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

March 16, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 16-Sunday
     Today by our rules or orders is my fatigue duty day. I reported with my gaurd of Friday. after Inspection go on board transport North America and unload provisions on to the Anna, and land them at the wharf. the work of 3 days is now used up by gaurd duty, and instead of the easiest duty done it is the hardest we unloaded about 200 Barrels in all to day. Flour, Potatoes, and Hard Bread. Caps of the ship asked me in to dinner with him & of course I did not refuse, had a very fine dinner got though for to day about 3 ½ P.M. just in time for drill parade. Bill up in the woods Horseback. and I was just in time to save his bacon.
     Our Mortar fleet is supposed to have gone to fort Jackson on the Miss issippi. I hope we will be successful. It is reported that 26th and 9th Con Reg’ts to here under order to be ready to more at a minute notice.
     If this is so probably our turn will come next. but I do want at least one letter from my wife before I leave here.
     Order issued by Col French that all men must attend divine services at least once every Sunday. and all those who are well and fit for duty and do not do so will be punished to day I [---] on duty have not been able to attend. I like Dr Cleveland much and like to hear him preach.. I have now been connected with this Company longer than I was at the Relay House but being in for much longer time I do not count the minutes at all as I did there. and am therefore astonished to look back and find how long it is ever since we left Lowell. Almost 2 long months and 6 weeks since I heard from home. I hope she has recieved my letters for she would be in a continual worry.
     Paid for my Blue pants to day 2.82

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Sunday 16
     Fine again the steamer Constitution
     Sailed this morning.  A rebel ??
     Schooner[?] run the blockade this morn
     The new london gave chase but
     Was to late.  took a walk up to the
     Rangers and see[?] ? H Hilton[?] he
     Was quite smart.  there was 2
     Of the Mich Regt buried this
     AM.  there is a number of sick
[Mem]
     Among them we had divine worship
     And then our company were all
     Turned out to do fatigue dut[y] such
     As unloading flour bricks and
     All sorts of stuff.  Good finishing
     Up of sunday.

March 14, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 14-Friday
     Colorado came in this morning
     My turn on gaurd again this morning an unpleasant day for it to.
     Sent home by Adams Express $150.00 to my wife insured and paid the express charges to Lowell, $4.00 No# of Check 42. No# Capt check for $200. No# Bills Check for $100.00. Capt sent $25 besides his check. My check was for 125.00 and 25 in treasury notes. It goes on the Con-stitution.
     Today has been the roughest days gaurd duty done on this Island since we have been here. a tremendous storm came on. and it has rained and blown all day very heavily. The tide rose the homes from the Battery up near Reads Sutton store. and even they were knee deep in water. Our plank walk but nearly all floated from the lower end of the island. and on the South shore. The water has come up so far it was found to be necessary to move the tents of the Maine & Vermont to Battery’s all those that had not already blown down. About 8 O Clock in the evening I was called upon to clean out our Sutton place. when was some 10 or 12 Maine Officers (belonging to the Colorado and other War vessells in our Harbor) who came getting very drunk and noisy, had to arrest one a gunner Border kept him some 2 hours or more finally took him up to my quarters and gave him my bed to sleep on. just at the time I put him in our gaurd tent, our gaurd tents both came both came down and we were forced to take then to a place of safety the water being ankle deep in them already and still raising finally pitched one as 11 O Clock and kept it up until mourn for our men to sleep in. Moon now shining so bright I can read a gaurd retail without any aid but the morninglight. Went up to Drs and wrote a long letter to Jane. To [---] in morning on Constitution got no sleep at all.


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.

March 13, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     March 13-Thursday
     Morning very warm and Salty the most uncomfortable feeling day we have had thus far.
     8 A.M. took our Company up to Major Watson for payment 27 of our men recieved no pay on account of an error of the Mustering Officer Capt Lemes not giving us the proper certificate to show they have been duly mustered into service.
     Today we have had our usual amount of drills our Brigade was increased one Regiment. by the addition of the Maine 14th they now much better than the 12th Me although a much younger Regiment.
     The Colorado attempted to come in to day but met with the usual luck and run aground. the same as [---] everything has that is connected with this division
     The Mississippi has not shown herself as yet.
     Ocean Pearl is discharging her cargo of horses today.
     Gen Thompson was in our Quarters tonight it seems he come out on the Black Prince when she lost so many horses. started with 153 and saved only 5. he is going to work for Reeves the [---] of Me 12th.


