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Henry W. Scott, Jr. Fund

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Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E,
Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade,
"Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the
Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee.
AUGUST 15, 1861— JULY 31, 1865

edited by
OLYNTHUS B. CLARK, Ph. D.
Professor of History, Drake University

DES MOINES
THE HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT OF IOWA
1916

COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR

PRINTED AND BOUND BY
THE homestead PRINTING COMPANY
DES MOINES

INTRODUCTION.
Of the larger phases of the Civil War the Historical De
partment of Iowa has a library of published volumes quite
replete. Of the official relations, civil and military, of our State
to the Federal Government we have in our collections an ade
quate deposit. But of the proofs of the workings of the heart
about the hearthstones of Iowa, where a son and support of
a household is undergoing conversion into the volunteer sol
dier of the Republic, there is a lack.
The American Volunteer soldier of the Civil War — North
and South — was in his day the most admired of all time for his
soldierly qualities. For his convertability after Sumter from
civil life into an effective soldier; and after Appomattox into
a better citizen.
How were the best elements of the Citizen preserved
throughout years in the ranks, and how was the good in the
ranks carried back into life at peace ? Where were the currents
which blew a life out from the haven of home upon the sea
of war and upon that part of such a sea which bore the stand
ard of national as against state sovereignty? Whence came
the poise in action and on march, which made of an Iowa boy
the veteran soldier upon which Grant relied even in the major
responsibilities of a great war?
Of Iowa soldiery in the ranks the intimate accounts are
especially meager. The men who served in the nth, 13th,
14th and 15th Infantry were as conspicuous for valor as were
those of the other notable Iowa regiments, and in addition
were privileged to be together from Shiloh to the Grand Re
view under the designation of "Crocker's Iowa Brigade." The
history of that Brigade is well preserved yet there is lacking
that hearthstone phase of it all which has its secret and sacred
appeal to the ordinary mind.
Such a lack as to written sources did not always exist, for
letters flew to and from the front which bore the individual
I.

and the collective story. There were almost as many diaries
as testaments in the knapsacks of the boys. There was uni
versal written appeal and response, of hope and of prayer, be
tween the boy at the front and the family at home. It was such
that Lincoln had in mind when he said :
"The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield
and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this
broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched,
as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
The Curator of the Historical Department of Iowa assumes
the full responsibility for publishing such a record and of say
ing that evidences of such Iowa "chords" are both rare and
necessary. The diary of Alexander G. Downing, Co. E, Eleventh Regi
ment Iowa Volunteers is one of the most precious of contribu
tions toward supplying this lack. It is published out of respect
for frequent calls upon the Department for such materials, and
with a degree of pride that it could have been done under the
appreciative and efficient editorial oversight of Dr. O. B. Clark.
EDGAR R. HARLAN, Curator.

II.

PREFACE.
In presenting Downing's Civil War Diary to the public, the
editor wishes to set forth the exact nature and character of
the work. In the first place it should be said that it is not a
verbatim reproduction of the original text. This statement
no doubt is enough, according to the accepted tenets of his
torical criticism, to condemn the work without further consid
eration; no attempt will be made by argument or brief to
defend so gross a breach of the historical sense. However, a
brief description of the original diary and an account of its
publication in its present form, may both justify the course
pursued and explain the true character of the published diary.
The original diary with other papers and commissions of
Mr. Alexander G. Downing have been presented to the histori
cal Department of Iowa, at Des Moines. The diary consists of
two small note-books, one containing the daily entries from
August 15, 1861, to the close of 1862; the other from the be
ginning to the end of 1863; a larger note-book for the year
1864; several large sheets of writing paper, dated and num
bered consecutively, from January i, 1865, down to the mus
tering out of the young veteran and his return to the harvest
field in July of that year.
Another manuscript of the diarist must be mentioned as a
step in the evolution of this published diary. Upon learning
of the existence of the diary, the present editor suggested to
Mr- Downing the desirability of preserving it in printed form.
With characteristic modesty he responded that certain friends
had urged the same, but that it was hardly worth it, and in
any event he meant first to re-write it as it was not in shape to
be printed. He thereupon set for himself the task of re-writing
his diary and completed the work in the early months of
1914. This revised diary together with the original he then
delivered to Curator Harlan for preservation, at the same time
expressing the wish that if his diary were ever published, it
III.

should be the revision rather than the original. In fact he
felt that with the revision the original was no longer of use,
and it was only through Mr. Harlan's sympathetic interest and
earnest solicitation that Mr. Downing consented to its preser
vation. Arrangements were at once entered into by Mr. Down
ing and Mr. Harlan for the undersigned to edit the diary for
publication. This revised manuscript is a faithful piece of work, neatly
bound, which by accurate transmission, omission and amenda-
tion, is a most worthy effort at writing "the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth," of a soldier's experience,
after the lapse of fifty years. But it will readily be seen that
there was a fundamental problem to solve before entering
upon the work of preparing the diary for publication, viz. ; how
to make use of both the original and the revised manuscripts.
It was finally determined to edit the original diary and draw
upon the revision for such additional matter as would serve to
enrich the simple, crude, but manifestly faithful fact-presenta
tion of the original and so construct the material that the
reader might have the advantage, without confusion, of Mr.
Downing's reflections of fifty years upon his original writing.
In doing this it was necessary to re-write the diary. Great
care has been exercised so as not to obscure the diarist's point
of view and change the spirit in which he originally wrote.
The method thus adopted has had from the first the full ap
proval of Mr. Downing.
There were entries in the original which Mr. Downing
regarded of no consequence, others which he thought improper
and which he consequently omitted from his revision. But all
such, with his consent, have been religiously included in this
volume. On the other hand, some things which he wrote in the
revision have either been omitted entirely or excluded from
the body of the text and placed as footnotes or included in
the appendix. This is particularly the case with such reminis
cent or explanatory statements which in their nature could not
have been in a diary, or which would tend to discredit the
work as a record of fact. The work is thus preserved as a
diary. Only such material from the revision has been drawn
upon as would clear up facts and make the whole more reada-
IV.

ble. It is thought that the added descriptions and experiences
give a more perfect picture of the routine life of a Civil War
soldier, and yet in no way change the recorded events and the
currents of feeling.
The original diary was written, much of it, under the rather
unfavorable conditions and trying circumstances, attending the
hurry and excitement of war. Often the diarist was unable for
several days, or even in a few instances for a week at a time, to
set down the daily entries. Sometimes he would jot down the
barest facts in a "sort of short-hand fashion," as Madison says
of his "Journal," and then when he found respite from his
duties, would more fully write out the entries. This he makes
known to us when home onjiis furlough in the spring of 1864.
After reaching home and being shut in upon a rainy day, he
takes the opportunity, as he says, "to bring my diary down to
date." Some portions of the original were much better written
than others, a good example being the movements during the
siege of Vicksburg, as will be seen by observing the facsimile
page for June 7, 8 and 9, 1863, opposite page 120. The spelling
is quite original and the writing somewhat shy in punctuation,
capitalization and the use of words. Of these shortcomings in
his diary, the author, Mr. Downing, was quite conscious, and
on that account was unwilling to have it published in the orig
inal form.
This printed edition then, lays no claim to being what it is
not, the publication of the original text without change. It is
an edited edition which retains to the fullest possible degree
the original in the essentials of fact and spirit. That this is so,
is due to the fact that the editor had the valuabl'e aid of the
diarist himself. Every daily entry has had the approval of
Mr. Downing as to matters of fact and of feeling. Every item
has been cast in terms and point of view of the original writer.
Thus there is preserved the spirit and thought of the youth
who tho he had little opportunity for schooling beyond the
merest rudiments, and handicapped in giving expression to his
vision, he nevertheless wrote from the highest sense of per
sonal honor, duty, and moral courage. These characteristics
crop out all thru the diary. One reads with the feeling that this
boy is a truthful and reliable witness. V.

In the preparation of the manuscript for publication, the
editor wishes to express his great appreciation to Mr. Down
ing for his patient help and appreciative concern, without
which the task would have been difficult indeed and the com
pleted volume of far less value. The editor also wishes to
acknowledge the valuable assistance of Mr. Edgar R. Harlan,
Curator of the Historical Department of Iowa, both in his wise
counsel as to the general plan and his critical reading of the
proof sheets. Acknowledgment is due Miss Ida M. Hunting
ton, Assistant Curator, for her scholarly criticism in reading
the manuscript.
The editor feels that for a work of its kind, it is as worthy
as it is rare and entertains the hope that it will be received
as a valuable contribution to the literature of the Civil War.
The author of the original diary is deserving of high praise
for his foresight and conscientious work in setting down what
he saw, what he experienced, and what he thought as a youth
ful participant in that memorable struggle.
O. B. C.

Des Moines, Iowa, March 31, 1916.

VI.

