DeWitt characterizes his present location, City Point, VA, as a terrible place because of the presence of Rebels, pests, and sweltering heat. He goes on to describe the funeral procession for Abraham Lincoln, which DeWitt attended in Baltimore. He then recalls his experience aboard the steamship, The Massachusetts, when it crashed into a smaller vessel, the Black Diamond. DeWitt says he was dreaming about being home with Benjamin when he was suddenly awaken by a loud crash and screams. The crews of each were made up mostly of POWs returning home, and DeWitt believes that almost all of the Black Diamond's passengers drowned.
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