FIRST ENCAMPMENT. 13 
which, from the depth of the road, was so entirely different 
from steady farm work,) proved very refractory, so it was 
not long before two wagons were broken down, and to add 
to our difficulties, a violent storm arose, of wind, rain, hail, 
thunder, and lightning, fully realizing the truth of the old © 
adage, “it never rains but it pours.” 
, Owing to these circumstances, and finding no convenient 
place to encamp, (the whole country being flooded,) it was not 
until ten P. M., that we reached a short prairie, twelve miles 
upon our route, where wet and hungry, with the rain pouring 
down in torrents, we found that the disabled wagons (which 
we were obliged to leave in the swamp until they could be 
repaired,) contained our camp baggage and rations, so that 
we were obliged to resign ourselves to a supperless bed, upon 
the wet grass, until the morning, thus making my initiation 
into camp life, rather laborious and exciting, but far from 
pleasant. 
An incident daring our march, amused and cheered me 
very much. 
Whilst riding along by the train, my ears were startled 
by an old familiar air, and I found the amateur was one of 
our ox drivers. He was carolling a moonlight love ditty, 
whilst wading mid leg in mud. Sentiment under difficulties ; 
I knew not which to admire most, the song, or the happy 
spirits of the singer; he seemed to admire, and feel quite 
satisfied with both, judging from the hearty will with which 
he appealed to moonlight, music, love and flowers. ‘Surely, a 
2* 
