ng
me for re-copying the prescriptions, he cooled down, and became very
affable. I, however, got a copy of the prescriptions.

Another day, in rowing aboard the Princeton from the United States Navy
Yard at Philadelphia, Pa., I acted as coxswain, and came very near
capsizing the boat in the Delaware river. The river was very rough, and
I got the boat in what the sailors call the "trough of the sea." I,
however, arrived on board the Princeton safely, after running the boat
"bows on" against the steamer. The officer of the deck said:

"Sir, why don't you bring that boat alongside in a sailor-like manner?"

"Why," I said, "I am glad to get aboard in any manner, even though
there were a hole stove in the side of the Princeton by my boat;
besides, sir, I know nothing about bringing a boat alongside in a
sailor-like manner." I soon, however, learned to manage a small boat in
water very well.

On receiving the following order:

NAVY DEPARTMENT, 5th April, 1864.

SIR: You are hereby detached from the Princeton, and you will
proceed to Hampton Roads, Va., without delay, and report to Acting
Rear Admiral Lee for duty on board the United States steamer Valley
City.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

GIDEON WELLES, _Secretary of the Navy_.

Acting Assistant Surgeon John M. Batten, U.S. Navy, Philadelphia.

I left the Princeton, and after bidding my mother farewell, who was
stopping with my sister, who resided in Philadelphia--this was a hard
task, and it affected us both greatly; but separate we did, and whether
we should ever meet again in this world was a question which time alone
would determine--on turning a corner I looked back, and saw my mother
standing on the steps of the doorway, weeping. It was to me an
affecting separation. I journeyed to the Philadelphia and Baltimore
railroad depot, located in the southern part of Philadelphia, Pa., and
at 8 o'clock a.m. of a beautiful day I took the train for Baltimore,
Md., arriving in that city at about noon of the same day. Having some
time to view the city, I took advantage of the opportunity, and
promenaded the principal thoroughfares. At 5 o'clock p.m., I took the
steamer Louisiana for Fortress Monroe, and arrived there the next
morning, and as soon thereafter as possible reported to Admiral Lee. On
the back of my order I find:

Delivered April 6, 1864, C. K. Stribling, Commander.

Delivered April 6, 1864, Joh