George P. Hunt Diary

[the author has enclosed many proper names in quotations which are normally capitalized only; in the interest of clarity, in the transcription I have confined quotations to the names of vessels]

Geo Hunt, 1858. Dresden, L.S.E.

The Kedge Anchor or Sailors Assistant published by Shaw No 222 Water St New York

M^r. Geo. Ayres Jan 1862

75 Dey St

New York

L Butler Esq^r

Wilkes-barre

Lucerne County

Pa Nov 20^th

Rev J Hunt

10 Kensington Place

St Helier Jersey

Channel Islands

A Hunt T J Macvey

39 Congreve St 483 Bway

Birm. Baldwin & Starr

371 B-way

June 13^th 1861. Passed examination at Brooklyn Navy Yard.

15^th Commenced working at Stephenson's Carriage factory (having 45 in hand.)

July 6^th Rec^d orders from Sec^t of US Navy to report immediately for duty on board the U.S.S. "Rhode Island", reported accord^y.

20^th M^rSwann, M^r Barton, M^r Hyde & Hammond visited me at B Navy Yard, went to Washington Hotel 4^th Ave for supper with them.

21^st To M^rFreckettons for dinner & tea, afterwards a stroll with them through the Navy Yard.

28th Stept on deck, weather very hot, 121°. a week of hurry & bustle preparing for sea

29^th Went into commission to day.

30^th all on board to night very much fatigued having had 18 hours only, had steam to both donkey & main engines, all right

Wednesday, raised the steam & at 12-50 left the dock without accident, wrote a letter to Isherwood, Eng^r-in-Chief Washington for my warrant, steamed out to sea, overtook & passed the "Asia" of the Cunard line, on duty the last dog watch, strong head wind (No 8) engine working satisfactory making 11 knots, health excellent

Thursday. still a heavy sea, rec^d our revolvers & cutlasses from Lieut Simmes, one of the firemen deposited 5$ with me.

Thursday noon, spoke a full rigged brig from Havana for New York, 5 p.m. spoke & boarded a merchantman "The Diligence" of Portland, all right, steamed very slow all night keeping a sharp lookout for privateers off Cape Hatteras.

Friday morn 6. hailed & boarded the U.S. Ship "Savannah" Turned their guns at us & sent a boat full of men thinking we were Jeff Davis' men, gave them papers & letters & steamed away at full speed, 10am sighted land, North Carolina, secession ground, sacred to

Southern Chivalry.

3 p.m. Wilmington, S.C. 2 large steamers apparently privateers having the secession flag flying, & several sailing vessels, run as near as possible, manned the rifles & 2 of the smooth bored guns, sighted one of the steamers & discharged the rifled cannon, direction very good but the ball fell short, lay to for a short time but being wall of water did not venture nearer. after that steamed away at fast speed seaward, went ahead very slow all night.

Sat morn. very fine. 7am off ~~Charleston~~ ~~Harbour~~, going ahead fast speed taking soundings every hour. 3 p.m. 2 sails ahead, supposed blockade fleet off Charleston, proved to be the "Wabash" in an engagement with a privateer, the last shot being fired just previous to our arrival we came in for a share of prize money arising from the sale of the privateer & a share of the salvage from the vessel captured by the privateer, sent on board stores for the "Wabash" & left her, heading for Charleston expecting some of the fleet

Sunday Morn 7-30 A privateer ahead, passed Fort Sumter, chased the privateer as far as the shoal water would allow then changed our course seaward & immediately she fired a rifle shot at us, very good range but fell a couple of rods short. 8-50 came up with the "Roanoke", "Seminole" & "Vandalia", the "Seminole" having had her bowsprit carried away in a collision with the "Wabash". 9am cast anchor & commenced sending stores on for the fleet. At 11 a.m. 2 slaves in a mud scow arrived from Charleston, went with M^r Griswold to take them on board the flagship, "Roanoke", Commodore Stringham brought them back. A. Jackson took dinner with us 3pm raised the anchor & left Fort Sumter with its secession flag flying in the distance.

~~Tuesday~~ 7 a.m. Monday

Came up with the "St. Lawrence" gave her stores & left her for "Fernandina". 10 days ago she

sank a privateer, a steamer, having a valuable stand of arms on board sank her in 3 minutes 32 lives saved 13 lost. at 3pm saw a smoke in the distance supposed to be a steamer—all hands to quarters, a sudden squall came on, at 7 came up with the "Jamestown", the supposed steamer proved to be a sloop laden with cotton on fire. The privateers having captured her they attempted to run her into port but being intercepted by the "Jamestown" they ran her aground on the coast of Florida & being pursued by the crew of the "Jamestown" in boats they set her on fire, after giving in our stores & letters we left her at 11 p.m. for Key West.

Aug 6^th Wednesday Discovered a sail ahead at 1-30 p.m. put on all steam came up with her at 3-45. proved to be the "Jamestown" of New York from Philadelphia bound for Key West with coal, boarded her & found all right

Aug^t 7 Wednesday at 2 a.m. past the light off Jupiter Inlet, some 80 miles distant from Cape Florida 10am past Cape Florida, running along the coast, 4-30pm, abreast of Carysfort reef ~~foot~~ lighthouse the most dangerous part of this coast. 1 p.m. a sail to starboard. Changed our course, when within 5 m. fired a blank cartridge she then altered her course & bore down for us, fired a shot from our rifle (3 miles) not showing her colours but still bearing for us. we were called to arms conscious of her being a privateer, all was in commotion, but proved to be collier from Philadelphia, barkantine, "Benj. Hallet", return from Key West, at 5-30 sighted a vessel ahead, bore down on her, she at the same heading for us, at 7 p.m. (hailed her) after signalling for some time & no reply, we were all called to arms, but on hailing her she proved to be a Spanish brig from Havana to Barcelona thence to Marseilles so after examining her papers we left her

Thursday 1 p.m. pilot came on board at 2 p.m. arrived at

Key West on the Florida coast. Lay at Key West all night did not go ashore. Left at 11-30 next morn for Tampa bay

10^th Came to anchor alongside the "R R Cuyler"

Sunday Aug^t 11^th 8 a.m.

Came up with the "Mohawk" & "Water Witch" left her mails &c & left her for St Marks where we met with the "Montgomery" at 1 p.m. left her stores &c & started for Santa Rosa where the "Wyandotte" is stationed, arrived at 6am Monday morn. a squall came on delaying us somewhat in delivering our stores, left her for Fort Pickens at 8am, arrived alongside the "Colorado" & "Santee" at noon Monday

Monday Augt 12^th

Lay off Fort Pickens untill Tuesday morn 8 a.m. left her for Mobile, Fort M^cRae & several sand batteries along the shore. Came up with the "Mississippi" off Mobile at 12 M. lay to untill 8 p.m. discharging our stores &c after which we left for Ship Island

on getting under weigh the Band of the "Mississippi" played the Star Spangled Banner, "Hail Columbia" after which we gave her 3 cheers which she returned with a good will.

Aug 14

Hailed the "Massachusetts" at 1 a.m. Came up ~~with~~ off the Ship Island at 8am Lay to untill about noon & steamed off in company, met with a British cruiser of some 80 guns, left her & met with the "Brooklyn" & "St Louis" off Pass a l'Outre at 10 p.m.

Aug^t 15^th

South East Pass of the Mississippi At 3pm met with the U.S. St^r. "Niagara" gave her stores &c & left for Galveston Texas, at 8pm hoisted sail, going ahead well, making 15 knots.

16^th

Going ahead well all day, at 6pm met with the gunboat "Dart", cruising off Galveston for privateers, 40 miles distant, gave her mails for the "Huntsville". 12pm arr^d alongside the "South Carolina", set mails aboard & lay to untill morn Gave her stores & left her at

6 p.m. Aug^t 17^th for home

Fair wind & steam glorious sunset running along the Texan shore saw the prairie on fire.

18^th

Sunday morn, 9 a.m. run ashore on the sand bar, came up with the "Huntsville" evening.

19^th

Came up with the "Niagara", took coal from her, a squall came on, damaged our starboard wheel house. left her at midnight for the "St Louis" & "Brooklyn" off Pass a l'Outre Mississippi River

20^th

Arr^d off Mobile boarded the "Mississippi" & left her on the morn of the

21^st for Fort Pickens where we arr^d at 8am

Arr^d at New York Sept 3^rd/61.

Sept 6^th rec^d orders from Washington.

Letter to M^r Kelly. Letter & paper to Letty, Letters to John.

Sat evening left 20 dollars & some paper with M^r Frecketton.

Sunday 8^th Left dock at 11-30 spoke the "Quaker City" off Sandy Hook.

9^th Arr^d off Fortress Monroe at 2pm Lost our port anchor, mailed a letter for F & a paper with an envelope enclosed for Letty. The "Roanoke" & the "Minnesota" & "Pawnee" lay there left at 7pm for Key West.

10^th spoke the "Potomac" at 8 o'clock the "Susquehanna" came across our stern & after firing a 26 pounder across our bow sang out for us to heave to which we did & she boarded us

14^th at 9 o'clock came abreast of Carysfort reef Lighthouse fired a 32#r for them to

hoist the Flag which they did we then passed on, arr^d off Sombrero lighthouse at 4 p.m. Anchored at 9pm

Sunday morn came into dock at 7 a.m. Went to M Church evening, finished letter to Letty.

Monday 15^th wrote letter for home.

17^th Mailed letters for Letty & home. Left Key West at 8-30. Discharged pilot at 9-50 & steamed ahead for Fort Pickens at 7 a.m. The "Colorado", "Pampero", & "M^cClellan", took coal from the P— , dinner with Captain, Surgeon, 1^st & 2^nd Lieutenants of the P—, handed over our despatches to Com^e Mervin & left for the "Niagara" off Missi River at 9 p.m.

Sept 20

At 7-30 stopped to speak the "Richmond" "Water Witch" & "Vandalia" off Ship Island, left our despatches & then steamed ahead for S.E. Pass of Missⁱ arr^d alongside the "Niagara" at 3 p.m. SE Pass of M—. Cast anchor & repaired our condenser apparatus. left again for Fort Pickens at 7-40 p.m.

21^st Saturday

Spoke the "Pampero" at 7am, at 9-50 came to anchor alongside the "Colorado" off Fort Pickens again, at 9-30 left again for the "Niagara" arr^d at 9-30, 22^nd a.m. came to anchor off the "Richmond" at 10-12pm at 12-30 left for home direct

24^th Passed Tortugas 8 p.m. a light in the distance put out all our lights

& steered off. a gale arose continued through the night.

25^th off Sombrero Lighthouse saw the "Marion" to leeward came up with her at 8-30am gale continuing, boarded her & left at 8-45. at 9 p.m. came up with a schooner claiming to be British, having chased her for about 3 hours, she being under full sail, spoke her. The Captain thought to be a Spanish second spokesman Yankee, the vessel being apparently on evil intent, supposed to be a slaver, privateer, or having run the blockade. Sea running very high, equinoctial gale in prospective.

26^th passed as supposed the U.S.F. "Potomac", wind & sea very high. Engine labouring heavily. Continuing through the night.

Sept 27^th

Friday morn. Carried away parts of our wheel houses, vessel rolling & pitching very much. Continuing all day, rounded Cape Hatteras at 2 p.m.

28^th discovered the "Connecticut" ahead some 10 miles. Chased her untill dark reached "Quarantine" at 9pm 20 minutes after the "Connecticut". lay at anchor untill 8am Sunday Came up to Navy Yard. Lay in the stream untill 4pm Tuesday. Mailed 2 papers home & to Letty Tuesday & a note per M^r Moss. Rec^d Letty's letter Sunday.

Oct 3^rd Rec^d sheets &c from Freckⁿ. Called upon M^r M^cNavy's, Brooklyn.

5^th Letter & 3 papers to Letty. Called upon M^r Nelson & then to the Cooper Institute.

Oct 12/1861

Rec^d a letter from home, called upon M^r Burnapp & M^cNavy's Brooklyn. Went over the Navy Yard with M^r Wilson of the Cooper Institute classes.

13^th

Sunday morn. Coaling & taking in ice, making ready for sea, Took 180 men on board from the "North Carolina" at 12-30pm & then left the dock. passed through the fleet lying off the Battery which was expecting to sail every hour, destination unknown, passing up the Narrows, the "Ocean Queen", "Oriental", & "Champion" followed us out & whilst discharging our pilot at 4-30 p.m. passed & got ahead of us considerably. started ahead past & passed a merchant ship fr L-pool & at 8 p.m. passed the above steamers.

Weather at 12 M. cold & gloomy. outside the Narrows, high wind, clear sky, cold. Engine & boilers working well except air pump which being overladen owing to our deep draught labours heavily.

Rec^d parcel from M^r Jackson for his brother on the "Roanoke", left a newspaper with the dock watchman for "Letty"

Oct 14^th

A light head wind, smooth sea, all well. at Midday discovered a steamer on our starboard bow bound north, hoisted our colours, but she refusing to do so we fired a shot across her path & steered directly for her, she then showed her colours & speaking with her we went on our course. The "Virginia" of Philadelphia from Washington for New York. U.S. Transport. Cast anchor off Fortress Monroe at 8-20 p.m. The propeller "Oriental" arrived with troops at 9-30pm. lay to untill morn alongside the "Susquehanna", "Minnesota", "Penguin", "S. R. Spaulding", "Governor"& "Louisiana" two Baltimore river boats & several small gunboats.

Oct 15^th

Went into the wharf 7 a.m. when a Washington steamer came alongside having a large rifled cannon for us which we took on board with a lot of shot & shell. Went ashore at 9 a.m. to look at the large cannon & around the fort 1 15in cannon & 1 12in do on the beach

Weights 49059#, having a shell 450# weight 2½ in thick, 40# of shot. The one mounted on the beach being 50005#s weight which has carried a 12in shot nearly 6 miles. 12 Meridian 15 minute guns fired from the fort, flags half furled cause unknown. (News of an engagement at the mouth of the Mississippi) Left the dock at 3 p.m. several small vessels coming in. 3-30 p.m. firing from the Water Batteries under the fort & also from the "Rip Raps". Discharged our pilot at 4-30 p.m. passed a prize bound north in charge of a Master. Weather very fine. smooth sea, light wind. 7-30 p.m. Came up with a ship under full sail, stopped & spoke her. The "Isabella" of Baltimore from Rotterdam, put into Plymouth, Eng^d in distress, having been becalmed for 20 days here: boarded her & discovered some strong secession letters from the owners to the Captain on board amongst her papers, the boarding officer having returned with her log book &c. a Council of War was held after which we returned her log &c. & started on our way at 9-30 p.m.

Wednesday Oct 15^th

2-30 a.m. passed a large schooner under full sail going north did not stop to speak her 8 a.m. off Cape Hatteras a glorious day, wind on our port quarter, all sail set, engine & boilers working well, 9 a.m. General Fire quarters & exercise this morn.

6 p.m. came up with the U.S.St^r "Cambridge". left some stores, mails, & one passenger off Cape Lookout, then went ahead for New Inlet where we expected the "Jamestown", after running in some 17 miles under the direction of a passenger & not seeing them we put to sea again & discovered the J—, and Steamer "Young Rover" at 7-30 a.m.

Oct 17^th

gave them stores & left. dull & cloudy to day with rain, heavy sea, engine & boilers working well except starboard feed pump. 4 p.m. a sail in sight, changed our course to intercept her, 5-40 signalled her, which upon her answering we found her to be a British merchantman. We then hauled down our signals & went on our way she at the same time taking in her numbers & hoisting the "Union

Jack". 6 p.m. a thunder storm arose, took in all our yards. 8 p.m. storm increasing, sea very high, waves dashing over us 20 feet high, stove both our wheel houses in again, engine labouring very much.

Oct 18^th A glorious morn, sea running pretty high, a pretty fair breeze, 6 a.m. a sail ahead, 8am came up with the U.S. Frigate "Sabine" off Georgetown. gave her fresh stores, &c. & then left for Charleston at 10-45, she manning her yards gave us three cheers which we answered.

Arrived in sight of Charleston 4 p.m. "Flag", "Monticello", & "Roanoke" laying there The Monticello cruising around met & returned with us, steamed ahead of us. Coming to anchor alongside the "Roanoke" Went on board the R— to see M^r Jackson, Burnapp West & Hendricks, left the "Roanoke" at 9-45 p.m. the "Monticello" having gone before we steamed ahead & overtook her at 10-45 passed her at 11pm. arrived at "Savannah" 5am 19^th Oct

Saturday, Oct 19^th

Laying alongside the US Sloop of War "Savannah" untill 11 a.m. giving her stores. The "Monticello" coming up, a large schooner cruising apparently wishing to run the blockade, under the British flag. running slow all night past "Fernandina" looking for the "St Lawrence"

20^th Sunday, stormy day. not meeting the St. L— we steamed ahead for Key West. 3 years to day since I arrived at New York from home. 3 short years to look back, but how full of events & how differently situated am I to what I anticipated, all for the best I hope. Heaven grant that ere 3 more years have passed I shall be permitted to see the friends that I have left behind. God only knows how my heart yearns to behold them once once again, to know & feel that you can speak with confidence & that there are really those left who will sympathize you in battling with the tough world. Many there are that I respect in my present sphere & who I know will return to the fullest extent their friendship

but "England" with all her faults I love her & her people still. May the Gods of this world & the next bless & prosper her & them, Long may she rule the seas, longer still may it be ere she & this "Glorious Republic"—"The Land of the Free & the home of the brave"—May be compelled to settle their disputes with the shedding of blood, God of Heaven forbid it.

10 a.m. A general muster at which the Articles of War were read by Captain Trenchard. promising for a fine day, smooth sea, no wind, all well, engine working tolerable.

Oct 21^st Monday

12-30 a.m. Boarded an English brig smooth sea, head wind, sea like glass. Sunrise most splendid, going 4 knots not a ripple, past Cape Florida Lighthouse at 7 a.m. a sail reported at 9 a.m. had Fire Quarters, weather very warm. going along remarkably well, passed Carysfort Reef Lighthouse at 12 Meridian

Fired a shot for them to hoist the flag but being apparently ~~it was~~ deserted so we passed on, passed several sail but did not overhaul aught. Came to anchor off Key West at 1am

Sunday 22^nd

Came into dock at 7-30 a.m. hauled fires & commencing coaling ship 10 a.m.

