Vicksburg, Thursday, July 16. Now that we are fixed up and the officers over their big spree (generally speaking) we broke up camp and went into park about two miles to the right on a pretty slope. The battery parked, the tents were put in its rear regularly by sections. All the shades, bunks etc. were hauled over from the old camp, which was accomplished by night, and put up.
An Artilleryman’s Diary–Jenkin Lloyd Jones, 6th Battery, Wisconsin Artillery.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 15. All quiet and sleepy. Very warm. No mail or news.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 14. All is quiet and still, everybody fixed up comfortably, and an old Welsh farmer’s oven built, so we have soft bread, a great luxury. Trains run regularly to Big Black, taking troops and provisions. Third Brigade of our Division gone back to the rear. A few prisoners came in with the evening train. All is life on the river, crowded with boats, the town swarming with sutlers.
Vicksburg, Monday, July 13. Heavy rain last night. Cloudy and stormy all day to-day. Policed off all the grounds under the Battery. Evie and myself went about two miles to the right in the afternoon on horseback, got cane enough for bunks. Prisoners all marched out to-day except the sick; Colonel Sanborn, inspecting officer, taking all contraband articles from them.
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 12. Inspection of clothing at 9 A. M. the first of the kind since we left Memphis, after which McPherson’s General Order No. 20 was read; also official information of the surrender of Port Hudson on the 7th inst. and our victory in the East, which of course put a hopeful aspect on affairs. Received a large mail. Signed pay-rolls 6 P. M.
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 11. Very warm and dull. Officers all drunk. In the evening 1st Brigade band serenaded Captain Dillon, after which they were seated, treated and played and played and drank. Songs were sung and beautiful music played, but the demon of the bowl prevailed, the leader of the band soon became unable to go farther, and a scene befitting a groggery ensued. All seemed to have lost all respect for best principles. Too bad. These men left home with great pretensions of temperance; even now it would be difficult to convince those left behind otherwise; but whiskey is used by our officers more freely than water, and that too is what they draw for the men mostly. Many a dark thing behind the curtain in this world.
Troubled with toothache all day and at night Dr. Brady took it out at the third hitch. Oh!
Vicksburg, Friday, July 10. Everybody busy preparing permanent quarters. Tarpaulins spread over picket rope. Water the horses in the river twice a day, passing through the center of Vicksburg. It is planted on very rough ground, very scattering with the exception of the first streets. Notwithstanding the lay of the country, it is made beautiful by shrubbery and shade trees which are liberally and beautifully planted along the street.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 9. The work of paroling the prisoners goes on as fast as possible. Many of the Western rebs crossed the river to-day, and many of the Mississippi and Louisiana are ready to leave in the morning. Their officers have given up the hope of taking them into parole camp. They all go to their homes, and will carry discontent and repentance to many a hearthstone. Wells were sunk to-day in the hollow, giving cool water, but not very pure. Rebs had been here for a year drinking brackish water, everyone is that lazy.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 8. No immediate prospect of moving. Boys busy putting up tents, shades, etc. I strolled among the Alabams on the right. Got a “fly” fixed for which we had use. Found some of the greenest specimens of humanity I think, in the universe, their ignorance being little less than that of the slave they despise, with as imperfect a dialect. They “reckoned as how you ‘uns all would be a heap wus to we ‘uns all”. They wished they could come back to the old Union again.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 7. As we did not move to-day, we spent the day amongst the prisoners who are by far the most numerous. Never has such lenity been shown to prisoners of war before. They are allowed to go anywhere within the lines and guard, their officers riding out in full regimentals, sash and swords, with orderlies. And groups of both parties are seen on every hand talking the matter over in a friendly way. A much better effect will result from this than if they were strict and kept them under guard. It opens their eyes to facts that before they were ignorant of, and many will be induced never again to raise arms against the stars and stripes. A brisk trade is going on. They sell their scrip for ten cents on the dollar. Canteens traded, coffee etc. given them freely. The best good feelings prevail. All are anxious to go home, where they will stay if possible.
