Monday, 23d—It rained nearly all day and our new camp has become very muddy. Today I read the two books of Chronicles in the Bible, sixty-five chapters in all. Our picket duty here is very light at present.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Sunday, 22d—I worked all day setting up our tent, my two tent mates being on duty. General Logan’s Division started for Vicksburg today. It commenced to rain this evening.
Saturday, 21st—The Eleventh Iowa received new guns, the Enfield rifle, and everyone is pleased with the exchange. Receiving orders to move camp, we struck our tents at 3 o’clock p. m. and moved two miles and went into camp in a cotton field close by the levee just above the town of Lake Providence. On account of the flooding waters we had to travel a distance of four miles to reach the point. General Logan’s Division moved up the river about four miles.
Friday, 20th—Nothing of importance today. We have drill twice a day. I received a pass and went to Lake Providence. The water is already in the streets and the army sutlers occupying vacant buildings will have to move out tomorrow. I purchased a tin plate and spoon for thirty cents.
Thursday, 19th—I was again on duty today. Company drill at 9 o’clock and battalion drill at 2 o’clock. The troops which were in camp at the south side of the lake are on the move, going aboard transports to go down the river to find higher camping ground.
Wednesday, 18th—We now have company drill four hours a day. The fatigue duty at this camp has not been very laborious, as the officers put negroes to work, very few of our men working any toward the last. The lake is still rising and already overflowing the bottom land at places. We are expecting to receive orders to leave soon. The weather is warm, the trees are all leafed out, and everything is growing fine.
Tuesday, 17th—The Third Brigade got orders to drill four hours today. Three transports went up the river today. The water in the lake is rapidly rising since the canal is cut through and our regimental camp along the edge of the lake will, in a few days, have to be moved to higher ground.
Monday, 16th—The Eleventh Iowa turned their old Sibley tents over to the quartermaster and drew wedge tents in their stead. They finished cutting the levee today and let the water through from the river to the lake. The roar of the water rushing through the canal can be heard a mile.
Sunday, 15th—We had an all day rain. I was relieved from guard at 9 o’clock a. m. We see very little of our chaplain at this camp, for he is seldom here and we have no one to occupy the regimental pulpit. Two brigades of General Quimby’s Division boarded the transports and left today for Vicksburg.
Saturday, 14th—I was on guard at Colonel Crocker’s headquarters in the old Sparrow house and had a fine room to stay in over night. The Sixteenth Iowa got two months’ pay today. Major Wilson of the Thirteenth Iowa left today for his home in Iowa on a thirty-day furlough, and I sent $35.00 home by him. The weather is quite warm.
