Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1864-08-05

dier, that he has to get ready to move a
long time before he starts. We had to
wait in the hot, broiing sun until 2 p. NJ.
While waiting four of US used up dozen
of lemons, eight pounds of ice, and sugar
in proportion the whole costing about
five dollars. The lemonade was cold it
did not taste much like the muddy water
of the Mississippi.
At two o'clock we went on board the
Henry Ames," the 18th Maine and 30th
Mass. soon after came aboard, and as
soon as we could get the baggage on board
(sbout two hours) we swung off from the
bank and bid long good bye to the camp
at Morganzie. But we were not crowd
ed quite enough half mile below we
stopped to take the Goth N. Y. aboard,
so that by the time We left the domi1ions
of Maj. Gen. Reynolds. it was getting
along towards the latter part of the af.
ternoon. The boat was quite crowded as
we had four regiments on board. and the
Headquarter guard of our brigade, togeth.
er with Colonel Beal and staff.
1t was about dark when we passed
Port Hudson. As this is noted place,
| was all eyes to see the sights. Imagine
a bank 40 or 30 feet high, extending half
a mile or more, with once in while an
earth work visible over the top and
scatter few tents along on the bank, "a
lot Of "nigs" along on the river, and you
will have a good idea of what Port IIud-
son seemed to me, on the % of July.
1864, year, lacking two days, from the
date of its surrender to General Grant.
Baton Rouge 90 miles below, was not
visible when We passed there; few
lights were to be seen. | think it is not
much of place.
That night we lay on the deck of the
steamer. The next morning when |
awoke the sun was shining brightly
The banks Of the river were very pleas.
ant, lined with the mansions of the plant
ers, with the negro quarters in the back
ground. 1t was very pretty prospect.
There was not much to fix the attention
till We got to Carrollton, six miles from
New Orleans. At this place, in a slight
bend Of the river, is Il small earth work,
mounting six or eight guns. There were
two companies there doing guard duty.
They looked as if they had not done much
hard duty. | guess few Red River
campaigns would put rough look on
them. We'll, | don't know as am at
all sorry. We cant all OF us stop i'll
forts, aud those who have the good luck
to be there | do not envy. We arrived
at New Orleans about half past nine
/ SUNDAY morning, but did not land until
about five P. NJ. Our Company, +, was
on guard and so did not 60 with the reg
iment, which was quartered in the Ala
bama Cotton Press. was not on luty,
so with the Orderly Sergeant | started
off to see what could be found to eat.
After somc walk we found market,
where we got ham and eggs, with coffee
and potatoes, topping of with cucnmbcrs,
tomatoes and eustard pie. BY this time
we were ready to find our way back to
the boat.
The fourth we celebrated by exploring
the city. The only signs OF a celebration
that saw were the signal flags of the
4 bONeTnlncut Steamer hCSlciIdH, au2 u
national salute at noon.
As a city, New Orleans can boast Of
some fine squares and streets. 1t is much
more pleasant than Baltimore where
US in hospital so long, although there is
not so much life to it. But should
think that when business was good it was
far ahead Of Baltimore.
The Cotton Press (where we were
quartered) on the inside looks like a jail
yard. Imagine an acre Of perfectly y
) smooth ground covered with pebbles and
broken clam shells with a SHED built
around it, some 40 feet wide and - to 30
feet high, and you will have good idea
Of the Alabama Press.
There we remained until about halt
past four P. NJ. Of the fifth, when we to k
up our line of march for the steamer
Clinton, which had been getting ready to
receive us, and little before dark we
left the wharf. Our Accommodations are
not very good. Oar Company, with Cos
G and Ii, are on the second deck, where
we have good chance. The rest OF ouI
: regiment with the 18th Maine, are or
the upper deck exposed to what ralu
chances TO fall.
July sth.
We have had very pleasant passage
so far-the gulf is as smooth as can be
To-day We are near Key West, with
good cool breeze.
Got to Fortress Monroe the 18th, al
) right. Your son,