Monday, 21st—Three companies were sent out on picket today. I was on camp guard today. It is reported that the battle south of Chattanooga is still in progress, and also that our gunboats are throwing shells into Charleston, South Carolina. We hear that there was a riot in Mobile, when six hundred women and children demanded bread of the city.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Sunday, 20th—We had dress parade this evening at 5 o’clock and important orders were read to the command. The first is, that our division is now to be known as the First Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps; second, that on a march we are to carry only nineteen pounds, and third, that we are to be ready to form a line of battle at a moment’s notice. The reason for the last is that the rebels have driven in our pickets on the right and may make a raid. News came that a battle is being fought on the Chickamauga river, to the south of Chattanooga, with heavy loss on both sides.
Saturday, 19th—Company E went out on the picket line today. The nights are getting cooler and the middle of the day, though warm, is not so oppressive. Since our rainstorm it begins to look like autumn; the trees are beginning to turn various colors and the sun shining over the timbered hills in the late afternoon makes a landscape grand to look upon.
Friday, 18th—It is reported in our camps that General Rosecrans has taken Chattanooga, Tennessee, and that General Burnside took two thousand prisoners and twelve pieces of artillery without firing a gun. We hope that the report is true, for Chattanooga will afford our army there a strongly-fortified place.
Thursday, 17th—We had a cool rainstorm this afternoon which was quite refreshing. The sick in the general hospital here in Vicksburg are improving and are being sent home on thirty-day furloughs.
Wednesday, 16th—I was on division guard today. There are several negro regiments in camp in the vicinity of Vicksburg; they made a good appearance today for their first time on review. They were reviewed by the commander of the post. As a rule there are inferior officers in charge, and it would be a good thing if they would drill in the manual of arms themselves.
Tuesday, 15th—The weather continues sultry and hot. We have our camp fixed up quite comfortably again. There are not many of the sick in the regiment now, most of them having been sent away, and others of us who were sick are getting stronger. I am on duty again, having been to see the doctor only the one time.
Monday, 14th—Companies A and B started out with teams on a foraging expedition of three days. A detail of forty men was sent down to the wharf to unload a boat of ammunition.
Sunday, 13th—There was regimental inspection this morning with accouterments on and in full dress. Some of the companies have the appearance of a “corporal’s guard.” Company E, being on picket, was not on inspection, but later they were relieved. The Thirteenth Iowa went down town to act as a provost guard. Our chaplain having resigned, we have no religious services at present.
Saturday, 12th—Company E went out on picket this morning. I did not accompany them, as I had another chill yesterday and was not strong enough to go. The teams brought in our poles, lumber and planks and those of us left in camp worked all day building bunks and putting up the brush shades in front of the tents.
