Diary of a Yankee Engineer: The Civil War Diary of John Henry Westervelt 9780823295371

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DIARY OF A YANKEE ENGINEER

Self-portrait of John H. Westervelt. Special Collections archives, United States Military Academy, West Point.

DIARY of a YANKEE ENGINEER The Civil War Story of JOHN H. WESTERVELT, Engineer, 1st New York Volunteer Engineer Corps edited by ANITA PALLADINO

Fordham University Press New York 1997

Copyright © 1997 by Fordham University Press All rights reserved LC 96-42521 ISBN 0-8232-1724-8 ISSN 1089-8719 The North's Civil War, no. 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Westervelt, John H. (John Henry) Diary of a Yankee engineer : the Civil War story of John H. Westervelt, engineer, 1st New York Volunteer Engineer Corps I edited by Anita Palladino. p. em. -(The North's Civil War, ISSN 1089-8719 ; no. 1) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-8232-1724-8 1. Westervelt, John H. (John Henry}--Diaries. 2. Military engineers-New York (State)-Rockland County-Diaries. 3. United States. Army. New York Engineer Regiment, 1st (1861-1865}--Biography. 4. New York (State}--History-Civil War, 1861-1865-Personal narratives. 5. United StatesHistory-Civil War, 1861-1865-Personal narratives. 6. Rockland County (N.Y.)-Biography. I. Palladino, Anita. II. Title. III. Series. E523.9.W47 1997 973.7'81-dc20 96-42521 CIP

Printed in the United States of America

This book is dedicated with love and gratitude to my step-father, "Poppa Joe" Arcaro, finder of the diary, teller of tales, and singer of songs who, I'm sure, is even now enjoying some music and a demijohn of whiskey with John Henry and my mother, Mildred Palladino Arcaro, who shared with me her love of history and uncomplainingly endured endless research trips and years of Westervelt obsession.

Contents Introduction Acknowledgments A History of the Diary and Drawings of John H. Westervelt Chronology Diary of a Yankee Engineer South Carolina Florida Virginia Epilogue Sources Index

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xix xxiii 1 107

129 255 259 263

Introduction By the time the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter, two hundred years had passed since the Westervelt family docked at New Amsterdam. From two brothers on board the Hoop were to descend a long line of patriots, religious and political leaders, and, in 1827, a farmer's son named John Henry Westervelt. 1 Unlike some of his more renowned relatives, John lived a relatively obscure life. The little that is known about him comes, for the most part, through his own words, written in faded ink and sent in installments to his thirteen-year-old son, Frazee. This diary, on a series of tattered, yellow pages, records "such things as may come under my personal observation"2 during his service >vith the 1st New York Engineer Corps. John's accounts do not speak with the authority of a general and make no pretense of battlefield heroics. Yet, by his intent to write not for history, but for Frazee, his journal presents a truer vision of military life than the more often told sagas of glory. The soldier's life of relentless tedium, the fatiguing fight against the twin enemies of pestilence and illness, give us perhaps one of the "truer, if not beautiful" 3 pictures of war. Early dreams of greatness depart, leaving only the voice of an ordinary man in an extraordinary time, a man who merely lived as he thought right, and died in consequence. The early life of John Westervelt is largely undocumented; both church and school records for the years involved are missing, yet his youth was undoubtedly similar to that of other farm boys in mid-nineteenth-century America. His early education was probably either at Brick Church or English 1. W. Talman Westervelt, Genealogy of the Westervelt Family (Salem, Mass.: Higginson Books, 1990),. pp. 1-2. 2. Diary entry of May 8, 1864. 3. Comment written on reverse of his sketch.

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Church school, the two nearest to the family t~1rm in New Hempstead (Ramapo), Rockland County. In addition to the "3R's" John was undoubtedly taught the fourth R-Religion. As long-standing members of the Dutch Reformed Church (the family plot at Brick Church begins with Revolutionary War veteran Albert Westervelt, buried in 1829), the teachings of the Dutch Reformed Church without question also played a large part in his boyhood training. It appears that John left Rockland in the mid-1840s and moved to New York City. 4 From his knowledge of literature, mechanics, and draftsmanship it is obvious that his education was continued beyond elementary school. While it cannot be stated without reservation, there is a strong possibility that he obtained his education at the school run by the Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen at 4 72 Broadway. The links between John Westervelt and this society are several: his third cousin (and later New York City Mayor), Jacob Aaron Westervelt, was president of the society for a number of years, beginning in 1845. The Mechanics society was also the sponsor of the First New York Regiment of Engineers, the Civil War Regiment in which John enlisted. As the classes otl'ered there included classical as well as mechanical studies, the likelihood of .John Westervelt's attendance there cannot be disregarded. On April 14, 1850, John married Anna M. Nafis at the Bedford Street Methodist Church, located at the corner of Bedford and Morton Streets in Greenwich Village. 5 In November of 4. The 1850 Census no longer lists him as a residPnt of Rockland County. 5. In William Scott Fisher, New York City Methodist Marriages, 17851893 (Camden, Me.: Picton Press, 1994), p. 57. No indication is found of how or when he broke with the Dutch Reformed religion, although it is known that Nicholas Onderdonk (born 1828), brother-in-law to John's sister Antoinette, was a member of the Bedford Street Methodist Church from 1850 until his death in 1910. (Onderdonk Family vertical file at Historical Society of Rockland, New City, New York.) The Westervelt genealogy also records that family mPmlwrs Matthew, Peter, and William \VPsten·elt migrated to Ohio in 1B18 and then• became the first male members of the earliest :Methodist society, organizPcl in 1819. (WestPrvillP, Ohio, is named in honor of thPse early sl'ttlPrs). In 1836 Matthew donated the lot 011 which the church was built and later IH'canw one of the first trustees of BIP!Hlon SPminary, prPdecessor of OttPrlwin l'nin'J'Sity, which attemptPd to bf'('OmP thP h•ading college of \\'('stern MP!hodism.

INTRODUCTION

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1850 their first child, Frazee, was born. He was followed in 1852 by Marie Antoinette (died 1856), John Henry on September 13, 1854, Frank Brown on January 20, 1858, Frederick on March 24, 1861 (died of infant cholera August 6, 1862), and Edward C. on November 27, 1866. Apart from these records, the lives of the family remain largely unknown. John was a member of the New York City Volunteer Fire Department, Gulick Hose Company XI, stationed in Greenwich Village, close to the Westervelt home at 66 Greenwich Avenue. Fire Department Company membership records from the 1850s list John along with friends later mentioned in his diary: John Halliday, carpenter of Mulligan Place; tin smith Mitchell Halliday, his brother Robert, a carpenter, and Charles Uhl, a mason (all Greenwich Avenue neighbors of the Westervelt family); William Mathews, a stair builder of Washington Street; and sash and blind makers James and Peter Ward of First Avenue. Also found in the membership rolls is John's younger brother Schuyler, a lawyer and resident of 4th Street in the 9th ward. 6 An additional hint about John (occupation recorded as "stair builder," denoting a skill level above "carpenter") is found in a marginal notation in these ledgers: "Suspended 6 months from March 27, 1857 to September 26, 1857."7 Although the reason for this suspension is not given, it is known that the most probable causes of suspension were "rowdiness" and fighting, generally between members of different companies over their relative merits. Despite records indicating that John resigned from the company on March 8, 1858, he obviThus, John would not have been the first in his family to exchange Dutch Reformed membership for Methodism. 6. John Westervelt belonged to Hose Company XI, "Gulick." Organized March 25, 1837, the company was located at 14 Amos Street in Greenwich Village. Hose XI was notable for its colorful participation in parades, accompanied by its twenty-one-piece band. In the 1860 parade held for the Prince of Wales many remarked that "its carriage alone cost $200" (Augustine E. Costello, Our Firemen: A History of the New York City Fire Department (New York, 1887). It went out of service in 1865 with the advent of paid fire companies. New York City Fire Department Certificate issued to John Westervelt lists him as owner of Badge #15. 7. New York City Volunteer Fire Department Records, Files and Reports, 1855-58, original ledger at the New-York Historical Society.

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INTRODUCTION

ously rejoined at a later date as his certificate of membership in good standing is dated January of 1860 and includes a new badge number. That he relished the camaraderie and excitement of his days with the volunteer fire department is evident by his references to Hose XI in his journal. The same fire department records show that the Westervelt family, at least up to 1858, resided at 66 Greenwich Avenue, the old "9th Ward" that John fondly mentions in his journal. By the time of the 1860 census, which values John Westervelt's estate at $500, the family had moved to West 26th Street and Anna's widowed mother was living with them. On September 8, 1862, John Westervelt signed his voluntary enlistment papers and became a member of the 1st New York Volunteer Engineer Regiment, Company H. Also known as "Serrell's Engineers" (for Edward Serrell), this company was organized at New York City beginning in October of 1861. The men of the engineering corps had the mission of constructing pontoon bridges for river crossings, building lookout and signal towers, constructing roads (often through swamps), and building entrenchments and fortifications. Their work was often clone under rebel scrutiny and sometimes under fire, frequently when the engineers were unable to respond. John's company was significantly involved in operations on Folly Island and Morris Island, South Carolina, as well as assaults on Forts Wagner, Gregg, Sumter, and Charleston. Later, members of the 1st New York took part in Butler's operations against Petersburg and Richmond, Bermuda Hundred (where John Westervelt had the honor of erecting the first flagstaff), the construction of Dutch Gap Canal, and the occupation of Richmond. John was also part of an engineering detachment sent to Florida after the battle of Oulstee and from May of 1864 was part of the Army of the James.8 The reasons for his enlistment can be only partially understood through his own words. Patriotism undoubtedly was an important factor, as he refers to having done his part to save the Union. Economic conditions may have been involved, and 8. The 1st New York Engineers (Serrell's) were organized under the auspices of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, located at 472 Broadway (Martha J. Lamb, "The Career of a Beneficent Enterprise," brochure, 1889, p. 16).

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certainly family tradition was a consideration-grandfather Albert was a Minuteman during the Revolutionary War and other family members participated in the War of 1812. In fact, one month before .John's enlistment, his eighteen-year-old nephew James Henry Onderdonk joined the Union Army and was sent to New Orleans. (James fared even less well than John, dying of disease on August 8, 1863.) Whatever his reasons, we do know from his diary that John Westervelt left New York on the 21st of September 1862 at "ten o'clock in the morning from the foot of old Amos St. for Port Royal S.C. and landed at Hilton Head, S.C., just four days later on Oct 2nd at 10 A.M." When John Westervelt's diary begins in the spring of 1863 he has been in the army for seven months. As a part of the engineering corps outside Charleston under the command of General Gillmore (who is intently drawing his "ring of fire" around the Confederate-held Fort Sumter and Charleston), the engineers are busy constructing fortifications, lookout towers, and roads while Fort Sumter remains in rebel hands despite relentless Union bombardments. While John repeatedly cautions that he was not writing a history of the war, he did inadvertently prepare an eyewitness history from the seldom-seen point of view of the engineer. Although he does not personally take part in battles, he and his comntdes were instrumental in constructing pontoon bridges and towers that significantly impacted Union fighting. An added aspect of his contribution is found in the sketches John drew. While they are perhaps less perfect than he would have liked, they still manage to convey an on-the-spot presence and as such augment his personal, original impressions. Although never maudlin, John comments with sadness at the wounded, "their legs and arms cut off like butchering sheep" (p. 171). In like manner, the heavy loss of lives during Grant's campaign caused him to comment that "The news from Grants army is of the most cheering kind. Everything is cheering except the immense loss of human life" (p. 131). His desire for peace is likewise tempered with foresight, insisting that "We dont want peace at any price, but peace at a price we can afford hereafter, one that will not at some future day com-

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INTRODUCTION

pell us to pay a heavy interest in another deluge of human blood" (p. 213). This is the John Westervelt that we can know without looking further than his own words. His experiences, thoughts, and emotions are both uniquely his and Everyman's. By his own admission he was not an abolitionist, yet, he was an abolitionist in the most universal sense of the word, believing all men deserving of equal justice. On September 29, 1863, John writes Frazee that his passionate belief in the "rights of man, whether black or white" compels him to comment on the ill-use of black troops, despite their obvious contributions to the Union cause. In what may first seem a contradiction, this same entry notes his "hatred" of southern blacks. It is only by looking deeper at his philosophy that this unexpected feeling will be understood. The overwhelmingly dominant theme in the words John sends home is that of pride. He repeatedly relays stories to Frazee which stress how a man's behavior shapes that of those around him: "for a man if he has any pride or self respect can easily by a quiet dignity, compel those above him to respect him, in spite of themselves" (p. 104). And again, in his tale of returning to camp after furlough, John reminds his son that "manly independence and self respect will insure gentlemanly treatment" (p. 223). John refused to acknowledge subservience to any man; thus, the servility and timidity of the southern blacks was an anathema to him. In essence, he was misplacing anger at southern blacks, instead of at the system that created their servility. (Interestingly, escaped slave Robert Smalls, certainly an atypical slave, was praised by John as "a very intelligent pilot ... a plucky fellow" [p. 76]). Closely allied to John's feelings on slaves were his emotional reactions to the ignorance of Southerners, which induced him to compare their level of intelligence to "that which you might detect in the face of a dumb brute." Still, he concludes his observations with a fervent hope that these "poor wretches may be taught that they are human beings" (p. 231). This is but another instance of John's forceful belief in

INTRODUCTION

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man's inherent dignity. This trait, this insistence upon selfrespect, is perhaps his most defining characteristic. Government waste and inequity was another frequent target of his temper. In fact, he became so incensed at civilian workers receiving more pay than soldiers without having to face enemy fire or the draft that he avows "were I honorably out of the service no consideration of duty would induce me to enter it again" (p. 75). Tempering his outbursts at injustice, John often displayed great understanding and tolerance of his fellows. Unlike many members of society of the time, John apparently held no prejudice about religion. Upon seeing his General entering a Catholic chapel he ofl'ered no criticism and, in fact, voiced approval of any man's choice of worship, as long as he is "a good and loyal citizen." Further signs of his unusual understanding of his fellow men are seen throughout his diary as he speaks of diverse personalities. Describing Captain Cruso, he explains that Cruso is eccentric yet if you understand his eccentricities you will get along with him. However, regardless of his attempts to accept his fellow man, John had his limits; in his mind there was no excuse for, and no forgiving of, a man who was unclean, a drunkard, or a bully. In contrast to his passion for justice and serious mindfulness, it is important to consider John's appreciation of life and sense of humor. His character was embedded with awareness and enjoyment of nature. Many pages describe the flowers and birds with a feeling of wonder. His fascination with Florida is especially compelling in this regard; he speaks with wonderment at the thousands of porpoises, the fragrance of orange blossoms, and the delicious balminess so magical "you almost imagine you're in paradise" (p. 125). Later, stationed in Virginia during an unusual cold spell which freezes the river, he watches the fortunate men with skates and remarks with a boyish wistfulness that "I wished very much for a pair" (p. 210). John also found delight in music, fishing, and cooking. The pleasure and pride in his accomplishments, whPther cooking flapjacks, inventing a lamp, or building a stove, unerringly

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INTRODUCTION

gave Frazee the message: do your best, never say I can't, and always conduct yourself with pride. When John begins to lose his health, his optimism combines with anger and he rallies his energies with the passionate words, "I am a poor old horse turned out to die because I am no longer useful. But I will not die for all they can do." These words become all the more poignant when contrasted with his earlier jaunty remark: "I am as healthy as a man can possibly be .... I eat like a horse everything I get hold of and feel, to use a vulgar expression, like a fighting cock." Upon John Westervelt's discharge in June of 1865 he is thirty-seven-years old. His weight has gone from 150 to 130, and though he struggles to keep his confidence alive, his once vibrant health has been broken. In sum, his journal tells the story of his evolution, and, by inference, the story of thousands who, no matter which side they fought for, no matter their beliefs, were never again who they were at the onset of the war.

Acknowledgments This diary could never have come into being without a great deal of assistance and direction. Among those without whom this volume would never have been possible are: Dorothy Westervelt Briggs and family, in whose gracious spirits the John H. Westervelt line proudly continues Joseph ("Poppa Joe") Arcaro, finder of the diary Pat Durie, Alan Aimone, and Susan Lintleman of the United States Military Academy Library, Special Collections, West Point, New York Edwin Alford, Document Specialist Emerson New Jersey Genealogical Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Jean Koefoed of "Be Seated." New York, New York Marie Koestler, Rockland County Genealogist, Nanuet, N.Y. Patrick McCaully, South Carolina Historical Society Carole Morrill, Coordinator of the Little Red Schoolhouse Museum, East Ramapo, N.Y. George Pantonovic, Rockland County photographer and Lincoln scholar Fran Pollard, Virginia Historical Society Jeanne Reid, Yonkers Reference Librarian David F. Riggs and Dee Ann Stallings, Jamestown, Virginia Historians Claude Westerfield of Bossier City, Louisiana Sherron Westerfield Moore of Florida and Kentucky and the numerous staff members of:

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Finkelstein Memorial Libmry, Spring Valley, N.Y General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, New York City Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Mount Pleasant Public Library, Westchester County, N.Y National Archives and Record Service, Washington, D.C. New-York Historical Society, New York, N.Y. New York Public Library, Local History Division, New York, N .Y Nyack Library, Nyack, N.Y Rockland County Historical Society, New City, N.Y U.S. Army Military History Institute Library, Carlisle Barracks, Pa.

History of the Diary and Drawings of John H. Westervelt John Westervelt sent 68 installments of his life in the engineer corps home to his son Frazee. Following John's death in 1868, John's widow and children continued to live in New York City at 436 W. 36th Street until 1876, when Anna and family moved to 406 West 55th Street. They remained there throughout the 1870s, moving in late 1879 or early 1880 to Railroad Avenue, near 166th Street. Per census records, Anna's household contained sons Henry, Frank B., and Edward as well as Frazee, his wife Elizabeth, and their sons Schulyer, Theodore, and Frank. Presumably, the journal and drawings moved along with the rest of the family belongings. According to the 1892 through 1895 New York City Directories, Anna is shown as having relocated to the West Farms area of the Bronx, giving her address as 1735 West Farms Road. (Frazee and family are not listed in the directory, but were most likely also living there.) By the time of the 1900 census, dated June 4th, Anna is noted as "Head of Household" in a rented house at 1601 West Farms Road, and Frazee is living with her. The same census page lists John's younger son, Edward (a "foreman"), living a few houses away at 1581 West Farms Road with his wife Minnie and their ten-year-old son Clinton. 1 Anna continued to live at 1601 until her death in 1904. On September 18, 1927, the journal was found by George 1. Frazee's wife and children are not listed as household members; however, as they would have been in their 20s they may well have been on their own by this date. His wife may have been away at the date of the census, or deceased, or her omission may have been an error. Edward's household included his widowed sister-in-law, Eva Pawson, and her daughter Emma. Per the census, Edward owned this home free of mortgage.

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HISTORY OF THE DIARY AND DRAWINGS

and Joseph Arcaro, my step-father. Many years later I received the diary from Joe and was told that he and George found it in the trash outside a house that was being renovated on West Farms Road. While it cannot be stated with certainty, this was probably the residence of Frazee. As puzzling as the missing years in the existence of the diary are, the circumstances surrounding John Westervelt's drawings are even more of a riddle. While searching for clues on the Westervelts I found a reference on the out-of-county CD Catalog at Valley Cottage Library which stated: Westervelt, John H. Papers; 1864, drawings and cartoons. The entry indicated these items were in the holdings of the Library of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Initial contact with West Point could not provide any details and until the sketches were located in Special Collections archives it seemed doubtful that they could have any connection to the same John H. Westervelt. Once located and studied, however, it was obvious that they were indeed done by the same man; their captions and references matched the diary perfectly, leaving only the intriguing question of how they were separated from the journal and came to West Point. The acknowledgment letter for the map and drawings 2 indicates only that they were donated in 1976 by Violet Westervelt, a name which was not familiar to any of the present descendants of John. The only Violet found in genealogies was a first cousin to John, born in 1888 to William Westervelt and Annie Brydson. 3 Her connection to the artwork seemed tenuous as John had direct descendants that were more likely to have inherited the work. The mystery of Violet continued when tracing the address given to West Point. None of the neighbors knew or remembered her. With this, the search for Violet seemed to have reached a dead end until I entered her name one last time in the computer-based Social Security Death Index at the Genealogical Library of the Emerson Branch of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. Eureka! The computer located a Violet West2. Letter of 27 October 1976 from United States Military Academy Library to Violet Westervelt. In collection at West Point. 3. Westervelt, Genealogy, p. 113.

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ervelt and provided birth and death dates. A letter and check to Tallahassee (Violet died in Florida in 1993) produced a death certificate showing Violet as born in New York to Theodore \Vestervelt, son of Frazee. While there is still some mystery about the diary and artwork-when and how they became separated or misplacedone can only be grateful for the serendipity, and perhaps nudge from heaven, that led to their reunion after so many years.

EDITORIAL NOTE

The diary of John Westervelt has been transcribed as written by him. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar have not been regularized nor modernized. Names, where misspelled, have been corrected only in the appropriate notes identifying the individual at the end of each section. While every attempt has been made to record the full text of the journal, when only fragmentary words or phrases can be deciphered due to damage to the original manuscript these sections are omitted if no understandable context can be discerned. These areas are indicated as ... Where words, phrases, or sentences are legible only in part, and the remaining text strongly suggests the obscure or missing letters or words, such letters or words have been added and are indicated by brackets. John frequently inserted small sketches to illustrate items to Frazee. Places where these occur in the original diary are indicated by [sketch]. His more elaborate drawings, from the West Point archives, are noted as [illus/WP].

Chronology Oct. 21, 1827

Aug. 26, 1830 mid-1840s Apr. 14, 1850

Nov. 1850 1852 1850s to early 1860s Jan. 15, 1853 Sep. 13, 1854 1856 Jan. 20,1858 Mar. 24, 1861 Aug. 6, 1862 Sep.8, 1862

Sep. 28, 1862

Oct. 2, 1862 Apr. 4, 1863

John Henry Westervelt born on family farm in New Hempstead (Ramapo), Rockland County Anna Maria Na.fts born on Sullivan Street, New York City John moves to New York City Married to Anna Na.fts at Bedford Street Methodist Church in New York City by Rev. VanDeusen Son Frazee S. born in New York City Daughter Marie Antoinette born in New York City Member New York City Volunteer Fire Department, Gulick Hose Company, #11 John's mother, Hannah (Teneyck), dies at Rockland County family farm Son John Henry born in New York City Daughter Marie Antoinette dies Son Frank Brown born in New York City Son Frederick A. born in New York City Frederick dies of infant cholera John enlists and is mustered into 1st New York Volunteer Engineer Corps, Co. H, as a private. Paid bounty of $50 plus a premium of$29 Leaves New York for South Carolina on Star of the South from dock at the "foot of Amos Street" Arrives Hilton Head, South Carolina Begins journal to send to Frazee

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Apr. 1863 to Feb. 1864

CHRONOLOGY

Stationed in and around Folly and Morris Islands, South Carolina Promoted to private 1st class/artifl.cer May 8,1863 Feb.-Mar. 1864 Serves with detachment in Florida Apr. 1864 Stationed in various Virginia locations: Fortress Monroe, City Point, Bermuda Hundred Dec. 17, 1864 Promoted to sergeant Mar. 16-Apr. 3 Home on furlough June 13, 1865 Discharged for disability, Richmond, Virginia June 15,1865 Arrives "safe at home," makes last journal entry Nov. 27, 1866 Son Edward C. born in New York City Apr. 1868 Increase to total disability approved Oct. 18, 1868 Dies of tuberculosis at his West 36th Street home Buried in Rockland County Oct. 22, 1868 John's father, James, dies at family farm Oct. 17, 1879 Nov. 22, 1904 John's wife, Anna, dies at home on West Farms Road, Bronx; buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx Sep. 18, 1927 Journal found, West Farms Road Artwork donated to West Point by Violet Oct. 1976 Westervelt, great-granddaughter of John (Frazee Westervelt's son Theodore was the father of Violet. She was born in 1908, died 1993.)

Journal of an expedition to Folly Island written by JHW for FSW No.1

Apllst 4pm Word came to prepare for a secret expedition to Folly Island. 2nd Last evening we packed everything belonging to us. 6 P.M. We had orders to strike tents but were obliged to sleep in the sand all night. The wind blowing a gale on us and sand in clouds .... got my breakfast 8 A.M. Fell in and marched on board all highly elated with their idea of work . . . . there are ... birds here. They seemed so playful that I almost imagined that it was for our benefit. After watching them a while went to dine on salt hardtack. Water on board vessels is made fresh by placing in what they call condensers, after which it becomes sweet and pure. [However] not having any on board old enough ... 5 P.M. We had 2 boats lashed together one upside down, we took them in tow although the sea was very high and we had great difficulty in getting them and was obliged to cut the one adrift that was upside down. 6 P.M. We ran and anchored in Edisto inlet between Edisto & John's Island 4th 7 A.M. Up anchor and put to sea. 8 A.M. began to get rough, the sea kept rising. 11 A.M. when we took a pilot on board. Previous to this the boat we picked up swamped. We cut her loose and let her go. We now ran as far as Stono inlet and lay out at the bar for the tide till 6 P.M. when we ran in and anchored. We could now see the fleet blockading Charleston harbor, being about 15 miles distant. We could also see rebel camps on the land. Here lay several monitors and gun boats waiting orders for the attack on C. Sunday 5th 3 P.M. Orders came on board for the Company to go to Folly island with three days rations in our haversacks, or knapsacks. All hands were highly elated except two of those who showed the whites further. Now we detect the chaff from the wheat. I will tell you some anecdote about it when I see you. I have no space here. 11 P.M. Left the steamer in small boats and landed at 12 midnight. All of the boats running

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aground we were obliged to jump overboard and go ashore, getting wet up to the middle. 3 A.M. 6th Commenced a march along shore. We had 2 infantry besides our Co which numbers 75 men. It was moonlight and we proceeded on our expedition halting every ten minutes for our scouts who was scouting the woods in every direction fearing there might be a rebel force on the island. 9 A.M. We halted for breakfast after we made 3 miles. After eating some salt horse and hard tack, 1 a young man by the name of Benson 2 and myself crawled under the bushes and slept till 12 Noon. I'll tell you more about Benson some other time, suffice it for the present he has taken a fancy to me, and as I like him he generally makes one of our group. March again now and saw some of the most wild looking scenery I ever saw. It is all white sand but mostly covered with pines and stunted palmettos. Its growth of brush so dense that a cat could not creep through it with their paw. It looks if had been trimmed by the hand of man as you have seen there in gardens. The general appearance of the island reminds me of pictures I have seen of Africa or of the south sea islands. There are plenty of snakes and a few wild goats and cows, also some black squirrels. There is an eagles nest, in a pine tree over our camp. 2 P.M. halted and eat dinner, then built a lookout or signal station. We now began to think about a place to sleep for the night, being pretty well played out and my feet sore from walking with wet stockings and drawers. So we pulled out our jack knives and Benson and me cut a hole under the brush large enough for two to lay. Hotch & Patterson3 doing the same close by us. We now took some 1. Salt horse was actually pickled, salted beef, taking its nickname from soldiers' rumors of finding horseshoes at the bottom of barrels. Hardtack, staple of issued rations, were crackers made of unleavened flour and water. Generally moldy and riddled with vermin, they nonetheless kept many a soldier from starvation. 2. Edward Benson, age 19, enlisted December 23, 1861 in New York City. Mustered out at Varina, Virginia, December 23, 1864. Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of New York for the Year 1898, p. 20. 3. Aaron S. Hotchkiss, age 44, enlisted August 31, 1862 in New York City. Promoted to sergeant February 11, 1965, mustered out June 30, 1865 in Richmond, Virginia. Annual Report of the Adjutant General, p. 152. James Patterson, age 34, enlisted September 8, 1862 in New York City. Promoted to sergeant February 11, 1865, mustered out June 30, 1865, Richmond, Virginia. Annual Report of the Adjutant General, p. 245.

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palmetto leaves, some of which are as large as the top of a table, and put them in the hole and by pressing them against the top and sides formed an arch making a neat and comfortable place to sleep. We were not destined to enjoy it long however for at 1 A.M. we were ordered on the march. We proceeded about a mile and a half when our scouts reported having seen rebels. The engineers now fell in the rear and the infantry front for battle but then the alarm passed the scout having most likely seen some of our other scouts. So the men lay down on their arms and the engineers on their shovels and axes till daylight when we returned to our palmettos. After taking a snooze, about 10 P.M. I took a walk% mile from camp and saw Fort Sumter plain enough to distinguish two flagstaffs one being the secesh and the other a black flag. The black flag expected to mean no surrender. Our monitors which lay outside now began toward the harbour. Soon a battery on Morris island began popping away at them, but we waited without returning their fire until they were in range of old Sumpter who [showered] tremendous fire on them, the firing commenced at 2 P.M. 4 and lasted till 5 with what result I did not learn, but it is believed that the monitors received but little injury except Keokuk which is only an experiment having two turrets and is owned by a man who had an understanding that if she proved successful government was to buy her, but she sunk next morning. 5 The engagement was the grandest I ever saw. It was one continual boom, boom, from forts and batterys. Sumpter's heavy guns would make the earth quake and you could almost feel the concussion of air 4. On the afternoon of April 7, 1863, Admiral duPont led the naval attack on Sumter. Damaged considerably, the federal fleet withdrew at nightfall, leaving the Confederates to repair their heavily injured Fort. The results of this attack convinced duPont that Sumter would not be taken by naval power alone. E. B. Long, The Civil War Day by Day: An Ahnanac (New York: Doubleday, 1971), pp. 335-36. 5. The experimental craft referred to was the Keokuk. Only partially armored, Keokuk suffered through 90 hits before retreating. She sank off Morris Island the morning of April 8th. Unknown to the Union, the Confederates recovered the signal book from Keokuk and used it to decipher messages between Admiral Dahlgren and General Gillmore, making their attack of September 8, 1863 (see chapter 14) no surprise to the prepared rebel forces. Bern Anderson, By Sea and by River: The Naval History o.fthe Civil War (New York: De Capo Press, 1962), p. 171.

