Payne, John A., fl. 1862-1865 [Journal of John A. Payne while serving on the USS Richmond]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00497 Author/Creator: Payne, John A., fl. 1862-1865 Place Written: Various Places Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: January 30, 1862 Pagination: 1 v. : 168 p. ; 16.2 x 10.3 cm. Order a Copy
Leather-covered ledger-paper notebook with 168 pages of entries followed by 15 blank pages. Inscribed "Jan. 18th 1862, John A. Payne / Portsmouth N.H." Begins on 30 January 1862, when Payne shipped out from New York on the USS Richmond for 3 years of service. Covers Payne's entire enlistment; includes a running tab of pay due and accounts for supplies; contains many references to ships encountered, as well as various admirals and generals. The "Richmond" ranged from Vicksburg, Mississippi to Pensacola, Florida, but appears to have been based in New Orleans.
Among the entries: 7 May 1862, "left New Orleans ... passed many beautiful Plantations with their long rows of Negro huts"; 27 June 1862 (written on 29 June), "…they also fired musketry from the houses in the town but when we go back the town will get blowed down…The rebels had the advantage of us but we will take them yet"; 14 March 1863, regarding an engagement at Port Hudson, "we have got eight shots into us. Three men killed and over a dozen wounded"; 19 April 1863, "five contrabands came down yesterday from red river"; late May-early June 1863, "Richmond" returns to the Brooklyn Navy Yards for repairs; 22 January 1865 (penultimate entry), "a long three years it has been to me & look forward to my release with much pleasure."
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