May 19, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 19-Monday

     This day will be remembered by many persons for a long time for this reason. The Mayor, City Marshall, a number of under Officers, Recorders & among whom is our friend Adams of last eve. some of the leaders of the reign of terror which has reigned supreme for so long time. but the sun is now breaking though the clouds, and in a few weeks or more all will be sunshine. Gen. Butler is spoken of highly for the firm and I may say quiet manner in which he has done his duty. He is no doubt the right man in the right place.

     Our duties have not been very severe. hardly any running to day. the Vermont Officers are just doing something and we laying back unless it is, something of some importance.

     Weather does not seem to grow any cooler and if it grows much warm we shall some of us, have to sell out and go home. For I am beginning to feel the effects of the heat.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Monday, May 19, 1862.
     A very hot morn.  i went with a guard
     Of men up to the marine[?] hospital
     To get Sar[?] White of Co G who was hurt
     Very bad by a horse last night.  it
     Is where the rebel that were wounded
     At forts Jackson are and some others
     From up the river we were treated
     First rate.  our Co. was out on patrole
     Duty till 4 Oc. this morning
[Mem]
     The Mayor & 4 other citizens were
     Arrested By the Prov Marshall to day.
     And sent to fort Jackson for aiding
     And encouraging the rebel army.
     Major Gen Butler has given till the
     27th for the issuers of confederate
     Money to withdraw it after that
     None but U States Money is good.

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 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 28, 1862

Engraving of Forts Jackson & St. Phillip on the lower Mississippi below New Orleans, 1862.
Engraving published in "Harper's Weekly", 1862.
Image shared at Wikipedia

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     April 28, 1862. Went on up the river, opposite the forts. A detachment was sent to one of the forts. I went ashore to Fort Jackeon. It was well shattered.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 28-Monday

     Weather fair –

     Reported landing of Butlers forces 6 miles above Fort Jackson. or rather Philips on the other ride of river New Orleans side.

     Gun Ferry boat came down & Reports surrender of both Forts and wants 5 companies of our Regiment to go up and hold them. Gen. Phelps says too us up and take the whole Regiment of Companies go on board the Gunboat of which number 6 is one of the lucky ones and she tours the North America also. this is at 10 A.M. we run up in sight of the Forts and the Gunboat leaves the transport and proceeds up to the Forts. two river boats loaded with prisoners who have attempted to escape are up against the Bank of the river. having been brought to by a Gun from the Harriet Lane. landed our prisoners at Phillips under charge of a gaurd. the Flagg was run up at 3:20 P.M. amid the Cheers of Navy and army.

     Company was the first in each Fort having landed left Lieut Whitcomb in charge of the prisoners and Major Whittemore Comps H & G in Fort Phillips. we go on board Gun boat and proceed across river to Jackson and take possession there. it was so filthy we could not go inside but lay out over the moat on the bare ground what little time we slept. their are some 700 prisoners in all. the big Ram was blown up by the Naval officers. after the articles of surrender were all signed we have them in close confinement. The Fort had plenty of ammunition and stores to last them 6 months but their men were tired of war and mutinied. the Fort was blown all to pieces inside. The Bastion completely demolished 2 or 3 casemates broken completely through.\

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Monday, April 28, 1862
     Fine again.  the men are all rejocing
     At the news of the surrender of the forts.
     After a seige of 9 days.  rather tough that.
     We have a steam gun boat alongside
     To tow us up the river.  good.  part of
     The regt & the 4th Battery went on
     Shore in to the forts and hoisted our
     Flag, about 3 Oc, the PM.  the rebels
     Tried to blow up the forts but did not
     Make out.

 

April 25, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 25-Friday

     Weather fine warm and very pleasant on shore in good old Massachusetts how I would enjoy it. but then there is nothing to make one life pleasant. home, friends, all away. no I will not say friends for I trust I have some good ones in our Regiment, but old friends. far away, and worse than all my wife away and no letter coming to me from her keeps me continually thinking and worrying about her.