Wednesday 23^rd

Coaling ship. Had a stroll along the beach with O. C. Lewis gathering shells. saw a locomotive same build as the "Ant" running ballast to Fort Taylor. Wrote a letter to John W^m & Father, sent it on Tuesday 4 p.m. by the mail boat via Havana for N-York

Thursday 24^th raised steam at am left the dock at 7-5 a.m. arose at 8-30 a.m. & found we were out at sea. Weather cool & pleasant a rain storm, sea gradually rising until evening when it blew a gale about 6. From 3 to 6am engine & boilers working well but being 3 men short in fire room & owing to the negligence of the officer of the deck

did not obtain any assistance from the ship making but little steam.

Oct 25^th a very heavy sea all night. Carried away part of our wheel house again, started the planking on the starboard guard, wind & sea calming down at 4 a.m.—9am had general quarters, after which stopped to repair wheelhouse & guard. 2 p.m. chasing a schooner, boarded her at 3-30, proved to be the "Aristides" of Key West, but one of our crew knowing that was a false name & that she was owned by strong secessionists in New Orleans & St Marks, Florida, we took a part of her crew on board & put her in charge of M^r.Thatcher of the "Gemsbok" & six of our men & sent her on to Key West. 5-30 left for Fort Pickens, a strong breeze from north west, sea rising, l0am today a summary Court Martial was held upon one of our firemen, James Alliman for mistreating a sailor at Key West.

Sat 26. Anchored alongside the U.S.St^r "Mohawk" at 11-30 a.m. off St Marks gave her fresh provisions & left her at 3-30, a general muster, to hear the sentence upon Alliman. Weather cold & gloomy, right hand swollen & inflamed from the bite of an insect at Key West.

6-15 p.m. Came up with the U.S. Sloop of War "Marion" off Apalachicola, came into collision owing to there not being a proper lookout stationed, we having considerable headway running up under her stern resulting in the Marion's two life boats being cut up & her stern damaged some, gave her stores, mails &c. & left for the "Montgomery" off West Pass, Apalachicola 25 miles distant.

27^th Sunday 7 a.m. camp up with the "Montgomery", off the West Pass, La. we saw a large secession steamer standing towards us coming to about 5 miles & returning, left at 10-30 a.m. for Fort Pickens where we arrived about 10-30pm the night dark & gloomy. Coming up with the USS "Colorado" we signalled her

which she immediately answered & sent a boat alongside with a request to keep up our steam & be ready to defend ourselves. The "Colorado" being got underway & going up towards the Fort we rec^d orders to cruise along Santa Rosa's Island, An expedition having been got up to land troops & attack Fort Pickens during the night, having got under way we steamed along under the direction of a pilot sent from the Fort, some 5 miles along the coast & back, all hands at quarters, cruising along untill daylight, when it was discovered that the 3 streamers which brought the reinforcements took them aboard again having seen our signals & approach with the "Colorado". Morning came & no signs of the enemy so we gave the "Colorado" stores & left for the "Mississippi" off Mobile, arriving alongside at 4-30 p.m. (Left at 7 p.m. for Pass a l'Outre.) Came to anchor off Ship Island at 12 Midnight

28^th lay too untill daylight when on raising anchor we discerned a schooner being chased by a secession steamer we steamed ahead & cut off the steamer, the schooner proving to be a tender to the "Massachusetts" came up with the "Potomac", "Massachusetts", & "National Guard" of Boston lying off Ship Island. Gave them stores, mails, &c. & left for the mouth of the Mississippi at 12-30

Oct 30^th arrived off Pass a l'Outre at 9 p.m. where lay the "Vincennes", "Richmond", & the "Water Witch". great excitement on our arriv^g respecting the engagement on the morn of the 12 with the "Boomerang" & pier ships up the Mississippi, the battering ram having run in to the bow of the "Rich^d", the "Vincennes" ashore & deserted & the "Preble" also ashore, this the cowardice or mismanagement of their commanders. took on board the Captains of the R & V (Pope & Handy) being ordered home for court martial;

5 p.m. Arrived off SE pass alongside the U.S. Frigate "Niagara", "Pampero" & "South Carolina" & supply ship "Nightingale", hauled close to the "Niagara" to swing our rifled cannon aboard. Fired a shell from it at 6 p.m. Took stores &c aboard, sent 86 recruits aboard the "Niagara", hauled off & left at 7am Thursday morn 31^st Weather cold & Gloomy with rain promising for a gale. 6 p.m. wind & sea rising.

November 1^st From 12 to 4am stopped engine at 2am to let up per steam valve down, the valve sticking open thro' carelessness of the oiler, got under way imme

diately, several very heavy seas struck her, passing some 12 feet up the smoke stack, shipped a sea from stem to stern at 7 a.m. the bow going completely under water deluging the whole ship, starting the planking & houses on the starboard quarter.

Nov 2^nd hunting for the "Santee" off Galveston, Texas. Came up with her early morn, took several prisoners on board & 3 midshipmen Hunt, Jones & —. 12 Meridian in Barataria Bay searching for the "Preble". grounded several times, the ship striking heavily amidships, twice especially, came up with the "Preble" at 2 p.m. left her about 9 p.m. for the "Niagara", South West Pass, where we arrived 2pm

Sunday 3^rd

Took several more prisoners aboard from the "South Carolina" gave the "Nora" stores &c & left her, the "S.C." & "Pampero" at 10 p.m.

but having despatched one of our boats with the pursers clerk & 5 seamen to the "Niagara", the tide & current being too strong for them they were drifted away to sea & night coming on we lost sight of them ere we could hoist our anchors & get clear of the N— & P—, after which we let drift with the current for several miles, cruising around all night firing rockets & burning lights but no signs of the boat, spoke with the "Niagara" again 7 a.m.

Monday Nov 4 after which she sent all her boats after them, cruising all day. 9 a.m. spoke a prize from the "Richmond" the "St Stephen of New Orleans" with several families aboard having left NO under permit of the Confederates for Tampico but on showing the permit to the "Richmond" they placed her in charge of a prize crew & sent her on to the "Niagara".

3 p.m. spoke a schooner from the "Niagara" in search of our boat but no tidings

5 p.m. a gun fired from the "Niagara", a signal that the boat is discovered, Thank God, came up with her 5-15, men all safe, having been some 30 miles out to sea. left the N— 6-15 for the "Richmond" off Pass a l'Outre. 7pm spoke the schooner again in search of our boat, directed them to their anchorage again.

Nov 5^th Left the "Richmond" at 3am for Ship Island. (Rec^d a parcel from M^r Butler) arrived at 9am

Nov 6^th Lying there untill 3 p.m. the "R.R. Cuyler", "Mississippi", "National Guard", "Massachusetts", & a schooner that was being used to convey stores to the fort. Whilst lying at anchor 3 steamers came down from Mobile behind the Island, along the sound & through Lake Ponchartrain for the Mississippi River thence to New Orleans. The Rebel Steamer "Florida" convoying 2 freight boats, one the "Whitman" she came very close & after having got about a mile beyond us the "National

Guard" threw a shell after her which of course fell short. perhaps if the "Monticello" or Cap^t Faunce of the "Harriett Lane" had been here they might have been intercepted or at least have annoyed them in their passage. Sorry we were to see them so close & not able to give them a salute. perhaps when the fort (which is being rebuilt) is in a good condition they may not be able to come down so quietly. 7-30pm arr^d along side the "Potomac" off Mobile. The "Water Witch" is also here. Left at 10-30pm for Fort Pickens

Nov 6^th 6-30 a.m. Came to anchor alongside the Frigate "Colorado". Lay there untill 12-15, having took aboard some 25 prisoners from the fort captured by Wilson's Zouaves last month also 2 young Lieutenants from Alabama & Georgia, a most miscellaneous crew I have ever seen took some of W—Z—s officers & men discharged for bad conduct, some sick & wounded from the "Colorado"

that were wounded in the attack upon the schooner "Judith" in October, at Pensacola Navy Yard. Rec^d a parcel from M^cNavy, one also from M^r Olmstead, & a letter containing money for M^r Wycoff, Brooklyn.

Took aboard also Lieut Russell from the C— the commander of the above expedition to the Navy Yard.

Thursday, Nov 7^th 2 a.m.

awoke at 2 a.m. by the gong sounding all hands to quarters having signalled a vessel but receiving no answer concluded that she was secesh but coming up with her found her to be the "Montgomery" & "Fearnot" off St George's Florida lay to untill 8am when we saw a schooner standing in too close to shore to which we gave chase found her to be a fishing smack belonging to the Sutler of Fort Taylor Key West bound to Fort Pickens with 10 tons of [?] left her & steamed away for the "Marion" off Apalachicola

3 p.m. Went on watch, lookout sings out a sail ahead suspected it to be secesh put on all steam, a steamer came out to tow her back again she being running the blockade, ran in close to shore to cut her out if possible, a most exciting chase. stopped to bring our port guns to bear one on the steamer & one on the schooner both of them good line shots but fell about a ships length short, ran ahead a little untill we got in shoal water & very near the bar & discharged our starboard guns at them but still short, the steamer running in she flung out a line to the schooner but missed it, a strong favorable breeze blowing at the time however the schooner got out of our reach, our fourth shot fell near the wheel house, apparently frightening the people on board much it being heavily laden with troops they ran under the forts on shore. several forts with numerous flags flying erected close on shore we left here (St John's) for "Fernandina", where we arr^d at 9 p.m. but after cruising for some & not finding the Sloop of War

"Dale" we left for "Savannah"

14^th

Arr^d off "Savannah". At daylight we just discerned the masts of the S— some 12 miles ahead, saw also a steamer standing towards us, but coming within about 3 miles of her she changed her course & thought to lead us up to the S— which was still 3 miles or so distant from her so we kept on our full steam & very soon came up & passed her like a bird leaving her ¾ of a mile behind. took their mails & gave them stores & left for Port Royal 3 miles distant where there had been an engagement on the 7^th between the forts erected by the Secessionists & a large naval force of 60 sail resulting in the total destruction of the forts & dislodgement of the Rebels.

4 p.m. arrived astern of the flagship (under Commodore DuPont) "Wabash", "Mohican", "Pocahontas", "Pawnee", "Seneca", "Great Republic", "Atlantic", "Vanderbilt" & several other

vessels, all the large Government vessels & gunboats being engaged 840 shot & shell being fired in 2 hours of which 480 were discharged from the "Wabash".

15^th Laying at anchor all night waiting for the mails & despatches. Steam up at 9 a.m. fired a gun to recall all our boats, got under way at 11-40, ran down to the "Savannah" again to leave our pilot after which we left for Charleston at 1-10 p.m. running along the coast untill 5 p.m. when we met with the "Alabama" 20 miles south of Charleston. 6-30 saw a steamer on our port bow. signalled her but immediately she fired a shell over our stern, after which we ran up & spoke her but as she did not want anything she sent her mails on board & we left right away.

11-30 spoke the "Gem of the Seas" gunboat, left at 11-45.

Weather changed. blowing fresh from the south east, sea running pretty high, very cold.

Nov 16^th 12-15 a.m. Spoke the "Sabine" but could not give or receive anything owing to the high sea & gale that was coming on. She lay a considerable distance from her anchorage, north of Charleston, running north untill 9 a.m. but not seeing the vessel that should have been off Cape Fear we are now standing south again 12 Meridian. sea still running very high, cold as ever, with a stiff breeze. went on watch at 12 M stopped engine & backed immediately a man (an invalid) having jumped overboard, a life buoy was thrown out & boats lowered & manned but a very heavy sea running at the time & it being supposed that the wheel must have struck him nothing could be seen of him so at 2-15 we went ahead.

6 p.m. ship rolling heavily, sea gradually rising promising for a rough night.

Sunday Morn. 17^th went on watch 12 Mid. Engine labouring heavily. Cold & stormy. sea running very high indeed. 3-50am an heavy sea struck her on port bow, bringing the engine up to a stand still, almost throwing me off my feet, thinking she had struck a sunken wreck I immediately disconnected the engine & waited a moment for a signal in case she had struck but not hearing anything I started ahead, every one alarmed running out upon deck, the Captain amongst the first. he upon arriving on deck sent to know if all was right to which I replied in the affirmative giving my reason for stopping for which he complimented me very much for my prompt & strict attention to the engine & approved of my action 11-30 a.m. passed a small schooner running west did not speak her. Came to anchor under Fortress Monroe at 8 p.m.

18^th Monday Morn Took our mails & left for New York at 9-40 a.m. left the "Minnesota", "Roanoke" & several small vessels, met several other gunboats coming down the bay. 8-30 blowing quite a gale off shore, cold & gloomy. 9-30 retired for the night. ship rolling heavily.

19^thTuesday Passed Barnegat Light 9-40 a.m. Took pilot on board 10am

12 Meridian passing the Highlands. 4pm anchored opposite the battery New York. 6-30 raised anchor & went up to the buoy off the Navy Yard. Weather bitter cold.

20^th laying off the Navy Yard 10 a.m. Launch of one of the new sloops took place. vast quantity of people cheering her as she glided into her future element. lay alongside the "Bienville" whilst he towed her into the dry dock.

3 p.m. a boat came alongside to take off our prisoners to Fort Warren Boston harbour sent parcels on to Wilkes-Barre & Pittston Maine

New York. Thursday Dec 5^th

Left New York 11 a.m. stopped off the magazine untill 1 p.m. after which we left for Fortress Monroe. one Chief Eng^r W. P. Desanno being under suspension for a day or two for neglect of duty he rec^d orders previous to our leaving to report on board the North Carolina. W— Neil a passenger for the "Niagara" was ordered by the Commodore to take charge of our department, he therefore is acting as Chief. Immediately on getting to sea we discovered that our port feed valve & blow were deranged, with much annoyance & risk we managed to reach Fortress Monroe at 6pm Friday night. lay alongside the "Brandywine" all night; during which time I overhauled the feed & blow valves. got through at 6 a.m. Went up alongside the wharf at 8.30. Went ashore at 9 to the bookstore for papers. Left the wharf at 3pm Saturday

Dec^r 7^th Sent a parcel & letter aboard the "Roanoke" for Burnapp. port feed pump gave out again Sunday morn. working at it from 9am to 1pm whilst at anchor off Ocracoke Inlet. Left there at 1-30. Had service on board this day, a very good sermon, would we have service every Sunday. 10-30pm Sunday spoke an English schooner "Phantom" for New York laden with sugar & molasses took her in tow she seemingly wishing to run the blockade. towed her along as far as Beaufort, North Carolina. Where lay the "Gemsbok" "Mount Vernon" "State of Georgia" & "Braziliera" upon consultation with the Captain of the M—V— the Captain decided to let her go so we towed her out into the Gulf stream & let her go. Pleasant weather smooth sea. all going on well

Came up with the "Alabama" off Charleston 5 p.m. 10^th left there at 2am 11^th for Port Royal, S.C.

arrived there at 10 a.m. lay there untill 4pm when the anchor was raised & we stood out to sea again but darkness coming on before we got clear of the shoals we got aground several times & failing to extricate ourselves we cast anchor & intended to remain untill morning but 11-40 p.m. a sudden squall came on & sent us adrift, our anchor chain (cable) parted, orders were given to let go our other anchor which also broke loose. we were then drifting rapidly astern in great peril. fortunately the steam was immediately raised & we were enabled to make a little headway, struck the shoal several times the gale blowing fearfully fortunately we got clear of the shoals or

we should soon probably have gone to pieces. Thank God our anchors left us or we would have all been lost. we put out to sea at about 2am Thursday 12^th

The sea gradually rising but our ship being heavily laden did not seem to feel the shocks so severely yet, running out to sea all day 4 p.m. Waves mountains high, the ship rolling & pitching most fearfully, getting worse every hour promising for a bad night. Engine working admirably.

8 p.m. went on watch, gale blowing worse, stove our houses on starboard guard in. 9 p.m. store room & houses on starboard guard carried away. shipping seas every minute, rolling & pitching, now on the summit of a mountainous wave & the next moment down in the trough of the sea surrounded with waves which were breaking

high above our decks every moment each one as it were threatening to engulph us, most frightful to look upon. 10-30pm obliged from the severity of the storm to slow down & heave to head to wind, still rolling & pitching 12 Midnight, sea as before but wind ceased a little 7 a.m. Friday morn, arose & went out upon deck. wind & sea running high but on the whole promising for a quieter day. Thank God, the worst is over I think. I hope I may never have to stand a worse watch than last nights.

Friday night 8 o'clock. The port feed valve gave out, scalding Griffin our water tender, through the negligence of Senior Asst Welles letting the steam run up to 34 pounds whilst stopping to take sounding. obliged to haul fires from both boilers they being near empty. fixed the valve & got under way gain 10-30pm

Thank Heaven the affair did not occur the previous night or we would all have been lost.

Sat 15^th Boarded several vessels today which led us out of our way & delayed us considerably. Weather moderate, pleasant moonlight evening, running slow all night broke our starting bar

Sunday morn 15^th Muster at 10 a.m. when M^r Simmes read the articles of war, passed Cape Florida Lighthouse at 11 a.m. about 115 m. from Key West. Arrived at Key West 8am 16^th At work all day overhauling valves &c. coaling ship &c. "Richmond" & the "Wanderer" in port the R— being disabled waiting orders from the Comm^r as to where to go for repairs. M^r Potts & M^r Emery & M^r Hoyt from the "Richmond" came aboard.

17^th News by a schooner from Nassau that an American Man of War had been fired into

into & sunk there by an English Frigate. Overhauling our engine.

18^th H.B.M. gunboat, the "Plymouth" came into Key West this morn. Captain Welsh, the British Vice Consul & the Captain of the P— came ashore, went aboard the R with our Chief M^r Neil of the "Niagara". raised our steam afternoon, tried our engine & found all right Finished a letter for Letty & mail'd to night 11 p.m.

