Chapter II: Part 2

MARCH 20. Friday. I was up at reveille as usual and went down to the ditch. To my surprise I saw a big oak just outside the channel washed up by the roots. The tree was about three feet in diameter. Another of nearly the same size washed out before noon. I went fishing this morning. We can see fish weighing from forty to one hundred pounds, working up against the current. I threw my spear at them, but they were too far off. I saw a laughable incident this evening in front of McPherson’s headquarters. Some of the boys were trying to fasten a yawl to a tree and float down to where the fish were showing themselves in an eddy. The first time they missed the tree and went whirling into the center of the channel and came very near upsetting. They finally brought it to, and after a good deal of hard work, got it into position for another trial. This time they were successful, caught a projecting limb and pulled themselves into the eddy formed by rushing around the tree. After they had made themselves fast by a long rope, they undertook to get out of the eddy, which proved no easy job, for as soon as one end was pushed into the current the boat would whirl around and back up into its former position. While on the whirl it threw off one man’s hat. McPherson and officers and nearly the whole regiment were out watching them, and the cheering was loud enough to raise the dead. It was nearly dark when they got out of their predicament. I worked nearly all day on the company’s papers.

MARCH 21. The water rose in the canal so that it ran up into our camp in the night. It washed away the trees that were rooted up yesterday. The channel is smooth and a good boat could go through it. One year ago today we left Winchester, Virginia, on our march for Manasses Junction. Part of Providence was burned this afternoon. The few citizens and Negroes whom the raise of the water had overtaken, were wading in the streets, waist deep, trying to save what things they had left.

MARCH 22. We had orders to draw and cook one day’s rations early this morning. The water rose a good deal last night, and nothing but a small temporary levee keeps the camp from being inundated, and that is being washed away. The cattle and mules are all being driven higher up.

MARCH 23. It rained all night. Our tent leaked like a sieve. We still remain in camp but it has rained nearly all day.

MARCH 24. We had a hard storm last night, with heavy thunder. This afternoon some miserable fellows set fire to some buildings, among them a church. Such men should be sent to Alton. The channel is deepening and widening, and the water is rising. It is now about two feet above our camp. I expect some dark night to be wading out to our transports, and that right suddenly. The news came last night that a number of Farragut’s fleet were at the mouth of the ditch, below Vicksburg, and that he had taken Warrentown with all its ordinance. Gen. Carr’s division went down on transports today.

MARCH 27. Yesterday and today Buck and I were at work copying orders into the company order book. Today they discovered, in Logan’s division, a girl who had served eighteen months as a private soldier. They took her to the preacher’s to get her a dress and will send her north. A good many of our boys saw her.

MARCH 28. Two large gunboats, both iron clads, went up early this morning. Troops are passing down.

MARCH 29. We had a lively time last night. A storm of rain and wind began about 10 o’clock in the evening and kept up until about 12, when the wind increased and the rain ceased. Out tent bent and reeled like a willow. I got up to dress before she went over, but had just got my legs into my trousers when down she came full tilt. I finally extricated myself, seized my knapsack and started for dry ground, got into the commissary and spread down, when to cap the climax the levee broke through and the water came rushing in upon us. The drums beat, the boys fell in, and we had a general move up the levee. Most all of the tents blew down and some of them were whipped nearly to pieces. In the meantime Captain Bush had his Negro brigade out, filled them up with whisky, and ordered them into the water waist deep. By dint of perseverance and hard work they succeeded in stopping the break. I took up some boards and passed the remainder of the night beside the cotton pile. This morning the effects of the storm were everywhere present. One of the boats was blown up on the beach, the smoke stacks of two others were blown away, and shanties everywhere were blown down and torn to pieces. It continued cold and windy all day. Charlie Berry came back last night. This afternoon Gen. Smith’s (John E.) division came down and anchored here for the night. In the afternoon some of the boys of the 14th made a break on the sutler’s stock. It was no more than done when the 17th and 95th Ill., 1st Kan., and 16th Wis. came rolling over the levee. Canned fruit, boxes of boots, shoes, oysters, oranges, lemons, bales of shirts, pants, socks, drawers, barrels of soda crackers and sugar, boxes of raisins, and in fact everything which the large stock could contain. He had just got in a new assignment, valued at somewhere near $10,000. The poor old fellow ran around wringing his hands and wishing he had stayed in “Chicago.” The guard arrived just as they had him completely cleaned out. I can say that my hands are clear of such wholesale robbery. At 9 o’clock roll call the companies had orders to deliver up the contraband articles in their possession.

MARCH 30. Monday. Cold. The boys have turned over most of the stolen goods. Gen Smith’s division started on its way down this afternoon. Gen. Grant is concentrating troops rapidly, the grand issue must be approaching, and the sooner the better. This afternoon we drew the old fashioned wedge tents, one for every four men.

MARCH 31. Tuesday. Frank, Newt, Jim Sweeny and I comprise our newly established household, and we were busy until afternoon raising and settling our tent, and building our bunks. We went out foraging last night and made a raise of boards enough to put up our tent, build our bunks, etc. This afternoon the little tug came out of the lake into the river. We are having very cold weather for the place and time of the year. We hear that Gen. McArthur has acquitted the 17th Ill. of the raid. One year ago tonight the 12th Ind. was camped at Bristo Station, and I made my unsuccessful search for Uncle Lebbeus.

