Here had been destroyed, in a few hours, more property than a half-million industrious men would accumulate in their lives.
Almost as gratifying as the sight of the old flag flying in triumph, was the exhibition of our naval power in the river before us.

The larger part of the great North Atlantic squadron, which had done such excellent service in the reduction of the defenses of Wilmington, was lying at anchor, with their hundreds of huge guns yawning as if ardent for more great forts to beat down, more vessels to sink, more heavy artillery to crush, more Rebels to conquer.

It seemed as if there were cannon enough there to blow the whole Confederacy into kingdom-come.

All was life and animation around the fleet.

On the decks the officers were pacing up and down.