The day was clear and cool - the waves ran high. We are beginning to recognize old comrades now across the swash. I saw the eagle beak of the Scout with my glass. The Northerner and Admiral are lying together not our the the bar. We were watching some firing from the Hunchback. The burst of flame and smoke long before we heard the report - then the rushing noise - the explosion of the shell - a cloud like a mans hand - in the air 3 or 4 miles from the ship - [again?] long before the explosion heard. If one gun makes so much noise what will many make. I was officer of the guard yesterday - the [Lts?] did not work well - & was up all night - & felt delapidated most of the day - the brightness of the sun - the rolling glittering waves & sharp northern air made it unpleasant to be out - it blinded me - Reading so much in this dark saloon has affected my eyes somewhat. Last evening we had some warm bread, and this evening again - which though tough was sweet, and delicious with some butter that [Rodarmel?] [raked?] up somewhere & I paid 50 cents a pound for it. The bodies of those two men that died were lifted and taken up to the burying ground up at camp Winfield. I should have gone up there, but have neglected until now it is too late. Getting over and back has been no easy matter during the last three or four days - Some of our boats had to be brought back by the steam tugs. We got into a fine discussion as to card playing & chess & checkers - some contending that there was chance in checkers as in eucher. - one that cards was chance which resulted in some one producing a chess-board & checkers - & Shorkly Adjutant & Chaplain have indulged. Last night while going the rounds I found a card party in every rat hole in the ship. They appeared to have runners out, so as to give notice of my coming. It would sound like the scampering of rats when you go into a cellar with a light, just getting glimpses of their retreating forms. One place in the forecastle I would just see them going down a hole into the hold, and past going round a bale of hay. I drafted instructions and regulations, and I suppose everything will be back to the old state by the time my turn comes, & I'll have to take renewed curing, for getting up something new again.