APRIL 1. Wednesday. Last night was cold and frosty. A boat came in with a load of deserters. There were quite a number for the 17th, but none for company K. About the middle of the forenoon a steamer passed up, towing an iron clad. She must have been disabled at Yazoo or at Vicksburg.

APRIL 2. At 11 o’clock last night an orderly call sounded and we received the orders to cook two days’ rations, and be ready at 7 o’clock, to board the transport for a foraging expedition. The morning was cool and pleasant. At the appointed time we boarded the steamer “David Tatum” and proceeded slowly up the river. On the way we saw where the levee had been cut in a number of places, the water was rushing through rapidly. All the country back was flooded. We stopped and took a couple of Negroes and a fine yawl. We arrived at our destination about 4 P. M. It was sixty-five miles above Providence Lake. The object was to secure a barge of hay which had been wrecked and partly sunk the night of the storm. There were six companies of us, and we were divided into reliefs of two companies each, and set to loading the hay.

APRIL 3. We succeeded in getting the boat loaded by 3 P. M., then we started down and landed fifteen miles below and killed a lot of hogs and took a large, beautiful, ten oared boat. It was the nicest thing of the kind I had ever seen. Frank and Doty took some books and got themselves into trouble. We backed off and started down about dusk. Peats had four or five men tied up. We met a fleet of thirteen boats just after starting. After dark there was a light waved on shore as a signal to come to, but the Captain thought it might be a decoy so we steered on down and arrived at our camp about 11 o’clock.

APRIL 4. The paymaster is here and we sign the pay rolls this afternoon for four months’ pay. Hospital boats are going below and there is every indication of an approaching engagement.

APRIL 5. Was detailed and worked all afternoon unloading commissaries from the “Woodsides” to the “City of Madison,” a commissary boat of the post. A gunboat went down the river this afternoon.

APRIL 6. Monday. Today is a great day for the 17th, as it is the anniversary of the battle of Shiloh. We moved back to the cotton field this morning, it being much higher and a better camping ground. It took most of the day to move, raise our tents and settle.

APRIL 7. Tuesday. A general clearing up of camps which took until this afternoon. Tom Martin came back yesterday and an order was read at dress parade returning him to duty.

APRIL 8. Wednesday. At 11 o’clock this forenoon an orderly call was beaten and we received orders to be ready in fifteen minutes with all our arms and all our accoutrements on, to march down with other brigades of the division, to a large plantation house. Upon the porch stood Generals Thomas, McPherson, McArthur, Crocker, and a drove of the “rankest commish,” such as Colonels, Lieut. Cols., and Majors. Gen. Thomas was a fine stately looking man, tall, with iron gray hair, and apparently about sixty-five years of age. He was introduced by Gen. McPherson in a pleasant speech. Gen. Thomas then made a few remarks in which he expressed great sympathy for the poor enslaved Africans, and announced the President’s settled policy of arming the Negroes. He authorized two regiments to be raised here. He said he had authority to commission officers for said regiments, where the applicants came well recommended. I like the policy. He also said the object of it was to protect the navigation of the Mississippi and defend other Negroes who were at work on abandoned plantations trying to raise their living. After Gen. Thomas was through, Gen. McArthur was called on. He came forward and gave a short, good natured speech. He was heartily cheered. After him came Col. Reed of the 15th Iowa, Crocker, and Captain Chink, who by the way, is to be Colonel of one of the regiments. When they had concluded we marched back to camp and Gen. Thomas boarded the steamer “Rocket” and started up to Logan’s division. When we returned six applications had been handed in for appointments in the regiments of color--from Co. K, namely: Hines, Davis, Foxears, Foster, Chesher and Berry.

APRIL 9. Warm and pleasant, in fact we have had beautiful weather for over two weeks. Major Peats is gone and Capt. Moore is in command of the regiment. Nearly half the company went fishing this afternoon. Buck got a pass to take us outside the pickets and we caught about a mess. We had dress parade at 5:30 P. M. Two boats, the “Edward Walsh” and the “City of Alton” came down with deserters. There were two for our company.

APRIL 10. Warm and pleasant. At 10 o’clock we had muster. The whole U. S. forces are to be mustered today, to find the exact condition of the army, and the number of conscripts needed to fill the regiments up to the required standard. We had dress parade this evening in which the two deserters were returned to their companies by a regimental order. Our company needs about fifty-four to fill it up.

APRIL 11. Saturday. A beautiful day. On regimental guard. Most of the company have gone fishing. We have as easy and fine times now as it is possible for soldiers to have. Foster got the position of Captain in the new regiment. They had a Negro meeting this afternoon. Chink, and a colored man named Frederick Douglas, spoke.

APRIL 12. We had a hard rain last night. Our new tents did not stand the storm much better than the old ones. They disappointed us much. Captain Wheeler succeeded in getting B---- an appointment in the 9th La., Chink’s regiment. Some of the boys are quite hurt to think as poor a soldier as he should have the appointment. They went down below on the “Platte Valley” and brought up a large number of Negro recruits.