CONTENTS
Reminiscent Note  3
Chapter I. Enlisting in the United States Service  4
II. In Camp McClellan  12
III. The Mobilization at Benton Barracks  18
" IV. In Winter Quarters and Garrison Duty  22
V. Mobilization at Pittsburg Landing and the
Battle of Shiloh  36
VI. The Battles in and Around Corinth  46
VII. On Guard at Bolivar, Tennessee  60
VIII. The Battles of Inka and Corinth. Chasing
Price and Fortifying Corinth  68
IX. The Campaign Around Holly Springs and
Retreat to Lafayette, Tennessee  80
X. The Vicksburg Campaign. Siege and Sur
render of Vicksburg  94
" XI. The Campaign Against Jackson, Mississippi  127
XII. On Guard at Vicksburg and the Fruitless
Expedition to Monroe, Louisiana  132
XIII. A Siege of Fever and Ague. Fortifying
and Patrolling Vicksburg  141
" XIV. Re-enlisting as Veterans  156
" XV. The Expedition to Meridian, Mississippi  165
" XVI. Home on Veteran's Furlough  173
XVII. Mobilization at Cairo and Moving Forward
to Join Sherman  182
XVIII. The Battles Around Atlanta. In the Field
Hospital  195
" XIX. In the Hospital at Rome, Georgia. Re
ports from the Front  205
" XX. Rejoining the Eleventh Iowa at Atlanta
and the Pursuit of Hood  217
" XXI. Marching Through Georgia. Capture of ^ j
Savannah  227 4
XXII. Raid Through South Carolina  244
" XXIII. March Through North Carolina. The Last
Campaign. Johnston's Surrender to Sher
man  260
" XXIV. Peaceful March Through Virginia and the
Grand Review at Washington  271
" XXV. The Mustering Out. Return to the Har
vest Field  279
Appendix  291
Index  310

REMINISCENT INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
During the months of July and August, 1861, the country was
greatly aroused over the prospects of war. Excitement rose
high when the news of the battle of Bull Run, July 21st, was
flashed over the wires. I was then almost 19 and living at home
on a farm near Inland, Cedar county, Iowa. Naturally I was
deeply stirred over the question of war. Some of our neigh
bors and friends had earlier opposed the use of force in prevent
ing secession, but I distinctly remember that my father and many
neighbors and friends entertained no doubt as to the righteous
ness of such a course.
During these days we were at work in the harvest field. We
had finished cutting our wheat and oats and during the first two
weeks of August were engaged in stacking the grain. Every
one had some part in the work. Father did the stacking, while
John was on the stack with him, placing the sheaves at his right
hand. Albert and George drove the teams to and from the fields,
while Paul and Andrew attended to watering the stock during
the day.^ Tom Toly, a strong Irishman, who had worked for us
three or four summers, pitched the sheaves to father from the
wagon, and Dave Cole pitched the sheaves from the shocks in
the field to me on the wagon, while I arranged them on the load.
There had been some talk of raising a company of troops at
Inland, but nothing had come of it. At Tipton, the county
seat, a company of one hundred men was raised when the first
call for volunteers was made. But as they were not then needed,
they went out under the call of July 23, i86r, and became Com
pany A of the Fifth Iowa Infantry.
I had been pondering in my mind the matter of going to join
the army. On the evening of Saturday, August loth, news
came of the battle of Wilson's Creek, and that General Lyon had
been killed. The First Iowa Infantry was in that battle and
made glorious history for itself and for Iowa. That fact, with
the excitement over the battle itself, stirred us boys in the neigh-
'The five boys, John, Albert, George, Paul and Andrew, are Mr.
Downing-'s half-brothers. They are all living at this time (March, 1916)
and all reside in Iowa. — Ed.

4 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1861)
borhood, and I practically reached a decision as to what I should
do. The next day was Sunday, and everybody was talking about
the battle of Wilson's Creek. Ministers spoke of it in their ser
mons and prayers. It was the all-important topic of the day,
and for the next three days— the 12th, 13th and 14th of August,
it was the topic of conversation while we were finishing our work
in the harvest field. On the next day, my birthday, I began my
diary and shall now let it speak.
A. G. D.

THE DIARY.
Chapter I.
Enlisting in the United States Service.
Thursday, 15th — We capped our grain stacks against rain and
windstorms, and then commenced mowing wild grass for hay.
This is my birthday ; am nineteen years old.
Friday, i6th — I, with Tom Toly, mowed grass all day. Swing
ing the scythe was hard work for me and I did not cut as wide
a swath as Tom did. Father went to Tipton in the afternoon and
upon his return told us the war news. I am thinking some of
enlisting and going to war.
Saturday, 17th — I mowed grass all forenoon and in the after
noon went to a Sunday school celebration down at Posten's Grove.
I made up my mind to enlist and go and fight our Southern breth
ren. In the evening I went to Mr. Willey's to stay all night with
Ward. Later in the evening we attended a peace meeting at In
land. Sunday, i8th — This morning attended the Methodist church
and Sunday school at Posten's Grove. Several Methodist breth
ren were received into the church. In the afternoon Mr. Whar
ton, the minister, delivered a patriotic speech and spoke of the
war. He then called for volunteers and I put my name down to
go for three years or during the war. About fifty-five boys en
listed and we are to go in Company E of the Eighth Iowa.

ENLISTING IN THE UNITED STATES SERVICE 5
(August, 1861)
Monday, iQth — I helped haul and stack hay this forenoon, and
in the afternoon went to Inland with the other boys who enlisted
yesterday, to see about going to Camp McClellan, at Davenport.
Tuesday, 20th — I went early this morning to Inland, where all
who enlisted were to meet and go to Davenport.^ Several of
the friends came in to see us off. There were forty-five of us
and at 9 o'clock we left in wagons for Davenport. After a hot,
dusty ride we arrived at Davenport at 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
and marched out to Camp McClellan, where they received us very
kindly. We had very fine barracks to go into and the boys of the
Eighth Iowa had a good supper for us. It was our first meal in
the army and consisted of boiled potatoes, fried bacon and baked
beans. We have lots of straw to sleep on at night. We were to
meet a part of a company from Le Claire under com
mand of Captain Foster and together form one company in
the Eighth Iowa Infantry. But Captain Foster did not come,
and since there are only eight Le Claire boys here we have not
enough to make a company.
Wednesday, 21st — ^We drew our army cooking utensils this
morning and one day's rations, and then cleaned up our camp.
Besides a part of the Eighth Iowa Infantry, there is a part of the
Second Iowa Cavalry in camp. The first day of camp life is past,
and we had our first experience of a night in camp, sleeping on
straw for a bed.
Thursday, 22d — Received orders this morning to get ready
for review. At i o'clock in the afternoon we marched down into
town and through the streets for a while and then back to camp.
General Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa, is in charge of the
camp. Our camp was named for General McClellan in the East.
Friday, 2^6 — There is so much delay in completing the com'-
pany that the boys are beginning to think there is no hope of
getting our company full. Some of the boys are joining other
>When I bade father good-by, he said: "Well, Alec, as you have
made up your mind to go into the army, I want you to promise me that
you will not enter into any of the vices that you will come in contact
with while in the army, but try to conduct yourself just as if you were
at home " Of course I was not an angel while in the army, but I al
ways remembered father's advice, and to that I attribute what little
success I have had in life — and this is my seventy-second year. Father
was in his forty-sixth year, but he told me that if it were not for leav
ing the family alone, he would go with me. He was a strong Union
man, and his father had served all through the War of the Revolution,
in the command of General Wayne. — A. G. D.

6 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1861)
companies. While waiting, those who wish may leave camp on
passes. I got a pass to go home for two or three days.
Saturday, 24th — I reached home this morning at daylight,
having left Davenport late yesterday afternoon, riding out with
a farmier to "the forks" of the Hickory Grove and the Allen's
Grove roads, and from there walked the twenty-one miles home,
after night, all alone.
This is a fine day. I went over to Mr. Sparks' and accom
panied him to the grove out southwest of Tipton, to a camp meet
ing which is being conducted by the Christian church. We got
there in time for the meeting.
Sunday, 25th — I stayed over night at Sparks' and attended
meeting at the grove again this miorning. We had a basket din
ner at noon. At the afternoon service the Lord's Supper was ob
served. After the meeting we started for home, a distance of
eleven miles.
Monday, 26th — ^There was a heavy rainstorm last night. I
worked all day, picking onion seed, and in the evening went down
to Inland to make arrangements to go back to Davenport in the
morning to join the camp.
Tuesday, 27th — I went to Davenport today and returned to
Camp McClellan. A force of about five hundred mien was sent
down the river by boat to Keokuk, for the purpose of reinforc
ing the troops at that place. It is expected that they will have
a fight there. I was too late in returning to camp to go with
them. Wednesday, 28th — There is nothing of importance. The camp
looks as if it were deserted. There are just a few convalescents
here, who were not able to go with the boys to Keokuk ; there are
also a few recruits coming in.
Thursday, ^pfA— News came that they had a fight at Keokuk ;
the boys that went down had a lively skirmish with the "secesh"
just across the river in Missouri.^
Friday, 30th — No news of importance. There are still som|e
companies arriving in camp for the Eighth Iowa, and they are
still adding new recruits to the Second Iowa Cavalry, which is
in camp at the Fair Grounds.
^This was doubtless what Is known as the battle of Athens.  Ed.

ENLISTING IN THE UNITED STATES SERVICE 7
(August, 1861)
Saturday, jist — Our men arrived from Keokuk this morning.
They did not get into action with the "secesh" while at Keokuk as
reported. The companies for the Eighth Iowa Infantry are al
most comjpleted and the regiment will be ready to leave for the
South at a moment's notice. They are to receive the clothing
and arms at St. Louis.
SEPTEMBER, 1861.
Sunday, ist — We had our first preaching in camp today, both
morning and evening, by the chaplain of the Eleventh Iowa In
fantry. Quite a number of folks came out from town to attend
the mieeting. At 5 o'clock we had dress parade with the Eighth
Iowa. Monday, 2d — We are having regular drilling now; company
drill at 10 o'clock in the forenoon for two hours, and in the after
noon regimental drill for two hours. Every evening at 5 o'clock
we have dress parade.
Tuesday, 3d — A new company came into camp today which
had only about half the necessary number, and so it was planned
to have them join with us and form a full company, but the two
companies could not agree on who should be captain.
Wednesday, 4th — ^Very fine weather. No news of imlportance.
The Government has issued to each man a good, double, woolen
blanket, which we use for covers at night in our bunks of wheat
straw. There are two men to each bunk, my bunk-mate being
Thomas Fossett. He is a good, conscientious fellow.
Thursday, 5th — Four men from Company A of the Eighth
Iowa were drummJed out of camp today. They had refused to
take the oath to support the United States Government.
Friday, 6th — Nothing of importance. We have company drill
twice a day now. We draw our rations every morning about 9
o'clock now. They consist of bread, beans, potatoes, bacon, rice,
sugar, coffee, salt and pepper, also soap and candles. Twice a
week we have salt beef and fresh beef. Each one draws enough
for the day according to army regulations.^
Saturday, ph — We had a big picnic dinner in camp today,
given for the soldiers by the ladies of Scott county. There was
^Mr. Downing says that he learned later that Mr. Hiram Price (the
Davenport banker) provisioned the soldiers with his own funds, which
is in keeping with the well-known facts concerning the financing of the
first regiments by Mr. Price and others, for the State of Iowa. — Ed.

