Monday, 21st—We received orders to keep the camp clean—have to clean up every morning. The men must all keep their clothes brushed and their shoes polished.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Sunday, 20th—We had preaching twice today, morning and evening, by the chaplain of our regiment, John S. Whittlesey, a Congregational minister from Davenport. A number of people from town were out again to attend the services.
Saturday, 19th—The Eleventh Iowa Infantry was completed today. All the companies now have their full quotas.
Friday, 18th—Nothing of importance. At the sound of reveille every man has to get up, fall in line, and answer to his name. We then march down over the bluff to the river to wash for breakfast, going by companies, each under the command of an officer.
Thursday, 17th—Our daily routine in camp is as follows: Reveille at 4 a. m., breakfast call at 5, drill at 9 and dinner call at noon; drill call at 2 p. m., dress parade at 5, supper at 5:30, tattoo at 8 and taps at 9, when every man not on duty must be in his bunk and all lights out.
Wednesday, 16th—Colonel A. M. Hare, who arrived today, is in command of our regiment, the Eleventh Iowa. His home is at Muscatine. More visitors in camp today, and they are usually invited to take dinner or supper with us, as the case may be.
Tuesday, 15th—We moved into our new barracks today, and the boys are all pleased with the new quarters. We had some visitors. Our camp is becoming quite a place for visitors—parents and friends of the boys coming in to bid them the last goodbye.
Monday, 14th—We completed building our new barracks today. Each company has its own building, built of good one-inch lumber, with just enough room between the buildings for our long stationary company tables, where we eat. In front of the building, extending the entire length, is our parade ground.
Sunday, 13th—We had preaching in camp this morning by the chaplain, and he gave us a good sermon. A great many people came out from town to attend the meeting, and still more came this afternoon to see us on dress parade at 5 o’clock.
Saturday, 12th—A number of new recruits are arriving, and the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry is being made up. Drill this afternoon. Five of the boys of my company got passes to go home for two or three days.
