June 11, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     Baton Rouge, June 11, 1862.
     Dear:
     I wrote a short letter a day or two since. Now, as I have more time, I will write again. I am right glad we have left New Orleans, for, 1 assure you, it is not a pleasant place to live in, and we could not be located in a healthier situation than we have here. Yet, in my opinion, a move will soon be made up the river, perhaps to Vicksburg. The fleet are now arriving from below and, undoubtedly, we shall join them. I don't care how far up we go, for then the chances will be more favorable for us to go home by way of land, when the army is disbanded. An alarm was sounded last night, and the long roll was beat. The boys were in line, ready to march.
     I have but little to do except when on the march. A nice large tent, with a green carpet, is at my disposal, and I live principally on milk, which is very good here. I learned to-night that General Banks had been driven back towards Baltimore. I am afraid this call for more troops and Banks's retreat will tend to keep us in service longer. I received your two letters of May 18 and 19 this afternoon, and was glad to get them. Lizzie and Fran. are to teach! I hope I may arrive home at a future day to visit them in their schools. While I am writing this the band is playing in front of the State House. This is a large building, surrounded by gravel walks and beds of flowers, from which beautiful bouquets are plucked. I expect we shall go up the river within a week. Hoping you are all well, I remain

SON AND BROTHER WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     June 11-Wednesday

     Very warm and still no Rain. river still high and it is feared that the river will over run the banks of the Levee on June freshet in that case the damage will be fearful.

     Startling news from Gen. Banks division removed defeat of a portion of his army, he crosses the Potomac and runs most of his bag-gage train, his men are murdered all along the route dead men’s heads cut off and wounded men bayonited by the rebels, at Bulls Run and Balls Bluff.

     Tremendous excitement North the old sixths once more on her way to vindicate Mass honor. 2nd Battery Infantry Boston ready to go, and a complete tumult of everybody and all anxious to go for to fight but how many will be more anxious to return.

     7th Vt. Reg’t arrived here to day 2 Men of War gone up the river and an attack expected immediately on Vicksburg.

     Read Gov. Andrews answer to the Presidents call for troops a Black Abolition document endowing Gen Hunters Pro-clamation. Gov. Andrews has changed his mind it would seem and orders out all troops in Mass. to proceed im-mediatly to Washington independent companies, Regiments, Battalions, and Batterys. everything that can be raised.

     John Foster returned to duty to day looks much better

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Wednesday 11
     Fine morn.  there was 3 men of war
     And 2 gun boats arrived here yesterday
     The river boats Laurie Still[?] here
     And Sunny South Come up from
     Orleans since yesterday morn.  the
     Missisippi left here for N Orleans
     This morn to coal up.  there was
     2 river steamers from Orleans to
     Day.  I got 2 papers from home.

June 7, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     June 7-Saturday

     Weather very warm and pleasant.

     This is the most sorrowful day for me since I joined the Regiment, for to day there is some chance of a little brush with the enemy and I obliged to lay abed & see them go away and leave me behind.

     The 30th Regiment 8 Companies. 2 Comp Wisconsin 6th [perhaps the 4th?]  and 2 sections of [---] Battery start out under command of Col Dudley of 30th Mass Vols to capture a band of Guerrillas who have infested this region ever since our forces landed here. shoot-ing our picquets, and occas-sionally rushing by into town even to our gaurd house firing a volly and retiring. so we are ordered to take some little notice of them.

     Oh how I wanted to go with them and see the fun, but no this pleasure is denied me and I as well as the Adjutant Dimon have been left here to mourn. I hear also that Capt Shipley was not able to go and is left in charge at the Hall. Lt. Lovring is detailing in my place.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Saturday 7
     A fine morn.  we go on guard duty
     Today.  there is 5 of our men left at
     Orleans in the genl. Hosp.  had Marching
     Orders and fell into line about 1/2 past
     5.  1 Div of Nims battery & 6[?] of our Companys.
     We marched back into the country about
     8 miles to a rebel plantation & took
     Possesion of the whole place.  Niggers
     Mules horses cattle and regular[?] house[?]
[Mem]
     The owner was a leader of a party
     Of Guerillas who was investing[?] the
     Country alround.  We took possesion
     And made his overseer have all the
     Teams hitched up and loaded the darkeys
     And their stuff and started on the
     Back track.  we marched till about
     2 Oclock in the morn when we
     Halted.

