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.

June 1, 2014

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

Wednesday, 1st—Our brigade started at 5 this morning, but covered only twelve miles. We marched down the Sandy mountains into the valley and went into bivouac along the banks of Sandy creek. The rear of the army did not get into camp until midnight. The wagon trains could move but slowly over the rough, rocky roads, and even then the teams are almost worn out. Many of the horses and mules lost their shoes and have broken hoofs and sore feet. Large foraging parties are sent out, but because of the poverty of the country they do not get much.

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