Description
“With this day we bid adieu to the old Year of 1861. With fine weather & a good breeze we find ourselves Still cruising off the rebellious coasts of North & South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Our daily routine is as usual and Sometimes we feel almost tired of Man of War life. Still the honest pride for the Navy which we really feel urges us to remain and duty makes it binding on us not to forsake our posts at such times as these. In closing up the year let us ask ourselves these questions. Have we been found kind and charitable; have we tended toward that which is good and true, lenient toward human frailty, loyal to common sense and faithful to virtue? If So, it makes us large and liberal Men, and further advanced toward that perfection, which we are ever striving for, but which we never reach, If we have Fallen short of any of the above virtues during the past year, let us commence the New Year of 1862 with a full determination to aim at arriving to that perfection which should be considered worth living for. Our country presents a broken picture now, torn and shattered in many of its beautiful proportions. And sad has been the record of the past Six months. Let us all with true fidelity and Loyalty to our Union faithfully lend our might to reproduce this beautiful Picture once more to an admiring world. Showing that republics can live and put down rebellion however rank and stubborn they may be. Let us not soon forget all the blessings under which we still live. And if clouds obscure the bright sun, let us patiently wait this removal when all in the hands of a Kind Providence will be genial & bright once more. We have nothing of record of importance, Besides the eclipse of the Sun which was partially obscure at about 8 o’clock this A.M.”
Memorandum Journal of U[nited] States Frigate St. Lawrence’s Cruise in 1861. June 21, Date of Commission, J. A. Brisco, Boatswain. Manuscript, ink on paper, 13 in x 8 1/4 in, collation is of 7 gatherings of 16 leaves each and 1 gathering of 15 leaves, [pp 2 – 22; 23 – 46; 47 – 68; 69 – 92; 93 – 116; 117 – 140; 141 – 164; 165 – 190] Pages 137 – 148 are blank, as are pages 150 – 167, and pages 170 – 191, the verso of the back fly-leaf has the florid penmanship signature of John A. Brisco, Boatswain. The first page of the journal is signed by Brisco. Recently conserved and rebound in a recreated nineteenth-century style binding, half-leather over marbled boards, resembling the original binding, by Deborah Evetts, the memorandum journal and its original boards are now housed in its own folding box, also custom made by Deborah Evetts.
A “memorandum journal” kept by John A. Brisco from June 29, 1861 to July 9, 1865, whose principal ship, the St. Lawrence, began service in the Civil War as a participant in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, searching out Confederate blockade runners off the coast of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida in 1861 and 1862. Capture and sinking of blockade runners are recorded in detail. The release of Confederate Envoys Slidell and Mason is recorded on January 12, 1862. In March of 1862, an eyewitness account of the Battle of the Ironclads, the Monitor and the Merrimack is recorded, as the St. Lawrence participated in the battle. President Lincoln’s visit to the fleet with Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, May 7, 1862 is recorded with a mention of the Merrimac. From June 5, 1862, the St. Lawrence took up duty cruising the waters between Key West, Florida and Cuba in the Gulf of Mexico. From July 8, 1862, the journal entries are from Key West, and they document the ravages of a severe Yellow Fever epidemic. Brisco’s entries become more vivid as the fatalities mount, and as he, himself, becomes sick. Reports of deserters, alcohol poisoning, naval traffic, crew games, visits to other ships and capture of more prize ships. It is interesting his memorandum journal breaks off without explanation, perhaps indicating that on January 7, 1863, he may have been given duties, which he could not commit to paper. There are a few entries for December 1863, then nothing until he announces the “passage home” of the U. S. sloop, Dale. Regular entries follow from July 3, 1865 – July 9, 1865, and in the back of the journal are a few entries from April 1863 and June of 1864.
This memorandum journal is sold with a pocket Bible with an inscription from his wife, a damaged hand-colored ambrotype portrait believed to be Brisco, a cabinet card photograph inscribed to Brisco, and a group photograph which may be a photograph of Brisco with the crew of one of the two ships he served on and a pamphlet list of U. S. naval officers for the District of Columbia, listing both active and retired officers. For verification of John A. Brisco’s identity: National Archives NextGen Catalog
Entry for December 31, 1861: “With this day we bid adieu to the old Year of 1861. With fine weather & a good breeze we find ourselves Still cruising off the rebellious coasts of North & South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Our daily routine is as usual and Sometimes we feel almost tired of Man of War life. Still the honest pride for the Navy which we really feel urges us to remain and duty makes it binding on us not to forsake our posts at such times as these. In closing up the year let us ask ourselves these questions. Have we been found kind and charitable; have we tended toward that which is good and true, lenient toward human frailty, loyal to common sense and faithful to virtue? If So, it makes us large and liberal Men, and further advanced toward that perfection, which we are ever striving for, but which we never reach, If we have Fallen short of any of the above virtues during the past year, let us commence the New Year of 1862 with a full determination to aim at arriving to that perfection which should be considered worth living for. Our country presents a broken picture now, torn and shattered in many of its beautiful proportions. And sad has been the record of the past Six months. Let us all with true fidelity and Loyalty to our Union faithfully lend our might to reproduce this beautiful Picture once more to an admiring world. Showing that republics can live and put down rebellion however rank and stubborn they may be. Let us not soon forget all the blessings under which we still live. And if clouds obscure the bright sun, let us patiently wait this removal when all in the hands of a Kind Providence will be genial & bright once more. We have nothing of record of importance, Besides the eclipse of the Sun which was partially obscure at about 8 o’clock this A.M.” A margin note states: “No of miles run Since going into Commission to Jan 1st 5221 miles”.