June 6, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     June 6-Friday

     Weather warm as ever

     Capt came in to see me this morn and brought a letter and some papers from Jane the letters dated April 10th they came in a box from Mrs. Shipley. Jane says she sent me 6 packages I have only got one of them as yet. the rest I may get some time it all is to be seen. But the joy it gives me to get a letter from my wife although two months old no one can tell unless situated in similar circumstances.

     I am as yet no better and am almost discouraged. but it will not do, I must keep up my courage or go under, and I am not prepared to do that here in this condemned country.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Friday, June 6, 1862.
     Fine again.  one of Co. B. was shot by
     A picket on guard.  he did not blame any
     body as he was fooling the sentinel he is
     Dead the ball passing through his right
     Breast.  the steamer Diana came up the
     River last night.  the Steamer
     Saxon come up from Orleans with
     Stray soldiers & baggage for our regt.
     Regt. guard duty for our comy to mor-
     row.

May 31, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 31-Saturday

     A very hot day and any quantity of business on hand.

     I am about used up already am worked way down thinner than for years before.

     Arrested Murray at 4 O.C. PM put him in Custom house and was on my way back to report when I thought I would stop and eat dinner went in, and found orders to move right away up the river somewhere, we expected into a fight.

     Got away from the City at 11 ½ O Clock PM steamed up the river and in good sprits but myself in poor health 7 ½ O Clock PM. we came to Anchor opposite Baton Rouge Col Dudley went ashore for orders and finds we are to land here, with both Regiments, Indiana 21st & our own.

     Our Band has enlivened our voyage, very much indeed and is quite an addition to our Regiment they are all Germans and enlisted in New Orleans 12 pieces and fine musicians to.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Saturday, May 31, 1862.
     Fine again sailing along finely
     There is some very handsome places
     Along the sides of the river.
     We don't know just where we
     Are agoing.  at 5[6?] Oclock. we
     Dropt anchor opposite the city
     Of Baton Rouge the Capitol of
     Louisiana a very pleasant and
     Healthy looking place.  there is
     2 Gun boats here.

May 30, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     May 30, 1862. We went aboard the steamer Mississippi, and proceeded up the river to Baton Rouge.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

      May 30-Friday

     A tremendous hot day and my work has been hard have traveled a great deal am almost as familiar now with the Orleans city as with Lowell.

     At 4 O Clock P.M. Succeeded in arresting the Murray who I have been looking for since yesterday morning. put him into the Custom house and stepped into Quarters to get my dinner before making a report. found the Company had been ordered away and were packing up to leave I eat dinner and packed my things and at 6 O Clock was on board Mississippi steaming up the river and once more attached to the Regiment, probably will never be detached again.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 30
     Fine day. with some dust.  got
     Off guard duty at 5 oc. this morn
     Got orders to pack up ready
     To leave at 4 oclock.  at 4 left
     The hall marched round the streets
     To the levee embarked on board
     The transport Missisippi at
     12 Oclock she started up the River.

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 28, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 28-Wednesday

     Business not very brisk this morning.

     Took an order to arrest B[---] of our navy an asst. Purser and take him before Gen. Butler, done so, and returned to Office. the rest of the day I spent in Office at table of Lt. Levi Stafford acting Deputy Marshall, find it harder than the running around the City, continuous talking, answering questions about assaults and battery. confederation money, and thousand other useless questions, which we have nothing to do with at all.

     Provost Office continually beat with a hungry crowd for passports & licenses and enough work to keep 20 men jumping all the time more business then I was ever connected with in all my life.