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on your cheek, although we were 4 or 5 miles distant. 8th commenced to build a dock to land troops and provisions but being on the inside of the island and in sight of the rebels we gave it up. We are encamped on the outside of the island and within the midst of the 9th Ave of the sea. Sometimes the waves nearly wash some of the mens tents who were foolish enough to build to far down to the water. It is quite interesting to watch the breakers which are scarry sometimes if the wind is from the east. Their incessant roar was verry noisy at first but we soon got used to it. 9th Nothing for breakfast this morning. Out at 12M started for Stono river> for provisions which is 6 miles from camp. At 6 P.M. eat some hard tack and at 7 P.M. advanced 2 miles on the beach, we were obliged to use caution as before being in hearing of the enemys pickets of their battery on morris island, the men spoke to each other in whispers and rarely but shovels was used in the soft sand, and we succeeded in throwing up a battery of 6 guns without being discovered. The engineers while working were protected by a natural embankment between us and the creek that runs between the islands. got to camp before daylight. lOth To day we heard firing near shore but could not make out. did not do anything to day. Yesterday I received a letter from my wife I was glad to get it out in the woods and was not long in intensely devouring its contents. To day I received one from my sister Antoinette 7 I wrote answers to them both. 11th Fortifying the island to day. all quiet till we fell in and marched up to the battery and brought back the guns again don't know what for unless it was fear that the rebels might capture or spike them ... crossed in a boat the last night and captured one of our pickets. 6. Stono River, south of Folly Island, was the site of the capture of the Fedeml gunboat Isaac Smith on January 30, 1863. Fmncis T. Miller, ed., The Photographic History of the Civil War (New York: The Review of Reviews, 1911), vol. VI, p. 316. 7. This refers to Marie Antoinette [Westervelt] Onderdonk, born August 19, 1822, died February 27, 1887. On December 1, 1841 she married Lake Onderdonk (son of Adrian and Easter [Hetty], who was born January 22, 1816 and died August 25, 1895). Both buried at Brick Church Cemetery (New Hempstead/Spring Valley, New York) with their son, James Henry Onderdonk. Eighteen-year-old James H. died (unmarried) on August 9, 1863 while serving in the Union Army stationed in New Orleans. Excepts from his diary were published in New York History, January 1968. The original

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Sunday 12th The monitors all left for Hilton Head to day. I believe there will be no attack for the present. Four companies of engineers of our regiment [will] leave for the head to day. Co A leave their muskets with us till we can get our own. 13th This has been quite an exciting day. We [went] through the woods by the captains orders who was tight, thus [the] boys mad. About 11 o'clock the sergeant in charge sent a portion of us in camp to change axes for shovels. This the boys did not like, but obeyed and went to camp, but when we got there the Cap who had taken a little more flew in a passion and ordered us to take both axes and shovels and although the cook said dinner would be ready in 10 minutes he compelled us to go without it, saying he would send it to us. On going out and telling the other men about it they were wild and but for myself and one or two others would have thrown down their tools and packed in camp, but we persuaded them to wait to their usual quitting time when we went in without waiting for dinner to be sent to us, expecting trouble when we got there but the captain is easily intimidated, and thinking perhaps he had a determined set of men to deal with in a bad place he made the best of a bad bargain and he said nothing about it. To be continued

diary is at Rockland County Historical Society, New City, New York. James had enlisted on August 14, 1862, left for Washington Sept 6.

Journal of an expedition to Folly Island written by J.H.W For F.W. No.2 Apr 13th continued. In the afternoon we went out again without any further trouble. This morning while some men of the 62nd were cooking their breakfast, an old bomb shell they had put in the fire to hold their kettle up, thinking there was nothing in it, suddenly exploded dangerously wounding two of them and making it necessary to amputate the leg of one of them. To day we built more roads and commenced a splinter proof battery, that is a battery covered over with palmetto logs and sand. Palmetto being of a soft spongy nature like cork if hit by a ball or shell no splinters fly off which is often the case with other wood, the splinters wounding more men than the shots. This morning a captain of the 62nd was shot dead by one of his own men. 1 It seems that the captain went outside the lines and lost his way, and came in at another point. The guard not knowing the captain was out challenged and the captain being a little deaf did not respond, so the guard fired killing him almost instantly. This happened before day light. The wind from the east to day blowing a gale. The sea is very high and the breakers make such a roar we can barely hear each other speak. This tide is verry high compelling some of the men to move higher up the bank. 15th This day is clear and beautiful and I begin to like it here as well or nearly as I did Beaufort. I am sure I like better than the head of it in the wild woods. To day I tried something new. In the top of the palmetto grows a substance which the negroes call cabbage, and it certainly tastes much like it. I like it much better. It can be used all the different ways the same as cabbage. I use it mostly raw cut up with vinegar. One tree furnishes about 1. Accidental deaths of Federal forces are estimated at 4,114. Long, The Civil War Day by Day, p. 710.

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as much as a small cabbage head and makes a meal for three. The palmetto is a usefull tree to us. We use the trunks to build forts. The cabbage to eat, the leaves to build huts, and the roots which grow in an enormous mop, to tie them on with. 16th Today we are short of rations again. The first we have been short since we have been here. 8 A.M. We started for stono river after our arms and provisions, got back near dark tired and with sore feet. There is a rumor that we are to evacuate the island altogether. 7 P.M. Went 2 miles down the beach after some barrels. 9 P.M. in camp played out. 17th Fresh as ever this morning. 1 P.M. went again to stono after balance of arms, coming back we got caught by the tide which got so high we were obliged to leave the beach and get up the bank and make the best of our way through the bushes or remain in the woods untill late at night till the tide went out. Some of the men pulled off their boots and pants and taking them in their hands waded through the water. Myself and some of the men took the bank cutting our way in many places through the brush and arriving in camp some time after dark, ready to drop with fatigue, but a ration of whiskey cured all and went to bed and slept it off. Forgot to say this morning there was a short engagement between rebel battery and one of our gun boats. It seems the boat was reconnoitering and got a little too close to them and they fired at her. The boat returned the fire but being only a wooded one she thought it best to retire. We could see the affair plainly. At night there was considerable firing between the pickets but no harm done. 18th Still fortifying, all quiet except the gnats of which there are myriads. 2 They are very annoying if the sun does not shine or the wind dont blow but they cannot stand either, nor do they not bite after dark. There is another nuisance here in the shape of the wood tick, an insect about the size and looking like the bed bug. They eat their way in the flesh 2. Union forces in coastal South Carolina suffered continuously from the insect problem. "Common houseflies swarmed and clouds of mosquitoes joined the attacks of sand fleas, lice and gnats. Little peace was available for the men without netting to protect them at night and no peace during the day from the bites of the millions of sand fleas." Denney, Civil War Medicine, p. 131.

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without being felt for some time. It then begins to get sore and you look and find them half buried, and they are so tough you can hardly pull them out. It is necessary to examine yourself every day. If as is sometimes the case they eat all the way in it makes a bad sore. There is a report afloat to day that there will soon be another attack on Charleston. Sunday 19th Today we were not detailed for any work, and as our shanty has leaked some most of the men built new ones improving them somewhat. Hotchkiss, Paterson and myself clubbed in as usual and build a bully one. I like it better than our tents for they are poor things and leak bad. Our camp is a curious looking little village and would make you all laugh if you could see it. There is not much difference in the size, but they are all the different shapes the imagination can conceive, I will give you the shape of mine, here it is [sketch] It is about as large inside as the room you sleep in and in the highest part so I can just stand up in it. If you have ever seen a picture of a hottentot or esquimaux village, that is the best description of it I can give you now. 20th To day Paterson and me are detailed to build a lookout in the top of a pine tree. A rebel boat came out to the sunken Keokuk for some purpose, but one of our gun boats sent her back again. The rebel ram then went out a little way and drove our gun boats away, but we have one boat they dare not come in range with, this is the ironsides and lays outsides the harbor. Nothing the rebels have come near her. To night I had a new dinner. It consisted of hard tack or crackers first soaked in salt water and then fried in the fat that comes out of our pork. We eat it with molasses if we have it and it is the best meal I have eaten since I left home. We have to fry it ourselves. We have molasses dealt to us every 10 days but in small quantities. Get some of the hardest crackers you can find and try it, you can put salt in place of sea water which we use because it gives a better flavor and is healthy. 3 21st Finished the lookout to day. It is 100 feet off the ground 3. Soldiers were notorious for trying various ways to make their hardtack more palatable. Recipes included pudding, stew, and "skillygalee" (hard tack fried in bacon fat). The Civil War Book of Lists: Over 300 Lists, from the 8u1Jlime ... to the Ridiculous (Conshohocken, Pa.: Combined Books, 1994), p. 186.

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and is reached by steps built round the trunk of a tree like a staircase. When the wind blows it rocks like a cradle. It commands a splendid view of the forts in the harbor and the islands with their batterys. We can plainly see the steeples in charleston, and could [see] the town itself were it not for the woods that intervenes. We will have a glass in a few days and then we can see better. I was offered the position with three others as lookouts but I did not like the confinement of being perched in the top of a tree four hours together and I can go up when I please without it. 22nd On guard to day. Everything quiet. 23d To day I am off duty and can go where I please with a pass, so I thought I would take a walk down to the point (I mean stono river) and see what was going on. I said no one ever lived here but I was mistaken. There is one house about 3 miles below here or halfway to the point on the other side of the island. It is quite a nice place and is occupied as the generals headquarters. One of our corporals was with me and we went to see it and then went to the point down the other side. We expected to find a mail at the generals but were disappointed and returned home about 1 O'clock tired out having walked 14 miles. The rest of the afternoon I lay off in the shanty. After supper we went on the inside of the island and got about half a bushel of muscles. There are waggon loads of them here. We boiled them up and put them in vinegar and next morning they were fit to eat and were verry excellent. It seems there are plenty of things to eat here, and all good. There is here a small shell fish very much resembling a snail. The men gather them in great quantities and eat them, but they are too small for me. Do you recollect the conk shells up to grandpops 4 that they used to blow for dinner well there are plenty of them here alive and we consider them a great dish. Everything that grows in salt water seems to be good to eat here and we have the bonus of getting it for nothing. The beach has most curious and beautiful shells. I would like to send you some if I had an opportunity, but I have not. I am saving some of them if I can carry them along when we leave 4. As Frazee's maternal grandfather (George Nafts) died years earlier (April19, 1839), this reference must be to John's father, James Westervelt, who remained at his Rockland County farm until his death on October 17, 1879.

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I may send them at some future time. 24th Not being well to day I did not go on fatigue but lay off and took some oil. There is considerable excitement in the company to day on account of serious charges having been made against the captain by Lieut Baldwin5 of our company. If the charges are proven the captain will be broke. Some of the sergeants are trying to create alibis but the company are too unanimous, which may I dare not say just now. I will acquaint you with the particulars after the court martial which will soon take place. 25th Nothing unusual to day. Sunday 26th No duty of any kind to day. After breakfast our tent took a walk on the inside of the island where I saw a sight that if it were nearer New York would gladden the sight of the oyster dealers.B Between this island and the next is a marsh about 2 miles wide. It is intersected by a small river and numerous creeks wind through it. At low tide numerous little islands make their appearance so thickly covered with oysters that they have not room to lay actually crowding each other a foot above the mud. They are an excellent flavor and thousands of vessels might be loaded with them with only the trouble of picking them up. We gathered some and took them to camp, eating some now and waiting, frying or stewing the balance. But I find that eating so much of everything does not agree with me and that I shall have to be more sparing hereafter. JHW

to be continued

5. Lieutenant James Baldwin was 18 when he enlisted in New York City in September 1861. Mustered as second lieutenent on February 14, 1862. Honorably discharged at Varina, Virginia on February 13, 1865. Frederick Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion (Albany: J. B. Lyon, 1912), p. 1640. 6. "Everywhere you turned [in New York City] there were oyster cellars, oyster houses, and stands .... "' John Atlee Kouwenhoven, The Columbia Historical Portrait of New York (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1953), p. 183. New Yorkers' daily oyster consumption in the 1860s was approximated at $15,000 (in 1863 dollars). Over 1,500 boats and crews labored daily to supply the city. James Miller, Miller's Stranger's Guide for the City of New York, 1866 (New York, 1866), p. 93.

Journal of an expedition to Folly Island Aprill863 No. #3

Sunday the 26th continued. An accident occurred to a Lieut of the ... Illinois. He was walking under a pine tree that was hollow at the bottom in which someone had built a fire. It was nearly burned off and falling and suddenly nearly crushed him to death. 28 & 29th. all quiet. 30th. This is a day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer. 1 Nothing done in the shape of duty. AM. Mustered in for the last two months. We are always mustered on the 1st of every two months. We then have to turn out with everything we have, muskets, cartridge, boxes, canteen, haversack, knapsack, eating utensils, extra boots, shoes & clothing. We are not allowed by the regulations to carry any useless things. If anything is lacking we are supplied the first opportunity. Each mans name is called and provisions are made should there be any vacancies, but you do not know anything about it at the time. After muster some of us went in bathing. We have a most beautiful beach for bathing, and hundreds of men can be seen in the surf from morning till night. It is glorious to swim out and let the waves break over you, burying you from head to feet as you plunge in a wave and come out the other side. And then it is laughable to see some of the timid ones, who deceived by the apparent calmness have ventured out to far and perhaps cannot swim when along comes a huge billow frightening him half to death with its foamy crest and before he can reach the shore tumbles over him, and tumbling him over half a dozen times, finally leaving him sputtering and blowing the salt water from his 1. One month earlier, on Monday March 30 President Lincoln had proclaimed April 30 as a national fast and prayer day. Long, Civil War Day by Day, p. 332.

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mouth, a laughing stock of some designing fellows who induced him to venture too far, but after a few plunges one gets used to it. For my part, I was initiated years ago at Cooney and Long Island. May 1st. We are not so busy to day as people in NY but we have commenced to build a new tower or lookout. We expect to get it up enough by the time attack is made on Charleston to see the whole affair. It will be 40 feet higher than the old one and will give us a splendid viewing of the harbor with its islands and fortifications. May 2nd. Some old friends from Beaufort arrived today, viz 6th Conn. & 4th N.H. Vols. In the evening I received a letter from my wife which I read with eagerness not having received any for a period longer than usual. Sunday 3rd Having been busy through the week we put up our tent today which had arrived some days before. We have a better place to live now than we ever had. We first made a frame 4 ft high closing the sides with palmetto leaves and then setting the tent up on top of it this. [sketch]. Inside we made three bunks thus [sketch] with a table in the center made of an old cracker box. The bunks are our seats also. Our dishes when not in use are placed inside the box. This plan is my own and the boys are all following it. Our beds and carpet are of palmetto leaves. 4th This evening promotions were read off when I found I was made 1st class or artificer to date from 1st May. Nothing of interest took place till 13th when an accident occurred that came near costing me my life. We were working on the tower 80 ft high when through the carelessness of sergeant Otis, 3 our guy pole fell nearly throwing me to the ground and bruising my legs so that I could not work for a couple of days. This shows I might lose my life without the aid of powder or ball. 14th. Today we have good 2. First-class privates of the Corps of Engineers used the designation "artificers" to denote their design and construction skill. Artificers were paid $17 per month; second-class privates or privates of other corps received $13. Philip Katcher, The Civil War Source Book (New York: Facts on File, 1992), p. 304. 3. Charles D. Otis, age 28, mustered in New York City December 2, 1861 as corporal. Promoted to sergeant April 30, 1862; re-enlisted as veteran February 1, 1864; mustered in as second lieutenant March 1, 1865; first lieutenant May 23, 1865. Mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, June 30, 1865. Phisterer, New York in War of Rebellion, pp. 1646-47.

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news from Genl. Hooker. I cannot give you all the rumors afloat, suffice it to say they leave a portion of his army in Richmond and still advancing. It is to be hoped it is all true but it needs confirmation. 15th We are having a violent northeast storm today. No work and our camp is situated so that we are entirely protected. We have all the advantage of the winds from all other quarters. 16th It still storms but not so bad and it is very warm. Having nothing else to do, Hotchkiss, Patterson and myself downed our rubber blankets and started for the Hd Qrs of the Regt to see if we could not get something out of the usual notice to eat. But we had our walk for nothing, the Sutler4 being sold out and gone to the head for more. You will understand that alterations having been made in the Regt making it different from any other. In the 1st place we have 12 Cos each having a Capt & two Lieuts. The Regt is divided into two battalions of six cos each. We have two Majors, Major Butt5 1st Bat, Major Place6 2nd ditto. Butts Battalion is at the Head, and Places here with the Genl Commanding. Our Co being detached is with neither at present, but belongs to Major Places. Being detached with good officers is a great advantage as they do not have half the duty to perform. Our Co has not been much with the Regt. nor do I think it will be hereafter. Col Serrell 7 is still in N. Y. recruiting and looking after the 4. Sutlers were officially authorized civilians who set up business at camps to sell miscellaneous items such as food, paper, and tobacco. Although prices were supposed to be regulated, many charged outrageously, resulting in frequent clashes between soldiers and sutlers. Interestingly, the word "sutler" has a Dutch origin, meaning "to undertake low office." 5. Richard Butt enrolled February 14, 1862 at Hilton Head, S.C. Mustered in as major April 25, 1862; resigned April 19, 1864. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1642. 6. James E. Place, 31 at enlistment, enrolled at New York City on August 22, 1861. Mustered as captain October 10, 1861, as major January 1, 1863. Mustered out with regiment at Richmond, Virginia, June 30, 1865. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1647. 7. Edward Wellman Serrell (1826-1906) was a 34-year-old civil engineer when he enlisted at Albany on July 27, 1861. Mustered in as lieutenantcolonel Oct 10, 1861, made colonel February 14, 1862, breveted brigadier general U.S. Volunteers March 13, 1865; mustered out February 13, 1865 at Varina, Virginia. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, pp. 1634, 1648. In addition to recruiting and organizing the 1st New York Regiment of Engineers and Artisians, Serrell is credited with successfully completing the impossible: establishing a battery on the west side of Morris Island in mud 16 feet deep. (The captain to whom it was originally assigned

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two new Cos. You will see by the above that the Regt. when full will number 1800 men besides commissioned officers, and that we have one Major, several Lieuts and about 100 sergeants & corporals more than an infantry Regt. I believe there is to be an extra Lieut Col. also making two. I forgot to say that each Co is to consist of 150 men of which there are ten Sergts and ten Corpls. Sunday 17th To day is clear and beautiful but hot. We got a paper this morning and went to the upper end of the island next to Morris. The creek which divides the two is scarcely wider than from 35th to 36th street, and the pickets can talk to each other quite easily. One of the rebs called to know if we did not want a wooden leg for Gel Hooker stating that he had lost both of his at the 1st battle and he thought we must be nearly out of stuff for Genis. Another invited us over to witness inspection this morning. They appear to be a low set of bravados and say a great many things and use language that is unfit to put upon paper, and I am sorry to say some of our men on picket can give as good as they get. Some of the better sort on both sides exchange papers, tobacco, coffee &c and converse intelligently on the topics of the day. They are very anxious to get our papers and will give any amount of tobacco for a little coffee. As no one is allowed to cross from either side articles are sent across by an ingeniously contrived little sail boat about two ft long. An attempt was made to send a paper over while we were there, but the tiller not being set right it ran out to sea and disappeared. Two rebels stripped and tried to get it, but although they could easily have swam to it, they would most likely have been shot by their own men had they made the attempt. It is curious to note the ridiculous rumors that gain credit among the pickets here. They told us that Jeff Davis and his whole cabinet was certainly captured. Some half dozen of females having appeared on the other side in black it was rumored that they were in mourning for the late disasters to the rebel cause. Another rumor was that the two or three rebel rams had run out from Charlston and delivhad requested "men eighteen feet high" in order to comply; he was relieved and replaced by Serrell.) After two weeks of intensive night labor, "Swamp Angel" was installed on a platform at the battery. Rossiter Johnson, Campfires & Battlefields (New York: Civil War Press, 1967), p. 294

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ered themselves up considering the rebel cause hopeless. Notwithstanding the absurdity of these reports they are fully believed untill some other equally absurd is told to the contrary. At this point we can see some of the rebel batterys, but I think some of them are only sham intended to keep us from crossing as no guns were in sight. While we were here Sumter fired a salute of 14 guns. We could see the flame from the mouth of her guns, and the ground beneath us trembled perceptibly. They could have knocked us to pieces in a few minutes had they felt disposed. In the afternoon we got a nice lot of oysters and had oysters fritters for supper.

April No.4 (Much of No. 4 is illegible; meaningless fragments are excluded) ... 23rd Everything quiet. not to work yet. News of the arrival of the Arago and Delaware tell us the former of which was reported to have been shot at by the rebels. We are in hourly expectation of a mail. During leisure hours a great many things can be seen which the casual observer would not notice. I frequently have thought this war will never come to an end if we have to rely upon the present officers of the army from the highest to the lowest nineteen of every twenty men never held such high positions or earned steady pay untill they joined the army, Money being the reason ... What will a man not do for money? We have here a most miserable set of wretches who follow in the wake of the army, sutlers. All such men who should be drafted and placed at the front and used as targets for the enemy to fire at. All who deal in such stuff should lose their money and generally go toward the number of deaths that occur in the army.

Expedition to Folly Island No.5

... 27th Went to work on fortifications ourselves as otherwise nothing will be done. We are going to do as much to keep them from becoming demoralized as we can do 28th To day we have a heavy noreaster, the heaviest we have had yet. The waves lash the shore with fury. The habit of gambling in the army [is] frightfull. I am happy to find a few who do not carry it to such extremes in our officers. One man I shall not name one time by my advice I sent home his money myself, but in these days he did promise to quit. He now prepares the same amount as myself to send. He promised me not to play anymore. Unless it is sent immediately he will gamble it. So that you will suspect the wrong person I will say no more of to my knowledge. It is a pity that the army does not entirely prohibit gambling and give the severest penalties to gamblers. Soldiers families suffer from the practice. [Many] were incapable of until now earning enough for their bread. And [some] get off duty [by] foolishly paying enormous prices for [replacements] or for less than quart bottles at 30 cts per gallon thus verifying ignorance. Another humbug in the army is what is commonly called [papers] in which business innumerable officers are ignorant. I recollect reading an incident which will illustrate [this.] A man [was] sent to a certain hospital but they could not find his papers. They sent out for another, but it was found [wrong] and they were sent back for correction, they found that the right man had not signed at all. The papers they finally pronounced all right, but the man dead. So it is with everything . . . . Many furloughed men get off for other than the precise reasons intended for it. I could not tell how many since 1st May up to the present have [managed] to get their papers made out correctly. And it does not affect their waiting their turn. 29th Clear but windy. 30th Last night it was really terrible. The wind blew so hard ... off scattering them over the island like rain. Some of the tents went in every direction. Ours was saved by being held up and holding the edges down untill the wind subsided. it did well.

An Expedition to Folly Island No.6 May [] 1863 text cont from #5 walking on the surface of the water. Altogether it was a beautiful picture. One needing the pencil of a painter. Those who had bunk.•;; raised from the ground remained all night. Those who had not were obliged to take up their beds and walk to higher ground and sleep in the open air. The next day the 3rd the camp was broken up and removed to higher quarters. This morning was exceedingly sultry, no air stirring and the sun pouring down on our heads like fire. It is better here in the morning than at our camp. From 6 till nine in the morning it is so hot you feel as there was not any air. At 12M we went a little higher ... but about 10 O'clock we rested our legs. The tide had risen to our tent. There is nothing to do to avoid these therefore unavoidable mishaps. But let some officers be ... by which they may suffer a trifle and the men would [suffer]. At the time it is about ... we should have started for camp and got the stuff up, But we were obliged to stay ... two preceding ones. The steamer [arrived] without any news. There was a lot of missionary works and tracts distributed among the men also a few ... In the afternoon I took a walk in the woods I saw quite a variety of ... to attract my attention but none worth describing here except it may afford you some amusement to know what surrounds us. If I have an opportunity I will try.... 5th Last night lightning kept up one almost continuous flash. It would flash from one cloud to another and then disappear. There . . . each other between and for an instant all would be darkness, then lightning would burst from some dark corner and [light] the heavens as far as the eye could reach. My pen cannot do the scene justice and I will leave the rest to your imagination. Returned to camp which after all seems like home com-

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menced to put up the magazines. In the afternoon I received a letter from your mother and yourself. In it you refer to the subject of white anedotes. I might [say much] on the subject but I will content myself with relating one. On the night we left the steamer and were all prepared to leave long before we got the order there were but few exceptions .... him a joke and try and fool him ... A corporal came up to me and no[t] catching at the joke ... caught the words and as he has no great intelligence spoke to the crowd about ... Taking advantage of the hubbub [saying] that I did not feel well and had obtained permission to go ... I told [them] to keep up the joke while I put my things on board. I heard W. say there he goes sneaking away just as I left. He started for a man who is known in the co as the blackguard who appeared to be standing near my things, so slipping in a ... then I heard W come up to him and say I want you to come and sun ... some of whom were decieved as well. When I returned at the scene it was perfectly ridiculous, W had both guns and . . . out, I knowed it, I knowed it, I was told so before we left the head, I was told so ... this was a little more than I had expected and raised my ire and all and catching him by the neck I commenced telling him he knew he was lying. I then told him to get . . . till morning. At this the boys sent up a tremendous shout to take he was really sick and at which time we ... telling I will guard .... Just previous to this ridiculous spectacle of the guard ... was for disobediance of the orderlies orders ... He forgets the reports [and] the roll if he is so inclined. In our co we have had a few such incidents. [I] mention these things to show you the inside works of a military Corp. to be continued

June 1863 No 7

June ... An incident that I must not omit to mention is that this morning at doctors call we had not a sick man on the list. 1 This does not occur in one co out of ten throughout the whole Rgt during their service. General orders have been issued to the whole ... in view of the continuance of hot weather as a result of which we have built shades for our tents in the shape of an arbor covered by palmetto leaves. This keeps the sun off and allows the breeze to circulate through. 11th Last night a large steamer succeeded in getting inside the blockade ran aground fast in shoal water 1 ¥.! miles from shore. As it is stuck fast in the sand either by intent or accident she was set on fire ... burned very badly. During the forenoon the rebels flired] into our batterys and up ... falling in our hands. she is within reach of both our batterys and gun boats as well. By going up the beach we can get quite close to her. In the afternoon we went opposite her to prevent the rebels from taking her. 12th This morning some of our men of the batallion swam out to her. While on board their boat got loose and floated away and is now in rebel possession. As this is the only boat we are without one for the present. One or two swam ashore and returned with clothing and other useful articles for the rebs ... From this it would seem she is from the west indies. Hotchkiss and me were walking on the beach . . . looking around I made out enough to form the conclusion that he is of a family or person of some wealth by the name of ... H seems to have left a son-in-law and his family by the ... on the ground. I concluded that the complete family were the 1. Westervelt's estimation of the amount of men on siek call is not overstated. "The diseases that ravaged many of the new camps, both North and South, left few untouched. It wasn't uncommon for a company that began with 100 or more men to lose 20 to disease, accident or disability during the first few months of eamp life. Statistics were to show that during the first year and a half of the war, the Union would lose 20.1% of its forces from disease and sickness." Denney, Civil War Medicine, p. 65.

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last landing here. I must tell you of a creature I found this morning called by sailors a portuguese man of war. It is bright sky blue in colour. It was [probably] brought ashore during a squall last night. ... It is a verry beautiful creature ... part of his body is transparent and underneath he is a beautiful crimson and pink. ... All the sick were sent to the head this morning. Among them were several from our co. I am sorry to say quite a number are on the sick list again. To day we again went up to the point to cut a road through the woods for the artillery. We left about ... O'clock when the rebs commenced to shell the woods. In order that you will understand me I must inform you that the upper point of this island is covered with thick woods and the shore next morris island is a high bluff so that at the point we only see the tops of the trees. Our camp is near another ... of woods on the edge of which is our tower and batterys. Between our batterys and the woods on the upper point is a cliff [which] we have to pass to get to the bluff and the rebels can see us when we do so. Thus [we] were seen at this time and ... the tops of the trees as we fell them .... This being the first that most of us had been under fire we had opportunity to test our courage. The men behaved like old hands at the business. It was not as dangerous as the shell burst over heads, the pieces cutting down trees, a solid shot cutting a whole tree down to run was useless as it would bring us in the open. The only chance was to fall flat on the ground without thought or you will be to late. This is done more from instinct than reason, covering as much of our person as possible. Taking advantage of a pause we made for the sand bluffs and lay untill they ceased which was ... P.M. Let me tell you this laying under fire and being unable of returning it is awfully trying to the nerves of a good man. I mentioned about a darkey being killed. I have since the particulars. The darky was standing about and heard the report, and fell flat and was instantly killed. No one else being hurt .... we cut the trees in every direction. 14th This morning all is quiet.

.... FOLLY ISLAND June 1863 No.8 Everything is quiet but as soon as night fell the shelling commenced and con[tinued] during the night. 16th To work. Several of their shot fell in front. At daybreak they desisted and remained quiet. Not a single man has been shot on our side . . . . of each other, and use their sharp shooters on both sides. One of our men was shot at 6 times and not hit. Our men have the best of it so no one of us has picket duty at all, or stand guard except in their own in camp. Heavy and rapid firing was seen in the woods but we could not make it out. Genl ... who it is said is a very austere man and we may now expect problems. It is also rumored that Admiral dupont has been relieved of command. Last months energetic man. After dark our Co and two Cos of Engrs from ... with infantry to the number of 5 hundred went up to the point to till nearly daylight, and not withstanding our numbers we could not do what we wished to do on account of the darkness, but during the night there were 3 shells, a piece of one hit a private of the 4th N.H. in the leg inflicting a verry severe wound. In a day ... and 10 mortars landed on this point and then if we do not repay them with interest, we .... 18th All quiet to day. At night we went up to the point and worked till daylight. To show you how recklessly the lives of the soldiers are risked ... and 10 minutes .... Last night Col Dandy of the 100th N.Y. ... altogether. His orders were before going up to return at 212 A.M. we quit work and he had not been found. Soon daylight began to appear. Finally the gentleman was found near the camp of the enemy. As soon as it would be light we got him off. Perhaps it would have been best to leave him to his fate. [He was] under the influence of Liquor. He will .... A like offense on the part of a private is death by the firing squad. 19th Lay in camp again to day and went up to the point. I think we have deceived them about the attack. You

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will recollect I mentioned some time ago ... was under arrest. The charges that were that .... He has again been placed under arrest, and charges made against him that will break him if carried to a court martial. Should such a result, I will give you a sketch of the man as I look upon him which I think interesting. To day I listened to some of the finest music by the 4th NH. I ever heard. D ... in the central park with their band music we are treated to, are only a lot of organ grinders, each one playing his own time. Sometimes they give us a concert after sundown which you cannot imagine nor I describe. Just think of a band of music at a time when the woods is more ... to give an idea. Music must be heard to be appreciated. 20th To day I was on guard. It is one of those delicious mornings, the result of a beautiful shower last night. Sunday 21st Rebels are up to their usual quietness, but it cannot last. We have discovered that the rebels are building more batteries. 22nd To day 4 deserters came over ... If they may be sincere in what they tell us a great deal toward ending the war may [take] place .... is again in command of the Co ... 25th This afternoon the rebels threw over a few shells 28th Nothing has changed.

An expedition to Folly Island No.9 Nothing the last two days out of the usual routine. The ... appeared among the men last night and [was] arrested as a spy. A great fault of our government is its treatment of spies. It is well known that the punishment of a spy is death (although the British government offered to ransom with any amount of money) ... the sentence of Major ... to shooting. Now in this war perhaps hundreds of spies have been caught, and but verry few instances have occurred where they have been punished as the law required. Quite a scene was presented this morning on the marsh inside ... and drew quite a crowd of admirers. I think that the swan is the [greatest] beauty when seen. This afternoon we were mustered in for another two months ... Today there was the heaviest thundershower that I ever witnessed. Strange as it may seem it displayed those about us in an incessant glare and the sharp thunder sounded crashing yet not a single place can yet be seen where it has struck. I believe mentioned the extraordinary thunder in hot climates. It is no uncommon occurance to hear the sharp thunder over your head yet only a diminutive black cloud can be seen. You would think sometimes the world were about to be destroyed and the day of judgement had come, yet there seems less damage done than in colder climates. We do not get a great deal of rain only the edges of storm while the main body seems to keep along the main land, But we get the full benefit of the thunder and lightning.

