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 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 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.

May 1, 1862

2d Lieut Elliot:
Diary:

     May 1-Thursday

     Rhode Island our mail boat passed up river this morning also gunboat Miami. this is the one we put back to Fortress Monroe with on our trip out to Ship Island. One of our Gunboats aground on the flats. Rhode Island at work towing her off.

     Arrived opposite New Orleans at 4 P.M. do not land until to morrow. out Gunboat having left us and gone down river if he had kept us along we would have been the first to land. One of our Gunboats and our Frigate came in collision Frigate came of best. Gunboat carried away foremast and smokestack. But I think no very serious damage done either. one man drowned by his boat capsized.

     The 31st Mass. Regiment disembarked to night. 12th Conn Reg’t also landed Col Demming. these are the two first on shore. a few pistols fired through the night but everything seemed to pass of quietly. no alarm.

     Brent Johnson and I on guard again to day we have good luck in coming together. no mail from Rhode Island. she left it at Ship Island for destribution.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:
Diary:
     Thursday, May 1, 1862
     A Fine morning.  hoisted anchor
     And was turned up the river by
     Gun boat Jackson it was very
     Beautiful along the banks of
     The river  there is a great many
     Plantations some very large and
     Handsome watched[?] large gangs of
     Slaves at work.  we anchored off wast[?]
     The city about 4 Oclock.

April 14, 1862

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

SON WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 14-Monday

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

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

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

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

April 13, 1862

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

BROTHER WARREN.

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 13-Sunday

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

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

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

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

April 12, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 12-Saturday

     Great Republic and Idaho blown on shore last night but not damaged very badly. this morning is very pleasant but quite cool.

     3 men killed by Lighting in 31st Mass Regiment. one man knocked down while standing gaurd, at the Wharf. Comp K of our Regiment.

     Kanawha came in with 5 prizes. small schooners loaded with cotton.

     Washington reported wrecked on coast just down Island she is supposed to have a mail on board for us. I hope so. Quartermaster 7th Vermont under arrest.

     New London is with 2 prizes loaded with Molasses.

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.

April 11, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 11-Friday

     We this morning received marching orders. packed up our baggage and got all ready. 40 rounds Ball Cartridges given to each man. look like fight a little but we cannot tell.

     Afternoon came up a heavy storm. Thunder & Lighting Tents blown down. Artillery had to move all their horses up on our Regimental parade ground to keep them out of water and from drowning. 3 or 4 pools of water on the Island between our Quarters and the Wharf. It is a very hard storm.

     Impossible to drill any to day on account of the storm. [Illustration]

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Tuesday March 11, 1862.
     Fine again the idahoe on the
     Flats yet.  they have thrown over
     5 or 600 Barrels of provisions to
     Lighten her there was a fleet
     Of mortar boats and some Gun
     Boats come here to day they are
     To join in the expedeition on
     The Missippi river we had a
     Brigade drill to day.  Col Jones
     Of the 26th went over to Missisip
[Mem]
     City with about 100 men and
     Got more than he bargained for
     The rebels sent him back with a
     Flea[?]in his ear Uncle Ben
     Sent his money home with a
     Letter yesterday.  Hugh[?] McGlue[?]
     Was here to see me last night
     He is in the 6th[?] Battery of Mass
     His health is first rate.

April 10, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 10-Thursday

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

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

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

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

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

April 9, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 9-Wednesday

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

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

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

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

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

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

April 8, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 8-Tuesday

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

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

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

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

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

April 7, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 7-Monday

     Weather very warm as usual.

     My turn on Police or Regimental gaurd to day. Had a Batt drill this morning on firing with blank cartridges. fired by Battalion by Wing Company, Rank. & by file. done very well much better than was expected

     3 or 4 vessells in to day. our tides very high and a strong wind blowing from off the shore

     Js. Bohannan was down and [---]. Bills watch and chain

     Bill went up to the 26th & by good luck got it back. no knowing how soon Bill will get away from here. he is waiting for the undaunted.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Monday, April 7, 1862.
     A fine morn.  the Black Prince
     Sailed yestersday for boston the
     Gun Boat Saxon went out last
     Night with provisions for
     Our fleet in the Mississippi
     The 7 * 8th Vermont Regts are
     Landing.  there was 2 gun boats
     Come in to day.  their is a
     Report that the 16th[?] Mass
     Regt is all cut up.

April 6, 1862

2nd Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 6-Sunday

     Had our Sunday inspection on the South Shore. under Comp commanders. it is tremendous hot day the perspiration rolls down my back in streams and stands still at that.

