Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Post image for Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

August 25, 2012

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Monday, 25th—Companies E and K went out on railroad guard, to the deep cut about four miles east of our camp. We went to relieve Companies C and H and are to stay out two days. We have to patrol about five miles of the track to the east of our reserve post, making nine miles of track to guard. Our reserve stays in a schoolhouse located on a high piece of ground close by the railroad. We have to keep a strong picket line all night. Our drinking water here is excellent, and we have all the peaches and apples that we can eat. Some rain this evening.

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