     Lieut Covey got in trouble at the Lake and in some manner shot a woman of the town, the ball entering the fleshy part of the thigh but doing no serious injury, Lt is Quartermaster of the 31st Mass Vols.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Wednesday, May 28, 1862.
     A first rate morn.  got steam
     Up and started down the river got
     Into the lake stopped at fort pike
     Landed Ver[mont] men and left for home
     Got into wharfe went on board the
     Cars and started for N Orleans where
     We arrived about 8 Oc.  marched to the
     Quarters.  we feel first rate after
     The expedition.

May 27, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 27-Tuesday

     Another warm day, unfavorable for business.

     Not much doing to day. Capt. Clark and Lieut Johnson arrived and brought me 4 or 5 letters. also one for John which I must send to the Hospital. Capt Shipey also got a few letters and papers. they report that Emerson and Prince have recieved commissions and started some time before they did from home, with commissions for our Officers, who have been fortunate enough to receive them, and I hear Capt Whit and myself are among the number. I would like to see the document for I am heartily sick of hearing about them.

     My wife writes she has moved into her new store and is doing well. this is good news, all are well, how I would like to see my home, wife, and many other things and persons there, but no I must not think of it, my work lays in another direction. and upward an onward must be my motto. go ahead when this Rebellion is suppressed then Will I go home and settle down once more in civil life. and live like a man again.

     Capt Shipley and Lieut of Vermont 8th Whitcomb & myself went out to the Lake to night. Capt had not been out and wanted us to go with him to show him round. we went into the Pistol Gallery and had a few shots. I came out victor and Capt had to pay the bill. we met Capt Crowley, Lt. Gardiner, Lt. Norcross and nearly all of Gen Butlers staff out there, had a very good time.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Tuesday 27
     Fine morn.  the boat steam up.  at 1 Ock
     We started with a guide about 5 1/2 miles
     Across lots[?] after another boat but the
     Men had moved her father up the
     River.  we took a mail rider & a rebel
     Spy.  he informed the rebels we were
     After the boats.  we took a flat boat
     And some canoes & came down the river
     To the steamer up[?] & sound.  the mail
     Had some important letters in it

May 26, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 26-Monday

     Pleasant and warm day as usual.

     Nothing of importance to day all still and quiet as usual. fast learning the ways of New Orleans.

     Organizing the police force quite fast and no doubt they will have a better set of officers than has been in New Orleans for some years. I have admin-istered the Oath of Allegiance to some 200 of the old Policemen, and a most villainous lot of men I ever came across. Mostly low miserable Irishmen who would sell their very souls for a Pieagune, and most of them have already done so if reports are true murder is no crime at all among them.

     I have often heard of the vice and cor-ruption in New Orleans, but never realized it until I came here. Sunday is the Holiday of the week, go down and walk up the Levie and every Groy shop will be open, and doors wide open so that anyone going by can look in and see a crowd around a table set out openly in the room playing cards, money laying loose on the table, no one thinks of troubling them at all, in another they will be dancing, low places, low women, poor rum , and degradation are sights often seen. Liquors and poorer kinds are the principal attrac-tions of this section of the City. In the other portions will be found the same things but the Genteel instead of the miserable.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Monday 26
     Fine morn.  we sailed up the lake
     To fort pike and took some of Co B
     Of 7th Vermont and went up the
     Lake into a bayou and landed in
     The swamp where we waded about
     Hip deep about 1/2 mile.  come into
     A clearing.  travelled all day towards
     Night.  we found a steamer and took
     Possesion of her.  put her in order.
     The Grey Cloud.

May 25, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 25-Sunday

     A very warm day as usual. I find that I never saw any weather or warm weather before.

     Sunday and as the office is closed there is not much doing Whitcomb and myself went out and took a walk around town, enjoyed ourselves a little. considering we are away from home so far. we can never enjoy myself here unless I could have my friends, home and last but not least my wife, home is nothing without a wife.

