16th.—We drew our water from the river to get some breakfast, the sailors are washing off the deck, and if any man happens in the way, he is sure of having a bucket full thrown on him; of course several of our boys have had a good drenching. At 8 o’clock a steamer took us in tow. As we proceeded up the Mississippi, we beheld on its banks large plantations of the sugar cane which present a lovely contrast with some countries over which I have marched. On the left side of the river is Fort Jackson, now nearly in ruins, but still a beautiful place. With several of our men I slept on the deck of the steamer. We were all in good spirits at the prospect of getting home, though the want of a change of clothes at this particular juncture is keenly felt. Some are covered with filth, and vermin, which have kept their hiding places within our garments, for many a long day.
17th.—We are now among the thick settlements, and sugar plantations which line the river as we approach the city. I remained most of the night on deck, and ate an early breakfast of the usual diet. Afterwards Capt. Hudson had one of the big guns taken up, and fired a salute as we passed a pretty little village. We are now on the site of the battle ground, where General Jackson fought the English in 1814—continued our course up the river, and fired several times. At last, we were safely landed on the wharf in New Orleans. Upon my head there was no hat, having lost my last remnant overboard in the gulf. My pants, I had thrown away three days before, because (being composed of deerskin worn into tatters,) I despaired of making them look decent. A pair of drawers, rather the worse for wear, and an old overcoat, constituted my dress. If, to this description of my person I add that my hair, beard, and mustachios, had been left to vegetate undisturbed ever since I left Fort Leavenworth, then some idea may be formed of the accomplished soldiers of Col. Doniphan’s command.
18th.—In company with twelve others I got in an omnibus to search for some clothes and quarters; came three miles to a large clothing establishment, where our wants as to garments were soon supplied. The barber next exercised his skill, and it was with many an amusing jest and laugh that we regarded each others altered and improved appearance. Comfortable quarters were secured, and to-night I am reposing in a quiet boarding house. Here I feel that no homage of my soul is profound enough to render due adoration to that gracious Providence Who has protected and guided me, while marching over the wild plains, and through the mountain passes of Mexico.
“Deserts in vain opposed our onward course;
O’er hostile lands and wild untravelled wastes,
Our journey we pursued, nor feared the floods,
Through deep ravines that flow; dire banked with death;
Nor mountains in whose jaws destruction grinned.
Though floods rapacious roaring as they rolled,
And mountains huge and rough were circled round