APRIL 13. Rainy and disagreeable. Ross’s division passed below today. They did not land.

APRIL 14. Cool and cloudy. I was detailed and went down the river foraging. It was about six miles and the roads were very muddy. About 5 o’clock, Hornby’s division came down direct from Yazoo Pass. The “Lady of Jackson,” the “Duke of Argyle” and other stern wheelers were nearly ruined in that expedition. They were the nicest boats on the river when they left here a month ago. The 48th Ind. was aboard. I hunted up John Metternich and had a long talk with him.

APRIL 15. Wednesday. Went down and visited with John this morning, until the fleet backed off and started down.

APRIL 16. Gen. McClernand and staff went below today. More troops passed down the river. Some of the troops broke into a sutler’s shop night before last, and there is an investigation going on, so we are not to get our pay until it is settled. Capt. Moore spoke to the regiment tonight on dress parade and offered one hundred dollars to the man furnishing the most evidence of the guilty parties. We have review of the division tomorrow, and brushes and blacking are in great demand tonight The Captain buys it with the company fund and furnishes it to us.

APRIL 17. Our brigade was formed at 8:30 A. M. and we marched down about three miles, where we found the other brigades drawn up en mass awaiting us. We were reviewed by McArthur and everything passed off in style. I think we never did better. We returned to camp about 2 o’clock. Capt. Moore (commanding the regiment) told us he would leave a paper with the Captains of the different companies, for those not implicated in the sutler raid to sign. The Negro regiments are filling up fast. Today I saw one on guard for the first time. There was heavy cannonading for about four hours last night, and occasionally today. It is supposed the fleet is trying to run the blockade.

APRIL 18. Saturday. Warm and pleasant. Our brigade is ordered down the river for review. It was supposed to be done for Gov. Yates, but he did not arrive, and McArthur took us through, the same as the day before. I think we did slightly better than we did the other time. A little after dark we had an awful storm of wind and rain. I got up and dressed, thought surely the tent was going over, but it was all right.

APRIL 19. Sunday. We got four months’ pay today--no pay was deducted. I expressed home $55 and Frank sent $45.

APRIL 23. Thursday. On picket at the Negro quarters of the 8th La. Leavitt volunteered to stand my guard. We got orders this evening to prepare three days’ rations for a foraging expedition up the river. Capt. Wheeler went home today.

APRIL 24. Friday. We boarded the “White Cloud” this morning and started up to Greenville, where we arrived in the afternoon. A regiment had just boarded transports and started below. We lay there until after dark, then started and landed toward morning, about seventy-five miles above Greenville.

APRIL 25. Buck took Fox, Boggs and I outside the pickets and we went up about two miles to a fine plantation where we got a lot of butter, a knife, some forks, a chicken, and all the sweet milk we could drink. We found the overseer’s account book hidden in an old chicken coop with some other things. At night the chickens, goats, sheep and hogs came in by wholesale, together with a lot of beeves. The object of our expedition was to obtain Negroes and supplies.

APRIL 26. Sunday. Twenty-one years old today. How my mind carries me back to those good old times when I used to welcome this day of all others, when my sister, aunts, and grandpa composed the family circle. What a change! That good old man whose memory I revere and cherish, is gone, and the old place is sold. On picket today. Mosquitoes are very thick.

APRIL 27. It rained this forenoon. We started back about 1 o’clock and arrived at Lake Providence. Found orders there awaiting us, to leave in the morning for Vicksburg. I took a good wash and went to bed. The river is rising very fast. The Captain commanding the expedition did not want us to take off our live stock, but the boys threw them overboard and secured them as they swam ashore.

APRIL 29. Wednesday. Making out muster rolls today. We had dress parade at 5 o’clock. The “Edward Walsh” came up this morning for the 95th and us. We are to return to Stevenson’s brigade. Stevenson is now Brigadier-General. We expect warm work shortly. The river is falling rapidly. It is a number of feet below where it was in the spring when we first came down here. I was walking on the bank this evening when whom should I see but Coon, the little Negro who used to cook for Capt. Williamson. A new iron clad boat and hospital boat went down the river yesterday. I wrote two letters today, one to Rosalie, and one to George Butterfield.

APRIL 30. Thursday. Major Peats returned last evening and at 8 o’clock this morning, mustered us for pay, after which we boarded the steamer “Edward Walsh” for Milliken’s Bend. Most of the boys bought what was called blackberry jam, but it was merely liquor in cans and created a drunken row in which some were hurt, one officer and two privates. Arrived at the Bend before dark. The troops have all left, except the convalescents. They took one tent to each company and loaded the train with commissaries, hard-tack, pork, coffee, salt and sugar. I took a towel, one pair of socks, my oilcloth and blanket. This evening we heard heavy and continued firing up the Yazoo, supposed to be Sherman attacking Hams Bluffs.

MAY 1. Friday. Up at 4, and started on our march at daylight, accompanied by the 95th and a big train of commissaries. A fine road has been made by Bush’s engineering corps. We passed through Richmond, a small country town. It is a beautiful country and the planters are wealthy. The plantations range from six hundred to twenty-four hundred acres. The land is low and level and the soil is rich. The roads have been very bad, but are better now. We made a hard march of nineteen miles.

