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

"Pittsburgh" off Osceola. Arrived opposite Fort Pillow
about 1 P.M. Passed the remains of Randolph about 2 1/2
P.M. Nothing to be seen. Every house looked deserted.
Turned in at 9 P.M. Arrived off Memphis about 10 P.M. and
made fast to a coal boat.
Oct. 22, Wednesday. Was turned out about 4 1/2 A.M. Had
breakfast and then coal[ed] ship. Found the St. Louis
doing guard duty. After coaling, dropped down and made
fast to her stern. We having no doctor, hers paid us a
visit. Left for Helena about 10 1/2 A.M. Saw the wreck of
the Beauregard and Jeff Thompson. Came to anchor about 7
1/2 P.M. a few miles above Helena.
Oct. 23, Thursday. Was turned out at 5 A.M. The anchor
was hove up and we went to breakfast. Shortly after, came
in
full view of the town and anchored, as we were not sure of
the channel. The pilot's [horn?] sounded and [he] came on
board again. Got under weigh once more and dropped down
amongst the fleet. Came to an anchor abreast of the city.
Here we found Benton, Bragg, Mound City, Louisville, and
Cairo. The captains of the different boats came on board
of this boat and visited our captain. Commenced keeping
quartermaster's watch.
Oct. 24, Friday. Day warm and plesant. The qunboat Cairo
went upriver today as convoy to the steamer Judge Torrence.
A mail arrived today but no mail for me. Wrote to my
wife.
[4] Oct. 25, Saturday. Turned out at 4 A.M. to keep watch and
found it blowing very hard from the norwest, which made me
feel very cold. As the day grew, so did the wind and cold,
until it reached a climax in the shape of a light fall of
snow. Very cold all day.
Oct. 26, Sunday. Did not turn out until 6 A.M. Went on
deck and found that the gale had abated a little and the
cold likewise. Had divine service and muster at 9 1/2 A.M.
Through the day the sun came out quite strong and warm.
Another mail and none for me.
Oct. 27, Monday. Warm and clear. Nothing going on.
Oct. 28, Tuesday. About 3 P.M. a steamer was described
coming up the river. In short time she could be distinctly
seen, carrying a flag of truce at her fore and a rebel flag
aft. As she showed no disposition of coming to a halt, our
captain thoght that he would send her a remainder and,
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