English: "...fire on them from rifled guns, did not think it policy to proceed farther and came back. I cannot form any idea when the expedition will move in a body but I should think about 1st of April. The "Brooklyn" has been stripped of rigging and spars which were [illegible] ashore at Pilot Town. What lower rigging is standing has been snaked so that in case it should be shot away it would not fall on deck. On both sides of the ship between fore and main mast heavy cables have been placed to protect engines. That is they have been run up and down close together. To see the ship today in her fighting trim, and in Philada with every thing up and its place looks quite different. Every one on board is anxious to see the move made, notwithstanding there is no possibility of all coming out safe. I may be among the number who may never return but I know that my life is in the hands of the God of Battles and if it is his will that I shall not survive the bombardment any friends will know that I fell in a righteous cause. I however look to the bright side, and hope to be able to give you a full account.

We are having delightful weather. Thermometer averaging from 57 to 64 during the time we have been at this place. Commodore Farragut left us this morning in gun boat going in direction of S.W. pass. What his destination is I know not. The current in the Mississippi is very great always running the some way and also very cold, much more so than would be caused by the temperature of the weather."

From the Charles H. Morrison Collection (COLL/5376) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division

OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH