When the day dawned, our pilot after having reconnoitred told us that we were very well placed for starting for Washington; but that it would be impossible, on account of the patrols that were constantly watching the river’s banks, for us to move during the daytime, so we were doomed to remain all day in the damp grass.  Luckily we had put in our pockets at last night’s supper some black bread and an onion or two; so we made the best of things, and so did the sandflies.  How they did pitch into us, especially into me!  I suppose the good living I had been accustomed to on board the blockade-runner, or my natural disposition to good condition, made me taste sweet.  Several times during that fearful day I was tempted to rush out from my hiding-place, and defying patrols, gun-boat’s crew, and all authorities, make my escape from that place of torture.

Anyone who has experienced the necessity of remaining quiet under such an infliction as an attack of millions of sandflies on a hot sunny day will appreciate my feelings.  About one o’clock we got as a diversion from our tormentors a great fright.  A boat’s crew of a gun-boat lying about a mile distant from our retreat landed, and out of sheer idleness set fire to the grass about a hundred yards from where we were lying concealed.

We heard the crackling of the grass and thought of leaving our concealment at the risk of discovery; but our guide wisely remarked that the wind was the wrong way to bring the fire towards our hiding-place, so we felt safe.  The feeling of security was more pleasant, because we distinctly heard the men belonging to the gun-boat conversing with others, who clearly were patrols on the river’s bank.

The evening at last closed in, and as soon as it was quite dark we moved on, and after struggling through a thick wood for half an hour, got on the high road to Washington.  We travelled by night, meeting occasional patrols, whom we dodged by either lying down or getting behind trees till they had passed.

We concealed ourselves carefully during the day, and on the third morning before daylight we were within half a mile of the city.  As we got near the bridge close outside Washington, we tried our best to look like the rest of the people who were going on their ordinary business; and though somewhat severely scrutinised by the guard we managed to pass muster, and got safely into Washington, footsore, hungry, and regularly done up.

We went to a small inn that had been recommended to us when we were in Richmond, where probably they had some Southern proclivities.  No questions were asked as to where we came from, though, I take it, the people of the house had a shrewd guess.  We found ourselves among friends and perfectly safe from meddling inquiries.

Thus the land blockade was run.  I do not think much experience was gained by this particularly unpleasant exploit, which after all there was no very great difficulty in performing, and I certainly prefer my own element.