Friends of Fort DeRussy, Inc.

The Official Site of Fort DeRussy, Louisiana

Home

News

Upcoming Events

Fort DeRussy Facts

Newsletters

Pictures

Donations & Membership

Links

Contact Us



USS Avenger

(ram)


 The excerpts below were transcribed by untrained inmates from the Avoyelles Correctional Center, a branch of the Louisiana Department of Corrections. They have not yet been proofed. There are transcription errors. Researchers should be aware . . .



Excerpts from deck log of USS Avenger, March 28-May 21, 1864

 

Mouth Red River, La.                               Monday, March 28th, 1864_____________

A.M.

12 to 4 – Moderate wind from S.E. & cloudy: threatening rain. 2.30 Str. “Constitution” passed up.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – A.V.Lt. ? & A. Chief Engineer Bickerstaff came on board at 4.45 to examine boilers. 7.30 Heavy rain.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 8 o’clock U.S. Gunboat “Signal” came along side to tow us up to anchorage. 9 o’clock, came to anchor in 7 fathoms water, veered out 35 fathom chain. Light breeze from S.E. accompanied by rain.

John Gregg

Act Ensign



P.M.

12 to 4 – 1.15 1st Class Pilot John B. Montgomery left the vessel to go up Red river on U.S.S. “Signal.” 1.45 she got under way & proceeded up Red river, Naval tow boat “Ike Hammitt” came down with tow of coal, weather hazy-fresh S.W.Wind.

Ed Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Francis Sweeny 1st C.Boy, confined in double irons on bread & water for impudence to Purser’s ?. Light breeze from S.E. weather hazy.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Wind S.E. Sky o’er cast. 6.15 Str. Passed up.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Wind S.E. – clear weather. Boiler makers at work. – stopped at midnight, Str. Passed up.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.


Mouth Red River, La.                               Tuesday, March 29th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Weather clear and pleasant. Strong S.W. wind.

John Gregg,

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – 7 o’clock boiler makers came on board. 7.45 “General Bragg” weighed anchor and went in to the bank to coal, Clear with heavy wind from S.W.

Ed. W. Perry

Act.M.M.



8 to 12 – Marine Brigade strs, “Autocrat” & “Diane” passed up, also str. “Baltic.” 10 o’clock, Sent eight men to pump out coal barges, in charge of A.M.M. Perry. Clear weather – blowing a gale from S.W.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Clear weather blowing a gale from the S.W.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Steamer “Q.D.M” came down Red river, 5.45 mustered crew at quarters. Heavy wind from S.W. clear weather.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Str. Luminary came out Red river and proceed down river, Wind abated, Light from S.W. & clear.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – 11.30 dragged anchor – payed out more chain. Clear & pleasant with – light breeze from N.E.

Ed W. Perry

Act. M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mouth Red River, La.                             Wednesday, March 30th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from N.E.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Clear & pleasant. Light breeze from N.E. – 7.30 Str. “New Orleans” passed down.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Clear & warm, with light breeze from N.E. 10.35 Rebels reported near by. Went to quarters and expended three 100-pdr. 5” shell & three 10 lb. charges. Str. “John J. Roe” passed up. Str. “Meteor” went up Red river & Boiler makers at work.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Str. “L.M.Kennett” passed down and “Shenango” passed up. Clear and warm with light S.W. wind. Boiler makers at work.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Light breeze from S.W. Clear & warm. Str. “Atlantic” passed up. 5.45 mustered crew at quarters.

Ed W. Perry

Act. M.M.


6 to 8 – Boiler makers at work repairing boilers. Light breeze from S.E. Warm and pleasant. 6.05 Mustered crew at Quarters.

John. W. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light breeze from S.E. Sky o’ercast. Steamer came out of Red river and went along side of “General Bragg.” 11 o’clock sent boiler makers over to “Sampson.”

H. Walters

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mouth Red River, La.                               Thursday, March 31st, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – 1.15 Str. “Polar Star” came down and anchored off our Starboard bow. Light wind from S.W. Weather o’er cast.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – 6 o’clock Str. “Polar Star” weighed anchor and proceeded down the river. Weather cloudy and warm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


8 to 12 – 11 o’clock sent A.M.Mate Walters with eleven men to pump coal barges. Warm and pleasant with fresh breeze from S.E.

Ed. W. Perry,

Act. M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 Warm and cloudy. Rained during close of watch. 1.45 U.S.S. “Signal” came out of Red river and went into coal barges.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Raining with fresh wind from S.E. 5.35 working party returned from coal barges.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 - Sowry with fresh breeze from S.E. Str. “Time & Tide” passed up. 6.15 mustered at evening quarters.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Heavy wind from S.W. with clear weather. Two steamers passed down.

John Gregg

Act Ensign

Appd,

Chas A. Wright

A.V. Comdg.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mouth Red River, La.                                   Friday, April 1st, 1864_____________

A.M.



12 to 4 – Fresh breeze from the Wrd and cool. 3.10 Str. went along side “General Bragg,” 3.40 Str. “Ike Davis” passed up.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 8 – Fresh breeze from S.W. clear & cool. 7.40 sent working party in charge of A.M.Mate E.W. Perry to assist in coaling U.S.S. “Sampson.”

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Weather fine. Light breeze from Ewd Boiler makers at work.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Light wind from S.W. Clear & pleasant.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – 5.30 Str. “Atlantic” arrived from below. Light S.E. wind: clear and pleasant.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – 6 o’clock mustered crew at evening quarters. 6.15 Str. “Hope” passed down. 7.15 Str. “Sampson” made fast along side to tow us up Red river. Light breeze from the N.E. and pleasant.

Ed W Perry

Act. M.M.


8 to 12 – Wind Light from S.E. clear & pleasant. Str. “Empress” passed up.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mouth Red River, La.                               Saturday, April 2d, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Weather hazy. Str. “Sampson” & barge along side. Light breeze from Srd & dense fog toward end of watch.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Engaged getting tow lines made fast to Str. “Sampson.” Wind S.E. clear & cool.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 10 o’clock weighed anchor and headed up Red river: towed by Str. “Sampson.” Boiler makers at work, calm, clear and pleasant.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Going up Red river. Clear, calm & pleasant.

