On the Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 26. Cold night, but kept comfortable in our “she-bang” of “ponchos”. H. W. Miller and Tommy Goodman returned from home. “Went out to drill as usual but soon returned with orders to embark as soon as possible (which were indeed prepared for). Both of my horses were taken from me and put in the teams, while a couple of lame “crowbates” [crow-baits] were given me instead.
By 10 A. M. the 6th and the 12th Battery were all on board the “Julia”, a large passenger boat fitted up with great elegance, on her third trip from New Orleans with several furloughed men and families fleeing from the fate of the Confederacy, to seek protection in some Northern state. Among these were two young females taking deck passage, and our mules, horses, wagons etc., were stowed away upon all sides of them. Amidst the oaths of soldiers their situation was truly pitiful. I felt thankful that my sisters are where such trials will not reach them. At 12 M. General Smith with his adjutant, came aboard, and at 2 P. M. we started up stream leaving the infantry regiments behind to follow as soon as possible. Although the lower deck was very crowded we found plenty of room and comfortable quarters above. The boat moved very fast and we go very pleasantly. Night is closing in. I will lie down, hoping that when we get to Memphis I will get some mail, as it has been a great while since I received any.
