e water sinks instead of the
cream's rising; and the delicious sugar-cane syrup, which we had brought
from Florida, and which we drank at all hours. Old Floridians say that
no one is justified in drinking whiskey, while he can get cane-juice; it
is sweet and spirited, without cloying, foams like ale, and there were
little spots on the ceiling of the dining-room where our lively beverage
had popped out its cork. We kept it in a whiskey-bottle; and as whiskey
itself was absolutely prohibited among us, it was amusing to see the
surprise of our military visitors when this innocent substitute
was brought in. They usually liked it in the end, but, like the old
Frenchwoman over her glass of water, wished that it were a sin to give
it a relish. As the foaming beakers of molasses and water were handed
round, the guests would make with them the courteous little gestures
of polite imbiding, and would then quaff the beverage, some with gusto,
others with a slight afterlook of dismay. But it was a delicious and
cooling drink while it lasted; and at all events was the best and the
worst we had.

We used to have reveille at six, and breakfast about seven; then the
mounted couriers began to arrive from half a dozen different directions,
with written reports of what had happened during the night,--a
boat seen, a picket fired upon, a battery erecting. These must be
consolidated and forwarded to head-quarters, with the daily report of
the command,--so many sick, so many on detached service, and all the
rest. This was our morning newspaper, our Herald and Tribune; I never
got tired of it. Then the couriers must be furnished with countersign
and instructions, and sent off again. Then we scattered to our various
rides, all disguised as duty; one to inspect pickets, one to visit a
sick soldier, one to build a bridge or clear a road, and still another
to head-quarters for ammunition or commissary stores. Galloping through
green lanes, miles of triumphal arches of wild roses,--roses pale and
large and fragrant, mingled with great boughs of the white cornel,
fantastic masses, snowy surprises,--such were our rides, ranging from
eight to fifteen and even twenty miles. Back to a late dinner with our
various experiences, and perhaps specimens to match,--a thunder-snake,
eight feet long; a live opossum, with a young clinging to the natural
pouch; an armful of great white, scentless pond-lilies. After dinner,
to the tangled garden for rosebuds or earl