Year: 1862

caused by the want OF proper poats. sne oo0~ s "


such shallow water that but two steamers could IN


alongside they drawing but two or three 's


or water were frequently touching bottom the men


were all in good humor however and the time passed a.


as possible. On Friday the men were rapidly


disappearing from the siand but Few regiment


remaining The Fifth Rhode Island was Stationed On IN


beach just the landing, and visited them ior 'no


purpose seeing the breaking up OF the camp anu was


uuite pleased at the order and quietness with wncn


everything was conducted IL was expected that tney


SvouId leave in the afternoon, but it fully nine
clock before Major Wright gave the soldiers the order
40 march As soon the tents and other fixtures
had been taken to the dock and everything packed,
amusement was then the order Of tho day
Camp beds floors, boxes, barrels, and everything
combustbs pressed into the service 10 make roaring
camp nres around which the boys clustered Much has
been SAID and written about such things but the best
descriptive power fails 10 give true picture OF such
scene The different faces gestures and amusements Of
the form study only for the painter Most OF the
gathered about the fires the younger singing rol
licking and otherwise enjoying themselves by harmless
amusements while the elder and more steady appeared
as IL they were turning hor thoughts upon the coming
strife and calculating the chances OF their return from
She neld Thoughts OF home 1t such times sacred
and not ntsrered with Major Wright at last gave
thc word and the line formed and the deck reached
In very few minutes As tho Fifth Rhode Island
siss only Of battalion divided ana two Of the
ferry boats taken for their accommodation.


On Friday, the 7thnsant, order was sent on board
by Of the Generals aids for the Jersey Blue to pro-
coed 70 Hatsras and report to Captain Norris, Of the
First Artillery, United States Army, for any further
orders Accordingly the anchors weighed and the
started for her destination but owing to the
wantof pilot Captain Jackaway being left to md his
way the shallow and dangerous path between
Roanoke Island and Hatteras, she was compelled to
anchor twice, the wind blowing perfect
gale all the time. We managed, however
60 pick our way in safety down to that most
cherries and barren strip of land known Hateras
and running alongside canal boat that acts dock
reported as directed, and then proceeded TO take in
. supply Of coal. But had hardly been thee hour
or two before the little steamer Phenx run down
from Roanoke with another order coming from Gen. Burn
side commanding to return at to headquarters,
providing that had not already taken board that
for which We were cent Not having done So
again got under way, and taking pilot board
~ carry US in safety the much dreaded
Swash, We headed towards Roanoke Island and after
BONE little difficulty, such touching bottom two OF
khree times and carefully feeling way, we arrived
khcre Sunday morning. II a magnificent day
and the appearance OF the gunboas and transports
they peacefully rose and fell on tho water q thing
only be witnessed few times during the Of





had few days before besn comfortably quartered %
shore. the places whore their camps had stood now
presenting most dismal aspect nothing being visible
where before stood the pretty white tents with their
besusifu background Of green but the remains of
Uamp nrss, sti smoudsring and occasionally throwing
out light fame. Tho men were in excellent Spirits and
regarded the unknown expedition upon which they
bound the light OF most brilliant victory; such
thns as defeat or even rspus however slight never
entered their minds. Those who had not been in the
Roanoke Island eight, wanted opportunity 70 show
ther zeal in the great cause and be able their
native places horoes OF at least nSht while those
Who had taken part in the late struggle desirous
or adding fresh laursls to those that thev had
already swou- We had naturally expected to
nave . regiment, or at least q portion Of one,
sent board OF and every pains had been taken TO
arrange matters that they could be comfortable
psssble butour calculations somewhat out Of the
way. and We surprised to receive another order
similar to the first. sending back to Hatteras the
same srrand. The anchor had hardly been down when
It up again, and steamng back again
through Pamico Sound and leaving Roanoke behind u.s.
The numerous vessels gradually disappearing
speed increased We went our way enjoying the nne
weather and shooting at the nocks Of wild ducks ha.
were visible every side, and arriving at Hatterss
again reported 70 Captain Norris this time not to
with any disappointment, AZ We had been there but
short time when We took on board company Of the
Frs, regiment OF artillery belonging 70 the United States
reg:r army, and under the command Of Captain Morris
But little time lest in getting things TO rights The
borses-ffty three In numbsr-wsrs placed between
Decks while the themselves obliged TO shift
bost they could taking the deck for sleeping
Csc We expected 10 60 back Roanoke FOR the
purpose Of joining the rest Of the feet,
bad all made up minds that Norfolk
IA he tha tha Al
themselves for long and tedious march through the
land Of the world renowned Dismal swamp but again
doomed 10 disappointment and cherished dcas
vanished for ordered TO cross the swash and
chor until should receive further orders This
opinions into entirely channel and placed
the Of action In the neghborhood Of and
Felt quite certain that the feet would down the
sound, I and that they passed we should
Join them and accompany the expedition
its perilous undertaking. On the afternoon OF
the 10th storm set in and late In the even
tng rain and hail fell IN abundance ard continued the
greater part Of next day Every tug that passed any
where expected had orders for US to move;
but no such good gladdsned Instead howsvor
received the both painful and pleasing intelligence Of
che attempt Of the rebel steamer Merrmac TO the
blockade painful Of the reported loss OF
OF our frigates--ono tho Cumberland, and the
name OF the other unknown, but supposed
90 be the Minnesota-snd pleasing because
IL was stated that the Merrmsc had been drivon back
by the Ericsson battery although could not
damage she received, In fact whether she had
been injured at all. The Monitor had all Of praise
showersd upon her but still the question would arises
Why did they 10, her 20 baon Not knowing the
particulars, however, we were satisfied with the
fac, that she had not escaped 10 prey upon
commerce, or annoy the blockaders stationed along
the coast Al lator hour heard that she
had committed great havoc amongst the vessels at
Fortress Monroe aud tina, among the rest Of her victims
the splendid California Constitution. Eleven
hundred was the number stated that killed drown.
cd and wounded on side All sorts of rumors were
circulated with regard 10 this affair each more terrible
than the other, and they at last become 60 conflicting
that any portion Of the truth could notbe arrived at but
with the greatest dihnculty.