n
the shore and filed on board, the 18th Wisconsin, 4th Minnesota and 63rd
Illinois took their quarters on this boat. At 11:30 A. M. the fleet of
the 7th Division put out, headed up stream in the following order:

"Emerald" Flagship

"Illinois" } 1st Brigade
"Kentucky" }

"John J. Roe" } 2nd Brigade
"Clara Bell" }

"Adriatic" } 3rd Brigade
"Kenset" }

Advanced very slowly, the river being very low. Passed Millikens Bend,
deserted and grass grown in appearance, at 4 P. M. Landed at sundown on
an island to take on fuel. A lot of negroes at work for government
chopping cord wood. All hands got off for fun. Bathed in the river and
went to bed.

On the Mississippi, Sunday, Sept. 13. Boat left the wood-yard at 10
o'clock last night, but lay on a sand bar most of the night. Slowly and
carefully, like a thing of life, our palace picked her way up through
bold sand bars. Motion was imperceptible and the banks but one
monotonous belt of cotton-wood with here and there a chimney which we
suppose is where some enterprising secesh is going to build. Struck
shore at Providence 11 A. M. Many of the boys, supposing her stay to be
more permanent, jumped ashore and put off, but the bell soon called
them back, and a race for the boat ensued, but some were too late. The
boat had swung off leaving them to the mercy of gunboats or guerrillas,
there being no troops after these.

3 P. M. met "Gladiator" going down. Lashed to her, took on passenger and
two hogshead of ice. Spent the day lying on deck amidst the muskets,
haversacks, blankets and men. Deprived of the pleasure of writing home
as usual.

On the Mississippi, Monday, Sept. 14. 'Tis evening, and I am seated on
the guard of the boat all alone, with no noise save the heavy breathing
of the steam horse. The sun has just set in the stern of the boat like a
ball of fire, throwing its long rays over the waters, giving it the
appearance of a golden pathway. The soldiers are all mute, gazing out on
the glorious scene, save here and there a group indulging in a quiet
game of cards. All day the boat has kept on its slow but steady headway,
passed Napoleon at 9 A. M. and yet we are many miles from Helena. You
will not wonder then that I have been day dreaming. Behind us lies the
parched city of Vicksburg, for which we underwent many weeks of weary
toil to capture, after which two short months of rest. And now we are
o