19^th Left the wharf at Key West 6 a.m. weather pleasant & agreeable stopped at 7 to speak the mail schooner from Havana, bringing news of a battle in Va & of several vessels laden with arms &c being blockaded in Nassau by the "Flambeau"

Arr^d at Fort Jefferson, Tortugas, at 12 M very dangerous channel, shoals extending for several miles, coral reefs, the most dangerous place in existence ~~almost~~ there being only one entrance to the

fort, or to the wharf rather, that lies between coral reefs having but some 3 to 6 feet of water, in the channel about 7 fathoms several fine specimens of coral aboard. left there at 3 p.m. as it is impossible to enter or leave except in daylight in fine weather

Dec 20^th A very fine morning, sailing along pleasantly. 10 a.m. sighted Tampa Lighthouse. 11-50 cast anchor off the lighthouse Tampa Bay where we lay untill 3pm alongside the "Ethan Allen". left here heading for St Marks. going along slowly all night being limited in consumption of coal. 7pm went on deck untill 8 a pleasant night, air cool & delightful as a summers eve. stars shining most brilliantly, the moon not yet being risen. but the evening star seemed almost to rival her in brilliancy, brighter than ever I have known it, literally casting shadows on the deck.

Went to bed at 12-30, arose at 8 a.m. the sun shining brightly, warm & pleasant, had quarters at 9 a.m. sighted a

steamer on our starboard quarter, changed our course & headed for her proved to be the U.S. St^r "Mohawk" blockading St. Marks, anchored alongside her at 10-30.

Came up alongside the Sloop of War "Marion" off Apalachicola, at 4 p.m. Left again at 8-30 p.m.

Cruising from 12 Midnight for the gunboat "Hatteras" fired a blank cartridge. sent up 2 rockets & signalling for her, stopped alongside at 3-25, left at 6 a.m. for Fort Pickens where we arrived at 6pm Sunday night 130 miles from the West Pass of Apalachicola. Found the "R. R. Cuyler" & the "South Carolina" at anchor there. Heard from them that the "Baltic"—which was in Port Royal at the time we left—had been down to Ship Island & passed again on her way north 2 days ago, had reported us when she was passing down as being disabled.

Sunday night, 22^nd 9 o'clock still laying alongside the "R. R. Cuyler" & "South Carolina".

left there about 11pm for Mobile running slowly all night, weather very cold & boisterous, a moderate sea Stopped alongside the "Potomac" at 5 a.m. 23^rd, the Steamer "Huntsville" at 9 a.m. within gunshot of the Lighthouse off Mobile. The Rebel Fort Morgan with the flag flying to the breeze, 2 Regiments being stationed there, none being visible or even the sentries. Left at 11-30am for Ship Island, where we arr^d at 4 p.m. a cold northwester blowing all the time, made fast to the U.S. St^r "Niagara" & communicated with the flag officer M^r Kean, M^r Mitchell of the "Water Witch" & M^r Clarke of the "Niagara" reported to him & left us, M^r Neil tho ordered to the N— at the earnest request of Captain Trenchard still remained with us. Saw the tents of some 2000 troops on Ship Island, the troops being at drill, quite a fleet of vessels lying here among which are the gunboat "Wissahickon"

sloop "Preble", St^r "Massachusetts" & a large Rebel St^r the "Lewis", captured from the Rebels a few days ago, cruising around supplying them with stores all night. left there at 9-25 a.m. for Pass a l'Outre where after a splendid run of 80 miles we arr^d alongside the St^r "Mississippi" at 3-50 p.m. the Sloop of War "Vincennes" lying at anchor. Weather very pleasant. Left thence for the South West Pass at 9-45 p.m. 24^th running slowly all night, arr^d there & cast anchor alongside the Frigate "Colorado", about 2-35am Xmas day.

25^th Lay there untill 7-50 giving her stores, &c, gave M^cNavy, letters &c. left there and after a pleasant run of 4 hours arr^d alongside the St^r "De Soto" off Barataria Bay spoke with her & proceeded to Berwick Bay where we expect to meet the St^r "Montgomery" 2 p.m. going along splendidly, smooth sea, slight head wind, weather warm & pleasant.

Dec^r 26^th Not meeting with St^r "Montgomery" as we expected off Berwick Bay we steamed ahead for Galveston. 8 o'clock this morn saw a vessel apparently wishing to escape observation so we veered & hailed her soon as we came alongside, but not giving satisfactory answers & refusing to hoist his colours, we told him to heave to & we would board him. sent an officer aboard & found her to be the "Venus" from Point Isabel on the Rio Grande bound for Berwick Bay laden with copper, tin lead & wool valued at about 10,000 dollars. We sent a prize crew aboard & brought her crew on the R— I— & proceeded on our way the schooner being ordered to report to Comm^r M^r Kean of the "Niagara" at Ship Island.

4 p.m. a violent thunder storm came on & continued up Midnight, running slowly all night.

Dec^r 27^th Friday Came up with the "Santee" & the barque "Midnight" off Galveston at 8 a.m. Lay at anchor untill 8pm when we left for the north again as the "Midnight" which we expected to meet with off Matagorda had just come up at the time we arrived off Galveston, we gave her stores &c & she left for M— again. Weather very cold indeed for the neighbourhood of Galveston, steaming all night, all well.

28^th Came up with the St^r "Montgomery" off Bewick Bay, lay alongside untill 4-30, when we again left taking the Captain, T. D. Shaw along with us, he being ordered home for inefficiency, untill recently he was blockading Apalachicola, but not doing his duty. he was ordered down here and as he has proved as negligent as ever, vessels frequently running the blockade, he has now been ordered home by the Department. Weather still cool for this part of the Gulf.

29^th Sunday Morn

Arose & had breakfast at 8 a.m. General muster at 10. a sail reported at 10-30, a vessel under sail in shore close to the fort in Barataria Bay where we expected to meet the "De Soto" but on reaching the "Colorado" we learned that she had had a collision the day previous with a French man of war bound from Havana under permit of Sec^r Seward for New Orleans, but the "De Soto" coming across her before daylight & the Frenchman's light being put out, the "De Soto" gave chase & hailed her 3 times but no answer she then ran close alongside & the result was a serious collision injuring both vessels. Came up with the "Colorado" at 1-30 p.m. spoke her & immediately left for Ship Island. Rec^d a money parcel from Chief Eng^r of the "Colorado" one from W^m & parcel from M^r Olmstead.

left the C— for Pass a l'Outre where lay the "Mississippi" & "Vincennes". left thence at 11-30 p.m. running pretty fast all night intending to make Ship Island at daylight next morn.

Monday Dec^r 30^th Came up with the "De Soto" having the French frigate in tow bound for the flagship off Ship Island, spoke her and passed on coming up with the "Niagara" we cast anchor at 10-20am alongside her. Our Captain went aboard her & was shortly followed by the Captain of the "De Soto" & of the French frigate, for whom we are now waiting expecting orders to tow the frigate to some port for repairs.

Tuesday Dec^r 31^st Went up around Ship Island into the sound early morn to supply "Water Witch" "New London" & "Preble". Lay at anchor all day waiting for despatches from the Commo^e. had a visit from the French captain, news by her via Havana

that a demand had been made by the English Govern^t for Slidell & Mason & in the event of a reprisal a Declaration of War, & other similar reports which I trust for the sake of England & America both may prove untrue. 8 a.m. The "Water Witch", "New London", & captured Rebel steamer "Lewis" set out on an expedition up the sound to cut out a steamer laden with cotton, & to destroy any batteries that may exist off the town of Biloxi. Collected the mails & left our anchorage in the sound to speak the "Niagara" at 2-30 p.m. No signs of the return of the expedition so at 7-30 p.m. we got under way and left for Mobile, M^r Neil having gone aboard the "Niagara", M^r Kidd, the 2^nd Asst took charge of the R— I— . 11-30 stopped off Horn Island to speak the gunboat "Wissahickon" lay at anchor untill 4 a.m. Jany 1^st 1862.

Left thence for Mobile. stopped at 7am to speak the "Fearnot", again at 7-50 to speak a bark from "Cienfuegos" heard from her that the "Sumter" had again run the blockade. arrived off Mobile at 9-30, made fast to the "Potomac", gave her the "Huntsville" stores & left at 11-15 taking on board some contrabands, invalids & prisoners. Sat up last night to see the close of the year & the commencement of 1862. Arr^d alongside the "Carolina" & "R. R. Cuyler" at 3-15 off Fort Pickens just as the bombardment commenced. The steamer "Times" having come down the bay to the Navy Yard & coming in too close, Col Wilson opened one of his water batteries on her & 2 or 3 shots were fired at her from the "Cuyler" which was followed by the water batteries under Fort M^cRee & Fort Barrancas & Navy Yard joining in The bombardment continued with great spirit untill dusk when only occasional shots were exchanged

untill 3 a.m. Several shells from Pickens having fallen in amongst some private residences behind the Navy Yard at a place called Wolsey a general conflagration took place at 11-30 p.m. continuing for about 3 hours.

Jan 2^nd The fight was renewed at daylight but a dense fog lying over the whole island nothing could be seen or heard to indicate a continuance except the booming of the cannon & explosions of the shells from Pickens, but the Rebels not having any disposition to continue the fight, the firing ceased. 9-30 a steamer bearing down upon us, coming alongside us she proved to be the gunboat "Mercedita" from New York on the 19^th bound for the flagship off Ship Island having rec^d out despatches at 5pm we up anchor & away for Key West. Rec^d 2 pieces of shells from "Pickens"

Jan 3^rd Friday morn. 8 a.m. The gunboat "Hatteras" in sight laying off St Georges sound, went pass of Apalachicola. Weather very mild. Therm^r 90 to 96°. Like a summers morn. left her at 10-30 for the East Pass where we came up with sloop "Marion" at 2-30 p.m. left at 4-18 for St Marks came along with the store ship "J. C. Kuhn" at 5-13, spoke her & left at 6 p.m. hailed the "Mohawk" at 9 p.m. & left again at 10-45 for Tampa Bay

Jan 4^th Weather pleasant, but threatening for rain, going along all well. 9 a.m. had fire quarters this morn. arr^d alongside the "Ethan Allen" Tampa Bay at 2-30, left again for Tortugas at 5 p.m. & just after getting under way an invalid jumped over board & swam for shore but a boat was immediately lowered & picked him up.

Fired our rifle to try its range carried about 3¼ miles but before striking the water the rings of lead had left the shot & spread themselves considerable. Made Tortugas at 10-30am Sunday

Sunday Jan 5^th

Took mails for north & left for Key West at 11-45 where we arr^d at 4pm Found the gunboats "Itasca" & "Wanderer" & the sloop "Saratoga". Went to the Episcopal Church at night

Monday & Tuesday at work on repairs.

7^th The "Flambeau" just arr^d from Nassau

Left 8^th 5 a.m. Boarded several vessels & a steamer "Philadelphia" with news of the liberation of Sidwell & Mason, luminaries from the Rebel states en route for Europe. Captured by the "San Jacinto" from the "B. S. Trent".

9^th Boarded several English & Spanish vessels to day.

10^th Met the St^r "Bienville" off St Johns Fla, 7-30 a.m. & the "Susquehanna" at 4 p.m. off St Simons. left her & cast anchor off Savannah or abouts at 11pm to await daylight. Did not run in but made Port Royal at 8-30 where we lay untill Sunday morn 10am met with the "Connecticut" [?] & the "Mohican" "Alabama" & a mate gunboat off Charleston at 3 p.m., left again at 5-30 p.m. News of the English steamer "Fingall" waiting to run the blockade. should have been past Hatteras by daylight next morn but owing to the incompetency of our sailing masters we came near running upon Frying Pan Shoals a little to the south after that we steered south east, & a stiff gale rising the next day kept us south of it. all day & next night 12 to 8 on the morn of the 14^th the sea was very high indeed.

14^th 8 a.m. changed our course a little & stood north. The sea still running very high, shipped several very heavy seas. Passed the U.S.Str "Ericsson" bound south with troops but could not speak her on acct of the high sea.

15^th Gale still continues 4 p.m. Wind & sea calmed down considerable but a very dense fog followed which kept us beating about untill the morn of the 16^th when it cleared away & we found ourselves 30 miles south of Cape Charles near 60 m. out of our course We made the Roads & arrived off Fortress Monroe at 9-30. The flagship "Roanoke" "Minnesota" new sloop "Pensacola", 2 French men of war, "Cambridge".

Left the Roads & proceeded to Philadelphia where we are to be made into a gunboat awaiting orders untill Jan 23^rd when I rec^d orders to proceed to New York

for duty on board the "Dacotah" now lying at New York. Called upon M^r Gideon 775 North 24^th St Philadelphia with money parcel, sent one on also to B. B. Williams Georgetown, D.C. Weather very cold & unpleasant

25^th At 24^th St. today my relief having reported I settled my acc^t with the purser & packed up all my effects &c ready for leaving in the morn.

Left Phil^a & arr^d at New York 1 a.m. after a wearisome cold journey myself & Scott, he going to join the "San Jacinto" in Boston.

Stopped at the Belmont Hotel.

Monday 27^th Reported to Com M^r Paulding

28^th To Chief Eng^r Peltz

wrote to Letty & home. paper to L—

29^th sent paper to L. wrote to Georgetown B. B. Williams.

Feb 3^rd Letter from Eng^r Lewis & Blythe. wrote to M^r Gideon M^r M^cIlvaine 249 7^th St N.York. Thos D Stetson 152 W 26^th St. M^r Wilson G. University Place. Jas D. Wilson, Spring Mills, Centre Co., Pa. M^r Burnapp 202 West 20^th St. Blythe, gunboat "Chocura".

Charlestown Navy Yard

Boston.

Feb 5^th At home to day 176 Adams St. Brooklyn lame & somewhat indisposed sent a letter to Chief Eng^r Whipple. recd an answer 12^th.

6^th At home all day & day following

8^th Went down to the Yard. had steam up on the "Dacotah"

12^th Sent 4 papers to Letty & one home rec^d a London News via Phil^a from Letty. had steam up all week untill to day when we hauled fires & blew down our boilers to do some repairs.

Feb 15^th Rec^d an advertised letter from Letty & one from home. also one of Nov from Brooklyn P.O.

Had my likeness taken & some cards

17^th A cameo-type taken for Letty. Good news from the West & from the Burnside expedition, upwards of 20000 prisoners captured.

22^nd Launched the "Adirondack" at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Called at M^r Wright's.

23^rd M^r Wright & M^r.Freckⁿ called upon me & went along to the N. Yard. after which we had tea at Freck^s.

24^th left my likeness at Fs & made up a parcel & left it at Wrights; consisting of cameo-type for Letty & a few cards, together with a few cards for home & a small likeness for a frame. Letter for John Annie & Letty.

Ordered to go into Commission to day but the day being so unfavourable postponed untill

next day.

25^th Went into commission to day. Chief Eng^r M^r Peltz, 2^nd Assts Laws & Hopper, 3^rd do Geo. P. Hunt. Geo. W. Melville & James H. Perry being present. Taking in stores

26^th Still taking in stores alongside the dock.

Lay at the Navy Yard untill Sunday the 2^nd of March when we left suddenly, being hurried away to go in search of the Receiving Ship "Vermont" which got adrift in a gale from Boston Harbour & was at sea without sails or rudder or anchors.

Sat 1^st March Called at Brooklyn post office for letters from L. WM & John. returning at 11-30 p.m. found every thing in commotion owing to a telegraph despatch being rec^d from Washington ordering us to go immediately

left accordingly for a cruise in search of the "Vermont" (at 11am Sunday 2^nd) Receiving Ship which had got adrift from Boston Harbour going seaward without masts or rudder, cruising all week following but without success.

Tuesday 4^th wind blowing a gale high sea, continuing for some time. 2 p.m. Wednesday came up with~~out~~ a wreck, a schooner the "Idyll" of Halifax, with a general cargo from Philadelphia, been drifting for 7 days with her bowsprit, masts & rudder all gone, at the mercy of wind & sea, took the Captain & crew aboard after considerable risk owing to the high sea.

Sat 8^th 7am spoke the "San Jacinto" on the same errand. after that we steered for Boston where we arrived at 4 p.m. & the "San Jacinto" at 8 p.m. Commenced coaling ship

continuing all night, at 10am Sunday rec^d a dispatch from Washington ordering us to sea immediately, destination a secret, but judging from preparations which are going on all around we are evidently to see some work ere long. drilling the crew at the big guns every day & putting things into ship shape.

13^th off Cape Charles evidently making for Fortress Monroe at 9-30am cast anchor off the Fort where to our surprise & vexation that we had not been here a week sooner we learned of an engagement having taken place Sat^y & Sunday previous in which we had lost the 50 gun frigate "Congress" & sloop 30 gun "Cumberland". the "Roanoke", "Minnesota" & "Mystic" disabled, & other smaller vessels, nearly 400 men lost & missing

a most disastrous affair for us & had it not been for the timely arrival of Ericssons floating battery the "Monitor", the "Minnesota" would have been lost. at 1 p.m. Sat^y the "Merrimac", frigate covered from stem to stern with iron came down along with the "Jamestown" "Yorktown" & "Patrick Henry", up which a most fierce engagement took place continuing for 4 hours. Commencing again 8½ Sunday morn the "Monitor" engaging the M— alone & after a short fight succeeding in driving her off. both of them having a very heavy armament it was doubtful for a time which would have the best, iron clad against ironclad, often being within 30 & 40 yards of each other.

12^th 9 a.m. a report that the "Merrimac" & a gunboat were coming round Sewall's Point which for a time put us in expectation of a muss, but after making every ~~expectat~~ thing in preparation for a fight they appeared to be going back.

13^th 2 a.m. another alarm raised steam & beat to quarters, but turned in again at 4 a.m. 9 a.m. the "San Jacinto" arr^d from Boston. A French frigate also, & H.B.M. warship "Rinaldo".

Sunday 16^th everything quiet. general muster at 120 a.m. General quarters 4 to 5 p.m. writing letters to Letty, W. Moss & Freckⁿ Brooklyn.

18^th Wrote M^r Simpson, Cooper U. Recd 2 Manch^r papers from L—.

19^th Several schooners came in early morn laden with horses for the troops, hay & stores.

by 7 p.m. 12 steamers had arrived having in tow upwards of 30 schooners. a heavy gale springing up during the night several got adrift one heavily laden barge came near running foul of us. soon as the fog cleared away next morn we found 3 schooners & a steamer ashore & the barge had drifted within ¾ of a mile of Sewall's Point & strange to say 2 small tugboats succeeded in recovering her without the Rebels interfering with them at all. the impression is that they have evacuated the point as no flag has been visible for several days. probably removed their guns from there to some other more important & stronger position.

20^th Wet & gloomy all day. The fog bell on shore pealing forth its most doleful tones all the time. The night promising to be as disagreeable as ever. Wrote to M^rs Hammond & M^r Wright to day & enclosed a card to Warren Hyde.

20^th Wrote M^r Wright

21^st Wrote & enclosed a card for Oscar C. Lewis, "Rhode Island".

23^rd Rec^d valentine from Letty & a letter. Letter from Father 2 papers from L. Wrote G. Burnapp. 23

24^th run alongside the lightship to coal. Gunboat "Victoria" arr^d from New York. met with the 2 slaves that we picked up on our first cruise looking quite smart, now on board the lighter.

27^th Rec^d letter from Father, M^rs Hammond, M^rs Burnapp, M^r Wright, M^r Simpson.

28^th Letter from Letty & M^r Moss. Letter from Lewis "Rhode Island". wrote Letty & Jas. D. Wilson, N.York. Troops still pouring in from the "Potomac". To day exercising the crew, firing at a target 2 miles distant. Enclosed a card for M^r Wilson.

March 28^th Weather very fine & pleasant, several thousand troops arr^d exercising the big guns to day at a target 2 miles distant.

30^th had service to day, prayers read by Lieut Franklin. Gen^l M^cClellan & Vice President arr^d, saluted by the Fort.

{wrote Letty & enclosed this card

{wrote M^r Wilson & enclosed my card 29^th

30^th wrote Father & Martha via Uncle Brim^r

Ap 1^st wrote a letter & sent a card to M^rs Kelley.

Wrote & rec^d one from W. Moss sent 30 dollars.

Rec^d letter from home, 4^th

Sunday April 7^th

A glorious morning, had service on deck 10 a.m. after which a boat left for the mails, rec^d a letter from

Father & a paper from L. several steamers arr^d laden with troops & others left for Yorktown, a report having arrived that the "Merrimac" was coming down, a bright lookout was kept up all day, 12 o'clock a steamer was seen behind Sewall's Point reconnoitering remaining there for a couple of hours, left again, several hundred troops were seen along the beach upon which they commenced shelling 8am from the "Rip Raps".

The Rebel gunboat "Frazer" came down off Newport News & shelled the hospital ship.

8^th Arrival of the "Rhode Island". a report through contrabands that the "Merrimac" is ready for action. later in the day she came off Craney Island and 6 small gunboats.

9^th One of our men put in irons for using Secession language. a furious gale blowing since Sunday night.

sent 30$ dollars to M^r Freckⁿ

April 10^th Rec^d a letter from L & F. sent one to N—. The gale still continues.

April 11. at sunrise the gale having ceased, before the mist had cleared away, a signal gun was fired & on looking towards Sewall's Point we beheld several dark looking objects just emerging from the fog, all hands were beat to quarters & the ship cleared for action, on they came almost within shot, every man of us thinking a bloody day was in store for us all. The Rebel Fleet consisting of the "Merrimac" "Yorktown" & "Jamestown", accompanied by several small gunboats, came to a stop & maneuvered considerably evidently trying & expecting to be able to entice us out towards the Point, one of the tugboats succeeded in turning off with 2 more morphydite brigs laden with mules

but the "Monitor" having express orders to let them fire the first shot, they got away clear. they cruised around all day untill 4 p.m. when the "Merri^c" fired a shot at the "Monitor" which fell short & was answered quickly from a water battery, their shot going considerably beyond the Rebel fleet. several shots were exchanged until dusk when they retired towards Norfolk.

everything was done to provide against surprise for the night but the night being clear & moonlight it passed away without anything occurring

12^th at sunrise the 2 French men of war got up up steam & left leaving [?] an English frigate anchored off Newport News. At 8-30 the flagship "Minnesota" fired a signal

gun & signalled for the fleet to prepare for action which was promptly answered by the whole fleet consisting of "San Jacinto", "Dacotah", "Seminole", "Sebago", "Vanderbilt", "Ericsson", "P[?]troon" & several small gunboats.

10 a.m. a dense smoke is seen behind the Point but no signs of the "Merrimac" yet. The weather is very pleasant tho' the air is some what cold & sharp, but just such as we could wish.

a number of Rebels have been busy on the Point to day, an occasional steamer making her appearance, but no signs of her, the M. yet

6 p.m. a report has just come in from shore that the M is aground, which I doubt for several reasons. I trust a bright lookout will be kept to prevent a surprise in the night, as she will probably endeavour to run the blockade & along with the "Jamestown" & "Yorktown" steer for Yorktown.

Sunday night. All quiet to day not the least indications of the rebels or their fleet. weather fine but cold & chilly atmosphere.

April 18^th Wrote M^r Burnapp. sent a couple of papers to L. All quiet yet. A salute fired from the French frigate which was answered by the Fort, after which the frigate went up to Norfolk.

Sat 26^th Nothing transpired the past week excepting that the Sewall's Point batteries & the "Rip-Raps" exchanged a number of shots last Saturday night.

The new ironclad sloop "Galena" arrived, being towed by the "Baltic" yesterday, & anchored below the Fort to day they are taking out her masts, rec^d a letter from F— enclosing one from Letty

in answer to mine acknowledging the receipt of parcel.

27^th Wrote to M^r Wright. Weather cold & disagreeable, with rain

Wrote a letter to Letty to go by the ("City of New York".)

The "St Lawrence" arr^d from Phil^a.

28^th General order read on the quarter deck from Sec of Navy prohibiting all officers from giving information respecting movements of vessels or any other information touching Naval matters to any of their correspondents or friends.

29^th "Merrimac" again appeared along with several gunboats off Craney Island

Wrote M^r Moss.

30^th Rec^d a great quantity of steel pointed solid shot for our 10in gun News arr^d of the capture of New Orleans.

May 1^st Wrote M^r F— & M^r Wright enclosing 5 dollars for some cards &c enclosed my gold pen.

May 2^nd Heavy incessant firing all day in the direction of Yorktown.

3^rd A steamer signalled off Sewall's Point. Rec^d a letter from M^rs Hammond. wrote M^r Cole for a service dress coat.

4^th Sunday morn. very heavy firing in the direction of Yorktown all night. Had general muster this morn, prayers read by M^r. Franklin. rec^d telegraphic news of the evacuation of Yorktown which was rec^d ~~which~~ with much cheering by the whole fleet. immediately after the "Merrimac" was signalled she came down below the Point & lay there untill 4 p.m. when she left for Norfolk.

5^th No signs of the M to day wrote to Mother & W^m today rec^d a letter from M^r Wright.

6^th a salute of 21 guns fired from the Fort in honour of the arrival of the President & suite.

they visited the "Galena", "Rip Raps", & "Monitor", & on visiting the flagship, the lookout reported the "Merrimac" again coming down.

A Norwegian steam corvette arr^d Thursday 8^th 6 a.m. expecting an engagement today. Saw a Rebel tug coming towards us as the "Galena", "Port Royal" & "Aroostook" were proceeding up James River, proved to be a runaway from Norfolk, reporting the evacuation of N— & destruction of property. a movement of the fleet was determined upon. 10 a.m. the Captain was telegraphed to come ashore & on his returning at 11-15 the cry was "all hands up anchor" at 11-30 we along with the "San Jacinto" "Seminole" & "Susquehanna" preceded by the "Monitor". 11-45 commenced shelling the Sewall's Point batteries which was kept up for nearly 3 hours. nearly the whole of

them were silenced. at 2-30 a dense black smoke was seen up the river & very soon the "Merrimac" was seen approaching us, lively. the "Monitor" lay a short distance ahead, the batteries being silenced & not having sufficient room to maneuver the fleet in case the M—made an attack the flagship signalled us to retire which we did & cast anchor betwixt the wharf & Newport News as guard ship with the "Monitor" alongside. report that several thousand men are to land on Willoughby Point & proceed in the rear of Norfolk

9^th Taking in stores, coal, shot, shell, &c. 7 a.m. the "Rip Raps" opened fire upon the Point which was returned at intervals. The "Monitor" also went up & opened fire upon the Point thinking to entice the "Merrimac" from under the Craney Island batteries but unsuccessful she returned. several Captains sent for ashore, something important evidently on

the tapis. Report tonight that the "Galena" & her consorts met the Rebel fleet "Yorktown", "Jamestown", & "Patrick Henry" up James River, & sunk & destroyed. report also that the G— is sent for to proceed with us up Eliz^h River to Norfolk. Wrote a short note to M^r Freckⁿ New York requesting no more letters except being sent for, wrote a note & enclosed it for Letty in case of accident to me.

10^th passed a restless night, momentarily expecting orders to proceed somewhere but morning dawned & everything quiet up to 6 a.m. when the "Rip Raps" opened fire upon Sewall's Point which was returned, kept up for a couple of hours. Troops being landed on W— Point all morning.

3 p.m. report that our troops are proceeding to Norfolk a large fire observed in that direction. "Merrimac" still quiet off the Point.

7 p.m. Fire still raging over Norfolk. a bright light observed over Pig Point probably some rebel beacon.

rec^d some papers from W. Moss.

Sunday 11^th Went on watch at 12 Mid. fire still raging over Norfolk. everything quiet around untill a few minutes before 3 a.m. when several flashes were observed a little below Sewall's Point. at 3 a.m. a fire broke out which seemed to burn with great fierceness. reported by the officer of the deck to be on Craney I. but from its figure I believed it to be the "Merrimac", a supposition which proved to be correct. 3-50 several slight explosions, apparently the guns were being discharged by the intense heat. 4-20 fire still raging, several more explosions, the mist having cleared away the figure of the object was more discernible, it was evident to everyone that it was the "Merrimac" the explosion of the magazine was now momentarily expected.

The flames were seen to shoot out of every port & from under the heaves of the house & through the top of the smoke stack. at 5 a.m. exactly an immense mass of material, with smoke & flame & blazing masses were seen to shoot away up in the air for ¾ of a mile in height accompanied with a sound similar to a long heavy peal of thunder, all the men & officers being already on deck watching the progress of the fire, the Captain sang out to cheer ship which we did with a will. We telegraphed the flagship & immediately rec^d orders to follow the "Susquehanna" she being gotten under way together with the "Seminole" "San Jacinto" "Monitor" "Naugatuck" & "Monticello" we proceeded in line to Sewall's Point, found the place entirely deserted but a vast number of guns again mounted we raised the Stars & Stripes & proceeded

towards Craney Island but got into shoal water which detained us for a couple of hours. All hands were beat to quarters as the Rebel flags were discovered still flying, but on arriving abreast of the batteries at 10-30 they were found deserted the Stars & Stripes were hoisted & cheered by each vessel, all going well a retreat was beat at 11 o'clock when we arrived off the Marine Hospital, where a great number of the inhabitants lined both sides of the river cheering us heartily. we all cast anchor before the city at 11-30. The "Monitor", "Naugatuck", "Mount Vernon" were sent back to the Roads. The "Geo Washington" arrived with Gen Wool & staff aboard. Now the city is in entire possession of the National troops, the last of the Rebels having left by the 5 o'clock train last night, our troops arriving at noon.

12^th moved down from our anchorage off the city towards Craney Island where we cast anchor & hoisted the guard flag.

13^th at general quarters 4 a.m. very heavy firing in the direction of Fortress Monroe for near 3 hours.

Wrote M^rs Hammond, M^r Freckⁿ & M^r Moss. Weather splendid.

15^th Wrote M^r Wright & sent 3 rebel papers. The British gunboat "Rinaldo" coming up to N—stuck on the piles that extend across the river & in attempting to get off her cable got foul of her propeller.

17^th 7 a.m. weighed anchor & along with the "Susquehanna" steamed down the river met with the "Wachusett", "Port Royal" off Newport News, passed the wreck of the "Cumberland" & "Congress", the "Cumberland" laying on her side with her masts out of water, started up James River at 10 a.m. the W. S. R. P., S. & D—. The "Dacotah" leading the way.

passed several batteries apparently deserted, one of them

still flying the Rebel flag. fired several shots but meeting with no response we landed a boat crew & hauled down the flag & spiked their guns, after which we came to the Roads again & coaled ship during night; at 10-30 got under way for New Orleans with despatches for Commodore Farragut (Rumour.) rec^d a letter from M^r Wright

The "Naugatuck" burst a gun killing 14 men. Rumor'd that the "Galena" got ashore under the rebel batteries on a bluff, a number of men killed, vessel badly injured, receiving 13 shots through her sides.

25^th Arr^d at Key West last night but not obtaining a pilot we lay out untill morn. 7am Sunday came alongside a coal schooner & commenced coaling ship, on board all day. Men at work on engine. The brig "Bainbridge" & frigate "St Lawrence" came in with a prize Mississippi steam boat.

The "Niagara" "R. R. Cuyler" & "Baltic" here. the B— just arr^d bound north sent a paper & letter to L— & a letter for W. Moss.

A gale blowing and a very heavy sea running at 10 a.m. at 11am we were obliged to put to sea, at 12-15. Monday 26^th/62.

27^th

Saw the Southern Cross last night; passed Tortugas light at 8 p.m. last night. 5 a.m. a very heavy rain squall carried away our main trysail

29^th Entered the Mississippi River at 6 a.m. At 10 a.m. passed by Forts Jackson & Philip & several wrecks of steam gunboats. The "Varuna" laying with her bow out of water. had a pleasant run up the river, passed a many sugar plantations some deserted & others in full employment. Some very lovely residences on the shore but not a soul to be seen

the neighbourhood, except slaves. arrived off New Orleans at 7-30 p.m. went ashore 2pm on Friday 30^th

Left again for the north at 11 a.m. left the river at 6-30 p.m. on the 2^nd June.

Arr^d at Key West 4-30 June 5^th

Coaling ship, "Susquehanna", "San Jacinto", "Mercedita", "Santiago de Cuba", "Potomac" & several other Govern^t vessels here enroute for Mobile which place is to be attacked on the 21^st

2^nd June

A furious gale blowing outside we were obliged to lie to for 30 hours. a strong gale blowing for several days.

12^th Stopped off Fortress Monroe at 2-30, sent a letter to M^r F & Moss left for Norfolk at 3 p.m. Flagship & "Seminole" lying there & B. corvette "Jason".

Commenced overhauling engines & boilers finished on 17^th

Went ashore. visited Norfolk, Portsmouth & Gosport Navy Yard. brought a veritable piece of the "Merrimac" away by permission

18^th Wrote to Letty & Martha.

20^th The B. corvette "Jason" & the flagship "Minnesota" fired a national salute in honour of the day. the Ascension of Queen V— to the Royal Throne.

22^nd Went ashore. attended the Baptist Church morning. To Episcopal Church evening. Freemason [?] Norfolk.

23^rd sent a letter to L— & enclosed a letter home with papers.

Rec^d box, books &c from M^r Burnapp. 100 West 25^th

3 a.m. 29^th got under way for Fortress Monroe there to await a fleet of supply vessels to convoy them to City Point up James River for the Army.

9 a.m. The fleet having rendezvoused at Newport News, we hoisted the signal to get under way, unfortunately 3 of the vessels got aground which delayed us some. 3 p.m. arrived off Jamestown where we cast anchor there to await the fleet. Jamestown or the island of the same name is of considerable interest, as being the first settlement by the Europeans, and the scene of several incidents connected with the history of Pocahontas, daughter of Powhattan, of Captain Smith's rescue of by Pocahontas. The town is now occupied by only a few white people & a number of slaves, the remains of the old church is still to be seen a short distance from the banks of the river, the mouth of the Chickahominy

about 2 miles distant.

At 1 p.m. the gunboat "Jacob Bell" arrived from City Point enroute for Chickahominy River, reports unfavorable news from Richmond & an intended attack by night upon Williamsburg by 30,000 troops Com^d by Stonewall Jackson to cut off the retreat of M^cClellan. the Rebel forces at the same time to concentrate their forces up M^cClellan's centre. The "Monitor" & "Galena" & "Port Royal" expected up to night. 10 p.m. a tug arrived from City Point having in tow the cigar shaped submarine [?] for blowing vessels up & confirming the unwelcome news of Mac's difficulties.

Sunday 30^th "Jacob Bell" left 6 a.m. for the Chickahominy. all quiet; still at anchor waiting orders from up the river as to our destination. 11 a.m. a tug arrived from the Fort with shot & stores for the "Clifton" 12 Merid.

all quiet apparently up the river.

July 1^st 5 a.m. raised steam & left our anchorage off Jamestown Island our convoy following us, arriving some 10 miles below City Point we met the gunboat ~~Clifton~~ "Southfield" to whom we left in charge of our convoy & returned to Norfolk & immediately left again for the river in company with the "Wachusett" to more effectually destroy the batteries at Day's Point & Harden's Bluff, having finished on the evening of July 5^th we returned again to Norfolk, having bursted & destroyed upwards of 30 very fine cannon Dahlgren 100# rifles & smooth bores, & blown up all their casemates & magazines about 500# of powder in each of 2 magazines.

July 4^th At anchor off Norfolk, at 12 Meridian. The flagship "Minnesota" fired a National salute of 34 guns in honour of the day. 4 p.m. another pilot came aboard from the flagship & some dispatches supposed that we are to go up the James River again to cover M^cClellan's left wing which now rests upon the river

Sad news from M^cClellan before R^d today, report of his having lost in 7 hours hard fighting 5,000 prisoners, 15 000 killed & missing, the rebels reported to have over 30,000 killed, our troops having got their guns (upwards of 100) into good position raked the enemy who charged & recharged upon them with grape, shell & canister shot for upwards of 5 hours. the fight being from all reports one of the most severe & hotly contested battles on record from the number of men & guns

July 5^th got under way at 3-30 p.m. Commo^e Goldsborough having transferred his pennant from the M— accompanied us. stopped at Fortress Monroe. left at 5 p.m. for Jas' River, went as far as Jamestown where we anchored for the night at 3-40 a.m.

Sunday July 6^th got under way for City Point leaving the "Wachusett" at Jamestown we proceeded slowly up the river, passed Fort Powhattan, there the river narrows considerably both sides

(for 2 or 3 miles) of the river being very high a bluff of some 40 feet high. a splendid place for batteries, a chance that will probably not be lost by the rebels some of the next days.