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

March 12, 1862

2nd Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     March 12-Wednesday
     Morning cold and cloudy. commenced raining about 9 O Clock AM bids fair for a stormy day.
     No drills to day on account of the storm.
     Noon a vessell have in sight that looks very much like the Constitution, there is much speculation about wether it is her or not.
     3 ½ O Clock P.M. the Constitution now lays out in our harbor at Anchor. for the vessel spoken of above appears to be her. She has on board for troops. a Wisconsin Regiment. the one that relieved us at the Relay house last summer and a Minnesota and an Indiana Regiment in all 2,900 and some old men Dr. Kimballs son is also on board. they report the Mississippi at Port Royal with Major Gen. B.F. Butler and staff on board, she put into Port Royal to repair damages done her by running aground are a shoal. she has 1 whole and some 600 men of another Reg’t. on board. I also hear by the Constitution that Billy Fiske has command of a Company of Zouaris in the Western Bay State, or Mass 31st Reg’t. I hope this is so.
     Constitution was fired into from [Sewalls - ?] point by the Rebels one shot [---] between her smoke stack and main mast. a number of then struck quite close to her, 5 shots were fired she had to go up to Newport News to get her troops as Gen. Wood would not permit them to land at Fortress Monroe.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Wednesday 12
     Rather a cool morning the
     Pay master has begun to pay off
     Our regiment Our company
     Have signed the pay roll and
     Will be paid off this evening if
     Nothing happens.

February 19, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 19-Wednesday
     Weather very warm & muggy. a kind of an August day in Massachusetts.
     Gunboat San-de-lago de luba. Arrived —
     Our drill to day is in the facings and marching without arms school lesson for tonight is on the manual.
     Sudden change. shower and has grown suddenly very cold. a man is not comfort-able with an overcoat on. wind seems to blow right through our clothes.
     Quartermaster Webb got injured badly this P.M. a barrel of sugar was being rolled from on board the Lewis. the men lost their hold and it rolled on to his legs. and gave him a very severe sprain. [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Wednesday 19
     A fine morning.  my 42d birthday
     I put my knapsack on and reported
     At head quarters and was sent back
     Cleared.  had a heavy shower this
     Afternoon.  not any duty today
     An officer in the 2d regt. got
     Hurt to day by a barrell of beef
     Rolling on his leg.  the constitution
     Sailed yesterday with the mails for
     Home.  the N Gordon[?] sailed on an
     Excursion this PM.

February 17, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 17-Monday
     Relieved at 10 A.M. Rained in torrents and look as though it had just commenced it has stormed every day since we arrived except the one we landed.
     3 Rangers deserted last night in a small boat, belonging to the Constitution it is supposed they have gone over to the rebels, one of them is a nephew of Jeff Davis.
     Two men transferred to our company from Company B. names McIntire & Bailey
     Lieut Lovrien getting much better he went up on the beach and with a squad of men and got some logs for fire wood.
     The carpenters have gone on board the Constitution but she has no appearance of sailing as yet.
     The English Steamer has started for New York, 6 P.M. the weather so rough she put back to port.
     The 2nd Lieut of the Essex Battery has resigned he is a Frenchman. there seems to be a considerable dis-satisfaction among the officers stationed here.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Monday 17
     Storming yet our company
     Has to do guard duty to day
     This is the rainy season
     Should think we a great
     Deal of thunder & lighting
     The heaviest i ever knew.
     There is a large lot of vessels
     Of every description laying
     Off in the harbor.

