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.

January 28, 2012

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

Tuesday, 28th—One of the Missouri boys who enlisted in our company while at Jefferson City asked me to go with him to spend the evening with a family about two miles out, where there were three or four young ladies. One of the young women was his best girl and he wished to bid her goodby before we left for the South. He assured me that we would have plenty of good things to eat and that there would be no danger, and so I finally decided that it would be safe to go. We had a very enjoyable time and about midnight started for our quarters, running all the way.[1]


[1] We arrived safely at our quarters, but I made up my mind never again to take such a trip while in the enemy’s country.—A. O. D.

Previous post:

Next post: