Frank on the Lower Mississippi

e Was

tive of safety, for it might, at any moment, be broken by the report of muskets, or a sudden demand for surrender from enemies who had followed them so silently that their appro

nd the rest of the cutter's crew? All who had succeeded

fellows, recalling to mind incidents of his own capture and escape, which made him doubly

t coming up the river. When she arrived opposite to them, Frank hailed her, and the boat landed and took them on board. Frank gave the information that there was a battery above, and the captain, not liking the idea of trusting his unarmed vessel within range of its guns, ordered the pilot to round-to and start down the river again. The order was obeyed at once, and Frank and the

a complete history of the run from Alexandria, that it spoke in the highest terms of his skill and bravery, and ended with a recommendation for a master's appointment. This letter had been written by the captain to whom Frank had delivered his dispatches, he having learned the full particulars from the coxswain, whom he had summoned into his presence while Frank was in the wardroom eating his dinner. The sailor described all that had happened in glowing language, dwelling with a good deal of emphasis upon the "pluck" displayed by his young officer, and the ignorance and cowardice of the lieutenant, and ended with saying, "He didn't think of nothing, sir, but

fe return to his captain, and then went into the wardroom and sat down to report to the admiral by letter, according to his instructions. After all he had passed through, one would suppose tha

the United States army transport "Key-West," for the mouth of Red River, with dispatches, which were de

nd respectfully forwarded," (for all letters from subordinate officers to the admiral had to pass through the captain's hands,) and the letter was put into the general mail. Frank then, in obedience to the captain's order, proceeded to give that gentleman a minute account of the manner in which he had executed his orders, together with the names of the men belonging to the cutter's crew who were missing, and wound up wi

ank Nelson, by the gallant manner in which he had executed the important business intrusted to him, had nobly earned his promotion, and, by the skill and judgment he had exhibited in handling the transport, had shown tha

ton, and to destroy any fortifications that might be found along the banks. The remainder of the fleet, which was at Alexandria when Frank left, had gone up Red River, toward Shreveport. Had he been allowed his choice in the matter, Frank would have preferred to accompany the latter expedition, as he then would have been able, after Shreveport

had been attached to the Michigan, he and Frank had been bosom friends. The dangers through which they had passed while fugitives from a rebel prison-their hair-breadth escapes from recapture-could never be forgotten. No one on board besides Frank knew any thing of George's past history. In accordance with the latte

my mother and sisters. I don't deny that the order is a just one, but I don't want to see it executed. I begin to believe that I am a good prophet," he continued, after a moment'

d to another part of the deck, to meet the cap

ow of the rebellion, and when he witnessed his quiet submission to his cruel fate, knowing that he was cut off from all further intercourse with his relatives, he could not help pitying both him and his rebel parents. But he knew, from those letters he had read, and which George still preserved, and from what he had witnessed on that memorable night when he and his companions had stopped at the plantation and asked for food, that the general and his family had taken part with the rebellion, not to secure any rig

riends stood together on d

ll. I've caught many a string of fish off

red night when George had suddenly presented himself before his relatives, who thought him safe in the prison at Tyler. There were the broad stone steps that led up to the portico on

ver, and in a few moments more the plantation was out of sight. No

long the bank. The vessels remained at anchor in front of the town for two days, and after burning the public buildings, and picking up some escaped Union pri

f small-armed men to be called away, and you and Mr. Le Dell get ready to go on shore with me. By

lowed by what he particularly desired to avoid-the sympathy of all his messmates. He would accompany the expedition, but he would neither enter the house or go into the presence of his mother and sisters, and he might return without being recognized. By the time he had buckled on his sword and returned to the deck the men were ready, when, in obedience to Frank's order, he marched them on board the tug, which lay at the stern of t

ssing himself to Mrs. Le Dell, "

ing it for a long t

time," continued the captain

team to remove the furniture to a place of safety, as all the wagons about the plantation had been given up to the rebel army. This

he expressed it. Frank also recognized two objects; one was the barn where he and his fellow-fugitives had halted to hold a consultation before going up to the house; and the other was

org

o his brother, who sprang toward him, threw his arms around his neck, and burst in

ittle fellow, "are you

arms, ran toward the house, and scrambling up the steps, burst into the r

George is here!

flashed across his mind that it was one of their rebel friends. He glanced out at the door, and saw his two officers standing quiet

e asked, putting his hand on the bo

s my brother. He's out there," and he pointed tow

aptain in surprise, as he turned to

the Federal navy,

g man out there is your son, allow me to say t

on given why the order to burn the house was not executed was this: Unlike the majority of rebel commanders, General Le Dell had always treated Union prisoners who had fallen into his hands with the greatest humanity. Although he seemed to be particularly spiteful toward George, whom he called a "young traitor," he always endeavored to make the condition of other prisoners as tolerable as possible. The truth

e, as the two friends stood watching the plantation as long as it r

e both officers and men look forward to a good share of prize-money, and one a