Ed. W Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 6 – Came on watch 5 miles below mouth of Black river, 5 o’clock came to anchor in mouth of Black river in eight fathoms water veered to 45? of chain. Wind light from the S.E. warm & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Mouth of Black river. Clear with light S.E. wind.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Sky slightly o’er cast. Light breeze from S.E. warm and pleasant. A.A. Surgeon A. Moses; Actg. Ensigns John Gregg, James Neely & John Moloney: A.M.Mates Edward W. Perry & John D. Moore & Actg. Carpenter Boy; H. Brink received appointments from their Dept.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mouth Black river, La.                                   Sunday, April 3d, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – Light East wind – clear & pleasant.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


8 to 12 – 9 o’clock Inspection at quarters. 10 o’clk. General Muster and read Articles of war & Internal Rules. Francis Sweeney 1st C.B. released from confinement. Mild weather & cloudy. Light wind from S.E. Shipped Green McKee, 1st C.B. for the war.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Wind from S.E. with rain.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Wind from S.E. with rain. 4.30 Str. Shreveport” bound up Red river.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Wind moderate from S.W. and cloudy. Evening quarters.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Light breeze from S.W. and cloudy.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.




Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mouth Black river, La.                               Monday, April 4th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Light breeze from S.W. and clear. 3.30 Str. “Mittie Stephens” passed up Red river.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Wind light from S.W. and clear.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light breeze from the S.W. and clear. Boiler makers at work.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Str. “Sallie Robinson” passed up Red river. Light breeze from the Wwd clear & pleasant.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Clear, calm and pleasant. 4.45 sent workmen to the “Sampson.” At 6 o’clk. quarters.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


6 to 8 – Clear and pleasant weather. Light wind from N.W.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Clear and calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mouth Black river, La.                                   Tuesday, April 5th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear and calm.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Clear & calm with light fogs at intervals.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Sent boat after a flat boat. Officer from “LaFayette” took charge of it. 9.30 Str. “Bayou” with armed force from “LaFayette” passed up Red river. 11.45 Sent boiler makers to “Sampson.” Clear and warm.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 Light breeze from S.E. Clear and warm.

John M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Weather clear & calm. 5 o’clk. Str. “Mittie Stephens” passed down Red river. 5.20 Gunboat “Kenwood” & 5.40 str “Signal” arrived from below.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Weather clear & calm. Evening quarters.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign

Appd.

Chas. A. Wright

A.V.Lt. Comdg.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mouth Black river, La.                               Wednesday, April 6th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear & calm.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 8 – Cool, clear & calm. 5.30 Steamer passed up Red river.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 8.15 U.S.S. “LaFayette” proceeded up Black river; followed by the “Choctaw,” “Ouichita,” “Kenwood,” tugs “Pansy” & “Bayou.” Wind moderate from S.E. & clear. Boiler makers completed repairs of boilers.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – 12 o’clk started fires under Starboard boilers. 2 o’clk commenced to weigh anchor. 3.10 U.S.S. “Juliet” arrived from below, took coal barges in tow and proceeded up Black river. Clear, calm & warm.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – U.S.S. “Price” and “Q.M.D.” passed down Red river. 4.30 Got underway and made fast to bank. Boat came back with fresh beef. 5.30 “General Lyon”- Naval dispatch Str- arrived. W. Buck (O.Sea.) and John Williams, boatswain’s mate returned.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


6 to 8 – Str. “Benefit” arrived with stores. Cloudy & warm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign



8 to 12 – Light wind from N.E. & cloudy.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mouth Black river, La.                                   Thursday, April 7th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Weather hazy & calm. Str. came up Red river at 12.15 and made fast to “Signal.”

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – 4.30 Str. Left bound up Red river. 4.30 Str. “Benefit” came along side and put off stores for U.S. Strs. “LaFayette,” “Choctaw,” “Ouichita” and “Kenwood.” 6.55 cast off lines & proceeded up Black river. Wind S.E. Cloudy & raining.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Cloudy weather with light rain, and calm. 9 o’clock Mustered at quarters and Divisional exercise. 9.15 joint blew out underneath mud drain. Made fast to bank and cast off at 11.35; running with one set boilers.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – dark and hazy. Heavy rain throughout the watch.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 6 – Came on watch 12 miles below Trinity. Wind from S.E. and heavy rain. Lost one Lantern.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Light S.E. breeze and raining. 6.20 came to anchor off Trinity in eight fathoms water, veered to 30 ? chain. Evening quarters.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Off Trinity. Very dark with heavy rain.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Washita river, La.                               Friday, April 8th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Weather cloudy and calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – Off Trinity. 5.15 commenced weighing anchor. 6.15 Got underway & proceeded up the river. Light clouds and calm.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch 8 miles above Trinity. 8.15 Sent boat on shore for Contraband. Shipped Burnel Garrett as 1st C.Boy, for the war. 9 o’clk. Mustered at quarters and Divisional exercise. Expended one percussion shell, 1 do shot and two compressed charges for 12-pdr. Howitzer. Light breeze from N.E. Clear & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch 15 miles above Harrisonburg. Calm, clear and pleasant.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Bound up the Washita river. Calm, clear & pleasant.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 6 o’clock Evening quarters, Calm, clear and pleasant. Proceeding up the Washita river.

John Gregg


8 to 12 – 11.30 arrived in sight of fleet. Sent mails onboard the “LaFayette,” “Choctaw, Ouichita & Kenwood. Made fast to the bank. Calm, clear and pleasant.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Washita river, La.                                   Saturday, April 9th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear & cool. Wind light and iregular from N.W. 12.25 sent mail to U.S.S. “Ouichita.”

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Clear weather – light breeze from Nrd. 5.15 cast off and followed fleet up the river. U.S.S. Kenwood departed down the river. 6.00 arrived at Dr. Simmon’s plantation. U.S.Strs. “Ouichita” & “Juliet” commenced taking cotton on board, marked “U.S.A.”

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Lying at Dr. Simmon’s plantation. Wind light from N.E. and cloudy. 9 o’clk, U.S.S. “LaFayette,” “Choctaw,” “Juliet” & Tug “Pansy” started up the river. 9.20 cast off and followed them, after having discharged stores to them.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Steaming up Washita river. Weather cloudy & cool. 2.15 Took a contraband onboard.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Clear & cool with fresh wind from N.W.

Ed. W. Perry,

Act. M.M.


