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March 29th. Last evening at eight o’clock a severe storm set in, the wind blew very heavy; it rained, thundered and lightened exceeding anything I have ever seen before; at eleven o’clock we were obliged to let go our port anchor, as it was discovered that the ship was dragging. Half of the ship’s company were kept stationed at their guns, to be ready in case of any emergency, while the balance of the men were below sleeping in their hammocks; the night was dreadful. At one A. M. an object was seen moving down the river; it was reported by the lookout forward; the rattle was immediately sprung, calling all hands to quarters; those who were below in their hammocks were suddenly aroused from their slumbers, “and such a getting up stairs you never did see.” The object drifted down with the current until opposite our ship, and here it fetched up on the left bank of the river, which is, of course, the secesh side. Great excitement prevailed—the night being so very dark and stormy, it was feared that it might be one of the enemy’s boats stealing its way down to make an attack upon us. It is a mistaken idea of theirs, if they think they will catch us napping; however, this mysterious object, after the elapse of half an hour or so, was made out to be a steamer of some kind. We did not fire, although every gun was primed and ready, and every lock-string held taut, only waiting for the word of command to fire, but it was not deemed necessary, and one watch was sent below to turn in, while the other watch remained on deck at their guns, keeping a bright lookout for the enemy. At three o’clock the storm cleared up, the wind was still blowing very heavily, however; at daylight, this morning, the weather was quite clear, although very chilly. By this time we were informed that the mysterious object which caused so much excitement last night, was no less than the steamer Vicksburg, which had been tied up to the wharf, under the batteries of Vicksburg, for a long time. It is quite evident that she broke loose from her moorings in consequence of the heavy storm which prevailed. This afternoon, two of our boats’ crews were dispatched to board her; they returned, stating that she was a mere hulk, no machinery in her whatever; each of the men brought off something as a trophy, such as blankets, old boots, and a few old pictures, also half a dozen good muskets.