Part 14

Saturday, December 31, at 2 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded up the Chowan river. We arrived in sight of Winton, when the Valley City returned down the river and anchored for the night. Sunday, January 1, 1865, at 4 o'clock p.m., we steamed down the river, and at 5-1/2 o'clock p.m. we anchored off Edenton and went ashore. The weather is cold and windy.

Tuesday, January 3d, 1865, the Valley City, at 10-1/2 o'clock a.m., weighed anchor and proceeded to Plymouth, where she arrived at 1 p.m. At 8 p.m., left Plymouth and proceeded to off Edenton, where we arrived at 10 p.m.

Wednesday, January 4th, 1865, we left Edenton at 7 a.m., and arrived at Plymouth at 9-1/2 a.m. Mr. Stevens is aboard. The weather is cold.

Saturday, January 7.--During the week the Valley City has been cruising up Chowan river, Simon's Creek, and around Edenton Bay, watching for the Philadelphia, a blockade runner. Captain Brooks, Paymaster Sands and I, frequently went ashore at Edenton. The weather during the week has been mild, moist and rainy.

Sunday, January 8, at 5 a.m., we proceeded from Chowan River to Edenton Bay, where we arrived at 7 a.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Master James G. Green, Paymaster Sands and I, went ashore and took dinner with Mr. Samuel B. At 6 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of Chowan River. The weather is cold.

Monday, January 9.--The weather is delightful. We lay during the day at the mouth of Chowan River. Tuesday, January 10th, at 5 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded up to Poole's Landing, on the Chowan River. At 11:45 a.m., we discovered the Philadelphia. We immediately steamed toward her, and at 12:15 p.m., Mr. Milton Webster, executive officer, took a launch with a crew of men and boarded the Philadelphia, which was laying near Colerain, with a cargo of 257 bales of cotton, and tobacco. At 1 p.m. we got under weigh, with the Philadelphia in tow, and proceeded to Plymouth. At 5 p.m., we anchored at the mouth of Roanoke River. The weather is raining and blustering, accompanied with thunder and lightning.

Wednesday, January 11th, at 8 a.m., we weighed anchor and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 9-1/2 a.m. At 1-1/2 p.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 3:25 p.m. Captain Brooks, J. W. Sands and I, went ashore, and called on Mr. Samuel B. At 5:30 p.m. we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 8 p.m. The weather is cold but pleasant. At 9 p.m., we left Plymouth and proceeded up Chowan River.

Thursday, January 12.--The Valley City came to anchor at 1 a.m., at Holly's Island. At 6 a.m. we got under weigh and proceeded up Chowan river. At 7:30 a.m. we came to anchor off "Camp Winfield." Mr. Milton Webster went ashore, and in company with Mr. Winslow, they traveled seven miles into the country, and returned safely at 1 p.m., with Mr. Winslow and his brother. In the meantime, Captain Brooks, Paymaster Sands and crew went ashore, and captured several bales of cotton. We arrived at Edenton at 7 p.m. Captain Brooks, Paymaster J. W. Sands, Mr. Cannon, and Messrs. Winslows, went ashore. The weather is delightful.

Friday, January 13.--At 6:20 a.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 8:20 a.m. The weather is beautiful. I spent nearly all day ashore. At 7 p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded toward Roanoke Island. Saturday, January 14, at 2 a.m., we anchored in Albemarle Sound, and at 8 a.m. we arrived at Roanoke Island. The weather is windy. Sunday, January 15, the Valley City got under weigh at 4 o'clock p.m., and proceeded toward Plymouth. Mr. O'Neill, acting master's mate, was very severely injured by a hawser to which the schooner was fastened in tow, slipping on a kevel. The weather is windy, and the Sounds are rough. Monday, January 16, we arrived at Plymouth at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, January 17.--We got under weigh at 11 a.m., and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 12:30 p.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Master James G. Green, J. W. Sands and I went ashore and took tea at Mr. Samuel B----'s. We spent a very pleasant time. Mr. Skinner, D.D., was present. At 8 p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded to Chowan river, and came to anchor at 9:25 p.m. for the night. The weather is delightful. Wednesday, January 18, at 5 a.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded to Holly's Landing, where we anchored at 7 a.m.