6 to 8 – Came on watch below Monroe. Evening quarters. 6.10 arrived at Monroe and ordered down to guard a pile of cotton, ½ mile below. 7 o’clk came to anchor in 4 fathoms water veered to 20 ? chain. Actg. Ensign John Moloney sent on shore in charge of guard. Light breeze from N.W. & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing, A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 9.45 Tug came along side with orders. Weather clear & calm.

H Walters

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Washita river, La.                               Sunday, April 10th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Anchored off Monroe, La. 2 o’clock A.M.M. Keller relieved guard officer on shore. Clear, calm & cool.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Weighed anchor at 5.20 and started up the river – Lt. Comdr F.M. Ramsey on board: Mr. Walker, Washita Pilot, also, 5.30 passed U.S.Strs. “LaFayette,” “Choctaw,” Ouichita & “Juliet” at anchor off Monroe. Weather slightly foggy until 6.30, then cleared off clear and pleasant.

John Gregg


8 to 12 – 10 o’clk, Inspected crew at quarters. 10.50 made fast at Augustus Swan’s plantation and commenced taking on board cotton, marked “U.S.A.” Clear & pleasant.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Crew engaged taking on board “U.S.A.” cotton. Light breeze from N.E. Clear & warm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – All hands engaged loading cotton. Weather calm & pleasant.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 7.15 Finished taking on board cotton: Total received on board 247 bales. 7.40 cast off and proceeded up the river. 7.45 met U.S.S. “Juliet,” turned around and steamed down the river. Clear, calm and warm. Re’cd 20 contrabands on board.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch 27 miles above Monroe. 11.30 arrived at Monroe and anchored astern of the other vessels in five fathoms water, veered to 20 ? chain, Clear & pleasant.

John Gregg

Act. E.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Washita river, La.                                   Monday, April 11th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear, cool & calm. 4 o’clock U.S.S. “Kenwood” passed up with barge.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 8 – At anchor off Monroe, La. 5.30 sent boat on shore & brought on board six contrabands. Calm, clear & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Anchored off Monroe, La. 9.30 Men mustered on boiler deck and Charles Parsons (sea) put in double irons on bread and water for mutinous language. W.H. Grogg (sea) confined in double irons on bread and water for neglect of duty. Heavy wind from the Wrd. We shipped the following contrabands as 1st Class Boys for the war: Oliver Jackson; Moses Culpepper; Willis Bell; Henry Wilkinson; Thos. Dredson; Stephen Cast; Thos. Garrett, Edmond Wilkinson; Lewis Starr; John Jackson; Eklinan Jackson; Edwd Johnson; David King & Albert Bell.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – At anchor off Monroe, La. Heavy wind from the West. Clear and warm.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Light wind from the Wrd. clear & pleasant.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


6 to 8 – Clear, calm & warm. Mrs. Brinker & child came on board for passage out of rain. Evening quarters.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


8 to 12 – At anchor off Monroe, La. Cloudy & warm. Wind light from S.W. 9.45 U.S. Gunboat Kenwood came down from Washita City, with a barge load of cotton.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Washita river, La.                               Tuesday, April 12th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – At anchor off Monroe, La. Weather o’er cast & calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – At anchor of Monroe. At 6.15 a party from U.S.S. “LaFayette” set fire to rail-road bridge, Depot, five locomotives, 38 cars, court house & jail. Sky o’ercast, calm & warm.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – At anchor off Monroe. Str. “Ruby” came down the river at 9 o’clk. 9.40 weighed anchor and went in to shore. “LaFayette made signal 1068 & 8251. At 11 o’clock fleet rounded to and proceeded down the river. Took on board 1000 feet Cyprus lumber and ? Handicap rebel deserters. Clear & calm. Re’cd a number of contrabands on board.

John Gregg

act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Clear, calm and warm. Contraband came on board.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 6 – 5 o’clock came to & made fast to bank to wait advance of “LaFayette.” 5.25 cast off & stood down river. Light breeze from S.W. Clear & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Steaming down the river. Light wind from S.E. Clear & pleasant. 7.30 rounded to and made fast to bank above the “LaFayette.”

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch below Dr. Simmon’s plantation. 8.15 dropped down the river to coal barge & commenced discharging cotton. 42 contrabands from U.S.S. Washita in charge of officer assisting. Clear & pleasant.

J. Keller

A.M.M.

Appd.

Chas. A. Wright

A.V. Lt. Comdg.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Washita river, La.                                Wednesday, April 13th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Laying alongside coal barge discharging cotton. 12.30 Finished discharging cotton. Cool, clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – 5 o’clock “LaFayette” whistled to get under way. 5.30 Expidition departed down the river. 5.40 Made fast to barge of cotton and proceeded down the river. Calm, clear & cool.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


8 to 12 – Light wind from S.E. Clear & pleasant. 9 o’clk, came to and made fast to bank. 9.20 cast off and proceeded down to “LaFayette,” 10.30 Returned 2 miles up the river and commenced rolling cotton on board from Mr. William’s plantation.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Laying at Mr. Williams plantation taking on cotton. 3.50 cast off & stood down the river: having received on board 144 bales:

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Came on watch in O’Possum Bend. 6 o’clk Evening quarters. Str. “Ruby” and tug “Pansy” landed a party from “LaFayette” at Columbus. Light S. Wind. O’ercast and pleasant.

J. Keller

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 7.30 Came to and made fast to bank above “LaFayette.” Weather cloudy & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Calm, cloudy & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Washita river, La.                               Thursday, April 14th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Laying to at the bank. Light wind from S.E. & cloudy.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – 5.30 Fleet got under way and proceeded down the river. 7.40 Came to and made fast to bank. Killed three small beeves. Light breeze from N.E. Sky o’ercast.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch at William’s plantation. 8.45 Landed at J.B. Bambrick’s plantation and took on board 8 bales cotton marked “T.W.”

John Molony

Actg Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch below mouth of Bath river. 1 o’clk. made fast to the bank opposite Harrisonburg. Six refugees came on board. “Bayou” discharged three bales cotton onboard this vessel: no marks. 3.45 arrived at Trinity and made fast to bank opposite.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 6 – Hazy weather – light breeze from Wrd. Evening Quarters.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Fresh breeze from S.W. & cloudy.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Weather o’ercast & calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Black river, La.                                            Friday, April 15th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Light S.W. wind with rain.

