We then disembarked, and marched through the canebrake, carrying lighted candles in our hands, till we got into the open cotton-fields at Hill's plantation, where we lay down for a few hours' rest.

These men were a part of Giles A.Smith's brigade, and part belonged to the brigade of T.Bilby Smith, the senior officer present being Lieutenant-Colonel Rice, Fifty-fourth Ohio, an excellent young officer.

We had no horses.
On Sunday morning, March 21st, as soon as daylight appeared, we started, following the same route which Giles A.Smith had taken the day before; the battalion of the Thirteenth United States Regulars, Major Chase, in the lead.

We could hear Porter's guns, and knew that moments were precious.

Being on foot myself, no man could complain, and we generally went at the double-quick, with occasional rests.