1            Bucks County Intelligencer, From the 104th Regiment.  February 17, 1863  Page 1  Col. 2            1

 

LETTERS FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS.

From the 104th Regiment, P. V.

STEAMER CAHAWBA, PORT ROYAL, S. C.,

February 1st, 1863.

Messrs. Editors :—We left Beaufort harbor on Thurs-

day afternoon at 4 o’clock, and arrived at their harbor

yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock.  Prior to leaving Beau-

for, we received a small, but it did not come up to our

expectations, as it only contained a few letters, and no

copies of your valuable paper, for which there were nu-

merous inquiries.

We had a very pleasant voyage, though all of us were

more or less affected with sea-sickness.  Although hud-

dled together, the men had a very pleasant and comfort-

able trip, owing to the complete police arrangements.—

We are now at anchor in this beautiful harbor, awaiting

the arrival of the remainder of our transports.  It is ex-

pected they will all be here to-day.  In regard to our fu-

ture destination, it seems to be the general opinion that

we will move on Charleston or Savannah, in connexion

with the iron-clads and gunboats; and from the informa-

tion we receive here, I have no doubt we will meet with

a warm reception at either of the above-named places.—

There was a rumor on board to-day, and I am informed

that it was not without foundation, that the blockading

squadron off Charleston had captured a vessel named the

Princess Royal, having the steam apparatus for six pro-

pellers on board, as well as a large cargo of powder.  If

it should prove true, this will be a serious loss to the

rebels.

As we were nearing this port, we passed the Passaic,

in tow of a gunboat.  She was heartily cheered by the

104th; and her crew returned the compliment vociferous-

ly.  Captain Worden again providentially turned up at

the right place.  The rebel ram Fingal attempted to en-

gage the gunboats off Savannah, in order to give the

Nashville a chance to get out to sea, to follow the exam-

ple of the illustrious Alabama.  In this, at latest advices,

they were frustrated by the gallant Worden.  The Pas-

saic, which passed us, was going to the assistance of Wor-

den.  I am informed that the shots thrown against the

Montauk made about as much impression as a man’s

knuckles would upon a pine board.  There is quite a fleet

of war vessels now lying in this harbor; among others,

the Wabahs and New Ironsides, both built at Philadel-

phia.

The Weather since our arrival has been splendid, similar

to July weather in old Bucks; and there was quite a sun-

ning time on deck this morning.  Gen. Naglee still has

his headquarters on board this ship, and I am happy to

state that he is in good health.  With him as our leader,

I am certain we will be successful.  He knows no such

word as fail.  There was great satisfaction expressed by

all on board when it was announced; previously to our

departure from Beaufort, that Gen. Casey had been made

a Major General for meritorious conduct at Fair Oaks..—

This honor falls upon a deserving man and patriotic sol-

dier, who is esteemed and honored by every officer and

private of his old division.  The 174th regiment, Howell’s

brigade, is with us.  The regiment is under command of

Lieutenant Colonel Hess—Col. Nyce having received a

leave of absence for thirty days, on account of ill health,

previously to the departure of the regiment from New-

bern.  There are two reporters with us, one for the N. Y.

Times and the other for the Herald.  I have no doubt

that officers ambitious of honorable mention can be ac-

commodated.  The men are all anxious for the coming

storm, and I trust that when I next write to you, my let-

ter may be dated at Charleston or Savannah.

AMICUS.

STEAMER CAHAWBA, OFF HILTON

HEAD, S. C., Feb. 1st, 1863.

Messrs. Editors :—Agreeably to expectation, we em-

barked at Morehead City on the afternoon of Jan. 21st.—

The embarkation was attended with the usual delays and

disappointments.  Reveille sounded at 3 o’clock in the

morning, and all expected to be in motion in a short time. 