 John Molony

Actg Ensign


4 to 8 – 4 o’clock “LaFayette” whistled for fleet to get underway. 4.40 cast off lines and stood down the river. 5.20 made fast to bank a short time. Light breeze from S.W. & cloudy.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Fresh breeze from S.W. cool & cloudy. Wm H. Grogg, Sea, released from confinement. 9 o’clk: exercised at great guns.

Ed. W. Perry,

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Entered Red river at 12.40. Passed strs “Champion No5” & “New Champion” with barge of coal in tow: also “Katy Dale” and “Q.M.D.,”- 3.15 entered Old river. Fresh S.W. wind – cool & cloudy.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Proceeding down Old river. 5 o’clk. anchored above U.S.Str. “Choctaw” in the Mississippi river in 9 fathom water, veered to 85 fathom chain. Str. “Silver Lake No2” came out of Red river, wind S.W. weather o’ercast.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 6.15 U.S.S. “Juliet” came along side cotton barge & commenced discharging. Clear & cool.


8 to 12 – Weighed anchor at 8.30, put contrabands on shore and at 10.45 stood up the river. U.S.S. “Gen. Lyon” arrived from Memphis at 8.30. Clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign

Appd.

Chas. A. Wright

A.V.Lt. Comdg.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mississippi river                                       Saturday, April 16th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Came in watch at Port Adams:- U.S.Str “Champion” at anchor. Coal N.W. breeze & clear.

Ed W Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Came on watch at head of Glascock Island. Light wind from N.W. cool, clear & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light N.W. breeze & clear. 8.15 made fast to barge coal at Natchez and commenced coaling ship – 9.35 Str. “Silver Lake” came up the river.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – At Natchez. Finished coaling at 3.45. Cast off and stood up the river. Rec’d on board 1580 bushels coal. Clear calm & warm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Came on watch above Natchez. 4.10 Passed Str. Ida May lying at the bank. Clear & calm weather. Evening quarters.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


6 to 8 – Came on watch 12 miles above Natchez. Clear, calm & cool.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch at head of Cole’s creek Island. 8.40 arrived at WaterProof and made fast to U.S.S. “Forest Rose.” 9.15 cast off and stood up the river. Light N.E. wind: clear & cool,

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mississippi river,                                            Sunday, April 17th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch off Bruinsburg. Moderate breeze from N.E. & clear. 1 A.M. Str. “Joseph Pearce” came along side. Put Mrs. Brinken & child on board. 2 o’clock passed U.S.S. “Curlew” at anchor off Grand Gulf.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Came on watch at foot of Palmyra Island. 5.30 Passed U.S.S. “Rattler” & Str. “Groesbeck” lying at anchor off head of Palmyra Island. Clear & calm.

John Molony

Actg Ensign


8 to 12 – Came on watch off Warrenton. Found Str. “Ike Davis” below Vicksburg. 9.15 Inspected crew at quarters. 9.30 spoke Str. “Silver Lake No2” crossed over to its Vicksburg wharf. Got Brig. Gen’l Corse and stood up river. Light wind from N.E. Clear & warm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch above mouth of Yazoo river. U.S.Hospital Str. “Red Rover” came along side & delivered mail. Fresh S.W. wind. Clear & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 6 – Came on watch at Island 100. Light S.W. wind: clear & warm. Evening Quarters.

John. M. Ewing A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Came on watch at Bargrove’s Ldg. Wind fresh from S.E. and raining. 6.20 Passed Ordnance Str. “Great Western” lying off Goodrich’s Ldg.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch at Touloula Ldg. 9.30 “New National” came along side and delivered mail – 10.40 Passed Lake Providence. 11.45 Passed Skipwith’s Ldg. Wind S.E. with heavy rain.

John Molony

Act Ensign


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mississippi river                                       Monday, April 18th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch at the foot of Scrubsman Bend. Met two steamers. Light breeze from N.W. Clear & cool.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Came on watch at Island 66. Moderate breeze from N.W. & clear. 4.45 Passed Str. “Empress” b’d. down. 7.50 passed Isl’d 63.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch off Greenville. 9 o’clock Inspection at quarters & Divisional exercise. Fresh N.E. wind: clear & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – At 12.45 passed U.S.S. “Bower.” Moderate breeze from N.W. clear & pleasant.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Came on watch off mouth of Cyprus Bayou. 4.20 passed Str. Contintental bound down. Peter Green 1st C. Boy, released from confinement. Wind N.E. clear & pleasant. Evening quarters.

John Molony

Actg. Ensign


6 to 8 – Came on watch off head of Bolivar Island. Found U.S.S. “?” off head of Ozark Island. Clear & cool, with light N.E. wind.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Head of Arkansas Cutoff. 9.30 made fast to coal barges at White river and commenced coaling. 10.20 stopped: having rece’d 300 bushels on board. 11.30 cast off lines & stood up river.

Ed. W. Perry A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mississippi river,                                            Tuesday, April 19th, 1864_____________

A.M.



12 to 4 – Came on watch above White river. Moderate breeze from S.E. with rain.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 8 – Came on watch off Worthingston point. Light S.E. wind: clear & mild.

Ed Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Clear & pleasant. 9.30 Inspection at Quarters & Divisional Exercise.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch above Helena, Ark. Strong N.W. wind: clear and pleasant.