MAY 2. Marched fifteen miles, very tired. We passed McArthur’s division this forenoon. Weather awfully hot.

MAY 3. Started at 5 o’clock, as usual. The country through which we are now passing is the most beautiful I have ever seen. The plantation mansions are grand, and the grounds and outbuildings are fitted up in fine style. Each plantation has a splendid steam gin, and some have steam cane-mills as well. The mills must have cost between ten and twenty, possibly thirty thousand dollars. The inhabitants have but recently left. They put in their corn crops, and some cotton, before going. The corn is nearly two feet in height. The boys have destroyed a number of gins and a good deal of furniture. The roads have mostly followed the banks of bayous, and alligators, turtles and snakes abound. The boys have shot a number of alligators. We marched twenty miles today. I became overheated and completely exhausted.

MAY 4. We started early and after marching eight miles, arrived at the landing called “Hard Times,” where we took the steamer “Silver Wave.” We crossed the river and landed four miles below at Grand Gulf. There is a high promontory and a range of bluffs here which the Rebels had forfeited with nine guns. It commanded the entrance to the Black River as well as the Mississippi. It was a fort of nature’s own construction. We have had a fatiguing march and a good many have given out. Grant’s headquarters are eighteen miles back. We hear that Logan’s division is in advance and has done good fighting, also that many prisoners have been taken. I should like to hear from home very much just now.

MAY 5. Gov. Yates and Adjt. Gen. Thomas are here. We are detailed to remain here and do fatigue duty. The burning barges loaded with provisions came down this evening. The town of Grand Gulf is entirely destroyed. I didn’t know there had been a town there until told.

MAY 6. We hear that McClernand’s troops are advancing. One hundred and twenty-eight prisoners came in this morning. We are having a very cold snap for this time of the year.

MAY 7. Thursday. Very cold again today. Had to stand around the fire to keep warm. Seventy-four more prisoners came in today. A good many of our boys found old friends or acquaintances among them. They have been very poorly dressed and fed. There is general activity today, Steele’s division is crossing over--also Tuttle’s. Gunboats and transports are engaged in the work.

MAY 8. Friday. All quiet. Sherman’s corps moved out this morning. An exorbitant price is demanded for everything. A sheet of paper and envelope are five cents each. Twenty-five cents for a lemon; six dollars for a canteen of whisky; milk costs a dollar a quart, and other things in proportion. At 5 o’clock we boarded the “Empire City” for the lower landing, fifteen miles below, to protect the hospital and bring off the wounded.

MAY 9. Saturday. We disembarked early this morning and went back in the country three miles where we found about three hundred of our wounded in a splendid country mansion. The books show that the house cost over one hundred thousand dollars. We lay here in the shade during the day while the ambulances were carrying the wounded down to the river.

MAY 10. Sunday. We were awakened last night at 11 o’clock and ordered to fall in with all possible speed. We hurried back to the river and returned to Grand Gulf, which was supposed to be in danger of an attack. Flats and transports brought down shipping teams which sent food to the front. Cumbersworth, Hagan and Hunt each got a barrel of flour last night when they were on extra duty, burying a soldier.

MAY 11. Monday. Made out muster rolls this forenoon. Blair’s division came down this afternoon.

MAY 12. Tuesday. On brigade guard. Jim Chester and I went outside the pickets and picked dewberries and mulberries, all we could eat.

MAY 13. Wednesday. I made a raise on commissary last night. Boggs, Schultz and I ran the pickets and got some mulberries this morning, and brought back four quarts of which we made pies this afternoon. McArthur’s division is coming in. Hooker is fighting a great battle in the East. We cannot get the particulars.

MAY 14. Thursday. We got orders this morning to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. We hear that Grant has had another battle. The “Gen. Price” came up this morning from Red River. We were ordered on the march at 8 o’clock. It rained just enough to lay the dust and make good marching. We marched ten miles and camped on a small stream. The country is rough and hilly. The roads follow the ranges of hills, so there are few to climb. Every patch of ground that is tillable is tilled and planted to corn.

MAY 15. Friday. Marched twenty miles, saw some fine fields of wheat that are just turning. We heard the cheering news today that Richmond, the Rebel capital, is captured, and also that Jackson, Miss., is taken. The country is the same as yesterday--rough and hilly.

MAY 16. Saturday. We had a hard march of twenty-five miles today. We passed through Utica and camped at Raymond. We heard cannonading in the direction of Big Black Bridge. A battle is supposed to be taking place. The hills have gradually disappeared and the face of the country is quite smooth. I saw wheat nearly ready for the reaper. The boys are tired tonight. I keep up fine. We passed a number of hospitals filled with the wounded and also passed a large number of prisoners.

