3- PM.  Well it is clearing away, & bids fair to be anoth beautiful moonlight night. Last night I stayed up quite late looking at the scenes along the way, & the moon mirored in the clear waves of this glorious old river. & to day the clouds are mirored on the chystal wave.  O my dear girl how I wish our means would Justify us in traveling in company.  There are so many fine scenes that I could enjoy so much better with you. And yet when I think of my own dear Iowa with its rich scenes of grove & prairie - & the home I hope we can make I feel like I didn't wish ever to go from home again.  I notice in the papers that Gen A. J. Hamilton Military Governor of Texas has arrived at N. Orleans. & is on his way to Galveston, &c.  I wonder if he is our uncle.  He is a loyal Texan having been driven away in exile.  He was formerly from the north. Well the boat has stoped to put on wood & I must look around.  Well I have been ashore looking around over the beautiful gardens & grounds surrounding these princely mansions - now you mustn't think because I admire the beauties of improved nature along the Mississippi that I covet any of their -rich & well improved plantations - No after all the native scenery will not compare to the view from round top and many other points in Iowa.  But here we go on towards the Crescent Citty - This evening is verry warm -
