The passage down the Mississippi River from New Orleans to the Gulf was very pleasant. On either shore the soldiers viewed broad plantations, with elegant residences surrounded by orange groves. The weather was delightful. The sun was shining brightly in the clear sky, and there was a gentle breeze blowing from the Gulf.
However, all that changed at 5 o'clock when they reached the Gulf.
Both regiments were on the deck enjoying a ride on the ocean waves, when suddenly the bottom seemed to drop out from under them. The waves grew larger, the skies grew dark, and the wind began to blow hard. In less than an hour the majority of the men had gone below, feeling very sick.
The waves were rolling about twice as high as the ship, which would ride up over the wave and down into the trough, before starting up the next wave.
During the night, the groans from the sea-sick could be heard, along with jokes from those who were not affected by the rough seas. The sailors also found much humor in seeing the men so sick.
