Journal, Lieutenant John Taylor Wood (12 July 1860 – 28 June 1861),
in University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) Library

 

[Excerpt]

 

[Lieutenant Wood was on duty at the Naval Academy.]

 

10 Aug 1860  --  “…At the yard, they are expecting the Constitution daily…”

 

   6 Sep 1860  --  “Last night Luce called on us to take his place on board the Constitution to-day.  So have spent the greater part of the day on board, she is being

                            rapidly altered into a school-ship & will make a very fine one…”

 

20 Sep 1860  --  “…The school opens to-day, at the yard in uniform, the Candidates are pouring in…”

 

21 Sep 1860  --  “Bright & cool…  Visited the Constitution with a party of ladies, George Rodgers & wife have already taken up  their residence there…”

 

 22 Sep 1860 --  “…So far about thirty [candidates] have gone aboard [ship].

 

 24 Sep 1860 --  “…I have been put on duty…in the place of Luce & McGunnigle who are transferred to the ship until the Plymouth arrives…”

 

 26 Sep 1860 --  “…So far about 60 Candidates have reported and 60 entered…”

 

 28 Sep 1860 --  “…Lola [Wood’s wife] walked down to the yard & aboard ship to which a bridge has been built to call upon Mrs. Rodgers & others…”

 

 29 Sep 1860 --  “…the Plymouth…came in very well & as  they passed the Constitution they cheered each other…”

 

   2 Oct 1860  --  “The recitations commenced to-day…”

 

   9 Oct 1860 --   “Mr. Rodgers has left us & moved into the yard.  Onboard of the Constitution on a Court Martial trying Mids [Albert H.] Lennox for stealing,

                            it is a clear case & he must be dismissed…”

 

   6 Nov 1860 --  “This is as important & eventful a day as had occurred in the annals of our country.  I hope & pray it is not the last one of a united country… 

                            Lincoln must be elected…”

 

   7 Nov 1860 --  “…Lincoln…is our President elect.  All eyes are now turned to the South to see what will be he result…”

 

  8 Nov 1860 --   “…There is considerable anxiety among the Mids & a number talk of leaving…”

 

23 Nov 1860 --  “Raining all day…  I mist go with the South, let what will come.”

 

28 Nov 1860 --  “With Father called on the Suptd. & Comdt.; visited the Constitution…”

 

10 Dec 1860 --   “…We are discussing how long the school can go on without supplies…”

 

17 Dec 1860 --  “…All the South Carolinians at the School but one have left…”

 

 15 Jan 1861 --  “Sleeting & raining all day…  Capt. Blake fearing a rising here has sent most of the powder & guns onboard the Constitution.  This is ridiculous.

                          Seven Mids from seceding States resigned to-day…”

 

 28 Jan 1861 --  “The late snow has made pretty good sleighing…  Louisiana the state of which I claim to be a citizen has seceded, making the 6th State that has

                          gone..  Texas will be the next,,,”

 

  2 Feb 1861 --  “…The Mids continue to learn, so far about 30 have resigned & perhaps as many more will leave…”

 

  6 Mar 1861 --  “…The Mids continue to resign, the first class is reduced to 23…

 

  8 Mar 1861 --  “…Gideon Welles of Ct. is our new secretary, he is said to be very slow…”

 

14 Mar 1861 --  “…Thirty mids left the School yesterday, dismissed…  We have less than 200 & others will doubtless leave…”

 

15 Apr 1861 --  “…We are getting all of our guns, shot & shells onboard ship & making other preparations for defense…”

 

20 Apr 1861 --  “We are fearing an attack here & every preparation has been made for one…”

 

21 Apr 1861 --  “…A Massachusetts Regiment are here in a steamer taking the Constitution out, the excitement is intense.  I have resigned…”

 

25 Apr 1861 --  “…The School is transferred to Newport…”

 

20 May 1861 – “…I received my dismissal from the Navy…”