June 14, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     June 14-Saturday

     Another very warm day

     A big mail to night, went over to Quarters and got two letters from Jane dated May 27th 25th this is the first time I have ever gotten any letters from her direct. a number of papers of later dates from the North came in this mail. Jane sends me her card, I will call. They say that McClellan has Richmond, Halleck has taken Cornith, and Memphis has also been taken this opens the Miss. river with the exception of Vicksburg, which will soon be in our possession. Hartford and our Mortar fleet tomorrow for operations.

     President Lincoln has raised 50,000 or issued a proclamation calling that number of Volunteers for the war, this is instead of calling for the Militia, as was at first intended. In Mass they have had a tremendous excitement, by the rumor of Banks defeat and stopped danger to the Federal Capitol. Lowell rallied in all her force once more, but their men are not needed and have been returned to their homes, and Volunteers for the war called for in accordance with the above proclamation. Now see if they will turn out, this is what tries their Pluck. no the old 6th goes home 8 months frightens them and they show their backs, and go back like whipped dogs, shame, shame, the Gallant 6th is no more.

     Wrote to Jane and Mother this morning before I got my letters.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Saturday 14
     Fine again.  had to turn out to
     Drill at 5 Ock & Drill till 1/2 after 6
     Give us a good appetite for and
     There is a number of Steamers
     Gun boats & Mortar boats with
     3 Men of war here going up
     To Vicksburg to have a ball with
     The rebels and we expect to go with
     Them.  they mean to keep us busy
     I Think.

June 12, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     June 12-Thursday

     Went over to Quarters and wrote up my journal to the first day of June, and it tired me a considerable it is more work than I have done for a long time before.

     Capt laying on his back and not able to do anything Whitcomb doing gaurd duty. Picket duty Drilling and working like a tiger all the time still feels well and is smart as a trap.

     News is at a discount and I have nothing worth writing to day. will go back and lay down and get well and go to work once more then the time will pass away a little quicker I think for the days are tremendous long stopping here and nothing to do. am anxious once more to get to work.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Thursday, June 12, 1862.
     Fine again.  our company
     Fell in and marched about 5 miles
     Out on picket duty.  the march was
     Hot and dusty.  the dirt is about 3
     Inches deep in the road.  our duty
     Is on a road visited by & occupied
     By some of the head guerillas we
     Have taken possession of some of
     Their plantations & moved their
[Listed under Friday 13, continues June 12?]
     Darkeys & Sugar and Cattle &c.
     And then burn their buildings
     As that is there play where they
     Go.  i had a first rate time in
     Woods getting berries which are
     Very plenty & large here.  their
     Picket duty has some sport in it
     And there is a good deal of danger
     If a fellow dont keep his eye open.

June 3, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     June 3-Tuesday

     Weather fine but very warm news is not much. at least not to me for lying here on my back it can’t not come to me and I cannot go out to find news.

     Mustard poultice on my bowels to remove the very intense pain. I find I am pretty sick but am in hopes that I shall soon get over it.

     Capt is not much better than I am but is so as to do some little duty am in hopes he will keep up at least until I get around for Whitcomb is now doing all the work and I fear he will not hold out long at that rate.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Tuesday, June 3, 1862.
     A fine day.  everything still except
     The drilling of the soldiers the citizens
     Appear quiet and well disposed.
     Nims battery came here sunday.
     Our regiment have enough
     With picket patrols & regimen-
     tal guard duty.  we all like here
     Very well.  i wrote to Mary &
     Lydia yesterday.

June 1, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     June 1, 1862. Arrived in the evening.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

      June 1-Sunday

     Weather cloudy and unpleasant

     Landed at Baton Rouge at 10 ½ AM and put the stars and Stripes on the Capitol of La. the Senate & Representations rooms where a little more than one year ago Louisiana was voted out of the Union are now occupied by the troops of the 30th Mass Regiment.

     It is a splendid building built a little after Gothic style, built of Brick covered with mortar and bears good evidence of the mark-manship of our gunners from the fleet in the shape of Grape shot holes in the front walls. Our Comp & Comp A Officers occupy the room of the secretary of State. Found lots of Blank Commissions for La. Volunteers all signed by Gov. Moore. filled out one and sent to Leonard Brown of Citizen & News office of Lowell. We find a very fine painting of our old flagg over the Speakers chair in Representative Hall. Strange it should have been allowed to remain. A beautiful Statue of Washington cut in marble an excellent piece of work stands in the Dome, pictures of Clay, Webster, Franklin and more all of our big men adorn the walls. the grounds around the house are beautifully laid out and full of flowers of al kinds, in full blow, really beautiful sight and such a one as we seldom see north even in midsummer perfectly lovely.

