Wednesday, 12th—We had a fearful windstorm today, though no rain. Everything in camp is moving along fine and the boys are quite cheerful. We have plenty of wood, canebrake and Spanish moss for our use and our camp is in good shape.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Tuesday, 11th—No news from the Army of the Potomac nor from Charleston, South Carolina.
Monday, 10th—We are living on fresh bread now; we got our first today, baked in the new oven. Each man is allowed to draw a one-pound loaf per day. We again have company drill twice a day, with dress parade at 5 o’clock. The weather is fearfully hot, day and night.
Sunday, 9th—I was detailed on a foraging party today. There were two hundred men and one hundred wagons, accompanied by a squad of cavalry as a picket guard. We went up the Yazoo river bottoms about five miles and loaded our wagons with green corn, which we found in abundance. It was very hot, and the work was strenuous, besides its being on the Lord’s Day—but such is the life of a soldier.
Saturday, 8th—Quite pleasant today. We cleaned up our clothing and accouterments for inspection. We are getting fixed up very nicely in our camp and all are feeling fine. Only a few of our boys are sick and in the hospital at present. I loaned George Toyne (Company E) $25.00 today, until next pay day.[1]
[1] Mr. Downing explained that Toyne’s family at home was in need and that it was a very common thing for a single man to loan a married comrade money to send home to his family.—Ed.
Friday, 7th—It is quite sultry today. There is no news of any importance. The Sixteenth Iowa received their pay today.
Thursday, 6th—The Eleventh received pay today; I got $26.00, my full payment for the two months, for the Government has discontinued the “allotment rolls,” as sending a portion of a soldier’s pay to his parents is called. Our colonel ordered a bake oven for the regiment, so in a few days we will draw fresh bread instead of hardtack.
Wednesday, 5th—The heat continues as yesterday. The Eleventh Iowa signed their payrolls today, and the Fifteenth Iowa received their pay. I was on fatigue duty all day. We had dress parade this evening for the first time since May 19th. The boys came out in fine style. Troops are leaving every day to reinforce different commands of the army of the West.
Tuesday, 4th—The heat is intense today. We finished putting up the brush shades and also completed our bunks. It seems like home once more. Our regimental payrolls were made out today, while the Thirteenth Iowa received their pay. Major Foster is now in command of our regiment.
Monday, 3d—I was on camp guard today. We got our tents and pitched them today, and also, because of the intense heat, built shades in front of them by setting up forks and poles covered with brush. It is the report that we are to remain here on garrison duty. Our work is very light, however, as we have no picket duty.
