He sold the negro, first and last, for nearly two thousand dollars, and then put him for ever out of the reach of all pursuers; and they can never graze him unless they can find the negro; and that they cannot do, for his carcass has fed many a tortoise and catfish before this time, and the frogs have sung this many a long day to the silent repose of his skeleton.' We were approaching Memphis, in front of which city, and witnessed by its people, was fought the most famous of the river battles of the Civil War.

Two men whom I had served under, in my river days, took part in that fight: Mr.Bixby, head pilot of the Union fleet, and Montgomery, Commodore of the Confederate fleet.

Both saw a great deal of active service during the war, and achieved high reputations for pluck and capacity.
As we neared Memphis, we began to cast about for an excuse to stay with the 'Gold Dust' to the end of her course--Vicksburg.

We were so pleasantly situated, that we did not wish to make a change.

I had an errand of considerable importance to do at Napoleon, Arkansas, but perhaps I could manage it without quitting the 'Gold Dust.' I said as much; so we decided to stick to present quarters.
The boat was to tarry at Memphis till ten the next morning.