John Gregg

act. Ensign


4 to 6 – Came on watch at head of Bardeaux Chute. Light S.W. wind; clear & pleasant. Evening quarters.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Came on watch head of Council Bend. 7.25 Str. Mississippi passed down. Light S.W. breeze: clear & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch at Anklesroad’s plantation. Moderate breeze from N.E. & clear. Passed a number of steamers.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Memphis, Tenn.                                        Wednesday, April 20th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch 5 miles below Memphis. 12.30 arrived at Memphis and made fast along side coal barges. Weather clear, cool & calm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – At Memphis. The Naval Dispatch Str. “General Lyon” came up from below at 5.10. clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – At Memphis: engaged coaling ship. 11.05 U.S.S. “Tyler” arrived from below. 8.10 “General Lyon” departed up the river. Light Easterly winds – clear & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Calm & cloudy, Engaged coaling ship.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – At Memphis. Engaged coaling ship. Weather cloudy & calm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 7.30 Finished coaling. Rec’d on board 1826 bushels. Cloudy & calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Cloudy with light rain. Str. Passed up.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Memphis, Tenn.                                            Thursday, April 21st, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – At Memphis. Two Steamers passed up. cloudy & calm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 8 – 7.40 cast loose from the coal barge & made fast in mouth of  Wolf river. Weather calm & raining.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Lying in mouth of Wolf river. Moderate breeze from N.E. with rain. 9.50 Inspection at quarters. Shipped A.L. Smith (Sea) for one year.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – U.S.S. “Queen City” arrived from below. Cool N.E. wind with rain at intervals.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – At Mouth of Wolf river. Calm & cloudy with occasional showers.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – Light variable winds with showers. Evening quarters.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light S.E. breeze with occasional showers.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Memphis, Tenn.                                        Friday, April 22d, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Light breeze from S.W. and clear.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Light S.W. wind and clear. James Carter (Lds.) & Wm Sesmeister (1.C.B.) put on bread & water for fighting.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – 9.30 General Quarters. Strong wind from S.E. cloudy & warm. Rec’d on board in Master’s Dept. – 1 doz. 8oz tacks – 2 do Hickory Brooms – 2 Coils Hemp. lashing – 50 lbs. Putty – 300 lbs. White Lead – 80 lbs. Blk. Paint mixed – 1 coil 2-in. Manilla – 2 Bbls. Coal oil – 1 do Linseed oil – 2 bolts ? – 144 hammock rings – 12 balls candle wick – 6 Bath Brick – 12, 2 ½ in Padlocks – 3 ? 2in screens, 1 ? Screws & 6 prs. hinges.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – 1.30 U.S.S. “New Eva” came down the river. Fresh breeze from S.E.

Ed W Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Light S.E. wind – cloudy & warm. Rec’d in Paymaster’s Dept. 10 Bbls. Pilot Bread. Evening quarters.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Squally and heavy rain.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Weather cloudy and raining. Two Strs. arrived.

John Molony

Act Ensign


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Memphis, Tenn.                                            Saturday, April 23d , 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – U.S.S. “Tyler” departed down the river at 3.30. Strong S.E. wind cloudy & cool.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 8 – Fresh S.E. Breeze: cloudy & mild.

Ed W Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light breeze from S.E. accompanied with rain. 11 o’clock Inspection at quarters.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Light S.E. wind, raining at intervals. 3.30 Str. “Ike Hammitt” with barges of coal in tow came in contact with other barges broken adrift. Lost one barge astern of us.

H. Walters

A.M.M.



4 to 6 – Cool S.E. wind and raining. U.S.S. “New Eva” passed up.

John Molony

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – Evening quarters. Strong S.W. wind and cloudy.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Cloudy with rain. Strong S.W. wind.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Memphis, Tenn.                                        Sunday, April 24th, 1864_____________

A.M


12 to 4 – Fresh breeze from N.E. cloudy & cold.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Strong S.W. wind. weather o’ercast and cool.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 9.30 Inspection at quarters. Light S.E. wind: weather o’er cast. Jms. Carter (Lds.) & Wm Sesmeister (1st C.B.) bread & water for fighting.

John Molony

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Steamer arrived and departed. Strong Westerly winds, with occasional showers.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Heavy wind from the Wwd. cloudy and cool.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 6 o’clock evening quarters. Fresh wind from S.W. with rain.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light S.W. wind and cloudy weather.

H Walters

A.M.M.


Pages missing from April 25th to May 2nd.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mississippi river                                             Monday, May 2d, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch at Island 67 & 68. Wind S.E. and clear. At 2 o’clock passed gunboats at mouth of White river.

H. Walters

A.M.M.



4 to 8 – Came on watch at Cat-Fish Point.- 5.30 passed gunboat & transport at anchor off Gaines Ldg. Fresh S.E. wind & clear.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Came on watch at Island 84. At 9.30 General quarters – 9.40 passed Marine Brigade Str. Baltic lying at Grand Lake Ldg. At 10.25 Passed “Autocrat, “Diana & “Adams. Met the gun boat Kenwood above Skipwith’s Ldg. Gunboat 38 lying at Skipwiths. Moderate S.E. Breeze. clear & pleasant.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch at Island 95. Easterly winds: clear and cool.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Came on watch at PawPaw Island- 4.15 Passed gunboat No11 at anchor off mouth of Yazoo river- 4.30 signaled 2416 by the U.S.S. “Benton.” Went along side at 4.30 – 5.30 rounded to and proceeded down the river. Fresh S.E. wind – clear & pleasant.

John. M. Ewing A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Came on watch below Vicksburg. Weather clear: light breeze from S.W.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch at Huricane Island. 10 passed gunboat at anchor off Grand Gulf. Fresh S.W. wind: clear & cool.

John Molony

Act Ensign


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mississippi river,                                            Tuesday, May 3d, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch at Cole’s Creek. Met two steamers and a gunboat at Coles Creek. Passed Natchez at 2 o’clock. light S.E. wind; clear & cool.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 8 – Came on watch in Dead Man’s Bend. 5.05 left passenger at U.S.S. “Champion”- 6.20 made fast to coal barges at mouth of Red river. Took barge of coal in tow and started up Red river at 7.45 – Clear, calm & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch at the mouth of Red river. 11.45 Met U.S. Gunboat “Argosy.” Met eight Strs. during the watch. Light S.E. wind: clear & warm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Steaming up Red river – 12.30 arrived at mouth of Black river and made fast to trees. 2 o’clock exercised crew at small arms drill. Weather calm, warm and pleasant.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Weather clear and warm. Light S.E. breeze.