To Folly No.lO

(Much of No. 10 is illegible; meaningless fragments are excluded.) ... Sumter cannot last .... Our troops can plainly be seen crossing from here casting off all superfluous articles. [Some] even rushed for the boats side without waiting to be formed into line, they made a rush for the rebels charging them with a murderous fire and fought like tigers. In less time than it takes me to write it, taking .... 200 prisoners have passed our camp on their way to headquarters . . . 75 killed or wounded up to this time on our side. Having gained a foothold the rest was easy except the famous Battery Bee. While our troops take battery after battery ... that had almost silenced the guns on the rebels. Battery Bee still holds out. One of the prisoners told me that we would have hard work since the battery is some what like a bee hive with only a small hole on one side so that it cannot be taken by storm like the others. But I think that [we] can batter it [down]. Meantime I am waiting for further news ....

(Numbers 11 and 12 are illegible. Much of No. 18 is illegible; meaningless fragments are excluded.) No. 18 ... today a trial was made of a [machine]. it is called a sap roller, 1 and is ... 1 inch in diameter in a hoop. The poles are of the toughest kind and it is designed for the ... to roll in front of the [men] where they are ... which send shot through it ... Another sergeant then went in his place and we got a ... The affair will blow over in a day or two [and] be forgotten by the Co .... the rebels had left. It is reported to day as a fact that the C... . 9th A new invention in the shape of a light is about to be tested ... or calcium so placed in batteries as to blind the enemy. lOth An order was issued to day prohibiting soldiers from writing to their families as to our intended movements, strength of the number of guns &c. 11th Last night the light was tried but as near as I can tell ... the deception is affected. Take 150 guns for 24 hours each having a shot every five minutes and it will equal the cost of ... Let me know the result. 4th more heavy guns [going] off today 12th The monitors that have been ... 13th ... I had a new dish to day. It consisted of shark steak. One of our company while fishing to day caught [one] about 5 ft long. Most of the men here ... Hotchkiss, myself and a few others took what we could use and then [gave] it away. The meat looks beautiful but is coarse and has not that fine flavor of the ... in New York but to men who seldom see fresh fish and are hungry for it was eaten with a keen relish. I have eaten what is called dog fish here that we [catch] when fishing [that is] equal to the best fish I [ever had] ... thousands of them around N. Y. They are about 2 feet long and ... much. I have been quite unwell for the last three days with cold in my bowels, my appetite having left me, but the shark steak wet 1. Sap rollers were large wicker baskets filled with stones rolled in front of "sappers" to protect them from enemy fire. (Civil Wnr Encyclopedia,

p. 658.)

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it up again. Sunday 16th To work as usual. 17th The sky opened. At 7 A.M. the ... for a time we left to believe that ... but at 12M accompanied with rain. 18th ... Iron sides [bringing] cider containing about half whiskey this afternoon was confiscated from ...

August 1863 No. 14 ... 29 & 30th The usual. 31st Cold and raw. East wind heavy and some rain. It is muster day and we are mustered in by Col Serel for the first time since I have been out. Some officers having been rather lax in their duties from having been out so long some of the men had become careless and had to go through a rigid inspection and the officers were ordered to see that the men kept their things in a better state. As I have taken considerable pride in keeping my equipment and everything in as near a perfect a state as the nature of my duty will allow I passed with a complement from the Col who is a very strict disciplinarian. It is easy to keep your things right if you go according to the proverb, a stitch in time saves nine, or never leave for tomorrow that can be done to day. Always keep this in mind. It is a settled fact that Sumter is a wreck and that our guns have ceased to fire on her. The monitors are firing furiously on a new battery opposite Sumter and sullivans island. Fort Wagner and battery Gregg still hold out. They are probably the strongest works we will have to encounter. I think hereafter in this section of the country sand forts will take the place of all others as they have fully proven their superiority against our heavy guns and projectiles. Sept 1st It is quite cold and some of the men have their overcoats on this morning. During the night the firing is very heavy. 2nd 3rd & 4th Nothing unusual except that some of the boys got hold of a whiskey and during the night of the 4th kicked up a regular shindy and 8 or 9 of them were sent to the provost. Among the number was P. He was not as tight as some of the rest but was saucy to the captain. He was let out again the same day. Some of them it will go pretty hard with. 1 5th The ironsides and monitors as also the batterys are 1. Drunkenness was probably the most common offense in the military. Wiley notes that "the prevalence of excessive drinking was such as to disturb moralists and greatly enhance the problem of discipline. . . . McClennan

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keeping up an infernal roar this morning. At night a boat expedition to surprise fort Johnson was discovered by the rebs and obliged to return, but managed to explode the gig of Gen Riply2 with several wounded officers who stated that it was the first night in 3 months that the Genl had not been in the boat himself. Sunday 6th The roar of artillery still continues without abatement. We are to work on gun carriages as we have been for the last few days. We have just finished one for a 100 pr and tried it. It was fired directly over my tent out to sea the concussion of air nearly tearing it down, I suppose .. you mentioned as firing a national salute were 6 prs, so you can judge by that kind of a report a 100 pr must make, and then recollect we have a 300 xx in use. 7th Sunrise. Victory. News has just reached camp that Wagner and Gregg are ours. Its true. During last night the rebs commenced to evacuate after standing one of the severest bombardments for nearly 48 hours, ever recorded. We soon got wind of what they were up to and advancing suddenly captured about 100 prisoners which I think was mostly all they had in Gregg. Those in Wagner escaped spiking the guns But we were to quick for them in Gregg and turned then on their batteries. Both places can bear on forts Johnson, Sumter, and Moultrie, and several batteries. There is great rejoicing here and the troops are wild with excitement and seem to think they are going into C without further delay. But hold on. 8th This morning all the ironclads assisted by Wagner and Gregg made a heavy attack on the enemys works on sullivans island. At 9 O'clock a heavy report was heard accompanied by a perceptible trembling of the earth, and a dense column of smoke rose like mountains over moultrie. It was soon ascertained that a shell from a monitor had blown her magazine observed "'no one evil agent so much obstructs this army as the degrading vice of drunkeness. It is the cause of by far the greater part of the disorders which are examined by court martial."' Bell Irwin Wiley, The Life of Billy Yank (New York: Doubleday, 1971), p. 252. 2. Confederate Brigadier General Roswell S. Ripley had been named commander of the Confederate Department of South Carolina in August of 1861. Long, Civil War Day by Day, p. 110. The September 5th nighttime attack of small boats was attempted but abandoned when met by alert rebel forces. Anderson, Naval History of the Civil War, p. 169.

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up. In the morning one of the monitors ran aground and the tide falling left her there in reach of the enemy who as soon as they discovered her accident centered their whole fire upon her. 3 It is reported the other monitors offered their assistance to tow her off but her Captain replied he could get off when he wanted to, and nothing daunted kept pegging away. It was her shell that blew up Moulties magazine. At 12M I ventured on one of the sand bluffs and could see her high and dry it then being low tide but she still kept firing. I had a pretty good view but did not like the looks of some of the ... guard who watched me pretty closely. While here a shell struck a house in Moultieville and set it right on fire. Others caught from it and the village was in flames all afternoon nearly destroying it. This is giving the Charlestonians a foretaste of what they may expect if they persist in holding out to the last. I could not help wishing some of the rebel leaders could have the same view I had of this island. The whole habitable part of it nearly up top wagner is so thickly studded with tents you can see nothing else. Some even getting even on top of the bluffs for want of room. H and I had a view of sumpter for the first time in some weeks. I hardly know how to describe the change. Had I never seen her in her former beauty and grandeur I could not have believed she ever was what has so often been described. She has not diminished much inside but is the most ... heap of ruins I ever saw. Its color has changed from a beautiful red to a kind of whitest gray, and the heaps of rubbish at its base and the rough jagged points of what is left standing gives it a miserably desolate appearance. The stars and stripes do not float over it yet owing to the reports that it is mined and that some foolhardy rebels are lurking in it sworn to blow it and themselves up rather than it shall fall into our possession. Let them do it. Plans are being made however to float its rightful flag in spite of them. 8 P.M. Everything quiet, and the monitor still aground. Moultrie is reported as untenable. I am in the service just one year 3. The Weehawken, aground near Cummings Point, was able to free herself the following day. Anderson, Naval History of the Civil War, p. 169-70.

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to day4 and Charleston not ours yet but in a fair way of it. It seems a long year but if I have done anything toward reestablishing the Union I am satisfied. I feel that I have done my duty and if it is not all I might have done I am not to blame. Those over me will have to shoulder the responsibility. 9th Last night an attempt was made to plant our flag on Sumter. Report says the attempt was made by a party who volunteered for that purpose. They succeeded in getting on the walls when it seems a few rebs who still remained gave a preconceived signal and their batteries on James island opened such a severe fire on the fort that our brave men were obliged to retire without having accomplished their object. There some few rebels yet in fort Sumter who I suppose have foolishly sworn to blow the fort and themselves up before they will allow the stars and stripes to float over its walls. They lurk among the ruins and run an unenviable risk without the prospect of injuring us or benefiting themselves or the cause they have espoused. The fort is useless to either side and they are welcome to blow it to the other side of Jordan when ever they please and save us the trouble. But their vindictive spirits will not be content unless they can blow some of our brave fellows along with them and thus add murder to their already long catalog of other crimes. Orders were issued to day by the Genl prohibiting all men from leaving their respective camps without papers. The great difficulty of getting them signed by the proper officers almost precludes the possibility of getting out at all. In consequence of this order we cannot see much as the sand bluffs intervene between our camps ... nearly all the extensive works on both sides. You would think the last day was 4th July here. All the steamers of which there are at least half a dozen at the time, and other vessels are dressed in their gayest colors and full of ... from stem to stern. Little is being done to day except removing some guns and munitions now useless just here. The firing is quite dull. lOth In front of my tent about 50 ft distant is a shed erected by the Gens orders and executed by our Co for a Catholic chapel. 4. John signed up for a three-year enlistment in New York on September 8, 1862. Richard Butt signed as recruiting officer. U.S. National Archives, John H. Westervelt file, Washington, D.C.

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This morning while at breakfast I was surprised to see Genl G ride up and enter the chapel. Watching him I convinced myself that he is a good Catholic. Some might find fault with this, but I am willing to let everyone enjoy his own opinions in regard to religion as long as he is an honest and loyal citizen. 5 The Genl is a noble fellow and good looking withal and is thought the world of in this department. Some envious persons have for some time past been trying to get the engineer depot from under the control of this Co, but Cap Cruso 6 is to smart for them and instead of returning us to the regiment he has succeeded in getting us detached entirely for the present. Heretofore although not encamped with them we have been under its regulations. Now it will be otherwise. To be continued

5. This is a somewhat liberal attitude for the time. Many citizens in the 1860s still questioned the ability of Catholics to be good Americans, free of allegiance to papal interference. "Native Americanism ... an outgrowth of a traditional anti-Catholic bigotry" was still alive and well. Leo Hershkowitz, Tweed's New York: Another Look (New York: Anchor/Doubleday, 1977), p. 9. This sentiment is echoed in two brief New York Times entries in 1864. The August 1 (p. 3) edition reports the suicide of William Vogel, who "became so troubled because his son had turned Roman Catholic that he hung himself." On August 6 (p. 4) a letter to the editor inquires as to why "Roman Catholics never pay any attention to the religous proclamations of the President, the Governor, or the Mayor." (The editor replied that Catholics only respond to proclamations by appointment of the Church). Interestingly, one of the reasons cited for the defeat of John's cousin, Mayor Jacob Westervelt, was his arrest of an anti-Catholic agitator. It may be thought that tolerence of Catholicism was a Westervelt habit. 6. Frederick H. Cruso, 36 at enlistment, enrolled August 14, 1861 in New York City. Mustered in as captain February 14, 1862, major February 8, 1862. Mustered out with regiment on June 30, 1865 at Richmond, Virginia. New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1642.

Journal of an Expedition to Morris Island, No. 15 Sept 11th Died. Sept 3rd in hospital at Hilton Head of consumption of long standing, Corporal John MacGuire1 of Co H. 1st Regt. N.Y. Vol. Engs. Deceased was an irish man by birth but purely american in his sentiments. He was much admired by his fellow members and associates for his general kindness and gentlemanly bearing to all. The co. sincerely regrets his loss. This is the second the co. has lost by death since its organization, now about 19 months. It is almost unparalleled in the history of any company in the service, and is one of the benefits derived from being detached from the regiment, as we can always find a healthier location. I should have said 17 months since leaving N.Y. The date of its organization is the same as that of the regiment of course. 12th As you said it would be interesting to know what I have to eat I must tell you that I had for dinner to day fried ham and cabbage with new potatoes, the first this season, I am certain you had nothing you relished better. The cabbage was presented by the sanitary commission to whom we are indebted for many little delicacies. I suppose I may as well tell you who and what the sanitary commission are. It is an organization gotten up by charitable individuals under the sanction of government for the benefit of the sick and wounded soldiers and the health of the army generally. The funds were obtained by subscription and spent for such necessarys as may be conducive to good health. The first object is to provide for the sick and wounded in camp who are to delicate to eat the common rations. If the funds are sufficiently strong articles are given to the different Regts. and Co.s to be dealt out again equally to 1. John MacGuire, age 29, enlisted in New York City January 13, 1862; appointed artificer July 1, 1862, promoted corporal November 23, 1862. Died of disease at Hilton Head September 1, 1863. Report of the Adjutant General, p. 195.

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each man. The ham and potatoes is another beneficial result of being detached from the regt. We never could get justice whenever we were with them. There seems to be some jealousy existing somewhere in regard to this Co. 13th Having been engaged in framing a lookout for the last two days last night was selected to put it up at Fort Wagner. I was one of eight men of our co. and a detail of infantry to execute the rather dangerous work. I say dangerous because the rebels true to their treacherous nature have turned and now fire upon what once afforded them protection. We got ready and started with the frame in two waggons, but owing to the ignorance of the sergeant of the locality we had considerable difficulty in finding in the dark the precise spot to put it. To confuse things still more some of the enemys shell dropped rather to near to make it a joking matter while the infantry began to show unmistakable signs of fear. At llY.l we got unloaded and ready for work. We had no sooner got under way flashes were distinctly seen each in a different quarter. Sight and sound immediately told us that two shells and one shot were approaching us an immense rate of speed, but as we could not be seen in the dark they only halted in the neighborhood and remained quiet, the only effect being to skedaddle about half our infantry and stimulate the Engs. to greater exertions. We now worked steady and rapidly, interrupted occasionally, say every 15 minutes by a couple of shells fired nearly simultaneously from different points but they did not come near enough to harm us and only served to spur the men on and make their hearts beat a little faster. It now neared 2 AM and the work was rapidly approaching completion when a flash from Sullivans Island and the sight of a fuse told us that a shell was making directly for our apparently denoted tower. As we could not tell the precise spot it would strike we stood still and let the ugly thing have its own way. It concluded to fall within 30 ft of the tower, exploding after it had buried itself beneath the surface, and completely covering us with a shower of sand. According to the previously arranged programme we now expected to finish before the next unwelcome messenger arrived, but only 5 minutes had elapsed when another was seen to wing its way to our very interesting locality. I was on the top of the tower now and concluded to remain. The rest were disposed on different parts of the frame, but soon reached the ground in double

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quick except the sergeant who remained about halfWay up. This one like the former made a bee line for us. I threw myself flat on the floor in time to see it explode directly over the former one and just the height of the tower. Those on the earth thinking it would certainly hit the tower, started to run and as is usual in such cases succeeded in getting directly under it when it exploded. The fragments with a to some very musical sort of hum flew in every direction throwing the sand clear to the top of the tower, about 40 ft up. How it was that none of the men were injured seems a miracle. Had the fuse burned the fine hundredth part of a second longer, half of them must have bit the dust. One of our boys positively affirms that the concession of air knocked the cap off his head and I believe him. We now confidently believed we should finish before the next and I had just got my tools in my hand when bang goes a torpedo nearly under the tower, filling the air with black smoke, sand, rubbish and its own fragments accompanied by a smell not exactly of roses but more like that attributed to the prince of a region which shall here be nameless. The boys now began to show signs of downheartedness but as there was but little left to do the sergeant told them they might go and in five minutes we were after them. The infantry had permission to go just previous to the explosion of the torpedoes, and we suppose one of them stepped on a string or mine attached to it and thus set it off. Many of these little infernal machines have been dug up around Wagner where the rebs had planted them with a string or wire attached so they could explode them from the fort if our men did not do so by stepping on the wire. 2 In a few minutes we were half a mile down the beach where one of the waggons lay in wait for us and jumping in arrived in camp at 3 A.M. tired and was soon oblivious to all danger. I forgot to say one of the infantry was so stunned by the torpedo that his comrades were obliged to carry him to an ambulance to be conveyed to camp. A number of ambulances are kept in the vicinity for that purpose. After the torpedo exploded a blue blaze burned in the hold for the space of half a minute. I suppose this attracted 2. "Torpedoes" set off by wire were an early form of mines. Some varieties were used on land, others at sea. At the outset of the war all were considered outside the bounds of "gentlemanly" warfare, but their acceptance grew as the war continued.

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the enemys attention as it made considerable light and on our way back we saw a number of shells thrown in the spot we left. They are afraid we will repair the fort and use it against them. I could not get much of a view in the dark, but from what I could see there never was a place more torn up than the now celebrated fort Wagner. Some other time I may give you a description of it. It is a very large place. One more item I forgot to mention, and that is the engineers volunteered their services on this occasion. As detached men we were not obliged to go, but having framed it, it would have been difficult for anyone else to put it up. 17th Since writing the above things have been quite dull. It is said the General does not like to take the responsibility of proceeding further without instructions from the seat of Government and has sent to Washington for that purpose. We are having some little excitement in regard to our detachment from the regiment. The Col was highly indignant and so set himself to work to get us back again and I believe has succeeded in out generaling the captain. Yesterday an order was received by the captain to report with his command to the regiment forthwith. The depot to be under the charge of Lieu Coe of our Co. We are expecting to move any moment but are detained by the weather. I hope to be detailed to work in the depot permanently. I think the Lieut has already selected me but I am not certain nor do not care particularly. Lieut Coe is I believe a nephew of John R. Coe of Rockland County of whom you may recollect there was considerable talk the summer we were up there. 3 My cousin Salome Cooper4 lived in the house he used 3. As John R. Coe (born in 1797 to Samuel and Sarah [Onderdonk] Coe) died July 23, 1861, this may be the event which precipitated the "considerable talk" the summer that John refers to. All the Coes mentioned by John descend from John Coe (born 1626), whose five sons established an extensive family in Rockland County and surrounding areas. Coe's Tavern in New Hempstead, Rockland County, was the site of Revolutionary War activities and several members of the family gained prominence for political and military achievements throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Frank Bertanove Green, History of Rockland County (New York: A. S. Barnes, 1886); Tompkins, Rockland County, New York; David Cole, History of Rockland County, New York, with Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men (New York: J. B. Beers, 1884). 4. Along with John's parents, James and Hannah, Salome and husband Garrett Cooper were parties in a real estate sale to Jonas Conklin in June

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to occupy. The lieut looked so much like his son who was an old schoolmate of mine that I asked him one day if he were not. He replied that he was not but had relations up there. As he did not seem to be very communicative on the subject I said no more about it. We had just finished an oven and had our first fresh bread today. We were congratulating ourselves that hereafter we would be independent on that point when the order came like 300 lb shell in camp. But that makes no difference as the regt bakes its own bread now. Last night a severe storm set in from the east. During the night the wind blew like a howling demon and the rain fell in torrents. We expected every moment that our tent would be blown into shreds and leave us exposed to the pitiless blast of the angry elements. But rotten as they were they withstood the gale till just as the bugle sounded to get up when mine split from top to bottom and in five minutes was in a thousand pieces. We now covered our things up with our rubbers as well as we could and sought shelter in the tool house. The rain soon ceased but the wind continued to blow a hurricane all day.

of 1835. No further information is available. Rockland County Archives, New City County Clerk Office, Miscellaneous Records, 1798-1902; Rockland County Deed Book L, 1836.

Journal of an Expedition to Morris Island No.l6.

Sept. 17, continued. During the day the sun shone and the rain deluged us alternately. In the intervals between the squalls Patterson and myself got a piece of heavy canvass and stretched it over our tent poles which made an excellent tent and one that would defy any amount of rain. Several tents took wings throughout the day and flew away. Some who had laughed at us during the morning were now in a worse plight than ourselves as no more canvass was to be had and they were obliged to find quarters where they best could. But as I remarked once before everything sent by providence is taken in good part by the men and it all passed off with a laugh and joke at one anothers misfortunes. The officers however came in for a fair share of swearing at as we should have had new tents long ago. Our old ones never was worth a cent as they leaked from the [start] and were only accepted temporarily they being condemned before they were given out. But that is the way government is robbed and the soldier is cheated out of what Uncle Sam intends he shall have, and which if he got a murmur never would leave his lips. Somebody no doubt made a big thing on the tents. As I may have occasion to mention Lieut Coe 1 again in this journal I may as well tell you now that he was elected 1st Lieut when the co was organized but through some hocus pocus work or other the commission was made out in Lieut Butts 2 name (son of the major) and Coe came out as sergeant and acted in that capacity until we left Hilton Head when he was handed a 2nd Lieuts commissionjust as the boat was leaving the dock. I think he never 1. Richard W. Coe. 36, enrolled in New York City, mustered in as sergeant November 21, 1861; first lieutenant August 17, 1863, captain March 19, 1865. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1642. 2. Richard F. Butt, 20, enrolled December 2, 1861; mustered as first lieutenant February 14, 1862; as captain October 10, 1864. Mustered out July 19, 1865 at Hilton Head, S.C. Report of the Adjutant-General, p. 46.

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assumed the position as he did not wear shoulder strips being determined to have his rightful position which he obtained just before the taking of Morris island. As I said before I may have occasion to mention him again and make some comment on curious developments in this case. At present mums the word. During the storm last night I was awakened by the rapid firing of heavy guns which lasted about 15 minutes. Report this morning says the rebels made an attack on several points simultaneously both on Folly and Morris islands with the intention of taking us by surprise under cover of the extreme darkness. But as near I can learn from the best sources of information they only attacked Fort Gregg with the hope of surprising the garrison, taking them prisoners, spiking the guns and leaving double quick. They were discovered andrepulsed beautifully before effecting anything. We have no means of ascertaining their loss in the dark as they were obliged to make the attack in boats. A boat was picked up on the beach this morning with a large hole in the bottom of her stern. This would seem to indicate a loss as the boats have been advancing when struck. They no doubt took the men in the other boats and skedaddled. Or they may have left them to their fate, and the boat filling they may have perished in the storm. These little incidents are very beneficial to us as they serve to keep the men wide awake who are on duty. I have just been handed a plan of a magazine to be built, and which I am to take charge of. It seems to indicate that I am to be retained in the depot. It is to be commenced in the morning. 18th. Rumor is busy again this morning in regard to the Co. Some say we are going to Florida, others say to St. Helena island which is just across the bay after site Hilton Head. But I can see as far through a mill stone as the rest and my opinion is that now they have Capt Cruso in the regt they will keep him there. Too much trouble has been taken to get him to let him slip so easy. Myself and a few of the best mechanics were detailed this morning to Lieut Coe to work in the depot. In the course of the day we moved everything up to the regt and were supplied with a good quality of new tents, but were obliged to sleep on the ground for the night. 19th. I got up my bunk today and had a good nights rest. 20th More excitement again today. Lieut Coe has succeeded in getting

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about 30 of the co entirely detached from the Co and regt, and to the depot. The Capt will remain in the regt in command of the rest (about 50). This seems to give the colonel satisfaction and I hope will stop the bickering in the rgt in regard to our co. Some of the men are jealous as it was supposed a detail for the depot would be made up from the different camps. As Lieut Coe is our Capt as long as this arrangement lasts (and he says it is permanent) we will move down to the depot again tomorrow and I hope get fixed up comfortable once more. We will have our own cook and draw our own rations without any connection with the co whatever. Our cook is also the best baker in the department, having been head baker in Beaufort for 18 mo. So with a good oven there is no reason why we should not instead of eternally boiling our beef in clear water have it roasted or baked once in a while. The Lieut being a man with some human feelings I hope to fare better generally. He tells me today there is talk of moving the depot on Folly island that being nearer to James island which will probably be the scene of the next operations against Charleston. We have it reported here for the last few days that Genl Rosencrans has captured Chattanooga3 and is advancing in the direction of Charleston in the rear. 21st. This morning and the last few days has been quite chilly except in the middle of the day. Quite a number of the boys may be seen in the morning with overcoats on. The first thing today was to move down again. Certain officers in the regt are so worked up about it, it seems that we were not allowed to take our share of the new tents, so the Lieut will draw others tomorrow. We will have the nicest little camp on the island when we get fitted up. It will be in the shape of a crescent thus [sketch] the three in front being two Lieuts and order by sergeant. We are using the old tents for the present. 22nd Today being fresh meat day we had it baked in the oven, quite a treat after the soup meat we have been in the habit of eating for the year past. By the mail today the promotion of Brigadier Genl Gilmore 4 to 3. Reports of Rosencrans's capture of Chattanooga on this date were in error. In fact, Rosencrans and his Federal Army of the Cumberland had been skirmishing with rebel forces and on the 19th the Battle of Chickamauga began. Long, The Civil War Da:y by Day, pp. 410-11. 4. Quincy Adams Gillmore (1825-1888) gmduatcd first in his West Point class of 1849. Following his conquest at Fort Pulaski, he served in West Virginia and with the Department of the Ohio. As commander of the

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Major General arrived in consequence of which it was quite a gala day here. Salutes were fired and flags were flying from the shipping and every conceivable place that one would be hoisted on, making it look as gay as 4th July in New York. 24th Today our new Major Gen accompanied by his full staff reviewed all the forces on this island. Although the space is small it was quite an imposing scene as the troops field artillery were stretched for two miles along the smooth sandy beach. The Genl is very highly thought of here. 25th This morning I went with three others to Folly island to put up frames for the Genl and staffs tents. Headqrs will be there for the present. This was the first time since we moved that I have been there and it looked quite natural and pleasant. The trees and birds made it seem quite a paradise compared with the sand hills of Morris island. Even the mosquitoes and gnats saluted us as old acquaintances. It was easy to detect the difference of temperature between the two islands. They are both on the sea shore but Folly is more sheltered from the raw east winds. 26th Paid early in the morning and went to Folly again. 27th As I did not feel very well this morning I made it an excuse to stay. I did not want to go to Folly today, it is about 5 miles to travel and although we ride the tides are so high now we are obliged to take a road through the woods which is exceedingly rough, and our waggons have no springs, besides we do not get back till 9 o'clock at night. I will not go again till we move there if I can help it. 28th Tis just one year ago today at ten o'clock in the morning I set sail in the steamer Star of the South from the foot of old Amos St. 5 for Port Royal S.C. and landed at Hilton Head P.R., S.C. just 4 days later on Oct 2nd at 10 A.M. In the evening we reached Beaufort and shook hands with Capt Cruso after which he gave us all a good horn of B whiskey and some advice in regard to the preservation of our health. But I will not go over the same X Army Corps he was key in planning strategy at Charleston Harbor. Battery Wagner, Bemmda Hundred, and Drewry's Bluff. Commissioned major general of volunteers July 10, 1863, he rose to colonel in the regular army after the war. Stewart Sifakis, Who Was Who in the Union Anny (New York: Facts on File, 1988), p. 155; l\Iiller, Photographic History (~f the Civil War, Vol. X, p. 210. 5. Amos Street, between Greenwich Avenue and the Hudson RiYer in New York's GrPenwich Village, is now called West Tenth Street.

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ground again, let it suffice that though many of the co have suffered pretty severely at the hands of the capt I have never up to the present time received an angry word from him. He is quite eccentric in his disposition, and it requires one to thoroughly understand his eccentricities to get along with him at all. I have never met with one who in any way nearly resembled him. I think I have mentioned before that he is an englishman. He has all an englishmans prejudices in regard to this country. We are having extraordinary high tides here at present. Each tide rises higher and higher. It now covers our working ground at least 18 in deep and when it goes out leaves the ground quite wet till the next tide. This is one reason for our moving. The tides are regulated by the moon and commence to rise when it is new, each tide rises higher until the moon is full when it goes down to the regular standard. Besides these tides there is the spring and fall tides which in connection with the full moon rise to an extraordinary height. It is full moon and full tides now. to be continued.

Journal of an expedition against Charleston No.l7 September 29th. Sumter seems determined to carve itself a name in future history. Our heavy batterys have been battering away at her again for the last two days trying to utterly destroy and make the fort intolerable. Sumter reminds me of my boyhoods days when I used to knock down hornets nests with stones for artillery. I have spent many hours knocking down a single nest and got many a sting by the courageous little garrison as a reward for the invasion to their little citadel. Even after I had ultimately destroyed their stronghold they would remain in the vicinity of the naked branch for several days, sometimes making an attempt to re-build, but I was too much of a general to allow them to make much progress before a second attack as I always found them disheartened after the first defeat and did not allow much time to elapse to recruit their courage or numbers. If some of our leaders would act on the same principle perhaps our cause would make more rapid progress. Like the hornets the rebels still hang about the ruins of the fort, and although they can do us no injury still it does not suit the Genl to have them there, and everybody is anxious to see the legitimate flag of the union flying over the ruined mass of brick and mortar. I cannot pass further by without again referring to our colored troops. I mean those enlisted at the north. As I said before they are much more intelligent and require different treatment from those of the south. The prejudice of the white soldier is gradually wearing away as their usefullness can no longer be denied. Now I am far from being what is termed a nigger worshiper, but still I cannot help but notice that they are an ill used race, ill used by those whose duty it is to look after their interest and see them get what Uncle Sam intends to provide for all alike both white and black. I believe none of them have been paid yet by government as they refuse to

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receive less than 13 dols per month the same as white infantry.1 There is some dispute about this matter, the paymasters claiming that government enlisted them for 11 dols per month which they deny. I cannot undertake to say how it is but I cannot see why they should not receive the same pay as the white soldier. They certainly do more fatigue duty, and I believe there is no longer any question about their being good fighters. They are put at the hardest as well as the meanest kinds of work. I have seen them policing (cleaning up filth and rubbish) white regiment'> camps. If a spirited white soldier were to do this except as punishment for some offence I think he would die first. From my own observations and what some of them tell me, they do not get the same allowance of rations. We have numbers of them to do the labouring work at the depot and it is a common thing to see them waiting around our cookhouse to get what bean or pea soup we leave. It is allowed in plentifull quantities by government and goes begging with us, but they receive it with eagerness and swallow it with voracity. Bread is served them only once a week they tell me. When they first came out they were willing and took pride in doing as much as they could and doing it well, but although they are far superiour to the southern blacks (whom I hate) yet their unrewarded exertions are discouraging and demoralizing them as fast as possible. They object strongly to working under white infantry, considering themselves their equals but say they are willing and like to work under Engineers as they should as mechanics be over them. But I suppose I have said enough on the subject, if I say more you will accuse me of being an abolitionist. That is not the case but my love of the rights of man, whether black or white has induced me to 1. Pay of black troops was initially advertised as equal to that of white: $13 per month, rations, clothing, and a one-hundred-dollar bonus upon mustering out. Very few blacks received this, howf'ver. Thf' War Department changed the pay scale for blacks to $10 per month, from which $:~was to be taken as a elothing allowance. This salary, the same as the government paid black laborers, rPsulted in massive protests, with many troops refusing to accept any pay at all until it was what they had been promised. It was not until mid-JunP 1864 that Congress finally authorizPd equal pay for black soldiers. Joseph T. Glatthaar, Forged in Battle: The Cii,il War Alliance of Black Soldiers and ~V'hite Officers (New York: l\Iacmillan, l!J!JO).

