e use in attempting to punish
them. Besides this inconvenience, every now and then, whenever we had
to pass any hilly or broken ground behind which an enemy could find
shelter, we were certain to be saluted with a shower of rifle-balls. At
first I attempted to retaliate by sending some of the marines in
pursuit, but by the time they got up to the spot from whence the shots
were fired no enemy was to be seen, and I was only too glad to get them
back without having them cut off. This showed me that our enemies,
though persevering, were not numerous.

Considering all the difficulties I had to encounter, it is not
surprising that when we arrived at the place of embarkation our stock
had been reduced to forty-three head of cattle, with a proportionate
diminution in our sheep, though our two carts with the pigs and poultry
arrived all safe. We embarked at seven o'clock in the evening on board
some vessels sent to carry us and the result of our foraging expedition,
to our respective ships. I had not lost a man, and with the exception
of my own hurt, no one was wounded. I felt sure that my success was
attributable to the dispositions I had made, and the careful way I had
effected my retreat, and that seeing me so well prepared to receive them
had prevented the enemy from attacking me. I expressed myself to this
effect when I returned on board, but was only laughed at for my pains,
and asked what I had to fear from a few despicable rebel boors, whom a
volley would in an instant put to flight.

"Very well," said I. "If any of you have to perform the same work, and
do not take similar precautions, depend on it you will have to rue your
neglect."

"Oh, nonsense," was the answer. "We know what the fellows are made of.
They are not worth powder and shot."

Greatly to my annoyance, the very next day I was again directed to land
with the same number of men for the same object. It was satisfactory to
know that the way I conducted the expedition was approved of, but yet I
would gladly have got off the duty. Just then, finding that a flag of
truce was to be sent to Hampton, I solicited the commodore to allow me
to go on that service.

"Yes," he replied. "The inhabitants are acquainted with you; and when
you make your appearance they will understand our dispositions are
friendly."

I was much flattered by this compliment, and still more pleased to gain
the object I had in view. The commodore told me to direct Lieutenant