arm.

Wednesday, March 8, at 8 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to
Roanoke Island, where we arrived the following day at 6-1/2 a.m. Mr.
Harris, Second Assistant Engineer, and I, went ashore.

Friday, March 10, at 9-1/2 a.m., we got under weigh, and at 1 p.m.
anchored in Albemarle Sound. As the Valley City was steaming toward
Plymouth, suddenly and unexpectedly a heavy squall came up, and tossed
the Valley City about so much that we were fearful she might be
capsized. The guns were not made fast at the time. The officers had
just sat down to dinner as the Valley City commenced rolling and
pitching tremendously. First we endeavored to save the contents of the
dinner table; finally this effort was abandoned in order to save
ourselves. We were tossed about the ward-room in an uncomfortable
manner. The contents of the dinner table went to the floor and were
lost, and to mend matters the Valley City got into the "trough of the
sea." The howitzers and ammunition above our heads on the poop deck,
were being tossed from side to side, and so were also the large guns on
the gun deck. The line officers and crew were soon engaged in getting
the Valley City out of the "trough of the sea," and securing her guns
by making them fast. The gale continued about a half hour, after which
the Valley City steamed quietly to Plymouth. On Saturday, March 11, at
11:20 a.m., we anchored off Edenton, and at 4:35 p.m., proceeded to
Plymouth, where we arrived at 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 15, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to
the blockade above Plymouth. Monday, March 20, the Valley City got
under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of the Cashie river, where we
arrived at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, the Valley City got under weigh
and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 3-1/2 p.m. At 4-1/2
p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at
6-1/2 p.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Paymaster J. W. Sands, Major
Willis, Mr. Tiffing and myself, went ashore. Friday, March 24, at 5
p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at
7 p.m. The weather is beautiful. Saturday, March 25, at 1-1/2 p.m.,
Commander Macomb came aboard, and the Valley City proceeded toward
Newbern. At 8-1/2 p.m., we anchored in Croatan Sound. Sunday, March 26,
at 5-1/2 a.m., we got under weigh, and at 7-1/2 a.m. we came to anchor.
At 10-1/4 a.m. we got under weigh and proceeded to Newbern, where we
arrived the followi