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 2, 2014

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

Monday, 2d—We left Cairo at 1 o’clock in the night and arrived at Paducah, Kentucky, at 10 o’clock today. We were sent here to reinforce the troops at this place, as it was reported that the rebels, thought to be Forrest’s command, would make a raid into Paducah for the purpose of destroying our supplies. We went ashore while the transports with large details of men were sent back to Cairo for ammunition and provisions. I was detailed this morning for the first time as corporal of the guard. We have a force of about five thousand men at this place, with but one fort.

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