Friday, June 23, 1848.—This morning there is a fine air stirring, and our fellows have nearly all recovered from their sea-sickness.
To-day we spoke the steamboat "Hercules." This is a towboat, and is bound for Vera Cruz. Also saw several other vessels bound for the same place and purposes.
In the evening we met the steamboat "Union." We are now looking out for land. The mate of the ship took out his spy-glass and discovered land ten miles off. Cheers rent the air.
Saturday, June 24, 1 848.—This morning mostly all the soldiers got up in good spirits, on the prospect of seeing Uncle Sam's land soon.
At noon we passed the schooner "Creole," loaded with a detachment of the New York Regiment. They left Vera Cruz about the same time we did; report all well. Soon afterwards some of our soldiers, who had been on the lookout for land, cried out with an exciting voice, "Land ahead! land ahead!" and, sure enough, the notice proved true. We could plainly see the Balizes, at which place we arrived about 5 o'clock, p.m. Cheers after cheers were then given for the United States and our beloved country. We continued on up the noble Mississippi river. The weather being beautiful, all the soldiers were upon deck viewing the scenery. All were much rejoiced and delighted, on account of our safe arrival in the States. Cheerfulness graced their faces. There is a saying, "Next to the sunlight of heaven is the sunlight of a cheerful face." There is no doubt some truth about this; for as soon as we saw land, I could see the bright eyes, the unclouded brow and the sunny smile at one glance on every man's face.
Sunday, June 25, 1848.—This morning at 1 o'clock the ship stopped to do some repairing, but started again at 4 o'clock this morning. We passed several beautiful plantations. The shores were crowded with ladies waving their hands and handkerchiefs, welcoming the soldiers to their homes. The weather is most delightful, and the soldiers are in buoyant
