EMBARKATION SCENE.

69

troops, until Sunday the 23d, when it marched to Alexandria, and embarked on vessels for Fortress Monroe. Six companies proceeded on board the Metamora, previously employed on the Hudson river; three on the Naushon, and the remaining Company on another small steamer. The embarkation scene was one which will long be remembered by the participants.

Transports of every size and description were riding in the river, or moored at the wharves, receiving on board regiment after regiment. National ensigns and banners appeared in every direction, flying from the forests of masts, over forts in the distance, or unfurled at the head of the regiments. Beyond the city were visible long lines of glistening bayonets, winding over hill and through dale as far as the eye could reach, and the gentle breezes which blew from the southward bore to the ear the music of a hundred national bands. They steamed away at the close of the day, amid tremendous cheering, waving of handkerchiefs, and singing of the "red, white, and blue;" the setting sun shimmering on the water; the dark outlines of the capitol looming up in the distance. All hands crowded the decks to catch a lingering look of Washington, rebellious Alexandria, and the surrounding region, where they had spent the first months of their soldier-life.

Dropping down the river, the three steamers bearing the Thirty-third lay off Fort Washington until the next morning, when they "hove anchor," and started for Fortress Monroe. When oppo. ite Mount

70

ARRIVAL AT FORTRESS MONROE.

Vernon, the bells were tolled in memory of the illustrious dead. The first of the Monitors, since lost off the coast of North Carolina, lay at anchor further down the river, and attracted much attention. So diminutive, so insignificant in appearance, it seemed impossible that this little "cheese-box" could be so formidable an engine of destruction; able to blow the largest man-of-war afloat into "one long porthole." Passing numerous barges, sloops, and other water-craft, in the employ of the government, the steamers reached Fortress Monroe at midnight, and the troops disembarked at Old Point Comfort during the following morning.

Forces belonging to General Heintzelman had already arrived, and were encamped in the vicinity of the fort. The change in the climate was very perceptible as well as agreeable. Instead of the bleak, cutting winds and unhealthy climate of Camp Griffin, a warm genial south breeze was blowing, and the mild, balmy atmosphere was alike bracing and exhilarating. After the long confinement of the more northern winter months, it was far from disagreeable to be transferred to a spot where the peach trees were in blossom, birds were singing, and flocks sporting in green meadows.

On landing, the Thirty-third marched to the ruined village of Hampton, and after tarrying a short time to partake of refreshments, and examine the various objects of interest, proceeded three miles beyond, and encamped close to the James River. Prior to leaving Washington, General Heintzelman had re

REBEL LITERATURE.

73

ceived instructions from General McClellan, who did not reach the Peninsula until the second of April, to keep all the troops in the vicinity of the fort for a few days, so that the rebels should have no idea of the direction in which the army was to eventually move, whether towards Norfolk or Yorktown. He accordingly did so.

On the 27th reconnoitering parties were sent forward. Smith's entire division marched, without knap-. sacks, to Watt's Creek, a small hamlet near Big Bethel, where some rebel cavalry were discovered and put to flight by a few shells from our artillery. There were newly made camps and other evidences of the recent occupation of the place by rebel infantry. For the first time, the Thirty-third boys discovered a batch of the rebel literature, which has furnished so much amusement for northern readers during the progress of the war. Little groups were collected to listen to the reading of various documents, including several tender missives, the writers of which had evidently followed Voltaire's advice for writing love letters, "to begin without knowing what you have to say, and end without knowing what you have written."

On the same day Gen. Hooker proceeded with his command to Big Bethel, the enemy decamping when he made his appearance. After remaining over night at Watt's Creek, sleeping on their arms, in the forest, the troops of Smith's division returned and encamped about two miles north of Newport News. A severe rain-storm set in after dark, and the men of the