8 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1861)
fried chicken, bread, pie and cake by the wagon load, free to all
who were hungry. The food was placed on a long table and each
man could walk up and help himself. There mlust have been as
many as five thousand who enjoyed the dinner. It was a beau
tiful day for the occasion.
Sunday, 8th — We had preaching in camp three times today,
morning, afternoon and evening. Quite a number from the city
came out to camp to attend the services. The weather was de
lightful. Monday, pth — Our comlpany was disbanded this morning,
since we could not get men enough to fill it up. Some of our
boys enlisted in other companies of the Eighth Iowa. Captain
Foster of Le Claire sent word to our captain, McLoney, that he
would raise an entire company at Le Claire.^
Tuesday, loth — I went down town this morning to see about
enlisting in a battery which Mr. Little, a business man of Daven
port, is trying to raise. He was planning to raise a company
of two hundred men to command a battery of heavy cannon.
But before night I mlade up my mind that he would not succeed,
and I did not enlist in it. I bunked with some others in vacant
store buildings, lying on gunny sacks. It rained hard all day.
Wednesday, nth — I went up to the Fair Grounds and spent
the day there. The attendance was good, there being about two
thousand present.
Business is becoming quite dull. The war seems to put a
stop to all improvements, and there is no demand for farm pro
duce. Money is getting scarce, gold having been out of circu
lation so long that people have forgotten how it looks, and mer
chants say that it will not be long until silver goes the same way.
For a long time now we have had wild-cat money, but everybody
is afraid to go to sleep with any of it on hand for fear that it
will be worthless in the morning.
Thursday, 12th— I attended the Scott County Fair again to
day. The attendance was about the same as yesterday. A part
of the Second Iowa Cavalry is in camp here. Camp Holt.
For three days now I have been trying to find some new com
pany in which to enlist, but not caring to go into a company of

ENLISTING IN THE UNITED STATES SERVICE 9
(September, 1861)
entire strangers, I made up my miind to go home for a few days.
About sundown, with two other boys, Sylvester Daniels and David
Huff, I started for home, going with a Mr. Chesbro in a farm
wagon. Friday, i^th — We made the entire trip of thirty miles from
Davenport last night and reached home by daylight. I went up
to Tipton this afternoon and was sworn into the State service,
my service dating back to August 20th. Our former captain, Mr.
McLoney, and somje of the other Inland boys are here, besides
four of the Le Claire boys. We are trying to form a new com
pany and everything looks good for a new company in a short
time, quite a number of the boys having already enrolled. We
are boarding at the hotel.
Saturday, 14th — We had company drill this morning, and some
five or six new men enrolled. I went home in the afternoon.
Sunday, 15th — This mbrning I went to church and Sunday
School once more.
Monday, i6th — I returned to Tipton this morning. Our com
pany had no drill today on account of the rain — it rained all day.
There were no enlistments. The disagreeable weather seems to
make everybody feel gloomy.
Tuesday, 17th — Several nevv men enrolled today and things
look more encouraging. I boarded at the tavern today.
Wednesday, i8th — There were more enrollments today, and
there is some hope now of raising a company. The weather has
become settled and everybody seems more cheerful. We have
drill twice a day now, and have a good drill ground out on the
town commons.
Thursday, 19th — Nothing of importance today. A few new
recruits came in. There is no excitemtent in getting men to en
list; only plain facts are presented as to our duty to sustain the
Government. Friday, 20th — Captain Stearns of Company A of the Eighth
Iowa arrived today from Davenport, coming to encourage enlist
ments. Several new men enrolled today. We have a fine drill-
master in John F. Compton of New Liberty, Scott county. He
is an Englishman, and has served five years in the Queen's Guards
of England.

10 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1861)
Saturday, 21st— Wg had comlpany drill this morning. In the
afternoon we had a big loyal mass-meeting in town, and we had
speaking by Captain Steams. He talked of our duty to sustain
the Government. Quite a number enlisted as a result of the
meeting, and it is hoped that the company may be completed so
as to leave for Davenport in about eight days.
Sunday, 22d—l remained in Tipton all day, going to preach
ing this morning and to Sunday school in the afternoon.
Monday, 23d — The boys are beginning to enlist quite fast. A
goodly number enrolled today, and we now have our company
almost full. We drill twice a day. We drilled today in "double
quick" through the streets of Tipton.
Tuesday, 24th — More enrolled today than any day yet. Most
of the boys are from the surrounding farms, though there are a
number of Tipton boys in our company. Our drillmaster keeps
us on the drill ground most of the time.
Wednesday, 25th — It rained all day and we had to drill in a
big barn on the edge of town. We drilled in the barn on the
"double quick." On account of the rain, business of all kinds is
almost at a standstill.
Thursday, 26th — We had no drill today. Instead of drilling
all went to meeting. President Lincoln issued a proclamation
asking that the day be observed as a day of fasting and prayer,
and our company attended service twice today, in a body. The
war has cast a gloom over the whole country ; people are begin
ning to believe that it will be a long siege before it is over with.
Friday, 27th — Fine weather again. Our company was com
pleted today and we have arranged for election of officers to
morrow. Saturday, 28th — ^We had regular drill this morning and in the
afternoon our election of officers. The election resulted as fol
lows: Captain, Samuel S. McLoney; First Lieutenant, John F.
Compton ; Second Lieutenant, Lorenzo D. Durbin ; Orderly Ser^
geant, Joel H. Clark. I went home this evening for the last timte
before leaving for Camp McClellan.^
Sunday, 29th — I went to meeting once more before leaving for
camp. After preaching I went to Mr. Moore's, remaining there
^It proved to be the last time for two years and six months.  A. G. D.

"f^ - f

i^lh.

.^^I^^E/^^ ^H^^^B

j|5^

m^

H^^^Bf n'^ ^ V^
THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH OP A DAGUERREOTYPE OF MR. DOWNING
TAKEN IN 1858, AT THB AGE OP SIXTEEN YEARS.
ENLiISTlNG IN THE UNITED STATES SERVICE 11
(September, 1861)
the rest of the day and stayed over night with John Moore. John
presented me with a pocket Bible which he asked me to carry
with me.^
Monday, 30th — I left home early this miorning for Tipton,
where at 10 o'clock about one hundred of us, with a band, left
Tipton in farm wagons for Wilton, which place we reached at 4
o'clock, all covered with mud. At 5 o'clock we took the train for
Davenport and arrived there at 8 o'clock. We formed in double
line at the station and marched through town past the Burtis
Hotel, on up to Camp McClellan, where we went into the bar
racks. As we passed the hotel every other man was handed a
good wool blanket.
Company B of the Eleventh Iowa had supper prepared for us,
consisting of boiled potatoes, fried bacon, boiled beef, baker's
bread and coffee. On the way down from Wilton, Governor
Kirkwood passed through the train and shook each man by the
hand.

'I carried this Bible during my lour years' service and read it
through four times. — ^A. G. D.

12 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1861)

Chapter II.
In Camp McClellan. September 30-November 15.
OCTOBER, i86i.
Tuesday, ist — We drew our cooking utensils and rations for
five days. John Batderf, Joseph Tomlinson and I were put in
as cooks for the company. We have company drill four hours
a day. It seemis that we are in camp this time for business. My
bunk-mate is James M. Fossett, a brother of Thomas Fossett.
James enlisted this time instead of his brother. He's a fine fel
low for a bunk-mate.
Wednesday, 2d — It rained all day. The band from Tipton
left for home this morning. Our company held an election this
afternoon for choosing non-commissioned officers, sergeants and
corporals. It was quite a political battle, the way the boys strove
for the different offices.
Thursday, 3d — It rained again all day, and although our camp
is on high ground, on the bluff just east of town, yet it is a jelly
of mud. It couldn't be otherwise with three or four thousand
men tramping over it.
Friday, 4th — The third all-day rain. Our regiment, the Elev
enth Iowa, commenced to build their new barracks, located on
the east side of the camp ground. Lieutenant Durbin arrived
today. Saturday, 5th — Our company was sworn into the United
States service today, by Captain Alexander Chambers of the regu
lar army. Four men were rejected, which left ninety in the com
pany. Fisher was rejected because he was too short — less than
five feet,' and Lowe was rejected because he was pigeon-toed.^
I got a pass and went to Allen's Grove to see John Moore.
Sunday, 6th — I remained all day at Mr. Moore's. Mr. Moore'
is a Mexican War veteran.
'He was taken later, however, when the need of men was ereatpi-
and also because of his persistence.— A. G. D greater
»,»,,i^<?'"^t*®i?'^®'' 1° *'® pigeon-toed, so that he would be reiected
having got chicken-hearted. The boys jeered him.— AG D '^^J®"^*'
— A. a'D ^^^ """ ""°^^ °* "^^ *"^"^ ^""^ schoolmate, John Moore.