     This morn when going on Deck the first thing that meet our eyes is our Mortar fleet all at anchor close by or I may say some at anchor below and the rest coming down river slowly with the tide it cannot be a [---] but still it seems so strange. Gunboats coming down at noon. Sloop of War Portsmouth also down. And all go by us and in answer to our hail we get the same reply nothing new. it seems very strange

     Gen Phelps came on board and is going to make our ship his head Quarters.

     Lewis came up river reports Steamer Wallace sunk. hands all saved. Lewis has Vermont Battery on board. stopped and got some wood from us and as usual coming alongside stove her wheelhouse all to pieces. Lewis leaking badly, is going round the point with her Battery by order Gen Butler.

     1 Capt Meatons men and 1 of Capt Reads Cavalry died to day.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday, April 25, 1862
     Fine day the french man of war went
     Out yesterday the mortar fleet came
     Down from the forts last night having
     Got their job done.  Brig Genl
     Phelps took quarters on board the ship
     last night.  Com Porter has demanded
     An unconditional surrender of forts
     There is a number of gun boats here the
     Man of war Portsmouth lay just
     Below.  the Lewis is here taking wood.

April 24, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 24-Thursday

     Weather warm but pleasant

     A Great Explosion seen this morn in the vicinity of the Forts.

     Whitcomb on gaurd duty to day. The companies to day have the day to wash their clothing and them selves Saxon down this morn and says we have whipped them. Our fleet went by at 3 this morning under a Galling fire from both Forts with a small loss Ram Manassas sunk and their boats taken Varuna of our fleet sunk went down with colors flying and dis-charged her last broadside while ½ under water.

     Savage tied in the rigging for refusing to do duty.

     Services to night as usual our victory called out an extra burst of patriotism and elo-quence from our noble Chaplain. and a fresh prayer for our dear families at home.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Thursday 24
     A fine morn.  there is good news from
     Our fleet this morn they have got
     Above the chains, and took both
     Forts.  Maj. Gen Butler has been on board
     All hands busy picking lice & washing
     Clothes we expect to be landed soon.
     No more news from the fleet yet
     The Steamer PC Wallace was sunk
     Last monday outside the pass.

April 22, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 22-Tuesday

     Weather warm and pleasant but remarkably warm.

     Lieut Johnson and I on gaurd to day. We as yet get no news from our fleet but hope to soon for our men are getting discouraged at their long stay on Shipboard & I am very tired of it to say the least.

     To night we have had the most painful occurrences of our trip a sad and melancholy affair the loss of Capt Harry A Durivarge a Gentleman and a true Solider a man who was loved and esteemed by all who knew him both as a soldier and a Gentleman. It was on my tour of duty. I heard a Sentinel cry a man overboard but he did not know where he fell from. or could not tell me anything about it. he heard the splash and cry as he fell. but that was all. I sounded the alarm and went astern. But nothing was to be seen. and he never rose to the surface of the water again. and was never more seen, it was a sad thing and one I shall never forget. it is a loss to our Regiment although he does not belong to it. and a sad loss to his Father who doats upon him. he was his favorite son. and a particular friend of Gen. Butlers. was an aid to him at Fortress Monroe his Father was Francis A Durivarge the Poet.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Tuesday, April 22, 1862
     A fine morn not quite so cool as it
     Has been.  the battle still raging at the
     Forts.  we are getting tired of stopping
     Here right where we can hear the
     Battle and have no chance to help.
     There is boats come alongside with
     Oysters to sell.  they are the largest
     I ever see.  Our captain sent us a ???
     Of ginger cakes this morn.  Bully for him
[Mem]
     I bought a dipper of baked beans
     Of the cook for 10 cts.  they werefirst
     Rate.  the missisippi has gone up
     Towards the forts.  we had bean water
     For dinner.  a pint of beans to a
     Bucket of water.  rather too rich
     For soldiers.  there was a gunboat
     Went down this morn.  the battle
     Still raging

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 20, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 20-Sunday

     A stormy day. slow drizzly rain all day very uncomfortable day no pleasure at all we can not enjoy the Deck at all.

