June 15th, 1863.
Orders have come at last. “Forward to Vicksburg!” is the cry. We are steaming down the grand old river once again, ready to face danger in any form, either by Rebel bullets or the more dealy miasma of the Southern swamps, for “Liberty and Union.” The way from Memphis down is not entirely safe for transports. Guerillas have a trick of concealing themselves along the banks and firing on them as they pass. We have a strong guard, with loaded guns, ready to return their greeting should they salute us. As we do not travel nights, it will take us at least two days to make the trip.