MAY 17. Sunday. We started for Big Black Bridge early. Nine miles out we came upon the road leading from Jackson to Vicksburg, and were upon the battle ground of yesterday. The horrors of war were everywhere visible. The dead and wounded were scattered around over the ground. Here we came upon Bill Stafford, who said McPherson’s corps took seventeen hundred prisoners and thirteen pieces of artillery, but were badly cut up. They are burying the dead. It is rumored that Pemberton was killed. In one place the horses of nearly a whole battery were killed. We marched five miles, joined our old brigade, and camped on Black River. Our advance has reached the bridge, and taken three thousand prisoners, and seventeen cannon. McPherson says we have taken seven thousand prisoners and sixty-eight pieces of light artillery since crossing the Mississippi. We saw Stevenson and Logan this afternoon. I saw Quimby when we stopped for dinner. A number of fellows swam the Black River and captured chickens, pigs, etc. The Rebels have chosen their own ground and have been badly whipped each time. We draw _scarcely any rations_. Engineers are bridging the river.

MAY 18. Monday. We lay in camp until 1 o’clock, when the bridge was completed and orders came to advance. We crossed in the rear of Blair’s division and marched to within six miles of Vicksburg. The country is nothing but a succession of hills. Sherman’s corps was in the advance. The roads were very dusty, but we marched six miles before we bivouaced for the night, tired, hungry.

MAY 19. Tuesday. Arose early and advanced three miles and formed our line of battle, our brigade on the left of Smith’s. We held this line until afternoon. On the right they fought a little, some balls passing over our heads. About 1 o’clock we moved up and formed a line. Shells passed over our heads, one man in our regiment was wounded and three horses killed. By this time our batteries were planted and the cannonading became general. It lasted until 3 o’clock and then slackened and we moved to the right about half a mile. McPherson, Logan and Stevenson are in the thickest of it. We hear that Sherman’s right rests on the Mississippi, and McClernand’s left, below. If so they have them completely surrounded. All praise to Gen. Grant. The country is rough and hilly, and the hills steep and rugged, and run in ranges parallel around the town. At 1 o’clock we moved still further to the left and a little forward. Wounded men are being brought in rapidly. We lay here till morning.

MAY 20. Wednesday. We were astir early and took breakfast. Cannonading began at daylight. We were ordered back to our brigade and moved up to the road. Shells were thrown over, so we moved to the right and were drawn up. Here we were protected by a hill, and awaited orders. We were soon ordered to the left, and advanced about half a mile or more, and lay under the brow of a hill which protected us from the enemy’s fire. Their line of works are but forty rods in advance.

10 o’clock--Batteries on our right have opened and there is a regular artillery duel going on over our heads. There is an occasional premature burst, one of which seriously wounded Dare. Doty and Shaw each got a slight rap. Our line of skirmishes are on the hill above. I went up and skirmished a while and fired fifty-nine rounds. While there, word was brought me that Frank was slightly wounded. The ball hit a pocket, which was full of things, broke a looking glass, the handle of a toothbrush, and a thick letter from Cousin Sarah. It merely broke the skin, making a bruise. He had not fired a single shot. Seven of our regiment were wounded today. We lay here all night. A singular incident happened during the night. We struck up a conversation with the Rebels. One of our boys, after talking a long time, found he was talking with an old friend. Inquiries were made for mutual acquaintances, and they had a real social time. Finally they laid down their arms and came together. The line of fire that followed the shell from our gunboats and mortars sent over that ill-fated town was a grand sight.

MAY 21. Thursday. At daylight the implements of death and destruction were opened once more. I saw some splendid work done by our artillery and there were many little incidents worthy of note. Three shots came very near hitting me, one went between Doty’s head and mine, which were about a foot apart. Brisk fighting all day. Bill Stafford came here and I wrote a few lines home and sent them by him to mail. At dark the firing ceased and a lively chat was again opened by the contending parties. It looked singular to see men fighting with deadly aim during the day, and then spending the night in friendly conversation. I slept in the same hollow. Gunboats and mortars fired at regular intervals.

MAY 22. Our line of skirmishes opened at daylight as usual. 7 o’clock--Scaling ladders are being brought around. 10 o’clock--Deployed for the charge. Terrific cannonading going on over our heads. Shells are prematurely bursting, wounding our own men. Night--The day has finally passed away. The 81st Ill. and the 7th Mo. made the charge and were repulsed. Charging was done along the whole of the lines, but it was not a concerted movement and proved a total failure, owing probably to the nature of the grounds. Our boys charged up to the works in splendid style but were not supported. The Confederates raised and poured deadly volumes among them and swept their ranks with grape. We left a good many killed and wounded upon the field. Among the officers, the Colonel of the 81st was killed and Humphries of the 95th. Our regiment made no charge, but advanced close to the works and acted as sharpshooters, and when our charging column was repulsed, we were ordered to retreat. J. R., fool-like, gave the order loud and distinct, and as we fell back they poured the musketry and grape among us. We finally returned to the old camp, having lost eighteen, killed and wounded. The Rebel works extend as far as the eye can see. They are a succession of forts and rifle pits.

MAY 23. Saturday. Rainy. How I wish I had a clean shirt or time to wash this! We were up in good time and moved toward the scene of action. We again acted as skirmishers. No charges were made today. We lost two men. As soon as it was dark, Sweeny, Chester and myself dug a fort on the brow of the hill, and also a line of retreat. While we were at work the Rebels struck up a conversation. They were lively and sociable. They wanted to meet us half way and have a sensible chat. They appeared quite confident of holding the place. They made a great many inquiries after old friends and acquaintances. They are tired of war, generally and said they wish old Abe and Jeff Davis had to fight it out. They said they would give anything for a little coffee. The conversation became too general and our batteries opened and put a quietus on it by sending over a few quiet reminders.

