Thursday, 23d—Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker took command of our brigade today. I got a pass to go down to the landing to buy bread for the officers’ mess in my charge. Our troops are encamped by the thousands all along the Mississippi river, for thirty miles up from Vicksburg. There is much sickness among the new troops in camp here, caused by using the river water and by camping on the low ground. Many of them have already died and their bodies have been buried upon the levee instead of in the low ground. It is reported that five of our transports loaded with supplies for the army below ran the blockade last night. One of the transports when almost past was hit by a solid shot and sunk.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Wednesday, 22d—We landed at Milliken’s Bend early this morning and went into camp on a large plantation about a mile from the levee of the river.
Tuesday, 21st—We struck our tents and at 3 o’clock in a heavy rain embarked on board the “Platte Valley.” We had all the supplies loaded by dark and during the night left for Milliken’s Bend to join the other brigades. The boys all feel very fine.
Monday, 20th—The Sixth Division received marching orders, and the First and Second Brigades started down the river. Our brigade, the Third, has orders to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. We heard some cannonading this morning down toward Vicksburg. Companies E and K went out on picket. I remained in camp to guard the company’s property. We have a fine camp at this place, but are glad to leave for the front, as staying in camp will not bring the war to a close.
Sunday, 19th—Warm and pleasant today, but we had quite a storm last night. We had company inspection at 3 o’clock and dress parade at 5 o’clock. The boys all feel quite lively; no one is reporting to the doctor.
Saturday, 18th—Weather pleasant. Had some rain this evening. Another large fleet loaded with troops passed down the river just after dark.
Friday, 17th—The Sixth Division was reviewed today by General McArthur. We heard some very heavy cannonading last night down toward Vicksburg. The report is that four gunboats and six transports with five hundred thousand rations on board ran the blockade. Another large fleet loaded with troops went down the river today.
Thursday, 16th—The weather is very pleasant. Mrs. Hall, the wife of our colonel, returned to camp today from the North. Another large fleet went down the river today.
Wednesday, 15th—General Quimby’s Division passed on down the river today, and another large fleet of boats loaded with troops passed us for Vicksburg. It is thought that Vicksburg will soon be attacked. Things seem quite lively at present.
Tuesday, 14th—Another rainy day. I went to town two miles up the river this morning in a canoe, with the cook of Company K (I am taking cooking lessons from him) to buy provisions. I bought ten pounds of ham and other things for $3.95. I wrote a letter home to Albert Downing and enclosed $10.00 in it. General Quimby’s Division landed at Lake Providence this afternoon. It is reported that the expedition that was trying to find a way to get the army past Haines’s Bluff on the Yazoo river has been forced to give it up on account of the floods. The river is flooded for a hundred miles up from the mouth, and four miles on either side. It is thought that they will have to run the fleet past the batteries at Vicksburg and march the army down the Louisiana side and then across the river on high ground below Vicksburg.