We proceeded safely untill arriving off Harrison's shoals when we unfortunately got ashore the tide going out at the time left us aground for the night. at high water after lighting her we got her off (& proceeded up as far as Harrison's Landing now the scene of great excitement owing to the encampment of M^cClellan's army, which is now laying on the banks to recruit after the fearful ordeal of that it had passed through during the past week at 10 p.m.)

Lay off H's Landing untill the morn of the 9^th when the president arr^d & immediately after got under way for the Fort again but only succeeded in reaching Hog Island where we

again ran aground at 2 p.m. & had to wait for high water 6 p.m. got her afloat again & cast anchor for the night. at Midnight a tug came alongside with Comm^e Wilkes on board, reported that he is to relieve Comm Golds^b of the James River fleet. returned to Norfolk at 10 a.m. 10^th

Lay at Norfolk untill the 21^st when we recd orders to proceed up James River to join Comm^re Wilkes' fleet, wrote a letter to L— rec^d one on the 19^th. left Norfolk at 5 a.m. 22^nd for the James River but getting aground off Hog Island again had to lie for the night

23^rd 5 a.m. got underway again for H's Landing where we arr^d at 10-30am found the "Wachusett" (flagship) ~~and~~ a number of gunboats & a great quantity of transports & schooners at anchor here, the position of our army being much the same as when we left, no engagement having since taken place

26^th sent two papers to L— , picked up a contraband this morn. News that the rebel line of pickets extend down the river banks on both sides of us. that 3 ironclad batteries are below Fort Darling ready to engage us at the same time the troops engage M^cClellan, one of them "Merrimac" No 2 is supposed to be stronger & more serviceable than the former M—

2 a.m. The rebels put off from shore under cover of the darkness & set fire to a schooner & carried off her crew whilst laying within ½ mile of the "Wachusett".

29^th Wrote W. Moss for some pills being sick from neuralgia for several days rec^d a sketch of "Merrimac" No 2 from a mechanic who had worked upon her & had escaped. Rec^d a staff paper from L—

27^th Sunday Took dinner in the Ward Room with M^r Peltz, Chief Eng^r

29^th Wrote M^r Wright & Frecketⁿ The "Port Royal", "Tioga" "Wachusett", "Jacob Bell", "Sonoma" & "Delaware" came up & anchored alongside

our men engaged all day securing our iron cable alongside to protect our boilers & machinery this morn a boat came alongside with 3 contrabands, they having escaped from 25 miles from above Richmond. Rec^d a letter from M^rs Hammond.

July 31^st At 12 Midnight to 1-30 a.m. next day some Rebels from opposite Harrison's Landing opened upon our fleet thinking to set fire to the transports & supply ships & after firing rapidly for 30 or 40 minutes killing 4 & wounding several men & horses our gunboats got their guns to bear upon them & soon dispersed them. had a false alarm next day, a rebel gunboat came down off City Point to reconnoiter, report from shore that the "Richmond" & 2 or 3 ironclads were coming down to attack us. Made every preparation but saw nothing more of them.

Sunday Aug 3^rd The "Port Royal" & 2 small tugboats went up the river on a reconnaissance heard considerable firing up the river

several flags of truce passing to & from City Point, 4 p.m. a tug boat went up & the batteries opened fire upon it. The "Galena" got under way at once & proceeded up the river giving them a good broadside which they returned but did not do any damage.

Rec^d a letter from Freck with a note from Letty, Father, W^m & Martha, sent 2 papers home & letter to Wilson J. D. Spring Mills, Centre County, Penna.

6^th Rec^d a letter from Lewis & one from Walter. M. several steamers arr^d bringing 3000 Rebel prisoners to City Point & returning with our troops from Richmond.

The "Galena" & "Port Royal" gone up the river, 15,000 men advanced upon Malvern Hill 8 miles up, the "Southfield" ashore under the rebel batteries.

7^th 25,000 more men advanced from the rendezvous here

8^th Burnside gone up from Fortress Monroe to the Rappahannock with 80,000 men. 60,000 men called out by the President. the gunboat "Port Royal" & "Galena" returned from up the river, 7 p.m. the "Port Royal" left again for some place above City Point.

9^th Rec^d a letter from Freck. Weather very hot & sultry Thermom^° 7 a.m. 134° on the "Monitor", "Galena" 124° "Dacotah" 116°

11^th sent a paper to Letty. orders to wear crape for 6 mo. in memory of Ex-President van Buren, minute guns fired during the day & a full salute at sunset, flags at half mast.

Report of a battle between Stonewall Jackson & Pope, no particulars.

Aug 13^th wrote to M^r Courliss for an overcoat. Troops, stores &c, all leaving the Landing for the Rap-

pahannock to join Burnside, &c. a great number of the gunboats leaving also. A court martial holden today upon the Capt. of the "Currituck" for disobedience of orders. Weather very pleasant. The "Galena" left for the upper part of the river.

sent 2 papers to L— & one home.

7^th Went on board the "Monitor" 2 p.m.

5 p.m. the gunboat "Port Royal" & "Galena" returned. Wrote a letter to L— rec^d a small photograph of the M— from Moore.

Capt. Jefferts of the M— relieved by Stevens.

18^th Went on board the "Port Royal" to see O. C. Lewis returned at sunset. a number of Rebel Cavalry on either side of the river. Wrote Letty up to 17^th

24^th Sunday All quiet during the past week. To day M^r White of the "Colorado" now of the "Monitor" came aboard. M^cNavy of the "Housatonic", "Olmstead" married & probably resigned.

Wrote M^r Burnapp. 2 men from secesh came aboard.

27^th Wrote

Sent 3 papers to L— all the gunboats &c left the river for operations on the other side of the peninsula. Army signals officers came aboard from the "Port Royal"

28^th Weighed anchor & along with the "Monitor", "Galena", "Wachusett" & 2 or 3 smaller gunboats stood up the river as far as Turkey Bend where we anchored. shortly afterwards we rec^d our mails & with them despatches ordering us all down the river.

29^th 2 a.m. The W— got adrift from her moorings & swung round & got foul of us injuring us a little. 7 a.m. up anchor & away down the river followed by the rest of the fleet, passing City Point, the Rebel batteries opened up on us but we passed by not thinking them worthy of notice.

7 p.m. arr^d off Newport News, where we cast anchor

30^th off Newport News, the whole fleet rendezvousing here, "Monitor" "Galena" & all of the 12 mortar schooners, a splendid sea breeze all which after being in so unhealthy a place as the City Point is very refreshing. rec^d a letter from Freck.

Sept 2^nd Rec^d 2 boxes of goods from Freck. Com^e Wilkes flotilla left for the Potomac, leaving the "Dakotah", flagship, "Genesee", "Cimarron", "Mahaska", "Morse", "Galena" & "Monitor" under Admiral Goldsborough off Newport News

Sep^r 3^rd put everything in order to receive the Admiral, who came aboard from Norfolk at 11 a.m. Wrote Freck. & Courliss for an overcoat, enclosing 5 dollars.

5^th off Fortress Monroe. preparing for sea. Sent off a package containing piece of "Cumberland" & "Merrimac" 2 shells, photographs of "Monitor"

wrote also to Freck.

6^th sent 3 papers to L & one home.

Wrote Freck & sent a package & 25$ twenty five dollars in money. Went ashore to send them off

5 p.m. Weighed anchor & started for Nassau, [?] leaving the gunboat "Cimarron" to follow, English sloops "Racer" & "Cadmus" off the Fortress

Sunday 7^th Stopped at 8 a.m. off Cape Hatteras to repair engine.

Easy steaming all the following week pleasant weather untill Friday when from that time to Sunday morn very heavy squally weather continuing untill entering the port. Arrived at Nassau Sunday 14^th. H. M. gunboat the "Spiteful" 6 guns at anchor there having lost 2 boats crews & still several cases of yellow fever raging in town for several weeks. 3 Rebel steamers in port, visible from deck. "Kate", "Leopard" & another. The former having arrived just before we

from Charleston, 2 or 3 hours after we arrived a schooner came in bearing English colours, but on passing by us she hoisted the Secesh flag & entered the harbour. The English steamer "Peter Hoff" also here.

We took in a small quantity of coal & left for Nassau on the

16^th at 12 Meridian, very pleasant run to Key West, made Sombrero Light at 10-30 p.m. on the 17^th & arrived at Key West at 8am on the

18^th where we let go the anchor alongside the flagship "St Lawrence" found the yellow fever in its worst form raging on board & ashore. Wrote a letter to Courliss, Freck, & enclosed it to M^r Moss enclosing a note for Letty. Wrote also to Father, enclosing a letter for W^m & one for John.

Sunday 21^st At work all day on repairs. sent off letters by steamer "Mary Boardman" from Pensacola.

23^rd ashore to purchase clothing. fever very bad. left at 5 p.m. for Havana. Wrote to F & enclosed a note for L— sent 2 papers also for L.

24^th Taken sick of the yellow fever at Nassau, N.P.

25^th very sick all day

26^th worse. gave monies &c with [?] to Perry's hands for safe keeping.

Jan 26^th 1864 "Metacomet"

Left the Navy Yard at 3-30 p.m. and run down to the lightship off Staten Island anchored for the night to adjust our compasses. Wrote to W. Moss, M^rs Eames & home. Weather pleasant but cool & refreshing.

27^th got under weigh at 9-30 a.m. & run down to Sandy Hook Point, made fast to the buoys to adjust our compass, passed a Cunard steamer 1 p.m. bound in. Wrote Freck & Miss Evan, rec^d letter from Lewis.

28^th weighed anchor & left at 8-30 a.m. weather very pleasant, smooth sea light wind abeam. Engine running well but boilers badly. Saturation 2¼ & 2¾

29^th Weather mild. calm. sea smooth, approaching Hatteras. Engine running smoothly but boilers steaming very poorly. Making but moderate speed, should have passed Hatteras this morn but don't expect to pass there before night. 3 p.m. visited the engine room & found saturation near by 2, after putting the assts on double watch, the previous ~~watch~~ night twas 2¾ & 2 3/8. I being on duty 8 to 12 a.m. found the feed very salt probably from condenser tubes being burst by the port when in New York, as the water being left in

when condenser was open 'twas one mass of ice. Cautioned the engineer who relieved me against allowing the saturation to rise above 1¾, but the word was not passed & the watch from 12 to 4pm did not take the density, nor the watch following until I relieved him for supper when I asked him to try it & he found it to be 2 3/8 & 2¾ reported the same to the Chief & he put them in double watches. spoke the "Prometheus" 3pm for N.Y.

Sat 30^th Passed Hatteras about 9 last night. stopped occasionally to sound, stopped at 2pm to pick up a bale of cotton & log of mahogany off Wilmington a schooner in the distance & fancied we saw a steamer also but missed her again. Calm, smooth sea, engine working better. 6 to 8pm passing Charleston, splendid evening sea calm & smooth.

Sunday Jan 31^st Weather very fine, light rolling sea. calm Stopped at 9 a.m. to cut a rivet out on acct of blow valve out of order. got under weigh again at 12 M. 3 p.m. sail ho! on the port bow.

Feb 1^st running down from off Charleston steering off shore for the track of the Wilmington blockade runners

Feb 2^nd 5 a.m. Came up with the "Tioga" she having chased an English steamer the previous day, thought we were a Rebel St^r & at daylight in attempting to cross our bow we run into her st^d wheel house disabling her for some time. we took her in tow steering for A[?] I^d at 2 p.m. she got her engine running, 5 p.m. we cast her loose & left her. we heading for Key West. Weather clear calm smooth sea 10 p.m. running along very well.

3^rd Running along pleasantly, head wind & sea, expect to make Key West 8 a.m.

Feb 4^th Arrived at Key West 10-20 a.m. sloop of war "Dale", "Huntsville", "Hendrick Hudson", "Conemaugh" in the harbour. went to church Sunday morn. went aboard the "Tioga" to see Hopper & M^cNamara, undergoing repairs.

Tuesday Morn the "De Soto" came in with a prize, the "Cumberland" from Havana for Mobile or elsewhere.

at noon the "Conemaugh" came down with the current & run into

our bow, carrying his guards & part of his wheel house away.

Wednesday 10^th The "M^cClellan", "Bermuda" & "De Molay" arr^d, the B— bound for Phil^a wrote Lewis, Eames, Freck, Moss, Scott & sent a paper home.

Thursday 11^th wrote Stivers.

" 15 " Brooks Chief Eng^r

" 16 Called on Miss Alder^e & spent the evening Messenger, M^cNamara, & Manley.

17^th wrote M^r Eames for cards, coaling ship, got through repairs & raised steam.

16^th Called upon M^r Hopper on the prize steamer "Cumberland", on M^cNamara "Tioga", & spent the evening at Miss Alderslade's. The "San Jacinto" came in, saw Jones & Welles, in the evening dancing &c on the "Meta^t" left on the morning of the 18^th 10 o'clock, sea running very high, wind freshening. by 9 p.m. blowing a gale. Carried away our foretop mast & tiller rope, lay in the trough of the sea for some time until steering apps on deck could be put in order. 3-30 p.m. passed Tortugas on our stb^d

19^th blowing hard all day, sea very rough, engine laboring very heavily.

20^th heavy weather cont^d

21^st Sunday, approaching the Mississippi, 12 Midnight crossed the bar S.W. Pass, weather calm & clear

22^nd Monday 4 a.m. arrived at the Fort Jackson. 36 or 38 miles from the mouth of the river having had a 4 ½ to 5 knot current against us. Steamed up to the city where we arrived at 3 p.m. the "Katahorn", "Pembina", "Pensacola", "Seminole" & several Miss ironclads laying off there.

27^th sent several papers to W. Moss & M^r & Miss Eames, to M^r Southwick & wrote M^r Frecketton & Moss. went to theatre with Colin.

March 1^st Tuesday, left New Orleans at 3-30 p.m. let go the anchor 65 miles down the river at 7-20 on account of the darkness of the night. Machinery performed very well coming down, except the steam piston appears to leak at the bottom end. Rec^d a circular & letter. Memorial of the Asst. Eng^r to the Sec^y of Navy.

2^nd got under way again at day light. steered for Dauphin Id. crossed the bar at 9 a.m. anchored at 7 p.m.

3^rd got under way at 9 a.m. for Mobile where we arrived at 10-20

got under way again in the afternoon & anchored almost in range of Fort Morgan with the "Sebago". The "Albatross", "Richmond", "Lackawanna", "Monongahela", "Penguin", "Pinola", "Port Royal" & "Hartford" laying there.

Left on the 4^th for Pensacola for coal, arr^d on the 5^th at 9 a.m. coal'd & left at 2-30 for St. Marks [?] bay

Made St Marks Dog Id Lighthouse at 10-30 the "Aveda" laying there on blockade.

"Tahoma" came in at 11-20.

left at 3-20 p.m. Sunday 6^th for Pensacola weather being very fine.

wrote Montgomery & Lewis.

Arrived off Navy Yard Pensacola at 11 a.m. 7^th Monday made fast to wharf at 4 p.m. & went ashore & met J. M. Faulk.

Repaired, coal'd & left the wharf but very heavy weather setting in we lay at anchor for the night. weather very stormy, wind blowing hard all night.

Weighed anchor at 8 a.m. & left for our station off Mobile March 18^th

March at anchor off Mobile.

sea running very high, wind blowing hard all night. "Penguin", "Albatross", "Monongahela", "Oneida", "Port Royal" & "Richmond" at anchor there.

wrote Miss E & W.M. 20^th

25^th in the Miss sound off Fort Powell. Letters from home E & Miss Ward.

26 wrote Colin, Burnapp, North & Lewis.

26 6 p.m. the "Cowslip" ashore, run up nearer the Fort to protect & assist her.

enclosed a note for Martha in North's letter.

30^th Wrote Simpson, M^cNamara. Letter from Furman and paper from Miss E. Letter to F. & paper home.

returned to our station off Mobile, lay at anchor in the ship channel. A heavy northwester blowing all night. ship rolling very heavily all night.

April 3^rd Sunday Weather fine, smooth sea, laying at anchor off Fort Morgan, waiting for our relief the "Sebago" to enable us to go to Pensacola for coal.

5^th Pensacola, coaling ship, Paper from Miss E. Wrote Jones, San Jac, & Freck.

10^th left Pensacola for Mobile with the "Eugenia" she having 6 miles start of us. both bound for the flagship off Mobile, beat her 1½ miles. Letter from W. Moss & Montgomery. Wrote Freck & Cobb.

15^th A blockade runner S.W. steamer ashore under F.M. ship'd anchor & ran down for the flagship ("Oneida" Capt. LeRoy.) but not allowed to shell her.

16^th a large American steamer ashore below the Fort the "Mother of Havana" spoke the flagship same result. the ram appeared outside the fort.

Wrote Miss E. & sent a N.O. paper home.

Making a drawing of ventilator for dep^t

25^th rec^d paper from Southwick & several from Lewis & Miss E

27^th Stationed to night in Swash Channel, sent a picket boat out.

28 arrived at Pensacola for coal left at 3 p.m. for off shore blockade station 30 to 40 miles east of Pensacola

29^th Cruising around slowly all day, still off shore Pensacola light bearing N.W. 12 or 15 miles. Cruised around for several days seeing nothing except the "Hendrick Hudson", cruising, returned to Pensacola for coal &c on the

4^th May. left on the 6^th for Mobile, hearing that the "Danby" & "Austin" had run the blockade again & had been in Havana 10 days. Letter from Scott.

7^th took our station in the Swash Channel. saw a steamer at dark approaching the Fort probably a blockade runner. Called all hands at 10-50 p.m. our picket having signalled a steamer running out, double smoke stack S.W. the "Richmond" fired two guns at her but the night being very dark she escaped the "Conemaugh", "Penguin" & "Kennebec" giving chase. Letters from L, Lewis, Bomer & paper from Moss.

Sunday night 8^th a sloop ran out past the "Conemaugh".

14^th papers from Moss & E. with letter from Walter. wrote Walter enclosed 10 dollars 13^th date of C—wrote Stivers 51 Laight St.

17^th Heavy firing from Fort Gaines last 12 Mid. weighed anchor & stood in at 4 a.m., 6-50 run down to flagship thence to the sound to speak the "Sebago"

Sick. Diarrhea.

