March 30th. To-day we have been taking in provisions that were sent down to us from the upper fleet; it was sent to us in the same manner that our coal was a few days ago—a large lighter filled, and then sent drifting down with the current at night. The gunboat Albatross, which is kept in readiness at all times, was notified to keep a bright lookout ahead, and when an object which answered to the appearance of a scow or lighter made its appearance, it was to steam up alongside and make fast and tow it in; in this way we receive our provisions; attempt was made by the enemy to destroy the barge while passing their batteries, but it was no go. The day has been very pleasant and clear, although quite chilly.
Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford–Wm. C. Holton
March 29th. Last evening at eight o’clock a severe storm set in, the wind blew very heavy; it rained, thundered and lightened exceeding anything I have ever seen before; at eleven o’clock we were obliged to let go our port anchor, as it was discovered that the ship was dragging. Half of the ship’s company were kept stationed at their guns, to be ready in case of any emergency, while the balance of the men were below sleeping in their hammocks; the night was dreadful. At one A. M. an object was seen moving down the river; it was reported by the lookout forward; the rattle was immediately sprung, calling all hands to quarters; those who were below in their hammocks were suddenly aroused from their slumbers, “and such a getting up stairs you never did see.” The object drifted down with the current until opposite our ship, and here it fetched up on the left bank of the river, which is, of course, the secesh side. Great excitement prevailed–the night being so very dark and stormy, it was feared that it might be one of the enemy’s boats stealing its way down to make an attack upon us. It is a mistaken idea of theirs, if they think they will catch us napping; however, this mysterious object, after the elapse of half an hour or so, was made out to be a steamer of some kind. We did not fire, although every gun was primed and ready, and every lock-string held taut, only waiting for the word of command to fire, but it was not deemed necessary, and one watch was sent below to turn in, while the other watch remained on deck at their guns, keeping a bright lookout for the enemy. At three o’clock the storm cleared up, the wind was still blowing very heavily, however; at daylight, this morning, the weather was quite clear, although very chilly. By this time we were informed that the mysterious object which caused so much excitement last night, was no less than the steamer Vicksburg, which had been tied up to the wharf, under the batteries of Vicksburg, for a long time. It is quite evident that she broke loose from her moorings in consequence of the heavy storm which prevailed. This afternoon, two of our boats’ crews were dispatched to board her; they returned, stating that she was a mere hulk, no machinery in her whatever; each of the men brought off something as a trophy, such as blankets, old boots, and a few old pictures, also half a dozen good muskets.
March 28th. This morning at four o’clock all hands were called; five A. M., got ship under way; five-thirty A. M., opened fire upon the batteries at Warrenton again; the enemy fired very few shots. Our loss is two very slightly wounded; the vessel sustained no injury except being hulled once, and the chain cable attached to lower yard arms cut in one place. Weather very fine; lay all day at anchor below Warrenton.
March 27th. We are still lying at our anchorage above Warrenton; everything quiet.
March 26th. To-day the men have been at work forming barricades on the poop deck and forecastle with hammocks and old sails; it will prove to be quite a protection to the men who are exposed at these points, as Minie balls are dealt out to us in a profuse manner generally.
We were honored to-day with a visit from Major-General Grant and staff. A consultation of war was held on board by them and our Admiral.
March 26th. At ten A. M., beat to quarters, and loaded port battery with 10-sec. shell. At eleven fifteen hove up port anchor, beat to general quarters, and steamed down past Warrenton, firing our port battery into the enemy’s casemates, but received no return. Came to anchor below Warrenton. Weather still stormy.
March 25th. This morning, at five thirty, heard heavy firing up the river in the direction of Vicksburg, which continued until six A. M., at which time we got under way and steamed up the river, beat to quarters, and shelled the rebel earthworks at Warrenton. The rebels returned our fire with rifled field pieces and musketry. At seven fifteen A. M., passed the batteries and discovered ahead the U. S. ram Switzerland and Lancaster, both having just passed the batteries at Vicksburg. The former vessel received a shot through one of her boilers, and the latter sunk from injuries received in the action. Three of the Switzerland’s men were very badly scalded; the crew of the Lancaster were all saved. At seven thirty A. M. brought ship to anchor above Warrenton. This afternoon Mr. Gabaudan, the Admiral’s Secretary, returned.
March 24th. Everything continues quiet. This afternoon it cleared up, and the sun made its appearance once more, which made things in general assume a more lively appearance. Tonight we are expecting one or two boats down from the upper fleet. I think that if they succeed in passing by the batteries at Vicksburg they will be very fortunate, as it is almost a matter of impossibility for a vessel to pass their casemates without being sunk, or at least very materially damaged; however, it is very probable that an attempt will be made, as it is highly necessary that we should have some assistance with us, in order to succeed in our object here. Our men have been engaged to-day erecting a barricade of sails on port side of poop deck; also building a breastwork of hammocks around the wheel.
March 22d. At ten A. M., the Albatross got under way and dropped down the river a short distance, and shelled the batteries at Warrenton, receiving in return a brisk fire from musketry and field pieces; after engaging the batteries a short time, came up and anchored ahead of us. Last night a very large coal lighter was floated down to us from the fleet above Vicksburg, the enemy not discovering it until it had got some distance below their batteries, at which time they fired a few shots at it, but doing it no damage. We are not altogether out of coal, but as it is believed that we are in rather a tight fix, it has been deemed necessary to take in a good supply of this precious article. To-day the ship’s company have been engaged coaling ship from lighter. The Albatross is also taking in coal from the same lighter.
March 21st. At nine A. M., got under way, went to quarters, and steamed up the river a short distance, but owing to the dense fog returned back to our anchorage. To-day we buried one of our men, Robert King, Quartermaster, who had been lying ill for some days. From our anchorage we could see a range of high cliffs, and a small village known as Warrenton. Thinking that there might be batteries erected there, it was decided upon to go up and introduce ourselves by way of informing Mr. Secesh that we are still on the lookout for them. At five P. M., got under way again in company of the Albatross. Steamed up, and when in good range opened fire; continued on up until we had passed by the cliffs, where we expected to find guns mounted, but there were none to be found or at least no response was made to our firing. At six thirty, P. M., came to anchor about three miles above Warrenton. We are now lying about six or seven miles below Vicksburg, and can see the city quite distinctly. This has been quite an adventurous week to us.