John Molony

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – Evening quarters. 7 o’clock Gunboat “Nymph” arrived with orders for this vessel to proceed to Fort DeRussy- 7.40 cast off lines and stood up Red river. Weather calm, clear and pleasant.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Steaming up Red river, 9 o’clk. met steamers bound down. 11.45 got aground. Clear, calm & mild.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Red river, La.                                             Wednesday, May 4th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – All hands engaged springing vessel off bar – 2.10 Got afloat and anchored off Fort DeRussy in 2 fathoms water veered to 15 ? chain. weather clear & calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – At anchor off Fort DeRussy. Weather clear & calm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Seven men belonging to the captured steamer “City Belle” came on board. – 9.30 General quarters – 11.25 weighed anchor and stood down the river. Light S.E. breeze clear & warm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Steaming down Red river – 2.30 met gunboat “Argosy” – put Actg. Ensign Burns on board with dispatches & mail for the Admiral – 3.30 came to at the mouth of Black river, spoke the Gunboat “Nymph” and then proceeded down the river. Light S.E. breeze: clear & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Bound down Red river. Light S.E. breeze & clear.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Came on watch near Old river – 7.10 arrived at mouth of Red river. Communicated with the “Black Hawk” and proceeded up Red river. Put an engineer & soldier from Str. “City Belle” off on “Sampson.” Evening quarters. Calm, clear and warm.

John Molony

Act Ensign



8 to 12 – Bound up Red river. Came to anchor at 9.10 ten miles from the Mississippi. Gunboat “Forest Rose” passed up.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Red river, La.                                            Thursday, May 5th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Off Atchafalaya Bayou. Light N.E. breeze and clear.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Light N.E. wind & clear – 5.10 got underweigh and stood up Red river – 7.35 arrived at mouth of Black. Dropped anchor in 5 fathoms water veered to 20 ? chain. Took coal barge from Gunboat “Nymph” along side.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Mouth of Black river – 9.15 Gunboat “Nymph” weighed anchor, discharged the following stores onboard this vessel and then proceeded up Red river – 9.30 morning quarters. Weather clear: light N.E. wind. Rec’d on board 4 barrels Lard oil and 4 barrels coal oil.

John Molony

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Mouth of Black river. Contrabands engaged coaling ship. Clear and calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – 4 o’clock & 4.45 Boat exercise. Calm, clear & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Mouth of Black river. Light S.E. wind, clear & pleasant. Evening quarters.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Mouth of Black river – 9.30 Gunboat “Nymph” arrived. 10 o’clock gunboat “Argosy” & “Forest Rose” came down Red river, spoke the “Nymph” and proceeded on down.

John Molony

Act Ensign


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mouth of Black River                                  Friday, May 6th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Night quarters at 12 o’clock. Clear, pleasant & calm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 8 – Light S.W. wind: clear & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light wind from S.W. and clear – 10.15 Gunboat “Nymph” departed up Red river – 9.30 General Quarters. Exercised at manning armed-boats’ crews.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – 12.30 Gunboat “Gazelle” arrived from Mouth of Red river – 1 o’clock we weighed anchor and proceeded up Red river – 2.30 passed Gunboat “Nymph” bound down. Light S.W. wind: clear & warm

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Came on watch below Fort DeRussy – Arrived at the fort at 4.20 – Gunboat “Forest Rose” at anchor. Gunboat “Tallahatchie” under way going down – Light S.E. breeze; cloudy & warm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – Pickets of the enemy discovered in Fort DeRussy. Expended 7, 100-pdr. Parrot shell 5”, 7 do charges, 2,12 pdr. ? shell, 2 do charges and 10 cannon primers. Light S.E. breeze.

Ed. W. Perry A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Clear & calm – 11.50 went to General quarters.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Off Fort DeRussy, La.                                     Saturday, May 7th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear and calm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – Clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – 11.30 Gunboat 46, Str. “Col. Cowles,” “Madison” & “Black Hawk” came up the river with troops on board.- 11.45 U.S.S. “Choctaw” came up the river. Light S.W. wind & pleasant. 1st Engineer James A. Burns (one of the Covington’s Engineer’s) ordered temporarily to this vessel.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Clear & calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – 4.30 Gunboat 44 came up the river. Clear, calm & warm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – 4 o’clock weighed anchor and took position above water battery. clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


8 to 12 – Weather hazey & calm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Off Fort DeRussy, La.                                  Sunday, May 8th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear & calm.

H Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – 4.45 weighed anchor and proceeded up Red river followed by U.S.Strs. “Choctaw,” “Forest Rose” & No 46. Clear & warm. A.1st Engr. Jas. Edgar & 3d Asst. Was. King received dismissals from the service.

John Molony A.E.


8 to 12 – Steaming up Red river – 8.35 discovered about a dozen rebels in the woods above. Expended 4, 5” 100pdr. Parrot shell, 4 do charges – 6, 24pdr. shrapnel, 5, 12pdr. Percussion shell, 5 do charges and 20 percussion Primers. Clear & warm. Above Snaggy Point the river became to shallow, “Forest Rose” went ahead to sound, returned and at 10.45 we stood down the river.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – 1.30 rounded to and made fast to opposite bank from Fort DeRussy. Rec’d on board eight wounded men, belonging to the U.S.S. Covington & Signal’s crews and A.3d Asst. Engineer ? English & C. Earbell, ? toward to deliver on board “Red Rover.” 4.15 Rec’d dispatches from U.S.S. Choctaw & departed down the river. Clear & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

4 to 6 – Light S.E. wind & pleasant. Steaming down Red river.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 6.30 Rec’d on board wounded man from U.S.Str. “Nymph,” Reached mouth of Black river at 8 o’clock. Expended 1 shrapnel, 24pdr. O’ercast & warm.

John Molony A Ensign


8 to 12 – Took coal barge in tow and at 8.30 stood down Red river. Cloudy & calm.

John Gregg

Act E


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mississippi river                                           Monday, May 9th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – 1.30 made fast to bank opposite mouth of Red river. 1.45 tug came along side – 2 o’clk commenced coaling ship. Clear & calm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Off mouth of Red river, coaling ship. Cloudy & calm – 7.30 tug brought barge of coal along side. She took the wounded to Hospital Str. “Red Rover.”

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 9.45 made fast the coal barge. At 10 o’clock proceeded up Red river with barge coal in tow. Weather o’ercast, calm & warm. Crew engaged coaling ship.

John Molony

Act. Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Came on watch 20 miles up Red river. Met gunboat “Meteor” at 12.20.- 2.35 came to at the mouth of Black river. Finished coaling at 4 o’clock after receiving on board 1436 bushels. Light S.E. wind cloudy & warm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 6 – 4.30 proceeded up Red river. Evening quarters. Cloudy & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Steaming up Red river – 6.20 landed and shot a beef. Light S. wind threatening rain.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch 4 miles below Fort DeRussy – 8.30 came to anchor astern of U.S.S. “Argosy.” 9.15 weighed anchor and took position astern of gunboat “Choctaw.” Eight S.E. wind. Sky o’ercast.