June 6^th 2 a.m. sighted a steamer running in, ship'd cable & gave chase, she having put to sea again. 4 a.m. saw her about 6 miles ahead. fired 6 shell at her, the last brought her too, being within about ½ mile ahead, proved to be the "Donegal" formerly the "Austin" com^d by Cap Smith laden with powder & general stores.

June 7^th 2 a.m. sighted another steamer the "Denbigh" but she having hoisted a running light she escaped through the fleet, 5 p.m. the "Donegal" sailed for Phil^a in charge of Prize Master White.

14^th Left Mobile for Pensacola for coal & repairs

sent a letter to M^r E by "Donegal" & letter to Moss & Freck. paper to (Mobile) E. paper to Moss. Box of cigars to M^r Southwick by Stivers "Union".

Letter from Jones. Letter from Worth, Martha, Mon, L. 10 dollars rec^d

June 21^st The "Galena", "Kennebec", "Conemaugh", & "Richmond" arrived for coal. "Pembina" sailed.

24^th "Union" left for N.Y. "Circassian" arrived.

25^th papers from Lewis & C.E. letter from C.

26^th left P— for Mobile with the "Richmond". past the "Ossipee" bound for coal, arrived off Mobile noon.

July 1^st A blockade runner the "Heroine" English steamer from Havana run in last night & got ashore in the Swash about ¾ of a mile from the Fort. 6 a.m. we the "Seminole", "Genesee", "Itasca", "Pembina" & the "Eugenia" ran in & engaged the batteries & commenced firing at the "Heroine" made

some good shots, but at long range 6-30 a sand battery opened on us firing at us & the "Genesee", several shell striking us. 8 o'clock withdrew for breakfast & then went in again. continued at intervals during the day, & Saturday & Sunday. 4-30 Saturday morn July 2^nd went out to sea 10 miles to bury our dead & returned to the engagement.

July 4^th At anchor off the flagship. 11 p.m. went up alongside the wreck & sent boats crews to board & set fire to her. lay for upwards for half an hour within 600 yds of the batteries & ¾ of a mile off Fort Morgan. 12-30 the boats returning under a heavy fire of grape & musketry having fired her at both ends, she burnt for about 2 hours.

July 7^th The "Kate Dale" arrived with Generals Canby & Banks & Commodore Palmer aboard, 2 deserters came aboard, 6 days from Mobile report the "Denbigh", "Liverpool" & St^r "Mary Cading" with cotton.

Letters from C.E. & Miss Ward Phil^a

8^th Wrote Martha & John & C.E. sent two papers. Wrote Lewis, J. E. North sent a paper to J.E.N.

9^th an English steamer ashore

12^th the "Connubial" arrived.

15 News of the sinking of the "Alabama" & capture of Fredericksburg

"Monitor" "Manhattan" arr^d Pensacola

17 wrote W^m Harris, Moss, Freck & L F.

19^th 10 p.m. left Mobile for New Orleans crossed the bar at 6-15am 20^th arrived off the city 3 p.m.

News of the capture of the "Electric Spark" by the "Florida" & sinking of the Locust Point mail steamers.

Taken sick. Diarrhea. 21^st did not get ashore again at N.O.

Left New Orleans again on the 29^th towing the "Chickasaw", western ironclad, took the "Winnebago" from the bar up to Dauphin Id. spoke the flagship on Sunday morn & went back to Ship Isl'd for the "Chickasaw". arrived off Mobile again Monday morn Aug 1^st

Wrote Moss & Miss E. Sunday & wrote Moss again Monday morn Aug 1^st everything promising for a speedy attack. "Monitor" "Tecumseh" & "Eutaw" expected today. Aug 4 Letters from Stivers, Freck, Miss Stetson & Burnapp.

Aug 2^nd "Monitor" "Tecumseh" not arriving as expected we left for Pensacola 3^rd to fill up with coal, &c. & to tow the "Tecumseh" down. arrived at P— 3 p.m. "Tec^h" "Augusta" "Bienville" & "Port Royal" being there.

Aug 4 Left in company with "Bienville" & "Tecumseh" 9-30 a.m. Arrived off Mobile at 4-25 p.m. rec^d orders to prepare for action at 2 a.m. monitors "Chickasaw" "Winnebago" & "Manhattan" engaging Forts M & G occasionally. weather dark & gloomy all hands busy preparing for morning, putting sand bags around boilers & machinery, finished at 11-55. Mailed letters to M^rs E. Walter, Freck & Miss S.

Aug 5^th At 3 a.m. all hands called, had breakfast 3-15, packed up my papers & left my address with Atkins, Nash & Neilds. At daylight ran alongside the "Hartford" & made fast the remainder of the fleet getting ready in pairs. got under way

at 5-30 & formed in line of battle the monitors going inside the fleet, singly, the "Tecumseh" taking the lead followed by the others in line inside the wooden fleet & within 300 to 400 yds of the Fort.

At 6-15 crossed the bar "Brooklyn" taking the lead with the "Tecumseh" & "Octorara"

At 7 Fort Morgan open the fire which was ~~opened~~ answered by the "Brooklyn" & immediately by a broadside from "Hartford" & "Brooklyn" & the action then became general. At this time the "Brooklyn" having to back herself to clear of a large torpedo the "Hartford" & this ship took the lead, accompanied by "Tecumseh" passing from 3 to 500 yds from the Fort, firing shell, grape & canister. At this time the Rebel fleet, 4 in number, viz. "Tennessee" (Rebel ram Comm^d by Flag officer Adml Buchanan) the "Selma", "Gaines", & "Morgan", were all lying directly in front of us delivering a raking fire upon us. At 7-30 the "Tecumseh" 30 yds distant from us was blown up by a torpedo (containing 2500# of powder) & sank rapidly, sent our 3^rd cutter in charge of acting Ensign H. C. Nields who succeeded in saving 10 of her crew &

Pilot Collins & an Ensign. At 7-50 a shell struck us from the "Selma" exploding in ships store room setting fire to the ship in two places, succeeded in putting it out ere much damage was done by the fire. At 8-5 cut loose from the "Hartford" just as a monster torpedo floated between us passing close to our wheel, steamed ahead fast, engaging three of the enemy's gunboats, drove the "Gaines" ashore, disabled the "Morgan", escaping under the fort, & at 9-10 the "Selma" struck her colors after a fight of 50 minutes. in the meantime the fleet succeeded in engaging & capturing the famous ram "Tennessee".

4 p.m. this ship being detailed to carry the wounded & prisoners to Pensacola under a flag of truce we rec^d on board 24 prisoners & 64 wounded from the fleet, including Admiral Buchanan, leg shattered, & Capt Murphy in command of "Selma", arm shattered. 3 of our gunboats gone up the river but in the darkness Rebel vessel "Morgan" escaped.

Aug 6 at daylight got under way. Communicated with Fort Morgan under flag of truce & steered for Pensacola arrived at 11-30

Landed our wounded, &c, Several of whom had died during the night, included Lieut Prentice of "Monongahela"

Aug 7 5-30 a.m. got under way for Mobile. At 11-30 Communicated with Fort Morgan & passed inside, Fort Powell having evacuated & destroyed we received a mail via Miss. sound. wrote Miss E. W.M. & Freck, visited the "Tennessee" & "Hartford". 6-45 p.m. Capt Drayton, Fleet Cap. came aboard & we stood in for Fort Gaines with flag of truce, 8 p.m. he returned with the Commdg Officers of the fort. passed within 200 yds of there, apparently not much damage done to Fort 2 guns dismounted, one of the water battery guns do, & one muzzle broken. had a good view of fort &c a great number of men on the ramparts & at the barracks.

Aug 8^th At 10 a.m. the Rebel flag was hailed down from Fort Gaines & the Stars & Stripes hoisted, all hands aloft to cheer 3 times 3. surrendered unconditionally to Capt. Drayton of the Admls staff. our troops under cover of gunboats took possession found everything in excellent order nothing damaged 860 Rebels chiefly Mobilians would not surrender to Army on acct of there being colored troops & feared retaliation for Fort Pillow Mass^e

Aug 9^th Landing troops in Fort Gaines several small gunboats come through the Pelican Channel drawing 7½ feet. several steamers coming in laden with troops, they were signalled to cross the bay & land them on the Peninsula in the rear of Fort Morgan. commenced landing them under cover of monitors C & W & gunboats. at 10 a.m. the Rebels commenced burning the buildings around the Fort consisting of Hospital, Officers quarters, & barracks also fired the "Gaines", burning all day. 11-20 engagement between monitors, gunboats & Fort Morgan, at 12 a flag of truce went in to demand their surrender but they refused, saying that they intended to have satisfaction first. firing still going on. have landed all our troops & sent off our prisoners 860 to 900 in all. report that we are to have a general engagement in the morning. The "Selma" & "Livermore" firing at the fort also which appeared to enrage them as they directed their fire chiefly at these vessels. The monitors fire was splendid, near every shell exploding in the fort doing good execution. one shell from the fort exploded close to the "Tennessee" throwing the water up 60 feet high.

Aug 10^th Weather very squally. considerable picket firing in the rear of Fort Morgan all night. our troops erecting defenses this morn, having approach within 600 yds of the rear of the fort. The monitors "Chickasaw" & "Manhattan" laying near the fort. 12 noon sent a ~~pilot~~ Masters Mate ashore to Pilot Town for a pilot to take us up to Dog River bar.

Aug 11^th Wrote Lewis. Mail left this a.m. at 9 a.m. got under way for Dog River bar with the "Port Royal" stop'd to pick up 2 refugees & 2 contrabands from Mobile 12 yesterday noon. report that obstructions are being sunk in the river. stop'd off Alabama City sent 3 boats ashore to communicate with the people. as the boats approached the shore the people left their houses in anticipation of the Yankees burning their houses & property but soon came back & generally were very friendly with few exceptions. at 4 p.m. arrived at Dog River bar, found the rebs busy sinking obstructions in the channel under cover of their gunboats &c. they also had a large wrought iron floating battery moored close to the water battery midchannel had a good view of the city. saw the Rebel gunboat "Morgan" alongside the wharf. returned to the fleet 6 p.m. arrived 8 p.m. came in collision with a tugboat near the fleet but we sustained no damage.

Aug 12^th Left 8 a.m. for up the river, arrived off the bar 2 p.m. rebels busy on the bar, sent 3 boats ashore foraging. 5 p.m. went ashore with Sleeper &c. to bury one of Post's children. Pilot of the "~~Tecumseh~~" "Tennessee" anchored off the Point until 4 a.m.

13^th run down to flagship, rec^d mails 8 a.m. Letter from Lewis, E. & C. Papers from L. & C. Adml. Farragut & Staff, Gen. Granger & staff came aboard with signal officers & along with the two western monitors & several gunboats proceeded up the river to Dog River bar. arr^d there at noon & opened fire on the ram "Nashville" & gunboat "Morgan" which was returned from the "Morgan". Considerable excitement in the harbour. up anchor & proceeded down the river leaving all except the "Selma" anchored off the city. arr^d at the fleet 8 p.m. "Manhattan" engaging Fort Morgan.

20^th Letters from L F & Freck papers from Lewis & C. wrote Walter Moss for boots to be sent to New O— by A's Exp, wrote home. sent paper & one to J.E.N. Nothing doing except the bombardment of Fort Morgan commenced at 12 Midnight Saturday. Wrote Stivers.

22 At anchor below the city. Fort Morgan surrendered at 2-30 after a furious bombardment

of 21 hours steady. 600 prisoners.

24^th At anchor off Fort Morgan. Wrote Eames.

25^th Expedition left the ship at 12 noon to buoy the "Tecumseh", after doing which they commenced dragging for torpedoes, found 5, commence dragging them ashore one of which exploded killing 6 men & wounding 12 & one officer, John White Act. Ensign.

26^th Visited Fort Morgan today. found the fort considerably damaged on the south & eastern sides. Several guns (Parapet) dismounted, several others broken by our shot. The officers quarters nearly destroyed, casemates pierced through & pitted with earth from the parapet. took a stroll along the beach & thence a sail up the bay.

29^th Pensacola Navy Yard for coal rec^d papers from Lewis & letter. Surgeons of the "Tennessee" & "Selma" came aboard. letter from A. Pollack Ldsn. on "Admiral".

Sep 4^th At anchor off the city of Mobile. 9-30 a.m. sent in a flag of truce with the two surgeons on parole. wrote Frecketton & sent a paper to Martha & one to W^m Care of Warner Postmaster Ripley. wrote Miss Stetson

Sept 6. letters from C.E. D.S. Moss & papers from Ripley. wrote Moss. News of the capture of Atlanta. sent Moss 20$ for boots &c to be sent to New Orleans

September 7^th At anchor off the city. wrote Freck enclosed 5$ to pay premium on 7/30's for 200$.

12^th paper from Brooklyn wrote C enclosed a tracing of bay & 10$ Confed. Weather insufferably hot Temp in the sun on deck for many days past averaging 130 to 144.

Sep 14^th Rebels busy building new batteries on each side of the river & laying torpedoes in channel. 10 a.m. The Rebel side where ironclad ram "Nashville" came down to the obstructions, a very formidable looking craft. on the sick list for several days past, very sick. wrote M^r Lemberger & Burbank. sent 8-25

Sept 16. wrote Martha & John enclosed F—ts Carte de visite.

Sept 18^th News through rebel sources that Sherman is at Montgomery, today the rebel fleet moved up in the city out of sight, not a vessel (gunboat) to be seen Weather cool & pleasant. Health improving.

Sep 21 At anchor off the city. wrote Freck, W Moss, Simpson, papers to C. 6 papers from C. Letter from Martha, L. & Freck. Rumor of troops expected here. Weather cool & pleasant.

24^th papers from L & D.W.S. sent two papers home. "Nashville" at anchor close to the spiles. at anchor off the city. Weather pleasant.

29^th got under way & proceeded to the fleet.

30^th started for Pensacola.

Oct 2^nd papers from C.E. & J.E. North, letter from Lewis & Freck. Wrote Lewis & Stivers.

Oct 8^th Pensacola Yard repairing, taken sick broken bone fever & diarrhea.

15^th sick Letters from John, L Eames, W.M. & Freck & Lewis.

Sick. Laying off the city of Mobile until Nov 18^th when we left for New Orleans with the monitor "Manhattan" in tow.

20^th to 24^th off New Orleans, weather bitter cold

Nov 24^th 5-50 a.m. left the city & proceeded down the river. crossed the bar & stood to sea 2-30 p.m. On a cruise for blockade runners. Weather very fine. smooth sea, with a good prospect of prize money. Machinery operating better than ever before

25^th Approaching our cruising ground. sea heavy, vessel rolling considerable during the night. this morning calmed down somewhat. a pleasant bracing air from the north west. steaming slowly, feeling better in health. 4 p.m. laying too for vessels from & to Galveston & Havana.

26^th cruising slowly, sea & wind moderating, not a sail to be seen.

27^th Weather very fine, smooth sea, calm, heading for the Campeche shoals, 10 a.m. had inspection, after that hove to & commenced fishing. 10-30 a.m. a sail reported, started ahead & made her out to be a steamer, gave chase, gained upon her, heading for Havana, fired pivot gun several times when she commenced throwing cotton overboard, fired a shell which burst close over her stern & she rounded to, boarded her & found her to be the Clyde built

blockade runner "Susanna" from Galveston to H. 3 days out, put a prize crew aboard & took her in tow to Key West.

28^th Steering for Key West taking the "Susanna" in tow, weather very warm

29^th Cast off the tow line & ran up near the wharf, Key West. anchored at 6-15 p.m. wrote to C. Freck, & Walter.

30^th Coal'd ship & repaired, at 9 p.m. left again for Cuban coast.

Saw M^r Hudson of the "Pembina", rec^d news of M^r Sydney's death.

Dec 2^nd approaching Campeche shoals spoke a brig from "Bordeaux" last night bound for Tampico. Weather very fine, temp 90 to 96. feeling rather unwell today.

Dec 1^st laying off Campeche today this morn we ran down to Alacrans & lay there until 5 p.m. when we stood to sea. no sail to be seen, several boats went ashore at Alacrans & spoke with a number of Mexican convicts there.

Cruised again for 2 days off Campeche shoals but did not sight anything.

Dec 6^th At sunset sighted a vessel burning soft coal from the masthead standing for Havana upwards of 25 miles away steamed ahead fast, but after chasing her for nearly 2 hours on the setting of the moon we lost sight of her & gave out the chase.

7^th chased a schooner, proved to be a Spanish bound for Havana from Tampico, with fruit, &c.

8^th 6 a.m. the Captain concluding that we should not see anything more during this moon steered for New Orleans hoping to be allowed to return after this moon.

Writing to Chief Brooks & Cobb enclosing cards &c.

12^th wrote Miss Harris & Will, sent a paper paper to Miss D.S. & C.E. Freck & home.

Repairing for another cruise

16/ Evening star arr^d but brought no mails or news of the [?]

At anchor off New Orleans.

Dec^r 25^th 1864

Left at 8-35 following the western ironclad "Milwaukee" down the river arrived at Pilot town & anchored at 4-30 p.m. the M— awaited us. Sent a paper to Miss S & W. C & Martha, wrote Lewis & Stivers.

26^th Towing the "Milwaukee" to Mobile, arrived inside the bay at 11-30 where we came to anchor.

27^th wrote 4^th auditor, sent paper to Miss Harris Stetson & Martha. The "Richmond", "Sebago" & "Octorara" at anchor here. we intended to leave here at noon but after getting under way a strong gale from the S.W. sprung up & we returned to our anchorage again.

28^th Got underway again at 7-30 a.m. standing for the Alacrans a cold northerly wind blowing, smooth sea, at 8 p.m. wind blowing a gale, sea rising, everything betokening foul weather steered for the S.W. Pass, signalled for a pilot at 11 p.m. obtained one & arrived at a good anchorage at 11-30 where we lay till daylight when the wind having changed & the sea moderated we again left steering for Galveston. left at 7 a.m.

29^th Wind & sea smooth, steaming along the coast, passed Ship Shoal Eight at 4-30 p.m. 95 m from S.W. Pass

30^th Running along easily, expecting that by the following morning we would be at our station off Galveston, at 11-50 p.m. a strong wind set in from S.E. 12-30 suddenly shifted to westward, at 1 a.m. to northwest blowing a gale for 30 minutes, vessel rolling fearful. wind moderated a little but sea rising, gale continued until 3 p.m. on the 31^st Vessel laboured heavily but not so bad as expected, shipped a many very heavy seas at one time water nearly 3 feet deep on deck. at 10 a.m.