Thursday, January 19, at 9 a.m., we got under weigh, and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 12 m. In the afternoon I attended the marriage of Acting Master James G. Green and Miss Cornelia B----, which took place at Mr. Samuel B----'s, the father of the bride. There were quite a number of the fleet's officers present. At 8 p.m., the Valley City proceeded towards Roanoke Island, with the bride and groom and the bride's two sisters and cousin aboard.

Friday, January 20, at 1:30 a.m., we came to anchor, and at 8:30 a.m. we got under weigh, and arrived at Roanoke Island at 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 21st, 1865, I went ashore at Roanoke Island. The weather is rainy, foggy, and windy. Monday, January 23, at 2 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived in the evening. The night is dark and foggy. Tuesday, January 24, the Valley City arrived at Edenton, and landed the sisters and cousin of the bride, Acting Master James G. Green and his wife having proceeded from Roanoke Island north, on a short tour.

Saturday, January 28, 1865.--At 6 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to Colerain, where we arrived at 10 a.m. The weather has been extraordinarily cold the last three days.

Wednesday, February 1.--The weather has moderated and is pleasant. The Valley City is laying here for the purpose of protecting the troops ashore, commanded by Colonel Frankle, and for that purpose we shell the woods occasionally. The boat Alison ran against a snag here and was sunk, and is now being raised.

Saturday, February 4.--At 5-1/2 p.m., we got under weigh with boat Alison in tow, which had been previously raised so as to be buoyed up by two schooners, and arrived at Edenton Sunday, February 5, at 2 a.m., where we anchored the Alison, and at 11 a.m. we proceeded to Plymouth; but at the mouth of Middle river we were met by the tug Belle, from which we received orders to return to Edenton, to tow the Alison to Plymouth. We arrived at Edenton at 3 p.m., and at 7 p.m. the officers and two boats' crews went ashore. At 9 p.m. we took the Alison in tow, and arrived at the mouth of Roanoke river, where we anchored at 2 a.m., Monday, February 6. There is a rise in the Roanoke river, and its current is very swift, so that the Valley City could make but little headway up the river.

Thursday, February 9, at 9-1/4 a.m., proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 9-3/4 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, at 12 m., we weighed anchor and proceeded to Salmon's creek, where we arrived at 2:10 p.m. Here there were a number of contrabands and their effects taken on board. One of the contrabands stated she was 112 years of age, and had seen Washington in her early life; she is apparently very old. At 10 p.m., a boat, with a rebel soldier and two old men, with bacon, beef and fowls, were hailed, and the men and their effects were brought on board the Valley City.

Wednesday, February 22d, at 6 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded toward Plymouth. At 7 a.m., we came to an anchor off Walnut Point, and took on board more contrabands, and at 10 a.m. we proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 11:20 a.m. At 3 p.m. we got under weigh, and arrived at Edenton at 5 p.m. I went ashore with Captain J. A. J. Brooks, and called on Mr. Samuel B----. The fleet at Plymouth fired a salute in commemoration of the birth of Washington.

Thursday, February 23d, at 3 a.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of Chowan river, and returned to Edenton, where we arrived at 8 a.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks and I went ashore, and called on Messrs. Samuel B----, Henry B----, and Mr. M----. In the afternoon, we interred Matthew Sheridan, landsman, who had died of typhus fever. At 5 p.m. we returned to ship and got under weigh and proceeded down the Albemarle Sound to Laurel Point, where we arrived at 9 p.m., and anchored. The weather is pleasant.

Saturday, February 25, at 5-1/2 a.m., got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of Little Alligator river, where we arrived and anchored at 9-1/4 a.m.

Sunday, February 26, at 1-1/2 p.m., the Valley City got under weigh and steamed toward Roanoke Island, in pursuit of a schooner which was supposed to be running the blockade; but upon boarding her, it was found she had permission to trade with the inhabitants in that vicinity. At 6 p.m., we came to an anchor at the mouth of Alligator river.

