Making light of Mud

Peace Society

Sergeant
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Location
Ark Mo line
Mud



Northumberland County Raid

Feb. 1863

On Friday morning we turned into Cone river, a small inlet in Northumberland county, Virginia. Here the officers of the steamer caused the lead to be cast for sounding. It was evidently the first time many of our men had ever witnessed this performance and they appear to have been much impressed by it.



Sunday night, in a pouring rain, the regiment disembarked and marched back to our camp. The mud was very deep, and in the pitchy darkness, the men plunged and staggered through it with great difficulty and serious loss of temper. Suddenly some wag sung out in the peculiar intonation of the lead heaver: “Four fathom.” Instantly from some other part of the column came out in drawling intonation, “Four and a half.” Then another shouted: “Quarter less twain,” but when the squeaking voice of orator Jones sang out “No bottom,” the regiment raised a universal shout, and waded into camp without further complaint.



Service with the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers

Rufus R Dawes

1890
 
Back
Top