were able, proceeded to the high ground above the
landing, and after being divided into battalions, each was
conducted in turn to the Government store-house, under charge of
Captain Davis, who furnished each man with a new suit of clothes
recorded his name, regiment and company. They then passed out to
another building near by, where warm water, soap, towels, brushes
and combs awaited them.

"After their ablutions they returned to the open space in front of
the building, to look around and enjoy the realities of their new
life. Here they were furnished with paper, envelopes, sharpened
pencils, hymn-books and tracts from the Sanitary Commission, and
sat down to communicate the glad news of their freedom to friends
at home. In about two hours most of the men who were able, had
sealed their letters and deposited them in a large mail bag which
was furnished, and they were soon sent on their way to hundreds of
anxious kindred and friends.

"Captain Davis very kindly invited me to accompany him to another
building, to witness the administration of the food. Several
cauldrons containing nice coffee, piles of new white bread, and
stands covered with meat, met the eye. Three dealers were in
attendance. The first gave to each soldier a loaf of bread, the
second a slice of boiled meat, the third, dipping the new tin-cup
from the hand of each, into the coffee cauldron, dealt out hot
coffee; and how it was all received I am unable to describe. The
feeble ones reached out their emaciated hands to receive gladly,
that which they were scarcely able to carry, and with brightening
faces and grateful expressions went on their way. The stouter ones
of the party, however, must have their jokes, and such expressions
as the following passed freely among them: 'No stockade about this
bread,' 'This is no confederate dodge,' etc. One fellow, whose skin
was nearly black from exposure, said, 'That's more bread than I've
seen for two months.' Another, 'That settles a man's plate.' A
bright-eyed boy of eighteen, whose young spirit had not been
completely crushed out in rebeldom, could not refrain from a
hurrah, and cried out, 'Hurrah for Uncle Sam, hurrah! No
Confederacy about this bread.' One poor feeble fellow, almost too
faint to hold his loaded plate, muttered out, 'W