to Fredericksburg, by the way of Maryland and Aquia Creek, two months
before.

The Potomac is indeed a beautiful river. Although it is laid down on the
maps as being broad and large, still, I had no idea of the magnitude of
this noble stream. I should judge that this river, from Aquia Creek to
the Chesapeake Bay, was, upon an average, five miles in width. Our
steamer, the Metacomet, proved a fast sailer. The Juniata, which passed
us before we started from Aquia Creek, we soon overtook, and as we
passed Point Look-out Hospital, at five, P.M., and entered the broad
waters of the Chesapeake, the Juniata could just be discerned from the
stern of the boat. Soon darkness enveloped all, and at nine I turned in.
At twelve, by the motion of the boat, I was satisfied that we had
reached our destination.

At six, A.M., the 11th, I turned out to ascertain our whereabouts and
look upon new scenes. I found the wind blowing fresh from the east, a
cloudy sky, and threatening rain. I found we were in Hampton Roads,
close in shore, and within three-quarters of a mile of the village of
Hampton. There were quite a number of vessels in the Roads--steamers,
schooners, gunboats, &c. Our companion, the Juniata, lay a short
distance from us, having arrived a few hours later than we.

At about nine, A.M., we started for Newport News. We passed close by
the Rip-Raps, a ledge of rocks half way between Fortress Monroe and the
opposite shore. Since the war commenced this place has been strongly
fortified, and is becoming celebrated as a place of confinement for
those incurring military displeasure. We arrived at Newport News,
landing at twelve, M., and proceeded immediately to disembark. The
appearance of Newport News, I should think, was very much like that of a
California seaport. There are two piers built out from the shore, each
one perhaps 300 feet in length and 10 feet in width, consisting of
spiles driven into the sand, covered with plank, with a railing upon
either side to help preserve one's equilibrium.

We filed off the boat upon the pier, passed the length of it, came upon
terra firma, proceeded up the road, gained the top of the bluff, and
filing to the left a short distance, stacked our arms; and, while our
colonel went to report himself to his commanding officer, we took the
opportunity to become acquainted with the sights and scenes of Newport
News.

The Cumberland, sunk a year ago by the Merrimack, lies opposite the
landing, a