Sunday, 26th—The Eleventh Iowa was detailed to work on the fortifications under construction down in town. It was quite cold all day, and disagreeable, as the snow is still on the ground.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Saturday, 25th—It is very cold today. It snowed about two inches this afternoon. We are well fixed for a mild winter in camp, with plenty of wood for fires in our Sibley tents.
Friday, 24th—I went to wash clothes today. Company washing squads are sent out daily, except Sundays. A squad consists of eight men with a captain, a lieutenant and two sergeants. This method is necessary because we have to go so far, two miles, and a smaller group could easily be taken by the rebels’ cavalry.
Thursday, 23d—No news of importance. The roads are quite dusty.
Wednesday, 22d—We had brigade inspection today with all accouterments on. There is a report in camp that the army is soon to make an important move south into Mississippi. It is rumored that there are soon to be some changes of brigade and division commanders.[1]
[1] There was a sentiment even then among the rank and file of the men, that General Grant was the man to lead them. Some expressed the opinion that in the course of time he would be placed in command of all the armies of the United States. The men had the utmost confidence in his leading the army to complete victory.—A. G. D.
Tuesday, 21st—Some very fine weather. We have received orders to have company drill twice a day now, and dress parade every day at 5 p. m. We are getting over the effects of our hard service of the past two months.
Monday, 20th—No news of importance. We are again drawing regular army rations, having a railroad to our base of supplies. There is little to be secured by foraging around Corinth, as the rebels’ attempt to retake the place has resulted in keeping a large force of our men here and food and feed has been almost cleaned up, with the men for a part of the time on short rations.
Sunday, 19th—Nothing of importance. This is our first Sunday in a quiet camp for more than two months. We had company inspection this morning and dress parade at 5 o’clock in the evening.
Saturday, 18th—It is reported that General Bragg is marching on this place.[1] Colonel Hare has not been with us for some time and will not be with us again. We have just learned that he resigned his commission on August 31st, on account of the wound which he received at the battle of Shiloh. He was respected by all the men of the regiment, and we are sorry to lose him.
[1] This was one of those mere rumors, for we know by history that General Bragg was not around there at the time.—A. G. D.
Friday, 17th—Everybody is now busy in the routine duties of camp life. The Government is having some deep wells drilled here in our camp; one of them is now completed and we are enjoying plenty of good water, although it is quite a job to draw it. We draw the water by means of a bucket attached to the end of a rope which runs upon a pulley fastened upon a tall pine tree standing near the well. The bucket is about four feet long and has a valve in the bottom. There are always some of the men at the well waiting for their turn to draw water.