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extend my sermon to this perhaps inexcusable length. Justice should be done though the heavens should fall. 2 3rd This morning nearly the whole regiment moved to Folly again and encamped at the Genis headqrs near the white house. Our detachment still remain here yet with the depot, but expect to move in a few days. We shall not join the Co. It is perhaps fortunate that our little party has not been split as yet. Myself and three others went to the Genis to work today. We will be several days and have a team to convey us back and forth. The distance is near five miles. The weather is most beautiful. It is cold in the morning untill the sun is an hour high when the air becomes warm and genial and the trees with the twitter and song of the birds among their branches makes it pleasant beyond description. We are putting up a lookout, the celebrated portable one, the one we put up once before at fort Wagner. 4th This morning on crossing to folly I discovered an old acquaintance from Tarrytown, my best friend while I sojourned in that pleasant village. He formerly followed the sea as captain, and is now Captain of the dispatch steamer Ella Morse.3 His name is William Davis. You may be sure we were glad to see each other and had a good long chat together about old times.

2. This English translation of "Fiat justitia et ruant coeli" (William Watson, late 16th century} appears several times throughout Westervelt's journal and seems to have been a maxim of his philosophy. The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996}, p. 565. 3. On November 18, 1863, while making her inland trip from Stono, the steamer Ella Morse was the subject of an attack from Confederate batteries near Secessionville. While not sustaining any loss or deaths, Lieutenant-Commander Bacon reported that "The fragments fell about 200 yards astern of this ship. I think it possible for them to reach the inlet with solid shot." Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, vol. 15, p. 127-28.

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion No. 18,1863

8th Continued. During the day I borrowed a glass and had a view of surrounding objects which is excellent from this point. Here you can see Moultie, Castle Pinckney, Fort Ripley & Johnston and batteries Bee and Fort Beaugard and a host of others that I do not know the names of. We see the busy city with all its factories & foundrys in full operation. Vessels are lying at the wharf but not much life about them. With a good glass persons can be seen walking the streets. It looks pleasant to us who have been living in the sand so long. I often think how close we are and yet how far away, and then I think perhaps there are yet more months than miles between us and the City. Sumter is a curious spectacle from this point but so I have described it before I will not undertake the task again. No gun has been fired from the fort for weeks. 9th Up to Wagner again this morning. The enemys fire is as heavy as yesterday but less effectual up to 12M when we finished and returned to the city there was but one wounded. I cannot help but think if the men would be more careful there would be fewer killed and wounded. In every fatigue party there is one or more appointed to watch whose duty it is to watch and call cover when ever he sees the flash of a gun leaving the fort or battery at the same time. This gives ample time to seek cover (which is provided at the commencement of every work) before the shot or shell arrives. But men get careless after a few days on the works and neglect that which costs many a one his life or a limb. Yesterday I noticed that not withstanding the great danger, not more than one third covered. I hear an order has been issued making it punishable not to cover when cover is called, but if the fear of death will not do it, no fear of any lesser punishment will have the desired effect. 10, 11, 12th The last three days have been easy times with

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us. The work of fortifying is so nearly completed at the front that it leaves but little to do at the depot. We are expecting orders daily to move to Folly. We work from 8 to 11 A.M. & 2 to 5 P.M. The work is laid out for us, and though we are not told in words, yet we are given to understand that we may work as much or little as we please. You would be quite surprised to see so many to work under the circumstances. I manage to keep myself busy by working, fishing, mending, reading, writing & eating, and if were not for the anxiety I feel to be home again the time would pass pleasantly enough. The weather is beautiful & has become more settled and is just cool enough to be comfortable. I am healthy as a man can possibly be, I had become quite thin from the effects of the weather on my system but am getting fat again for me. I eat like a horse everything I get hold of and feel to use a vulgar expression, like a fighting cock. I expect when we move we will go to work again in earnest. At least I hope so while I am in the service I like to know I am doing something useful. 13th To day a court marshall was held to try an orderly sergt for drunkenness and insubordination. He was found guilty and sentenced to be reduced to a private in the 2nd class, quite a change from 34 to 13 dols per month. It was the 6th or 7th time he had been under arrest for the same offence, and twice narrowly escaped punishment but it seemed with him as with most men in the army the temptation was greater than the fear of punishment. We have a man in the Co, who has spent a great part of his time in prison and working out the penalty of getting drunk in the service. 14, 15, 16th nothing has occurred the last few days to vary the monotony that has settled upon us, except it may be an apparent entire cessation of hostilities. The rebs have not fired guns in as many days. This has set the boys speculating as to the muse. Various reasons have been assigned but none gained so much credence as the most absurd report of all. This was that the Confederate Government had made peace propositions which were being entertained at Washington and in consequence of which an order had been issued to cease everything in the shape of hostilities. Now although we have continued to finish up our works and commenced new ones and we can plainly see the enemy doing the same, yet the absurd rumor gained

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a great many believers and has been the principal talk of the camp for several days. Some who know better encourage the report for the fun of the thing and assent they have positive information that it is true, But the firmest believers begin to waver and show signs of disappointment. Something will have to be started to scare away the quiet that is again setting upon us. 19th Still quiet. The rebels are firing slowly again. Another 300 lb gun has arrived and goes up to the front to night. Trouble is brewing again for the rebs. I cannot learn much but keep my eyes open, and my impression is that in a short time another advance is to be made by the iron fleet under cover of the land batterys. Efforts of the most dilligent kind have been made to remove the obstructions in the harbor by night are with considerable success. Those in a position to know assert positively that the next attempt will succeed in reducing the stronghold. I hope it may be true but am not over confident. I am satisfied that when we do advance we will gain ground, but that we will reach the city very soon I doubt. Of course we can shell and burn it but that is not much gained unless the fortifications around it be first reduced for if we undertook to occupy the city before that was done they would turn their guns on it and soon make it to hot to hold us. In fact none of our vessels could reach the city except the monitors as long as one of their strong batterys remained between it and us. No one can form an idea of the strength but those who have seen for themselves. Pictures give but a faint idea. Pen and ink does better still you cannot realize the whole of their strength. I have charge at present of the erection of a signal tower to be put up near our camp. It will be 50 ft high. It is no hurry and we take our time. The sergt who used to superintend them is away putting up a line of them between here & Hilton Head. 1 The one I am to work at is the terminus of this end of the line. An effort was made by the sergt to take me along with him but I didnt see it. The whole is under the superentendance of a Lieut in the regular service. 22nd This 1. The signal station at Ililton Head was but one of a hundred separate towers. \Vhen high trees were not adequate or available the Engineer Corps constructed lookout and signal towers, often under enemy fire.

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afternoon the steamer Arago hove in sight. She had been anxiously expected for the last 48 hours. I was the first to discover her. She does not land at this point but a gunboat boards her and takes of her papers and dispatches and she then proceeds to the Head with the mail, that being the nearest regular post office. It takes from 24 to 48 hours before our letters and papers sent by mail get back again. The Arago & Fulton run in connecting making a trip each once in two weeks, consequently we have weekly communication with N.Y. They are built alike and so used have we become to them that we can detect them quite easily from any other vessel though they but just heave in sight of this island. We know about what time to expect them and they never pass to or from N.Y. without being seen. 23rd Everything is quiet. The rebs continue their regular daily fire but not a single shot has been fired for the Union for many days. Our Davy Crockett means first to be right and then go ahead. I must again allude to the high tide that occur at this season of the year and which are very annoying. The Depot is built on ground some 2 or 3 ft lower than high waves at these high tides. When the tide is in the camp and Depot are nearly surrounded by water and we are obliged to quit work. Sometimes the lumber gets afloat and it is a common thing to see the boys floating around on piles of it enjoying themselves very highly. At such times we are left on a narrow strip of sand not wider than the Avenue and shaped somewhat like a fish hook. The water has several times reached the corner of my tent the highest ground being not over four feet above the level of the water. The little sand hills on which we are encamped are gradually blowing away and forming in other places. It is a grand scene at high tide if the wind blows strong to watch the waves as they roll many feet higher toward the beach, but as they reach the shallow water die away imperceptibly. Efforts have been made to dam the water out of the inlet but with only partial success thus far.

Journal of an expedition against Charleston No.l9

Oct. 24th In my last I was telling you that the efforts to dam the water out had met with only partial success. Today the bank gave way again completely flooding the depot and lumber yard. We will have to submit to a force we cannot control untill such time as we can move. The tides are getting so high that the waves break over the sea bank making it useless to dam the inlet. 8 P.M. While writing I am startled by everything in our little camp being made as visible as by the light of the noonday sun, although it is a dark overcast night. The mystery is soon solved. Professor Grant is testing his reflecting light and he has selected our camp for the purpose. 1 Everything is as plainly visible as by sun but still does not look like day. It has more of the supernatural about it. I don't know if you have ever seen the casmoramas in the American Museum, but they are the [nearest] of anything I can compare it to. The calcium lights in the central park are quite similar but far less powerful and do not light so much space nor reach so great a distance. Today we had one of those tremendous showers accompanied by vivid lightning which sometimes visit us here but occur much oftener on the main land and present such gorgeous scenes when seen from these islands. It had been smiles and tears all the morning but at 12 M natures heart seemed to have broken and overflowed with a perfect deluge of tears. I scarcely know how to describe the quantities of water that falls on such occasions. the flood gates of heaven seem to be all opened at the same time and the waters visit 1. Professor Grant used the areas around Morris Island and Charleston harbor for his trials of calcium lights. A test at Cummings Point reportedly illuminated 300 yards. John Johnson, Defense of Charleston Harbor, Including Fort Sumpter cnul the Adjacent Islands, 1863-1865 (Germantown, Tenn.: Guild Bindery Press, 1994; originally published 1889), pp. 150, 175-76. Other early attempts to create searchlights, mainly at harbor locations, included phosphorus fires, used with reflectors to direct light.

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the earth in vast sheets covering it like a sea in a few seconds. But natures tears, like our own, the more violent they are the sooner over. Sunday 25th To work as usual. 26th Our fire has fairly opened again and nearly every shot is directed against Sumpter. It is thought necessary to reduce and and [sic] gain full possession on account of the obstructions in the harbor which are supposed to be attached principally to this fort. The firing is heavy and the rebel batterys in the vicinity reply with considerable spirit, but my opinion is there time is short. Some in high positions, but rather sanguine say we will be in Charleston in two weeks. 27th This evening as the moon rose rather a singular and beautifull scene presented itself. The moon as it showered itself on the edge of the horizon formed by the ocean appeared blood stained and about four times its usual size. Directly between us and the moon about two miles from the shore lay a large ship of war. It being dark, nothing was visible and so clearly was every span and rope defined that it actually appeared as though the ship was in the moon. At the time there was a gentle swell on the sea which gave the vessel in the moon a verry gracefull motion. We stood looking at the singular phenomenon a few moments hardly daring to speak lest we should break the spell. Gradually the beautifull illusion dropped through the bottom of the moon and the delusion passed away leaving nothing but the placid countenance of the man who is supposed to live in that luminary. 28th To day having obtained permission I paid a visit to the regt on Folly and took dinner with some of the boys of our co. My main object was to get some clothing and blankets which the increasing cold air from old ocean admonishes me is necessary. I spent nearly the whole day and got back to camp tired but well pleased. The batterys are hammering away yet and a report has arrived from the front that Sumter has surrendered with 30 prisoners. I will wait till morning for the truth. 2 29th I have just heard of the death of another member of our Co in hospital at Beaufort. He died of scurvy so it is reported. 2. Although Federal forces continued to shell Sumter, at month's end the Confederate flag was still flying.

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He came from the northern part of the State of N.Y. He was verry uncleanly in his habits 3 and abused his health by eating all sorts of trash in gluttonous quantities, and being unhealthy when he came out (only a few months ago) it is no wonder he found an early grave. This is the third death in the co. I doubt if there is another Co in the service or the same number of men in private life that can say the same thing. 31st considerable excitement exists here to day on account of heavy and rapid firing heard in the direction of the lower end of James island which continued several hours. My opinion is however that the rebels are trying to build some new battery and our folks are shelling them out. The expected charge on Sumter has not been made up till this Sunday morning, Nov 1st It was to have come off last night according to sources yesterday a flying battery was tested which as I dont know that I have mentioned before I may as well do so now. It is called the Mosquito battery and consists of a number of gun carriages each carrying 25 pieces a little larger than a musket barrel and so arranged that they are all loaded and fired by machinery. The whole containing 100 pieces can discharge many hundred shot per minute. It is drawn by either men or horses, or can be placed in small boats and be made to do the work of several regts. We have had no opportunity to use it against the enemy here, but I am satisfied that it can be used to great advantage in the open field. Last night a reconnaissance took place of Sumter. A captain and two men succeeded in reaching the fort and mounting the ruins. They actually had a peep at the inside (if there is any inside to it any more) when they were discovered and fired upon by the few who still lurk among the holes in the rubbish. They bear a hasty retreat and returned in safety except two of their number wounded. I do not know that they made any important discovery unless it be that we can now mount the walls and gain the interior over the ruin we have made. I expect every morn3. Misunderstanding about cause of scurvy was held by many medical professionals as well as lay people. "It [scurvy] was a cofactor in many other diseases. \Vhen it first appeared the diagnosis was officially denied ... where a few cases were severe, many more were likely to be incipient. ... Its dietary origin had been known for some time but by many was not considered to be the sole cause ... it was thought by many to have an infectious factor." Paul E. Steiner, Disea;•;e in the Civil War: Natural Biological Warfare in 1861-1865 (Springfield, Ill: C. C. Thomas, 1968), pp. 140-41.

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ing to hear the fort is ours. Did I ever tell you of the patent lamp I invented for camp use. As we are only allowed one and a half candles for every ten days, we have been bothered a great deal about light. Since we have been attached to the depot we go to bed only when we get tired of setting up, so we had to buy candles or sit in the dark untill I contrived a plan that has since become quite general in its use. I tried a number of experiments before I got one to suit me. It is perfectly simple and quite original. Here is a sketch of it [sketch]. A small tin can 2 in diameter is made fast of a block of wood for the stand, then a small horse radish or any kind of bottle set inside the tin after the neck is cut off and fill between the glass and tin with sand to keep it firmly in its place as well as to keep the tin from heating and burning your fingers and you have the lamp. Next we want a burner which is made from a cork set loosely in side the glass to rise or fall as the lamp is filled or burns low. The cork is covered with a piece of tin to keep it from taking fire, and another is attached to it to form the tube thus [sketch] through which the wick passes. Common salt pork provides fuel which we have any quantity of. The glass is set about H2 in above the tin which allows it to burn an hour before the cork falls low enough for the tin to throw a shadow over the table. When this occurs the cork or burner is raised to the top of the glass by refilling the lamp. It gives a much better light than a candle and is no expense at all. I would not mention so trivial a subject only to show what necessary can do and that where there is a will there is a way. Never say I cant. Truly necessity is the mother of invention. Sunday 7th No work to day. Since my last writing Sumters flag has been shot away twice and as often replaced. I have just heard that one of the detachment from our own co, of 12 men under Lieut ... sent to the head for the purpose of getting their new pontoon bridge became intoxicated while there and fell asleep on the track of the horse rail road while in this position (it being night} a passing car crushed both his legs. It will probably cause his death. His name is Michael O'Connor. 4 4. Michael O'Connor, 38, enlisted in New York City in December of 1861. Contrary to Westervelt's expectation, he did not die from his injury but was discharged for disability the following June. Report of the AdjutantGeneral, p. 235.

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You will perhaps be gratified to learn that Genl Gilmore has issued an order to the effect that no work be done on the Sabbath except it be absolutely necessary. This will put a check upon some of the under officers who embrace such opportunities to give orders for work to be done on Sunday, and will still more attach our men to our gallant commander. Among the foremost in such kind of orders was Capt Cruso. While I am writing the welcome cry of, Aragos in sight, greets my ear, and looking out sure enough there is the well known and familiar looking steamer just hove in sight in the eastern horizon. It is a glad sight (we are never tired of fresh arrivals no matter how quickly they follow each other) and she is headed directly for us. Now a gun is fired from a blockade as a signal to heave to and a small to be continued

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion No. 20, 1863

Sunday 8th continued and a small steamer puts off to board her and take off government dispatches. In a few minutes she is on her way to H. H. The boys stroll back leisurely to their huts to wait with impatience for her return which will not reach us untill tomorrow afternoon or tuesday morning. 4 P.M. Spite of the order and the impossibility of using it Capt ... dral of the regular service has left an order to have a waggon repaired immediately. It does not affect me however but entails some hard work among those whom it does. Immediately after dark two buildings in Seceshionville on James Island was discovered to be on fire one of our gun boats having thrown a few shell in that direction before sundown I suppose one of them was the cause of it. Secessionville is some 4 or 5 miles distant embracing some 20 or 30 buildings. In the morning on a Sunday the colored troops hold prayer meetings which are characterized by the shouting and comicalities of the same kind of thing in N.Y. 9th This morning we are surprised with a sudden and extreme change in the weather. From extreme warm to severe cold. As we go up the beach to draft some sleepers the wind makes our faces ache. I forget if I told you of a mortar platform we are building. It is for a 13 in long mortar, the largest we have yet used. The mortar without its carriage weighs over 17000 lbs, I will give you a sketch of one on its carriage [sketch]. You will observe its diameter across the middle is about 3 ft 8 in. lOth To day we laid down the platform, You can judge the strength required when I tell you it took 7 four horse teams (waggons) to draw the wood work up, which has to be covered with¥.! in iron. 1 It is 12ft 1. Seacoast guns were enormously heavy, and cannons were often mounted on iron carriages. Gillmore installed a number of them on Morris Island to assist in the assault on Charleston. Faust, Encyclopedia of the Civil War, p. 663).

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square. This being past the point of the island as far as we can go I had a fine view of everything. While here I saw the flag on sumter fall. A 30 lb shot cutting the staff clean off. This is the third time it has been shot away. They made an attempt to hoist another but our guns fired so sharp they were obliged to desist. The rebels during the day fire pretty sharp from Moultrie but we are finding no difficulty in reaching cover when the watch sings out for cover. Our squad consists of Sergt Burton, 2 myself and 4 others, and a group of darkies to do the heavy lifting. 11th & 12th The last two days have been spent 1st in getting out and the 2nd in putting down another platform. They are both for the same battery but being unlike each other and on a new plan we are obliged to put them down ourselves, though it is not our place to do so. The last day again warm and so transparent is the air that it needs no glass to see Charlston and its environs with the naked eye. Both sides fire sharp to today. Out of 7 of our shots I watched 6 fall in side the ruins of Sumter. One hears strange music in great variety here. From the rebs first you hear the shot of a gun. Next comes the cry of cover then you hear an unearthly hissing sound (the passage of the shot or shell through the air) followed by a sharp clap like thunder as the shell bursts close by making your ears tingle, then comes a full chorus of pieces of shell with as many keys as toads in a frog pond. From our side there is less variety. The report comes first making the earth quake. This is followed by a sound not unlike the creaking of a wheel that wants oil, made by the burning fuse of the shell as it turns round sometimes rapid, sometimes slow. The wind up is the bursting. I made a slight mistake in regard to a rebel shell. The cry of cover is heard before the report of the gun, owing to sight being quicker than sound. 13th & 14th These two days are occupied in building a tank orgasometer for Professor Grant the great light man. It is built of wood on the plan of the large iron ones in N.Y. Next week we have to build another and larger one. The professor is a 2. Amos Burton, age 37, enlisted in New York City ,January 11, 1862; promoted to artificer July 1, 1862; mustered in as sergeant August 8, 1862. Discha~ed January 10, 1865, Varina, Virginia. Report of the AdjlttantGeneral, p. 45.

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jolly fat fellow weighing 230 lbs. Last night he invited Burton, H and myself over to his tent where he furnished us with some A No. lliquor and we spent a pleasant evening. Sunday 15th Another day of rest. Cold in the morning but very pleasant during the day. The anxiously waited for box arrived 11 A.M. just in time for dinner. About middle afternoon as the steamer Planter (taken prize some time ago) was coming up Folly river the rebel batteries on James island commenced to shell her. The distance being 3 or 4 miles they did not hit her but the gun boat McDonough ran up and replied and quite a little war was kept up for some time. The rebels on James Island remind me of old times in N.Y. Folly river is to them what Broadway used to be to us on Sunday afternoon always getting up a false alarm for the sake of a little excitement. I notice to day some enterprising genius has had a lot of envelopes printed with the emblem and motto of our regt. It is a fac simile of our buttons, motto, Essayons, is a latin word and signifies, we will try. If you recollect our caps we wear an ancient castle or fortified fort. 3 You will notice a more modern looking one on the envelope with the sun rising out of the sea which i suppose is significant of the 1st Engineers rising to fame. About 9 O'clock just after I had turned in a terrible uproar was kicked up. The long roll was beat and the cannon roared making the Island tremble till I almost expected to see it sink in the sea. Most of the boys turned out but having been fooled several times in the night before I concluded to lay still. In about an hour the noise partially subsided and I went to sleep to dream of terrible conflicts with the enemy. About 11 my little Corpl woke me on his return having been a mile to learn what was up. it seems the rebs got in their heads that we were about to make an attack, probably on Sumter and opened all their fire at once. This lead us to believe they intended to attack us under cover of their guns, and consequently all our guns replied immediately. Hence the terrible uproar. The rebs soon found our guns to big for them and were glad to seek cover. You will perhaps think me careless 3. Enlisted men of the Corps of Engineers were issued caps adorned with brass turreted castles. Philip Katcher, The Civil War Source Book (New York: Facts on File, 1992), p. 168.

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in not getting up but not so. An old fireman does not take long to turn out when the time comes. My cap and trumpet4 are now replaced by my rifle & cartridge box (the latter empty 2 months). My rifle for want of a better bedfellow always lies by my side at night. But there is a better reason for not turning out. There was no use in standing out in the cold, and no good soldier will leave camp without orders on such occasions. In the present instance had an order come to fall in we could not have mustered ten men. In an infantry Regt a man being reported to have left camp without orders would be severely punished and perhaps arrested as a deserter. I have no wish to be set dmvn as a deserter if I am not so we remain. 16th This morning one of the monitors5 having ventured on strange ground ran aground and stuck fast till high tide. The enemy made an attempt to capture her and actually succeeded in gaining a foothold on her deck, but a shower bath of scalding water (always kept on hand with hose attached) sent them about their business double quick. 17th Very little doing now and we are having easy times. I have a job to make a liquor chest for the Professor but can do it when I please. I shall make him come down handsomely when I get it done. Sergt Burton has gone to look for a suitable piece of stuff. Burton has been in charge of the mechanical business of the depot since his return. It is nearly 11 A.M. and I will stop to prepare my dinner. 1 P.M. Just finished eating my noon repast which perhaps will not be entirely uninteresting to you. In the first place I had potatoes from R. C. Then beef fresh & salt and some onions all kindly furnished me by Uncle Samyile. All the above articles I cut small and cooked in a mess pan. For desert I had prepared some boiled rice (uncles) and Stuarts syrup (my own). My bill of fruits consisted of some apples from a lady in N.Y. 6 Everything being readiness and the guests 4. At the time of John's membership in the New York City Volunteer Fire Department it was the duty of the foreman to "shout encouragement and directions through his speaking trumpet." Kenneth Dunshee, As You Pass By (New York: Hastings House, 1952), p. 49. 5. The U.S.S. Lehigh was run aground and heavily shelled by rebel batteries before she was assisted off the bar. Long, Civil War Day by Day, p. 434. 6. The Rockland farms of both the Westevelt's and Onderdonk's (John's sister) were known for their apple production.

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being all present with just room for one more at table I concluded to invite the petite Corpl but he declined on the plea of sickness although the steaming flavor of the dishes would call back to life a dead man. So taking the head of the table myself with J. H. Westervelt on my right and J. West on my left with the Corpl at the foot in bed, we proceeded to do ample justice to our fare. After desert a certain little present from the professor was uncorked and the 1st regular toast was given, which was, My noble self. This was highly applauded in silence. The next toast was applauded by tremendous waving of two new pocket hankerchiefs. This toast was, the loved ones at home, God bless them. (want of space precludes details.)

Journal of an expedition against Charleston No.21 Nov 17th continued. I regret to commence this number with the relation of a melancholly accident. In the afternoon while some marines were rolling a buoy out in deeper water a negro who had got the top of it fell off and disappeared beneath the surface never to rise again in life. It is supposed he must have knocked the breath from his body as he fell or he would have risen to the surface immediately. The water was only 4 ft 6 in deep. The under current must have carried him out as the body at last accounts had not been found. The buoy was one that had got loose in the harbor and floated ashore in front of our camp. It was towed out and refastened. 19th Mail arrived this afternoon having been 2¥! days coming from the Head. I suppose you read the paper you sent me. I have seldom seen more truthfull accounts in the papers than the dispatches from here contained in this one. The showers of shells it speaks of as being thrown in Sumter and such like stories is all moonshine and wont do to tell to those who can see for themselves. I have never seen two shots fired at the same time and I hardly think one can be called a shower. The rebel papers from which the herald makes extracts also gives true statements. They say that in 24 hours 1,215 shot were thrown in Sumter which averages one every 1 min 11¥1 sees. See if you can figure that out and send me the figures on paper. Something is brewing perhaps an attack on Sumter for tonight. 20th I believe an attempt was made to take the Fort last night but I can learn nothing definite. ·whatever the attempt may have been else it was a failure. So many reports are flying this day I will not give any of them. The facts are evidentially withheld from the men. My own impression is that it was only a reconnoitering party and that an attack will be made in a night or two. 22nd It is sunday again, but unlike the last it is

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a dull, dreary cheerless day. It is cool but not uncomfortable. The blue sky is entirely obscured by dull, leaden colored clouds that look as if they would as soon give us a drenching as not. The ships of the fleet as they lay at anchor in the distance heave with motion as if to sluggish to rise and fall with the lazy swell of the ocean. The sea itself is calm and moans in a mournfull strain that makes ones heart sink within his bosom. The utterly cheerless aspect of everything around inspires but one feeling, an intense longing for home, But such is life on the sea shore. Tomorrow perhaps the sun will shine out brightly on the ocean as its waves dash and sparkle in the brilliant rays and the verry vessels as if glad of the change leap from crest to crest and all nature join in the glad scene makes our hearts bound in the exuberance of our spirits and home is forgotten for the moment. Things are getting dull. There seems to be a want of energy somewhere. I begin to long for some excitement to keep me from counting the hours. 23rd Dull as ever and growing cooler. 12M commences to rain with raw east wind. One of our men just arrived from the front reports a large fire in the city and the bells ringing. It is supposed to be the work of our shells a few of which are thrown in every day by way of experiment. 6 P.M. Regular north east storm. 24th Still raining with a strong wind. We have succeeded in darning the water out of the inlet but the east wind has raised the tide so high that it washes over the sea bank so the waves actually wash the feet of some of the tents. 12M Warm and pleasant with signs of clearing up. 6 P.M. Not clear yet. Smiles and tears all afternoon. 25th Thanksgiving day-clear, bright and cold this morning. The day is pretty strictly observed. Nothing in the shape of work is done and guns are only heard at long intervals. During the forenoon the whole force on this island turned out in full dress and colors flying numbering about 6,000 men. Generals Terry and Stevenson1 were present, the whole made quite an imposing spectacle. Prayers were made by the chaplains and 1. General Alfred II. Terry (1827-1890) was commanding the X Corps, Army of the James at this time. He was later made major general of volunteers and brigidier general in the regular army. Sifakis, Who Was Who in the Union, p. 408. General Thomas G. Stevenson (183fi-1864) served as a militia major before the Civil War and was appointed brigadier general

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thanks returned to the Almighty disposer of events in an appropriate manner. The band performed several sacred pieces in excellent style, after which the benediction was pronounced and the force dismissed. Our detachment does not turn out for anything. In the afternoon the colored troops got up a little amusement in their own hook similar to the sports I described during the holidays at Beaufort last year, but owing to the limited space between the sand hills and the want of opportunities the sports were not so interesting or in so great variety. The darkies however-the only ones interestedseemed to enjoy it exceedingly. At noon Lieut Baldwin2 for whom I had made a drawing table sent his compliments and a fine plate of roast beef and potatoes for my dinner. I had some hesitation about accepting so queer a compliment, but concluding he meant well I thought it best not to offend by sending them back. He is a rather innocent youth and is called by the boys the old maid or Miss Baldwin. I would not offend him from the fact that he knows the boys are in the habit of poking fun at him behind his back, notwithstanding he is perfectly honest and will do more for the men than any other officer in the Co. He does not belong to the detachment but has his tent in our camp and takes charge of infantry details to work at the front. He has had an excellent education but is ignorant of any mechanical branch whatever as far as practice is concerned. This reminds me of the utter uselessness of the host of commissioned officers attached to our regiment not one out of ten who understand anything of mechanism. The works are superintended generally by engineers sergeants and not unfrequently by 1st class privates for want of capability in our Capts and Lieuts. You will laugh when I tell you that in our reget we have 1 Col, llieut col, 3 majors, 1 adjunct, 1 quartermaster, 1 commissary, 10 capts, about 30 Lieuts (all commissioned) 100 sergeants, and 100 Corporals (warrant or December 24, 1862. He was commanding the 1st Brigade of the X Corps on this date, later served at Spotsylvania where he was killed May 10, 1864. Ibid, p. 390. 2. Lieutenant James S. Baldwin was 18 when he enlisted in New York City on September 12, 1861. He was mustered as second lieutenent February 14, 1862. Mustered out at Varina, Virginia on February 13, 1865. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1640.

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non commissioned). In all, corns & non corns, privates 1st & 2nd class about 700 men, 248 officers to 552 privates or nearly one officer to every two privates at a cost to the government of 10 dols for officers to 1 dol for privates.3 Infantry regts are not much better. Officers do not get so much as ours, sergeants get the same as our 1st class corporals the same as privates or 2nd class Engs. Infantry only have about half the number of sergeants (5) and corporals (7 or 8) that Engs have. 27th More of our men are moving to folly this morning. We cannot get sufficient boards to finish the depot. It is raw, cold and overcast this morning again. The ocean roars like an angry lion. A low sand bar that stretches a mile or so out to sea in front of our camp is covered with millions of curlems4 a bird a little larger and verry much resembling the sea gull. I never saw so many of the feathered tribe together before. The bar is not only covered but the air over it is black with them. 0 how I wish I had a good shot gun. They are said to be an excellent bird to eat. 28th To day one of our 200 pounders burst into about 50 pieces. 5 Fortunately no one was killed and but one slightly wounded. This was one of the first of the large one mounted and no doubt has carried death many a rebel. It is singular and seems providential that among some half dozen that have burst I have not heard of a life being lost in consequence and but few injured. Last night a sutlers schooner was wrecked off the island about two miles no lives lost. Sunday 29th To day is dull and heavy weather with now and then slight showers of rain and quite warm. Hotch and myself had planned to go to Folly to day and see Patterson and the rest of the boys 3. As top-heavy as this arrangement may seem, it was an improvement over the structure of the Engineer Corps prior to August of 1861, when it contained more officers than enlisted men. Katcher, Civil War Source Book, p. 166. 4. The curlew, a seacoast bird known for its melancholy song, was considered a game bird at this time. 5. Larger artillery weapons were known to have " ... grave defects, the most serious of which was the unequal and uncertain life of the piece. Some of the most valuable batteries on Morris Island were disabled by the bursting of barrels .... At Charleston Harbor Gillmore had six 200-pounder and seventeen 100-pounder Parrots explode during the siege." Francis A. Lord, Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia (New York: Stackpole Books, 1965), p. 28.

