Sunday, 2d—Things are working fine. Company inspection this afternoon. On account of the heat, the men remained in their “ranches” until time for dress parade at 5 o’clock in the evening. We cannot go to the city to attend church without a pass, since there is a brigade guard around the brigade.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Saturday, 1st—The weather is quite hot and sultry. We are looking forward to going home soon, and expect to receive such an order any time, though we have not yet heard of one having been issued.
Friday, 30th—The weather is sultry. Nothing of importance today.
Thursday, 29th—I am on brigade guard again, being sergeant of the guard. Each day we have on guard from our brigade two commissioned officers, three sergeants, six corporals, and one hundred and thirty-eight privates. One of the commissioned officers, a captain, is officer of the day for the brigade, while the other, a lieutenant, is officer of the day for the regiment. We have to wear our white gloves on guard.
Wednesday, 28th—We still have brigade guard. There is a great deal of dissatisfaction in the veteran ranks on account of their not having been discharged yet. The Indiana troops are finding the most fault, as they can almost see their homes just across the Ohio river, but dare not cross over. They have been making an effort through the Louisville papers to get General Sherman to tell them why they are not being discharged. Sherman answered them also through the press, assuring them that the Government will discharge them just as soon as it can get to them.
Tuesday, 27th—Quite sultry today. Nothing of any importance.
Monday, 26th—Quite sultry today. They finished paying the Sixteenth Iowa. Money is quite plentiful, as the veterans received more than $200.00 each. General W. W. Belknap went home on leave of absence and Brig. Gen. B. F. Pitts is in command of our division.
Sunday, 25th—Rain this afternoon. We had company inspection this morning and dress parade at 5 o’clock this afternoon. The paymaster finished paying the Fifteenth Iowa and then paid part of the Sixteenth Iowa.
Saturday, 24th—Weather pleasant. The Fifteenth Iowa received their pay today. I received a pass, and in charge of four boys of the company spent the day in Louisville. The city is patrolled by large numbers of provost guards and I had to carry my pass in hand all the time. I bought some clothes and several articles to take home. My bill came to $26.40, as I spent $8.50 for a pair of pants, $9.00 for a jacket, and $3.75 for an album, besides other articles.
Friday, 23d—The Thirteenth Iowa received their pay today. A great many of the boys expressed their money home.