MAY 24. Sunday. Up early and took our position behind the works. I had fired but one shot when we were relieved by the 80th Ill., and returned to camp for a day’s rest. Toward noon Grant issued an order for each man to wash and clean up. The order was quickly and gladly obeyed. Captain Wheeler’s company returned today. Bill was here but a short time when he was wounded. Two of our men were wounded. The rumor is afloat that Joe Johnston is coming up in our rear. It had the effect of closing up a lot of miserable stragglers. We have a line of rifle pits dug within five or six rods of the Rebel works, running parallel, from which the 20th Ill. is trying to undermine the main fort. The Rebels are no doubt suspicious of their intentions, for they began to rain down grenades upon them. About this time a sad accident happened. One of the thirty-two pound parrots threw a shell among the 20th, which took off the legs and an arm for one poor fellow, a leg and an arm for another, killed two, and wounded several others. This double attack was too much for them and they fell back. This encouraged the Rebels and they rose and poured a heavy and continued fire upon us, which was finally silenced by our sharpshooters and artillery. Lavonan’s division has been sent back to take care of the rear. We are confident of success. I stood one hour picket tonight.

MAY 25. Monday. A good deal of firing and some cannonading up to 3 o’clock, when a flag of truce came out. I was over the hills after plums at the time. There was a cessation of firing along the whole line. Dispatches were sent to Gen. Grant. Logan went down to the Hollow where he met the Rebel Colonel Montgomery, a major and a number of other officers. Hostilities were suspended till 8 o’clock and we went over and buried our dead of the day of the charge. They had lain three days in the sun and had turned black. Firing had no sooner ceased along the line than the contending parties mingled like a flock of sheep. A great many found friends and relatives, and two or three found brothers. The Rebels were very anxious to exchange for coffee. They are, taken altogether, the finest looking lot of Confeds I have seen. We mingled to such an extent that their officers ordered them back, I think that they were afraid to trust them, for a good many did desert. When they turned back they bade us good-bye and said it was hard to open hostilities again. Frank is around. I got a letter from home.

MAY 26. Tuesday. Very little artillery firing this forenoon. I went down to Cook’s quarters, got some paper for Buck, and wrote home. They are connecting headquarters with telegraph wires. One man was wounded this afternoon. One brigade from each division is moving back to the rear. They moved about 11 o’clock at night, under the command of Gen. Frank Blair. Heavy details are at work entrenching.

MAY 27. Wednesday. Moved back to the next hollow in the night. This morning Brophy was wounded. The day was mostly spent in fixing up cane brake shanties or shades. Toward night, Wood of Co. A was killed.

MAY 28. Thursday. We were ordered sharpshooting this morning. Nothing extraordinary happened. Dick Stephens was killed this afternoon--shot through the head. I was on guard last night. They threw three or four shells over us. Were busy all the fore part of the night issuing rations, and bringing water from the river. Col. Smith came back today.

MAY 29. Friday. We were relieved and returned to camp early this morning. Jim Chesher was wounded. The ball passed through our shanty and over me. Our artillery along the whole line opened this morning and it was a grand sight. The Rebels dare not reply. They did not show a piece. We fired one hour this morning and one this evening--giving them their daily rations, also opened in the night pouring hundreds of shot and shell among them.

MAY 31. Sunday. Today ends one month of active campaign, which has so far been successful, and I do not see why it should not end more brilliantly than it has begun. I hope to Heaven it will. Bill Stafford brought over the news this morning that Joe Johnston is fortifying Jackson. Our knaps came in from Young’s Point today all right. The weather is hot and sultry. Some artillery firing. I went upon the hill this evening to see the mortars shell the town. The sight is beautiful, but it is sad to think of those deadly missiles so faithfully doing their work of destruction. Many a family tie has no doubt been severed. We hear that a great many women and children have been killed. Surely the instigators of war ought to suffer.

JUNE 1. Monday. A terrific cannonading was opened and kept up a long time from our line last night. I think it must have awakened some of the Rebels from their slumbers. Rumors are afloat this morning that the Confeds tried to cut their way through but were driven back. We had inspection of arms this morning, by Reynolds, at 10 o’clock. The artillery are getting a heavy supply of ammunition ready at their batteries and are preparing for operations. The weather is hot. We have a well dug in the quarters, which furnishes good water.

JUNE 2. The mortar boats were unusually active last night, and part of the town was burned. It made a grand illumination. Towards morning infantry firing opened, also artillery. We were immediately formed for action, not knowing what was coming, but we thought it was the Rebs. It finally died down and we lay ready to fall in at a moment’s notice, but were not disturbed until morning. We were up before the sun, preparing to be out sharpshooting. Our artillery opened the middle of the afternoon and poured a perfect torrent of shot and shell over us. A good many burst among us. One man was wounded and we thought ourselves very lucky that no more were hurt. At night our boys tried to strike up a confab with the enemy, but not a word could be drawn from them. They were as silent as their works.

