We looked proudly upon these magnificent models of naval architecture--upon their size, their number, and their admirable adaptation.

We viewed with a changing cheek and kindling eye this noble exhibition of a free people's strength; and as the broad banner of our country swung out upon the breeze of the tropics, we could not help exulting in the glory of that great nation whose uniform we wore around our bodies.
It was no dream.

We saw the burnished cannon and the bright epaulette, the gleaming button and the glancing bayonet.

We heard the startling trumpet, the stirring drum, and the shrill and thrilling fife; and our souls drank in all those glorious sights and sounds that form at once the spirit and the witchery of war.
The landing was to take place on the 9th, and the point of debarkation fixed upon was the beach opposite the island of Sacrificios, just out of range of the guns of Vera Cruz.
The 9th of March rose like a dream, bright, balmy, and beautiful.

The sea was scarcely stirred by the gentlest breeze of the tropics; but this breeze, light as it was, blew directly in our favour.
At an early hour I observed a strange movement among the ships composing the fleet.