Tuesday, 23d—Fighting is still going on. A force of thirty thousand under command of General Sherman was sent to rout Johnston. The Eleventh Iowa, with the exception of Company E, went on an expedition[1] in the direction of the Big Black river. Company E was left here for picket duty.
[1] To join Sherman’s forces.—Ed.
Monday, 22d—It is quite still along the lines today and there is no news of importance. Some troops were sent out in the rear today, and our regiment received orders to be ready to march at any time. It is thought that Johnston is trying to break the siege by attempting to make a move from the Big Black river, and by Pemberton’s striking our lines at the same time and place, they hope to effect a union and escape. But General Grant is leaving nothing open. He has ordered the felling of large trees across the highways to prevent the moving of their artillery.
Sunday, 21st—Things are quite still all along the lines today, but the mortar boats continue to throw shells day and night. Our chaplain preached a sermon to us this afternoon; his text was from John, fourteenth chapter and second verse. It was the first sermon our regiment has heard for nearly six months.
Saturday, 20th—By order of General Grant all the artillery opened upon Vicksburg this morning, and the bombardment continued throughout the day. It is reported that the rebels have lost six hundred, killed and wounded, many of these being killed during the first two hours of the firing. Our left is holding quite tight. The sky was hazy today and the heat at times was very oppressive.
Friday, 19th—It is again quite warm. Every morning at about 2 o’clock we have to form a line of battle, so that if the rebels should come in upon us we would be ready for them; but I do not think they will come. On account of the very poor water here, several of the boys are down with the fever and ague.
Thursday, 18th—We have had strong wind and thunder for three days now, but no rain. I was on duty today for the first time in two and a half months, for while I was cook I had no other duty. Skirmishing and cannonading are still going on. News came that our army is in the rear of Port Hudson and that fighting is going on there, I wrote a letter today for John Ford, of my company. Ford had shot off his right thumb by an accidental discharge of his rifle, and when it came time for him to write to his sweetheart, he called upon me to do it for him.[1]
[1] I undertook the job for Ford, but did some perspiring before I finished the letter, and I would never undertake it again. The letter went through and he received a nice one in reply.—A. G. D.
Wednesday, 17th—Our mortar boats are shelling the rebels day and night, and the constant roar of cannon is something dreadful to listen to. Our regiment drew some clothing from the quartermaster today. We just learned that we are to remain out here on picket. The boys are having easy times picking blackberries and plums. They are quite plentiful, and come as a Godsend to us. Water is becoming very scarce, for the branches which we have to depend upon have now stopped running, and all we can get is the water left in the sink holes in the creek bottom.
Tuesday, 16th—We have had several days of very warm weather which became very hot yesterday, but today there is a high wind accompanied by thunder. The Eleventh Iowa signed the payroll today for two months’ pay. Cannon have been roaring all day and the place still holds out. General Grant still feels confident that he can take the place, and the army is in fine spirits. Only a few tents are used now, and they are only for the sick and wounded.
Monday, 15th—Our brigade is all broken up, most of it being on picket duty facing Johnston’s army and acting as a reserve, and doing police duty between the two lines of battle. Johnston is reported to be out on the Big Black river with about ten thousand men, in an attempt to get into Vicksburg, but he’s afraid to come for fear of getting whipped. The boys are having fine times picking blackberries and plums. I quit cooking for the captain, and was recommended as a first-class cook. John Lett took my place as cook for the officers.
Sunday, 14th—Company E moved back as a reserve and to do police duty. Six of our companies are out on picket. There was heavy cannonading today by our men, the rebels in return throwing a few shells now and then. It is reported that one of our shells exploding in the streets of the town killed six women. Women and children as well as the men are shut in and are of course helping to consume the small store of provisions, but there is no way of escape.
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