Saturday, 21st—We had company drill this morning. In the afternoon we had a big loyal mass-meeting in town, and we had speaking by Captain Stearns. He talked of our duty to sustain the Government. Quite a number enlisted as a result of the meeting, and it is hoped that the company may be completed so as to leave for Davenport in about eight days.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Friday, 20th—Captain Stearns of Company A of the Eighth Iowa arrived today from Davenport, coming to encourage enlistments. Several new men enrolled today. We have a fine drillmaster in John F. Compton of New Liberty, Scott county. He is an Englishman, and has served five years in the Queen’s Guards of England.
Thursday, 19th—Nothing of importance today. A few new recruits came in. There is no excitement in getting men to enlist; only plain facts are presented as to our duty to sustain the Government.
Wednesday, 18th—There were more enrollments today, and there is some hope now of raising a company. The weather has become settled and everybody seems more cheerful. We have drill twice a day now, and have a good drill ground out on the town commons.
Tuesday, 17th—Several new men enrolled today and things look more encouraging. I boarded at the tavern today.
Monday, 16th—I returned to Tipton this morning. Our company had no drill today on account of the rain—it rained all day. There were no enlistments. The disagreeable weather seems to make everybody feel gloomy.
Sunday, 15th—This morning I went to church and Sunday School once more.
Saturday, 14th—We had company drill this morning, and some five or six new men enrolled. I went home in the afternoon.
Friday, 13th—We made the entire trip of thirty miles from Davenport last night and reached home by daylight. I went up to Tipton this afternoon and was sworn into the State service, my service dating back to August 10th. Our former captain, Mr. McLoney, and some of the other Inland boys are here, besides four of the Le Claire boys. We are trying to form a new company and everything looks good for a new company in a short time, quite a number of the boys having already enrolled. We are boarding at the hotel.
Thursday, 12th—I attended the Scott County Fair again today. The attendance was about the same as yesterday. A part of the Second Iowa Cavalry is in camp here, Camp Holt.
For three days now I have been trying to find some new company in which to enlist, but not caring to go into a company of entire strangers, I made up my mind to go home for a few days. About sundown, with two other boys, Sylvester Daniels and David Huff, I started for home, going with a Mr. Chesbro in a farm wagon.