The men proceeded to dry their blankets and tents around

the fires, to avoid unnecessary weight, as the terrific rain

of the previous evening had saturated everything.  The

regimental stores and private baggage were put on two

cars and run to the wharf by hand, to expedite the em-

barkation.  The regiment formed at 9 a. m., and taking

the railroad track, marched to Morehead City, where we

laid in the sun till 4 p.m., when we were put on board

the Freeborn and taken to the Cahawba.  Alongside of

her we waited an hour, exposed on the deck of the F. to

a northwester accompanied by a drizzling rain, and

then we crept on board the Cahawba through a little hole,

technically called a “ port.”  By the time we forced a

passage through this hole, we found the deck allotted to

our regiment crowded to it utmost capacity; every foot

was occupied by a soldier; vehemently asking for more

room.  This was decidedly an interesting scene, as you

may imagine.  On this deck 600 men were expected to

quarter for the voyage, when it barely afforded standing

room.  Various interrogatories as to how long we would

lay, whether we were expected to make the voyage stand-

ing, and whether Uncle Samuel designed treating his sol-

diers so shabbily, etc., flew thickly about, put by every

one concerned for his comfort.  After considerable crowd-

ing, and an equal amount of reluctant yielding of room,

the men all got in; Then the tug of war commenced, but

the men being left to themselves in a measure, arranged

their quarters as well as circumstances would permit.—

The crowded state of the deck, however, made it most un-

pleasant, and the next morning some arranged quarters

in another part of the vessel, thus glaring others more

room and rendering it more pleasant.  Those who have

never witnessed troops on board transports cannot form an

idea of the many difficulties attending the providing for

their necessities.  The 11th Maine was also on board

making about 1,100 men, who must be provided with

rations and water.  This is no small task, particularly on

a crowded vessel, with small means for cooking.  In fact,

it is an impossibility to treat the men as they should be. 

This, apparently, is unfair, but it is one of the many in-

conveniences of a soldier’s life.  We laid at anchor in the

harbor of Beaufort from the time of embarking until the

afternoon of January 29th, when we went to sea.  Part of

this time the weather was stormy and unpleasant, render-

ing it difficult to prevent the vessels from coming in col-

lision.  A collision was a common occurrence, though no

serious accidents happened.  Much labor and time are re-

quired to fit out an expedition of this kind.  Imagine the

immense quantity of water required—each man a gallon

per day—the tons of coal for the steamers, and the great

bulk of commissary stores—and the delay in starting an

expedition is easily explained.  We can congratulate our-

selves upon the speedy manner in which this expedition

was despatched, and we earnestly hope that entire suc-

cess may attend every effort made to advance the cause

of the Union in this quarter.

When the signal for weighing anchor was given, every-

body was elated, and all appeared satisfied with what was

about to take place, for there was a universal longing to

get started.  Before the Cahawba got in motion, General

Naglee and staff came on board.  The General, whose sol-

dierly mien is admired by every one, took a position on

the wheelhouse, and watched the different vessels with

great anxiety until dark.  Twenty-two schooners had

their sails spread, and passed the bar in order, followed

by the steamers bearing the division, forming a scene

grand in the extreme.  The wind was blowing strong from

the west, causing the sea to be quite rough, and the waves

dashed and broke upon the bar most furiously.  The ves-

sel rolled and pitched terribly, favoring us with a lively

idea of riding upon the ocean when the winds and waters

are at war.  Fort Macon, with its guns en barbette, was

surveyed in all probability for the last time and as the

sun sank lower, land was not to be seen.  Our destination

was a mystery, but the usual amount of speculation was

indulged in.  During Thursday night and Friday we ex-

perienced strong head winds and a heavy sea, and many

a one became awfully sea-sick.  By Saturday morning

the wind had abated and the water was calm.  We were

lying off Port Royal, awaiting the beak of day, to steam

into the harbor.  The morning was a most delightful one.

We are now lying at anchor off Hilton Head, and Forts

Beauregard and Walker are plainly to be seen ; their

capture is a matter of history, and the facts can be read

by all.  Port Royal harbor is said to be the most capa-

cious one on the Atlantic seaboard, and at present is of

great importance as a rendezvous for Government ship-

ping and war vessels.  This is the third time that the

104th has been on transport vessels, and each time we

have been fortunate in being put on good ships.  The

Cahawba is a staunch, sea-going steamer, with a capacity

of 1,700 tons.  The bunks were torn out at New York, thus

compelling the men to lie on deck.  When the weather

will permit, the men are brought on the upper deck, and

their quarters are policed.  The vessel is kept as clean as

possible.  The Ironsides went ? ? ? ? ? at-

tack Charleston, it is supposed.  Transports loaded with

troops are steaming in.  Some of these vessels appear very

old, and in ordinary times they would be deemed un-

seaworthy.  Some are Raritan canal steamers, and were

not intended for ocean service, by any means.  On Thurs-

day and Friday the Montauk was fighting at some point

near Savannah, and had beaten off the rebel ram Fingal. 

Yesterday the Passaic went to the assistance of the Mon-

tauk.  We expect interesting news soon.  The expedition

has arrived and is ready for further operations.        M.