31^st sighted a suspicious schooner on port bow driving before the wind, the sea being very high we could not change our course until 1 p.m. overtook the vessel at 6 p.m. boarded her & put a prize crew aboard & sent her to Sabine Pass to await our arrival there for coal, she claims to be from Vera Cruz bound for New Orleans, laden with sugar & coffee but as she is 200 miles out of her course & her papers not being correct we concluded that she intended to run the blockade, left her in charge of Ensign Brown &

Masters Mate Harcourt, went ahead again at 7-50

Jan 1^st Cruising down as far as Aransas Pass. spoke a schooner with coal for ballast bound from Matamoras to New Orleans.

2^nd Steaming slowly toward Galveston spoke the gunboat "Penobscot" cruising from Aransas to Velasco, reports several cotton schooners in Aransas bay & a steamer the "Ike Davies" inside out of coal. left here at 4 p.m. & stood up the coast in sight of land towards Galveston.

3^rdJan Not a sail seen to day, steaming slowly off & on the route to Galveston.

Jan 7^th cruising off & on the track to Galveston, at daylight this morn the cry was heard, Sail ho! black smoke ahead & we soon gave chase, the steamer proved to be a gunboat "Pinola" off Velasco. ran up & anchored about 5 miles off shore, a large schooner laden with cotton inshore waiting to run the blockade, hove up anchor at 12 noon & steered seaward at 2 p.m. another sail reported, gave chase for her, she proved to be the Confederate schooner

"Lily" from Tampico for any port she could get in at, laden with funny bags & salt, waiting for an opportunity to run in. at 5 p.m. started for Sabine Pass taking her in tow. Weather clear & cool, wind from the north, sea smooth.

6^th arrived at Sabine Pass at daylight & commenced coaling ship at night. the "Pembina" laying here, also the "Sea Witch" & a coal ship.

7^th stop'd coaling on account of the high sea running had to cast off.

8^th Mail'd a letter to C— & Moss. wind blowing very hard all day at 10 p.m. had increased to a gale the sea also rising. tried to to pass another line to the schooner "Lily" astern but could not, neither could we get our men off. 11 p.m. wind & sea rising, raining heavily with thunder & lightning

10^th gale still blowing, weather very cold. At anchor Sabine Pass, last night a schooner came down the pass & lay too behind the lighthouse. this morning she could not be seen.

At 3 p.m. wind & sea moderated the prize schooner "Sea Witch"

got under way for N.O. at 4 p.m. we made fast to the "Lily" & got under way also

4 p.m. Jan 11^th

Arrived in the river, anchor'd the "Lily" to await the "Sea Witch", thence to N.O. At 7 p.m. got under way for Mobile Bay. Weather clear & cold. Smooth sea, Temp 65° stop'd in the Bay to speak the "Richmond" thence to Pensacola, arrived at the Yard 14^th. Letter from Brooks Chief

15^th finished putting on the copper & repairs, got up steam & left the dock but anchored in the stream & blew down the boilers again to plug several leaky tubes again.

16^th Went to sea at daylight, passed South West Pass light at 5-30 p.m., changed our course & steered S. 280 miles. Cruising off & on the track of the blockade runners

18^th Passed several bales of cotton, picked 2 up, appeared as if they had been in the water for some time

19^th Yesterday a splendid day for running, sea smooth as glass, light head wind. to day rain squalls with a rolling sea, not a sail to be seen.

20^th 21^st & 22^nd Cruising inshore off Corpus Christi & Aransas Pass. saw a cotton schooner inside sailing down towards Corpus Christi. blowing fresh from shore this morning. sea running high.

Rec^d 240 dollars from Geo Bridges, 175 dollars from John Smith.

23^rd Came to anchor 18 miles south of Galveston

24^th arrived off Galveston 9 a.m. anchored in the fleet, 10 a.m. the "Seminole" arrived with a cotton schooner in tow. rec^d a letter from Capt. Jouett. 6 p.m. started in to our station, anchored to the west of the city in 17 ft of water close in shore, wrote letter to Stivers, Lewis, Freck, Moss & Eames. weather very cold. Wrote Moss

Jan 26^th Capt. Jouett left the ship relieved by Capt Crosby, ordered home for promotion & a large comm^d

went home by the "Admiral". Letters from Misses Eames & Harris & from O. Jones, papers from C. left Galveston with some men for the "Chocura" off Calcasieu.

27^th returned to Sabine Pass for coal, anchored near the coal ship at 7 p.m. Took a severe cold off Galveston Thermometer down to 41°. sent paper to Martha & C.

Feb 2^nd wrote to C. and sent paper to L.E. the "Admiral" returned from the Rio Grande. finished coaling & waited for fog to clear away.

3^rd Left Sabine Pass at 5 p.m. & went to sea. 10 p.m. stop'd to stack up the [?] & cool off sounds ahead at 11 p.m., steaming slow all night.

4^th steaming slowly all night. Sea smooth, calm, Temp 90° F

Feb 10^th steaming around, weather very cold & uncomfortable. Came to anchor inshore below Calcasieu at 6 p.m.

9^th Met the "Bermuda" rec^d letter from C. sent a letter to do. & a paper.

9^th Arr^d off Galveston & rec^d

orders to return to New Orleans. three blockade runners ashore down the coast. one run in the early morning, two cotton schooners at anchor, having been cut out by the "Bienville". left Galveston at 1 p.m. in company with the B— was 3½ miles astern, at 7 we stop'd to speak a schooner, meanwhile the B passed by us.

10^th Abreast of the "Bienville" during the morn. crossed the bar at 2-30 & started up the river a little ahead of the B— arrived off the city N.O. about 1-15 p.m. 55 minutes ahead of the B—

11^th At anchor off the city.

Letters from Lewis, Miss S. with papers, wrote the latter.

13 Letters & papers from C. sent a couple of papers

16^th Called at the Chiefs office about examination, got permission to appear the next morn but as they did not get through with M^r N. B. Clark did not go up.

17^th Called at the Chiefs office again but M^r Clark being up yet & as we are going to sea the Board told me to postpone & make application from the Bay. Went aboard the "Arizona" 8 p.m., getting ready for sea.

18^th got under way at midnight & started down the river.

19^th 11 p.m. arrived in Mobile Bay.

20^th "Circassian" arrived, also the "Fort Jackson" bringing Commodore Thatcher. left the lower fleet & proceeded up the bay arrived off the city at 8 p.m. the "Sebago" & "Octorara" & "Kickapoo" laying there.

21^st Five deserters from Rebel Army came off to us reporting over 10000 men in & around Mobile. The tugboat "Pink" went in on picket duty last night & going in to close the rebs fired 5 shots at her.

25^th Wrote Chief Eng^r Brooks. Wrote Adml. Thatcher Commdg West Gulf Squadron requesting an examination. a flag of truce bringing supplies for prisoners.

26^th several refugees came off this morn, reporting the evacuation of Charleston, one of them a deserter from the gunboat "Morgan". writing C.

March 5^th Wrote Kirby of the "Richmond". No mails yet received. A stmr arrived on the 3^rd with prisoners, went in to exchange under a flag of truce, under mistake the Rebel batteries opened on her, firing 13 shots, went in again next morn & exchanged them, bringing news of the evacuation of Charleston. Lee's attack on Grant.

The flagship "Arizona" leaving New Orleans for this place took fire at Midnight, 30 miles below the city & blew up, 5 lives lost.

The "Milwaukee" arrived this morn.

The "Winnebago" left for the lower fleet & the "Octorara".

9^th Letter from W. Moss. Wrote Moss. Freck Owen Jones. wrote C sent 2 N.O. & 2 Mobile papers.

10^th Adml Thatcher, Gens Grainger & Canby came up to reconnoiter.

11^th The Adml came up at 9 a.m. with "Eugene", "Octorara", "Albatross", "Osage", "Chickasaw", "Winnebago", "Kickapoo" & several Miss. stmrs. The monitors proceeded in toward each shore

& commenced firing at water batteries drawing the fire from the batteries on either shore & from Spanish River battery. indications of the Rebels burning property in the suburbs of the city. Several stmrs. engaged moving troops to & fro but no gunboat visible except the "Morgan". report that troops are moving & that an attack is intended soon. at 5 p.m. the monitors returned & the Admiral proceeded down the bay in the "Eugene".

Wrote Stivers, Scott & Welles rec^d letter from Freckⁿ

12^th At daylight we were all surprised to find that the whole fleet with one or two exceptions had left for the lower bay during the night. The rebels were evidently making some preparations for us, or else for evacuation, the latter doubtful several steamers busy all the morning moving troops to & fro.

Weather very fine, Temp. 70 to 75.

16^th A flag of truce came out to day, brought news of our having killed & wounded 20 to 25 in the attack last Saturday on the western shore batteries.

March 18^th 5 a.m. steaming down to the lower fleet. The "Octorara" with several gunboats, monitors & transports coming up the bay 2-30 the "Oc^a" arrived ordering us down to the coal ship & to return immediately an attack expected to be made daily. Arrived alongside the "Richm" 6-30 & commenced coaling ship. found the western monitor "Cincinnati" there with a number of transports.

Arr^d in the lower bay at daylight & commenced coaling ship a great number of transports engaged moving troops to & fro.

19^th At anchor, went aboard the "Richmond" to see Kirby, Weir, &c. Troops re-embarking at Cedar Point on transports & landing at the cove in readiness for transportation up the bay. The movement of Saturday only intended as a first.

20^th Signal'd at daylight to prepare to get under way, troops having left early morning. Got under way for the upper fleet at 9-30 in company with several Miss. stmrs. with troops, 4 ironclads & 7 gunboats we steamed up the eastern shore, shelling the woods from

Point Clear, a little above Albemarle city to within a few miles of the city, rebel batteries &c. all fired. Ceased firing at sunset & proceeded down the bay, came to anchor off the mouth of Fish River. 23^rd Letters from C. & one from Lewis. still at anchor at the mouth of Fish River. wrote Kirby.

24^th News of the Army having captured some Cavalry ashore. Crossed Fish River, & passing up the shore, got under way at dusk & anchored in the middle of the bay

26^th Ran in shore again at daylight, 10 a.m. left again at 10 a.m. in company with the ironclads & proceeded up the shore to within 6 miles of their batteries our troops having arrived to with 4 miles. in the afternoon some pontoons arrived. Capt Saw[?] & aids arrived with signal officers making preparations for the landing of stores &c report that we are to make an attack

27^th The monitors & the "Octorara" crossed the bar at noon & engaged the batteries on the eastern shore. at sunset they returned & unfortunately the "Milwaukee" struck a torpedo & sank immediately, one engineer & several firemen scalded a little.

28^th At noon today the "Osage" got underway to proceed to a better anchorage, struck a torpedo & sank immediately, scalding & injuring 2 men the boats were engage the next 3 days dragging for torpedoes, the "Octorara" ashore.

Saturday April 1^st Coaling ship, the Tin-clad "Rodolph" going up to the monitors struck a torpedo & sank immediately scalding several men.

Sunday 2^nd boats engaged dragging for torpedoes, the Army nearly ready for making an assault on Spanish battery reported that Forrest & Taylor in command with 10,000 men. No other news of Army or Navy

Wrote C.E.

3^rd Went in with picket boats today for torpedoes but could not see much better from the vessel. two deserters from the city arrived with news of the Rebs' preparations in the city. Conveying cotton away, etc. our Army having planted a battery above the pit have now cut off their communications with the Spanish fort.

4^th News today of our having planted a number of guns & mortars ready for a bombardment. at 4 p.m. our guns opened on the battery continued until dark. Several mortars arrived from Cairo, several of our officers & men going on board the mortar schooner to operate on the Spanish battery in the intended attack.

5^th A naval brigade formed of the officers of the "Milwaukee" commanded by Capt Gillis. 6 Parrots landed & 3 9in guns to be placed within 1000 yards of the fort. Went ashore at 10 a.m. & walked up the beach to within 1½ miles of the front. 200 rebels captured last night. a great number of our men coming

down from the front, wounded last night; passed a siege train going up composed of some 18 rifles 30# Parrot & 8in shell guns, ambulances returning. Visited a brigade hospital 7^th Iowa reported that we have near 50,000 troops, Rebels having some 10,000 to 12,000 in the Fort, which we have now surrounded on the land side & as their communications are to be entirely cut off tonight by our Army having several picket boats & batteries on the river along the fort, 'tis probable that we may obtain possession of it without a battle.

Weather very pleasant & favorable for Army operations. The "Sebago" arrived from Pensacola with guns & ammunition for the Naval Brigade. "Cowslip" arrived also but bringing no mail.

4^th dragging for torpedoes. dropping an occasional from the fort along our front, & some slight picket firing.

7^th A mail arrived bringing letters from W^m Martha, John & Father of date Jan 22^nd & later date from W^m bringing news of Father's death & brother John's sickness, letter also from W. Moss, C.E. &

from Miss B— Ill.

Wrote 2 letters to W Moss & enclosed a 50$ Treasury note in each for Mother wrote Miss B—, wrote Mother & Martha. Wrote John & W^m & Freck

9^th Rec^d papers 4 from C. news of capture of Petersburg & Richmond. At 5 o'clock last night we shelled the rebels for one hour from all our guns & prepared to make an assault, the rebels attempted cut through our lines but our troops repulsed them & followed them up into the fort about 2 a.m. discovered the fort to be evacuated, took the remaining rebel troops prisoner, picked up 32 torpedoes this morning. the "Octorara" went up & shelled forts Tracy & Huger. Report arrived of a battle between Grant & Lee.

10^th The Rebel forces evacuated the Spanish battery some time last night, fell back to & occupied Blakely, our troops marched up in force & at sunset threw out a strong force of pickets some 20,000 nearly surrounded them, kept closing in upon the

Fort until close upon them & finding the rebs evidently unprepared or unexpecting the Union troops were surprised, our troops marching right in & after a short fight obtained possession, taking some 2300 prisoners

11^th engaged in dragging for torpedoes, monitors shelling batteries Huger & Tracey, at night about 20 boats, armed, went in to remove the net & continue dragging for torpedoes near the batteries; at about midnight they captured a rebel picket boat & learned from them that the batteries were being evacuated the senior officers in the boat commdg the pickets decided to attack them. they rushed into Battery Huger, arriving as the last man was leaving, found loaded shells, powder & ammunition, &c. strewn around promiscuously. The Rebel flag was taken down by Char^s Harcourt, Master Mate, & the Stars & Stripes hoisted. In the excitement 3 shells laying near were exploded but none were harmed, Lieut H. J. Sleeper then pushed off for Battery Tracey which they had also found deserted.

Dispatches arrived from the same ordering us to convoy the Army transports to the western shore at sunrise a.m. a report that the arty is being evacuated.

12^th At sunrise the Army transports were embarking several thousand troops, at 10-30 we got under way for the western shore. shelled the beach in & near the Race Course, & at 12 the troops landed, being met by the Mayor & officials who turned the city over to the Commdg. General & all proceeded to the Battle House. in the afternoon we sent a party ashore to bury Frank Anderson. Good news from Richmond this afternoon, report that Grant has attacked Lee capturing 37000 Rebels & compelling him to surrender, after fighting for 3 days.

12 Midnight the gunboat "Althea" struck a torpedo alongside the wharf at battery Tracey & blew up, a total loss, several injured & killed.

13^th Tug boat "Ada" struck a torpedo & exploded, completely demolishing her, blowing a hole through the bottom & through the gun deck & throwing the pilot house 50 to 60 feet in to the air.

the Captain & executive officer standing in there were blown up with it but came down again into the water unhurt, 2 men killed, 2 missing & 6 wounded. At 12 noon a launch from the "Cincinnati" dragging in the channel exploded another & blew up killing 3 & wounding 2 more, the Army flagship "Laura" going up to the city struck a spile & sank, a total loss.

Letter to Miss S— , rec^d letter from Scott. Wrote Kirby of the "Richmond".

14^th Commenced blowing up the obstructions on Dog River bar. At 2 p.m. the "Scotia" struck a torpedo & sank immediately, scalded several men, 3 killed, 6 wounded & 2 missing, the torpedo exploded under the for^d magazine blowing a hole through her both decks. The "Cowslip" got under way to go to her assistance & in less than 5 minutes her port wheel struck another floating torpedo which blew her wheel all to pieces but her hull being uninjured she kept under way to the "Scotia". A large river steamer by the Pinto battery struck

one also & destroyed her wheel. O'Neil, the man who has laid the greater part of the torpedoes, captured & brought aboard the flagship. A report that there is a cessation of hostilities for 10 days. Wrote Moss. Letter from Scott. The "Iberville" & partly destroyed by torpedoes. B— detached.

15^th News arrived of the fight betwixt Lee & Grant, Lee utterly routed & agreeing to surrender the Northern Army of Virginia to the U. States, 25,000 killed, wounded & prisoners. Surrendering 45,000 of his troops

16^th recd news of the surrender of Johnson's army to Sherman, wrote C & W. Moss, sent 2 N.O. papers to Martha.

17^th Took on board sick & wounded & left for Pensacola 10-50 a.m. stop alongside the "Richmond", left at 1-15 for Pensacola where we arrived at 7 p.m. alongside the flagship.

Coal'd ship & returned to the bay on the 19^th at the upper fleet at 7 p.m. All the vessels up at the city except the "Genesee" the "St Mary's" blown up last night by torpedo.

10 a.m. Ap 20^th "Tritonia" arrived from New Orleans bearing the sad news of the assassination of President Lincoln & Secretary Seward on the night of the 13^th both of whom have since died. Vice President Johnson inaugurated as President next day.

24^th Ap Wrote Chief Brooks & Miss Harris

News arrived of the "W^m H. Webb" Confederate ram having run out past N.O. & put to sea. At 4 p.m. steamed up & proceeded down the bay to speak the "Richmond".