     The inhabitants seem to most of them have left town or City as they call it here. wrote letters to Jane, Deacon Brown H.C. Drew, and sent by Lieut Farsons. also one to Nell.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Sunday, June 1
     Looks like rain.  the steamer Ceres[?]
     Took our regt on shore where we
     Were formed in a line and marched
     To the State House where we were
     To be quartered.  we threw the good
     Old flag to the breeze amid 9 heartey
     Cheers and music from the band.
     We had a battalion drill this PM.
     I have got a fine birth and desk.

May 29, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     New Orleans, May 29, 1862.
     Dear:
     I have received the letters sent by Lieutenant Johnston and Captain Clark. I saw, after Colonel Dudley arrived, that Governor Andrew would commission the officers of this regiment. I never wanted the Quartermaster's position, for it is one that no man living ever filled to the satisfaction of a regiment, and again, it is a staff appointment. I want a Second Lieutenancy. I don't care to what regiment I may be appointed, if I am only commissioned. A private who was in the 19th Regiment, on the Potomac, was commissioned in ours, and has joined it; all the result of influence. You seem to be afraid to have me enter as a line officer, lest I may be killed or suffer hardships. Folks at home are ignorant of war. You must understand that there is a vast difference between an enlisted man and a commissioned officer. If the one chooses to resign he can do so, the other is held. I acted as Lieutenant from the time the regiment began to recruit until it was organized, which would aid me a good deal in procuring a position as Lieutenant. I spoke to Captain Haggerty the other day, but he said all was helter-skelter now, by and by it would be different.
     I have just read the papers of May 16, which did me good. The time will not be long distant ere peace will be declared. Texas cattle have been cut off from the enemy at Corinth, by our gunboats on the river. Deserters state they are suffering for food. Everything is quiet in the city. I met an old schoolmate to-day; he belongs to Nim's Battery. The ship North America sails to-day. Lieutenant Farson will go home, as he is not commissioned, but he deserves to be. I sent thirty-five dollars home on the "Undaunted," by Adams' Express. Have you received it?

SON WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 29-Thursday

     Very warm to day and more oppression than at all prior.

     my work to day has been very severe, recieved an order the arrest Thos. Murray & Richard Estabrook. find nothing by which I can spot my men do not know their business or residence find Estabrook name in directory of Estabrook and also find he left town a week ago, over the Lake, find 6 Thos. Murrays and know not which one I want know no other way than to arrest the whole pack must do it unless I can by some means get some description to go by.

     have inquired by our detective but none of them know him or which one is meant but but have a little clue to track tomorrow it is said he is President of the notorious Humbug, called free market if so I will have him tomorrow. this has kept me busy to day all the time business as usual at Office all we can attend to.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Thursday 29
     Fine day.  Inspection this AM.
     No other duty for our crowd but
     Drill at 5 Oc. this PM.
     Our Co has to do patrole duty
     To night.  i shall come in for
     My share of that from 11 till
     5 Oclock.  our [Regt.] has organized a fine
     Band and joined it to the regt.  it is
     Quite an improvment on the drum corps.

May 22, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 22nd Thursday

     Weather hot and sultry. I am afraid that New Orleans is agoing to be a little warm for me especially if I am to continue in this Department. to much travel in the sun. This has been a very quiet day not much doing here now. put the work on to the Officers of the other Companys I have been at the Office at Lt. Col. Stafford’s desk. find it no more pleasant than other portion of the work and not near so must variety in it.

     Col Dudley is threatening to have us in the Reg’t I would not be much sorry for we are losing in drill, and it is no doubt an injury to the Regiment, for so many to be away. Col. is Commander of our district and Asst. Military Commandant of New Orleans— [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Thursday, May 22, 1862.
     Fine day.  we got marching orders
     yesterday.  but they was countermanded
     Again.  Genl Shepley has taken
     Command of the city.  Jonas H French
     Chief of Police.  there was a large
     Lot of the old police force were
     Removed because they would not
     Take the oath of office.  B R Chase
     Of our company died at Ship Island
     May 13th.  he was an honest upright man.