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but the weather is rather unfavourable. In this climate it does not remain overcast long at one time so it may be clear by noon, if so we will go after dinner. This morning quite a number of things were picked up on shore having floated from the wreck of the sutlers schooner. One man up earlier than the rest picked up about nine dozen jars of pickles about the size of mine, They will sell for at least 25 cts a piece and bring him $25.00. I do not consider it exactly an honourable transaction, still I can have no sympathy for the sutler. The man belongs to the detachment but not to our co. Times are dull scarcely a gun is heard for the last few days. I cannot tell the cause but there no doubt good reason for it. It will be some time before I can find items enough to fill another number unless things stir up a little. Report says a part of the detachment is to remain on morris permanently. If so I will no doubt be one of them, Burton will remain and the Lieut go to Folly. to be continued

Journal of an expedition against Charleston. No. 22. Afternoon Sunday 29th Rained till near sunset so we did not get to Folly. Just as the sun was about to set the clouds lifted in the west and old sol gave us a parting smile as he retired below the horizon and leaving one of the most gorgeous displays of clouds painted in gold and purple it has been my good fortune to witness. As the sun went down the wind suddenly shifted northwest and began to get cooler. At 9 P.M. I go to bed to get warm. 30th This morning is clear and stinging cold. On the surface of the water in my wash tub is what may be called ice, but looks more like a mosquito net. 1st It is still colder this morning with ice 1 in thick. This is probably as cold as we will have it this winter. If it were not for the wind I should not mind the cold. It is that which together with our thin blood consequent upon the poor food we live upon makes us feel it more. The air instead of blowing against our uniforms seems to pass through us like a sieve. Still I cannot say that we suffer. I think of the poor soldiers in Virginia and other colder climates than this. How the poor fellows stand it in places no warmer than N.Y. State I can hardly tell. At 12 M a salute of 100 guns was fired in honor of the defeat of the forces under the rebel Genl Bragg.1 We have not particulars yet, but it seems enough is known to make it safe to say a great victory has been won by our arms in that vicinity. This was the occasion of raising the first flags on our batterys. The fleet in the harbor and all the transports, steamers and small craft were literally alive with flags. While the salute was being fired Moultrie got mad and pitched in adding to the general uproar but our boys only laughed at their puny efforts. One economical individual remarked that we ought to save our 1. General Braxton Bragg, feeling responsible for the defeat, wired his resignation to Richmond. It was accepted on November 30, 1863. Long, Civil War Day by Day, p. 441.

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powder by counting Moultries shots as so many to make up the 100. I should have went up the front but I could not get away. I had to wait nearly all the forenoon for my pay, and after dinner I had to finish putting up a tent for Lieut Michey of the regular engineers. 2nd A little more moderate today. 3rd Sunrise quite moderate again today. At day break some of our guns opened on the city and set a building on fire. The rebel batteries returned our fire and kicked up a terrible uproar for a while. I heard an officer say that an order had been given to fire 50 shots per ... the city till further notice. During the week one of our 100 pounders burst. No casualties. I was surprised today by Lieut Baldwin presenting me with an order on the commissary for 30 lbs (about a half bushel) of potatoes, As all such things are sold here by the pound. Quite a singular incident was related to me today of a peculiarity of this climate. In a conversation with a soldier on guard at the depot telling of the snow we had one morning in Beaufort, he remarked that he had seen a shower of brimstone in south Carolina sufficient to give the earth a thin covering in the vicinity he was at the time. On my expressing my doubts in regard to its being brimstone he told me that he had formerly lived in S.C. and during this time one morning the air was discovered to have a very sulfurous odor in it and although nothing could be seen falling yet the earth gradually became covered about the thickness of brown paper with Sulfur commonly called brimstone. A dense fog prevailed at the time. I did not fully give him credit for the truth yet, but I related the story to an acquaintance who has had the benefit of an excellent education and who possesses considerable scientific knowledge. My friend said that although such things are not common yet they are not altogether unknown in warm climates. In discussing the matter I became convinced that the air can become so charged with sulfuric vapour from the marshes and lowlands that in coming in contact with other air it becomes condensed and falls to the earth in invisible particles. Thus though it cannot be seen there is sufficient to cover the surface of the earth in the vicinity. 2 We often hear 2. Most likel:v the "brimstone" fallout was due to a combination of atmospheric sulfur and sulfuric remnants from the constant shelling of Sumter.

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accounts of things that seem to us utter impossibilities, but if we could bring science to our aid, perhaps we could explain them away as easily as the brimstone or sulfur story. If I did not have some little curiosity to dive into the science to such matters myself I should have set the fellow down as trying to impose on my credulity. 4th Today I am with some others set to work to make a couple of sentry boxes. They are to be made as ornamental as if they were intended for the central park instead of the island Folly in front of Gen Gilmores quarters. I did not think the Gen would allow much less order such useless work. I cannot imagine the use here of anything other than a comfortable rough board box to keep the sentinel from the weather. I hope the Genl has not gone to roost on the top spoke but one of the ladder, but it seems knowing the top one to be occupied by Gen Hallack he is gradually settling himself down on the next. Perhaps I may do him wrong by saying so, for he has difficulties here to surmount that unless the fleet is placed entirely under his control making them next to impossibilities. Were I at home it is just the kind of work I should like, but is not the object I enlisted for, and I fear will not effect much in the way of capturing the city. We have also commenced a new depot on this island. It seems the detachment is to be divided and from present indications I think I shall be one to remain here. I do not care if we have remained so long. I have fitted up my tent for the winter. I am as snug as a bug in a rug, and the little corporal looks like one covered up at night his and ears in his blankets. We will move a little more under the protection of the bluffs as soon as the depot is off our hands. It will be more comfortable but not so large as the old one. 5th A grand review was had today Gen Gilmore being present. The troops made a fine appearance and none more so than the darkies. The 54th Mass (colored) 3 are entitled to the Natural sulfur had been known and used as a major component of homemade "black powder" for many years before the Civil War. 3. In addition to credit for the best drum corps, thl.' 54th Mass. is notable for its servicl.' in the field of battle: of thl.' 1,354 mPn who sPrwd in the 54th, 100 died from battle wounds, 19 died of disPasP or accident, 57 were reported missin~ and presumed dl.'ad, and 158 wen• dischar~Pd dtw to disabilities incurred in battle. Clinton Cox, Undying Glol'.IJ: Tile Story Qf' tilt> Massaclmsetts 54th Uegi111ent (New York: Scholastk, l!HH ). p. 150).

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credit of the best drum corps in the department. After review the general called on Col Hall4 and requested him to give his compliments to Capt Eaton 5 commanding engineers on this island and day they made the best appearance both in uniform and marching of any body on the ground. So much for the Engineers. Our detachment as usual was not out. 6th Sunday. It is a cold and the wind blows blustering like march, although the atmosphere is clear and bright as silver. Patterson, Sargent Johnson and Corporal Tulp came over from Folly and took dinner with us. An accident occurred during the afternoon that has thrown a deep gloom over us, not only on account of the lives lost but the pressing need of all our noble monitors, one of which has gone to the bottom. That there were lives lost is certain, but how many I cannot tell as like all particulars in regard to the affair is kept back. Some say it was the wind, Some a torpedo, and others the result of carelessness with [steam]. The fact that she was soon to blow off steam a few minutes before she went down half inclines me to the latter opinion. No explosion was heard, either gun or torpedo, nor do I think the sea was sufficiently rough to cause a vessel that has withstood many a rougher one to go to the Bottom. She (The Weehawken) was nearest a guard boat of the fleet at the time, and lay nearest the rebel batteries. 6 7th This morning opens cold with a high 4. James F. Hall was 38 when he enlisted in Albany on .July 27, 1861. He was mustered in as major, made lieutenant colonal April 25, 1862, colonel March 20, 1865. He mustered out at Richmond on June 30, 1865. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1645. 5. Samuel C. Eaton, 34 at enrollment in New York City on August 28, 1861, was appointed first lieutenant November 25, 1861, mustered in as captain January 16, 1862. Mustered out January 15, 1865 at Varina, Virginia. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1643. 6. Many theories were bandied about in explanation of the sinking of the Weehawken, including design problems, injuries sustained in previous encounters, and weather. The telegrams sent to Washington by Admiral Dahlgren (who attempted to assist the Weehawken with his steamer, the Ironsides) noted that "Scarcely five minutes elapsed between the time that the signal for assistance was made and the sinking of the vessel. I am entirely unable, from the imperfect information at hand, to satisfy myself of the real cause of the disaster." A court of enquiry was later convened which gave an opinion that several factors were to blame: "weight of ammunition on board, neglect to close the hawse hole, water entt:>ring under the turret .... " Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, vol. 15, pp. 161-70).

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wind. 8th Still cold and windy. As I am pretty well provided against cold I will endeavor to give you an idea of my quarters. My tent is raised the same as on folly, but on a board box instead of palmetto leaves. The tent is double, and old one being under. A good board floor inside is raised a few inches from the ground and outside the sand banked up high enough to keep the wind from under it. Our bunks-one on each side-thus [sketch] are 2ft wide each leaving a space between of 4 ft occupied by a table 2 ft by 3 ft. My bunk is portable like a cot without the legs, The poles at each end resting on cleats nailed on the box. Canvas such as we use for boats, with double thickness of sand bags underneath for warmth is tacked on the poles. It is my sofa bedstead. Here is a plan of it [sketch] or [sketch] night use [sketch] day use, and view. You will observe the board 8 in wide is hung on leather hinges to be used up at night and down in day. My bed clothes are three woolen blankets and over coat, which is ample. My pillow is a sand bag stuffed with the finest shavings I can make and a white muslin case. If extremeness of cold I use my rubber but otherwise it is too warm. The little corporal has a neat movable bunk with legs and head board for feathers. For further particulars, see next number. to be continued

Journal of an expedition against Charleston No. 23.

Dec. 8th continued. My cupboard is a large sized cracker or hard tack box with shelves for eating utensils and nailed up in the back of the tent together with shelves for my knapsack and box. Here they are [sketch]. My crockery consists of tin pails made of preserve cans. One 2 qt tin basin, one tin plate, one tin cup, a tin mustard box with small holes punched in the lid for pepper, another for salt, a knife, fork & spoon. Several bottles for molasses, vinegar & and a pickle jar. In the top of the tent a line is stretched from front to rear above my head for clothes, towels and such like. My box is locked and is finished inside for writing materials, thread, needles, tobacco and other valuables. And now you have the whole. How do you like it. Although I only mention myself generally on account of having fitted it up alone, I should say that my little corporal has nearly as many things as myself. The cupboard and such things are used by us both. Knowing my strict regard for cleanliness and order, he is as careful not to offend me as if I was his capt instead of a private only. He is clean but careless. For instance, I was obliged to scold him first off for not hanging his bed clothes out during the day to let the fleas off. He could not be induced to change his qts for anything and seems highly pleased to think we are not going to Folly which will keep Patterson and me apart. 9th This morning was a little more moderate, and after dinner the sun was uncomfortably hot. Reports reached us today from an expedition that left here quietly a few days ago, to the effect that they had reached Pocotaligo and burned the rail road bridge. This is all I could learn. You may recollect the unfortunate expedition that started from Hilton Head shortly after I came out under Genl Mitchell to the same place. I hope they may meet with better success. lOth Commenced new depot today, it will be done in a day or two. In the afternoon it began to get colder and at night it is as cold as ever and the wind blowing a gale.

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11th This morning I was awakened by the rush of water around my tent. I was barely able to dress myself when the water which had washed the sand away from the outside, came gurgling up through the floor. The tide had not only broke away the dam but came in floods over the sea bank. This lasted for an hour and a half when the tide fell and allowed us to clean up, it having been higher than at any time heretofore. This will involve the necessity of moving both camp and depot to higher ground. The sea breaking over its bank would raise the water around us higher with the dam than without as it cannot run out again except through the inlet. We had quite an amusing time while it lasted. The depot was on one island, the cook house on another, and our camp on two more and no communication except wading waist deep in the water. The cook having started early for water for coffee could not get back again. Most of the men did not get anything to eat or drink till dinner. I made a breakfast on bread and molasses, some cold fresh beef and cold coffee and then laughed at those on the other islands. We have named our islands all appropriately. The depot stands on (from its having been the capts qrs) Cruso Island. The cook house is called Coney or Cooney island from the cooks having at one time kept a pair of young coons caught on Folly. The two occupied by the camp is called Coes twins, in honor of the Lieut. The day continued stormy with heavy east wind and slight rain. One good effect of the flood is the destruction of fleas many of whose dead forms are no doubt at this time being tossed about on the briny deep. Requisat in pace. 12th The tide is still higher this morning and threatens to wash our little islands away. The little corporal and myself had as much as we could do with our united might to keep our tent from floating away. As soon as it went down we moved to the highest part of the island. *(twin No.2) When we wish to move we get a dozen darkies and pick up house and home and walk away with it. About 11 A.M. I was sent for by Lieut Mikey to move his tent which I put up about a week ago on a high bank about 50 ft from the water. Since that time the bank has washed away so much that it threatened to pitch his tent in the sea. I have noticed lately by other places where the island is perceptibly decreasing. Should this continue, in

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a very few years the sea will flow where Morris and Folly islands now stand. Having moved the tent by 12 M so that he could get into it comfortably, and as it commenced to rain immediately after I did not go up again, although he sent for me twice saying he had 40 negroes waiting for me to set them to work moving an old hospital tent and putting another in addition to his own. Sundown it commenced to pour down upon us one of those deluges such as old Noah had, it continued at intervals during the night. But we are safe unless it smashes the tent. Sunday 13th Warm and foggy this morning. Lieut Mikey sent twice for me this morning. The 1st time I did not go. The 2nd he sent to Lieut Coe who sent Sergeant Burton to tell me I had better take a couple of men and go see what he wanted. I went up alone however and on seeing him saluted him in accordance with my duty. He immediately began telling me what he wanted done, not taking any notice of my not coming before. I interrupted him by stating that we done no work on the sabbath except such as was absolutely necessary, but he took no notice of what I said, only repeating what he said before to which I listened as in duty bound and then returned to camp and reported. 1 Lieut Coe then told me that nothing should be done till Monday morning. So stands the case at present. How it will end I cannot tell. One thing is certain, Lieut Mikey is henceforth my enemy. I do not care, what I did was done on principle and in accordance with general orders, and I flatter myself I know my duty too well to give him a chance to injure me. He is a miserable little upstart and because he happens to belong to the Engs of the regular service he pretends to look down on us Vols as so many slaves. 3 P.M. warm and clear as a bell. During the afternoon I man1. Peter Smith Michie (1839-1901), a 1863 graduate of West Point. Assigned upon graduation to the Corps of Engineers, Michie served in South Carolina under Gillmore as assistant engineer in the construction of batteries and reduction of Sumter during the Union attacks on Fort Wagner. He later became chief engineer in the Army of the James and ultimately rose from lieutenant to brigadier general. After the conclusion of the war Michie was an instructor at West Point until his death in 1901. In light of John Westervelt's problem with him over Sabbath labor, it is ironic to note that the deeply religious Michie "threatened to find deficient any cadet who did not believe his physics class proved the existence of God." Stephen E. Ambrose, Duty, Honor, Country: A History of West Point (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1966), pp. 205-206, 342.

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aged to glean what I consider a little more reliable information in regard to the ill-fated monitor Weehawken. H appears she had become considerably weakened in consequence of having been aground several times and foremost in every engagement. During the heavy gale the day she went down, she surged so heavy at her anchor that she pulled her capstan out. Soon after this being in a leaking condition her beams split open and she went down in a few feet of water. It is probable that as soon as it can be done with safety such portions of her as can will be raised, such as machinery, guns, &c. It is said that shortly before she went down all hands were on deck, but not believing they were in danger they neglected to signal for help. In six minutes after they did so, she sank. I do not know how many were on board at the time, but if the truth is told me 31 souls perished with her. 2 14th Clear with strong west winds but pleasant. went up and tended to Lieut Mikey's case today. He did not refer in any manner to the proceedings of yesterday although he sent for me again in the afternoon. Lieut Coe sent back word that it was contrary to the Genis orders and nothing could be done till Monday morning. Since the late storm large quantities of heavy timber have floated on shore, portions of the harbor obstructions broken up by the violence of the gale. The timbers are about 15 in diameter and 20 ft in length, several of them being bound together with heavy iron straps. A number of these bundles appear to have been connected by massive iron links to form chains across the channels. It is supposed that the almost total demolition of Fort Sumter has prevented the rebs from keeping them in repair so that the links becoming worn and rusted the gale broke them up. 15th, 16th & 17th These days I have principally spent in superintending the erection of a new depot out of reach of the tide. We have not been able to do much the weather is so unsettled one minute the sun shines and the next it rains. It is quite mild however. This 17th I have to record the second military execution in this department since I came into it. The doomed man was said to be an Englishman 2. The final report on the Weehawken listed 38 men lost. Official Records of the Union and Confederate Nat•ies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, vol. 15, pp. 164-65.

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by birth and a conscript by name, Kendall. 3 He had only lately arrived here and took the first opportunity to desert. It being very difficult to get to the rebel side from here, he either by mistake or being unable to get further fetched up among our forces on Block island where he stated he was a deserter from the rebels, but on being taken to the guard house he was recognized as one of our own men, tried, found guilty, and shot. I witnessed the execution which was in all respects like the other. to be continued

3. A report of the circumstances and court martial of Private John Kendall, Company G, Third New Hampshire, was carried on page 1 of Supplement to the New York Times, December 19, 1863.

Journal of an expedition against Charleston No. 24. Dec. 18. Clear with a sudden change to severe cold again. 19th Sharp cold but no ice. This morning the body of a sailor was found washed on shore in front of our camp. Nothing was found on his person to identify him by, but it is supposed he is one of the ill-fated crew of the Weehawken. The body was in too good a state of preservation almost to have been in the water so long, but still this may be owing to the cold weather and excessive saltiness of the water. Yesterday the body of a negro washed up. 1 He was drowned by the capsizing of a boat a day or two previous. Today men are employed in pulling on shore the great quantities of timber broken loose from the harbor obstructions, many bundles which scarcely able to float have lodged on the sand bars. Government has here in its employ two or three hundred civilians (a hand set) for this kind of labor under the pay of 30 dols per month and rations. This relieves the soldiers of considerable heavy work, But I agree with them that it is not just. Why should these men get more pay than the soldiers, and escape the draft in the bargain. Why should government employ carpenters at 3 dols per day and rations. Why does the soldier be compelled to do the same kind of work under fire from the enemys guns, while the civilian cannot be sent there. Why are those who do the real work paid so little while those who do next to nothing are paid such extravagant wages. Echo answers why. Were I honorably out of the service no consideration of duty would induce me to enter it again. Were things conducted with more justice to the soldier, there would be no need of a draft or such heavy bounties to fill places of men out of their time. 1. Black men served as sailors on navy ships before the army permitted their enlistment; recruiting of former slaves began September 1861. Unlike black soldiers, black sailors received identical treatment, quarters, and pay from the beginning of their service. Zak Mettger, Till Victory is Won: Black Soldiers in the Civil War (New York: Dutton, 1993).

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Sunday 20th Pleasant. During the afternoon we had our usual broadway run. The Planter and two other steamboats coming up inside Folly were fired at by the rebel batteries at Seceshville and our guns returned the compliment-kicked up quite a row. The steamboat Planter is one which was run away from Charleston with by a mulatto named Robert Small, 2 a very intelligent pilot, but a slave, who now commands her. She is not worth much, and Small being a plucky fellow he always hoists her original colors when he comes near the rebs, which they no sooner recognize than they bang away at her. This Planter seems to be a great eyesore to them and I pity poor Mr Robert Small should he ever fall into rebel hands. 21st to 24th These days are all alike, cold with very high wind. I have at last got my stove up. I have done it; I have made a stove, a real live iron stove with a tin wooded pipe. Think of that and never say I can't again. I suppose I must tell you about it. I took a sheet iron mess kettle (shaped like a wash boiler) 12 inches deep and 9 in across and cut three holes in it; one for pipe, one for wood, and one for draft. Then I made 2 ft of pipe out of a sheet of tin. Then 5 ft of wooden pipe lined with tin, which I procured by nielting the bottoms out of preserve cans (about 50) using the sides. Then 12 feet of unlined wooden pipe for the upright, thus [sketch]. The bottom and girth are made from two blades of shovels. On first putting fire in it, it roared like a young locomotive and in two minutes was red hot pipe and so that I was obliged to shut every tight as a drum to keep it partly smothered. It burns about three bundles of kindling wood per day which I cut about the same size. The only difficulty is in keeping fire and keeping little enough to keep it going without roasting us out. It is considered the greatest success of the man. As quite a number of the men have some plans to keep fire in their tents, and as all have wooden chimneys it is quite common during the evening to hear the cry of fire, when all hands 2. Robert Smalls (1839-1915) was a slave hired out by his master as a pilot on the ship Planter. On May 13, 1862, while the captain was ashore, Smalls, along with his wife, children, and several other slaves, escaped to freedom. The full story of his brave escape and later life is told in Captain of the Planter by Dorothy Sterling (1958). A novel, Fragments of the Ark by Louise Meriwether (1994), was inspired by his adventures.

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turn out to see somebodys chimney burn down. So one morning after I put mine up while my attention was otherwise engaged the little corporal put in too much wood and soon the startling cry of fire, fire, fire, rang out clearly on the howling blast, and rushing out with my fire; I mean military cap, in my hand, what was my horror to discovering may own chimney wrapped in the devouring element. No time was to be lost or the tent would be on fire. Collecting my distracted thoughts my first effort was to elect myself chief engineer, and in the absence of No XI 3 I appointed the little corporal a hook and ladder Co. Superhuman efforts were now made by my new fire department to raze the chimney to the ground. Our energies began to flag as the task seemed to much for our united efforts, when to our great joy after about 2 seconds incredible labor the burning mess fell to the ground with the crash of an earthquake. Nothing remained but to bury it in the sand to put the fire out and ask the whole fire department round the corner to the dutchmans in street to lager up. During the day I dug the chimney up, sawed part of it off, and put it up again. It acts very respectfully after the severe lesson it has had. You must understand that when a mans chimney burns down the rest all turn out to enjoy the fun and laugh at his misfortune. December 25 A.D. 1863 This is Christmas, the second Christmas in South Carolina. It came quietly and passed equally so. In the forenoon Lieut Coe sent the men an invitation to give him a call which we did, drinking a Merry Christmas in a good glass of whiskey. I did not hear of any sports or pastimes gotten up like those of Beaufort last year. I spent the day beside my stove reading and writing pleasantly until evening when the mail came up with a letter and paper from home, one letter and two papers from my sister Antoinette, and two letters from other correspondents. The letters occupied my time in reading and rereading until late when I reclined to my virtuous couch congratulating myself that I had not spent so mean a Christmas after all. 26th Still blowing a gale. Sunday 27th The wind having 3. John H. Westervelt was a member of the New York City Volunteer Fire Department, Hose Company No. XI. This company, also known as Gulick Hose, was organized March 25, 1837. New York City Fire Department Records, at New-York Historical Society.

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blowed a hurricane up to last night Uust 7 days) it fell this morning to a warm foggy dead calm which continued through the day. 28th At 9 P.M. the most sudden and rapid firing commenced between the batteries I have yet heard. No solution as to the cause was given except we suppose the rebels from some reason imagined we were about to make a raid on Sumter or some other place and opened their whole force of guns. Our guns promptly replied and considerable excitement was kept up all night from the guns booming till daylight. 29th Today more of the broken harbor obstructions were hauled on shore. They consisted of chains formed by linking bands of railroad iron together buoyed by logs of timber in this wise [sketch]. Hundreds of feet of this has been pulled up, and it may be that thousands of it still remains, or if broken, sunk or floated to sea. 30th Commenced moving today but do not intend to leave our old quarters till after New Years Day. 31st Idle again today in consequence of no boat to carry stuff to Folly. No intimation has been given by the Lieut as yet of who is to go or who stay, except that Sergeant Burton will remain here in charge of the carpenters under Lieut B. I have no choice in the matter. I am comfortable now and if we move it will take half the winter to get settled again. Hotchkiss and myself took a trip down to Folly on a visit this afternoon. This is the first I have seen the new depot. I should not have known the place from its having most of the timber cut off and the number of buildings of all descriptions put up in the vicinity. Patterson and the rest of the boys seemed glad to see us and we spent a couple of pleasant hours with them and then returned to camp on Morris again. This morning just before daylight we were treated to what you never saw or heard on the last day of December, i.e., a heavy thunder shower. The lightnings flashed, the thunder rolled, and the rain come down in torrents. Old king 63 seemed exceedingly angry on this last day of his reign, and being the last he seemed determined while he did reign to rain fiercely. At daylight however he had nearly exhausted his anger and remained all day in a sulky, foggy sort of humor. Occasionally a faint smile would break through the clouds that obscured his face, hut only for a moment, then he could relapse into the old sulky frown again. Thus I left him at 10 P.M. and went to bed. In the

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evening a number of darlties accompanied by a violin came down to the depot, which is nearly empty now (the old one) and gave us a regular breakdown equal to any I ever saw-1 suppose I ought to wind up this number by making a few remarks on the old year, but what shall I say. I cannot boast of having accomplished anything great in the department. The capture of Morris Island was a masterpiece of military genius and engineering, as well as the taking of Gregg and Wagner, and the obstruction of Sumter. Severe fighting by infantry and dangerous feats by engineers have been performed proving the undaunted bravery of both, but the city at the end of 63 is not ours. Will it be by the end of 64. We shall see. I shall now bid farewell to you for the present, and forever to 1863.

No. 25.

Jan. 1st, 1864. The new king 64 came in like a roaring lion, with a mighty rushing wind. I had thought the old king had used that article all up in his seven days fight, but the new one seemed to have a pleantyful supply and scattered it with no stingy hand. We have had no such winds before. Our tents flapped and jerked till I thought they rip themselves clean from our boxes. The sand flew in clouds and was piled up in some places like heavy drifts of snow. Coat tails stuck straight out behind. Those who ventured out had their breath blown down their throats, their hair off their heads and one poor fellow was blown up for getting tight. Outside our camp tents flew like wild geese. About 10 A.M. Lieut Coe asked us all out to turn his tent around to keep the stove from smoking, which we did and then took a glass of whiskey with him. Just then the dreadful cry of fire, fire, fire was heard, when lo and behold one of our tents was completely wrapped in flames. In five minutes nothing remained but a few charred pieces of board notwithstanding the noble efforts of my newly organized fire department. The tent was occupied by three persons, two of them namesakes of mine, Abram 1 and Peter vVestervelt2 , and Edward Benson 3 whom I have had occasion to mention before. A. W saved all that belonged to him. P. W and E. B. lost everything except the stove. P. W. is a blacksmith and has made himself a good one. I suppose they put too much wood in then left it to help the Lieut. The sanitary commission gave a shirt and pair of drawers and loaned a pair of blankets 1. Abram Westerfelt, age 18 at enlistment on December 17, 1861 in New York City. Mustered in as private, appointed artificer, October 31, 1863; mustered out December 16, 1864 at Varina, Virginia. Report of the Adjutant-General, p. 344. 2. Peter Westervelt, age 21 at enlistment on December 17, 1861 in New York City, mustered in as corporal December 17, promoted to sergeant August 17, 186:3; mustered out December 16, 1864 at Varina, Virginia. Report of the Adjutant-General, p. 345. 3. Edward Benson, age 19 at enlistment on December 23, 1861 in New York City. Mustered in as private, appointed artificer October 28, 1863, mustered out December 23, 1864 at Varina, Virginia. Report of the AdjutantGeneral, p. 20.

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to each one. Lieut Coe intends to give them a pair of blankets (P.W. and E.B.). It was not a cold day but grew colder after dark, and next morning the 2nd was the coldest I have experienced since I left N.Y. My wash tub had about 3 in of water in it and was frozen solid. It was calm however and soon moderated, the evening being quite mild. I hear that the steamer that took a load for us down to the new depot ran on an oyster bed and sprung a leak. In backing off she filled and sank in the middle of the creek so nothing can get by until she is raised. This happened on her return. It will probably cause another delay in moving a day or two. 3rd Sunday. It is a dreary day, not cold but dark and dreary with fog. I amuse myself by writing. 4th ditto. 5th the same. An incident came to light today in connection with the unfortunate Weehawken which I will relate. When it was found she was in a sinking condition it was recollected that two men were below in irons, two more were immediately sent to release them, but so rapidly did the vessel fill that before they could complete the task she sank carrying all down with her. They had been confined for some offense against the regulations of the service, and thus perished four human beings. 4 My informant stated that 28 men-half on board-perished. 6th Foggy and warm. 7th A miserable continuous rainy day. 8th The same only much cooler. Today for some reason the rebs kept up such an unusual sharp fire on Gregg that they drove our working details out entirely. Report says an attack by the rebs will be made tonight. If it proves true they will no doubt meet with a warm reception. The report originated from a couple of deserters, who left Fort Johnson at night, in a small boat. In utter darkness they lost their way and was obliged to lay on their oars till daylight when they discovered they had floated under the guns of Johnson. Pulling immediately for the marsh they drew the plug from the bottom of the boat sinking it to the waters edge among the tall grass where they remained concealed until dark nearly froze to death. As soon as safety permitted they landed at Gregg. You must understand that this could not be effected without great 4. Examination of the Official Records could find no information in regard to this accusation.

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danger to themselves from our pickets boats a perfect line of which encircle these islands day and night. 9th All safe. False alarm. While I am writing a soldier near our camp is tied by his thumbs to a telegraph pole, his toes just touching the ground. The poor fellow keeps thumping and scratching the pole in the severest pain. His face and thumbs are as white as chalk. This punishment is awarded by a baby faced Lieut for stealing an apple. It is the severest kind of punishment resorted to in the army and is regulated by tying the thumbs higher or lower. 5 Not long since a man strained himself while undergoing this penalty so that he died in two days after. Try and stand on your tip toes for one minute and you can appreciate what a man undergoes tied up for two hours. Sunday lOth Cold night. Bright warm clear day. Chimney burnt down again today. Had to swear a little at my Hook & Ladder Co. While \Vriting our batterys are firing about one shot per minute. Their reports shake the island and the shell howl like demons, but as before stated, we are used to it. A new hand would almost turn pale. 11th Commenced work at the new depot today. Nothing much to do however. Details of darkies are busy moving the things. Our tents stand in the same place yet. We have had no intimation as yet who will remain. There are 26 men here yet. Twenty rations were drawn today, so I suppose the other six will leave tomorrow. You will understand that by twenty rations I mean rations for 20 men. Rations are drawn every ten days. Today an old friend called to inform me that he would start for Hilton Head in the morning on his way to N.Y. He (Sargent Ladee) 6 offered to take anything for me, so I hasten to pack up a few shells, a piece of Sumter and a few pieces of rebel projectiles. The sea shells are those I 5. For punishment " ... the most common penalties were confinement in the guardhouse, ball and chain, carrying logs or weighted knapsacks, wearing barrel shirts, doing extra duty, bread-and-water diet, trying up and bucking and gagging. Commanders and courts supplemented these common penalties with an impressive array of unusual punishments, some of which were highly original and a few extremely brutal." Wiley, Billy Yank, p. 208. 6. George T. LaDue enlisted at age 38 on September 24, 1861 at New York City. ~1ustered in as private, promoted to sergeant .July 24, 1862, mustered out at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, September 2H, 1B64. Report of Adjutant-General, p. 17H.

