[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts, currently assigned to the Commissary Dept., on the steamer “Admiral”]

January 29
Woke up this morning about four
having lain on the table last
night. We started about four to get over the
bar and succeeded in doing so but
ran on a sand bank afterwards, where
we now remain. The Spaulding went over
to-day. I staid in the pilot house seeing
them try to get the puzzle I gave them
but they could not do it even after I had
done it two or three times. It has been
a splendid day. The gunboats have been
practising firing this afternoon. I have had
a very good day.

MSS 11293