Sunday, 30th—This is our first Sunday in camp in the “Sunny South.” We had company inspection with all accouterments on, by the colonel of our regiment, Colonel Hare.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Saturday, 29th—A large detail from the brigade was sent to cut and clear away some timber between Jones’ Field and a small field just to the south, so as to throw the two fields together, making it possible for the First Division to form a continuous line to be reviewed by the commanding general of the army, General Grant. Companies A, B and C received Belgian rifles today for their old muskets.
Friday, 28th—It is warm and dry—it is delightful. There is nothing of importance going on. Our camp is well protected on the left by the Tennessee river and by Owl creek on our right flank. Most of the camp ground lies high and just rolling enough to keep the ground dry. Our camp—the First Brigade of the First Division—lies almost due north and south, so arranged for the purpose of giving the brigade a good drill and parade ground. The camps of the different brigades, all through the woods, face in any desired direction, except the regiments out in front, which are so arranged as to be facing the enemy should they have to form a line of battle.
Thursday, 27th—It is warm and dry today. The trees are beginning to leaf out. Troops are arriving every day and going into camp all along the roads about two and a half miles from the Landing.
Wednesday, 26th—The weather is getting very warm. We have plenty of firewood near by for the cooking, and running water a short distance away where we do our washing once a week.
Tuesday, 25th—We had company drill twice today. We have a fine drill ground. Our water here is good, there being several springs a short distance to the east and to the west of our camp. The camp of the Thirteenth Iowa is on our left, while to our right are the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois. These three regiments with ours, the Eleventh Iowa, form the First Brigade of the First Division of the Army of the Tennessee, under the command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand. Col. Abraham M. Hare of our regiment is in command of the brigade. Dresser’s battery of six guns is encamped just in front of the Eleventh Iowa.
Monday, 24th—We disembarked and marched out about a mile and a half from the landing, where we pitched our tents. Our camp is located in what is called Jones’ Field.
Sunday, 23d—The Eleventh Iowa received marching orders, and we struck our tents and got on board the “Westmoreland.” The quartermaster had all of the commissariat on the boat by noon and we left for Pittsburg Landing. We reached the landing at dark and remained on the boat for the night.
Saturday, 22d—It is disagreeable weather—a cold rain from the north. The Thirteenth Iowa started to Pittsburg Landing, about ten miles up the river. The Eleventh Iowa is expecting marching orders any time.
Friday, 21st—It is cloudy and cold. Captain Chambers’ battery of six guns arrived today. Orders came for us to embark at once, and we struck our tents and got ready to start. After waiting six hours for the order to fall in, the order was countermanded and we had to pitch our tents again.
