Monday, 10th—We arrived at Jefferson City about daylight. Our regiment came together here this morning after being separated since the 22d of last December. We left for St. Louis about 8 a. m., our train being made up of almost every kind of car known, and arrived about 3 p. m. We went aboard the “Great Western.”
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Sunday, 9th—Had a cold rain all day. There was no church for us today. The quartermaster with a detail of men loaded some of the supplies on open cars, the wagons being taken apart and loaded. The mules and horses were put in the stock cars. The cars came for us about 9 p. m. and we finished loading about midnight and left for Jefferson City, some of the men in box cars and others in open cars with the baggage.
Saturday, 8th—The boys are in fine spirits because we have orders to leave. All are at work getting ready—some are mending their shirts, pants or coats, others their socks or shoes, or anything which needs fixing up before leaving for the South.
Friday, 7th—Orders came for us to get ready to leave for St. Louis, and everybody is happy. Drill was discontinued for the day.
Thursday, 6th—No news of importance.
Wednesday, 5th—Company E had prayer meeting this evening in a vacant room close by their quarters. It is reported that we are to leave for the South in two or three days. The war has certainly struck this place a hard blow. There are many vacant houses and most of the storerooms are standing empty. There are but few men left in town, most of them having gone to war. Families are divided, each member having gone to the army of his choice; there are fathers against sons and brothers against brothers. They are so determined for the side they take that many are killed in the neighborhood by their neighbors, and some even by members of their own families.
Tuesday, 4th—Nothing of importance.
Monday, 3d—It is turning a little warmer. There are just a few of the boys in the hospital here and they are well cared for; their bedding is kept nice and clean and their food is well cooked.
Sunday, 2d—It is still getting colder. The ground is frozen and we have no fires in the tents—the men are suffering day and night from the cold. Had company inspection this morning.
Saturday, 1st—It is very cold with a strong northwest wind blowing. We drilled with our overcoats on for the first time, and even then we could not keep warm.
