16 October 1861: “Thursday the weather was pleasant but the sea was rather rough making the ship roll quite heavily having a great many lands men on board there was a great deal of sea sickness”

Item description: First entry, 16 October 1861, of the log book for the U.S. Steamer Augusta, kept by Eugene Whittemore, a surgeon’s assistant on the ship. The log book includes a daily record of naval operations, activities of the ship’s men, and the weather, while the Augusta was on blockade duty off the South Carolina and Georgia coasts. This entry notes the steamer’s departure from New York, N.Y., and later arrival at Fort Monroe.

Item citation: From the Eugene Whittemore Papers, #2958-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

New York, Oct. 16th ’61

U.S. Steamer Augusta
Oct 16th 61.
E.G. Parrott, Esq.
Commander

With the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron of which Capt. S.F. Dupont of the U.S. Steamer Wabash acting Commodore of the Fleet.

Left N.Y. Wednesday noon, Oct. 16th 61. On passing Fort Lafayette, were saluted with 13 guns which was answered from the Steamer Wabash. during the next day, Thursday the weather was pleasant but the sea was rather rough making the ship roll quite heavily having a great many lands men on board there was a great deal of sea sickness, during the night it rained very fast. Friday was pleasant we neared the Light Ship called the Willoughby’s Spit off Cape Henry about 8 bells noon. soon after we cast anchor in the Bay off Fortress Monroe. Oct. 18th 1861. previous to which the Flag Ship returned a salute of 13 guns in complement to her Sister Ship the Minnesota which was Anchored with her. Fleet above us.

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