Entry for January 12, 1862: “Confined Andrew London in double irons and had general quarters and Divine Service. Also rc’d a short call from the Steamer Columbia Mail Steamer from N.Y. for Havana, with passengers, and got paper from her informing of the release of Slidell and Mason. At 3 P.M. we exchanged signals with the US Steamer Susquehana. Weather fine.” [Slidell and Mason were the two Confederate envoys captured and removed off the British royal mail steamer RMS Trent in 1861 by Captain Charles Wilkes of the USS San Jacinto. The envoys were released and on January 14, 1861 travelled to England.]
Entry for February 22, 1862: “This is the ever Welcome day of the Anniversary of Our Glorious Washington’s birth, may it be celebrated with the Same Patriotism as ever. Let no true loyal man ever forget it. In honor of the day we have fired a Salute of 21 Guns. We now lay off the battery. All quiet on the ship, a few liberty men returning.” [Written in New York harbor.]
Entry for February 25, 1862: “Thirteen men confined in irons for desertion drunkenness and disorderly conduct generally. Intoxication by imbibing too much of a liquor called Whiskey. Smuggled on board from Shore, which in reality, is a Creation made from Turpentine, Alum and Burnt Sugar, and is rank Poison.”
Entry for March 1, 1862: “Large quantities of ice coming down the river with a Strong Wind and tide, taking off Some of the Copper from our ship.”
Text of the entry for March 8, 1862 recording the participation of the St. Lawrence and John Brisco as the historic Battle of the Ironclads began: “We pass the fore part of this day quietly at anchor in sight of Fortress Morrow. At 1 o’clock the U.S. Steamer Cambridge came out with orders for us to go in, as the Merrimac had made her appearance and a general fight was then in progress. We up anchor a once and in tow of the Cambridge we went up past Sewalls Point where we received a few shot doing us but a little damage & that to our rigging. We met the Roanoake on her way down who advised us not to go up, but our brave officers heeded it not, and on we went. We found the Cumberland sunk and the Congress with her flag at half mast and aground. The Minnesota also aground. We also got aground but with the assistance of tugs we got afloat and passed down to Hampton Roads, and came to anchor after having given the Merrimac (who was steaming down towards us) a broadside which turned her off, and closed the firing for Saturday. At 9 o’clock the Congress was in flames, and her Magazine exploded about midnight. All hands remaining at their stations during the night on our Ship.”
Entry for March 9, 1862: “Early this morning two Rebel Steamers and the Merrimac were seen with Steam up off Sewalls Point, and at about 7 o’clock they started towards the Minnesota. But when but a short distance off the Ericsson Steam battery called the Monitor came out from under the lee of the Minnesota where she had been all night, having arrived here about 8 o’clock Saturday night and made for the three steamers, two of which left, and the Monitor and the Merrimac went into action. And from 7 AM til 2 PM kept up a constant firing, at which time the Merrimac crawled off in a Sinking Condition under the Guns of Sewalls Point. The day goes out quiet and No More Guns have been heard since 2 o’clock, We have to report the loss of two fine Frigates and about 300 Brave Men. The Minnesota still aground, but she will probably be got off tonight at high water as general Steam Tugs are at work at [t]his. All is quiet around Sewalls Point & the Monitor lays unhurt near the Minnesota.”
Entry for March 10, 1862: “All is quiet on board of our Ship, and the Block that was shot away is replaced. As also the shot hole which was made when the shot hit in and passed through the ward room is repaired. The “Monitor” has just passed us and is greeted with cheer upon cheer from all the Ships in the harbor as She passes around us. The Merchant & Store Ships are moving out side clear of the Fort. We have on board quite a number of the men who are Saved from the Cumberland.”
