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.

July 28, 2013

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

Tuesday, 28th—We started early this morning and though it was hot and sultry, we reached Vicksburg at 10 a. m. So we finally entered Vicksburg after more than eight months in trying to take the place. In the afternoon we moved out a few miles to the north of town and went into bivouac. While in Vicksburg we saw some of the paroled prisoners leaving for their homes. They were indeed sorrowful-looking beings—all in rags and without food; yet they were ready to fight for their cause to the bitter end.

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