IN CAMP McCLELLAN 13
(October, 1861)
Monday, 7th — I left for Davenport early this morning, rid
ing to town with a farmer, and got back to camp at 2 o'clock.
Quite a number of the boys around Allen's Grove are in camp
here as memlbers of the Second Iowa Cavalry.
Tuesday, 8th — Regular drill morning and afternoon. All men
are supposed to be on the drill ground regularly every day, un
less they are marked not fit for duty by the surgeon of the regi
ment. Wednesday, pth — Drill twice a day and dress parade at 5 p.
m. New recruits are daily coming into camp.
Thursday, loth — The Thirteenth Iowa are building their new
barracks just north of ours. The weather is getting quite cool,
especially at night.
Friday, nth — My company, E, has ninety-seven men. They
are of several different nationalities, as follows: Three from
Canada, four from Ireland, two from England, two from Ger
many, and one from France; the rest are American-born, as fol
lows: Twenty-three from Ohio, twenty-one from Pennsylvania,
sixteen from New York, eight from Indiana, six from Iowa, two
each from Michigan and Vermont, and one each from Maryland
and Maine. The average age is less than twenty years, and there
are eight married men.
Saturday, 12th — A number of new recruits are arriving, and
the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry is being made up. Drill this after
noon. Five of the boys of my company got passes to go home
for two or three days.
Sunday, 13th — We had preaching in camp this morning by
the chaplain, and he gave us a good sermon. A great many peo
ple came out from town to attend the meeting, and still more
came this afternoon to see us on dress parade at 5 o'clock.
Monday, 14th — We completed building our new barracks to
day. Each company has its own building, built of good one-inch
lumber, with just enough room between the buildings for our long
stationary company tables, where we eat. In front of the build
ing, extending the entire length, is our parade ground.
Tuesday, 15th — We moved into our new barracks today, and
the boys are all pleased with the new quarters. We had some

14 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1861)
visitors. Our camp is becoming quite a place for visitors — par
ents and friends of the boys coming in to bid them the last good
bye. Wednesday, i6th — Colonel A. M. Hare, who arrived today, is
in command of our regiment, the Eleventh Iowa. His home is
at Muscatine. More visitors in camp today, and they are usually
invited to take dinner or supper with us, as the case may be.
Thursday, 17th — Our daily routine in camp is as follows :
Reveille at 4 a. m., breakfast call at 5, drill at 9 and dinner call
at noon ; drill call at 2 p. m., dress parade at 5, supper at 5 :30,
tattoo at 8 and taps at 9, when every man not on duty must be
in his bunk and all lights out.
Friday, i8th — Nothing of importance. At the sound of re
veille every man has to get up, fall in line, and answer to his
name. We then march down over the bluff to the river to wash
for breakfast, going by companies, each under the command of
an officer. Saturday, ipth — The Eleventh Iowa Infantry was completed
today. All the companies now have their full quotas.
Sunday, 20th — We had preaching twice today, morning and
evening, by the chaplain of our regiment, John S. Whittlesey, a
Congregational minister from Davenport. A number of people
from town were out again to attend the services.
Monday, 21st — We received orders to keep the camp clean —
have to clean up every morning. The men must all keep their
clothes brushed and their shoes polished.
Tuesday, 22d — There were quite a number of visitors from
Tipton today — friends of the boys from that place. The weather
is cloudy and disagreeable.
Wednesday, 23d — There was a large fire in town today. New
companies for the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Regiments are ar
riving in camp nearly every day ; also new troops for the Second
Iowa Cavalry in camlp at the Fair Grounds.
Thursday, 24th— The. flag was run up at half mast today, in
honor of the death of Colonel Wentz, of the Second Iowa In
fantry. Clothing and arms for our regiment have arrived at
Davenport. The boys are glad to know that our regiment is to
be equipped before leaving the State— ours is to be the first so
equipped.

IN CAMP McCLELLAN 15
(October, 1861)
Friday, 25th — We got our equipments today. Our guns are
the old-fashioned muskets made by working over the old flint
lock gun, so as to use a cap in place of the flint. The musket
is loaded with a cartridge containing powder, ball, and three
buckshot in front of the ball. Each man is to carry forty rounds
or more of amimunition all the time.
Saturday, 26th — We drilled with our new arms this morning
for the first time. Some of the men are awfully awkward in
shouldering arms and using the ramrod and returning it to its
place. It is also quite amusing to hear some of the officers give
orders when we are going through the manual of arms.
Sunday, 27th — We had regular preaching today, both morning
and afternoon, by the chaplain. There was a large attendance
from outside the camp at the meetings. The mornings are be
coming quite frosty.
Monday, 28th — Nothing of importance today. All the boys
of the company like to drill under Compton, our first lieutenant,
for he can give the correct commands in the manual of arms, and
he makes us toe the chalk line. He is not at all overbearing, as
some of the officers are, but is kind to the men, especially to those
who try to execute the commands.
Tuesday, 29th — Several new companies of the Thirteenth Iowa
Infantry were sworn into the United States service today. Mar
cellus M. Crocker of Des Moines is to be their colonel.
Wednesday, 30th — Nothing of importance. We now have a
quartermaster for our regiment, Richard Cadle of Muscatine. All
think that he is a good man for the place, and will see that every
man is cared for. We draw rations every five days.
Thursday, 31st — The new uniforms for the Eleventh Iowa
were received today by our quartermaster. We are the first to
receive uniforms before leaving the State. This is the last of
October — and we are still at old Camp McClellan, Davenport,
Iowa.
NOVEMBER, 186 1.
Friday, ist — Our uniforms were brought up to camp from
town, and several companies drew theirs today. Every company
drills four hours a day now. Some of the men have a hard time

16 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (N.ovember, 1861)
remembering the commands of the officers and some of the officers
cannot remember the correct commands to give. Some of them
make as big blunders as the men.^
Saturday, 2d — Company E drew their uniforms today, each
man receiving the following pieces : one dress coat, $6.71 ; one
overcoat, $7.20; one pair of pants, $3.03 ; one pair of shoes, $1.96;
two shirts, $1.76; one double woolen blanket, $2.96; one hat,
$1.55; two pair of drawers, $1.00; two pair of socks, 52c; one
cap, 60C ; one leather collar, 14c. The total cost for each man was
$27.43. Sunday, 3d — We had company inspection for the first time,
this morning at 10 o'clock, and we therefore had preaching in
the afternoon only. Our entire regiment was out on dress parade
in the new uniforms for the first time. Fully half of the people
of Davenport were out to see us, for it was the first of the kind
they had seen.
Monday, 4th — We had some visitors in camp today from In
land. Nothing of importance. The part of our uniform most
talked about and criticised is the leather collar, which each man
has to wear. It is a piece of stiff upper leather about two inches
wide in the middle, tapering to one inch at the ends, which are
fastened with a buckle. We wear it about our necks with the
wide part under the chin to make us hold our heads erect. These
collars the boys call "dog-collars."
Tuesday, 5fh — We received strict orders today to take care of
our equipment, especially our clothes and guns. Then we have
to wear brass epaulets on our shoulders, which makes a great
deal of extra work as they have to be kept polished.^
Wednesday, 6th — Drill twice a day : company drill in the fore
noon and regimental drill in the afternoon. Colonel Hare for the
first time commanded the regiment on the drill ground.
Thursday, 7th — Received orders to fix up for review. We
packed our knapsacks, filled our haversacks and canteens, and
'Upon one occasion a certain captain had his company out for a drill
on the town commons. The company was marching "by platoon guide
right, and advancing toward a big open ditch full of water, when the
captain, forgetting the correct command to give, "halt" or "rieht-about
face, called out "Look out for that ditch!" Now according to mili
tary tactics sold ers are not expected to move or change their course
^cept upon .specific command, .and so, to the chagrin of the captain his
men went right on, plunged into the water and crossed to the other
bank A few, however, did "look out for the ditch," and the comoanv
was thrown into great confusion.- A. G. D company
..^/YJ^^^.T'^ °"f,® ^9,* '"'° active service, these epaulets were discardprt
and the "dog collars" went with them.— A. G. D. oiscaraea.

IN CAMP McCLELLAN 17
(November, 1861)
with our arms formed in line, all as if we were going on a long
march. At lo o'clock we marched down through the streets of
Davenport and were reviewed by Adjutant General Baker. Then
we marched back to camp. Our regiment with the new uniforms
was quite a drawing card, for it seemed as if all of the towns
people were out to see us pass by.
Friday, 8th — The Thirteenth Iowa received their uniforms and
equipments today. Some of our boys are absent on sick leave,
having caught severe colds on account of the changeable weather.
Saturday, pth — We received our State pay today. I got $20.60
in paper money, thus losing only about twenty-five cents on the
dollar. I served forty-five days under the State.
Sunday, loth — We had company inspection this morning at 9
o'clock and preaching at 10. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon we had
dress parade and then in the evening we had preaching again.
Monday, nth — No news of importance. Our regiment is
gradually adapting itself to the military harness; the hardest
thing to get used to is wearing the leather collars about our necks.
Tuesday, 12th — There is some talk of our having to stay here
in camp all winter. Most of the men are getting rather restless
and anxious to get to the seat of war. New companies for the
Fourteenth Iowa are still arriving.
Wednesday, 13th — The weather is getting cold, which makes
it rather disagreeable eating our meals at the long tables outside
the barracks ; besides, the coffee and victuals cool off so quickly.
Thursday, 14th — Our regular drills twice a day, company and
regimental. No news.
Friday, 15th — We received orders to leave for the South and
everybody is happy in the thought that we are going to leave. A
great many got passes to go down town to purchase supplies, such
as letter paper, stamps and the like. We had our last drill on
the old camp ground yesterday and got ready today to move.

DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1861)

Chapter III.
The Mobilization at Benton Barracks. November 16-Decem-
ber 7.
Saturday, i6th — Reveille sounded at 2 a. m., and packing our
knapsacks, we started at 8 o'clock for the boat down at the levee.
Here we stacked our arms and waited until the quartermaster
with his detail got the commissariat loaded, putting it upon our
boat and the two barges, one on either side. By noon all was
ready and we marched on board, some going upon the boat and
some upon the barges, and at 2 p. m. left Davenport, bound for
St. Louis.
We reached Muscatine about sundown and because there are
so many Muscatine people in the regiment, we landed and
marched uptown to Main Street. Here we had dress parade for
the benefit of the citizens, who turned out in large numbers. Com
panies A and H are made up of Muscatine boys, while our colonel
and quartermaster reside here ; besides. Company I is from Louisa
county just west of this place. After the parade we marched
back to the boats and left at once for Keokuk. Our boat is the
"Jennie Whipple," and Company E is stationed on the hurricane
deck. Sunday, 17th — We had a pretty stiff introduction to our first
night on a river boat, for it snowed in the night. My bunk-mate,
James Fossett, and I lay down on the deck with our heads to the
smoke-stack instead of our feet, in order to avoid lying with our
heads down hill. By morning we were covered with snow, about
two inches deep. At 8 a. m. we landed at Montrose, where two
of our companies were transferred from our boat to another boat
in order to lighten our boat for the purpose of passing through
the rapids just above Keokuk. We reached Keokuk in safety
about noon and went on shore to cook some provisions. At dusk
we returned to the boats, our company being transferred to an
other boat which lay at Keokuk all night while the "Jennie
Whipple" proceeded down the river.
Monday, i8th—We: left Keokuk at daylight and ran all day
without accident or incident. We again tied up for the night,

THE MOBILIZATION AT BENTON BARRACKS 19
(November, 1861)
for fear of encountering a "secesh" battery on the banks.
The weather is delightful and riding on the "Father of Waters"
is very enjoyable.
Tuesday, ipth — We started down the river again at daylight
and reached St. Louis at 3 p. m. We landed and marched to
Benton Barracks, where we were to be at home. Just as we left
the boat it commenced to rain and we marched the whole way
in a downpour of rain which soaked our clothes through and
through. Reaching the barracks we built fires to dry our clothes
before retiring for the night.
Wednesday, 20th — The first thing this morning was to finish
drying our clothing, after which we cleaned up and burnished our
guns. There are several thousand troops, infantry, cavalry, and
artillery here in camp. The barracks are ordinary frame struc
tures and built around the drill ground. The Eleventh Iowa is
located on the west side of the ground. We have large quanti
ties of firewood on hand.
Thursday, 21st — We took up our regular company and regi
mental drills again, and have a very fine drill ground.
Friday, 22d — New troops are arriving all the time, and there
are something like forty thousand men in the barracks at present.
This camp has the appearance of being nearer the seat of war.
It is a novel experience for us country boys to see so many men
all armed for war, some on guard duty, others leaving for the
front, while still others are arriving. The commissary work of
the camp is thoroughly organized. Each company has a detail
of cooks which serves a week at a time and then is relieved by
another shift. The cooks go to the quartermaster and get the
rations for five days at a time. The food is cooked in kettles
hung in a row in the rear of the barracks, and is served on long
stationary tables, each accommodating a full company. Our ra
tions are about the same as at Camp McClellan, except that we
have our first taste of "hard-tack" instead of bread.
Saturday, 23d — We cleaned up today, preparing for our first
inspection and review at Benton Barracks. I sent $10.00 home
today, the surplus of my State pay.
Sunday, 24th — We had our first regular company inspection
this morning at 10 o'clock, and at 2 p. m. we had general review.

20 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1861)
then at 5 o'clock we were on dress parade, but as it is Sunday
there was no regular drilling.
Monday, 25th — Nothing of importance. Camp life is a big
change from life at home. In the army, every man simply obeys
orders ; he knows his place and keeps it. Our officers generally
are kind to the men, especially if a man tries to do his duty.
Tuesday, 26th — Our drills now are, company drill at 10 a. m.,
battalion drill at 2 p. mi. and dress parade at 5 p. m. We com
menced battalion drill today.
Wednesday, 27th — No news of importance. We enjoy our
drilling under First Lieutenant Compton. He has the company
under perfect control. The boys always make an effort to exe
cute his commands and we are never ashamed of our drilling when
other soldiers are standing by observing our movements.
Thursday, 28th — The weather is very warm and pleasant.
The regiment is becoming quite proficient in battalion drill, Col
onel Hare seeming to understand the movements quite well.
When the Colonel gives the orders to the different company offi
cers, he usually simply says to Compton, "You know how to move
your company."
Friday, 2pth — We had inspection for pay today, which includes
inspection of knapsacks and equipments. After inspection and
pay, I went down town on a pass and purchased a portfolio,^ a
paper weight and a pocket knife for army service.
Saturday, 30th — We had our first general review today, in
cluding the infantry, cavalry and artillery. The parade ground
was full of soldiers, most of them full-armed for active service.
And thus ends the month of November at Benton Barracks, St.
Louis, Missouri.
DECEMBER, 1861.
Sunday, ist — We had a big snowstorm last night. It came
my turn to go on camp guard for the first time. It takes some
five hundred men to go around the camp.
Monday, 2d— It turned warm today and the snow is all gone.
I was on guard for the first time here at the barracks. We have
to walk the beats with our overcoats on. A man on this, the
years^^ilr?i''c'e';-i?'G.°&!'*'" ^"'' ™^ ^'""' ^ ^^"'^^ *»>^°"gh ™y four

THE MOBILIZATION AT BENTON BARRACKS 21
(December, 1861)
west side, of the camp was engaged in cleaning his rifle today,
when by some movement it was accidentally discharged and hit
and killed a soldier on the other side of the grounds.
Tuesday, 3d — Nothing of importance. It is quite noticeable
that the men are now holding their heads erect without wearing
the "dog collars" around their necks.
Wednesday, 4th — Company drill in the forenoon and battalion
drill in the afternoon. We get the St. Louis papers in camp
every morning and keep posted on the movements of all parts of
the army in the field.
Thursday, 5th — No news of importance. There are troops
from all of the western states here in camp and working together
in harmony. Friday, 6th — Very warm and pleasant. There are soldiers
drilling almost all the time. Our drill ground is level but well
drained, so that even after a heavy rain it is soon dry again.
Saturday, 7th — ^The Eleventh Iowa received marching orders
today, and we are to carry forty rounds of extra ammunition, be
sides our cartridge box of forty rounds. There was no drill or
dress parade today on account of an all-day rain.

22 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1861)

Chapter IV.
In Winter Quarters and Garrison Duty. December 8-March 8.
Sunday, 8th — Reveille sounded this morning at 2 o'clock. We
jumped out of our bunks, packed our knapsacks, and got started
for the railroad station by daylight. As we left the barracks and
entered the main street leading down to the city, the sun away
to the southeast, just above the hills, showed its face — a regular
ball of fire. How glorious it was ! I think I shall never forget
it. Arriving at the railroad yards, we stacked arms and went to
loading our commissariat onto the cars — coal cars. At noon
we boarded the train for Jefferson City, riding in box-cars and
open cars, and reached our destination at 6 p. m.
While loading our train at St. Louis, we heard the church
bells calling the people to worship. It made many of us think
of home and I wonder if the folks at home were thinking of us
boys here at the seat of war. For here there is no church for
us, and when we get orders to go, there is no stopping for Sunday.
Monday, pth—We left the cars and marched up through town,
where we were met by the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, who
turned out to receive us, presenting arms. They took us into
camp about a mile southwest of town. Here we pitched our
tents and for the first time went into camp.^ I went on guard.
Tuesday, loth — I was on camp-guard all last night, and un
til 9 o'clock this morning, when I was relieved. The order of
the day was cleaning up camp and our clothes. Our camp is on
high ground and we have plenty of wood for fires and for cook
ing. We also have good water, but have to go a half mile for it.
Wednesday, nth — I am having my first experience of living
in a tent. We are under the strictest military rules, and we are
just beginning to" realize that a soldier's li'fels^not^ir glory-.-
.</¦ ''We had left our train standing on~a^si^ing-eaSt of TKe^cirj^along-
slde a fine piece of timber, the ground covered with a heavy sward of
^l!J,^„^H^-^„v. ?°"f® °ii^^ boys thought the grass would be just the place
?hf,?A^'°*' *° Ify the ponchos and sleep on them for the night, and
they did so. But it was a mistake, for the ground was cold and damn
and a number of the boys caught hard colds from which several of th?l^
w^yrt{;t''°''?J^f , My bunkmate, James Fossett, was onrof those an^
r^'i^ ^^^ S°l<i t?H?" that night and later, he was sent to the hosnital
suffering from inflammatory rheumatism. He never again returned to
the company, being finally discharged for disability! on (Jc?oblr 17 1862

IN WINTER QUARTERS AND GARRISON DUTY 23
(December, 1861)
Thursday, 12th — We received our first month's pay today.
Each man in Company E received pay for twenty-six days of
service in the month of October, amounting to $11.25, a- little less
than a full month's pay. I received my first Government pay as
a soldier in the United States service, getting a ten-dollar gold
piece^ and one dollar and twenty-five cents in silver. I expressed
$10.00 home.
Friday, 13th — The Eleventh Iowa is at horae now in wedge
tents, with four men to a tent, and we are experiencing more
changes in living. Irish potatoes have been dropped from our
rations and we have no tables now at which to eat our meals.
When the orderly sergeant draws the rations, the company cook
calls out for every man to come and get his portion — of hard
tack, bacon, sugar, salt, pepper, soap and candles. The cook
makes the coffee, boils the beans and salt beef (fresh beef twice
a week), and at noon calls each man to get his day's rations of
bean soup and meat. The coffee he makes three times a day,
each man having his own tin cup for his coffee. Each one pre
pares his own bacon to suit his taste, many eating it raw between
two pieces of hard-tack. Every one has his own plate, knife and
fork. Our regiment received marching orders with ten days' ra
tions, and so we have to leave just as we were getting settled in
our tent camp.
Saturday, 14th — We struck our tents early this morning and
at sunup marched down to the landing on the Missouri river,
where under the quartermaster a large detail of men worked near
ly all day loading our commissariat on board the boats. At sun
down our regiment, with a part of the Second Illinois Cavalry,
started up the river.
Sunday, 13th — We landed at the little town of Providence,
Missouri, about sunup and experienced our first day's march after
the "secesh." It was a delightful day. The few belated grass
hoppers and crickets which escaped the cold spells were singing
their farewell songs. We were all awake and keyed to the high
est pitch, felt prepared to meet ten thousand "secesh" at any mo
ment. A detail of cavalry was leading the way, and when ^t
'This was the first gold I had seen for months and, as it proved, the
last I saw during the war. — A. G. D.

