April 30th. We have information, through Col. Ackelon, I believe, that a battle has been fought to-day at Grand Gulf, between our naval forces under Rear-Admiral Porter, and the rebels, in which we lost one of our gunboats, but were successful in driving the enemy out of some of their batteries and silencing some of their guns. We have hopes that by the landing of some of Gen. Grant’s men a short distance above and in the rear of Grand Gulf, and storming same, that it has been taken possession of ere this. The prospects of the Mississippi river soon being clear of obstructions are brightening every day.
Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford–Wm. C. Holton
April 29th. Commences with pleasant weather. Nothing of importance has occurred this twenty-four hours.
April 28th. Commences with pleasant weather; during this morning the Albatross and Switzerland got under way and entered the mouth of Red River, going up that stream a short distance on a reconnoissance; returned during the afternoon without having seen the enemy, or any batteries erected by him to prove that he was in the vicinity. A rumor is afloat to-day among the ship’s company that Charleston has lately been attacked by our army and naval forces and captured. We have nothing definite, though, in regard to the truth of such report; still it has its believers, and they are much excited over it. I have no doubt but that ere long we will have something happen that will cause more excitement and rejoicing than the fall of Charleston; I mean the surrender of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. The weather is cool and pleasant, the rain of yesterday having purified the atmosphere to a great extent.
April 27th. All still on the river; very stormy weather.
April 26th. Commenced with rainy weather, continuing stormy until eight o’clock, A. M., when it cleared off, the sun shining from out of the clouds in all its glory. The rain had cooled and purified the atmosphere to a very pleasant degree, and all enjoyed the change. At ten thirty A. M., called all hands to muster, and performed Divine service on the quarter-deck. As yet no attempt has been made by the enemy to attack us, and I am disposed to believe he has decided under the circumstances that discretion is the better part of valor.
April 25th. At five A. M., hove up anchor and continued on our way up the river, now and then coming to for the purpose of destroying flat-boats and sugar manufactories which were supplying the rebels with sugar and molasses whenever we were not bobbing around in the vicinity. Their cake is now all dough, since hereafter we will have one or two steamers patroling the river all the time. At two o’clock, P. M., brought ship to anchor off the mouth of Red River, Albatross and ram Switzerland making fast ahead inshore.
April 24th. Commences with pleasant, warm weather. This afternoon, signalizing to vessels of lower fleet. Received a mail from sloop-of-war Richmond during the day, across the point of land, which separated us from vessels of our fleet below, and which gladdened the hearts of many, or of all those who were so fortunate as to receive a letter from home and friends most dear. At five P. M. hove up anchor again, and steamed up river. At seven P. M. brought ship to anchor a short distance above Bayou Sara. Albatross and ram Switzerland anchored astern.
April 23d. At six A. M. weighed anchor, got under way, and steamed down the river, Albatross and ram Switzerland in company, bringing up the rear. On our way down came to several times, for the purpose of destroying some flat boats which we came across in the river, and which were used in the transportation of sugar, molasses, &c., across the river to the rebel forces at Port Hudson. At two P. M. brought ship to anchor, five miles above the batteries at Port Hudson. Engaged signalizing (by means of army signals) from masthead to lower fleet.
April 22d. Commences with cool, pleasant weather. Crew employed painting ship, &c. Our color has always been black, but owing to a late order from the Department, at Washington, all vessels composing the Western Gulf Squadron are now to be painted a lead color, which is hardly distinguishable from the water of the Mississippi.
April 21st. Very rainy weather. Everything dark and cloudy overhead, and the faces of the ship’s company bearing anything but a smile upon them. A heavy pressure seems to be weighing down their hearts—something more than common must be the cause of this depression of spirits. A sailor does not have the blues often, and when he does, something extraordinary is the cause of it. Jack is full of fight, and when he cannot fight his enemy, he will get in a quarrel with his own friends and shipmates. Secesh will not give Jack a chance to show his powers of endurance, and he is sick at heart, and says he wants to go home.