Monday, February 27, at 6 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and steamed up the Alligator river to Chincapin Ridge, where Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Master's Mate O'Neill, and myself, with two crews of men, fourteen in number, went ashore and marched three miles into the country, through pines and cypresses. Along the road we put up a mark on a tree and fired at it; and although I was not an expert marksman, I put a ball nearest the mark. We finally came to a house occupied by a man and his wife and their children, who were very poor. The house was illy furnished, and had only one apartment. The appearance of it, inside or outside, was not very inviting. Captain J. A. J. Brooks asked the man whether he could provide dinner for the party. He demurred at first, but finally agreed to provide such a dinner as the viands in the house would permit of. All the party were very hungry, and were glad to have the opportunity of sitting down to any sort of a dinner. The woman went to work to cook a dinner. In the meantime, the officers, men, and host, employed themselves in shooting at a mark. During this time the host told us the war had been a benefit to him, in so far as it had made a temperance man of him. Before the war, he said, he had been an immoderate drinker of intoxicating liquors, but now he was temperate from necessity, as he could get nothing stronger than water to drink. Dinner was soon announced. It was set on a table about two feet square, without a tablecloth. Our dinner consisted of bacon, corn bread, and coffee made from corn. Only four could be seated at the same time around the table, consequently there were five successive tables served, occupying altogether about two hours in eating. We all enjoyed the dinner, as we were very hungry from traveling through the pines. After remunerating our host in a substantial way and thanking him for his hospitality, we returned to the vessel.

Tuesday, February 28.--The Valley City got under weigh at 9 a.m., and arrived at Roanoke Island at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m., we weighed anchor and proceeded to Plymouth. At 10 p.m., we got aground near Croatan Sound. Thursday, March 2, at 5-1/2 o'clock a.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 2 p.m. We brought with us as passengers Messrs. Douglass and Winslow, from Roanoke Island.

Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m., we proceeded to the mouth of Roanoke river, for the purpose of towing a coal schooner to Plymouth. We arrived at Plymouth at 3-1/2 p.m. The weather has been very warm.

Wednesday, March 8, at 8 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Roanoke Island, where we arrived the following day at 6-1/2 a.m. Mr. Harris, Second Assistant Engineer, and I, went ashore.

Friday, March 10, at 9-1/2 a.m., we got under weigh, and at 1 p.m. anchored in Albemarle Sound. As the Valley City was steaming toward Plymouth, suddenly and unexpectedly a heavy squall came up, and tossed the Valley City about so much that we were fearful she might be capsized. The guns were not made fast at the time. The officers had just sat down to dinner as the Valley City commenced rolling and pitching tremendously. First we endeavored to save the contents of the dinner table; finally this effort was abandoned in order to save ourselves. We were tossed about the ward-room in an uncomfortable manner. The contents of the dinner table went to the floor and were lost, and to mend matters the Valley City got into the "trough of the sea." The howitzers and ammunition above our heads on the poop deck, were being tossed from side to side, and so were also the large guns on the gun deck. The line officers and crew were soon engaged in getting the Valley City out of the "trough of the sea," and securing her guns by making them fast. The gale continued about a half hour, after which the Valley City steamed quietly to Plymouth. On Saturday, March 11, at 11:20 a.m., we anchored off Edenton, and at 4:35 p.m., proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 15, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to the blockade above Plymouth. Monday, March 20, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of the Cashie river, where we arrived at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 3-1/2 p.m. At 4-1/2 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 6-1/2 p.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Paymaster J. W. Sands, Major Willis, Mr. Tiffing and myself, went ashore. Friday, March 24, at 5 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 7 p.m. The weather is beautiful. Saturday, March 25, at 1-1/2 p.m., Commander Macomb came aboard, and the Valley City proceeded toward Newbern. At 8-1/2 p.m., we anchored in Croatan Sound. Sunday, March 26, at 5-1/2 a.m., we got under weigh, and at 7-1/2 a.m. we came to anchor. At 10-1/4 a.m. we got under weigh and proceeded to Newbern, where we arrived the following day at 1 a.m.

Friday, March 31, at 3 o'clock, a.m., we left Newbern, with Commander Macomb still aboard, and arrived at Roanoke Island at 5-3/4 p.m. At 7 p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded as far as Croatan Sound, where we got aground, and stuck fast till the following day, when at 12-1/2 a.m. we got afloat, and anchored till 5 a.m., when we proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 2 p.m. Commander Macomb went on board his own ship, the Shamrock. At 4-1/2 p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded by way of Albemarle Sound and Chowan river to Winton, and then up Meherrin river to Murfreesborough, N.C., in company with the U.S. Steamers Shamrock, Wyalusing, and Hunchback. We dragged the Meherrin river for torpedoes from Winton to Murfreesborough, but found none, arriving at Murfreesborough on Monday, April 3, at 6:35 p.m.