24 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1861)
times our marching was delayed, each man anxiously wanting to
know the cause, would peer forward over the shoulder of his file
leader; but there was nothing to see.
At noon we stacked arms and ate our first lunch upon a march,
and in the "secesh's" country at that. Here we rested about two
hours, until the cavalry returned. They reported that there was
not a "secesh" to be seen in that part of the country, and I guess all
heaved a sigh of relief in the thought that there would be no fight
ing today. We were ten miles out from our landing. Hasten
ing our return march, we reached our boat at sundown, and
boarding it, proceeded up the river.
Monday, i6th — We reached Boonville at sunup, and landing,
remained there about two hours, when we again boarded the boat
and crossed to the other side of the river. We lay on the boat
here till dark, when Company E and three other companies started
for Boonesboro, seven or eight miles distant. Reaching the town
we surrounded it and waited for daylight. On our way out we
marched through some very heavy timber, where the sound of
our tramping and the rattle of our bayonets aroused the many
wood owls, and of all the hideous noises I ever listened to — it
made my hair stand on end !
Tuesday, 17th — This morning we entered the town and made
a search of all the houses for "secesh." We took seven prisoners,
besides some arms and ammunition. This being a great apple
country, we found stores of apples in the houses, and helping our
selves, we filled our haversacks. By one o'clock we had finished
sacking the town and started back to our boats, arriving there at
dark. Wednesday, i8th — The four companies of cavalry that accom
panied us up the river (also by boat) went on a scouting expe
dition yesterday toward the town of Glasgow. They captured
and brought in this morning one hundred and fifty-five kegs of
powder which they found hid in haystacks. We stored the pow
der in the hull of our boat, and at 2 p. m. left this place for an
all-night run on our return to Jefferson City. But we are quite
uneasy for fear of an explosion from our cargo of powder.
Thursday, ipth—We reached Jefferson City this morning at
sunup after an uncomfortable night's ride. The water in the
river is very low and it seems that we were fastened on sandbars

IN WINTER QUARTERS AND GARRISON DUTY 25
(December, 1861)
half the time. Then when the boat was under way, the boat
hands, one on each side of the vessel, were constantly calling the
soundings, "six feet," "ten feet," "no bottom," etc., in that dread
ful, drawling sound, keeping it up all night, and with the thought
of that powder on board — it was not a good night for sleeping.
But we landed, and marching out to the camp, pitched our tents
where we were before. We got back all safe and sound, with
one exception, for one of our company took the smallpox and
was left at the pesthouse at Boonville, with only his bunk-mate
to care for him. The weather is quite cool.
Friday, 20th — We finished cleaning our clothing and accouter-
ments and spent the rest of the day in cleaning up our camp and
parade ground, besides bringing in firewood from the timber
near by. When we got back we found the Thirteenth Iowa here
in camp, having arrived on the nth day of the month, during
our absence.
Saturday, 21st — Nothing of importance today. I went on
guard. There is some talk of making Jefferson City headquarters
for the various detachments of the army within fifty miles of this
place. Sunday, 22d — It snowed all day, the snow falling in large
flakes, and the weather is fast turning colder. I was detailed
on camp guard and with my overcoat on walked my beat for two
hours at a time. At about 4 o'clock in the afternoon five com
panies of our regiment received marching orders to go at once,
and striking our tents we hastened down to the railroad station
on the bank of the river, where we had to stack arms and wait
four hours for the train. The weather by this time had turned
intensely cold and we were compelled to build fires to keep warm,
but no firewood was at hand. The boys spied a lot of canoes
stored away for the winter under a warehouse; these we appro
priated and had used up forty or fifty of them before our train
finally came. When the train did come, we discovered to our
dismay that it was made up of stock cars, bedded with straw.
We boarded the cars at 8 p. m. and settling ourselves as comfort
ably as possible, with our rifles in hand started at midnight for
California, Missouri.
Monday, 23d — We arrived at California about sunup, almost
frozen ; it cleared off during the night and a cold northwest wind

26 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1861)
was blowing. Leaving the train we entered the several churches
in town and built fires to warm by, Company E going into a Cath
olic church, where the sexton and his wife brought us some hot
coffee. We then put into winter quarters, occupying vacant
houses and storerooms and made all the "secesh" skedaddle. The
companies in quarters here are B, E, G, K and H, under command
of Lieut. Col. William Hall. We just learned why it was that
we were rushed up here last night. It had been reported at Jef
ferson City that a train with "secesh" prisoners was to pass
through this place today, bound for St. Louis, and that their sym
pathizers in this locality were planning a raid on the train to
liberate the prisoners.
Tuesday, 24th — We raised a flag pole today and ran up the
Stars and Stripes high in the air, amidst cheering and singing
the old song, "Columbia."
"Long may it wave.
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave !"
This afternoon we went over town and compelled all the se
cessionists to take the oath. Quite a number of the boys are sick
with bad colds, the result of the hard exposure coming up on the
stock cars the other night.
Wednesday, 25th — This is a beautiful day, the snow having
nearly all disappeared. The boys had a fine time today, this being
our first Christmas experience in the army. There was no roast
turkey with cranberry sauce and we all missed mother's mince
pies, cake and doughnuts. But we bought some pies and cakes
of the citizens here, which with our regular army rations made
a good dinner and something like a square meal. In the evening
some of us boys went to the tavern to get our suppers, costing
twenty-five cents apiece, and we had hot biscuit and honey in the
bargain. Thursday, 26th — By orders Company E boarded the cars this
morning for Lookout Station farther on, about twelve miles from
California. I bade my bunk-mate, James Fossett, goodby at the
hospital, where he is confined with inflammatory rheumatism.
His suffering is something intense, and he is unable to turn him
self in bed, but I left him in the hands of a good nurse.
Friday, 27th— We went into winter quarters here, and that
with the intention of cleaning the "secesh" out of this part

IN WINTER QUARTERS AND GARRISON DUTY 27
(December, 1861)
of the country. Our company is the only one here, and our
captain is in command of the post. There are but few houses in
this place, and we are quartered in a vacant storeroom, one-half
the company upstairs, the other below. We who are below built
our bunks on the counters, one on each side of the room. We
keep two picket posts at night, ten men at each post, on the sides
where the railroad enters. We also have a day patrol on the
railroad. Saturday, 28th — We had to send two patrols of five men each
down the railroad track each way from the station. There is al
ways some danger of the track's being torn up by organized bands
of the "secesh" in this locality.^
Sunday, 29th — I am staying at the tavern on account of hav
ing taken a severe cold. As we are here without the regimental
surgeon, the captain marked me "not fit for duty." The land
lady is very kind to me and is helping break up my cold. The
company had to clean up this morning for inspection.
Monday, 30th — We made all the citizens at this place take the
oath; they have to take the oath not to aid or shelter those who
are fighting against the Union. There are but few men left in
this locality, they having enlisted, some of them in the Union
army, but most of them with the South.
Tuesday, 31st — The boys are all preparing for New Year's
Day celebration. Thus ends 1861."
JANUARY, 1862.
Wednesday, ist — I am back with the company again. The
boys are having a big chicken dinner today. Lieutenant Compton
having bought four dozen chickens and presented them to the
company for a New Year's dinner.
Thursday, 2d — Nothing of importance. The weather is quite
cold, but since we are in a building with stoves and plenty of
wood, we do not suffer from the cold. Lookout Station is a
'William Dwiggans died of typhoid fever on this day, in the hos
pital at Jefferson City. His was the first death in Company E. He was
a good boy and a dutiful soldier. — A. G. D.
*The last day of 1861 found our regiment stationed as follows: Com
pany B at Lookout Station, Companies B, G, K and H at California,
Companies A, C, D, F arid I at Fulton, all in the State of Missouri, and
not far apart. They were all in winter quarters, occupying vacant store
buildings. We saw some pretty hard service during the month of De
cember, but only in the suffering by exposure to the cold weather. —
A. G. D.

28 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1862)
small town on the railroad between California and Jefferson City ;
there is a store, tavern, and twelve residences, some of which are
vacant, and the country around is heavily timbered.
Friday, 3d — Mrs. Hemmenway gave some of the boys per
mission to have a dance at her home last nig'ht. Quite a number
of the boys went and they declare that they had a good time.
The girls of the locality were there and most of them either
smoked or chewed tobacco. They would dance a while, then rest
and smoke, but those that chewed did not care to stop.^
Saturday, 4th — Some of the boys went out today on a 'possum
hunt. They were very successful, as this is a good 'possum coun
try, especially over on the banks of the Missouri river.
Sunday, 5th — Nothing of importance. Everything is very
quiet and it appears lonesome today. Our company had no
preaching today, as our chaplain is with another part of the regi
ment. The weather has become quite warm. Regular picket
and patrol duty at night.
Monday, 6th — This is a very fine day. The boys went out
on another 'possum hunt and brought in six.
Tuesday, 7th — Nothing of importance. It rained all day. Our
company is divided into messes, seven in all, and each has a cook.
Each mess draws its rations every five days, according to num
ber, and the rations are placed in the care of the cooks. Some
of the cooks are not well posted on cooking. Cook number 7
wanted to cook some rice for dinner and put his kettle on filled
with rice. Presently he began dipping out rice, as it was run
ning over, and he soon had his third kettle filled with rice. In
finishing it up he let it scorch and to overcome that he put in
some molasses, which the boys foraged out in the country, and
so mess number 7 will have sweet scorched rice for some days
to come.^ Wednesday, 8th — The boys have been gathering persimmons
and walnuts today — got lots of them.
Thursday, pth — Some of the boys go out into the country al
most every day on foraging expeditions and bring in an abun-
rio„'??"V^ ^^"«u?, member of Company E, died of lung fever on thi^
a^ve?y qufeY bo^y.-Z.- G^.""^^ """" ^"'^ "^ *>"* ^ sho?f time'aSd w^
r.c:^^°^r,a\T^^^L%l,^T.Tola%Url^^^^^^^ we aU

IN WINTER QUARTERS AND GARRISON DUTY 29
(January, 1862)
dance of things to eat, so that with our regular rations we are
pretty well supplied.
Friday, loth — It is cool and cloudy, with some rain. We get
our mail every day, as the railroad is open between here and St.
Louis. Saturday, nth — Our company were all vaccinated today as a
protection against smallpox. The regimental surgeon came down
from California to do the work. Our captain called the company
up in line, and every man had to take his medicine.
Sunday, 12th — Dr. Smith, a resident here, had his horse stolen
last night. This morning Lieutenant Durbin with ten men went
out to find the thief, but they returned this evening without find
ing him.
Monday, 13th — Some of the boys have been getting whiskey
in this locality and today Lieutenant Compton with Carl Frink
and John White went to find where they were getting it, but they
returned late in the evening without finding the distilling plant.
Tuesday, 14th — Lieutenant Compton with five men went out
to capture the man who fired into a passenger train last summer
and killed the conductor. When the man saw them approaching
to surround his house, he started to run for the timber. He re
fused to surrender and the men fired on him, shooting him
through the thigh, but upon seeing that the man was severely
wounded. Lieutenant Compton gave the order to let the man re
main at his home.
Wednesday, 15th — Nothing of importance. Got some more
pies and doughnuts from a man and his wife who come in three
times a week with them, to sell to the boys. We usually lay in a
good supply.
Thursday, i6th — A squad of the boys went out scouting^ and
took one man a prisoner, besides bringing in nine mules and six
hogs. They took the man to headquarters, turned the mules over
to the regimental quartermaster, and the hogs we made use of
as so much extra pork for the company.
Friday, 17th — Warm and pleasant. Nothing of importance.
Some of the boys are quite sick from the effects of vaccination,
though on some of them it did not work. Mine worked fine, and
'This was really a foraging expedition which at that time they
spoke of as "scouting." — Ed.