May 18, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     New Orleans, May 18, 1862.
     Dear:
     The steamer which was to carry the mail met with an accident and will be delayed a day or two, so I will write again. Sunday in New Orleans and Sunday in Lowell, what a difference! The bar rooms,eating houses, cigar shops, all are open. I attended church this morning, in company with three other officers. The church was of the Episcopal denomination. It seemed like home, it being the first time I have had an opportunity to attend public worship since I left Lowell. Our regiment has received a new uniform throughout and I am busy just now issuing these to the companies. I have adorned myself with a white shirt to-day and I feel very comfortable. In my last letter I mentioned that the prisoners who were taken at the Forts were released on parole. Yesterday five or six were re-arrested, as they had been detected in organizing a company which was to join the Confederate Army. General Butler has ordered them to be shot. Good! say I. Confederate money is to be abolished on the 27th of this month, as well as "shin plasters." The last mentioned consist of paper money issued by private firms which are doing business in the city, and is considered good according to the state of the man who sends it out. I enclose one for twenty cents. General Phelps' command is in camp at Carrollton, seven miles up the river.
     I suppose my sisters would like to know how the young ladies of New Orleans dress, so I will try to describe some. The bonnets are flaring; colors, pink, white and blue, they are adorned with large roses; muslin dresses, lace and silk mantillas made in different shapes and sizes, some wear hoops, some do not. Flowers grow in profusion here. I should like to send you a bouquet of magnolias, negroes sell them in the street, one bit each (ten cents). We are quartered in Lafayette Square, opposite Camp Street. Fran., I think I shall take a Creole home with me when I come back. No more just now. I hope you are all well.

I am your son and brother,
WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

      May 18-Sunday

     Very warm and pleasant day nothing doing all day in the way of business.

     Whitcomb and myself strolled around town and looked around the city. things are changing very rapidly in the city. it commences to look a little cheerful. but still we find a good many black looking face and scowls from the ladies. One of the ladies left a pew in a Church in which she was sitting, because the Sexton had the impudence to show a Federal Officer, into the same pew. This is the feeling of a large portion of the (women) here you certainly cannot call them Ladies.

     Went up to the Office to night and Whit got an order to arrest one, Adams a recorder of the 4th district a noted man and said to be very desperate. As Whit was coming up by the office, his man passed on his way down he immediately put his hand on his shoulder and says you are my prisoner he made no resistance but went down & was locked up in the Custom House.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Sunday 18
     We had a thunder shower last night
     The first we have had since we come here
     Had an inspection this morn it was
     Very hot.  had orders parade & battalion
     Drill this PM.  it was hot work
     Uncle Sam has given us another
     Suit of clothes.  Blouse Pants Shirt
     Trausers Shoes & socks.  good on his head.

May 3, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 3-Saturday

     Had a hard drill in morning before breakfast. run hot and a double quick drill does not improve the feelings of sick men a particle our men are nearly all ½ sick from their long confinement on shipboard. Capt Yeaton buried another man to day. he seems to have hard luck with his men has lost more than any Company in the Regiment thus far.

     Changed our Quarters marched to Odd Fellows hall and took possession it is a fine building and seems a shame to put soldiers into such places. The Lodge room we do not interfere with at all. Only the hall used for concerts and Dances. Col and staff quarter at Park Hotel. our meals are costing us a little more than a $1.50 per day. everything is very high in the City and only a few places are open at all. the city seems almost deserted.

     Almost an hour drill in the afternoon we keep our drills no matter where we are and it has always has been so that accounts for the excel-and drill of our Regiment it is called Number one.

     Ge. Butlers quarter at St. Charles.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Saturday 3
     Drery pleasent day had a battalion
     Drill this morn. about 11 Oc had orders
     To fall in in heavy marching orders and
     March up into the city and took
     Quarters in a splendid building the
     Hall we have was used by Mayor
     And Odd fellows.  it was very hot
     I got 4[?] letter yesterday.  1 from my wife
     1 Martha Got 1 Heather[?].  The populace
     Are quiet the stores are all closed
[Mem]
[Possible memorandum for the day, but not located yet.]

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 14, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     Camp, Ship Island, April 14,1862.
     Dear:
     I received your box and letter all right. Seven regiments are going down to Southwest Pass to-morrow, possibly ours. I hope I shall not be left behind. I expect Fort Jackson will be the point of attack. I received a letter from George Pray, dated March 15. All well. I sent a letter and my white shirts by the "Undaunted," in care of Lieutenant Claiborne, who will call on you. Governor Andrew refused to commission him, as he was not from the State of Massachusetts.
Yours till after the battle,

SON WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 14-Monday

     Pleasant day once more all is bustle and confusion about embarking on transport North America.

     All baggage packed up and to be turned over to Quarter master. Officers carry only blankets, Rubber Coat and 1 change of Clothing. Leave our trunks behind us.

