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.

May 13, 2013

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

Wednesday, 13th—After an early breakfast we left bivouac at 6 o’clock and took up our march. By noon we reached the Mississippi river, where we took boat, and going down about two miles landed on the east bank at Grand Gulf or Hard Times Landing—where the town once was. The town was destroyed just a year ago by the Union fleet, and there is nothing left but the streets and sidewalks. We went into camp here to stay until relieved.

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