February 15, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 15-Saturday
     Very Stormy and extremely cold. the boys from the 26th Regiment say it is the coldest it has been since they have been here.
     Lieut Lovrien on fatigues & police duty for the day. here our gaurd duty keeps a gaurd on duty most of the time for 12 hours.
     One of the Rangers died on board the Lewis last night his disease I have not been able to find out.
     The Niagara just came in towing a small schooner the story here is that she sailed boldly up to her and gave Nigara 2 or 3 shots supposing her to be the Constitution but she got slightly mistaken the Niagara opened her ports and gave her a few shots which took out her mask she surrendered and the Niagara took her in tow and brought her into this port.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Saturday, February 15, 1862

     We have had a hard storm a regular

     Norther.  very cold & rainy with high

     Winds There was 2 men hurt very

     Badly yesterday while at work

     On the wharfe i went with

     A squad of men today bricks to

     Floor over the captain tent

     After getting the job done the

     Captain treated to 3 pies

February 13, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 13,1862. Thursday. There are a number of prize vessels around the island; some are valuable, others worthless. All the horses which were sent out, have been lost; I say all, for very few were saved.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 13-Thursday
     Wrote home to Wife this morning to send by Kimball who is to return in the Constitution. some 16 to 18 mechanics are going home.
     Found the heat rather severe for the head went down and got a [strun - ?] at the expense of 25 cents find it an improvement.
     Lieut Lovrien is on gaurd duty to day. we are building ovens and having a general fix up to day and trying to have an en-campment in some decent shape but do not know how we shall succeed.
     Capt Browns men struck a rich streak to day, digging for bricks they brought to light a lot of china, plates, saucer and other kitchen utensils. Quite a relic of Southern Chivalry.
     2 Rebel Steamers in sight to day cruising around to find out what we are doing I suppose. Our Gunboats went in pursuit but their search was useless.
     Got our orders from Brig. Gen. Phelps. programs of drills and duties. Our camp is named Camp Thompson in honor of Col N.A. Thompson of Boston.
     Col Farr, Geo Davis, Capts. Warren, Dickersman & Lieut Lamson, Chaplain Babbidge, had quite a tea party.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Thursday 13

     A fine morn the men all in fine

     Spirits turned out to roll call at

     Sunrise had breakfast and then i

     Took a walk over to the fort there

     Is about 200 belongs to the Battery

     I see a Blacksmith here that i

     Used to know in[?] ??? years[?].  we have had

     No duty today but fix up our

     Camp. Dug a well by going 8 ft.

[Mem]

     This is a find place for water

     Each company having a well

     Of their own.  There is a Bake

     House here belonging to government[?]

     We have Soft Bread every other

     Day.  Had a dress Parade this

     PM.  the men looked very

     Well considering our voyage

February 12, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 12, 1862. Wednesday. Did not come in sight of land yesterday, but about 7 o'clock to-day made Chandler's Light, and soon after saw shipping in the distance, which proved to be at Ship Island. When we were within half a mile distance, our regimental flags were displayed and the starboard and port guns were fired. Large numbers were on the beach, anxious to have an interview. The island is not as barren a place as I expected, although it is sandy where the encampment is. We weighed anchor and the boats put off for the shore. Colonel Butler came aboard. As soon as orders came, I had to spring and work the rest of the day, getting the tents ashore. Father came aboard towards night; he looks fleshy and sports a moustache. The troops were all landed during the afternoon and the tents were pitched. I went ashore in the evening. Father has a little wooden shanty which he occupies for sleeping and storing goods. His clerk stays with him. I remained with father all night and went aboard in the morning and worked all day, discharging cargo.
 

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 12-Wednesday
     8 A.M. Land ho Chan de Seur Islands in right this is a chain of Islands that run out from the Main land some 20 or 25 miles in length.
     8 ½ Ship Island in full view a it appears from this distance like a huge snow drift fully inhabited there is a large amount of Shipping around it and to my eyes from this distance it looks quit pleasing to my eyes.
     Came into the harbor about 11 O.C. A.M. Col. Jones came on board & was as pleased to see us as if we had risen from the dead. it seems us through they had completely given us up.
     3 O Clock P.M. disembarked had my first ride on a Missippi flier boat a prize taken from the rebels a huge clumsy looking affair side wheels and an independence boiler for each wheel.
     Lieut Lamson of the 26 Reg’t came down and invited us that is Capt Shipely and me, Lieut. up to supper with him we had a fine supper of hard tack and salt jawh mixed with Sardines a rarity indeed.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Wednesday, February 12, 1862

     Another fine morn men all

     In good spirits and anxious to get

     At the end of our voyage saw a

     Large number of birds such as

     Gannetts Gulls Pelicans & others

     About 8 Ock made land on our

     Starboard bow.  appeared to be an

     Island with a lighthouse on it

     Next about 9 Ock made land on

[Mem]

     our starboard bow which proved

     To be Ship Island.  Dropt anchor

     Opposite the island.  we had 3 Rows-

     ing cheers from those onshore.

