John A. Steinbeck's diary, primarily during the Civil War, handwritten mainly in pencil, leather-bound, over 200pp, [195] 1859-1862

March 28, 29

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again the Steamer St. Marys they did not raise yet. At St Augustine the Federals are reported as being very civil to the inhabitents & having aproached Pedro Bennet as Gov. of that District. That they issued rations to those who had nothing to eat. That pickets were stationed 3 miles around St. Augustine & I hope sincerly that our men will come back soon & report & than we shall know something to rely upon. One of our troops W. Middleton whose house

26 March 29, 30

is not far from Palatka recieved also a letter from his friends to day that the Federals are sailing up down the River shooting alligators & that the Stars & Stripes looked quite natural again. The reports about Augustine were pretty much the same. The letter says that Tenessee & Kentucky were gone back into the Union again & that N. Carolina would probably soon follow.

Sunday 30. Another man came to day into the camp who said that he was from Jackson

March 31

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ville & who reported much the same as the rest. Yesterday evening an Express arived bringing the news of a picket fight at Jacksonville. Liut. Strange is reported killed, also Captain Hardee & some others wounded. Who had the better of it nobody seems to know which seems very strange to me.

Kaptain Bird's Comp. left today for Gainesville.

Monday 30. Still at Hawkinsville

Monday 31. Last night we had quite an exciting time about 12 oclock pm. several men reported that they had

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March 31

the report of a canon in the direction of Volusia immediatly the long roll on alarm was beaten & the roll called & the men called [back?] ready with their long sacks on their back at once the fires were all extinguished & every thing was quiet & so waited the aproach of the enemy. But no enemy came & so found us the morning. I was on guard about half a mile from the camp & was walked up by the sergent & went to the camp got my knapsack and went

March 31

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out again. But everything remained quiet. This evening Liut. Drysdale & Dan. Mickler came back from their expedition, but did not bring me the news I desired. I had hoped to recieve a line from my dear wife but no. They had not atempted to get into town. They report that part of Four Comp. of N.H. that part of these about 200 men had gone to Symrna to avenge the death of their comrades for which they said that they would have two