Passage Of The James

In The Centnry General Horace Porter writes of "Graut's Dasb For Petersburg" in l.-S series cf papers on "Capaigning With Grant. " Of the passage of the James, General Pcrter says: As the general in chief stood upon tlie bluff on the ncrth bank of the river on the morning of June 15, watehing with tmusual interest the busy scène spread out before hini, it presented a sight which had never been equaled even in his extended experieuce in all the varied phases of warfare. His citrar had been thrown iside, his hands were clasped behind him, and he seemed lost in the conteuiplation of the spectacle. The great bridge was the scène of a continuous moTerbent (f infantry columns, batterjcs of artillery aud wagon trains. Tbe approaches to the river on both banks were cov( n d with inasses of troops moving briskly to their positious or wuiticg patiently their turn to cross. At tbe two improvised ferrics stearuboats were gl kling back and forth with the regularity of weavers' shuttles. A fleet cf transports covered the surface of the water below the bridge, and gtmboats floated lazily upon the stream, guarding the river above. Drums were beating the march, bands were playiug stirring quicksteps, tbe distant bocming of cannou on Warren'n front showed tbat he and the eneruy ; were still exchanging complinaents, and mingled with these sounds were the cheers of the sailors, the shouting of the trcops, the rumbling of wheels and the shrieks of steam whistles. The bright snn, shining through a clear sky upon the scène, cast its sheen upon the water, was rtflected frem the burnished gun barrels and glittering cannon, and brought out with increased brilliancy the gay colors of tbe waving banners. The calmly flowing river reflected the blue of the heavens and mirrored on its surface the beauties of nature that bordered it. Tbe rich grain was etanding high in tbe surrounding fields. The harvest was almcst ripe, but the harvesters had fltd. The arts of civilization hád recoiled before the science of destruction, and in looking from the growing crops to tbe marching columns the gentle smile of peace contrasted strangely witb the savage frown of war. It was a matchless pageant that could not fail to inspire all beholders with the grandeur of acbievement and the majesty of military power. The man whose genius bad conceived and whose skill had executed this masterly movement stood watehing the spectacle in profound silence. Whether his mind was occupied with tbe contemplation of its magnitude and success or was busied with maturing plans for the future no one can teil. Aftera time hewoke from his rêverie, mounted his horse and gave orders to have headquarters ferried across to the south bank of tbe river.