A pontoon boat on wheels

[ca. 1861–1865]

From "War Memories" catalog: This view shows two of the boats (of which the army bridge is made) on wheels ready for the march. Each pontoon wagon is drawn by six mules. These pontoons were always getting stuck in the mud, and the soldiers, struggling along under their own burdens, were obliged to haul on the drag ropes, and raise the blockade. Probably no soldier will see this view without being reminded of the time when he helped to pull these pontoons out of the mud, and comforted himself by swearing at the mules.