The morning came, and with it the glad tidings of victory, which foreshadowed peace. The Firefly was ordered to move up the river, and she went up into waters where a loyal steamer had not floated for four years. The negro troops were even then marching through the streets of Richmond. The note of rejoicing, begun in the early morning, was continued through the day. The brightest flags and the heaviest guns proclaimed the joyful event.
The Firefly went up to Varina, and then returned. This river was clear; there was no sign of an enemy upon its waters. At City Point the sounds of rejoicing thrilled upon the ear of soldier and sailor. Cheer upon cheer rent the air, gun upon gun roared the pæan of triumph, and every heart beat in unison with the glad acclaim.
"Glory, hallelujah!" shouted Somers, on the quarter deck of the Firefly, as she passed through the fleet.
"Glory, hallelujah!" returned all who heard him.
Three rousing cheers, such as Jack only can give, came from the flag-ship, as the Firefly ran under her counter.
"What's that?" asked Somers—for there seemed to be something unusual going on.
Calling his gig, he went on board the flag-ship to report the result of his visit up the river. On the quarter deck he discovered a familiar face, which thrilled his heart with delight. It was "Brave Old Salt."
Somers approached the vice admiral, cap in hand, and was immediately recognized.
"Mr. Somers, I am delighted to see you!" said the admiral, extending his hand.
"Thank you, sir," replied the young commander. "This is an unexpected happiness to me."