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spoke of long time ago. I gave up sending them once so that the largest and handsomest have got broken. The beautiful colors of the balance have faded. The piece of stone I got from a man I can depend upon who said he brought it from Sumter himself. I know he has been there and if he had intended to deceive me he would have tried it with a piece of brick of which the fort is or was mostly built. The large piece of iron is a portion of the shell I gave you an account of that came so near me the night we put up the tower at Wagner. I heard it strike the floor I was standing on. Afterwards some days I found it sticking in a plank. The smaller ones are pieces that have fell on different occasions near me. They all are broken from the originals which were larger. Sargent Ladue was an acquaintance inN. Y. He co ... Jan 11th 9 P.M. Just as I am about to fold up the journal I discovered I had skipped this page, so you will please turn to the next for a continuation. Sergeant Ladue who will deliver this together with the package is an old New York acquaintance, and formerly resided in the 20th ward in the neighborhood of 35th street and 9th Avenue. 7 He was home on recruiting service at the time of my enlistment, but I did not know it till some time after when I was agreeably surprised to meet him in the office in Chatham Street. He came out with us and we have been intimate ever since. He is one of the oldest members of the regiment, and belongs to Co. E. When he found out I had enlisted he tried hard to induce me to enlist for his company, but E was at St. Augustine, Florida at the time and I did not wish to go there then. I have never regretted the chpice of companys I made, but still should be glad of an opportunity to visit that beautiful and healthy town. Perhaps I may yet before I return. The sergeant is a gentleman and a scholar, a man who has seen better days, being at one time alderman of the City of Albany. He came to be this morning unexpectedly and stated he intended to start for the Head in the morning on his way to N.Y. and offered to take anything I wished to send. So packing up a small parcel of things which 7. At the time of his enlistment John Westervelt and family resided at 284 West :37th Street, near Tenth Avenue. John H. Westervelt Pension and Military files, File # 126-190, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

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you will find an account on the last page, I squeezed in what I had to say, when lo and behold I found this one blank. I would have written a letter in the start if I had not posted one this morning. I suppose you get them altogether. Hoping they may find you in good health I remain as ever sincerely yours John H. Westervelt

No.26 Jan. 12th, 1864 Six men left for Folly this morning. Only four carpenters are now left, and as Hotchkiss and myself are the only ones that can really be called such, I have almost made up my mind to stay. Circumstances have given me to understand that I may go if I choose, but I believe I prefer to stay. It would be more satisfactory to be with the Lieut on account of the check it keeps on the petty officers. But then Sergeant Burton will remain, and he not only will not take advantage himself, but will not let others do so. Another thing is we have comfortable quarters for the little time the cold weather will last. Warm weather will soon be here again, and then this depot will be far preferable. The one on Folly is situated on the inside the island and when summer comes will be much better than our old camp on the sea shore. E.W. left with the six this morning to the great satisfaction of all left behind. He has succeeded in making himself so extremely disagreeable to all around him, they are glad to get rid of him. The old trouble about letters still annoys him. He says neither he or his wife gets one third of the letters they write to each other, But this is matter that does not belong to ajournal.13th Nix. 14th Still moving. The weather which has for a week just been warm and foggy, raining half the time, cleared up this afternoon and the sun shone once more. 9 P.M., A lovely night, and the moon shines bright. 15th Today is N.Y. summer and I donned my straw hat to keep my head cool, but next day, 16th, is cold enough to compel me to put my overcoat on, Such is winter on the coast of S.C. Sunday 17th Busy as bees. Just received an order for a number of heavy gun carriages to be done in a hurry. Drew men from Co. F to help us. It will take perhaps two weeks to finish them. More humbug. Yesterday tore down the old depot and moved the things into the new one. Today a fresh order comes and all the things are shipped to Folly except our tools, and the depot turned into a shop to build gun carriages. Thank fortune we do not have to do the moving ourselves, but good-bye to sunday for several weeks. General Gilmore has established his headqrs at the

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Head and report says a depot is also to be there. I am inclined to believe this from our moving everything from here. When we get through with our present job I think the depot will be taken down, and we will remove to the Head all except a few to remain at the depot on Folly. The immediate capture of Cn seems to be no longer the object in view, I think an expedition is preparing for some other quarter, perhaps Savannah, Ga. To many irons in the fire. I hate to give up charlston even for a time. 18th Raw and rainy all day. As there is no cattle in the department we have not tasted fresh meat for near two weeks. This is wrong for fresh meat is as medicine to us where salt is our chief food. Eating fresh meat after having abstained from it so long is almost sure to disarrange the system, which it takes a long time to regulate. There can be no excuse for this as it is easily known just the quantity required and allowed to the soldier (9 days in 30 or about every 3rd day). We are not like a moving army and do not vary our numbers from month to month but verry slightly. 19th Cold with high wind but clear. Reports are rife to day that we are going to North Carolina. It is not impossible that an attempt will be made to take Wilmington N. C. and it may be-if such is the case-our services will be required. But it is hardly worth notice untill we get hold of something definite. I speak of it as just possible, not probable. 20th Lieut B to day sends his compliments and a fine plate of fish balls, (salt cod and potatoes) which were verry nice considering I never would eat them when home. Funny compliment was it not. Lieut C would consider it an offense to offer them, and so would I from him. From B I take it as he intended it. This is all owing to my knowledge of the difference of feelings and sentiments of the two men. B often borrows little things, such as candles ec, of me, while C would almost blush to admit that he did not have large quantities on hand and to lend. Thus you see the difference in the two, both kind hearted and willing to oblige the men as far as is consistent with duty. B, could not be induced to sign an order on the commissary for the smallest article, but C will do it whenever I present one. Both are actuated by conscientious scruples in the matter. B refuses because the order must be certified that the articles are for his mvn use, which when

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intended for the men is a fraud. C consents because he considers the men should have such things if they are willing to pay for them, and because it saves them the enormous profits of the sutler. I think B looks at the matter a little to nice, but if he is guided by his conscience it is no business of mine. Many of the men grumble, some, at one, some at the other merely because they do not understand them. Speaking of this perhaps you will wonder how I manage to buy anything much with the little money I keep from my pay, (2 dols per month) and particularly when I tell you I live pretty good and have not received five dollars above my pay since I have been out. But I must inform you that what I get from the commissarys, I get cheaper perhaps than you could or do in N.Y., i.e., government or wholesale price. Then with such of my mtions as I like I get along exceedingly well. I buy my potatoes and onions and with my ration of salt horse or fresh beef as it may be I make as good a stew as you have at home. I have not undertaken to make any mince pies yet, but from the number of rats with which our camp abounds I think a delicious article might be made with verry little expense. They grow verry large here, but not quite so large as a bullock, say about the size of a piece of chalk, with tails as long as a piece of string. Their color is that of a dog about two years old. They will run as fast as a good time piece, or about 60 minutes to the hour, some even assert they will run equal to 24 hrs per day. My opinion is however that their speed can be set down as somewhere between the end of the war, and the north of Ireland. The most noticeable feature about these animals is that he has only four (fore) feet, their great ancestor it is said having left the other two behind his quarters one night when a cat,astrophe happened near him while eating the cream of the joke continued in a serious family jar about the date of the laying of the cornerstone of the house that Jack built. The little corporal says it was during that period which occurred between the expulsion of adam from the garden of paradise and the 1st of Jan 1864. But it is clear he never read the life and death of Cock Robin which distinctly says it occurred previously before the flood or subsequently afterwards. I am sure it was one or the other if either and if not why then positively was during the period between He_ _gate and Hilton Head. Hav-

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ing settled this knotty question beyond a doubt to the satisfaction of nobody, who by the way is the same fellow that ate the mince pie made to adorn, the feast of the lady nobly born, married by the priest close shaven and shorn, unto the man all tattered and torn, that kissed the maiden all forlorn that milked the cow with the crooked, horn, that tossed the dog, that worried the cat, that caught the rat, that eat the malt, that lay in the house that Jack build. While I am about it, and just in the humor for storys, I will tell you another. 1 Good night. 21st Lieut Coe left for Folly to day bag and baggage, and I suppose we will soon follow as we have not moved our tents. We are building four new gun carriages, two for 30 lbrs and two for 100 lbrs, also altering two old ones and building a magazine frame. I think the new carriages are intended to accompany an expedition. The boys on Folly are busy putting the old pontoon bridge in order. This looks a little suspicious. We have nothing to do with it however beyond the necessary repairs. If we go anywhere with an expedition it will be to establish a temporary depot. In conversation with an officer to day, he stated that charlston can be taken at any moment Gilmore saw fit. The only difficulty in the way is the want of sufficient force to occupy it after it is taken. Yours JHW to be continued

1. "The House that Jack Built," one of the oldest cumulative type of stories, was already two hundred years old at the time of the Civil War.

No.27 Jan 22nd, 1864 Nothing worthy of note occurred today. Splendid weather now, fair and warm, air bracing. 23rd Taken with a sudden surprise. Just as I got out of bed an order came to pack up and report to Capt Cruso on Folly to proceed from there to Hilton Head. Of course, you can see in this the work of the Capt. I knew he would not rest after losing the depot until he got all his men back again to the co. The order came for all of the absent men of Co. H., but Lieut Coe managed to retain a few men to finish up the jobs on hand when they will follow. Hotchkiss is at Morris, and Patterson at Folly. At 1¥.! P.M. we crossed to Folly and proceeded to Pawnee landing. Here we found the Lieut in his tent with a table covered with apples, figs, and raisins, not forgetting a large demijohn of whiskey all of which we were invited to help ourselves to. He seemed not to like our going away, and on my expressing a wish that he was going with us he said, never mind John I will have you back again in a few days. I however doubt his ability to accomplish this. I am not certain even if he can remain, nor would I give much one way or the other. The balance of the co now came along, so our detachment took leave of the Lieut giving him three hearty cheers and joined them on board the steamer (propeller) Tilly becoming once more bona fide men of Co. H. At 5 P.M. we left the dock, at 6 passed out of stono inlet (near 10 months since we came in) and at 7 was out sight of land. The moon rose as the sun set. The sea was calm with a lazy swell. The air was warm and going below I selected a position by an open gangway and watched the moonbeams as they played on the water. Here rocked on the cradle of the deep I sat till tired nature moved me to my couch, which consisted of a couple of fine mattresses found and my own blankets. Discovering an unoccupied corner I was soon fast asleep. But as I never sleep long on the water at 1 A.M., 24th I was on deck again and found we had just passed the light ship outside the bar off Port Royal entrance, and were steaming for Hilton Head where we arrived and cast anchor a short distance from the dock about

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3 A.M. This being Sunday we remained on board all day. The vessel is clean and roomy. During the day Capt went on shore for a few orders, but the General was away to Folly and in the afternoon he came on board and told us we would remain another night. I forgot to mention that we have with us the battery belonging to the regiments. I never thought of mentioning the battery in my previous letters, from the fact that they have until very recently been with the army of the Potomac. They are the finest body of men in the regt. They have been in eleven battles and lost all their pieces. Hence forth I believe they are to remain with us. Their pieces were presented to the regt by citizens of N.Y. City. If they are not provided with new ones they will be furnished with muskets. At present we are as one co. With this valuable acquisition you can judge I have cause to be proud of Co. H. If we have been pronounced the finest and most useful Co in the Dept, how much more so now with these 40 additional fine looking fellows. 25th 9 A.M. Still on board. The capt. has just sent to tell us to remain quiet where we are for the present. I should like to go on shore, but,by asking would be likely to meet with a refusal at present, as we are liable to move at any moment. It is scarcely worth while to speculate, but I think we are to take charge of a new pontoon bridge at some convenient point near here. Perhaps our old Beaufort. 4 P.M. Capt. came on board with orders to proceed to the island of St. Helena, opposite here. At 5 we landed and put up our tents temporarily for the night. 26th This day was spent laying out our camp ground, putting up tents and making ourselves comfortable. Sergeant Otis is my tent mate at this place by his own invitation. He had a tent box similar to the one I had (the only one in camp) which he brought with him. Mine was too heavy. I would have picked out one better suited to my taste, but there are advantages to be derived by it, unnecessary to mention here, except it be that the third man cannot be crowded in with us. We have a most beautiful situation overlooking the lay between here and H.H. which is five miles distant. This place is called Lands End and is on the Beaufort river on the opposite side from the village of that name, which is 10 miles farther up. The bay is very large and filled with vessels of every description forming a beautiful scene. A steamboat lands here twice

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a day on its trip between the Head and Beaufort. Our camp ground is a gentle slope to the water, with no trees. The soil is a mixture sand and clay like Beaufort. 27th Being comfortable I concluded to make this wash day an got all my things clean for another move in case we have another move soon. Now we are with the Co we cannot tell when or where we may go. Rumors are allready afloat that Major Place is coming here with one battalion of the Regt and then we are to accompany him to Florida taking the bridge with us. This is a wild idea for if such was the intention why not start from Folly at once. But still it may have some truth in it. I shall not be surprised at anything hereafter, but be ready to leave at a moments notice. After dinner Sergt Otis and myself started ostensibly to look for some poles for the capts tent, but in reality for a tramp to see the surrounding country. So with the necessary pass we were soon outside the pickets. Taking a waggon road for about 2 miles we saw to the left a long house in the centre of what had once been a flourishing plantation, but now completely overgrown with brush and weed except here and there a patch cultivated by the negroes. Proceeding to the house we found it much the same as on Port Royal Island. The house like all country mansions in these parts is built on brick piers like stilts open underneath with chimneys outside and piazza in front and occupied by 25 or 30 blacks of all shades and ages. In the rear is about a dozen huts also filled with negroes, making a total of at least 100 in all. Scattered over the plantation are other huts indicating that the proprietor owned perhaps 400-500 slaves. Orange, fig, lemon, and other fruit trees are so thickly intermingled with high brush and weeds that the house cannot be seen until you get close by it except the top. How so many darkies subsist on the few patches of land they cultivate is more than I can tell. The slaves who have had trades and worked at them I have always noticed are quite intelligent. Selecting one of those I entered into conversation with him and learned the whole history of the plantation and its former owner who is now dead. The heir to this property (a distant and nearly the only relative of the former owner) was an infant in the cradle at the breaking out of the war. Since that time the property has been confiscated to Uncle Sam and the slaves

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set free so that there is little likelihood of the heirs ever receiving much benefit from this once splendid property. The owner having been one of the cruel class his slaves hated him accordingly. My informant showed some ugly scars and boasted that he had outlived his master although his master hated him to the death as he said for having indian blood in his veins. Taking leave of the talkative negro we proceeded on our way from one plantation to another stopping occasionally at some of the huts for a drink of water and a chat with the generally squalid inmates, until we had got about 5 miles from camp. We now began to think about returning, so lighting my pipe afresh started on the back track. On the way we selected a spot to cut the poles and enjoyed some sweet potatoes, both of which I shall come out with a team and get tomorrow. The country is not materially different from that around Beaufort. Arrived in camp just in time for supper hungry and tired. The first fatigued party having been called out this afternoon. E.W. was suddenly taken sick for the first in some months. 28th We never had finer weather, it is almost like summer. If I had not some experience in Beaufort I should think it had commenced. Some say, and I am half inclined to think so myself, that we will have no more what may be called cold weather, most of the men were set to work cleaning off the ground for Place's battalion which the capt says is coming here. I have my doubts about it however. I took three men and a team and went after the poles. On seeing the sweet potatoes I spoke of they were so small I would not take them. Got back just in time for dinner. In the afternoon I put up the Capts tent. Tomorrow I have two or three others to put up for the Lieuts. My work here is not useful, and I shall do as little as possible.

to be continued

No. 28

Jan 29th 1864 To day a number of men belonging to the battery who had remained behind in N.Y. on their way from Virginia here, arrived. There were 15 of them, so that we are the largest Co by far now in the department. 30th A negro shanty near our camp took fire to day and burned to ashes. Their chimneys like the larger ones are outside but built of wood and liable to take fire at any time. Such a weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, such a confusion of tongues has never before been heard since the language of the builders of the tower of Babel. There is a small collection of huts occupied by contrabands near our camp. They are chiefly females and subsist principally by washing for the soldiers. There is a force stationed here of about 3,000 men. During the afternoon Lieut Clark of the Battery, who is one of the b. boys, though a fine fellow, offered a glass of whiskey to the best shot in the crowd. Immediately a target was placed on the beach and the firing commenced. About 100 shots were fired (each man one) and only 3 put in the target, so you see what excellent shots the Engrs are. The little Corpl won the whiskey. I did not take part in the trial of skill, or rather want of skill, as my ambition does not run in the direction of shooting for a paltry glass of whiskey that any man with a commission in his pocket may condescend to offer to a poor devil of a soldier. A short time after however as I was passing the Lieuts tent he complimented me on being the best hand he ever saw at putting up tents, and invited me to take a drink with him, which I accepted. About 8 P.M. the greater part of our regr arrived, but remained at the wharf all night. This morning Sunday 31st they came up bag and baggage kicking up the old Harry with us. We had just got settled comfortably when lo and behold Major Butt (both Majors are here with parts of 8 Cos) must have the camp remodeled, making us move our tents once more (the third time since we landed). Most of the day was occupied in staking out the ground by Capt McKenna 1 with the army regulations in his hands. As I 1. Charles P. McKenna, age 25, enlisted September 4, 1861 at New York City. Mustered in as first lieutenant November 29, 1861, promoted to cap-

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was on guard last night I refused to touch a thing except to move my own tent, which being on a box was done in five minutes. Capt McK seeing me doing nothing ordered me to pace of a certain portion of ground. I replied that I was on guard last night. He asked me what of that. I told him if he would look at the book he held in his hand he would see. Without deigning to comply he asked me if I intended to refuse to obey him. I replied certainly not if he ordered me to do it, I must have obeyed but according to regulations I could have court marshalled him for it. Which he knows as well as I. It requires great care to get along with some of these officers, but if they find you are not the ignoramus they take you for, they let you alone. Yesterday I had got all our officers tents fitted up, tomorrow I will have it to do over again. The weather continues fine. This has been one of the finest days I have ever experienced, quite hot but a fine breeze blowing over the bay. Feb 1st One of the men brought me word today that a man in the carpenter shop just above our camp knew and wished to see me. In the afternoon I took a walk up and found a former member of 14 truck by name C. B. Moses whom I could not call to mind but who seemed to know me well enough. In the course of a long conversation with him, he incidentally mentioned that Mitchell Halliday2 was to work in the machine shop close by. This of course was welcome news to me and I immediately posted over to see him. I soon found him and we had a good long talk over old times. I forgot when he said he came out, but he has been here some time. I also found three other acquaintances here, one formerly was a constable in the 9th Ward the other two brothers and members of Engine 24. 2nd Yesterday having been occupied by the officers in relaying out the camp, to day we move our tents once more. Such humbug I never heard tell of. It seems they are determined the private soldier shall not have a moments peace. 6 P.M. I can scarcely find words to express my indignation at tain July 1, 1863, resigned August 18, 1864. Phisterer, Neu.• York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1646. 2. Mitchell Halliday, a tinsmith, was a member of Bose XI. Prior to the war, he, like John Westervelt, had resided on Greenwich Avenue. New York City Fire Department Records, 1855-58; at New-York Historical Society.

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the way business is done here. The paymaster is here, the capt is purposely away, the pay rolls are all in confusion and nobody to correct them. 6% P.M. The capt has just arrived and we fall in to sign the roll. My turn comes. Our clothing bills are to be settled up to the first of Jan. I found a dress coat charged to me that I never drew. If I sign I lose the price of it {$7.21cts). If I do not I will get no money untill next pay day. There is no time to investigate the matter. I go and see the capt, he says be present when they pay and I'll make it all right. At nine all except us four had been paid. We not having signed were not called. I now again stepped up to the Capt and asked what was to be done in the matter. He looked at the paymaster, who said he could not pay untill I signed. I of course again refused, and so the matter stands for the present, and their is but small prospect of getting my pay before next pay day. The Capt says he will have the coat taken off and get the money for me in a few days, but I know better. His object is to starve the matter off till we get tired of waiting and consent to lose the price of the coat. If a coat is given out more than he can account for, he is responsible for it. I can easily prove that I drew my coat in N.Y. and if the matter is not cleared up by next pay day, or, before I shall report it to higher authority. He will find he cannot come Major Butler over me. I shall never sign while it remains against me. And this all comes of appointing poor miserable drunken wretches to the position of orderly sergeant. This reminds me to tell you that I have not given up my ration money yet. I will have it or disgrace a certain pretty high official in the regt, and have him cashiered out of the service. A friend who is interested and on furlough at present has promised to see into it in N.Y. I should have said there are four with coats wrongfully charged to us. 3rd Last night a change in the weather to quite cold took place. The wind is raging to day and tents is flying in every direction. I am fixing up our Chaplains3 tent. Occasionally he asks me to take some whiskey. That is the 3. Henry N. Hudson, chaplain, was aged 51 when he enrolled in New York City. Mustered in February 14, 1862, discharged February 10, 1865. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1645. Further reference to Chaplain Hudson will be found in chapter 49, text and notes.

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kind of dominie 4 the Engs have. 4th Fitting up the officers tents a little to day. While I am writing Otis who some how or other has got the idea in his head that he is an artist, is drawing a sketch of my new lamp. My old one I left behind. I send you the sketch. [illus/WP] You will see it is the top part of a bottle cut off by sawing it with a string and turned up side down with the neck stuck in a base made to imitate marble. There is the floating cork, wick, tube, flame and all. He thinks it a great invention. 5th Detailed to the quartermasters to day and went out in the woods with two carts. I staid out all day with a squad of men, Sent in 9 loads of wood and had a fine time generally. Troops are embarking from here for an expedition somewhere. In the afternoon we received orders to prepare to leave in the morning, but in the course of an hour it was countermanded. Co I left however at dark. 6th On guard for the first time in the reget. Cos A, D, and G are ready and waiting for transportation, but as usual none can be procured and they will have to sleep in the open air all night. It is cold, overcast, and windy. Sunday morning 7th One of the most disagreeable nights I have spent on guard since I have been out. It is not like doing Guard duty with our Co alone. We are obliged when not on post to be at the guard house the whole 24 hours without in the present instance the least chance of sleep. I will give you the routine of camp duty for a day with the regt. At sunrise the reveille is beat and the roll is called. At 25 minutes before 7 breakfast call half an hour later call for the sick, 7¥.! fatigue call, 8 Guard mounting, 11 recall from fatigue, 12 dinner, 2 fatigue, 5 fatigue, sunset, retreat is beat and supper call. 8¥.! roll call or tatoo, 9 taps or put out lights. Each one of these calls is beat by the drums. The Cos above named have just started for the dock where the steamer is waiting. It is now 9 A.M. I came off guard at 8 and am tired and sleepy so I will post this and turn in. Good Morning. to be continued

4. "Dominie," a pastor or minister in the Dutch Reformed Church.

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion No. 29 Feb 7th, Sunday [1864] continued, 2 p.m. In the last number I had intended to give you a more detailed account of camp life in the regt. but want of space prevented me. Just as I commenced to write, the Adjunct sent word that the mail would leave in half an hour, so I finished up the No in a hurry and posted it with the letter, when who should come in but M. Halliday interrupting my plans in regard to a snooze. He remained and took dinner with me, so I shall not sleep till night. You do not know how much pleasure it affords me to converse with one so intimate as an old member of 11 Hose co. He has called several times since I first saw him here. A very polite tract distributor just leaves a couple in my tent. I shall read them at my leisure. I was talking about regimental camp duties, but I need not occupy more space than will suffice to tell you the manner of mounting the guard each morning. Anyone unacquainted with military life would never believe the many forms that have to be gone through with in so trivial a matter. I say trivial because unlike a picket guard, a camp guard is more a matter of form than anything else. So many named from each company are called off each morning and at roll call. A sergt & Copl of the guard are selected from one of the cos. Yesterday it was Sergt Otis and five men from our Co. At precisely 8 P.M. the orderly sergt marches us to the tap of the drums to the rear of the camp and leaves us in line with the guard from other cos facing the Sergt Major of the regt. Each squad as it falls into line, presents arms. When the line is dressed the Sergt Major takes command and gives the order to, order arms, next to, inspection of arms, which means to draw rammers and insert them in the barrels. The Sergt Major now commences at the right of the line and examines each piece to see that it is clean and in perfect order. the next order is, open cartridge boxes, when he passes as before and

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examines them. He next marches 20 paces to the front of the line and wheeling stops facing it and gives the order, Sergt and Corpl to the front, they march to front of line and halt facing him, when he delivers to them the orders for the day. Next order is, sergt and Corpl to their post, which is performed by their taking their positions to the right of the line. The drums strike up the sergt major gives the order to march the guard to the guard house (a miserable old tattered tent this time). Here we find the old guard, except those on post, draw up in line and they present arms. We draw up in line and present arms also. The old guard march away and are dismissed. The new guard are counted off to their respective posts and reliefs. Now we have 5 posts, each 3 reliefs of 4 towns according to army regulations, My post was No. 2-and 2nd relief. In order that you will understand the reliefs and tours I give you the following table. [sketch] You will perceive by this, that my being on the 2nd relief, my first tour was from 10 to 12 and my 4th or last from 4 to 6 next morning, with a space of 4 hours between each, or 2 on and 4 off. This makes the duty quite easy if you have a place to lie down during the time between tours. But the regulations require that none of the guard shall sleep during the whole 24 hours. This part is not carried out however where an opportunity is offered to sleep. I have devoted more space to this explanation of guard mounting than I intended, but it has been an hour pleasantly spent, and will show you the many little forms we are obliged to go through to accomplish about a mere nothing and if it is any interest to you I am repaid. I should have told you the duties of sergt of the guard are to see that the corpl and men each perform their duty or report to the adjunct. The Corpls duty is every two hours to conduct the next relief to relieve the old, to see that each man performs his duty while on post or report to the sergt. In infantry rgmts where officers are very strict, still more minute forms have to be gone through with. 8th Today we moved again, The camp it seems cannot be made to suit some of our smart officers. Every day almost a new officer is in command of the regr, and of course he must show his authority in some way. We had begun to think that moving was a new species of drill. In a week more we would have been able to move twice a day with-

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out inconvenience, but at night we got an order to commence the regular drill in the morning. I have not had a musket in my hand for drill for over a year. 9th Drill commenced today. At present we are to have only squad drill, 2 hours a day, from 9 till 10 A.M., and 2 till 3 P.M. This and policing our camp, which is done by a couple of men in an hour, is the only duty we have to perform. In the afternoon our Cos squad, under Sergt Otis managed to get out of sight of camp, when we set up a target and had some sport in shooting at it. On our return the major not knowing what we had been up to, complimented us on taking interest enough in drilling to remain half an hour over the time. Sold wasnt he. Paterson who is established at the head at present came over to see me towards night and stayed till morning, I have been trying to get to the head but though the capt has given me leave, I cannot get the major to say yes. His excuse is that there is so much smallpox1 on this island that the General has prohibited men leaving. The negroes have had it very much, and many have it yet. Paterson reports that he heard that my brother Schuyler was to work at Beaufort. I think there is some mistake about it, but I cannot tell till I go to the Head. lOth Something new for our regt today. Eight men were selected for picket duty for this night to go at 6 P.M. and to come off at 6 A.M. tomorrow. There is no day picket here at present. We have never done picket before and it does not belong to Engin duty, but as ourselves and a small force of the invalid corps are the only soldiers on the island, I suppose it is allright. From the few of us left here it will in a day or two be my turn for guard, when I may expect a night in the woods. 11th Last night the Major promised me I might go to the Head this morning, but now he says tomorrow sure. 12th I succeeded in getting to the head today. The place has considerably altered since I was 1. Epidemics of smallpox, along with other "eruptive" feYers, such as measles and scarlet fever, sickened and killed alarming numbers of soldiers, especially in units drawn from rural areas where farm boys were rarely vaccinated. Stewart M. Brooks, Civil War Medic·ine (Springfield, Ill.: C. C. Thomas, 1966), p. 120. Federal fatalities due to disease were about. three for every one by battle. Wiley, Billy Yank, p. 124. 2. Schuyler Westervelt, born July 27, 1829, married Harriet Van Zaun February 6, 1871. No children were born of this marriage. W. Talman Westervelt, Genealogy of the Westervelt F'a..m.ily (1905), p. 56.

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last there. Many new buildings have been put up in 10 months. One who has never seen a military depot, can form no idea of the vast amount of expense one entails upon the country. You would cease to wonder at the enormous debt the Government is daily incurring, could you take a peep at the Head, the military depot of this department. Here are thousands of civilians to work at extravagant wages, besides an immense amount of labor performed by soldiers. I cannot enumerate the almost endless quantities of materials it takes to supply the department, as well as the thousands of steamers and other craft it takes for transportation between N.Y. and H.H. and from post to post of the department. As I expected I saw many old friends. Some from XI Hose and some old shop mates. Among the number from XI was Peter and James Ward, W. Mathews, and others.3 I had like to forget George Vincent who is here in all his glory. I believe the poor fellow nearly shed tears on seeing me. He looks about fifty. I took dinner with the boys, each one trying to outdo the other in helping me to their fare, which in justice to them I must say was excellent. Strange to say the report of my having deserted had at one time been extensively circulated so much so that some of them had actually believed it until they heard to the contrary. No one however could tell me how the report originated. The story of Schulyers being at Beaufort appears to be another humbug. After spending all the time I could spare with them I went back to the depot, saw the Lieut and our boys there, and started on my way back at 4 P.M. arriving at 5. The mail steamer Atlantic arrived early in the morning with some 20 recruits for our regt whom I had the honor of conducting to camp on St Helena. So ended my trip to the Head with which I was well pleased. My next effort will be for Beaufort. 13th On guard. This is the 3rd Saturday in succession I have been on guard This is not valuable, neither do I like it, as it brings my day off on Sunday which I would have whether on guard or not on Saturday. But then my going to the Head on Friday brought it about the last time, so I said nothing about it. Sun3. Sash and blind makers Peter and James Ward lived on First Avenue. William Mathews was a stair builder who resided on Washington Street. All were members of Hose XI. New York City Fire Department Records, 185558; at New-York Historical Society.