     There is a large number of

     Vessels of all kinds here in the

     Harbor.  We left the good Ship

     About noon and landed at

     The wharfe where i met some

     Old friends as soon as i landed

     I went on a tramp up to the

     26th Mass and the 9th Conn when

     I got back Uncle Ben was

     After me and very glad to see me

     He began to think we was

     Not coming.  I went and took

     Dinner of Soft Bread & Soup.

     The boys were very glad to

     See me and like to have shook

     My arms off.  this is altogether

     A different place from what

     I expected to find.  it is all

     Sand with no grass trees or

     Anything green but soldiers

     This afternoon we pitched our

     Tents and went to housekeeping

     They have a kind of fort here

     Called fort Massachusetts the

     4th Battery quarter here.

February 11, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 11, 1862. Sunday. I have packed my clothes, previous to landing. We expect to arrive to-night.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 11-Tuesday
     Nothing transpired today worthy of note very still and pleasant as it has been since we landed.
     Night 11 O Clock. was interrupted in our game of Euchre by the Champions. for 10 games in which Crowley & myself were the winners by 9 games. by a Bacchanalia revel of almost ½ the Bummers of the Regiment drinking Rum and singing until 1 ½ O Clock.
     they had a mock trial by Jury of J.M.G. Parker for underlying what properties vinegar but in reality was whisky and poor at that. Fuller Judge Advocate McGee & Wells Council

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Tuesday 11

     A fine morn with a cool breeze

     From the NW fresh winds

     We have had a fine passage

     So far.  the men all anxious

     To see ship island.  i have had

     A light touch of rheumatism

     For the last few days the ship

     Is agoing first rate we expect

     To have a sight of S island by

     Morning.  this is a good day for

     Washing & airing clothes

February 10, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 10, 1862. Monday. We entered the Gulf Stream at 5 o'clock. Pleasant. Passed Key West and could see the Fort on it. Understand that there are some seven thousand troops stationed there. Made Tortugas Island at sundown. I have lain on deck most of the day, enjoying the sun and the sea breeze, I pity you New Englanders, shivering with the cold. I saw turtles and sharks to-day. Squall and rain at night.
 

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 10-Monday
     7 O Clock in sight of Key West also Fort Taylor in fine looking Fort in the distance. Pilot Boats in quite a number hover around us this morn.
     The sea this morning is heavier than at any time since started from Fortress Monroe. 12 M. storm but very short. it has had the effect of softening the sea and it is much more pleasant than before.
     8 A.M. passed from light house on outer Coral Reef. this house is built on the ruins principle as the one destroyed on Minot ledge some years since.
     2 P.M. [Dry Tortugues - ?] in full sight also Fort Jefferson a very large structure said to contain within its walls 114 Acres of land.
     We have now 10 O Clock P.M. quit a heavy sea and and wind on and our Boat pitches in beautifully.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Monday 10

     Fine day passed Cape Florida about

     3 ock.  passed in sight of Fort

     Taylor.  Coral Reefs in sight all

     Along shore passed a lighthouse

     On our starboard just after

     Breakfast passed the lighthouse

     On key west point.  the coral

     Reefs on florida coast look very

     Pretty.  large turtles seen along side

     The flying fish very plenty.

[Mem]

     Had 3 pilots come off to us this

     Morning but they was not wanted

     As Our pilot knows the coast

     All along here about 11 Ock saw

     A large steamer to starboard of

     Us supposed to be a california

     Packet.  weather looks rather

     Squally and showery.  after dinner

     Had a wash in fresh water

     It was quite a luxury.  passed

     Fort Taylor morn.  just after

     Dinner made fort jefferson dry

     Tortugas light on our starboard

     Bow had quite a hard blow for

     A short time.  we have not made

     So many knots as on other days

     On account of head currents in

     The gulf but expect to be in

     Sight of ship island by tomor-

     row afternoon if nothing happens.

