guides might not be deceiving us,
and whether ambuscades might not be laid for our destruction as
soon as we should arrive where troops could conveniently act, our
march was insensibly conducted with increased caution and
regularity.

But in a little while some groves of orange-trees presented
selves; on passing which two or three farm-houses
appeared. Towards these, our advanced companies immediately
hastened, with the hope of surprising the inhabitants, and
preventing any from being raised. Hurrying on at double-quick
time, they surrounded the buildings, succeeded in securing the
inmates, capturing several horses; but becoming rather careless
in watching their prisoners, one man contrived to effect his
escape. Now, then, all hope of eluding observation might be laid
aside. The rumour of our landing would, we knew, spread faster
than we could march; and it only remained to make that rumour as
terrible as possible.

With this view, the column was commanded to widen its files, and
to present as formidable an appearance as could be assumed.
Changing our order, in obedience to these directions, we marched,
not in sections of eight or ten abreast, but in pairs, and thus
contrived to cover with our small division as large a tract or
ground as if we had mustered thrice our present numbers. Our
steps were likewise quickened, that we might gain, if possible,
some advantageous position, where we might be able to cope with
any force that might attack us; and thus hastening on, we soon
arrived at the main road which leads directly to New
Orleans. Turning to the right, we then advanced in the direction
of that town for about a mile; when, having reached a spot where
it was considered that we might encamp in comparative safety, our
little column halted; the men piled their arms, and a regular
bivouac was formed.

HALT.

The country where we had now established ourselves, answered, in
every respect, the description which I have already given of the
neck of land on which New Orleans is built. It was a narrow
plain of about a mile in width, bounded on one side by the
Mississippi, and on the other by the marsh from which we had just
emerged. Towards the open ground this marsh was covered with
dwarf wood, having the semblance of a forest rather than of a
swamp; but on trying the bottom, it was found that both
characters were united, and that it was impossible for a man to
make his way among the trees, so boggy was the soil u