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day 14th St Valentines day, but nothing to remind us of the fact, but the memory of former ones in N.Y. It is a spring day. As soon as the sun struggled through the fog and mist it broke out bright and warm, and our camp was the scene of migrants of the feathery tribe, principally black birds, who filled the air with their incessant chattering and chirping. There is hundreds of small birds, who daily feed in our camp and are so tame they sometimes come inside our tent door. to be continued

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion No.30

February 14th, 1864 Continued. The sun had not been up more than an hour, before the atmosphere became so hazy the sun could but just struggle through it. Then came one of those dreamy days that are so delicious at this time of the year, but later in the season would be attended with millions upon millions of gnats. Near our camp is a small burying ground of half a dozen graves of soldiers who have died on this island. Mter dinner a funeral took place here. In the absence of a chaplain (our own being at the Head) Capt Cruso read the funeral service and the remains were consigned to their last resting place. The corpse was said to be that of a secesh female of disreputable character. At 5 P.M. we had dress parade. These affairs always take place on Sunday afternoon. In infantry regiments when not in front of the enemy, Sunday never passes without dress parade. This is the first time I ever was in one, and it being the first in the regt for a long time there was a terrible scrubbing, brushing, and scouring, of guns, clothes, buttons &c. In order that you will understand it I will explain a little. Every man who can carry his piece is expected to turn out on dress parade in his best style and it is generally a fine sight with a full regt. The commanding officer of the regt takes his position in the field outside the camp. Each Co under their capt marches out of its respective street and form one line in front of the officer. The 1st post of honor is the extreme right of the line, which belongs to Co H by seniority of Captaincy, 2nd post of honor is extreme left. 3rd post center, 4th post 1st co right of center, 5th, 1st left of center, and so on the whole ten Cos (in our regt 11 Cos). The adjunct takes command and brings the regt to a present arms, Then the commanding officer goes through the whole manual of arms. Next the adjutant reads off to the regt all recent orders from general and regimental

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headquarters. Each Orderly makes a report of his camp. The capts then march up in front of commanding officer and salute with their swords, and parade is dismissed. It generally t.:'tkes from 30 min to an hour. In the forenoon there was an inspection, and the articles of war were read to each Co by a commissioned officer. I was exempt on this being one of the old guard who cannot be called out till dress parade. My tent mate Otis was yesterday appointed Sargent major, acting. This is the highest position of a non-commissioned officer, and is next to the adjutant of the regt who is commissioned. Otis gets no additional pay, 1 but is as proud of his rank as a little dog with two tails. 15th Today while taking a stroll back of the camp I found a terrapin (turtle) weighing about 5 lbs. This was quite a prize, particularly as fresh meat has been unusually scarce lately. It was a female and I suppose was about to deposit its eggs in the sand, which accounts for its being so far from the water. Terrapin is considered one of the most delicious of the turtle species. I do not know how large they grow, but on the voyage from New York I saw thousands of them floating on the sea that did not appear to be much larger than this one. I took from it 15 eggs as large as a small sized hens eggs. I boiled them and found them much richer then hens. I suppose you never saw a turtles egg. I have, hundreds of them north, but they were no larger than pigeons eggs. Their shape is like this [sketch] or longer in proportion than birds. The shell is about the consistency of a piece of stiff white paper. Even boiling does not make them brittle, but you have to cut them with a knife. The whites do not change by boiling, but remain soft and transparent. The yolk gets harder but not so hard as other eggs. I made a stew of the flesh for dinner, and boiled the eggs for breakfast next morning, and they made two of the finest dishes I ever tasted. 16th I have a small shelf to put in the adjuncts (Lieut Baldwin acting at present) office, about 15 minutes work. 'fhis exempl'> me from other duties for the day. It is one of the advantages I spoke of. All such little jobs comes through the sergeant major, and of course I have my choice out of them. You will 1. The salary for sergeants in tlw Engineer Corps was $84 per month. Katcher, Civil War Source Book, p. 304.

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recollect I told you how near I came to falling off the large tower on Folly through the carelessness of Otis. Well, he was always very sociable with me, and since that time extremely so. It is the only time I ever saw him frightened at anything. I hardly think the word fear has anything to do with his composition. Notwithstanding this, he is no favorite in the Co. He is rather queer sometimes and hard to suit, which makes me reply often rather disrespectfully, and though he never takes offense or notice of what I say, he would be very quick to do so with anyone else. I do not say this in boasting, for a man if he has any pride or self respect can easily by a quiet dignity, compel those above him to respect him, in spite of themselves. I have never been spoken harshly to by my officers but once. On leaving the Head for Folly last April, after going aboard, I had occasion to return to the dock again, and had my pipe in my mouth, not knowing it was contrary to orders to smoke on the dock. The capt who is passionate, seeing me ordered me harshly to take my pipe out of my mouth. Taking it out and quietly looking him in the face I replied, Capt had you informed me it was contrary to rules, you would never have had occasion to give me so harsh an order. Immediately his eyes fell and he turned on his heel. Since then he always prefaces his orders with, please, or oblige me. He is very polite when not in a bad humor. A few nights ago having occasion to go in his tent he kept me in conversation near two hours. When the drums beat for roll call he called his colored servant, Mose, and sent him to tell the orderly to excuse me. Though no older than I am he has been in half the countrys of the world, and can make himself quite agreeable if he chooses. He says being an Englishman he likes to compare notes with Americans. 17th Cold and very high wind today. In the morning I had a small job fixing the doctors stove up. He is the principal doctor of the regt. His name is Snow. 2 He is an elderly, stout, good natured man and ranks as major. Doctors have their rank in the army as well as every individual that belongs to it. We have three of them, two ranking as 2. Dr Asa B. Snow was mustered in as a surgeon on April 9, 1862. He died of dysentery at Bedlows Island (New York) on October 11, 1864. Phisterer, Neu• York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1648.

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Lieuts. Doctor Snow insisted upon my taking a couple of doses of medicine, as a certain little boy once said when his father took him to see the observatory, one fine Sunday morning. It was of the best quality, being used for hospital purposes. After dinner I went up to see M. Halliday. Co. C. left for the Head today. We have left only Cos D, Hand L. CoL has not yet been turned over to us, nor do I think they will be now. 18th Put up a commissary tent for the Q.M. today. It is exceedingly raw and cold. In the afternoon a few sprinkles of rain fell and some of the boys say they saw a few spits of snow. The weather is getting quite Marchy, but another four weeks and then for summer here. 19th On guard. This is the coldest day I have yet experienced in the south. It is more like the cold of the north. The sky is as clear as a bell. Scarcely a breath of wind is stirring, but the air is as keen as a knife. 20th Clear and quiet as yesterday, but quite warm again. Toward night the wind shifted due south, and we had one of those glorious sun sets I have so often admired. The mail steamer is over due, but the last boat from the Head brings no tidings of her. I hear a small propeller has arrived, and she may possibly have mail aboard. Sunday 21st At 9 A.M. we had inspection. M. Halliday called and spent the greater portion of the day with me. We had a long ramble through the island and on our return at his earnest solicitation I took dinner with him at a saloon, as we call it, a short distance from our camp. He returned with me to my quarters. Late in the afternoon the funeral of a new recruit took place, the whole regt turning out. I was one of a party of eight selected from our Co. to fire over the grave. Deceased had been with us but a few days. He belonged to Co. C. He died of a loathsome disease brought on himself by his associations in N.Y. Some of the recruiting party returned this afternoon and reported the arrival of the mail at the Head. They bring but poor accounts of their success in recruiting. They also say they heard reports in N.Y. that government will not recruit this regt. This sounds favourable for the regts going home in a body next tall. The balance of the party are to come in the next steamer. 22nd This is the birthday of the father of his country. It is a beautiful bright day. All nature smiles as if in memory of the occasion. The usual flags are flying in honor of the day.-1 send you a few

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specimens of a new idea I have devised to pass the time. I should like you to try a few and send them to me. It consists of using entirely other words in forming the same sentence, without in the slightest manner altering the sense. to be continued

Detatchment of 1st New York Engineers, near Charleston, S.C. Collections of the Library of Congress.

Lookout tower constructed by Westervelt's unit in South Carolina. Collections of the Library of Congress.

a. """"_._, ?

Inscription on back reads: "Miss Columbia aroused at last and determined to punish Jeff [Davis]."

•

Lamp invented by Westervelt. See pages 53 and 96. (All drawings are from the Special Collections archives, United States Military Academy, West Point.)

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion No. 31 Feb 23rd, 1864 News has just reached us of a temporary defeat of the expedition to Florida. 1 Our forces had to retreat to the town I mentioned as having been captured by them, the loss on both was considerable on both sides, but as this journal is intended to record but little as such incidents as may come under my personal observation, I refer you to the papers for particulars. Today was general inspection of our battalion by the post inspector. A general inspection is an occurrence of considerable interest and importance, but as I find when I undertake to describe military matters it takes too much space, I shall omit any description of this interesting event. 8 P.M. I have just been informed that an order is in camp for myself and several others to report to Lieut Coe at the Head. I cannot say that I am glad unless it may afford a chance of going to Fla. I had become settled and satisfied in the co and was no way anxious to return to the depot, but such is military life. I forgot to say the Engs with the expedition met with no casualty. 9 P.M. I have seen the order and find it is to Jacksonville instead of the Head and requires us to start in the morning. This is joyful news for me. 24th Packed up ready to start but waited impatiently all day without the necessary order to move. 25th Took the Beaufort boat at 10 A.M. for the Head. At 12M, went on shore and took dinner at the depot. I saw Lieut Coe who told me that I might consider myself once more attached to the depot, that I was accounted for on his books, and that another branch is being started at Jacksonville under the superintendence of Lieut Talcott to whom I am to report. This is satisfactory to me. I now proceeded to 1. The only major enga~ement in Florida, the Battle of Olustee, took place a few days previously, on February 20. Long, Civil War Day by Day, p. 466. One-third of the troops under Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour suffered casualties, and Union forces retreated to Jacksonville. Faust, Encyclopedia of the Civil War, p. 545.

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visit my friends at the civilian carpenter shop. And then repaired on board the steamer Tappahannock. At 6 P.M. we len the dock and started for the bar taking a schooner in tow on the way. By the time we got the schooner made fast it being foggy it was dark and I went below to spread my blankets and went to sleep to wake up a few minutes after sun rise. On going on deck the sun was shining brightly but nothing but the vast ocean presented itself to my view. The schooner is a large one and both vessels being loaded deep we make but slow work of it. The distance in a direct line is 120 miles but a vessel has to travel many more. This was the 26th and at noon we made land which proved to be Fernandina. Thousands of porpoises greeted us here and sported around the vessel for miles. We kept the land dimly in view till we arrived and cast anchor off the mouth of St Johns river. 27th On going on deck in the morning we found ourselves within 3 miles of the beach which as far as the eye could reach was one continuous line of white sand which looked like snow drifts covered with palmettos and shrubby live oaks. At 10 A.M. we ran in and commenced our passage up the river to Jacksonville situated 25 miles from the entrance. You will bear in mind I am now on main land for the first time in 18 months. The banks of the river are mostly low and marshy. Occasionally we saw an alligator basking his horny hide in the sun. Here and there the long neck of the blue Heron might be seen sticking above the high grass, and thousands of black duck flew in every direction. The passage up the river was pleasant and interesting. Quite a number of habitations are strewn along the banks but all in a most dilapidated condition indicating ruin on every hand. Now and then a small herd of cattle might be seen as wild as buffalos. One or two fine looking dwellings presented themselves to view I suppose of some one time true to the union, but truly this rebellion has entailed suffering and loss of property on the inhabitants beyond the calculation of figures. At 3 P.M. we reached the town and landed. As we touched the dock a man sleeping on the deck fell overboard and was rescued with great difficulty. The river is very muddy and of a dark red color like the water from tar bark. \Ve were soon ashore and made our report to Major Place who assigned us a room on the 2nd floor of a house near the wharf in front

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of the Eng camp. The room is about 20 feet square with two large windows which look out on a beautiful grove of shade trees. These are the best qrs we have yet had and are ample for us 8 persons. the names I will give you. Corpl Sickels, Bradford, Butler, Lauer, Mansfield, Mount, Connor and myself. As near as I can learn we are detached from the Co, and Regt again or will be as soon as the order arrives attaching us to the depot. We were not allowed to bring our tents although we had them halfway to the boat when we started, but they were sent back again, consequently my bunk which was rolled up in mine sailed behind. Immediately on taking possession of our room I put up a board one and though I slept sound I awake in the morning of the 28th with sore bones. Our room having no door or shutters we soon procured them and put them up and then Bradford and me sallied out to reconnoiter. The town has been one of the most beautiful of the south but like all others I have seen is in a ruinous condition. It is very much larger than Beaufort. The buildings are not stuck close together except the front street, but situated in the middle of spacious and beautifully laid out grounds which are now completely overgrown with weeds and untrimmed shrubbery. The boards are falling from the buildings and fences are falling down. Many of the fine but old fashioned dwellings are filled with filthy negros while their former habitations are untenanted. I saw three churches and the bells rang out 2. John H. Sickels, 28, enlisted January 24, 1862 at New York City. Mustered as private January 24, 1862; appointed corporal April 30, 1862; mustered out at Varina, Virginia on January 23, 1865. Frederick F. Bradford enlisted at 23 in New York City on February 5, 1862 as private; appointed artificer July 1, 1862; mustered out at Varina, Virginia on February 4, 1865. Andrew Butler, 27, enlisted September 1, 1862 in New York City. Mustered in as private, promoted to artificer January 21, 1863; promoted to corporal February 11, 1865; made sergeant May 1, 1865, mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, June 30, 1865. Jacob Lauer, 25, enlisted September 11, 1862 at NYC as private; appointed artificer January 1, 1864; promoted to corporal May 1, 1865. Mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, June 30, 1865. Richard Mansfield, 19, enlisted in New York City January 3, 1862; mustered in as private, appointed artificer July 1, 1862; promoted to corporal August 17, 1864, reduced to artificer September 6, 1864; mustered out at Varina, Virginia, January 5, 1865. William Mount, 25, enlisted in New York City January 27, 1862. Mustered as private January 27, 1862; made artificer July 1, 1862, mustered out January 26, 1865 at Varina, Virginia. Connor, cannot identify (Report of the Adjunct-General, pp. 14-226).

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cheerfully on the morning air reminding us of the good old times at home. One of the most pleasant things in a country town is its church bells. The plants and trees are the same as those of Beaufort, the grounds abounding in the former, and the streets planted with a row on each side of the latter. The morning is fine. Peach and plum trees are in full bloom making the air fragrant with their perfume. Many of the plants are in flower but so choked that they hardly retain life. There are but few contrabands here at present but a large number of whites who are both sexes the most miserable emaciated looking lot of mortals I ever saw. Some of the southern chivalry I presume and one of the results of the slave system. These are the class too proud to work but not too proud to go half clad, half starved and filthy. It is disgusting to see a woman with an infant in her arms ragged, dirty, and sickly while perhaps their husbands are fighting for the very system that dooms them to such a life. You will understand that though this place has been ours once or twice before we were obliged to capture it over again about 3 weeks ago. The accounts of the operations here since then are so conflicting that I have had some difficulty getting near the truth. The following seems to be the most correct. On the landing of our forces here the rebels fired a few muskets and then skedaddled. We then advanced about 20 miles to Baldwin on the Jacksonville and Lake City railroad. Here the enemy made a stand but were driven back. Still continuing to advance our force met them again at Barbers station and again drove them back. This occupied the first week. For the next two weeks we advanced without interruption untill 9 miles beyond Sanderson and within a few miles off Lake City which is some 60 miles from Jacksonville. Here the rebs lay in ambush in strong force and we advanced within short rifle range before we discovered them. I will not take the time to relate the details of the fight suffice it to say that after 3 hours hard fighting our troops retreated with a loss of 1500 killed, wounded, and missing. We also lost several pieces of artillery and a large number of horses. Our advanced pickets at present are not over 10 miles from here. Since the retreat our men have been at work night and day fortifying this town and we have a mile of works extending along the unprotected side of

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the place mounted with a sufficient number of guns to defend ourselves a larger force than the rebels can mise in this section. Our pickets report an expected attack but no fears are felt for the result. For my own part I have no fears of their attacking us while in a fortified position, they will undoubtedly fortify themselves and stand on the defensive. This being sunday we have not been called upon for duty. We get our mtions with Co E. I have just returned from witnessing a fight among a lot of drunken sailors and marines belong to the gunboat Pawnee. 3 They had been skylarking all afternoon around our camp and finally--

3. The Pawnee, a sloop of war which carried a battery of 15 guns, was, at 1,289 tons, the heaviest Federal ship on the Potomac at the start of the war. Francis T. Miller, ed., The Photographic Histm"'J of the Civil War (New York: Review of Reviews, 1911), Vol. VI.

Diary of an Engineer during the rebellion No. XXXII

Mar 1st 1864 ---got quarrelsome and began fighting among themselves. The fight lasted for an hour and not a man but was wounded, but only slightly. Finally the provost guard made their appearance and broke up the mess. Most of them took their boat and went on board, but five of them did not seem to have enough and remained behind trying to kick up a fray with the soldiers. Just as our boys was beating retreat (sunset) a big sailor came along and with a piece of gas pipe hit one of the drums knocking it in a cocked hat. Lieut Farland tryed to take the pipe from him but the fellow showed fight and the rest coming to his assistance the melee became general, the Engs went in with a will drove them to the boat carrying those who were unable to walk, chucked them into it and shoved it from the shore thus ending a fight that had lasted near two hours, in five minutes. 29th We were mustered in today for the last two months. This circumstance reminded me that it was leap year and consequently 29 days in the month, I had forgotten it which accounts for the date heading this number. We have not been set to work yet. March 1st Went fishing to day. Genl Gilmore arrived and a general review took place of all the force here. Quite an excitement occurred here this afternoon. An attack being expected and the rebs driving some of our pickets back induced some of us to believe the rebs were advancing in force. All our fatigue parties outside the works were called in and held in readiness for a fight, but it all ended in a slight skirmish with some of the rebel scouts and this morning the 2nd all is quiet again. I went fishing again to day for the third time but have not caught anything yet. I do not despair for though few are caught the smallest weigh 5 lbs and I have seen several that weighted 15 lbs each, all catfish. This end of the track of the Jacksonville and Lake City rail

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road has not been torn up so that we have a locomotive and cars carrying ammunition an provisions to our advanced pickets. During the skirmish yesterday we had 15 wounded. Col Henry1 a gallant and efficient officer drove the rebels back with his mounted rifleman. Advancing within half a mile of the rebel entrenchments he ordered the band to play Yankee doodle in hopes they would come out and show fight but it was no go. Lieut Coe arrived here to day. He tells us as soon as Lieut Talcott arrives we are to report to him. So far we have been under Major Place. We have done nothing till to day 3rd when we were set to making some axe handles. We do as much or as little as we please. I was just getting played out. We are fitted up nicely. I have a bunk as good as or better than ever. We work on the 1st floor at present. 4th To day all the reenlisted men of this battalion started for the head to join those from St Helena when they go home on furlough. You will no doubt see an account of their arrival in the papers. There will probably be about 300. 5th This morning just before daylight we had a fine shower the first rain in two months. It reminded me of my boyhoods days as I lay in my bunk listening to it patter on the roof. It was still raining when I got up but it soon cleared up fresh and fair. I was agreeably surprised to day as I lay off reading to see George Vincent walk in. I had given up finding him. Sunday 6th clear and cool. Lieut Talcott not having arrived we are still under Major Place who sent to inform us as we would not work to day, so to pass the time away I took my fishing tackle and went out on the wharf. In about 15 minutes I had the satisfaction to land a catfish weighing 8 lbs. Soon after Mansfield caught a 3 pounder, this made plenty for dinner for us eight and we in consideration of its being Sunday left off. I need not tell you we enjoyed our dinner. 7th & 8th Nothing unusual. We have several brass bands here and in the evening we have some fine music. Although I have mentioned this subject once before I cannot refrain from doing so once more. I have just been listening 1. Guy V. Henry, an 1861 West Point graduate, commanded a mounted brigade in Florida at this time. He was later breveted (volunteers) brigadier general, mustered out June 30, 1865, but transfered to cavalry on his regular army commission. Henry remained on active duty until his death in 1899. Sifakis, W1w Was Who in the Union, pp. 192-93.

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to one of our bands. I am passionately fond of music and I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy it here. 9th To day I was fortunate enough to secure three fine fish, together weighing 20 lbs. The boys say I have a very charming way with them. Out of the lot that fish here not one has caught a fish for a day or two. But you know I am fond of the sport, and when you add to this patience, perseverance and a liking for them fryed, you can guess they must come. An expedition has gone up the river somewhere to night. lOth At daylight a storm is raging with heavy wind from the east. It must be the heaviest wind here for years for quite a number of decayed trees have blown down, During the morning the wind fell and a light breeze shifted to the south. Warm, very, with smiles and tears all day. At night word reached us from the expedition to the effect that they had landed at quite a town called Palatka about 60 miles from here. There were but few rebs in the place and they skedaddled on our approach. 2 11th To day some fresh meat was served to our cooks, but it proved to be spoiled, smelling so that they were obliged to throw it away, so that I have not tasted fresh beef since leaving St. H. but fish has proved an excellent substitute. It proves however gross carelessness on the part of those who should see that we get it. I have tasted it over 3 times in as many months, when we should get it 3 times in 10 days. 12th This morning I had more fish than the boys could eat, I was obliged to throw some away as if it is not cooked as soon as out to the water in this climate it spoils. I caught a beauty to day and cooked the whole of it for my own use, it will last me two days. I shall not catch more than I can eat. I might have made 10 dols by selling them instead of giving them to the boys when I first came here, but now they are getting more plenty. I saw two fish each weighing two lbs sold for two dollars cash. When I first came I could have got 3 dols for my line and hooks. Major Place detailed me to the depot to day to keep the tools in order. I do not care for the job one way or the other, I had my choice in the matter and concluded to take it because I will not have over two hours work a day and I will know when my business 2. This area of Florida was the site of several minor skirmishes on this date. Long, Civil War Dcty by Day, p. 476.

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is with no one to control me. I have the privilege of throwing it up if I get tired of it. 13th To day the rebels were reported on the opposite side of the river. A scouting party of 300 Infantry was sent over and after scouring the country round all day returned without having seen anything. The day was fine and everything quiet. 14th To day the gossips of the regt were thrown into a state of excitement by the marriage of a member of Co G last evening. The fellow is a big headed silly boy of about twenty years. The girl is about the same age and formerly a resident of this place. She came here on the same boat I did from Beaufort and will return again in a few days, to resume her business with her mother and another female of baking and selling pies and cakes to the soldiers. Their courtship was a short one not having known each other quite two weeks. There is more of the rogue than fool in her composition which the fact that she will soon become a mother abundantly proves. 15th A colored regt from Maryland arrived here today. We have now in this Dept 9 colored regts, vis 3 of S.C., 2 of Mass, 2 of Penn, 1 ofN.C, and 1 ofMd.16th A sudden change to quite cold. Overcoats in the ascendant. Some 500 men are daily engaged in clearing up the town which begins to wear a fine appearance. The ruins of burnt buildings are being removed, the useless shubbery cut away, and the dwellings cleared of the negros. 17th Fish continues plenty. I sold one for a dollar the other day and used the money for tobacco being entirely out. We catch any quantity of sheeps head a fish about the size of our largest porgies and I have seen bass caught here ranging from 15 to 25 lbs each. I have not caught any of the latter not having a boat to go out with. We have the greatest hotel in the country, so great that we cannot decide on a name for it. Some propose one thing and some another, but the great difficulty is in selecting a name appropriate to both floors. Below us a lot of officers things are stored and two or three religious colored soldiers stay in the room to guard them. Sometimes they get up quite a benefit for us in the shape of a prayer meeting. In the early part of the evening the boys have their own way and it is no use for me to attempt to describe the performances but I must do them the credit to state that after taps if the darkies wish to have any religious exercises they remain perfectly quiet.

Diary of an Engineer during the rebellion Mar 18th 1684 [sic] No. XXXIII Lieut Talcot having arrived yesterday, to day we are engaged in taking an account of stock and tools. Sunday 20th I forgot to say that on the 18th the rebels drove in our pickets and created quite an alarm. Our force however drove them back in turn and advanced our post one mile further. To day all is quiet again. Oranges are as plenty as huckelberrys here now. Boat loads of them come down the river daily, the largest and finest I ever saw. There are two crops per year here, this being the winter crop as it is called they are not verry sweet. They sell for one cent a piece which is dirt cheap in accordance with other things. There are none growing here now but the trees are in full bloom and emit a fragrance that perfumes the whole town. I never smelled anything equal to it. I have a small branch over my bunk and it completely fills the room with its delightfull scent. You ought to be here to see and smell them. 21st I must give you a little description of my shop. In the back corner of the building by a window within 30 ft of and looking out on the water I have my little bench rigged up. No person is allowed inside the enclosure of boxes of material and kegs of nails without my permission. Here I have my tools and can lay off and read the papers or coger little things for myself or my friends when I have nothing else to do. I can see every vessel that arrives or passes up or down the river and if any body arrives that I know. I fear I have things to nice to last long. At 10 AM it commenced to rain and is raining hard yet at 9 P.M., wind northeast and warm. 22nd Rainy all day. 23rd Clear. One of our tugs towed down two secesh steamers this morning captured up the river. Did you ever see a steamboat with only one wheel and that directly

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behind. One of these is that kind and the second one I ever saw. We call them wheelbarrows. 24th & 25th Fine weather nothing of moment except a report that the rebs had lately shown a disposition to give us trouble at Palatka, but our forces there with slight effort had driven them out of the way of doing harm. 26th Nix. Sunday 27th Fine day. Took a long walk down the bank of the river untill stopped by a swamp. I saw some fine dwellings (once) just out of the town. Farther on I saw a number of saw mills all in a ruinous condition. One of them is being fitted up by our folks and will soon be in running order. I took my fish lines along thinking to try some new place but only caught one catfish 3 lbs. 28th To day Genl Seymour1 was relieved of his command at this post by Genl Hatch2 a stranger to us all. I would be severely punished if detected in speaking ill of my superiors so I only can say I hope he is a better Genl than Seymour. Lieut Talcott has been appointed to his staff so that we are without an officer in the depot again. Who will be the next is more than I can tell. Lieut Coe is expected daily with our money. This afternoon Genl Gilmore arrived on board the Benj Deford. He landed in front of my window and proceeded to inspect the defenses of the town while the band discoursed some fine music on board. All hands was wild with excitement at the report that he came to say goodbye and would leave this department altogether. This would be a discoumging blow to us as no Genl ever enjoyed the confidence of his men to a greater extent than Gilmore does. Things were made worse by the report that Genl Fremont would take his place. I need not tell you that the men here would not listen to such an exchange if it were left to their choice. I put not the slightest confidence in the report. 29th Yesterday the rebs made an attack on Palatka but were driven back without much difficulty. 30th Last night four rebels deserters on horseback came in. They report that large 1. General Truman Seymour (1824-1891), a 1846 West Point graduate, had been commander of the District of Florida since February 16. His removal was at least in part due to his defeat at Olustee. 2. General John P. Hatch (1822-1901), West Point class of 1845, replaced Seymour as Commander of the District of Florida, Department of the South. Sifarkis, Mlho Was Mlho in the Union, p. 184.

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numbers would desert if the opportunity offered. 31st Raw and windy. Apl 1st News reached here this morning of the loss of the Maple Leafl one of the finest and largest river steamers we have here. On her passage during the night to Palatka she encountered a torpedo placed in the river by the rebs which blew all her bow off as far back as the pilot house when she immediately sank. Five of the hands were killed. No one was injured except by the explosion as the water where she sank was to shallow to cover her decks. I have been expecting this since the time we took Palatka. A verry ingenious contrivance in the torpedo line was found floating in front of this town a few days ago. 2nd Lieut Edwards having got hold of one of the Maple Leafs life boats he got me to fix her up a little and to day we with two or three other had a fine cruise along the other shore of the river. Some other day we intend to land and take a search for some of the fine orange groves that are known to be somewhere in the vicinity. Sunday Apl 3rd Another. delicious day. Early this morning having obtained permission to use the boat our party started to take cruise on the other side of the river. On our way over we boarded the two rebel prize steamers. I have already given you a description of the one we call the wheelbarrow so I will give you a short sketch of the other. The Southerners in the steamboat line as in all others are about a century behind the age. The Sumter is a sort of nondescript arrangement her stern being split thus [sketch] nearly half her length with her paddle wheel inserted in the split or canal with a rudder on each side of the stern. The arrangement seems to work well enough as far as propelling her is concerned but the paddle wheel and machinery being all in board takes up one half her room. On starting I had taken the tiller of our boat but Connor not being much of a rower I took his place and give it to him. We soon after landed and got a drink of water. On getting aboard again the little corporal and Connor had a quarrel in regard to who should have the tiller which the rest of us had to settle by depriving both of it. Connor proving a little refractory we finally pulled back and set him ashore. Taking second 3. The Maple Leaf sank after hitting a torpedo in the StJohn's River, Florida, which had been placed there by Confederates only two days earlier.

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start we landed on the other side some distance below and had a fine time of it. The buildings and plantations here do not show so much neglect as is usual. In one place the invalid corps4 are planting large fields of vegetables for the use of the soldiers, so it is said, but I fear they will see but little of them so long as we are allowed to be swindled out of them by the . Most of the dwellings are occupied by their former owners who profess to be union but who I believe are secesh at heart and only make a pretense of loyalty to save their property. Although many of their houses are verry fine yet I have not seen one that could at all compare with our country seats north. As for the scenery my pen cannot do it justice. I will merely describe a single scene which consisted of a grove of small trees from ten to fifteen ft high with every branch and twig loaded with white blossoms. Intertwined with their branches in every direction was a vine like the honeysuckle likewise loaded with deep red flowers about H2 inches long shaped like a bugle and in beautiful contrast to the small white ones. As I said describing with the pen cannot do the scene justice, it should be seen to be appreciated. After roaming about until we were tired I cut off as many of the branches and vines as I could carry and we returned to camp in time for dinner. My flowers I put up the room which they completely filled with their delicious perfume. In the afternoon mail steamers arrived from the head bringing mails, Lieut Coe and reinforcements. 4th It seems that Genl Gilmore had not been consulted in the matter of Lieut Talcott's appointment to Genl Hatch's staff and so has been returned to the depot again. Lieut Coe was authorized by us to draw out our money at the head and sent it to us so I hope to receive my pay in a few days. Sargent Johnson who came with Coe says the clothing bills had been straightened up satisfactorily. 6th & 7th The weather is fine but cool and the natives say about 2 months behind the season. We are about as far south as New 4. The invalid corps was created by the War Department in April of 1863. It was composed of injured or ill soldiers who were neither well enough to remain in regualr service nor ill enough to be regarded as totally disabled. Faust, Encyclopedia of the Civil War, p. 383. When John Westervelt received his medical discharge the examining physician noted that his condition rendered him unfit even for the invalid corps.

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Orleans and could only get nearer the sun by going farther out on the peninsula consequently it should be very much hotter here at present. Items of interest are very scarce here at present.

to be continued

Diary of an Engineer during the rebellion Apl8th 1864 No. XXXIV

Today I received my first wound in the service. In moving a blacksmiths bellows I let it fall on my foot nearly crushing my big toe. As it was it was only saved by the extraordinary thickness of my shoes. It is a lump of black and blue flesh. The nail will no doubt come off and I shall be obliged for a few days to hobble about with one foot and a stick. 13th For the last few days quite an excitement has been kept up by the removal of troops from this point. As far as I can learn all will be taken that can be spared and sent to the army of the Potomac. 14th To day a tower was completed opposite the depot. It was built by the engineers and is 110 ft. high. It has taken over six weeks to build it. Ours on Folly if I recollect right was completed in 21 days and stood 145ft from the ground. 15th To day our forces evacuated Palatka and came down to Jacksonville. All the works (military) were destroyed and every thing brought away that was likely to be of use to the rebels. Another place this side of Pilatka the name of which I will give you here after we still hold. 16th Another steamer has been blown up by torpedos this morning as the Genl Hunter1 the fastest river steamer we have out here, was coming down from Picollati (the place above referred to) she encountered a torpedo which blew her smoke stack up in the air like a rocket. So far I have only heard of one man being killed. Although we evacuated Pilatka voluntarily yet the expedition has proved a rather unprofitable one. 2 1. Gen. Hunter, a transport ship, was destroyed by mines in the same manner as the Maple Leaf two weeks earlier. 2. Palatka (also known by the Native American name of Pilakikaha, "crossing over") was abandoned by Union troops after several fruitless skirmishes with the Confederates. Federal Writers Project, Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State (New York: Oxford University Press, 1939), p. 353.