     Although stormy it has proved one of the most eventful days since we came to anchor.

     A Gun Boat came down with 7 men belonging to gun boat Oneida who were wounded by the bursting of a gun. and were carried to Pilot town on So. West Pass where they have established a naval Hospital a temporary one for present uses. Called for all Surgical instruments and items we have on board for use of navy

     To night we had quite an exciting time on board. Gen. Butler, and Lt. Kinsman of his staff were coming up from Pilot town in a gig of the Mississippi undertook to come on board of our ship when there being no rope for them to catch and hold to keep their boat fast the tide took her down stream and on top of our boat which lay astern she ran athwart her amid-ships and nearly filled with water. and they were both fast and no getting away. the boats filled rapidly and in a few minutes more it would have been Gen. Butler last and our Expedition would have a new commander. We succeded in lowering a boat and rescuing him from his perilous situation. Capt Collins seemed to have lost his senses and were it not for his mate we would have done nothing at all. The mate is a smart fellow and to him Gen Butler and Kinsman owe their lives.

     Capt Collins was excited so that he struck Lieut. Dean in the breast very severely. and is condemned by all the Officers on board for his harsh and very violent temper which he exhibited so strongly in this case. he has treated us like so many dogs ever since we have been on his ship.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Sunday 20
     Easter Sunday and very pleasant there is
     No news of importance from above.
     The steamer Jackson & Matanzas have
     Gone down to the G Republic to try
     To get her over the bar.  there is some
     Hard fighting at the forts.  the troops
     Are anxious to get landed somewhere
     There has been a number of vessels going
     Up and down the river.  it is cold enough
[Mem]
     For a great Coat.  this is not much
     Like Sunday.  we had devine service
     On the quarter deck this PM.  the
     Steamer Matanzas has got back
     From down the river.  no news.

April 18, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     April 18,1832. We came to anchor at the head of. South-West Pass, Mississippi River, where we remained until the navy captured Forts St. Philip and Jackson. We were crowded, had little to eat, dirty, lousy; our only excitement was watching the shells at night during the bombardment.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 18-Friday

     Weather very warm but pleasant

     All we find to do to take up our spare time is watch and hear the reports from our Guns up to the Forts. smoke can be seen very plainly and it shows us that Commander Farragut an Porter are by no means idle. we get no news from them yet and do not know what success they are meeting with but put all our trust in them. after we get the Fort, New Orleans is ours without a doubt.

     We are getting along slowly are now at the head of the passes and going slowly on.

     Matanzus and Gunboat Jackson have gone down after the Great Republic. she is so large she cannot get over the bar.

     Flashes seen to night very distinctly and the reports heard more distinct than at any time previous.

     We get up on top of the Wheelhouse and hear Dr. Cleavelands patriotic sermons and good prayers for our Country, our homes, Wives Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, and at the same time hear our Guns boom away in the distance. the Flashes going though the Heavens like lighting. it forms a picture must be seen to be appreciated. and one that thrills threw a true Patriots bosom with feelings of admiration and love for both God and his country.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 18
     A fine morn.  the ship going
     Slow under short sail.  about
     8 Oc. got sight of some of our
     Vessels ahead took a pilot from
     The colorado and proceeded
     Up through the mouth of the
     River.  now we are in the
     Father of rivers.  the water
     Looks muddy but tastes cool
     And good a large lot of
[Mem]
     Small islands, covered with
     Bushes & shrubbery and large
     Number of birds of all kinds
     It is pleasant to see land
     After on a sand bank so long
     The men all busy cleaning up
     Births.  this is a regular old
     Tub of a ship.  we have just
     Passed a small rice plantation
     With its cabins around it.
     We also passed a small village
     Called pilot town.  it looked
     Quite pleasant, with the
     Union Flag flying.  the
     Missisippi has passed up the
     River with Butler & Staff
     On board the ship is at anchor
     The wind is to light for her to
     Sail against the tide which
     Runs about 5 knots the hour.
     There is a report that they are
     Bombarding fort jackson.

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.