread my rubber blanket out, put the red blanket over that, roll two others around me and "lay me down to sleep." " Such is life." Tell S. A. B. I haven't forgotten my promise to write her and that I will do so after we arrive at our destination. Tell Nettie W. I don't refuse two pieces of pie, if she will send them to me. Give my regards to every one who may inquire. My next when we sail.

     SON AND BROTHER WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:

Diary:

     February 1-Saturday

     Weather very stormy

     A.A. Gilson sent to the Hospital this morning. Crazy or foolish we know not which. he made an attempt to jump overboard from the Constitution this morn but was prevented by the attendants I guess if they had not have stopped him he would not have jumped out of reach.

     Capt Shipley is Officer of the day.

     Lieut. Claiborne arrived here this morning has been sick. 

     Constitution has hauled up stream and is taking in coal.

     Merrimac is expected down every night to run the blockade she will have a fine time doing it for there are some 3 or 4 Frigates ready for her besides the guns from the fort.

     The Company’s had to pay $3.00 each for a target that comp. B. under the direction of Lieut. Farrons. broke to pieces and stole. they used the boards for a cook house. and we pay for them. this is military justice.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Saturday, February 1

     We are all tired of stopping

     Here.

January 19, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     January 19-Sunday
     Morning very pleasant but I find any quantity of mind if this is the sacred soil of old Virginny as the niggs say. I think the soil of Massachusetts is still more sacred.
     Baked Beans and Oysters was my breakfast this morning at Brother Charleys. then went down to the Hygea Hotel and saw Mrs Bent. she was very glad to see me. gave me a bottle of Brandy & Peaches which look quite nice and no doubt they are so. I went on board about noon after having a very hard time to do so. for I could get no boat but at last went on board with Col Shepley. Kinnear also was with me.
     We saw a horrid sight on our way to the Wharf or rather on the Wharf. a team which had been drawing cannon to the wharf on the running gear of a heavy wagon. drawn by 4 horses one of the axles broke down and the horses started on a gallop up the Wharf. we had to jump in order to save our own lives. the man all this time hanging on with his hands around the pole. and still holding the reins. he ran some way, and was at last stopped by a Zouaves of the N. York 16th the man was not killed, but very badly hurt. the hair all worn from his head where it had come in contact with the mud. he was taken up and carried off. and we have heard no more from him.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Sunday, January 19, 1862
     Fine again not ashore yet
     The men are quite uneasy
     They want to go ashore and
     Have a wash.  we are getting
     Rather dirty with more
     Passengers than we started
     With by Thousands lively &
     Scratching times.
 

January 4, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     January 4, 1862.
     Saturday, Went ashore this morning and stored my luggage on Long Wharf, as the Captain said no more could be put aboard, which order did not suit me very well; accordingly, I went to Captain George about it and made out to get two boxes, the most important, aboard. The rest will go on the next vessel. Mr. Stone, reporter for the Lowell Courier, came aboard to-night. He is going with us. A tug plies between us and the wharf. Had a splendid dinner today. Reading, singing, playing cards in the evening, smoking after meals, are the principal amusements just now. All are anxious to sail. Services took place in the saloon at 10.30 o'clock. Eev. Mr. Babbidge, of the 26th Massachusetts Regiment, made a few remarks. The text was from Genesis 16th chapter, the 13th verse: "Thou God seest me." The Chaplain of the 12th Maine assisted. There are a few ladies on board, Colonel Shepley's daughter and niece, and Colonel French's wife.