     After getting all ready find we do not go on board until tomorrow. Had a severe drill this afternoon boys all feel well and eager for the fray. bound up the Mississippi it is supposed New Orleans is our destination.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday, March 14, 1862
     A Stormy day i wrote a few
     Lines to send home with my
     Money.  sent 40 Dolls[?] by Deams[?] & Co
     Express.  the tide is very high
     Coming within a few feet of our
     Tents the island is getting rather
     Thick settled almost inhabitants
     Enough for a city.  Butler is
     Expected here soon.

April 13, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     April 13, 1862. A regiment has gone on to Biloxi to clean out a Mississippi regiment for this reason: we sent over a flag of truce yesterday and it was fired on when it was returning. General Williams' Brigade has been ordered to be ready to start at a minute's notice. I am O. K., but you may expect to hear from me as on the move before long.

BROTHER WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 13-Sunday

     Once more under marching orders it is supposed for New Orleans as our fleet has all gone up there some days since.

     Drill in afternoon through the wet sand and a pretty wet drill it is. our Regiment has got worked up to a very nice thing. we can drill as well as most any of them who are much older than we are and it is rather remarkable. for we have had to work against everything but have usage. that we have had plenty of.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Thursday 13
     Got paid off last night i had
     55.45[?] cts. due me.  we had this
     Fornoon to write our friends
     I wrote a letter to send home
     By the fulton which sails
     This noon with the mail the
     Good Steam Ship Constitution
     Arrived yesterday with 3 regts
     On board from NewPort News
[Mem]
     They are landing to day they are
     A hearty looking set of men they
     Are the 4th Wis. 6th Mich. & 21st
     Indiana Regts. they were fired
     Into by the rebels from Sewalls Pt
     But not hit.  the men are all
     Busy writing home and sending
     Thier money.  a large steamer come
     In to day the harbor is full
     Of Vessels of all kinds a storm brewing

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 10, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 10-Thursday

     Some 6 or 8 transports in to day lights. it is reported that they are to take troops to South West pass.

     We had 2 Glorious drills to day our Regiment improve some at every drill. and can be beat but very little, at the present time.

     Bill has at last got on board the undaunted ready to sail for home. a large number of discharged men. some Sesesh prisoners. and a number of Officers who have resigned & been sent home. I sent another letter to Jane, by Bill. [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Thursday, April 10, 1862
     Quite a cool morning.  there
     Was 4 Ships come in this forenoon
     I see 2 woman to day.  there is
     A rebel Forse[?] here that gave
     Themselves up.  loaded with
     Cabbage, Beets, celery, Eggs
     And other commoditeis.
     A Large Frigate anchored
     Outside this afternoon.

April 9, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 9-Wednesday

     Beautiful day to day sky as fair and clear as a crystal. though if I were at home I would call this a hot day even in our summer season there. but this climate is so different.

     Morning drill as Battalion from 10 untill 12 ½ O Clock; on firings, the Col is going to give us plenty of drilling with Blank Cartridges, so we may be ready to use the Ball when the time comes. and no doubt that will be soon. from apperances now.

     To day we had a review of the whole division nearly 16 thousand men. it was indeed a fine show. Gen Butler was the reviewing Officer. It formed a very long line covering some 3 miles or more. I should judge more but could not see the whole length of it. We had a hard march from 2 ½ until 6 ½ O Clock P.M.

     Bill’s trunk has at last gone on board the undaunted & I am glad of it. for the company will not mourn his loss.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Wednesday 9
     A fine morn.  we had a terrific thunder
     Storm last night we had a division
     Inspection this afternoon By Maj Gen
     Butler & Staff.  there was about
     16,000 troops in all Infantry
     Artillery & Cavalry, they extended
     Almost the whole length of the
     Island and looked and marched
     First. rate.  A Gun Boat arrived this
     PM.  a large fleet of Vessels here.

April 8, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 8-Tuesday

     Still very windy and cold a severe change in the weather.

     Batt drill this morning in the firings it is almost remarkable how this Regiments improves under Col Dudley. it is as well drilled as a Regiment I have ever seen. Col Dudley says it is one of the best Volunteer Regiments he ever saw. and is very proud of it.

     The Hatteras came in this morn with Gen. Butler from the South and pass. an attack is to be made on Friday morning on the Forts by the Fleet. and then is no doubt that it will be successful. with such a force it would be impossible to fail. Jane would say if she was here that Friday was an unlucky day. time will tell if it proves so in this care. I hope not.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Tuesday 8
     Rather Windy.  the Vermont
     7 & 8th landed yesterday.
     There is  a camp report that
     Our Brigade is to go to Washington
     Soon there has 4 Steamers[?] & 2 Gun
     Boats arrived to day.  there was no
     Drill to day on account of the
     Weather.  the saxon got back this
     PM.  I see george ????? of andover.

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.