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There appears to be a class of men in this country would do nothing but enlist for a bounty and then desert. My opinion is that they originate in the rebel army. There modus operandi seems to be when they are taken prisoners to take the oath of allegiance, enlist under the stars and stripes, accept the large bounty, and then desert to the rebels again the first opportunity. Seven of these worthies who were suspected have been cunningly trapped. They were put on picket and told that it was the outpost when in reality we had a fort a mile farther out. As was expected they were no sooner left alone than they took french leave. On reaching our outpost the picket there presented their pieces as if to fire when the deserters who took them for rebs called out not to fire as they were deserters from the union army. This being all that was wanted they were disarmed and brought back to camp. One was proved to have been one of Morgans guerrillas. 3 One was shot to day and buried without a coffin. The rest will no doubt suffer the same penalty. Sunday 17th All quiet. Weather quite cool with continual strong breeze. 18th & 19th Waiting several days for the mail but still our mail does not come. 20th Orders to pack up all the tools and turn them over to the Post Quartermaster. Of course this indicates another move. 21st While at breakfast orders came to pack knapsacks and be ready to leave at a moments notice. I cannot tell our destination but suppose the Head will be the first place. This refers to the depot squad only. 12M The order has been countermanded. Lieut Talcott has been relieved by another and has gone to the head. The commander of the post is trying to retain us in this depot. The order spoken of above was to report at the head to Lieut Coe. During the day an order from Col Serrell was posted on the Engs bulletin to the effect that Major Place's battalion would hold itself in readiness to move at an hours notice without any superfluous baggage as it would leave the Department. This set the wildest rumors afloat and continues to be the sole topic of conversation. The possibility is that Place's battalion will go to Virginia. Co H belongs to Butts battalion. 22nd Genl Gilmore has been relieved from his com3. The followers of Confederate raider Capt. John Morgan were often identified by this term. Katcher, Civil War Sourcebook, p. 43.

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mand, It is believed this is owing to the disastrous defeat of our forces at Olustee. 4 It is needless for me to say that this does not give satisfaction here but how far this feeling of dissatisfaction extends I do not feel safe in taking the liberty to say. Gen Hatch takes command of the department and Gen Birney5 of this post. Gilmore goes north without a command. I think he will be appointed to out in the army of the Potomac, probably as Genl in chief of Engineers. Should this be so there may be an engineer depot established there with Lieut C at its head which would suit me, but this is merely surmise on my part. Report says the regular mail has been broken up for the present. I do not know if it is true. Sunday 24th Morning heavy showers and warm. 10 A.M. Beautifully clear. The Engr battalion only wait to finish up some batterys which must be completed before they leave in consequence of which our blacksmiths have to work to day. The carpenters of our squad except myself are busy (though not today) repairing some pontoon boats. The indications at present are that this place will not be evacuated. The boats are intended for some use here. The steamer Chas Houghton reached the bar with a mail yesterday but was obliged to put back out to Fernandina the wind being to high to venture over. The bar off the mouth of the St Johns river is a dangerous one and can only be crossed at high tide and in calm weather. The Houghton is expected momentarily. Troops continue to leave daily, but there is not many more to go there being but few more left now than is necessary to hold this place. I had no idea untill they began to move of the numbers we had here. The most of them were encamped outside the breastworks and consequently I had no idea of the matter. I believe I did not tell you that since Lieut Coe was here we have ceased to draw our rations from Co. E. and draw them direct from the commissary ourselves. This is much the best with small detachments as one of our own men 4. General Hatch officially replaced Gillmore on May 1, 1864. Long, Civil War Day by Day, p. 491. 5. David B. Birney (1825-1864) entered the army as lieutenant colonel and became brigadier general of volunteers in February 1862. He was given

command of the X Corps, Army of the James, and held this position until his death by malarial fever on OctobPr 18, 1864. Miller, Photographic History, vol. X, p. 212.

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does the cooking and such articles as we do not like we draw others in place of or sell them and buy with the money. We live as well now as it is possible to live out here when nothing is produced since the commencement of the war but all has to come through the commissary or the Sutler from the north. When I am writing another battery of flying artillery!' are going on board. If it were not for the heavy iron work and the strong works that is being finished here I would think we intended to evacuate. 5 P.M. and no mail yet. I cannot imagine why it does not come. The fates seem combined in a conspiracy against us this time. to be continued

6. Flying artillery was the un-official name give to light artillery guns and the technique of keeping them in motion. (Also referred to as "flying battery".) Faust, Encyclopedia. of the Civil War, p. 265.

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion Ch.XXXV Apl25, 1864 The propeller Tappahannock arrived to day from the Head but still no mail. Another wedding took place in our regiment last night. The fortunate or unfortunate individual was Copl Head1 of Co G (saphead it should have been). The bride is about 15, 16 years old. I cannot conceive what on earth a man wants with a wife in the army, but every one to their taste as the old woman said when she kissed the cow. 2 26th Delaware arrived no mail yet. The weather is sultry, but the air is so soft and balmy you almost imagine you're in paradise. The most delicious hours are between sunset and dark. The twilight lasts till you would think it was never going to get dark. I always set in the window during this time and listen to the birds among the groves and along the river banks and enjoy the calm scene as the gentle breeze wafts the perfume of millions of Floras subjects across the placid bosom of the St Johns. I have not experienced any trouble yet from those little torments the mosquitoes and gnats but the indications are that they will be along soon. The mocking bird does not sing after sundown but we have another who if he has not as much life, has more melody. His music is particularly in keeping with the twilight hours. He is not an exceedingly pretty bird but what he lacks in plumage he makes up with his musical little throat which has a ringing tone like that of a silver bell. His color is brown with a greyish speckled breast. I have seen numbers of them in the country at the north where I think they are called the Wood Robin or brown bird. They seldom or 1. Adelbert Head, 21, enlisted October 3, 1861, and served until November 14, 1864. Discharged at Hilton Head. Report of the Adjutant-General, p.139. 2. At some point in his education Westervelt was obviously a reader of Jonathan Swift: "Why every one as they like; as the good woman said when she kissed her cow." Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, p. 526.

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never sing during the day being something of the nightingale species. 3 27th As it has been ascertained that rebels under the name of union civilians have been in the habit of giving information to the enemy all such have been required to take oath of allegiance or pass beyond our picket lines. Some have refused and been sent out. Hereafter no person will be allowed to pass our lines on the plea of seeing their friends as heretofore. Uncle Sam has been to lenient with such traitors all through the war thus far. 28th We have a report today that Newbern N.C. has been captured by the rebels. I doubt the story. 29th This morning the entire battalion of Engs have left for the Head. Our little detachment of nine men are all the Engs left now, except one man I discovered sneaking around the back streets in the evening. On my asking him how it was he was here yet he replied that he got left, but I know better, there is a nigger (wench) in the fence somewhere. The little Corpl saw him a few minutes after I did and reported him to the provost so that he will be arrested immediately and it may go hard with him if he is charged with desertion. Sunday May 1st Nothing occurs now days worth recording. The rebels have made a couple of dashes the last few days at our outside pickets but without any serious result to us. They do not like the idea of our darkey pickets. They have sent some threatening messages but no notice has been taken of their boast of what they would do if we did not picket with white soldiers. 4 May 2nd To day orders reached us to report immediately at Hilton Head so that on the morning of the 3rd at 8 A.M. we were on board the steamer Chas Houghton bag and baggage. As she would not sail till 11 A.M. I went on shore again and took leave of my friends the kindest I have found since coming out. Everything eatable or drink3. The bird referred to is probably one of the thrush family, known as the American nightingale. The spotted breast thrush is known for singing "haunting music ... through twilight." Alexander Wetmore, Song and Garden Birds of North America (Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1964), p. 216. 4. Many Southerners felt betrayed as well as threatened by blacks who took up the union cause; " ... their hostility was particularly keen toward men in the United States Colored Troops .... Nor did Southern whites hestitate to resort to violence to intimidate or drive out black troops." Glatthaar, Forged in Battle, p. 214.

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able I could wish was forced upon me. But all things must have an end and at the appropriate time I took a last farewell and set sail down the St Johns. 4th Sunrise we landed at the Head and reported to Major Place who gave us qrs in the old depot untill we could get transportation north. Here we found that six Cos of our Regt had left including Lieut Coe with the depot. Major Butt has resigned and I have lost my 8 dols for rations. I shall not stop here to describe the Head again more than to say that it has greatly improved in the last two months and is getting to be a fine place. 5th Having received the necessary papers and after another leave taking of old friends here at 12M we again embarked on board the noble steamer Dictator and in a short time lost sight entirely of the Department of the South on our way to Virginia. At 5 P.M. we passed in sight of Charleston harbor. We could distinctly see our Folly tower, the blockading fleet and other familiar objects. I may as well say here that the voyage was fine and everything comfortable except water which was scarce and bad being condensed on board. I was obliged to make complaint to Q.M. Dunton of the ... in order to get enough to wash my face in the morning. I gained the reluctant consent of the cook to boil a kettle of coffee for the boys on his stove after which he wanted to charge me fifty cts for the use of it. I of course refused to pay and thus ended our cooking coffee for the rest of the passage. 6th Fine weather. Saw several large turtles floating in the sea. 5 P.M. Passed Hatteras light. 7th On going on deck this morning I found we were in sight of Virginia Shore. The air has changed to one unlike the more southern atmosphere it is sharp and bracing. I feel sick and weak having had to short but severe attacks of diorhea the result of the change of water. But the old natural air revives me. 7 A.M. ran in past Fortress Monroe and anchored in Hampton road. I cannot attempt to describe this fortification at present suffice it to say it is the most extensive work in this country (if not in the world). We also passed close to the much talked of RipRaps. 5 The Engs have gone farther up the James river. As 5. Unlike most other places of confinement, Rip Raps, a prison near Norfolk, " ... was so favorably regarded by one group confined there early in the war that they expressed regret at having to leave." Wiley, Billy Yank, p. 215.

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this boat is freighted with pontoon boats consigned to Lieut Coe as soon as the proper orders come on board we will proceed up the river to join them. Sunday 8th Still on board the steamer dictator in Hampton Roads. We are waiting to have the pontoon boats put overboard in order that we may tow them up the river and take a load of horses on board in their place. It is now 8 A.M. and nobody yet to put them over so that I cannot tell what time we will get away. There are 32 boats to take off which will take nearly all day. I may as well say here that as this diary is not intended to be a history of the war you must not expect to find it contain the general news. I intended it as a record of such things as come under my personal observation to which I shall principally confine myself. to be continued

Inscription on back reads: "Fort Powhattan James River." See page 141.

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Interior of Westervelt's quarters; location uncertain.

Quarters at edge of woods, in Virginia. See page 182 .

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"Branch depot, Army of the James."

One of the bridges built by Army Engineers across the James River. See pages 142 and 155.

Westervelt's tent at Bermuda Hundred, Va.; sketches of wagons; workshop. See pages 146-47.

Zouaves are mentioned on page 153.

Inscription on back reads: "Farm house and celebrated ice cold spring near our camp, Bermuda Hundreds, Va. JHW."

Ornate letter openings: No. 43 (August 8, 1864) and No. 47 (September 29, 1864).

Camp and depot in Virginia. Canal boat (left) and paddlewheel steamer General Howard (right).

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion No. XXXVI May 8th, 1864

12M Went on shore and reported to Major Graeti. Having a little time till we leave I took a walk around the place. Fortress Monroe stands on a made island and is connected with the main by a barrier causeway. The fort occupies a space of many acres. Inside and out are many fine buildings the grounds outside are beautifully laid out and planted with flowers, shrubs and trees. I regret that I could not for want of time get a pass to go inside. At 3 P.M. the Dictator was ordered to the dock to take on a load for City Point, so we repaired on board again. It is astonishing to watch for a couple of hours the busy scene here, but everything works like a clock. At 7 P.M. we left the dock and started up the river. At 9 P.M. we anchored 10 miles from the fort where we lay till daylight and then started on our journey again. About 7 o'clock we ran on a shoal and stuck fast for an hour. The James river is verry beautiful being verry broad with the most lovely scenery along its banks. The water is verry shallow however and the channel narrow and intricate. The fog in the morning was dense which caused us to run aground. 3 P.M. Landed at City Point. On the route up we passed many places with names which the war has made familiar to everyone. Newport News we passed in the night so I did not see it. It is curious what insignificant places the rebs have dignified with the name of citys. Charles City, Braddon, Harrisons landing and City point are places consisting of from two to half a dozen buildings each. At City Point the river was literally alive with vessels of every description. 1 On landing we found the depot and all the boys. Co His here in charge of the Pontoon bridge and doing 1. City Point became transformed into a hub of activity for the last segment of the war. In large part due to its proximity to Petersburgh and Washington, Grant selected City Point as his headquartPrs and ordPred the

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pretty handiwork. Here all is life and business again. Our detachment seems to be the only ones who are having easy times. All the boys except Co Hand the depot are at the front some 8 or 9 miles farther up. lOth This morning the firing at the front is verry heavy. Co H will advance with the bridge as soon as it can be got ashore. We also are expecting orders to move. Sergeant Leadue is with us in the dep. a party from the depot went out foraging this morning and brought in the half of a bullock. On the day we landed I was so famished having subsisted on hard tack and fat pork alone since leaving Jacksonville, judge then my agreeable surprise on finding dinner just over and a large kettle of fine mutton stew awaiting me. The weather is intensely hot here. We miss the fine sea breeze we enjoyed heretofore. The water here is excellent and cold as ice. I have only seen one well here but its supply is sufficient. The only difficulty is getting around it. The river water is fresh and is used for all our washing. It has a singular color something like brick. Small squads of prisoners are continually being brought in. It is night and while I am writing our forces at the front are shelling the woods and the sky is lurid with the light. News arrives hourly the most favourable to our side. Richmond must fall this time. Our forces are advancing on it from several directions. 11th Nothing unusual to day. Genl Butler is in command of all the forces here and Genl Gilmore (our own noble Genl) under him is Genl in Chief of Engs and engineering. With two such men at our head we cannot fail. A party of 3000 cavalry landed here to day on their return from a raid through the country south of the Appomattox river. You must try and get a good map of this country and then you can follow me all through. The raid was entirely successful. They burned bridges, tore up rail roads, captured horse, waggons, ambulances, mules, provisions and a large number of prisoners, scattering destruction where ever they went, 2 thus effectively cutting off the rebel supply of men building of a wharf, a warehouse, a hospital, and earthworks. Troops also hastened to repair damaged railroads and install a telegraph line to Washington via Fort Monroe. 2. Federal raids in the east were at their highest pitch in the cavalry corps from May 5 to August 1, 1864. The destruction by the troops under Sheridan and Custer was complete. Miller, Photographic History, vol. IV, p.128.

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and provisions for Richmond. Heretofore it has been so dusty we could scarcely breathe but this evening we had a minor squall accompanied by rain enough to lay the dust. 12th Rainy accompanied by heavy thunder. Fresh pork for dinner. During the day some rebs were discovered on the opposite side of the river in the woods but a few shells from our gun boats sent them skedaddling. If you get a map, mark our present camp on the west bank of that part of the James river that runs directly north from City point which is at the mouth of the Appamattox [sketch] thus. 13th Still rainy with wind east. Should the rain continue we will soon be wallowing in the mud. News came in late last night that Petersburgh the second city in virginia on the south bank of the Appamattox was ours . . . . P.M. Still rainy and getting verry muddy. 14th To day is mostly clear but with frequent light showers. The roads between here and the front are in verry bad condition. Should the rain continue another day they will be impassable for anything except lightly loaded waggons. I tried the fishing here to day and managed to get a mess of catfish and eels. They were small but verry nice. The mail to day brought me the first letter from home since the one dated Apl 2nd. No other letters or papers. The news from Grants army is of the most cheering kind. Everything is cheering except the immense loss of human life. Butlers force has thus far have been particularly fortunate in that respect. Report says we have advanced close up to fort Darling and that an attempt will be made to take it by a grand charge. I fear for the result of such a maneuver of our force on a place of such immense strength. Should the trial be made and fail the loss of life cannot be estimated. In either case our loss must be large and many a u[nion] soldier will bite the dust. If we cannot take it by charge then we must seize it and whatever the result the depot will undoubtedly move to within convenient distance from the fort immediately after the attempt has been made. Fort darling stands on the bank of the James river and obstructions are in place and across this point that cannot be removed untill the fort is reduced. You will readily perceive the necessity of its reduction in order that our gun boats may pass up and be present to help in the capture of Richmond itself. Petersburgh though not actually in our possession can be oc-

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cupied by us whenever we please. The point of land on which our camp stands is called Bermuda Hundred, rather a singular name. You must not confound the name with that of Bermuda Landing which is on the other side of the river. The Herald of yesterday is laying by me while I write. We get it daily at about 4¥.! P.M. Sunday 15th Clear this morning but not settled, the wind is east. Fort Darling has not been attacked yet but preparations are being made for it. A number of 30 lb Parrot guns have been taken up this morning. If you wish to learn anything from this army you will find it in the papers under the head of dispatches from Fortress Monroe, City Point, or Bermuda hundred at present. We have had a very heavy shower this afternoon accompanied with heavy thunder and lightning. The mud had begun to dry a little but now it is worse than ever. Report says we are fighting hard at the front to day. I will now close this number by requesting you if convenient to send me half a doz small flounder hooks. Send 3 at a time hooked on a single thickness of paper so that they will not lay on top of each other in the letter and oblige yours &c

to be continued

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion May 16th 1864 No. XXXVII To day our forces charged on and captured the outer defenses of fort Darling. It was a brilliant affair. I have made a slight mistake this occurred on the 15th. 16th Verry foggy in the morning but it soon cleared up and the day was fine. During the fog the rebels took advantage of it to make an attack on our left. We could distinctly hear the firing in our camp which was truly terrific. The fighting continued most of the day. Our force retired some four miles to their entrenchments. I cannot give the details but believe the loss was severe on both sides, I saw fully 500 prisoners brought in most of whom were strong and healthy looking as our men. This attack I fear will retard somewhat our operations on fort Darling. 1 In the afternoon I took a walk out in the country and gathered a lot of wild onion tips which I fried for supper. It is verry beautiful here and seems more natural to me that the far South. The flowers, trees and birds are the same as those of my own State. One field of clover of many acres was completely filled with those saucy and amusing little songsters, the bobolinks. There are large fields of oats and corn growing some of them reaching nearly as far as the eye can see. It is really a thriving looking country. 17th The day has been fine. Nothing of importance from the front. 18th In noticing the wounded as they come in it is a curious fact that five out of every six are wounded in the hands and arms, and again two out of three in the left at that. I can only account for this singularity by supposing that it is 1. The losses were more significant than realized by Westervelt; Butler's retreating back to Bermuda Hundred {"bottled up" as Grant famously dubbed it) gave up the Union's current chance for Petersburg and Richmond. The misguided actions of top Union commanders extended the life of the Confedemcy by months.

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done while holding the left hand out along the barrel in firing. 19th This morning rapid and heavy firing is going on at the front. The smoke from the guns is plainly visible in our camp. We cannot learn the particulars. Men may talk and write what they please if they are on the scene of action but they cannot get the details of a battle until they get the N.Y. papers. We get all the papers daily. What you read in the papers this morning I will read tomorrow at 4¥.! P.M. Immediately on the arrival of the boat from Fortress Monroe the paper stand (a little log shanty) is a perfect jam and thousands of copies of the Herald and other papers are sold at 10 cts each. To day out of curiosity I paid a visit to our hospital tents for the wounded. Great complaint has been made in regard to this matter which induces me to say a few words on the subject here. The arrangements though not as perfect as they might be are as nearly so as can be expected considering we have never untill the present been a warlike nation. To day there are but few in the tents. Sometimes they are crowded. When a severe engagement takes place of course there are more than can be accommodated in them but as soon as their wounds can be dressed if they can be removed they are put upon steamers for that purpose and sent to Fortress M. With our vast armies in the field to day and the many battles that have been fought in the last few days the country could not supply a sufficient number of surgeons to dress the wounds in many hours after they are received. Hence the complaints. Many suffer without doubt but the difficulty cannot be avoided at present. In passing through the tents I could not but remark the cheerfulness of the wounded, the cleanliness of the arrangements and the general tendency to the comfort of those who are unfortunate enough to be compelled to seek it here. During the afternoon we had a deluge only second to that which occurred in the days of Noah. 20th. To day some more wire pulling was demonstrated. An order was received recalling myself and eleven others to the company. It was no surprise to me. The pontoon bridge is the plan and Capt Cruso having just returned from furlough accounts for the milk in the coconut. As usual I have been informed my name heads the list. I labor under no useless regrets but I do hope I may be left in peace hereafter. It is no

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pleasant thing to be pulled and hauled from one place to another scarcely knowing where you belong from one day to another. 21st To day I reported to the Co for duty. At present there is nothing doing but we are expecting orders every day to go a few miles from here and through out the bridge on the Appammattox for a dock to land army material. During the night I was awoke by the most terrific firing I have yet heard. 22nd Report this morning says the rebs charged on our lines three times last night and were as often repulsed with severe loss, These charges indicate a desperation on their part that can only be accounted for by the fact that they are so hemmed in that they cannot get the necessary supplies to hold out much longer. It is represented that we have to bury immense numbers of their dead left on the field last night. I am on guard to day. 23rd About 1 O'clock we struck tents and 4 P,M. started up the Appamattox in a tiny little propeller named the Ellie Carl. At sundown we had arrived at our destination and pitched our tents on what is called Rock plantation. The Appamattox is a narrow stream hardly more than a creek with verry high banks lined with beautiful trees from between which occasionally peeps some quite handsome residences. In many places the banks are loaded with beautiful flowers the perfume of which we could plainly detect on the boat. The distance from our old camp in a straight line is only 4 miles but by the river it is seven. Although I was tired from lugging our things on and off the boat and slept verry sound it did not prevent my being awoke by the rapid discharge of musketry in the middle of the night. I could not tell how long it lasted for after listening to it for about ten minutes I fell asleep again. 24th I learn this morning that the firing was between our own and the enemys advance picket about % of a mile from our camp. It was quite a brush the rebs retiring after an 1¥.! hours leaving their dead and wounded on the field. We spent the day in fitting up our tents. Our camp is beautifully situated on the bank about fifty feet above the level of the river. It is verry hot but I have built an arbour over my tent and covered it with green leaves which makes it verry comfortable. Our pontoon force consists of Co H Engs, one company of marine artillery, and one battery of heavy artillery. 25th As the battery arrived before we did and threw out

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enough of the bridge for a dock we have had nothing to do yet so three of us went our foraging (as we call it) to day. We found and drove in camp 13 cows. We milked them all and · then shot the fattest one and let the rest go. We found quite a lot of wild strawberrys and we three had strawberrys and milk for supper which I think is more than you can say of this season. The beef is fine and will last us as long as we can save it. After supper about 20 of us went bathing in the Appomattox. About sundown 23 recruits arrived. Our com which began to get quite small now numbers 100 men. The day wound up with a heavy shower making the air quite cool and refreshing. 26th To day some of the boys went out and shot a hog which gave us all fresh pork for the day. We have the best water here I have yet found. Out of the side of the hill just below our camp the water gushes as clear as crystal and cold as ice. Near our camp is a running brook where we do all our washing. [WP illus] Just after dinner a boat came up and the captain of her said he was sent to take us to city point. We having no orders to that effect did not go. It turned out a :q1istake for in half an hour a co of Engs came over the hills (B) and went down with him! to be continued

Diary of an Engineer During the Rebellion May 27th 1864

No. XXXVIII

To day we spent about three hours cutting a winding road up the hill the first work we have done since we have been here. 28th Up this morning by day light, eat breakfast by sun rise and struck tents at 7 O'clock. Soon after the Ellie Carl towed us down the river in a big scow. The Marines accompany us. Reached B.H. at 9 A.M. and at noon we had our tents pitched again and ready for action. We spent the afternoon in making ourselves comfortable. A Regt of infantry having just left here we found plenty of material for the purpose. Yesterday Capt Southard1 Co H Engs was mortally wounded. This is the first killed here in the Regt. Two privates have been • slightly wounded(* since dead). 29th Busy to day getting the bridge in working order. Co L reported to the depot to day for duty and all detached men are ordered back to their Cos, so that all our men will be together once more. The depots of the lOth & 18th army corps has been merged into one under Lieut Coe. C I reported back to Regt again. H's men remain.) Co L being without a Captain Coe will no doubt be promoted to the position. 30th Still to work at the bridge, but we merely keep busy for the name of the thing. 6 P.M. Verry heavy firing commenced at the front. I have not heard such a roar in a long time, not since the taking of the lower end of Morris Island. I reported back to Regt again. H's men remain. It is supposed the rebs attacked our lines in consequence of the greater part of our force here having left and gone down the James river. At this moment (dark) the firing at the front AA

1. Henry S. Southard, age 43 at enrollment on October 3, 1861. Mustered in as captain in New York City, wounded in action May 27, 1864, died of his wounds at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, June 3, 1864. Phisterer, New York in the War of the Rebellion, p. 1648.

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has ceased, but we can distinctly hear cannonading on the other side of the James. I think the expedition has landed somewhere up the York river and are making their way up the peninsula to form if possible a junction with Grant. June 3rd Since my last entry nothing unusual has occurred. The rebs in their desperation have made several attacks on our lines but invariably get repulsed. This morning in company with Sergt Otis I started to see our works at the front. The distance to the nearest work from camp is about 6 miles. Went up the bank of the James and crossed to the appomattox 5 miles, thence home again 6 miles more. Allowing for the crookedness of the route we took 3 miles it makes 20 miles and in camp by 3 O'clock. In going and coming we passed mostly through dense pine forest, but occasionally discovered some fine plantations which were beautiful indeed. We saw corn, oats and wheat growing in fields of from 100 to 200 acres each. Oats and wheat are now in head, The corn looks fine and they all promise abundant crops. Cherrys are ripe, Clover was in full bloom when we came here. Our works extend from river to river and are strong enough to defy Lees whole army. They consist of a line of earth works breast high on top of which is piled sand bags higher than a mans head. Through these walls of bags are holes every three feet for musketry. At intervals are small forts or batterys bristling with guns of all sizes up to 30 lb Parrots. These latter are the most effective pieces for general service we have. At one point Petersburgh is plainly visible, and I saw a train of cars running on the Petersburg and Richmond R.R. I passed both Gilmores and Butlers headqrs. At the latter place I saw the most complete repeating gun yet invented. It is placed on a carriage similar to our small field pieces. It is loaded by throwing the carriages in a hopper like a mill, The balls are a trifle larger than a musket ball. It is fired by the continual turning of a crank that explodes the charge. It will carry H2 miles and kill a man and fires 200 shots per minute. It has six separate barrels that revolve and fire as they come opposite the cock that explodes the charge. The whole is light, simple and not likely to get out of order. We also have two Regts with repeating rifles one shooting 8 and the other 16 times without stopping after which they can be reloaded in less time than a common

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musket. The rebs say we lay still on Sunday to load and then fire the rest of the week. The gun I have described is called the Gatling gun. 2 Perhaps you may see a description of it in the papers. It beats the Mosquito battery all hollow. 4th To day 30 of our Co and 20 of the marines were detailed to go up the Appomattox to build a road. If you have a map you will notice that just above the bridge I have spoken of at a place called Point of Rocks there is an island in the middle of the river which on either side is but just wide enough to allow a steamboat to pass. By making a road across this island it requires hardly any bridge at all. The island being nothing but a swamp it is quite a difficult job to construct a road sufficient for artillery to cross. It is done by first laying down a quantity of brush then a layer of poles lengthwise, then another crosswise, then heavier pieces are laid the same as the first and on top crossed with small poles, fence rails or anything we can get a hold of and the whole covered with earth brought from the main land. 3 On the island is plenty of small timber but hard to get. We worked up to our knees in mud and water and the day being damp and drizzly made it particularly unpleasant. At 5 P.M. we quit just as it commenced to rain but we had to wait 1 Y2 hours for the boat to take us back to camp. Most of the men got drenched to the skin. I had my rubber with me and got off with only wet and muddy legs. 5th Unloading some pontoons from a propeller. 6th My turn up the Appomattox to day. The co· are divided into two squads and work on the road alternate days. As we bring the poles now form the main we are not obliged to go in the wet which makes it much easier. We suffered considerably from the heat however. the position of the road is so low and the banks of the river so high that scarcely a breath of air can reach us. We leave camp at 7 A.M. and get to work at 9. Quit at 11 A.M. and go to work at 1 P.M. quitting again at 5 and arrive in camp before sun set. It is near 10 miles and just a nice little sail 2. The Gatling Gun, though it saw limited use in the Civil War, is generally considered the prototype of the modern machine gun. General Butler was one of the few army officers to try the Gatling; he installed 12 of them for use during the siege of Petersburg. Lord, Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia, p. 160. 3. The roads referred to were known as corduroy.

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hack and forth. 7th On guard. 8th My day off. 9th Unloaded pontoons from a large propeller. We have quit the road up the Appomattox. lOth Ditto till 12M. We have take of 75 waggons hesidPs immense numbers of banks, chPssP plank1, coils or rope, anchors, boxes, &c. &c. At 1 P.M. an order came to put them all on board again. This caused some sweating but just as WP fpll in we were dismissed again. The bridge having been assigned to the 15th N.Y. Vol Engs of the Army of the Potomac they finished their own details to reload it, so we (at least I}, went fishing. 11th Fishing nearly all day and caught a tine lot with the three last hooks sent me. Ed \Vhittenoure5 caught a snapping turtle weighing about 15 lbs. As he did not know what to do 'vith him he offered me half if I would cook him so I cleaned and salted him for the night. Sunday 12th Ordered out for inspection at 9 A.M. but at 8¥.:! were obliged to fall in for fatigue and went out to a pontoon bridge at anchor in the middle of the river and put it into shape to tow up the Appamattox. This took till 2 P.M. when we saw it off and then returned to dinner. In the afternoon I cooked the turtle. \Vhen cooked (with plenty of potatoes and such other fixings as we could get) into a day stew (which I excel in) we had enough for ten men, but taking enough out for E.vV., the little corporal, and myself (the Corpl tents with me) we distributed the balance among the boys who unanimously pronounced it the best dish they had ever eaten. This is the first I had eaten in many years and I do not recollect having ever eat anything equal to it, not even home. to be continued

4. ChessP planks were 13-foot planks laid crossways to form bridge tn•adways. Ian \'. Hogg, Weapm1s (~/"the Cit•il War (Military Press, HlH7), p. L"iU. 5. Edgar H. Whittemore, age 19, enlistPd .January 13, 1H62 at New York City. l\lustPrPntire venture "a gross and culpable failure"; Butler became embroiled in another series of accusations, charges, and counter-charges regarding that culpability. Ultimately, the Cabinet, Grant, and President Lincoln all felt Butler could no longer be left in command and on January 7, 1865, he was removed and replaced by M