The vessel started up the river, but found it extremely difficult to proceed, as the channel was filled with torpedoes and obstructions, and they were obliged to wait until a passage could be cleared.  Admiral Porter thus describes what followed:  “When the channel was reported clear of torpedoes (a large number of which were taken up), I proceeded up to Richmond in the ‘Malvern,’ with President Lincoln.  Every vessel that got through the obstructions wished to be the first one up, and pushed ahead with all steam; but they grounded, one after another, the ‘Malvern’ passing them all, until she also took the ground.  Not to be delayed, I took the President in my barge, and with a tug ahead with a file of marines on board we continued on up to the city.  There was a large bridge across the James about a mile below the landing, and under this a party in a small steamer were caught and held by the current, with no prospect of release without assistance.  I ordered the tug to cast off and help them, leaving us in the barge to go on alone.  Here we were in a solitary boat, after having set out with a number of vessels flying flags at every masthead, hoping to enter the conquered capital in a manner befitting the rank of the President of the United States, with a further intention of firing a national salute in honor of the happy result.  Mr. Lincoln was cheerful, and had his ‘little story’ ready for the occasion.  ’Admiral, this brings to my mind a fellow who once came to me to ask for an appointment as minister abroad.  Finding he could not get that, he came down to some more modest position.  Finally he asked to be made a tide-waiter.  When he saw he could not get that, he asked me for an old pair of trousers. It is sometimes well to be humble.’

“I had never been to Richmond before by that route,” continues Admiral Porter, “and did not know where the landing was; neither did the cockswain nor any of the barge’s crew.  We pulled on, hoping to see someone of whom we could inquire, but no one was in sight.  The street along the river-front was as deserted as if this had been a city of the dead.  The troops had been in possession some hours, but not a soldier was to be seen.  The current was now rushing past us over and among rocks, on one of which we finally stuck; but I backed out and pointed for the nearest landing.  There was a small house on this landing, and behind it were some twelve negroes digging with spades.  The leader of them was an old man sixty years of age.  He raised himself to an upright position as we landed, and put his hands up to his eyes.  Then he dropped his spade and sprang forward.  ‘Bress de Lord,’ he said, ’dere is de great Messiah!  I knowed him as soon as I seed him.  He’s bin in my heart fo’ long yeahs, an’ he’s cum at las’ to free his chillun from deir bondage!  Glory, Hallelujah!’ And he fell upon his knees before the President and kissed his feet.  The others followed his example, and in a minute Mr. Lincoln