Dwelling in the very land of Southern pine, the Department authorities had to send North for it, at a vast expense.

There was reported to be plenty in the enemy's country, but somehow the colored soldiers were the only ones who had been lucky enough to obtain any, thus far, and the supply brought in by our men, after flooring the tents of the white regiments and our own, was running low.

An expedition of white troops, four companies, with two steamers and two schooners, had lately returned empty-handed, after a week's foraging; and now it was our turn.

They said the mills were all burned; but should we go up the St.Mary's, Corporal Sutton was prepared to offer more lumber than we had transportation to carry.

This made the crowning charm of his suggestion.