eaded the expedition were
sufficient to overcome such disasters.

A FRESH START.

Preparations were now fully carried out to drag the river by boats
for the torpedoes, which were constantly found in the richest and
choicest clusters, in some places eight or nine being placed across
the river in a line, and having susceptibilities of the most
sensitive nature, going off on the slightest provocation.
Communication with Plymouth having been obtained, the signal was
made to advance, the Valley City taking the lead.

Mr. Chamberlain, a civilian, had volunteered to go with the
expedition with a calcium light, which proved to be of great
advantage to the fleet in the intense darkness of the nights. The
light was placed on the leading vessel, and made our pathway as
clear as broad daylight. The fleet proceeded slowly, having six
boats constantly employed in dragging and picking up torpedoes,
which continued to be found in great profusion. Large numbers were
found at Shad Island Bend and other points, and many exploded in
the attempt made to get them on shore. Eighty were taken up in a
distance of thirty miles.

LIVING ON THE ENEMY.

The fleet anchored off several of the plantations along the river,
and the men were allowed to regale themselves with fresh provisions
and other luxurious articles that were contraband of war. All
articles of military value were taken or destroyed, and a quantity
of cotton pressed into the service as bulwarks against the
sharpshooters who lined the banks of the stream. Mr. Speller, a
rich planter, owning a place called Speller's Landing, was arrested
and sent to Plymouth. He had accepted a nomination to a seat in the
rebel Legislature, had three sons in the rebel army, and was
himself a bitter reviler and opponent of the government. Other
prominent rebels were also seized and sent to Plymouth. One of them
offered Commander Macomb and Lieutenant Commander English a large
amount of gold, which he had on his person, to release him; but
like Paulding and Van Wert of old, the patriotism of the sailor
chiefs revolted at the attempt to bribe them, and an order to place
the rebel in closer confinement was the only result of the
proposition. Corruption has been little known in this war among our
naval officers; and though many of them are far from w