30 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1862)
some of the boys took virus from my arm and vaccinated them
selves. The surgeon vaccinated a few of the boys as many as
four or five times before it took.
Saturday, i8th — Some of the boys went out on a scouting ex
pedition, but did not meet with any success.
Sunday, 19th — Lieutenant Durbin and so.me of the boys went
out scouting. They brought in a lot of corn to feed the horses ;
also some walnuts, hickory nuts, com meal and molasses. The
lieutenant took a "secesh" flag from a schoolma'am.
Monday, 20th — It snowed some today and turned colder; the
weather is very changeable. I wrote a letter to father and en
closed $20.00 of the $26.00 I received from the Government on
the 8th inst.
Tuesday, 21st — Nothing of importance. Everything is very
quiet in this locality. We have nothing but the regular camp
duty to perform. Mess number 7 have now used up all their
cooked rice.
Wednesday, 22d — Orderly Clark, Sergeants Spencer, Sweet
and White went out on a scouting expedition and brought in a
pair of ponies and some things to eat.
Thursday, 23d — It is warm today. Nothing of importance.
The land around Lookout Station is heavily timbered and there
are no large farms. Negroes are very scarce here. The war has
put a blight on this part of the State.
Friday, 24th — It snowed a very little today. Soldiers are
marching past here for St. Louis. The roads are in a fearful
condition. Our company would like to leave this place for more
active service. Our picket and patrol duty is very light, though
it is all-night duty. None of the men on the scouting expedi
tions have been hurt or wounded.
Saturday, 25th — ^The report came that we were to be brigaded
today — the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa
Regiments are in one brigade. Hurrah for Iowa! The four
regiments are to form an Iowa brigade and the organization will
date from today.
Sunday, 26th — We had preaching in our quarters this fore
noon and in the evening a few gathered for prayer meeting. Our
quarters were not very inviting for a minister. There was no

IN WINTER QUARTERS AND GARRISON DUTY 31
(January, 1862)
tuning fork for the music and we had no chairs, most of the boys
standing during the preaching.
Mionday, 27th — The regimental surgeon came down from
California to look over the convalescents in our company ; he re-
vaccinated all on whom the vaccine had not worked.
Tuesday, 28th — One of the Missouri boys who enlisted in our
company while at Jefferson City asked me to go with him to spend
the evening with a family about two miles out, where there were
three or four young ladies. One of the young women was his
best girl and he wished to bid her goodby before we left for the
South. He assured me that we would have plenty of good
things to eat and that there would be no danger, and so I finally
decided that it would be safe to go. We had a very enjoyable
time and about midnight started for our quarters, running all the
way.^ Wednesday, 29th — ^Our company has had a fine time while at
Lookout Station and the men are all in good health with the ex
ception of two or three who are suffering from varioloid as a
result of vaccination.
Thursday, 30th — A part of our company went out into the
timber to gather persimmons. They are very plentiful in this lo
cality ; the trees are quite large and some of them are loaded with
the finest fruit.
Friday, 31st — This is the end of January. Company E has
been at Lookout Station thirty-seven days, and while our army
service has not been hard, yet we are anxious to leave for more
active service.
FEBRUARY, 1862.
Saturday, ist — I (X).mmenced cooking for twenty men of our
company. None of the boys likes cooking, so the seven messes
have been consolidated into three with a cook for each. Mess
numbers i and 2 have been united, becoming mess number i, and
I am to be the cook.
Sunday, 2d — Nothing of importance. We had preaching in
the forenoon and prayer meeting in the afternoon.
'We arrived safely at our quarters, but I made up my mind never
again to take such a trip while in the enemy's country. — A. G. D.

32 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1862)
Monday, 3d — The captain with eight men went out on a scout
ing trip to rout some "secesh" from an island in the Missouri
river, where they were trying to recruit a company.
Tuesday, 4th — A squad of the boys went out on a scouting
expedition, but did not accomplish much in the way of getting
supplies for the company.
Wednesday, 5th — Nothing of importance ; the regular routine
of camp life. Our company has this locality pretty well disci
plined as to the people's duty toward the Government.
Thursday, 6th — Very fine weather. There is one woman in
this locality of whom the boys are afraid, for she has a large
kettle of water hanging on the crane over the fireplace. This she
keeps at the boiling point, and whenever any of the boys come
around her premises, she is out with the hot water. They have
to take lively steps to keep out of her way.
Friday, 7tk — No news of importance. The boys had a danc
ing party at the depot, and some of the girls in the neighborhood
who are somewhat lively were there — ^they seem to enjoy smok
ing when out in company.
Saturday, 8th — It is the same old thing over. We cleaned up
our accouterments for inspection tomorrow.
Sunday, 9th — Company inspection this morning. We had
preaching by the chaplain in the forenoon, and the boys had prayer
meeting in the evening.
Monday, loth — Nothing of importance. A squad of men went
out into the country for supplies and brought in some corn meal,
molasses and honey.
Tuesday, nth — It snowed today and turned quite cool. Some
troops marched past here on their way to St. Louis.
Wednesday, 12th — Our mail goes east every day at 11 a. m.
and comes in from the east at night. This is a cold night.
Thursday, 13th — It snowed some today, and we all stayed
close in our quarters, as the weather was so disagreeable. It is
a very cold night.
Friday, 14th— This is Valentine's Day and some of the boys
are having a great time sending out valentines to the giris in
this locality; others are sending valentines to their old home
sweethearts.

IN WINTER QUARTERS AND GARRISON DUTY 33
(February, 1862)
Saturday, 15th — We received a very large mail from home
today. The papers say that General Grant has taken Fort Henry,
on the Tennessee river.
Sunday, i6th — The weather is warm and pleasant. It is re
ported that Fort Donelson with several thousand prisoners has
been taken by General Grant.
Monday, 17th — This is a very beautiful morning. The good
news came that Grant has really taken Fort Donelson. Lieu
tenant Compton called out the company with arms, and we fired
a feu de joie to celebrate the victory.
Tuesday, i8th — It is cloudy and quite cool. News came that
Fort Henry has been taken and we fired a feu de joie. Some of
the boys are afraid that the war will be over before we have a
chance to have the honor of being in a battle.
Wednesday, 19th — News came that Roanoke Island has been
taken by our men. It is reported that our company will leave
for California, Missouri, in three or four days and all are rejoic
ing that our stay here is about over.
Thursday, 20th — No news of importance. Grant's recent vic
tories have made the Union sentiment stronger in this locality,
which will be a big help to the few Union men left here.
Friday, 21st — We are to bid goodby to Lookout Station to
morrow. Some of the good people living here are sorry to see
us go. May they have success for their loyalty to the Union
cause. Saturday, 22d — This is Washington's birthday. We packed
our knapsacks early this morning and left Lookout for Califor
nia, arriving at 2 p. m. The roads were quite muddy. In camp
again at California, Missouri. We pitched our tents on the com
mons south of town.
Sunday, 23d — ^We attended church today at the different
churches in town, some of the boys going to the Catholic church.
We had prayer meeting in camp in the evening.
Monday, 24th — Nothing of importance. Our company now
has a company cook. He cooks the beans and salt beef for all,
but each man draws his rations every five days, ma:kes his own
coffee and cooks his salt bacon to suit himself.
Tuesday, 25th — No news of any importance. There is some

34 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1842)
talk of our having to stay at this place all summer. We have
company drill twice a day and with the other four companies of
our regiment here now, have dress parade at 5 p. m.
Wednesday, 26th — Nothing of importance. We are in a regu
lar tented camp here, and it seems more like being in the army
than it did at Lookout Station.
Thursday, 27th — ^There are no hopes of leaving this place.
We cleaned up for inspection and muster tomorrow. The five
companies of the Eleventh which went to Fulton, Missouri, last
December, are still at that place.
Friday, 28th — We had company inspection with all accouter
ments on ready for a march, and the regiment was then mustered
for pay. Thus this month ends, finding us at California, Mis
souri.
MARCH, 1862.
Saturday, ist — It is very cold with a strong northwest wind
blowing. We drilled with our overcoats on for the first time,
and even then we could not keep warm.
Sunday, 2d — It is still getting colder. The ground is frozen
and we have no fires in the tents — the men are suffering day and
night from the cold. Had company inspection this morning.
Monday, 3d — It is turning a little warmer. There are just
a few of the boys, in the hospital here and they are well cared
for ; their bedding is kept nice and clean and their food is well
cooked. Tuesday, 4th — Nothing of importance.
Wednesday, 5th — Company E had prayer meeting this even
ing in a vacant room close by their quarters. It is reported that
we are to leave for the South in two or three days. The war
has certainly struck this place a hard blow. There are many va
cant houses and most of the storerooms are standing empty.
There are but few men left in town, most of them having gone
to war. Families are divided, each member having gone to the
army of his choice; there are fathers against sons and brothers
against brothers. They are so determined for the side they take
that many are killed in the neighborhood by their neighbors, and
some even by members of their own families.

