I think the news about Norfolk is a humbug. The navy not being ready probably delayed us. I won't believe any reports any more. Alcott was on board and told us that we were to go to Washington and march from there to Newbern a distance of 35 miles. This may be true. An order came to have stairs up at six o'clock in the morning and to follow the Northerner. The gunboats went away some-place this afternoon, and is blowing fiercely this afternoon. The Dr. told me he thought that Kelly would die. His face is swollen very much, and he has a perfect scab from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot. Our boys there tell us that it was owing to his impudence -- he would pull off his clothes when he came there and caught cold. He was very stout and nasty, [?] was always so cross-grained and ill-natured -- not ill natured -- but troublesome & contrary -- that he was a nuisance to Surgeon and Captain. He has not drilled more than two weeks since he has been in the service. I regret very much that it is so, for I rather liked him, and he did very well for the last two or three weeks, after I had roughed him down. We can't expect to take all home with us, however. The moon is shining tonight, and we have moonlight nights to fight under.