John Molony A.E.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Off Fort DeRussy, La.                                  Tuesday, May 10th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Light S.W. wind with light rain.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 8 – Light S.W. wind with drizzling rain.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Heavy South wind: weather cloudy & warm. 11.30 Hove up anchor and took position above the point. Gunboat “Forest Rose” and Strs. “Black Hawk,” “Madison,” “Col. Cowles” & “Curlew” with troops onboard departed down the river.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – 2.20 U.S. Gunboat “Elk” came up the river. Fresh breeze from S.W. clear & warm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Gunboat “Argosy” arrived from below. Strong S.W. wind with occasional showers.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


6 to 8 – 6.30 Gunboat “Argosy” came up Red river. Evening quarters. Light showers. Light Westerly winds.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light W. wind, clear & pleasant.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Off Fort DeRussy, La.                                Wednesday, May 11th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Fresh S.W. wind: cloudy & cool.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – Gunboats “Forest Rose” & “Naiad” arrived from below. Strong N.E. wind: cloudy & cool.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Gunboat “Tallahatchie” came up the river – 9.30 Inspection at quarters & Divisional exercise,- 10. o’clock Gunboat “Tallahatchie” departed down the river. Fresh wind from the Wwd : Sky o’ercast.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – Clear and calm. At 3 o’clock Enemy’s sharp shooters opened upon the “Naiad” & “Forest Rose.” Those vessels replied by schrapnell. At 3.30 enemy discovered near the fort. Expended 3, 24pdr. Schrapnel & 1 do 5” shell.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Clear & cool: with light N.W. wind. Enemy occasionally firing rifle shot. Expended 1, 24pdr. shrapnel.

John Molony

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – Clear & calm. 6.40 gunboat “Argosy” departed down the river. Evening quarters.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


8 to 12 – Clear, calm & cool.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.




Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Off Fort DeRussy, La.                                  Thursday, May 12th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Calm, clear and cool.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – “Argosy” departed down the river at 7.15 – 7.45 Gunboats “Choctaw” & “Forest Rose” departed up the river, clear and calm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Weighed anchor and dropped down below the point to get better range on the fort. 9 o’clock enemy discovered in the fort, Expel. 2, 5” 100pdr. Parrot shell & 2 do charges, also 1, 24pdr. & shrapnel. Rebels firing upon or occasionally with rifles, 9.30 Inspection at quarters. Light N.E. wind; clear and pleasant.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – Heavy firing up the river. Enemy’s sharp shooters still annoying us. At 5 o’clock gunboats “Choctaw” and “Forest Rose” came down the river. “Choctaw” came to anchor ahead of us and “Forest Rose” continued on down – 2 o’clock small arm drill, clear and warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – At 4.15 weighed anchor and with gunboat “Argosy” departed down the river, clear and calm, Enemy’s riflemen still engaged.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – 7.50 came to anchor twelve miles below Fort DeRussy. Gunboat “Naiad” passed down, “Argosy” anchored ahead. Evening quarters.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Clear & calm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Red River, La.                                Friday, May 13th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Calm, clear and cool.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Clear & calm.

H Walters

A.M.M.



8 to 12 – 9.30 General Quarters. Weather clear, calm & warm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – 1.15 Gunboats “Forest Rose” & “Tallahatchie” came up & communicated – 1.45 weighed anchor & with the “Argosy” steamed up the river. Arrived at Fort DeRussy at 3.30 – Rebel Sharp Shooters very thick about the fort.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 6 – Expd. 5, 24pdr. shrapnel and 5, 12pdr. Percussion shell & charges, 5 o’clk. got under way & stood down the river – Clear, calm & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Steaming down Red river – 6.30 came to anchor 12 miles below Fort DeRussy, in 6 fathoms water veered to 15 ? chain. Calm & warm.

John Molony

Act. Ensign


8 to 12 – Weather o’ercast & calm – 9.15 “Gazelle” departed down the river.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Red river, La.                                           Saturday, May 14th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – At anchor 12 miles below Fort DeRussy. Gunboat “Argosy” at anchor ahead of us. Clear, calm & pleasant.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – Clear, calm and pleasant.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


8 to 12 – At 10 o’clock U.S.S. “Benton” passed up the river. Light E. wind. Weather hazy.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – 2.15 weighed anchor and stood up the river. – 3.45 came to astern the “Choctaw.” Light S.E. wind: clear and warm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – At Fort DeRussy. 4.30 Left the “Choctaw” & proceeded down river with dispatches. Light S.E. wind and clear. 3 o’clk. Albert Bell contraband died.

H. Walters

A.M.M.



6 to 8 – Came on watch in Battery Bend. Ran against bank and broke out two wheel arms on starboard side. passed Black river at 7.30 – Light S.E. wind & clear.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Came on watch below mouth of Black river. Made fast below “Black Hawk.” East side Mississippi river at 11 o’clock. Cloudy & calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Red river, La.                                               Sunday, May 15th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – 12 .40 cast off lines and started up Red river. Light clouds with breeze from Erd.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – 4.20 Arrived at mouth of Black river & made fast along side coal barge. Gunboats “LaFayette” & No “27, “46, “47 & “54 at anchor – 5.30 No “53” came up the river & anchored. Engaged coaling ship. Light East wind: clear & warm. Gunboat “LaFayette” weighed anchored and proceeded down Red river.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Clear & calm, crew engaged coaling ship. Carpenters repairing wheel. 10.30 Gunboat “Argosy” left for fort DeRussy. Rec’d on board 1200 bushels coal. Burried Albert bell, contraband.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – At anchor in mouth of Black river. Clear & calm. Carpenters engaged repairing wheel.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – Clear, calm and warm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – At 6.45 U.S.S. “Cricket” with Admiral Porter on board rounded to in mouth of Black, & 7.10 departed down the river. Gunboats and transports passing a down. Clear, calm & warm.

Ed. W. Perry A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Gunboats “Pittsburg” & “Mound City” came to anchor in Black river – 11.15 Gunboat “Carondelet” came into river and anchored. Clear and calm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.

