This latter extraordinary proceeding, called for perhaps by the existing state of affairs, took me altogether aback.
That a smoking apparatus should be applied to a cargo of cotton seemed almost astounding.

But so it was ordered, the object being to search for runaways, and, strange to say, its efficacy was apparent, when, after an hour or more's application of the process (which was by no means a gentle one), an unfortunate wretch, crushed almost to death by the closeness of his hiding-place, poked with a long stick till his ribs must have been like touchwood, and smoked the colour of a backwood Indian, was dragged by the heels into the daylight, ignominiously put into irons, and hurled into the guard-boat.

This discovery nearly caused the detention of the vessel on suspicion of our being the accomplices of the runaway; but after some deliberation, we were allowed to go on.
Having steamed down the river a distance of about twenty miles, we anchored at two o'clock in the afternoon near its mouth.

We were hidden by Fort Fisher from the blockading squadron lying off the bar, there to remain till some time after nightfall.

After anchoring we went on shore to take a peep at the enemy from the batteries.