Friday, 3d—We received orders to be ready to march at a moment’s warning. Getting the orders we started about 10 o’clock at night for Messenger’s ford on the lower Big Black river, about four miles from our bivouac, and reached the ford at midnight. We are to stop Johnston from crossing the river, as it is thought he is making an effort to cross at the ford to strike Sherman’s right flank.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Thursday, 2d—We loaded up our baggage and started at 8 o’clock to join our regiment and brigade in camp on the Big Black river, about ten miles distant. We found our command cutting away the trees which were cut down to keep General Johnston from coming in our rear after Vicksburg should surrender.[1]
[1] It was reported that Pemberton had raised the white flag, asking for terms of surrender. This being the case, our forces were set to work clearing the road for our artillery; for we understood that upon the surrender of Vicksburg, we were to pursue Johnston’s army.—A. G. D.
Wednesday, 1st—A detail of the Seventeenth Iowa came out this morning to relieve us, and a team came this afternoon to haul our baggage, but we have not yet received orders to leave. Captain McLoney went down to the headquarters of the picket officers to get an order to move. The report is that our men blew up another rebel fort. It is said that a man on one of our mortar boats made a wager that he could pull the lanyard longer and fire a larger number of shells than any of his comrades, but he was overcome by the concussion and dropped dead just as he stepped from the boat. He gave up his life for a vain wish.
Tuesday, 30th—Our company was mustered at 9 o’clock this morning by Captain McLoney. Major Foster came in today and made a demand upon the general picket officers that our company be relieved from picket duty at this place. We had a fine time at this place. Our work here has not been laborious, but we had to be on constant duty and ready with all accouterments on, for any emergency. The abundance of canebrakes here fortunately made it unnecessary for us to sleep on the ground.
Monday, 29th—Fighting is still going on and our guns around Vicksburg seem to be making a new onslaught today. Our men blew up another rebel fort, but did not attempt to rush in, since the guns from the other forts are so arranged as to defend any other point along the fortifications. Everything on the outer lines has been quiet. I came in from picket this morning. The boys of my company are all in fine spirits, and although the blackberries are getting scarce, peaches and apples, which are plentiful around here, will soon be ripe.
Sunday, 28th—I was sent out on picket duty today and everything is quite still along the line. It is also quiet at the front, except along General Logan’s Division, where the rebel sharpshooters are trying to silence our batteries. News came that Port Hudson had not been taken, and that instead General Hooker was falling back. The little news we get from the Potomac is discouraging, but since we are so sure of a victory here at Vicksburg, we can stand discouraging reports from the Potomac.
Saturday, 27th—Our company is still on picket here about five miles southeast of Vicksburg, while the other companies of the regiment are with our brigade out on the Big Black river. There is no telling when we shall be relieved from picket; yet our boys are pretty well satisfied, for we have plenty of blackberries and we drew three days’ rations today.
Friday, 26th—I went on picket again this morning with very strict orders as to passes and keeping cartridge boxes on day and night. The rebels are becoming active and desperate in their determination to get out, for their provisions are very low. No news from the rear.
Thursday, 25th—Everything on the outside is quiet as usual. Our engineers blew up one of the main rebel forts, and the infantry rushing in tried to hold the place, but on account of the fierce cross firing had to fall back to their rifle pits. A number of our forces were killed, including one colonel, and a number were wounded. Only a few of the rebels were killed by the explosion, not many being in the fort at the time. Our cannon opened up all along the line. A negro in the fort blown up, was thrown high up in the air and came down on his head within our lines unhurt.[1]
[1] A photograph was taken of the negro and the boys had him on exhibition for a few days at five cents admission.—A. G. D.
Wednesday, 24th—I was on picket today, each man going out every other day, and the orders are very strict, no one being allowed to go through the lines unless he can show a pass signed by General Grant. Our men are digging tunnels under the rebel forts and laying powder to blow them up. When a fort is blown up our forces are to make a charge at that point and capture the rebels. The report is that the rebels are planning to cut their way out through our lines. News came that Port Hudson has been taken, together with a great many prisoners.