JUNE 3. Wednesday. We were relieved early and returned to camp. Quiet during the day. Siege guns are coming up and heavy details are at work, entrenching and fortifying. About 8 o’clock, just as I had gone to bed and gotten to sleep, after a good wash, we were awakened by the boom of musketry, and ordered to form our line of battle immediately. We did so. Co. K and one or two others were held in reserve while the others were at work digging rifle pits. The firing gradually died away as it did the night before, and we lay down at 2 o’clock in the morning, dressed and equipped so as to be ready to fall in at a moment’s warning. It was rumored that the Rebs were making a desperate effort to cut their way through the net Grant completely enclosed them in, but the rumor proved false.

JUNE 4. Thursday. All quiet. Heavy details were made to work on fortifications. One detail was at work digging a magazine which caved in and killed one man and wounded another from our regiment. I was on the detail that worked on the big fork of the road. I worked for over an hour in plain view of the Rebel sharpshooters on the right. They were not more than one hundred and fifty or two hundred yards distant. I expected a ball every minute, but for some reason they didn’t fire until our relief came on and then they sent a volley over. The work we are constructing here is on an eminence not more than twenty rods from the main Rebel fort. From here one can see the river, town, and a large hospital camp, also three lines of works, mostly rifle pits. We have heard that the fire in town the other night was their commissary depot and that the citizens set it on fire to end their sufferings, which were beyond their power of patriotism and fortitude to endure. It is rumored that they first requested Pemberton to cut out or surrender. The Rebels called over the line the other night for us to look out as they had a new General. We asked who it was and they replied: “General Starvation.” Blair’s expedition is returning from the rear; they went within sixteen miles of Yazoo City, but old Joe was nowhere to be found. A division has just come down from above. I wrote home today.

JUNE 5. Friday. All quiet today, I went out with Boggs and picked some blackberries. At dusk I went up to look at the fort, and after dark got over to look at the “land gunboat” as it is called. Frank went over to the Point after some of the Captain’s things.

JUNE 6. Saturday. There was a little skirmish last night on the left. Drove in the Rebel outposts and captured one prisoner. A number of deserters came in today. Six siege guns are coming up from the river. Today is the quietest we have had since we took up our position before the town.

JUNE 7. Sunday. Up early, regiment formed and went out skirmishing. The Rebels command a hollow which we were obliged to cross. They poured in quite a fire, but no one was hurt. The regiment came across all right.

JUNE 8. Monday. The company formed before daylight and we crossed the exposed hollow before light, leaving three men at the rifle pits. Artillery firing tonight. Boggs and I went up to the big fort. It is progressing finely. We were fired at from there. After dark they had a regular moonlight skirmish and in the fracas our “land gunboat” was burned. We succeeded in running it nearly up to the fort.

JUNE 9. Tuesday. Went back about one and one-half miles with Doty and Boggs, got three quarts of berries, and took a good wash. Very hot and dusty. We are anxiously looking for rain. Our eighty-four pound siege gun has arrived.

JUNE 10. Wednesday. We had not more than finished our early breakfast when the flood gates of heaven, with all its artillery opened. The rain poured down on our houseless heads in torrents. We covered up our things with oilcloths as best we could and sat on them to keep them dry. Some of the boys were located in the ditch, but they were doomed to a complete rout. The water came sweeping down in torrents, bearing shanties, rails, and every obstruction before it. The ditch was no sooner filled than it overran the bottom, sending the occupants skadaddling to higher ground. It rained all day in showers, not giving us time to dry our blankets. It has most effectively laid the dust. The Rebs have taken advantage of the rain and tried to plant a battery, but our artillery poured in round after round, slightly deranging their plans. We have our eighty-four pounder mounted. Was detailed for guard at the ammunition magazine just before night. We had another heavy shower after dark.

JUNE 11. Thursday. It cleared off in the course of the day but the ground is muddy. We had another man wounded today, making thirty-nine in all. Our big gun threw over some shell and did splendid work. Our division has about forty cane breakers, none from our regiment. They have to work at fatigue. There is talk of working them into a pioneer corps. It is reported that Grant has gone up the Yazoo and left McPherson in command. McPherson is gaining the good will of his corps rapidly. He is almost universally liked and esteemed. We were relieved early and returned to camp. I exchanged my minnie for an Enfield.

JUNE 12. Friday. Some artillery along the line. The old gun occasionally sends over its dirt disturbers. We have had a beautiful day. The Rebs sent over a few shells, one of which burst over our regiment, but hurt no one. Doty, Schultz and I went after blackberries this morning. I got five or six quarts. Troops are coming up the landing and going up to the Yazoo. Huron’s command went up yesterday. They had an engagement at Milliken’s Bend. Negro troops were in action and are reported to have done well. Frank Bishop was killed.

JUNE 14. Sunday. Another fine day. Rebs unusually active, throwing shell. They have one gun that is causing us considerable trouble. It is back in the rear and our artillery cannot disturb it. I wrote home today.

