Tuesday 25 [February] 1862
This morning the breeze was so fresh that we could not do much in small boats so I took a stroll all alone up to the Camp of the 14 Mass – and then to the upper Fort, named “Fort Reno.” Coming home on the beach the sun was warm & delightful; and I enjoyed being alone By the time I reached home my half barrel had come on shore and I proceeded at once to unpack it – the people came around me as thick as bees: (you can no more find a spot where you may be alone than in a hive of bees) I called the Sentry & told him not to allow one person to come within Six feet of the barrel – he did his duty well, and the contents were at last “noticed” – how good they all looked so homelike & clean – I anticipate a sweet sleep on the hair pillow to night I have been crowing over the others because I have such a nice rubber pillow the General and myself are the only possessors of the article – but I shall exchange for a clean white pillow case to night & say nothing – The slippers will be very nice in case of sickness – but would to answer to use where the dirt is shoveled out rather than swept. What did you send that “John” for, it is so associated with Mary Vail, M.W. & H.D.W. I shall not give it up for general reading We had the [nasturtiums] for dinner to day, and one dish of Grouse smothered and two Roast – also the butter was opened and was very fine – I shall put the ginger snaps on for tea – We dine at 3. and at 7. have coffee & plain crackers. I shall save one pack for private use & distribute the rest of the snaps, they are very nice & fresh – I shall write the others about the several articles. I have been riding with MR. French this afternoon some 6 or 7 miles – across the Island & down past the battery that we took – how much I shall have to tell when I come home – Our orderly (Zouave) is a comical fellow, and a great favorite with all. He met us on the road & joined us in our ride. The General has given him a horse to use – and he is perfectly happy
Source: Daniel Larned Papers, Library of Congress, Transcribed from original by John Barden for Tryon Palace Historic Site & Gardens
*** Daniel Larned was General Burnside’s Private Secretary for most of the Civil War
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