27^th Letter from C. with 4 papers giving acct of the capture of the city of Richmond. rec^d news of the destruction of the "Webb" in Miss. R. the "Richmond" proceeding up the river to N.O. fortunately met the "Webb" coming down, drove her ashore & the Confeds set her on fire, cargo of 270 bales of cotton. news that Sec Mallory has surrendered all Treasury doc^s

28^th Note from Jouett. Wrote Miss Stetson.

May 3^rd Letter from Kirby, wrote Lewis, Scott & Kirby.

4 Letter & papers from C. sent 2 M papers to C.

24 Wrote Miss Harris sent papers to her & C.

News arrived of the surrender of Dick Taylor & forces & also Commodore Fanand & Rebel Navy.

26 news of the capture of Jeff Davis & party.

28^th A fearful explosion at the city on the 26^th upwards of 200 tons of powder & ammunition. Many lives lost.

Kirby Smith commanding the Rebel force in Texas sent in some of his staff asking to be allowed to surrender on the same terms as Lee,

which if granted will naturally be the end of this fearful, cruel rebellion, God grant it.

Moved up to the city, where we expect to lay as flagship for the summer.

June 1^st The Armies of the Potomac & the Tennessee & Sheridan's Army of the Cumberland are being reviewed disbanded & returning to their homes. The Navy is being reduced & everything put on a peace footing once more, & may it be long ere occasion arises for them to meet again for battle at home or abroad. Naval squadrons are being sent out to all foreign stations. The great trial of the late President of the C. States & all the known conspirators in the murder of President Lincoln, &c.

Chief Engineer

George Gideon.

Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Jan 19/63.

Sir

On the receipt of my permission to appear for examination I did not think it necessary to acknowledge its receipt, but on reporting to the Cm^r Garvin this morn he recommended me to do so, & also to send the enclosed to you to forward.

He also mentioned that I should have had an order from you to return to New York ere I could obtain my Travelling Expenses, I should be greatly obliged by your sending on the same.

I am, most truly,

Your obd^t serv^t

George P. Hunt

Navy Yard, New York.

Jan 24/63.

Sir,

I beg to report an omission in the Navy Register of 1862, as to my birth place, and state from which appointed.

I was born in England & was appointed from the State of New York.

I am, Sir.

Hon Gideon Welles &c. Very Respectfully &c.

[Pages from here to conclusion recorded upside down and recto to verso: therefore the documents read (to an extent) in reverse date order]

Navy Department,

10^th January 1863.

Sir,

Agreeably to your request of the 5^th inst. You have permission to present yourself to Chief Eng^r George Gideon at the Navy Yard, Philadelphia, for your examination.

I am &c

3^rd Asst Eng^r Gideon Welles &c.

Geo. P. Hunt &c

Brooklyn Navy Yard,

14 January 1863.

Sir,

Your letter of the 10^th inst. granting me permission to appear at the Phil^a Navy Yard for examination is this day recd.

Hon. Gideon Welles &c. I am, &c

George P. Hunt

Phil^a Navy Yard.

Jan 14/63.

Sir

I beg to say that I have this day reported to Chief Engineer George Gideon at the Navy Yard, Phil^a for examination for promotion. I am, &c.

Hon Gideon Welles &c George P. Hunt

Dec^r3^rd 1862.

Navy Yard. New York.

Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your orders of the ~~orders of~~ 1^st inst. and in obedience thereto have this day reported to "Rear Admiral Paulding" for duty to assist in "Boiler experiments" at the New York Navy Yard.

I am Respect^y

Your ob^t serv^t

Hon^e Gideon Welles George P. Hunt

Sec^y of the Navy 3^rd Asst Eng^r U.S.N.

Washington, D.C.

Navy Yard, New York.

Sir; Jan 5/63.

I beg most respectfully to ask your permission to appear before the "Board of Examiners" for examination for promotion.

My Warrant is dated July 1^st 1861. I have had (16) sixteen months sea service, one month on sick leave, and one month on duty at the New York Navy Yard.

I am Respectfully

Hon^e Gideon Welles George P. Hunt

Secretary of the Navy 3^rd Asst. Eng^r U.S.N.

85 East Baltic St.

Brooklyn N.Y.

November 28/62.

Sir,

My health being fully restored, and my strength sufficiently so to enable me to perform my duty, I beg to report for the same.

I am, most Respect^y

Your obd^t servant

Hon^e Gideon Welles Geo. P. Hunt

Secretary of the Navy 3^rd Asst. Eng^r U.S.N.

Washington, D.C.

Navy Department

1 Dec^r 62

Sir:

Report to Rear Admiral Paulding, without delay, for duty to assist in boiler experiments at the Navy Yard New York.

I am Respect^y

3^rd Asst Eng^r Your obd^t serv^t

Geo. P. Hunt U.S.N. Gideon Welles

Brooklyn Navy Yard Sec^y of the Navy

U.S. Steam Sloop "Dacotah"

Brooklyn Navy Yard

Oct 31^st 1862.

Sir,

Your communication of the 29^th inst. detaching me from the "Dacotah" and granting me a leave of absence until my health is restored again is this day rec^d

My address will be 85 East Baltic St. Brooklyn, New York.

I am, most Respectfully,

Your obd^t Serv^t

Hon^e Gideon Welles, George P. Hunt

Secretary of the Navy 3^rd Asst Eng^r U.S.Navy

Washington D.C.

85 East Balt. B.

Nov 16^th 1862

Sir,

In conformity with special order I beg to state that I am progressing favourably, am gradually gaining strength. I hope to be able to report for duty again very soon.

I am &c

Hon^e Gideon Welles 3^rd Asst Eng^r Geo.P.H. U.S.N.

U.S.S.S. "Dacotah"

New York Oct 31^st 1862.

Sir,

As we are about to separate after a cruise of nearly ten months, it gives me pleasure to state that your deportment both as an officer and gentleman has merited my highest approbation.

You have always been assiduous in your ~~studies~~ occupation and attentive to your studies.

Hoping you may soon be restored to health, from the severe attack of Yellow fever under which you have been suffering; and that you may soon be advanced in your profession

I am,

Yours Truly

To P. G. Peltz

3^rd Asst. Engineer Chief Engineer

George P. Hunt, U.S.N. U.S.N.

Present.

Navy Department

29 October 1862.

Sir

You are hereby detached from the "Dacotah" and a leave of absence is granted you until your health is sufficiently restored to enable you to perform your duty.

I am, respectfully,

3^rd Asst. Eng^r Your obd^t serv^t

George P. Hunt Gideon Welles

U.S. Navy Sect^y of the Navy

New York

U.S. Steamer "Dacotah"

Brooklyn, Nov 1^st 1862.

Third Asst. Engineer George P. Hunt has served under my command for the past eight months

His correct deportment and attention to his duties, merit my approbation.

J. P. M^cKinstry

Captⁿ U.S.Navy

U.S.Sloop "Dacotah"

New York

Oct 27^th 1862.

Sir,

As I have been sick for some time and have become very much weakened by it, I wish to obtain a months leave of absence thinking I could recruit myself sooner on shore where I could obtain more comforts and more healthy exercise than I could on board ship.

A favorable consideration will greatly oblige

Your obd^t Serv^t

Geo. P. Hunt

3^rd Asst. Eng^r U.S.N.

Hon^e Gideon Welles

Sect^y of the Navy

Washington, D.C.

M^r Hunt is convalescing from a severe attack of yellow fever, is very much debilitated, and requires in my opinion at least a months absence from duty to complete his recovery.

Respectfully

Delavan Bloodgood,

Surgeon.

U.S. Steamer "Rhode Island"

At Sea Dec^r 29^th 1861.

M^r Geo P Hunt

3^rd Asst. Engr. U.S.N.

Dear Sir,

As I am to part from you in a few days, I now avail myself of the pleasure of stating that during the time I have been on this ship, your conduct both as an officer, and a Gentⁿ has been unexceptionable.

The faithfulness and the attitudes which you have displayed in the performance of your duties while under sudden, & trying emergencies, has won my highest praise—hoping you will continue in the course you are now pursuing which cannot fail to elevate you to the highest gift in the profession, & wishing you a pleasant continuation of the voyage—

I Remain

Yours Truly

2^nd Asst Acting Chief Eng^r John E Neilly

2^nd &c.

Office of the Cooper Union

for the adv^t of science & art

This is to certify that Geo P Hunt, a Machinist by Trade, has passed regularly his examinations in the classes in Mechanical Drawing & Mathemat^s in this Institute and has rec^d certificates of good conduct and proficiency in both departments. He produced satisfactory evidences of good moral character in order to secure admission to the classes, and as the course of instruction is thorough & rigid, I feel authorized to recommend him as a suitable candidate for the position of Third Asst Eng^r in the US Service

Abram S. Hewitt

Sec^y of the Trustees

New York May 27/61

(Copy)

$ ¢ New York Dec 1^st 1862.

150.00

Mr George P. Hunt has this day left with us one hundred and fifty dollars to be placed in the Greenwich Bank of Savings by installments, or paid to him personally.

Kemp & Moss

(W.M.)

New York May 27/61

To the

Hon Gideon Welles

Sect of the Navy

Sir

I have known Geo P Hunt of this city for nearly 2 years, part of the time as a pupil in Mechanical Drawing. I certify that he is an intelligent pupil, a good mechanic, and a skillful draughtsman, and every way a worthy & reliable young man

Very Respectfully

Yours

Thos D Stetson

Eng^r & Pat Agent.

New York May 27/61

Mr George Hunt of this city has served his time as a pupil for Mech^l Eng^r in my office for the past year. I take great pleasure in saying that he was a very faithful & skillful young man Geo Weissenborn

Mech^l Eng^r

May 30^th 1861.

To the Hon Gideon Welles

Sec^y of the Navy

Sir:

I beg most respectfully to offer myself as a candidate for 3^rd Asst Eng^r for U.S. Service.

I have served an apprenticeship as a Machinist, am 24 years of age. I have some knowledge of Mechanical Drawing also as my testimonials will show, can produce specimens to the Board of Examin^s if required. My constitution is good.

I would respectfully ask permission to attend an examination before the Board of ~~Examiners~~ Eng^rs now sitting at Brooklyn Navy Yard

Very Respectfully

Geo P Hunt

109 Orchard St

New York

Jan 27 Brooklyn Navy Yard

To the Hon^e Gideon Welles

Sect^y of the Navy

Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your orders of Jan 20^th, and my relief having reported on the 14^th I accordingly proceeded at once to New York and have to day reported to Comm^d Paulding for duty on board the U.S. Steam Sloop of War "Dacotah" I am Sir,

Most Respt^y

Your humble Serv^t

Geo. P. Hunt

3^rd Asst Eng^r U.S.N.

USSt^r "Rhode Island"

Navy Yard Philadelphia

Jan 24/62

I am happy to bear testimony to the unexceptionable character and the faithful manner in which 3^rd Asst Eng^r Geo P Hunt has performed his duty while attached to this vessel F D Trenchard

Lt Comm^dr

Copy of Orders rec^d Jan 22^nd 1862

Navy Department 20 Jan 1862

Sir Upon the receipt of

Upon the reporting of your relief, you will consider yourself as detached from the "Rhode Island", and you will proceed to New York, without delay, and report to Comm^d Paulding for duty on board the US Steam Sloop of War "Dacotah"

I am Respect^y

Your ob^t Serv^t

3^rd Asst Eng^r Gideon Welles

Geo P Hunt

US Navy Phil^a

Oct 22^nd From 8am to 12 Meridian.

Key West Fla.

Made fast to wharf 7-45. Repairs needed in Eg^r Deptart^t, Equilibrium valve cover, a new joint; air pump to be packed. starboard feed valve to be overhauled, bottom blow of ~~starboard~~ port boiler stopped up, flue cleaning & washing & cleaning of inside boiler. guide brasses to be lined.

The Chief Engineer & Scott, acting senior asst having immediately gone ashore stopping all day no repairs were done. H.W.S. before going stacked up the bonnet over the Equi^m valve, resulting in the ship being deluged with water put in both bilge pumps all the time, also the port boiler was obliged to be emptied into the bilge air pump, feed valve guides, &c not touched.

~~23^rd~~ 3 plates on each boiler took off previous night to cool down the boilers that the necessary repairs & cleaning could be done on the 23^rd but on enquiring for men to work at them was told by the chief Eng^r that no repairs should be done here as they must be done in New York H. W. Scott saying that there was not time, he censuring me for screwing down the Equil^m valve bonnet the day before /

up to 9-30am the men kept cleaning engine & doing work not necessarily important, while repairs in engine & boiler room were neglected. Left Key West neither boiler being touched. after having emptied both boilers into the bilge taken off plates & cooled the boilers, ordered to put them on & run up the water again. guides were lined, feed valve & equil^m bonnet fixed.

USSt^r "Rhode Island"

At sea Sep 25^th 1861.

Whereas on the morning of the 25^th of Sep^r between the hours of 4 & 8 a.m. a dispute arose between Geo. P. Hunt, the Eng^r of the Watch, & a coal passer named John Buckley, he refusing to obey the orders of the Eng^r

The aforesaid John Buckley & Martin Moran being coal passers together during the above watch, & they having brought out sufficient coal from 4 to 6am to keep steam & Martin Moran being unable as I believed to stand the watch, I sent my water tender Owen M^cCarty with a message to the officer of the deck reporting a Volunteer in his place untill 8 a.m. John Buckley having also left the fire room to go on deck, I requested him to go down to his work, which he did, complaining some as he went down, thinking he might also be unwell I said to him if he was sick, he should have reported to the surgeon. his reply was, that he was not sick but that he meant Moran. I then told him that he must attend to his work better.

James Dunn, the volunteer having come, I considered it unnecessary that Dunn should go into the coal bunker for the short space of 2 hours only, as he would soil all his / clothing. I therefore requested Buckley thro' the water tender to go into the coal bunker to pass the coal out & Dunn should measure the coal, pass it to the firemen, clean the ash pits & all other work in the fire room. he threw his shovel on the floor & said he would not do so for he was not able. I immediately sent a message to the Chief Engineer asking him what to do. He, the Chief Eng^r ordered Buckley through the messenger M^cCarty to go into the coal bunker as requested, to which he replied with an oath that he would not do so. On M^cCarty's informing me of his reply I sent him again with B's answer to the Chief Eng^r on the receipt of which he immediately called him out of the fire room.

I certify that the above is a true acc^t of the affair Geo P Hunt

Eng^r of the Watch.

~~Oct^r~~ Sep^r 28^th 1861

USSt^r "Rhode Island"

at Sea.

Work required to be done whilst in port to the Port Boiler.

The Boiler to be thoroughly scaled, flues cleaned, a general examination of all stop valves, check valves & safety valve, several small leakages in feed & blowpipes to be scraped & resoldered, coupling pins of feed valves continually giving out too small handles on furnace doors to be overhauled, one small hoe required for lower ash pits, salomiter pipe leaking

Port Boiler Geo P. Hunt

Copy of Letter of acceptance.

Sep^r 5^th 1861.

To the

Hon^e Gideon Welles

Sec^y of the Navy.

Sir:

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of July 30^th enclosing my warrant &c. & in obedience with your order having subscribed to the oath of office as required, I beg to return the same, signifying my acceptance of the oath & position.

I am Sir

Your most humble Ser^t

Geo P Hunt

3^rd Asst Eng^r U.S.N.

USSt^r "Rhode Island"

Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Sep 6^th 1861.

Circular

Navy Department

July 30^th 1861.

Sir

In the three columns below you will be pleased to insert the State or Territory in which you were born; that from which you were appointed into the service; & that of which you now claim citizenship; & return this letter, signed by yourself, as early as practicable, to enable the Department to correct the Navy Register

I am, Respe^y &c

3^rd Asst Eng^r Gideon Welles

Geo P Hunt

US Navy

USS "Rhode Island"

New York

State or Ter^y in which born from wh^h app. of wh a citizen

Derbyshire New York New York

England

Geo P Hunt

3^rd Asst Eng^r USNavy

USS "Rhode Island"

New York

Sep^r 6^th Oath

I, George P. Hunt, do solemnly swear, or affirm (as the case may be) that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and I will serve them honestly & faithfully, without any mental reservation, against all their enemies or opposers whatsoever; that I will observe & obey the orders of the President of the United States, & the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules & articles for the Government of the Navy of the United States Geo P Hunt

Sworn to & subscribed before me this third day of Sep^r at the City Hall New York in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & sixty one

J. B.M^cDonnell

Notary Public

City Hall

W^m Hyde 402, 4^th Ave N.York

M^rs Hammond, Washⁿ Hotel, 4 Ave

Andrew Allen 156 W 38^th St

NYork

acknowledgement of orders

Brooklyn Navy Yard

July 16^th 1861

To the Hon^e Gideon Welles

Sect^y of the USN

Sir I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your orders of July 3^rd & in conformity with the General order, I beg to say that I reported on the 6^th for duty on board the USSt^r "Rhode Island"

I am, Most Respect^y

Your humble serv^t

Geo P Hunt

[right side up]

"Montgomery" 35 miles

"Wyandotte" Santa Rosa Il.

"Colorado" & "Santee", Fort Pickens 40

"Mississippi" & "Huntsville" Mobile

"Massachusetts" Ship Island

"Brooklyn" Pass a l'Outre on the Miss R—

"St Louis" SE Pass

"Powhattan" & "Niagara" SW Pass

"South Carolina" Galveston, Texas

DATABASE CONTENT

(11611)

DOT0172.009

174

Diaries

Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Animals, Christmas, Clothing, Cotton, Death (Home Front), Death (Military), Defeat/Surrender, Destruction of Land/Property, Discharge/Mustering Out, Drilling, Fear, Fighting, Food, George B. McClellan, Guns, Illnesses, Jefferson Davis, Literary Quotes, Mail, Marching, Money, Native Americans, Nature, Navy, News, Newspapers, Oaths of Allegiance, Photographs, Picket Duty, Planters/Plantations, Prisoners of War, Promotions, Railroads, Recruitment/Recruits, Reinforcements, Religion, Resignations, Robert E. Lee, Rumors, Ships/Boats, Slavery, Supplies, Telegraph, Ulysses S. Grant, Weather, Work

People - Records: 1

(4156) [writer] ~ Hunt, George Purdy

Places - Records: 1

(78) [origination] ~ New York City, New York

Show in Map

SOURCES

George P. Hunt Diary, DOT0172.009, Nau Collection

Search form

You are here

People - Records: 1

Places - Records: 1