     I met or rather we had an invitation to go up to the Lake, along with Sam Smith, and Thompson, went up and met Lt. Burt of 31st and a number of friends it is a beautiful place. he has a century plant which is expected to bloom everyday and he has any quantity of visitors to see it. his place is located on the Banks of Lake Ponchartrain. and is a delightful place a resort of the elite of the City, and is always thronged with people. He has a Pistol Gallery, bowling alleys, and a very fine garden and grounds around it. the road is a hard shell road and a very pleasant drive, had a fine time and a nice ride, some fast horses around him but nearly all Pacers.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Sunday, May 25, 1862
     Fine again.  there is no news of
     Any account.  i wrote a letter to my
     Wife & 1 to Eddy and sent home with
     A new orleans papers had orders
     This PM to pack our blankets and
     Take 2 days rations which we did and
     Marched to Ponchatrain RR Depot
     And rode to the head of the lake and
     Went on steamer whiteman and stopped

May 24, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 24-Saturday

     Very quiet day. and very warm indeed have not done much to day in the way of business. though there has been a considerable done. Whit has been duty nearly all day. I do not know about what he has done.

     Capt pretty well used up Diarrhea and weakness. he now gives us out our jobs or has command of the Officers and men who are connected with the Office. Col French sends his orders to him and he reports on them, and gives them to whom he pleases for execution, except in some par-ticular case when Col wishes one or some particular man to attend to a job.

     4 O Clock P.M. just going to dinner Lt Boles of Gen Shipley’s staff, came in with an order to go and arrest a man, complaint entered by a woman who keeps a bad house up town. She says that this man had threatened her life with a pistol, and thrown a Dirk knife at her several times. We went to look at the house but could not find the man. but Boles got his pistol. a Colts revolver 6 shots and his Dirk cane. So he will not trouble her any more.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Saturday 24
     Warm with showers.  Nims Battery
     Has arrived.  3 transports arrives
     Yesterday with more troops.
     Our Regt has to do guard and
     Patrole duty for the city at present
     I got another shirt & drawers & 2
     Pr socks.  i recieved 2 letters & 2
     Papers from home to day.  the folks
     Were all well.

May 23, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

    May 23-Friday

     As usual a very hot day, not much in the weather to make one feel smart or even as though he wanted to do anything but lay down and sleep or keep quiet. No place for a man to feel ambitions at all. the heat takes all a mans energy away from him.

     Business quiet done nothing at all to day, true there is always, something to do in the way of looking around, and some small jobs but nothing of any account whatever.

     No news to write of any importance. No news from the North for some few days. [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 23
     Fine again.  our Co. have been out all
     Night on patrole duty and i feel some
     Tired being on duty 2 nights with but
     Little sleep.  our regt have a great
     Deal of Guard & Patrole duty now
     There was a member of Co B. fell
     From a 4th story window last night
     Have not heard wether he is alive or not.
     More troops come in this PM.

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 21, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 21-Wednesday

     Heat as usual, tremendous heat Linen pants seem quite comfortable it is quite a relief to get our woolen pants off and put on even a little Linen.

     My orders on to day again from old Wheeler, but he has some little recomdation. another man came with him who brings a plan with him in the interior of Griswold’s Foundry, and portions where he says are Muskets Stocks stowed away and some other portions of equipments he thinks there are some rifles there also. sent Sergeant and 8 men with Wheeler for a guide as usual. they were gone all the forenoon and came back with 1000 Carbine Stocks unfinish-ed and one finished Carbine. Cooks & Brothers pattern, rough unfinished clumsy Carbine, very poor affair. took the stocks from the tall chimney had to stave a hole though the bricks to get them. Also got a piece of Machinery belonging to the Mint, a Planing & Boring Machine, made in Springfield Massachusetts.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Wednesday 21
     Fine again.  my day on guard.  the
     Officers keep making seizures.
     A number of store keepers have been
     Taken to court and fined 100 Dols
     Each for not opening their stores
     In obeidence of Maj Gen Butlers
     Orders.  there was a rebel arrested
     This PM. on a charge of trying
     To make trouble among the people.

May 20,1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 20-Tuesday

     This morning recieved an order to go to a Store house near Canal St. and seize a Brass Cannon and other Military equipments. by looking around I find that this is one of Wheelers orders therefore send and Sergeant Stinson and a few men to do the work with Wheeler for a guide. And I go up to the Office. Stinson goes down and finds not a Brass Cannon but an old fashioned 6 lb. Iron Gun, and some artillery round abouts and body belts. White leather ones. the man who owned the property says that it formally belonged to this company it was previous to the breaking out of the war. At that time or a little before the Company was disbanded. He is a French resident and has French protection. He also gave Stinson an American flagg, small size silk flagg, very nice one. Stars wrought in silk.

