1862 February 7

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Up to the fort on the island. while
we lay at anchor in the same place that
we did last night. They commenced
with the gun-boats about noon, and kept
at it about all the afternoon. We kept
on our equipments all ready to land and
about four oclock, we went on the Pilot Boy
and landed at a point on the island
safely. We saw the rebels through the tees
going at double quick, but the gunboats
throwing a few shells over our heads we were
not molested. We immediately formed (our
company), and marched over the marsh to
a house on the higher ground, where the differ-
ent regiments all formed and stacked arms
Lieut Richter of Co. G. climbed up and hoisted
the old flag on the top of the house. It
was greeted with cheers. We are ordered
to stay by our arms to night and expect
a battle to morrow.

MSS 11293