and if he failed, the blame would not rest with him.

When the sundown boat was called away, Frank, after exchanging his
uniform for a citizen's dress, and his cap for a tattered slouch-hat,
thrust a revolver into his pocket, stepped into the cutter, and was soon
set on shore. He walked directly to the office of the provost-marshal,
which was in the hotel, and finding that officer at his desk, handed him
the admiral's note, which ran as follows:

"U. S. FLAG-SHIP BLACKHAWK,
"OFF ALEXANDRIA, LA., March 20, 1864.


"SIR:--Please furnish the bearer, Acting Ensign Frank Nelson, with a
pass. He has important business to perform, which may detain him on
shore most of the night, and it is absolutely necessary, for the
successful accomplishment of his mission, that he should not be
interfered with. Very respectfully, your obd't serv't.,

DAVID D. PORTER, _Rear Admiral_,
Com'd'g Miss. Squadron.
U. S. Provost Marshal,
Alexandria, La.


"Your business must be important indeed, judging by the language of this
note," said the marshal. "You shall not be troubled."

While he was speaking he had been writing an order commanding "all
guards and patrols to allow the bearer the freedom of the city, as he