Entry for April 28, 1862: “All is quiet in the Roads. Heard firing in the direction of Yorktown. Quarters at 10 o’clock A.M. Weather cloudy. No signs of the Merrimac. Weather pleasant this P.M. Mr. Wiltso & Mr. Wills were detached & left our ship today. Sent mail.”
Entry for April 29, 1862: “We see nothing of the Merrimack. Weather cold and cloudy. Steamers arriving and departing.”
Entry for May 5, 1862: “We report a Wet unpleasant day with the usual quiet on board Ship. No signs of the old Merrimac. Taking on stones and water.”
Entry for May 6, 1862: “Wind from the N.W. cool and bracing. All hands engaged in taking in wood from shore. No news from the Merrimac. And regret no important news from the rebels.”
Entry for May 7, 1862: “We report a fine day. Hands engaged in taking in wood. Hon Abraham Lincoln, President U.S. and Secretary of War Stanton visited our fleet today and were received with a Salute from U.S. Steamer Minnesota. Guns were fired from the Fort and rifrafs. And shot were thrown from Sewalls Point. No sign of the Merrimac.”
Entry for May 8, 1862: “We still remaining here doing Nothing. Weather pleasant. The Susquehana, Decota, Seminole, San Jacinto and the Small Stevens battery got up steam and with the Monitor went up towards Sewalls point and opened on the batteries there and for two to three hours kept up a brisk cannonading & then returned back to the Post. We do not know the result of the Engagement. Rec’d our mail on board at 4 P.M. The Merrimac came out and remained about one hour & then returned behind Sewalls Point.”
Entry for July 31, 1862: “Since July 12th, we have been laying at Key West doing nothing. Several Ships Steamers and small craft have arrived and departed. And among the arrivals we have to notice these English steamers, and they, after stopping a Short time went to Sea. There has also been sent in Several Steamers and Schooners as Prizes. Some of which are condemned & some of which are now in the hands of the Courts. The health of our crew is good. Thermometer averaging from 83° – 91°. Yesterday a Report came from that Yellow Fever was on the Key. No doubt there has been several Deaths of late, but from what cause we have are unable to State, up to the time of the report ou[r] crew had liberty on Shore Every day, which was stop[e]d as soon as this report was circulated. Time will decide its truth. Four Mails have been sent North during the month and two received.”
Entry for August 16, 1862: “The day has passed off quietly. We were summoned to the death bed of our friend D.S. Damon who had been sick with the yellow fever for several days. And at 22 minutes to 4 he breathed his last and left this world with all its care and trouble to sow in brighter Relmes. D.S. Damon was a man worthy of the highest place among men. He was a general favorite with the men and officers he filled the situation of Yeoman from the beginning to the end of his life on board this ship. He leaves a wife of tender years and delicate health. There is a strange story connected with this mans history and if any reader feels like hearing it I will if he applies & let it to him. He died 42 years of age he was born in north Hampton Mass”
Entry for August 18, 1862: “Several men taken down with the fever also myself.”
Entry for September 7, 1862: “All last night the grones [sic] of the sick was horrifying to hear. At 5 this A.M. F.A. Pizziner Surgeons Steward sent for me to come to his bed side. I went and when I stood beside him he said (taking me by the hand) “Mr Brisco I have a good deal to say to you in a few words. I have not long to live and I have been a bad boy. I have committed many sins. I have done that with [which?] many other men have done and I believe I have done some good in this wourld [sic]. My Parents live south and my friends have no need of my money. Therefore I wish you to give it to some charitable association. And now good by (kissing me). This is the last parting in this wourld my troubles will soon be over and I will soon be at rest. And now go away for while you are in my sight I feel bad and am ashamed. Farewell” I left his side and went to my room oh how miserable I felt if I was but a christain[sic] to fofer [offer] some soothing relief and point the road to Heaven. A short time after this he becam[e] insane and until the hour of his death sank very rapidly. He died at 6.20 A.M. He leaves no relations I believe with the union his life is with all who knew him. God have mercy on him.” [Written as Brisco was, himself, ill with yellow fever, as the interpolations of letters and spelling errors attest.]
Entry for September 14, 1862: “Let me try and describe a scen[e] that is to me realy miserable. In the Gun Deck cabin are four cots each containing a Yellow fever paitian[patient] upon the forehead of each is a cloth kept wet and cool for the purpose of cooling the feverish temples of the poor sufferers. Many bottles surround t[h]e cots all filled with medicens[sic] to drive off our enemy “Yellow Jack” Every few moments one or more of these unfortunate soles awake from his fever sleep and for a while fills all the ship with moans of the saddest tone. Just forward may be seen twenty or thirty cots and hammocks of the men and [minions?] all bundled close together in one small hot place. Here is sickness to be seen in its most melancholy form. Poor Jack although he has many well wishers has but few well doers for him when he is sick. Even their own mess mates have over kind feelings for him who may be dieing[sic]. I have seen this [?] and heard them singing when one of their own members was dieing[sic]. It is 10 o’clock and I want [to] stop writing for the night. God be with Us and help the poor sick to bear their troubles.”