     Whitcomb seized 33 Springfield Muskets 1849 pattern and in very fine order also a full set of Equipment for a company.

     This does up our days work.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Tuesday 20
     A fine morn.  the birds are singing
     Merrily which reminds me of spring
     At home.  there was 6[?] released prisoners
     Tried for breaking their parole of honer
     By trying to enlist men for the rebels
     And found guilty and sentenced to be
     Shot.  Approved by Maj Gen Butler.  we
     Had a fine march around the city
     This PM.  we have got a first rate colonel.

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 17, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 17-Saturday

     The 8th Vermont Regiment arrived to day from Ship Island and are Quartered close by the Provost Office just around the corner in the rear of us.

     Took an order this morning to go to 7 different places and search for contraband of war. Whitcomb and I jumped into our Hack and commenced our search. one place had been used for recruiting Office for a Light Battery but was boarded up one of their bills were on the door. Got the key and went in found nothing. another was for some tents said to have been moved into a building on Camp St. went there and found nothing the number given me is a vacant lot of land no building on it except a shed. We then visited the other places and met with like success everything had been moved away, and no doubt in many instances never was anything in the places— but men having any emnity against another give such information to injure persons who are really innocent.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Saturday 17
     Another fine day.  the guard took
     13 rebel prisoners yesterday morn
     They were all armed some with knuckles
     Hung Shot. Rifles Pistols &c.  they had
     Some of our coats and other things with
     Them.  the officer of the day seized a
     Large lot of arms this AM.  the P Marshal
     Seized an immense lot of rebel stores
     Of all kinds this PM. all right.

May 16, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 16-Friday

     Recieved an order this morn for the arrest of Tilloton firm of Tilloston & Co. Shoe dealers. Charges, making shoes and supplying the Rebel Army. I arrested him and then went to Gen. Shipley, who examined him. I then put him under arrest according to order and went up to his place of business on Camp. St. and looked it over but could find nothing that looked like Contraband goods. then took him out and up to Marshall’s Office and administrated the Oath of Allegiance to him and let him part in peace. He has a large Manufactory across the river some miles up on the Jackson but he denies having anything to do with it says it belongs to the man who was his partner, and who is now carrying it on.

     Lieut Burt had to day seized a large lot of small arms and other military equipments. one very fine Rifle said to be worth $200.00 it is a very fine Rifle Silver mounted and packed in a mahogany case.

     Delta Office closed up to day, and also the Bee by order of Major Gen’l Butler commanding the dept. of the Gulf.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Friday, May 16, 1862
     Fine again we have no rain for
     Some days.  i am on fatigue duty today
     We have not had much to do except to go
     To a large store house and clear out
     Some confederate property from the
     Quarter Masters department.  i was
     Lucky enough to get about 1 quart
     Of sweet oil which i divided among
     Some of the boys.  it was valuable to us.

May 15, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 15-Thursday

     Weather as usual hot enough to Bake apples in the sun. a great saving of wood for the army.

     Capt Shipley took possession of a large Foundry and its contents. said Foundry having been used for the manufacturing of Guns and other war implements for the Rebel Army.

     We found a large Secession flagg some 20 foot long and about 14 wide in the building. we think some of sending it home to the Mayor of Lowell as a trophy of the war and Old Lowell Mechanic Phalanx. found no property liable to confiscation except the machinery and that will not be moved. I think it so enormous large and heavy, and it is also just as safe there as at any other place for the same reason they cannot well move it without being detected.

     I am nearly tired of waiting for letter from home.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
      Thursday 15
     Hot again.  there was some work
     For the guard yesterday.  the provost
     And his Officers are busy hunting out
     Secesh property of which they get
     Considerable.  i had to go out last
     Night as one of the Lieut Cols
     Body Guard.  we had to go from
     One end of the city to the other.  it
     Was a fine moonlight Night.