April 5, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     April 5, 1862. Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Bullock joined us. Governor Andrew has gained the day over General Butler and he is sending out officers to take the place of Butler's appointments. It seems hard, after the old officers have recruited and drilled their men. Since landing on the island, the troops have been busy drilling. I expect we will soon depart, judging from actions. Lieutenant-Colonel French has gone on Butler's staff.
 
2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 5-Saturday

     Weather very warm and pleasant.

     Conn 9th arrived this morning have had a perfect success. not one Mississippi Regiment. who fired one volly of Grape Shot into their ranks. the Conn charged into them. and they ran throwing away everything they had in their flight. Their Camp was burned by the 9th and all equipage except for what the men stole and brought away with them. they also got quite a rebel mail with them. Pistols. Powder Horns. Uniforms Watches, and numerous other mementos the boys have with them.

     Capt Wm. O. Fiske was down to see us to day he is looking finely. fat as possible.

     Saxon arrived to day. With Lieut Bullock on board as Lt. Col & Lt. Appleton also. Lt. Emerson & Robinson were mustered out to day. still the changes come.

     Quite an accident happened here to day. and a race after 3 men from the Maine 12th and two from Comp G. Capt Yeaton were drowned while bathing in the So. beach.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

   Saturday 5
     A fine morn. there is considerable
     Excitment.  the New London took
     In her prize this AM. they are
     Landing Troops & Horses to day
     From the Republic.  there was
     2 Vessels come in to day.  the troops
     Have returned back from the other
     With[?] some prisoners and a flag
     It was a white body with a
[Mem]
     A Blue Corner and a purple border
     With a cotton plant in the
     Center.  one star in the Blue Corner.
     We are all busy getting ready
     For Saturdays inspection. they
     Say we have a Leiut Col arrived
     It looks as if we should get a shower.
     We got orders from the colonel to
     Go in bathing[?] i did not go having
     Been unwell 3 or 4 days.  there was
     5 men drowned 2 of our Regt. & 3 from
     The 12th Maine lost[?] the bodys were
     Rewarded[?].  it cast a gloom all through
     The camp.  they will be burried
     Tomorrow.  

April 4, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 4-Friday

     Weather very comfortable this morning.

     The Great Republic in this news from Portland she brings a portion of the main troops and some Horses. one other ship which came in with her I could not get the name of.

     Robert Dale Court martial to day he plead guilty to the charge and his sentence has not been made known as yet.

     About two hours engagement between 3 Rebels Gun Boats and the New London. right in sight of the Island. it created quite an excitement.

     Rebel Gunboat Wallis captured by the New London with a cargo of Spirits turpentine & Rosin, & 20 men.

     Batt. drill under Col Dudley to day it seems quite natural. We have lots of work on hand. making Quarterly returns of Ammunition & Clothing and everything we have.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Friday, April 4, 1862.
     The Ship Great Republic and
     Another Ship Come in this
     Morning.  they are loaded with
     Soldiers, Horses, & Stores there
     Is considerable firing this PM from
     The other shore our Gun Boats took
     A rebel Boat & ??????, she went
     Round the upper end of the island
     And therew[?] [?] shell on the island.

April 3, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 3-Thursday

     Another very hot day.

     Had our usual Battalion drill this morning. but our Company drill was dispensed with on account of the extreme heat.

     Nothing has been heard from the Conn Regiment as yet A very heavy firing heard this morning. it seems to come from Rebels Gun boats & the New London. At 9 O Clock they were in sight of the Island.

     Capt Shipley on as Officer of the day.

     Batt drill at 4 O Clock under Major Paine. we had the poorest drill we have had for a long time.

     A larger loaded with coal for our naval fleet has just arrived from Phila. she was 20 day and over on the passage. she bring no mail.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Thursday 3
     Another very hot day.  i have
     Been on the sick list to day
     There has been no news from
     The soldiers on the other side
     Yet.  the soldiers in the harbor
     Have been ordered on shore again
     They disembarked this PM. there
     Was a bark Come in this PM.

April 2, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 2-Wednesday

     A very warm day, as usual.

     Capt. Shipley on drill to day for the first time for a long while. Whitcomb on Court Martial.

     The 9th Conn. Regiment have gone on an expedition over to Biloxi with Mannings Battery. under the charge of Major Strong. Col J. H. Freeman has gone with them.

     No news here of any consequence everything is very dull & quiet. we are looking for news from the Conn. with considerable anxiety. are in hopes they will make a good strike.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Wednesday 2
     Another hot one.  the 9th Conn
     Regt. had orders to go over to
     The other side with the 6th
     Mass Battery.  they left in the
     Lewis Jackson + Hatteras