Entry for September 15, 1862: “After a restless night the morning came fruited with all the blessings of God. Eyes that before in the darkness of the night had refused to close more softly shut and for a short time the sick sank to a quiet rest. It must be the most refreshing of all rest, just as all nature deems to open her every charm and pour out upon the rough world her glorious works of God’s kindness. It is a calm quiet and beautiful day the ever constant sun rapidly assended[sic] the clean heavens and sent a cheering aspect over all of God’s handy works. At 8 o’clock the poor sufferers had all awoken from their Sleep and after having their faces and hands nicely washed partook of the little nourishments assigned to them for the promotion of their strength. Of my dear mess mate I can not say any thing cheering and I am very much afraid that all his earthly troubles will soon be to a close “While there is life there is hope,” and hanging as it were upon a thread he wanders about with his eyes and speaks of the future with confidence for a prolonged life God grant that he may be permitted to spend with us many happy days. At about 10 o’clock and after Mr Rodgers had asked me what the opi[ni]on of the Dr was in regard to his recovery from the fever. I answered him that God alone could help him and asked him to pray to him[sic]. Later in the day he revived and seemed to be getting better and at sundown we have grate[sic] hopes of his recovery. This morning hoisted out first launch and all day watering Ship. In the afternoon the commodore frightened me by sending me a note to write a man’s name, but come to find out he wanted the full name of Mr Adkins of Georgia the prisoner of the steamer Columbia who is to be sent home by the connection w[h]ich is expected way home but Master Allyn also returns to the navy department by order of Commodore J.L. Landman.”
Entry for September 29, 1862: “I write this after my recovery from the fever in so far as I am able to remember what hap[p]ens. At about 7 in the morning I was summoned to the Gun Deck Cabin where a cot awaited my coming and when a cool wind blew through the ports I felt much better.”
Entry for December 9, 1862: “From 6 to 7 A.M. M.M. Lewis Chester reported for duty From 8 to Merid[ian] Steamers passed in the offing. Evan Forrest Surgeons Steward reported for duty. Steamer “Tohoma” sailed … At I saluted the flag of Rear Admiral Lardner with 13 guns which was hauled down also saluted the flag of Admiral Bailey with like number. Steamer “Huntsville” & “Stars & Stripes” got under weigh[sic] and sailed. John Allen got 5 days solitary confinement for theft on bread and water. From 4 to 6 At 510 Rear Admiral Lardner Secty and Steward left the Ship to go north by the Steamer “Blackstone” Sch[ooner] “Medora” got underway Rcd bbs turnips on board. Leut Comdr Bigelow Wm Howell Sec & Robert Fisher left the ship to go north From 6 to 7 a Barque coming in grounded in N W Sholes”
Entry for December 18, 1862: “At 930 went to quarters At 9 made the number of US Gunboat “Sagamore” At 10 she came to anchor with prize Schooner in tow 4th division exercised at quarters Philip Pomeroy (Pche) returned from hospital At 1130 Schooner “Cosmopolitan” arrived from Hilton Head with troops At 1130 U.S. bark “Gem of the Sea” have in sight made following numbers to “Gem of the Sea” 1.2.3.2 she answered 258 “Gem of the Sea” made number 43 answered 47 we made 46 At 2 exercised company D. in small arms At 210 “Gem of the Sea” came to anchor At 3 “Magnolia” hauled from wharf At 1143 steamer anchored in offing”
Entry for December 24, 1862: “From 8 to 12. Sent working party on shore at 930 made the number of the U.S. Steamer “Circassian” she made signal 238 we answered 47 made the general signal 141 She came to anchor in the Harbor Washington Irving paymaster reported on board for duty At 1.10 made signals to the fleet to send their boats on board. Thos Armstrong Lds went to Hospital made a Ship and a Bark standing to the SW at 3.20 1st Launch returned with 1555 Lbs of fresh Beef 10 Blds Potatoes 5 Blds of onions and 10 pieces of ice M. Mate Mollay got detached and ordered to the Command of the Sch “Ariel” T. H. Lee Paymaster Clerk reported for duty From 4 to 6 Received 3 Blds of apples 3 Blds of onions at 5.30 working party returned on board”
Dixs Autograph Order IF ANYONE ATTEMPTS TO HAUL DOWN THE AMERICAN FLAG SHOOT HIM ON THE SPOT
Five American Civil War Letters 1862 to 1864 Relating to the Western Campaign
Dr Douglas Bly Civil War Era Artificial Leg with a Universal Ankle Joint 1862
