“My dear child,” a tear glistened in the Admiral’s eye, “you are a brave girl and have a noble mother. So long as America can produce such women there will be no fear for the Union. You shall get to New Orleans as quickly as possible. If it were needful I would clear a passage with my guns. But that will not be necessary. You will soon see the end of your journey. Would that all messengers were as brave as you have shown yourself.”
“Perhaps they would be if they could meet with such treatment as I have, sir. Some of them are very bold and daring, and run fearful risks. I have heard my father tell of their narrow escapes. And some of them,” and her eyes grew sorrowful, “never get back. I have done nothing compared with what many of them have done.”
“It is a great deal,” said Farragut kindly. “More than most girls could do.”
And so petted and made much of by officers and men the girl made the rest of her journey down the river without incident. The entire fleet of Farragut was brought to New Orleans because the Admiral realized the futility of taking Vicksburg without troops to hold it. General Butler at New Orleans had none to send him, and Halleck dawdled at Corinth most inexplicably. Many of the men were prostrated by fever and rest was a necessity.
Into the crescent shaped harbor upon which the city stood the fleet came to anchor, and Jeanne, full of anticipation at the thought of seeing her uncle and the successful termination of her mission, stood ready to go ashore. Captain Leathers came to her side.
“You are to go with Admiral Farragut,” he said. “He will take you to General Butler who will know just where to find your uncle.”
“Thank you,” said Jeanne gratefully. “How kind you have been to me, Captain Leathers. I will never forget you.”
“And I will never forget you,” said the Captain heartily. “When people brave death together it always makes them feel a sort of kinship, don’t you think? And at any time you want to go back I’ll carry you if I am here.”
“Thank you,” said the girl again. They shook hands and the Captain started to lead her ashore when Tenny ran after them.
“Shorely you ain’t gwine ter leab without tellin’ ole Tenny good-bye, is yer?” she panted.