Saturday, 30th—We had our first general review today, including the infantry, cavalry and artillery. The parade ground was full of soldiers, most of them full-armed for active service. And thus ends the month of November at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Friday, 29th—We had inspection for pay today, which includes inspection of knapsacks and equipments. After inspection and pay, I went down town on a pass and purchased a portfolio,[1] a paper weight and a pocket knife for army service.
[1] This portfolio, together with my Bible, I carried through my four years’ service.—A. G. D.
Thursday, 28th—The weather is very warm and pleasant. The regiment is becoming quite proficient in battalion drill, Colonel Hare seeming to understand the movements quite well. When the Colonel gives the orders to the different company officers, he usually simply says to Compton, “You know how to move your company.”
Wednesday, 27th—No news of importance. We enjoy our drilling under First Lieutenant Compton. He has the company under perfect control. The boys always make an effort to execute his commands and we are never ashamed of our drilling when other soldiers are standing by observing our movements.
Tuesday, 26th—Our drills now are, company drill at 10 a. m., battalion drill at 2 p. m. and dress parade at 5 p. m. We commenced battalion drill today.
Monday, 25th—Nothing of importance. Camp life is a big change from life at home. In the army, every man simply obeys orders; he knows his place and keeps it. Our officers generally are kind to the men, especially if a man tries to do his duty.
Sunday, 24th—We had our first regular company inspection this morning at to o’clock, and at 2 p.m. we had general review, then at 5 o’clock we were on dress parade, but as it is Sunday there was no regular drilling.
Saturday, 23d—We cleaned up today, preparing for our first inspection and review at Benton Barracks. I sent $10.00 home today, the surplus of my State pay.
Friday, 22d—New troops are arriving all the time, and there are something like forty thousand men in the barracks at present. This camp has the appearance of being nearer the seat of war. It is a novel experience for us country boys to see so many men all armed for war, some on guard duty, others leaving for the front, while still others are arriving. The commissary work of the camp is thoroughly organized. Each company has a detail of cooks which serves a week at a time and then is relieved by another shift. The cooks go to the quartermaster and get the rations for five days at a time. The food is cooked in kettles hung in a row in the rear of the barracks, and is served on long stationary tables, each accommodating a full company. Our rations are about the same as at Camp McClellan, except that we have our first taste of “hard-tack” instead of bread.
Thursday, 21st—We took up our regular company and regimental drills again, and have a very fine drill ground.
