April 23 - The "Northcote" started with us all on board, four companies and officers. A barge on one side of the boat, a large scow on the other, all heavily loaded with provisions and ammunition for Middleton's forces, also a Gatling gun. Got stuck on a sand bar before we got five miles, but with heaving and twisting about got clear. Went through similar operations a dozen times during the day. Anchored for the night only 15 miles from where we started. Made a bunk for myself, with three others, in hold of barge. Had fairly comfortable quarters. Fortified ourselves with bags of oats and bales of hay in case of attack from Indians on shore.