Appd,

Chas A. Wright

A.V.Lt. Comdg.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Black river, La.                                       Monday, May 16th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – At anchor in mouth of Black river. Clear and calm. Two steamers came down Red river.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – 4.30 cast loose from coal barge and anchored farther up the river. The gunboats and transports passing down throughout the watch. Gunboats “Pittsburg,” “Mound City” and “Carondelet” departed down the river. Clear calm and warm.

John Molony A.E.


8 to 12 – Clear and warm with light S.W. breeze.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – 3.40 weighed anchor, took coal barge in tow and followed Gunboats “Elk” and “Tallahatchie” down Red river. Warm and pleasant.

Ed. W. Perry

Act. M.M.


4 to 6 – Steaming down Red river – 5.15 Gunboat “Tallahatchie” came along side and took coal barge from us. Light S.E. breeze clear and warm.

John. M. Ewing A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Moderate S.E. wind and clear. 6.00 Passed Gunboats “Choctaw” and “Elk” at mouth of Red river proper – 7.55 passed Gunboat “Lexington in mouth of Old river. 8.o’clk. made fast to bank below Flag Ship.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Mouth of Red river. Gunboats and steamers arrived. Clear and pleasant.

John Molony A E


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mouth Red river, La.                                Tuesday, May 17th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear, calm and pleasant. Steamers coming out of Red river.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 8 – 6 o’clock cast off lines and stood down the Mississippi river. 7.40 came to anchor astern of Gunboat “LaFayette” off head of Cat Island, clear, calm and warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 9.30 Inspection at quarters – 10.20 Gunboats “Elk” and “Tallahatchie” passed down, clear, calm and warm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.



P.M.


12 to 4 – At anchor off head Cat Island. Clear and calm – 3.55 Naval Hospital str. “Red Rover” passed down – 3 o’clk. Small-Arm drill.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Clear & calm. Steamer Brilliant passed up. Evening quarters.

John Molony

Act Ensign


6 to 8 – Clear, calm and pleasant.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – 8.30 Tug “Dahlia” arrived from Flag Ship with orders. Engineers engaged repairing starboard engine – Clear, calm & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Mississippi river                                  Wednesday, May 18th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – At anchor off head of Cat Island. 1.40 weighed anchor and stood up the river. 3.20 passed Gunboat “General Price” at anchor in Tunica Bend. Weather cloudy and warm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Came on watch 8 miles below mouth of  Red river, weather o’ercast and calm – 5 o’clock made fast to coal barge astern of Flag Ship, crew engaged coaling ship.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – 9.30 Finished coaling. Rec’d on board 970 bushels – 10.25 cast off lines and stood up Red river. Weather o’ercast and calm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – 12 o’clock arrived at Simmsport on the Atchafalaya river. Army crossing the river. Gunboat “Carondelet” came down Bayou De? and went up the river. Light S.W. wind: clear and warm.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


4 to 6 – Light N.W. wind – cloudy weather – Army busily engaged crossing.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Evening quarters. 6.10 Gunboat “Argosy” arrived with barge of coal. Light N.W. wind: clear and pleasant.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light breeze from N.W. clear weather – 10 o’clk. Gunboat “Pittsburg” arrived. 10.20 Gunboat “Gazelle” departed up the river.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Simmsport, La.                                Thursday, May 19th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Made fast to bank at Simmsport. Army crossing the river. 3.45 Gunboat “Gazelle” came down. Weather o’ercast.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 8 – Clear and calm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – 9.30 Inspection at quarters. Army trains crossing the river. Light N.E. wind – clear & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – At Simmsport, La. Army crossing the river. Clear, calm and warm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Clear and calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Clear, calm and warm.

John Molony

Act Ensign


8 to 12 – Tug came along side at 11.50. Actg. Ensign Read & six men went onboard – Clear, calm and pleasant.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


Charles A. Wright  A.V. Lt. Comdg.

Simmsport, La.                                  Friday, May 20th, 1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Clear, calm and cool.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – At Simmsport, La. Army trains crossing the river – 5.10 Tug “Thistle” came down the river. Clear and calm.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Lying at Simmsport, La. Weather clear and calm. 9.30 cast loose for General Quarters.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


P.M.


12 to 4 – At Simmsport, La. – 2.30 Naval Dispatch Str. “New National” arrived. 2.45 came along side and left following stores in Paymaster’s Dept. 50 Bbls. Bread, 5do Beef – 5do Pork – 2do Sugar – 1do. coffee – 1do Rice – 1do ? – 4do Flour – 2 Kegs Butter & 2do Pickles.

John Molony

Act Ensign


4 to 6 – 5.30 Pontoon broke up and steamer started out to river – 5.35 Maj. Gen’l Banks & staff came a board, cast off and stood up the river.

John Gregg

Act. Ensign


6 to 8 – 6.20 Evening quarters. Passed Gunboats “Carondelet” & “Winnibago” at mouth of Atchafalaya.” 7.30 made fast to bank astern of Flag Ship in the Mississippi. Maj. Gen’l Banks & staff went on board Flag Ship. Clear, calm & warm.

 Ed. W. Perry, A.M.M.


8 to 12 – At mouth of Red river. 8.30 Gen’l Banks & staff came on board. Cast off and stood down river. Weather clear & pleasant. Actg. Chief Engineer Jno. G. Scott reported for duty.

E.M. Ewing Act M M


U.S. Steamer “Avenger”

Mississippi river, La.                                Saturday, May 21st  1864_____________

A.M.


12 to 4 – Steaming down the Mississippi – 12.45 Passed Port Hudson. 2.10 Passed Batton Rouge. Light S. wind & clear.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


4 to 8 – Came on watch opposite St. Gabriels church. Weather pleasant – light breeze from N.W. – Met a number steamers.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Came on watch at College Point, - Arrived at New Orleans at 11.40 Several Men-of-war at anchor off the city. 11.50 Maj. Gen’l Banks & staff left the vessel. Light S.E. wind – clear & warm.

John Gregg

Act Ensign


P.M.


12 to 4 – At New Orleans. Light S. breeze & warm.

Ed. W. Perry

A.M.M.


4 to 6 – Weather clear & warm. Light S.E. wind.

John. M. Ewing

A.M.M.


6 to 8 – Light S. wind & calm.

H. Walters

A.M.M.


8 to 12 – Light S. wind – clear & warm.

John D. Moore

Act. M. Mate