Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford – From the Personal Journal of Wm. C. Holton.

April 4th. The day has been spent in making arrangements to repel any attack that might be advanced by the enemy at night, by way of putting up boarding nettings, &c. It is rumored that the enemy intends boarding our ship with a large force; if such an attempt should be made, they will find that they have something more than the Harriet Lane to deal with. If the attempt is made, it is my humble opinion that it will only be the means of increasing our present fleet to a somewhat larger number than what it is at present. This afternoon, the Albatross steamed up the river a few miles, reconnoitering; after being absent three or four hours, returned with the cheering intelligence that fresh beef was the order of the day. We were provided with an allowance of fresh pork, beef, chickens, &c., which was very acceptable to all hands. Nothing further has occurred worthy of note. The day has been very warm.