February 9, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 9, 1862. Sunday. Land in sight, Florida Reefs. We passed Jupiter Light at noon. Made two sail, one a sloop of war; she was too far away to speak, so we ran up our flag. A number of the officers have subjected themselves to the barber and left him with sand-papered heads and faces. I have a sunburnt nose and face.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 9-Sunday
     Commence with the weather very hot in sun but a fine air which makes it quite comfortable outside.
     I had a fine bath this morn and feel much invigorated thereby.
     Saw what was supposed to be the spout of a whale this morning also a number of Sharks hideous looking monsters. some Black fish also playing around us. 8 O Clock A.M. Land the Florida coast expect to make Florida Reefs tomorrow
     Services on deck this A.M. by Chaplain from Maine 12 Regiment. did not know it until it was over.
     Captain is quite slim. lame in his joints similar to troubles I have just got through with. our Comp is quite healthy but 3 or 4 been very sick since we started.
     1 O Clock M. overhauled an American Man of War under a head of steam only supposed to be the Pensacola. 4 P.M. any quantity of small schooners on our track. 10 P.M. Revolving lights on Cardinas Reef a fine affair this is about 100 miles from Key West.
     Our Officers to day have most all got a hair cutting and shaving mania. Clipped heads and mouth beards must now be worn or a man is nowhere.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Sunday. February 9, 1862

     Another fine day we had a

     A sight of 2 pelicans and other

     Foul flying over and around

     The ship.  the pelicans are a

     Very large bird with a pouch

     Under their upper bill to

     Carry their food in.  a large

     Shark was seen this AM had

     Divine service on deck this PM.

     Had a good shave and wash see a Ship

     To forward of us.

February 8, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 8, 1862. Splendid day. We make twelve miles an hour. There is no sail in sight.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 8-Saturday
     Feeling this morning a little more natural than I have for some days past.
     The weather is fine very warm in the sun but a mild wind blowing from off shore that is very refreshing it is hard indeed to realize that it can be so cold and dreary at home though cold and dreary as it may be how much pleasure it would give me to be able at this minute to look in upon my quiet home in which has been so much of sorrow of late.
     We are getting along finely on our excursion for it is so pleasant I can call it by no other name scarce a ripple on the waters. 12 M. 50 miles below Savannah on the Georgia Coast.
     Tonight we were agreably entertained Robert Dale. a Scotchman in our ranks by singing of some old Scotch airs intermingled with characteristic Irish songs of which he is a very good singer and he is as well aware of it as anyone else. we enjoyed it much.
     7 ½ O C P.M. Capt Crowley & myself sat down to take part in the performance of a challenge accepted from Lieut. Kinnear and Reed to this effect the best out of 20 games of Euchre. in which Crowley & myself came out the victors by one game.
     11 O C P.M. Stripped to the drawers and shirt Kinnear & myself had some little amusement by boxing and other performances when we went to bed and slept well until morning. in spite of the heat. which was oppressive. many slept on deck in the open air.



Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:

     Saturday 8

     A very fine day and all hands

     Wide awake and up to all kind

     Of games to pass away time

     I have been leaning over the

     Ship watching the flying fish

     Skim over the waters they look

     Very pretty.  they are about the

     Shape and size of our smelts

     But larger

February 7, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
From a Letter:
     February 7, 1862. We are now in a warm climate. Passed a steamer bound for Port Royal with the United States mail aboard. Porpoises can be seen in our wake. We are sailing eleven miles an hour. The weather looks squally. We crossed the Gulf Stream at 4 o'clock.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 7-Friday
     My health this morning is rather poor having a very bad cold and suffering from bad pains in my bones and limbs.
     We are now making good headway. the weather being fine and all things now in favor of our making a prosperous and speedy voyage. the men all begin to have a cheerful look and care seems banished from among us.
     Our voyage thus far has been marked with no events worth recording except the one refered to yesterday.
     1 O Clock P.M. off Cape Fear we are now under a tropical sun and a genial atmosphere all is beauty and one scene of pleasure around us. one can now realize to some extent the beauties of the sea. [Illustration]


