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George C. Burmeister diary, 1864
1864-04-01 -- 1864-04-02
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April Friday 1 Made out a number of monthly returns. The wind continues to blow dreadfully. This evening we received orders to move our baggage on board the steamer “Meteor” which was done; the men had to sleep without tents tonight. I learned that our mail boat the steamer La Cross, was captured and burned by the rebels , a few days ago, eighteen miles below Alexandria La. during the heavy gale the boat was driven on shore, and during the absence of the captain of the boat and the guards, it was seized and destroyed. The rebels will have a fine time reading some of our letters. Well “Tit for Tat”. Saturday 2. The troops embarked this morning, our regiment, the 5th Minn. Inf. and several recruits of the 114 & 116 N.Y. reg’ts were all packed on board the steamer “Meteor”. At two o’clock the fleet left its landing and began to ascend the river. The scenery on the river is not very grand, rather monotonous, interspersed with here and there a splendid plantation, one of which in particular attracted my attention, by its manificent buildings and numerous negroes, indicating the great wealth of the owner M. Calhoun. A crowd of negroes, expressed their joy at seeing us, by clapping their hands shouting and wishing us success. A number of black girls and boys ran to the shore and scrambled, for the pieces of crackers which some of our men would throw them, if one of the little nigs would catch a bit of a cracker, he would almost go into extacies, and dance and shout, holding up his prize. We tied up after dark. I wrote till late tonight.
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April Friday 1 Made out a number of monthly returns. The wind continues to blow dreadfully. This evening we received orders to move our baggage on board the steamer “Meteor” which was done; the men had to sleep without tents tonight. I learned that our mail boat the steamer La Cross, was captured and burned by the rebels , a few days ago, eighteen miles below Alexandria La. during the heavy gale the boat was driven on shore, and during the absence of the captain of the boat and the guards, it was seized and destroyed. The rebels will have a fine time reading some of our letters. Well “Tit for Tat”. Saturday 2. The troops embarked this morning, our regiment, the 5th Minn. Inf. and several recruits of the 114 & 116 N.Y. reg’ts were all packed on board the steamer “Meteor”. At two o’clock the fleet left its landing and began to ascend the river. The scenery on the river is not very grand, rather monotonous, interspersed with here and there a splendid plantation, one of which in particular attracted my attention, by its manificent buildings and numerous negroes, indicating the great wealth of the owner M. Calhoun. A crowd of negroes, expressed their joy at seeing us, by clapping their hands shouting and wishing us success. A number of black girls and boys ran to the shore and scrambled, for the pieces of crackers which some of our men would throw them, if one of the little nigs would catch a bit of a cracker, he would almost go into extacies, and dance and shout, holding up his prize. We tied up after dark. I wrote till late tonight.
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