JUNE 15. Monday. We were aroused at 3 o’clock this morning. The company was formed and went out sharpshooting. The enemy were rather quiet, but they had a piece of artillery or mortar directly opposite from which they sent over shell all day. It was out of sight, but we had our artillery loaded and ready and as soon as we could see the smoke from their guns the shells were put in from all directions. A number burst prematurely. They killed Milligan of Co. A, and wounded three others. Boggs got a slight rap. It hit his gun first and spoiled that, and then hit him on the arm. As soon as it was dark we struck up a conversation. Uncle Ben and four of the others went down and met an equal number of Confeds. They had quite a chat, but could get no satisfaction from it. They say they have lain in rifle pits nearly a month. The 36th Miss. is opposite us. They all tell us the Tenn. and Mo. troops are kept in the rear because they cannot trust them on the outposts. Two or three deserted and came over to headquarters last night. They showed three days’ rations, it would have done for one meal, such as it was--a small strip of thin pork and a chunk of bread baked out of peas. They came to the conclusion they would rather die cowards than martyrs.

JUNE 16. Tuesday. Up at 5 o’clock and returned to camp. Doty and I started for blackberries. I picked a gallon. Davis got an order for flour and sugar. Ragan baked pies. Frank and I got a letter from home.

JUNE 17. Wednesday. Cool and pleasant. Rebs threw over a good many shell from their guns. We always knew when it was coming for it was heralded by six or eight shots from our batteries. I helped make out muster rolls today.

JUNE 18. Thursday. I worked at muster rolls almost all day. About noon I was agreeably surprised to be accosted by Pat Gallegher and George Hissung. Pat is Captain, and George is about to be Second Lieutenant. I was extremely glad to see them. They both look the same as ever and are bodyguards of Smith, who is on our left. Frank got a pass and went over to Hovey’s division to find A. B. Knight, but he was wounded at Champion Mills, caught and paroled by the Rebs and sent north, and I expect by this time he is at home. He was a good soldier.

JUNE 19. Friday. We were called from our slumbers by bursting shells and they continued to come at regular intervals all day. They were shrapnel filled with a handful of small balls, which rained down in a perfect shower among us, but fortunately no one was hurt. Their guns are in hollows and used as mortars out of range of ours and we can do no better than let them shoot. A good many of our boys are burrowing into the hillside. We received the melancholy news last evening of the death of Dare. Poor fellow! he was a good soldier and a true patriot. One shell from the Rebs’ old mortar fell directly into the tent of Stolbrand (chief of artillery on Logan’s staff) bursting in the ground, tearing everything to pieces, and scattering dirt on the writing desks in other tents, but strange to tell, no one was hurt. Stolbrand was out.

JUNE 20. Saturday. Last night deserters came in reporting another massing of troops, and about 2 o’clock in the morning our brigade formed and were ordered up to the rifle pits. The pits were filled without Co. K, and we marched back to camp as reserve, so I lay down and slept until morning. About 4 o’clock Logan’s old whistling Jack sent over its eighty-four pound messenger. This was the signal for the whole line to open. From six to eighty-four pounders now united in pouring over a perfect shower of shell on doomed secession. This continued until 10 o’clock, six long hours. When we were through they opened their old mortar and another gun. The shell from the small gun burst over our brigade, throwing numberless pieces among us. One shell struck on the left of the 7th Mo., in the midst of a crowd standing around a well. They immediately fell down and rolled away. The shell burst, tore up the ground, and hurt no one. Such accidents are constantly occurring, but the boys are not always so fortunate. We partly expected a charge today. Sappers and miners are digging into the fort; we can see them from above. Gen. McClernand is relieved and O. E. Ord takes command of his corps.

JUNE 21. Sunday. We were ordered out at 3 o’clock for skirmishing. We had a six pounder planted between Co. C’s pits and ours. Johnny Moe, 1st Lieut. Co. C, was shot through the leg, and had it taken off. The Rebs continue to be quite active and use their mortar considerably. One of their shells struck one of our big guns, beside which one of the Generals was standing. It glanced down the side opposite him, battering the carriage, but hurt no one though it exploded. There is a place between picket post and camp where five or six Red sharpshooters have a fine range. Mail came in early this morning. I received letters from Uncle P., Aunt C. and Rosalie. Papers also came in, and with them the report of another invasion of Pennsylvania. Report said the Rebs were already at Chambersburg. I got a pass and went over to Smith’s division to see Hissung and the boys. I found them all well but Bill H. I had a good time and returned to camp the middle of the afternoon. Two men were wounded in camp today. We had roll call this evening. Gen. Johnston has at last crossed the Black with a force variously estimated at from thirty to seventy thousand. Divisions, brigades, and batteries are being detached and sent to meet him. It is reported that Grant and McPherson have gone to the rear in person. If the Rebs wrest Vicksburg from us now they must pay dear for it.

JUNE 23. Tuesday. Sweeny and I went to work remodelling our shanty this morning and at 11 o’clock were detailed on fatigue to fix Gen. Logan’s bomb-proof underground cellar. We finished it about noon. I took a knife from his culinary department. The regiment was called on for numerous details of fatigue duty today.

JUNE 24. Wednesday. I was awakened about 10 o’clock last night by the roars of artillery and musketry. An incessant fire was kept up for two hours. We learned today that the Rebs made a sortie but were driven back. They wanted to hinder us advancing our lines but did not succeed. Day before yesterday I saw some of the cavalry bring in ripe peaches and green corn.