Friday, 29th—Everything is working fine here at present. We can hear nothing about the army in the East. Some of the brigades have moved out to Black river bridge, since there is a better camping ground at that place; they also have good water there and plenty of wood and provisions. But we are still lying in camp with plenty to live on and our duty is very light.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Thursday, 28th—Some of the troops that are going out on an expedition to Meridian, started on their way this morning. It is rumored that the Seventeenth and Sixteenth Army Corps are to make a raid across the State of Mississippi for the purpose of destroying the railroad running from Vicksburg to Meridian, and that General Sherman is to be in command of the expedition.
Wednesday, 27th—We have battalion drill now every afternoon, and today our regiment was reviewed by General Chambers. A division of the Sixteenth Army Corps from Chattanooga landed here last night.
Tuesday, 26th—I went on picket today. The weather is quite warm. Vicksburg, on the east bank of the Mississippi, is built on very high ground. It is quite rough and rolling here. There are some nice buildings here—a very fine court house, six good church buildings and a number of very nice dwellings, besides some large warehouses and stores. During the siege the houses were all more or less damaged, there being scarcely a single building that was not in some way injured. There are very few of the old citizens living here at present, as the military rule of the Union army is not good for their peace of mind.
Monday, 25th—The Eleventh Iowa Regiment was today sworn into the United States service for three years or during the war, and now we are a veteran regiment. Our company had an election of officers, but it did not amount to anything, as it was vetoed by the colonel, and men of his own choice were put into the offices. The role of officers as elected is as follows:[1]
Captain …………………….…….S. S. McLoney
First Lieutenant …………………….…….William Spencer
Second Lieutenant …………………….…….Joseph Tomlinson
First Sergeant …………………….…….Lewis Elseffer
Second Sergeant …………………….…….David Huff
Third Sergeant …………………….…….Hiram Frank
Fourth Sergeant…………………….……. John A. White
Fifth Sergeant …………………….…….Alexander G. Downing
[1] The men had been promised the right to elect their own officers if they re-enlisted.—A. O. D.
Sunday, 24th—After company inspection this morning, I went to church down in the city; went again in the evening. They have regular church services and Sunday school every Sunday.
Saturday, 23d—Warm weather. Still lying in camp and all is quiet—no news.
Friday, 22d—The weather is quite warm and it looks almost like spring—grape vines are beginning to start.
Thursday, 21st—All things quiet in camp and no news. The weather is pleasant, though a little frosty every night. The army could stand a long siege, for we have plenty of wood and the quartermaster has in storage a large supply of provisions. This is fine soldiering.
Wednesday, 20th—The Thirteenth Iowa was today sworn into the service for three years as a veteran regiment.
