[At this point my diary begins again.]
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Falmouth, Virginia.
March 20, 1863. — General Benham relieved General Woodbury,’ to-day. Snowed hard.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March 20th. Nothing has occurred to-day worthy of note. Rebel pickets have been seen all day on the opposite shore. Last night the mortar vessels above Vicksburg opened fire and shelled the city for about three hours.
Friday, 20th—Nothing of importance today. We have drill twice a day. I received a pass and went to Lake Providence. The water is already in the streets and the army sutlers occupying vacant buildings will have to move out tomorrow. I purchased a tin plate and spoon for thirty cents.
March 20 — Snowed very fast nearly all day, with a chilly north wind. Remained in camp.
March 20—Katz went home to-day on a furlough. Nothing new up to the 23d.
March 20.—General Johnston has gone to Mississippi to take command of that department. I believe General Bragg is commander-in-chief of the department in Tennessee. I have been informed that the morning before the ball given to General Johnston he had important business in Atlanta. I have also been told he does not approve of such things at this time.
I paid a visit a day or two ago to Mrs. Newsom, accompanied by Dr. William Hughes; on our way there we met Major Morgan, a brother of the general. He had just returned from visiting his mother in Kentucky, and was on his way to join his brother-in-law, General Hill, in Virginia. He is not unlike his brother, J. M. I told him I was afraid the latter would carry his daring too far. He replied, he had no fears on that score, and especially now since he is married, as on his wife’s account he would likely be more cautious.
We found Mrs. N., for a wonder, at leisure; her hospital is a very fine one; it is on top of a very high hill, commanding a view of the whole town. After we left her I went in search of milk, as that is the cry I hear from morning till night among the patients. I believe, if we could get plenty of it, we would scarcely need any thing else. I have the promise of a little every day.
20th. Issued bread and beef after breakfast. Then got up rations to issue for the remainder of the month. No lesson again. Read some and played checkers. C. G. slept with me last night and did not wake up, so has had to work all day. He received a letter from Fred.
Near Helena, Friday, March 20. The marine fleet of Colonel Ellet passed down the river, consisting of the “Autocrat”, “Diana”, “Baltic”, “Alone”, and the “E. H. Fairchild” with iron-clad ram. Boats gathering; expecting to embark soon. 11th Wisconsin Infantry landed below here.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
March 20, 1862.—There is to be a grand concert tonight on the Ewing, given by Professor Wootock. We are all invited and shall go.
Friday, 20th—Our Squadron sent on post this morning. I joined Tom Taylor’s mess; Jessy also. I and Tom went out to Mr. Elmore’s and got some bacon and milk. I stood to-night.
