Saturday, 28th—It rained this morning and the air is nice and cool. We worked most of the day cleaning up for another inspection—polishing our shoes, belts, cartridge boxes and muskets, besides sweeping the camp ground.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Friday, 27th—We were relieved from picket this morning by the Thirteenth Iowa. Blackberries are beginning to ripen and seem to be plentiful. Fresh fruit with our rations will lighten our work.
Thursday, 26th—The Eleventh Iowa went out on picket. The Third Brigade of the Sixth Division was inspected by the general inspector of the army. Men and camp both passed inspection quite satisfactorily.
Wednesday, 25th—The weather is very hot today and our camp is becoming very dry and dusty. Twenty-seven men were detailed this morning to clean up our camp for general inspection.
Tuesday, 24th—Our camp was inspected today by the brigade commander. Colonel Hare arrived in camp today. The boys were very glad to see him come back to the regiment.
Monday, 23d—Nothing of importance. I went out to the branch a mile from camp to do my washing. Burtis Rumsey of our company has been sick for about two weeks and he begged me to take two of his shirts along and wash them for him, so I did. I used a small camp kettle which the company cook has set aside for boiling clothes. Some of the boys in the company hire colored women to wash their clothes. I prefer to do my own washing.
Sunday, 22d—We had company inspection at 5 o’clock this evening. Our chaplain, John S. Whittlesey, died of diphtheria on May 11th at Durant, Iowa, and our regiment has no chaplain at present. We have no services on Sunday now, except that some of the companies occasionally have prayer meetings.
Saturday, 21st—We were relieved this morning by the Thirteenth Iowa. Some of the fruit in this locality is beginning to ripen and we will have some variety in our rations.
Friday, 20th—Our regiment went out on picket this evening. Water is very scarce out on the picket line and so we have our canteens filled in the evening before we go out.
Thursday, 19th—Drill is now all dispensed with on account of the hot weather. But the men are kept busy at fatigue and picket duty.
