When we arrived at the breastworks, this morning, we found "E"
had been at work again. Strangers were at our old bomb-proof, and we had to
hunt round some, but at last found the company had been assigned quarters
in a good looking two-story house, close to Grist's mansion, owned by a Mr.
Parmelee (probably no connection of the baker at the South End). Our things
were in a decidedly second-hand condition; in a pile under the front stairs.
But we find our quarters so much better than those we had at the breastworks,
that we do not complain. The house is badly shattered by shot and shell, one
having traversed the building from corner to corner, tearing floors and
plastering to pieces. To get these quarters we had to promise to be up, and at
the breastworks in three minutes. We took the chances, and promised, of course.
While we were on picket last night we heard noises, which were
unaccountable, and reported them, on which a few shells were thrown into the
swamp. At four o'clock this morning we heard the rebel drum beat for roll-call;
at five o'clock the bugle call for advance; so we suppose the rebels have
started. They came near to the creek, but it was so dark we could not make out
much. We saw a man on a white horse at the picket post, as a lantern was in a
position to throw a strong light on him. To-day Company I's picket advanced to the
old earthworks, where Hobart, Leonard and Lawrence were taken, and found
everybody gone from that side of the river. This forenoon, three companies,
“C,” "D" and "I" moved down the river to Hill's Point,
which they are to occupy for the present. The following is the last order from
Gen. Foster previous to his departure for New Berne:
HEAD-QUARTERS, WASHINGTON, N. C., April 14th,
1863.
The commanding general annou[n]ces to the
garrison of this town that he is about to leave for a brief time the gallant
soldiers and sailors of the garrison.
Brig. Gen. Potter will remain in command, and
in him the commanding general has the most perfect confidence as a brave and
able soldier.
The naval command remains unchanged;
therefore that arm of the defence will be as effective and efficient as
heretofore. The commanding general leaves temporarily and for the purpose of
putting himself at the head of a relieving force, and, having raised the siege,
expects soon to return. But, before leaving, he must express to the soldiers
under his command, the 27th and 44th Mass. Vols., parts of the 5th New York
Battery and 3d New York Cavalry, the 1st North Carolina Vols., his thanks for,
and admiration of, their untiring zeal, noble emulation and excellent courage,
which has distinguished them during the siege of this port; and he feels
confident that the display of those qualities under Gen. Potter will hold the
place until the siege is raised.
(Signed)
JOHN G. FOSTER.
SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While
Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June
1863, pp. 49-50