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Friday 7
     Made the edge of the gulf stream
     We have the company of a
     Lot of porpoises at the side
     Of the ship jumping and
     Frolicing like alot of puppies
     We are getting towards warmer
     Weather

February 6, 1862

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


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


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


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

February 5, 1862

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


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


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

February 4, 1862

2nd Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     February 4-Tuesday
     I am on gaurd this morn with a detail of 3 Lieutenants 3 Corporal and 42 Privates all from our Company. The weather is quite pleasant though cool and bracing.
     We sail this morning at nine O Clock for I suppose Ship Island. I would think quite likely we might have a rough time, but still it may be a pleasant passage. 12 O.C. M. a great many of our men growing sick and I find it difficult getting men enough to stand the relief 4:45 P.M. overhauled a gunboat with signall of distress flying the first time I ever saw our flag out to sea upon our vessells hanging Union down. and I hope it may be the last for it is indeed a hard sight. this boat seems to have cast everything overboard that is any weight for she turns about very wildly and is quite light. We finally get a harness to her and take her in tow. put our bows once more in the direction of Fortress Monroe and tow this Gunboat into a safe harbor. had we have not come along just as we did I think these poor fellows would have found a watery grave.
     A.A Gilson discharged this morning before sailing on account of disability. he seems to be crazy.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Tuesday 4
     Sailed about 10 oCk for Ship island
     Went along pleasantly till 4[?] oCk
     When we made a sail dead ahead
     Showed our colors which she answer[d]
     By showing her colors union down
     Our captain run down to her
     Her captain said he was in
     Distress we took her in tow
     And took her back to Hampton
     Roads.

February 3, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 3-Monday
     Very stormy and blowing a gale mixed with some snow. very rough.
     Got a letter from home this morn. she says my Photograph is a first rate one. I would like to see it perhaps I will have the privilege some time.
     I have a very severe headache one of my kind.
     One of the Maine Regiment fell through the hatch way last night and was hurt severely.
     Lieut. Claiborne is I hear placed under arrest. [Illustration]


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Monday, February 3, 1862
     Struck tents and went onboard
     The steamer and went to our
     Old quarters down in the stern.

February 2, 1862

Qr. Master Sergt. Howe:
Diary:
     February 2,1862. Re-embarked and sailed, then put back, and set out again on the 6th, after leaving a steamer which we picked up in distress. I played a joke on our Quartermaster Parker, the day before we left. When the troops went on board, in Boston, the boys had some boxes. I was ordered to examine them and, if liquor was found, to confiscate it. The Quartermaster had several bottles I had turned over to him in his state room. I treated all the officers and then filled the bottles with water. The Quartermaster came aboard with some friends to see him off at Fort Monroe and he proposed to treat them, when, lo, the wine had turned into water. I was in my bunk in the next state-room and I could hear the Quartermaster damning the Sergeants. While our regiment lay at the fort, I visited my company; the Captain, P. A. Davis, ordered me back into the ranks. I saw one of General Butler's aids and, later, got an order direct from the War Department, which transferred me to the 30th Regiment and I was appointed a full-fledged Quartermaster Sergeant.


From a Letter:
     Fortress Monroe, February 2, 1862.
     Dear:
     We have struck our tents and are going aboard. I send you twenty dollars. Send the articles I mentioned to Captain Davis, as packages for soldiers, by the City Government. We expect to sail to-morrow (Monday). I will write the first opportunity. All well.


     WARREN.


2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:
     February 2-Sunday
     Weather very pleasant this morn
     Regimental Inspection this morn by Col. French & Major Paine.
     Embarked once more on the Constitution got safely on board at about 4 O Clock P.M.
     Nell & Charly came up as we were striking our encampment. Nell brought my leggins and a letter from Jane. it is just one month to day since we broke Camp in Lowell. it hardly seems a fortnight
     I not feeling very well retired at about 7 O clock P.M.


Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Sunday 2
     A fine day we were all turned
     Out to hear the army rules
     Read.  we understand we are going
     To leave soon.