Thursday, October 31.—This morning about 2.30 o’clock I was waked up by the ship’s shaking, jarring, groaning, and screeching generally. I at first thought we had been struck by a heavy sea, but a second shock, following soon after the first, convinced me that I was wrong. At the second shock I called Saxton and [...]
Wednesday, October 30.—The day was beautiful and pleasant. The air was soft and balmy, as we had just struck the Gulf Stream, and the temperature of the water was 74 degrees. We had to go as slowly as possible, as we did yesterday, in order to keep with the rest of the fleet. The fleet [...]
Tuesday, October 29.—Off at last. Last night we steamed out towards the sea about four miles, and then anchored. This morning I was waked up about 6 o’clock by the moving of the paddle-wheels. By the time I was up and dressed, which was about 8 o’clock, I found that we had at last fastened [...]
Monday, October 21.—We again started this morning for Fortress Monroe, and as we proceeded had a calmer sea. When I got up this morning, I had my first taste of seasickness, owing to the closeness of my state-room. My chum refuses to have the window open, and the consequence is we have more foul air [...]
Sunday, October 20.—This day passed like any other, except perhaps it was a more busy one. The baggage of the regiment was put on board, and we started on our way for Fortress Monroe at noon. We steamed down the Chesapeake, and came in sight of the Capes, when we had to anchor owing to [...]
Saturday, October 19.—Nothing of any interest occurred to-day. We expected our regiment to come on board and waited all day in vain. Finally, about eight o’clock P.M. they came, and to my disappointment I found they were the 4th New Hampshire regiment, as I hoped to see some Massachusetts troops. Church, the reporter of the [...]
Friday, October 18.—We reached Annapolis about 11 o’clock in the morning, and had to anchor in the stream about 4 miles from the city. I went ashore in the afternoon, and took a look at the city. We landed at the Naval School, and found the grounds full of troops, etc. The 21st Massachusetts, Colonel [...]
Thursday, October 17.—We passed the Capes about 10 A.M., running within two miles and a half of Cape Henry. This cape is composed of sand-hills shelving down to the beach, with nothing but a lighthouse and two small houses to be seen anywhere in the vicinity. The point is in possession of the rebels. We [...]
Wednesday, October 16.—Nothing of any interest happened to-day. The morning was pleasant, and the afternoon cloudy. We stopped our engines at 6 p.m. and drifted, being about twenty miles from the Capes.
Tuesday, October 15.—Captain John Eldridge came on board this morning. He was a welcome visitor for two reasons. First, he brought me several letters from home; and secondly, the sight of such a jolly old gentleman was enough to drive away any blue devils which a fellow might have. He is my idea of Falstaff, [...]
October 14.—I paid my bill at the Astor House to-day, and went on board the Baltic, Captain Comstock. The Baltic was anchored in the stream, and we were taken out to her in a small tug-boat. I was introduced to the steward, Mr. Godsell, who offered me a drink, which I declined, as I shall [...]
Sunday, October 6, 1861.—While I was spending Sunday at home, I learned that Uncle Oliver Eldridge[1] was going to sail in command of the steamer Atlantic on General Sherman’s secret expedition to some southern port. I immediately asked Father to let me go with him as captain’s clerk, or in some other capacity. He was [...]