The day was pleasant, the water rough, however. This afternoon we had a threatened storm that didn't amount to much but it was magnificent to behold. The sunset was very fine too. In the open space between a bank of clouds that rested on the shore and those that covered the sun there was the richest tracery in scarlet and vermillion, and above in the dark mess of clouds one open spot golden hued.
Wednesday Mar. 5 continuedMy company tried their rifles, shooting two rounds, at a bouey about 200 yards off. They shot very accurately. The rocking of the boat prevented perfect accuracy of aim. I amused myself walking on deck, and writing a letter to the Chronicle. We dispatched our letters this morning. We have such an abundance of fresh shad that we have got disgusted with it. Dr. Noble came on board and went to the Scout. Our surgeon is still sick in bed. He prescribes, however, and the stewards are experienced enough to get along. I hope he has received a lesson that he will not forget.
I saw today the illustrations of the Bombardment of Ft. Bartow in Frank Leslie and New York Illus. news. The first is truthful but the latter is nothing at all like it except the ships, and those anyone can make.
Our sutler got on board this day and has his goods. There is nothing to do here and much less to say about it. Each mess of officers have a table by themselves and the styles are as various as the men. It is a much more comfortable way than the hotch potch we had before. We are no longer in danger of suffering for want of water, as we have a condenser was finished today, making 1400 gallons in 24 hours. We usually consumed 700 gallons a day. We have just heard very distrastrous new -- that Banks was defeated at Leesburg and 14,000 men taken prisoner. The news was brought her from the Pilot-boy. It is very improbable. He may however have crossed the Potomac, and they massed on him. It leaves us in horrible suspense until morning.