The afternoon was a lovely one.

Summer clouds lazily drifted across the sky, the boats were dressed in their colors and swarmed with the men like bees.

The bands played national tunes, and as we passed the houses of Union citizens, the inmates would wave their handkerchiefs to us, and were answered by cheers from the troops.

The scenery was picturesque, the gently winding river making beautiful reaches that opened new scenes upon us at every turn.

On either side the advance-guard could be seen in the distance, the main body in the road, with skirmishers exploring the way in front, and flankers on the sides.