the
Twenty-Ninth Massachusetts, whom I had not seen before for years, the
same contented good-natured fellow, full of his jokes as ever. Found him
minus two fingers, and since then, I hear, by the accidental discharge
of his piece, he has mutilated his hand in such a manner as to lay him
up for the present. He is now in the hospital at Washington.

Tuesday, the 3d, was severely cold, the wind blowing strong from the
north-east, with frequent snow squalls.

Thursday, 5th, rumors were afloat that we were soon to be removed from
our present situation.

Sunday, the 8th, had orders to prepare for a march, with three days'
rations, to proceed to Aquia Creek, and from thence by transports to
Fortress Monroe. Monday opened upon us pleasantly. This day, at three,
P.M., we struck our tents, and bade farewell to "_Camp Mud_." At
half-past four, P.M., we stacked arms, and rested close by the depot,
in company with other regiments, awaiting their turn to go aboard the
cars. At half-past five, P.M., we hurried aboard, and after the usual
delays, we finally started. We proceeded most of the way slowly, and did
not arrive at Aquia Creek until ten o'clock in the evening. As soon as
we arrived at this place we unloaded from the cars, the regiment was
formed upon the wharf, and went immediately aboard the steamers
Metacomet and Juniata, that were waiting to receive us. As soon as the
regiment were aboard, they hauled into the stream, where we passed the
night.

The morning of the 10th dawned upon us, promising a pleasant day. The
long-looked-for schooner Elizabeth and Helen from Providence, we learned
had arrived during the night, and was laying in the offing. I had just
had her pointed out to me, and was looking at her, imagining what might
be aboard for me, and wishing for half a bushel of apples to grind on
our trip, when I saw a boat put off, and could just discover the head of
our colonel above the bow of the boat, making for us. He brought a few
boxes for himself and staff, and two barrels of apples for the regiment.
The apples were distributed among the men, and were very acceptable; I
got two small ones for my share. At half-past eleven, our
quartermaster's stores came alongside, were taken aboard, and, weighing
anchor, we started down the river. It was a most beautiful morning, and
all were in good spirits. I could not help comparing our present mode of
transportation with that allowed us while on our march from Alexandria