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

into the fort and the clouds of dirt it threw up was truly
enormous. I understand that they were rebuilding with
sandbags the beaches when it struck and that it scattered men
and sandbags in all directions. The commodore now signalled
to us to stop firing, which was done. We then sat watching
the shells from the mortars dropping all round them. We did
not fire anymore all day. Turned in early and felt cold and
chilly, as if I was going to have the ague.
Wednesday, Mar. 19th. My watch from 4 til 6 A.M. Turned out
sick and miserable as the ague was on me full force. Got
breakfast for the mess. Had then to lay down, as I was not
able to get around. Chills and fever in alternate fits all
day. Felt truly miserable indeed. Turned in as soon as I
[86] could, thinking perhaps that I might feel better in bed, but
it was all the same. Expected to spend a poor night.
Thursday, Mar. 20th. Turned out at four bells, a little
better. Thought I would run clear today, but before
breakfast was as bad as ever. Went to the doctor, who gave
me twelve pills, which done me a great deal of good. My
messmate Durkin gave me his grog thickened with pepper, which
warmed me up thoroughly. Felt better all the afternoon.
Received two Sunday Mercurys from home but no letter. Did
not turn out on watch, our gun having the first watch. Felt
very miserable indeed.
Friday, Mar. 21st. Felt first rate this morning. Resumed my
duties in the mess. Not much firing from us today, the Rebs
returning no answer whatever. It is said that when the land
forces arrive that we will try conclusions with them. All
right now. Hope I will remain in that condition.
Saturday, Mar. 22nd. The effects of the ague all gone. We
have been down here a week now and no further a head on the
capture of this place than when we came down. The Rebs fired
across the land at us today, but they did not happen to fetch
us. We moved a little higher up the stream and made fast to
some trees along the bank.
Sunday, March 23rd. After breakfast, whilst kneeling by the
mess chest, heard some [thing] come crashing into our deck.
Thought it was a shell but found it was a tree which fell on
us. After awhile another crash and shock far more severe
than the former. Thought this time that some of the boilers
burst for sure. Everything was darkened and bits of wood and
glass flying about in all directions. The boat quivered and
shook in every point at this shock. I felt a very severe
pain take me in the small of the back and the ague came back
in full force. It is the first time that I knew that a shock
would
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