     Three men who were drowned were buried to day. it was a solemn sight to see them dragged away. and only a few minutes before their death they were in good health and spirits full of life and anticipating no doubt their time when they should go home.

     Had orders to day to move but they have since been countermanded.

     Lt. Fox has resigned and also Capt Ferris of Comp D. Fox’s was accepted and Ferris not.

     Lt Col Bullock read into the Regiment to day. to be obeyed and respected according to his rank.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Sunday 6
     A very hot day had to go on inspection[?]
     Leiut Colonel WM Bullock was
     At inspection he is a very good
     Looking man.  they are unloading
     Horses today they lost 3 or 4 last night
     There was a large ship & Bark come
     In this morn.  the 2[?] men who were
     Drowned were buried this PM.
     There has been 4 burials to day ????
     From the Regts on the island.

April 4, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 4-Friday

     Weather very comfortable this morning.

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

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

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

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

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

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

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

April 3, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 3-Thursday

     Another very hot day.

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

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

     Capt Shipley on as Officer of the day.

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

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

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

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

April 2, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 2-Wednesday

     A very warm day, as usual.

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

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

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

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

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

April 1, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     April 1-Tuesday
     Sun very hot but a fine breeze blowing which makes it quite comfortable out side of our tents
     The first Brigade have not all got on board. Col Dudley is sick or we should have been under orders to go with them as it is we will be left behind.
     New London is aground blown on by the wind last night she has been got off at noon. after pulling with try boat and breaking every quantity of calles and [---].
     Parker went over to Biloxi with a portion of Gen’l Butlers staff. with a little girl who was captured a few days since on board of a schooner with 2 or 3 men. the flag of truce was fired into. The party was under charge of Major Strong.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Tuesday, April 1, 1862.
     A fine day.  some of the troops
     Have gone on board ship
     And lay out in the harbor
     It[?] very is very quiet[?] here
     Now.

March 31, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 31-Monday
     It really seems hotter than yesterday if such a thing is possible. I never saw such weather in my life. it is en-tirely impossible for a person to keep at all comfortable.
     We are drilling hard and im-proving fast every day and I think we are just as fit now for service as any Reg’t that is going away now. but our turn has not come yet & we must await it.
     Troops are still embarking the 26 & 9 Conn. have gone back to 2nd to wait until more transport are ready for them.
     Lieut Whitcomb has been detailed on Court Martial. Col Dudley is on the same court. it is a General Ct Martial. Capt Haggerty has been appointed Judge Advo-cate.
     Drills as usual.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Monday 31
     This is a very hot day there is
     No news stirring.  it very hot
     Drilling.  we have 2 Battalion
     Drills a day there is about
     6,000 waiting orders to move.

March 30, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 30-Sunday

     An awful hot sultry and oppressive morning at 9 or a little [---] it cleared was a little and is the warmest day we have had since we have been here.

     Review and Inspection by Brg’dr Gen Shepley. pass in review about one mile March. Wm. B. Smith had to be carried to Quarters. had a sort if a faint brought on but the heat. got better very soon. Inspection by Comp. Commanders on parade ground  and march Comp to Quarters.

     The first Brigade commence to embark to day are going some where but no one knows just where it is. Except there at Head Quarters. Capt Brown Sappers & Miners go with them.

     A Steamer or rather two Steamer passed just in sight of here with Rebel soldiers on board towards N. Orleans, the New London put after them but did not succeed in catching them.

     Wrote to Mother and enclosed $10.00 will be sent by the next mail. [Illustration]

Corlp. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Sunday 30
     Fine day again.  but very hot
     We had a brigade inspection
     By Brigr. Genl. Shipley our
     Brigade is composed of the
     30th Mass. & 12th. 13th. 14th. Maine
     Regts.  it was very hot i took
     Dinner with Uncle Ben to day
     I got a letter from sarah last night
     And wrote an answer to day.

March 29, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     March 29-Saturday

     Still fine weather, very warm.

     Tomorrow is our Inspection by Brigadir Gen’l Shepley the first appearance of his honor since taking command of the Brigade.

     Drill in the morning as usual. Battalion and Company ditto.

     At noon the heat was almost intolerable. it seems as if it would burn though our clothes.

     Capt Brown expecting orders every moment for a man. Capt Shipley getting along finely. Lieut Louvrin getting tired almost of waiting for transportation home.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

      Saturday, March 29, 1862.
     Another pleasant Morning a ship
     and gunboat arrived here this
     Forenoon.  Gen Williams Division
     Got marching orders this PM
     And are busy packing up they
     Dont know where they are to
     Go.  the 4th & 6th Mass Battery
     Go with them.