THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865

sheets of iron and then coiled hawsers on top of them. In
the afternoon we took a coal barge alongside and thirtyfive
bales of hay, which were spread over the tender parts
of the boats and saturated with water. About 5 1/2 P.M.
the "Benton" left her moorings and dropped down into the
Miss. At 6 1/2 P.M. the Price
[45] came alonside of us and made fast. At 7 P.M. we cast off
our moorings and dropped down stern first to the mouth of
the Yazoo and came to an anchor until it was time to start.
It is a splendid night, it being intensely dark. About 9
P.M. it got reported round that we would not start tonight,
after all our preparation. Turned in at 9 1/2 P.M.
April 15, Wednesday. Was aroused at 4 A.M. by the cry of
"all hands." Turned out. Went on deck and found that we
had not moved during the night, transports not being ready
to accompany us. About 6 A.M. the Price was ordered to
cast off from us (in consequence of dragging our anchor).
She did and we came to astern of the "Tuscambia." In the
afternoon we lifted our anchor and went in alongside of the
shore. Turned in at 8 P.M., as we were to get under weigh
at 12 A.M.
April 16, Thursday. Did not get asleep last night until
about 11 P.M. Was roused at 12 A.M. by the cry of "all
hands." Went on deck and found it clear and starry. All
the boats had steamed up. About 12 1/2 A.M. the "Price"
came alongside and made fast to us. Soon after a tug came
alongside and told us to look out for three bright lights
from the "Benton." Then we were to get under weigh and
follow her lead. The time for starting arrived (1 A.M.)
and no signal yet. About 1.45 A.M. a tug came and told us
that we were not going down tonight as the army transports
(which were to accompany us) were not ready. Several
remarks were
[46] made, not at all complimentary to Gen'l Sherman. The watch
was set and the remainder was piped down. Through the day
all the transports which were to accompany us came to
anchor in the Yazoo so that there might be no delay in
getting off this time. About noon the "Lexington" and
"Pole Star" arrived down from Cairo. The latter brought
the mail but I received nothing. I however wrote to my
wife telling of what I expected to take place tonight.
About 5 1/2 P.M., took the captain on board the flagship.
Returned at 8 P.M. Whilst away, had quarters on board this
boat when Eugene Daly's sentence was read off. He was
sentenced to four years' hard labor in the Penetentiary,
approved by D.D. Porter. Went on watch at 8 P.M Kept a
good lookout for the signals from the Benton to get under
weigh. About 9 1/4, two lights were hoisted on the
"Benton." We immediatly got under [weigh]. It did not
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