Nothing out of the ordinary marked the railroad journey to New York. But progress thereafter, which was by boat, proved to be highly uncomfortable. The transports were small, and not too seaworthy. And worse yet for “landlubbers,” the sea was rough. It is said that the man establishing his claim to possessing the strongest stomach was the man whose digestive organ would throw the farthest. As however all things have an end, the sufferers finally arrived at the mouth of the Mississippi, and once more became habitants of _terra firma_. From the streets of Boston and the hills of Worcester county to the canebrakes and swamps of Mississippi and Louisiana is a violent transition, which nothing less tough than the human system could endure. Yet the 42d Regiment survived its journey to the department of the Gulf and may almost be said to have flourished in its new environment. Of course the heat was often prostrating, while malaria took its toll of human life. The companies were separated, and were assigned to provost and engineering duty at different stations. Hard-tack and salt beef and pork are not luxurious fare, muddy coffee (which means usually coffee made with muddy water) is far from being a dainty beverage, digging is a most unromantic occupation, and even staying awake nights to watch while others sleep does not arouse the finer emotions as much in fact as when set forth by poets. Yet these are the staple elements of a soldier’s life; and these the 42d enjoyed in abundant profusion. Sensational details were lacking in this experience; but the service is not the less a thing of which to be proud.