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

Nov. 7, Friday. Mr. Gilmore returned this morning after
his long leave of absence. Drew from paymaster one pound
of tobacco.
[6] Nov. 8, Saturday. The transport "B" arrived from Cairo
this morning bringing a week's mail, I receiving a letter
from my wife and four papers from T. Gillespie. Answered
my wife's letter. The steamer "Maria Denning" arrived from
Cairo en route for Vicksburg with several hundred rebel
prisoners to be exchanged. A long letter from the admiral
was read on the quarterdeck this afternoon. If he keeps
the promises which he therein makes, he will be doing
splendid indeed, but such documents are "wery much doubted,
wery."
Nov. 9, Sunday. Divine service and muster. After muster,
took the captain ashore in the gig, and I strolled around
until noon. Mound City and Denning went to Vicksburg.
Nov. 12, Wednesday. The transport "De Soto" arrived this
afternoon with the mail, I receiving a letter and a paper
from my wife.
Nov. 15, Saturday. Went ashore with the captain this
afternoon. Whilst on shore, saw several thousand men
embark on board the transports for White River. Heard also
that we were going as a convoy to them. Steam was made,
but it being dark, we did not leave.
Nov. 16, Sunday. All hands were called at 5 A.M. Got
breakfast and hove up anchor. Dropped down a little way
and waited for the transports. Whilst waiting, had a
service and muster. Got all ready and started again,
rather slowly, as the river is very low. Came to off
Fryer's Point until soundings were taken, when we resumed
our way. Came to anchor at 4 P.M. until the transports
came up with us.
[7] Started again and did not stop until we ran aground on a
sand bar about 8 P.M. It was very dark and rainy.
Nov. 17, Monday. Turned out at 12 A.M. to go on watch.
got thoroughly soaked. Turned in at 2 1/2 A.M. Out again
at 5 A.M. About 7 1/2 A.M., the "Ohio Belle" got us off,
but we grounded again and remained until 10 1/2 A.M. when
we were got off by the boats "Gladiator" and "Meteor."
Came to anchor off the mouth of White River at 4 1/2 P.M.
About 6 P.M. we hove up anchor again ans shifted to another
part of the river. About an hour after, our cable parted
and we lost the anchor and thirteen fathoms of cable. Went
away in the boat about 7 1/2 P.M. and was gone until 11 1/2
P.M.
83