IN WINTER QUARTERS AND GARRISON DUTY 35
(March, 1862)
Thursday, 6th — No news of importance.
Friday, 7th — Orders came for us to get ready to leave for St.
Louis, and everybody is happy. Drill was discontinued for the
day. Saturday, 8th — The boys are in fine spirits because we have
orders to leave. All are at work getting ready — some are mend
ing their shirts, pants or coats, others their socks or shoes, or
anything which needs fixing up before leaving for the South.

36 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1862)

Chapter V.
Mobilization at Pittsburg Landing and the Battle of Shiloh.
March 9-April 20.
Sunday, 9th — ^Had a cold rain all day. There was no church
for us today. The quartermaster with a detail of men loaded
some of the supplies on open cars, the wagons being taken apart
and loaded. The mules and horses were put in the stock cars.
The cars came for us about 9 p. m. and we finished loading about
midnight and left for Jefferson City, some of the men in box cars
and others in open cars with the baggage.
Monday, loth — We arrived at Jefferson City about daylight.
Our regiment came together here this morning after being sep
arated since the 22d of last December. We left for St. Louis
about 8 a. m., our train being made up of almost every kind of
car known, and arrived about 3 p. m. We went aboard the
"Great Western."
Tuesday, nth — We lay at the wharf all night, loading the
quartermaster's supplies. At 8 a. m. we left St. Louis for Cairo,
Illinois. Our entire regiment is on tlie one boat, a side-wheeler.
Company E is quartered on the hurricane deck, and a cold wind
blowing makes it rather disagreeable for us. We lay up for the
night one hundred miles below St. Louis. ' We have big times
getting our rations cooked, for there is but one place to get boil
ing water to make coffee, and only one place at the fire where
we can broil our bacon. Each man slices his bacon, puts it on
the ramrod, and holds it close to the fire under the boilers. We
all have to take our turn, and since there are eight hundred men,
there is some one at the fire all day and part of the night. The
captain of the boat declared that we were "the d  st set of
men to eat" that he had ever seen in his life.
Wednesday, 12th — We started again on our voyage at day
light. A high cold wind was blowing all day. We landed at
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, remaining there for a short time, and
then proceeded on our journey, arriving at Cairo, Illinois, at 2
p. m., where we waited for further orders. Late in the afternoon

PITTSBURG LANDING— BATTLE OF SHILOH 37
(March, 1862)
we received orders to go up the Tennessee river and left Cairo
about sundown. At Cairo there are gunboats and a large number
of transports loaded with troops, and provisions for the army up
along the Tennessee river.
Thursday, 13th — We stopped at Paducah, Kentucky, a short
time and then early this morning came up the river to Fort Henry,
arriving in the afternoon. There are about twenty transports at
this place, loaded with troops. Fort Henry is a dilapidated
place. The Tennessee river is very high, the water being out
over the banks, and the lowlands are flooded for miles on both
sides of the river.
Friday, 14th — We left Fort Henry at dark last night, going
on up the river, and arrived at Savannah, Tennessee, this after
noon. The river seems to be lined with transports loaded with
troops going up-stream. There are two gunboats in our fleet,
also two tugboats and several barges.
Saturday, 15th — It rained all day. It seems so dark and
gloomy. We lay on the boats all day, but we are expecting to
receive orders to go on up the river. Boats loaded with troops
are passing us and going on up to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee.
Sunday, i6th — We are still lying on the boats waiting for
orders. Two gunboats came down from Pittsburg Landing. The
weather is very disagreeable, with rain every day and rather cold
besides. Monday, ijth — We received orders to disembark in the morn
ing and everybody is rejoicing, for it is getting very tiresome on
the boats — we have been on the boats seven days now. Details
of men woriced nearly all day at unloading our commissariat.
The landing place is nothing but a jelly of mud — there are so
many mules, horses and men passing back and forth.
Tuesday, i8th — We left the boats and marched out about two
miles from Savannah. We pitched our tents near a big orchard.
Details of men went to the timber with teams to get firewood for
our camp.
Wednesday, 19th — There are about ten thousand men of all
arms in camp at this place. We are expecting marching orders
every day. Our camp is on high ground, but there has been so
much rain that the water stands on the surface. We cut brush
and place it on the ground in our tents to lie on at night.

38 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1862)
 Thursday, 20th — It is cloudy, chilly and very disagreeable
weather. A great many of the boys are getting sick with the
chills and fever, and the doctors are no account. We have no
drill nor dress parade; we seem to be just stopping here in the
mud. Troops are passing here every day going up the river. The _
boys are getting anxious for a fight.
Friday, 21st — It is cloudy and cold. Captain Chambers' bat
tery of six guns arrived today. Orders came for us to embark
at once, and we struck our tents and got ready to start. After
waiting six hours for the order to fall in, the order was counter
manded and we had to pitch our tents again.
Saturday, 22d — It is disagreeable weather — a cold rain from
the north. The Thirteenth Iowa started to Pittsburg Landing,
about ten miles up the river. The Eleventh Iowa is expecting
marching orders any time.
Sunday, 23d — The Eleventh Iowa received marching orders,
and we struck our tents and got on board the "Westmoreland."
The quartermaster had all of the commissariat on the boat by
noon and we left for Pittsburg Landing. We reached the land
ing at dark and remained on the boat for the night.
Monday, 24th — We disembarked and marched out about a
mile and a half from the landing, where we pitched our tents.
Our camp is located in what is called Jones' Field.
Tuesday, 23th — We had company drill twice today. We have
a fine drill ground. Our water here is good, there being several
springs a short distance to the east and to the west of our camp.
The camp of the Thirteenth Iowa is on our left, while to our right
are the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois. These three regiments
with ours, the Eleventh Iowa, form the First Brigade of the First
Division of the Army of the Tennessee, under the command of
Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand. Col. Abraham M. Hare of our
regiment is in command of the brigade. Dresser's battery of
six guns is encamped just in front of the Eleventh Iowa.
Wednesday, 26th — The weather is getting very warm. We
have plenty of firewood near by for the cooking, and running
water a short distance away where we do our washing once a
week. Thursday, 27th — It is warm and dry today. The trees are

PITTSBURG LANDING— BATTLE OF SHILOH 39
(March, 1862)
beginning to leaf out. Troops are arriving every day and going
into camp all along the roads about two and a half miles from
the Landing.
Friday, 28th — It is warm and dry — it is delightful. There
is nothing of importance going on. Our camp is well protected
on the left by the Tennessee river and by Owl creek on our right
flank. Most of the camp ground lies high and just rolling enough
to keep the ground dry. Our camp — the First Brigade of the
First Division — lies almost due north and south, so arranged for
the purpose of giving the brigade a good drill and parade ground.
The camps of the different brigades, all through the woods, face
in any desired direction, except the regiments out in front, which
are so arranged as to be facing the enemy should they have to
form a line of battle.
Saturday, 29th — A large detail from the brigade was sent to
cut and clear away some timber between Jones' Field and a small
field just to the south, so as to throw the two fields together, mak
ing it possible for the First Division to form a continuous line to
be reviewed by the commanding general of the army. General
Grant. Companies A, B and C received Belgian rifles today for
their old muskets.
Sunday, 30th — This is our first Sunday in camp in the "Sunny
South." We had company inspection with all accouterments on,
by the colonel of our regiment. Colonel Hare.
Monday, 31st — Our regular drills are: Company drill from
10 to II a. m., battalion drill from 3 to 5 p. m., and dress parade
at 5 p. m. We have a splendid drill ground in a large field. Re
ceived orders to get ready for review by General Grant tomorrow
morning at 10 o'clock.
The country around here is quite rough and the soil is very
poor. There is a great deal of gravel and there are some rocks,
but the soil works very easily. The timber here 1s mostly white
oak.
APRIL, 1862.
Tuesday, ist — Our Division, the First, was reviewed this fore
noon by General Grant and Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand. While
the review was in progress three men were seen on the roofs of

40 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1862)
two small log houses at the southern end of Jones' Field, taking
notes on our maneuvers, the number of men in line, etc. They
were dressed in butternut suits although, it is said, they had
claimed to be Union men; yet when the review was ended no
trace of them could be found.
Wednesday, 2d — It rained all day and we had no drill. The
men remained in the tents, reading the Bible, magazines and
papers, or writing letters home.
Thursday, 3d — We had drill as usual today and also general
review, by General McClernand. We have no guard duty at this
camp, but the troops of the front camps have to keep out a strong
picket line.
Friday, 4th — It rained and hailed this afternoon, and by night
it got very warm. We were ordered under arms at 6 p. m., and
we formed a hollow square on the parade ground. We remained
in line until 10 o'clock, when we were ordered back to our tents.
It was reported out in front that the rebels were advancing in
force from Corinth, but at 10 o'clock the word came that they
had bivouacked for the night.
Saturday, 5th — We had company drill this morning as usual.
Lieutenant Compton took the company out on the drill ground
this afternoon for company drill, and he said : "Now, boys, we
drill in earnest for an hour, then return to our quarters, put away
our rifles, and then to the branch for bathing." It was warm,
but the men all went into it and after a hard drill we had a good
wash-off in the branch.^
Sunday, 6th — The long roll sounded about half-past seven in
the morning, and at once we formed a line of battle on the regi
mental parade ground. At about 8 o'clock we were ordered to
the front, and marching out in battle line, about one-half mile,
we met the rebels at Water Oaks Pond. Dresser's battery was
just in front of our regiment, we acting as a support to it. The
rebels came up on our right, compelling us to fall back about
eighty rods to our second position, where we remained until we
were again flanked, when we fell back to within about one hun
dred yards of our parade ground, where we lay down on the brow
'This was the last time that Lieutenant Compton ever drilled our
company, for the poor feUow was kiUed in the battle on the next day,
bunday, a little after noon. He was a fine drillmaster. and kind to his
men, especially to those who tried to do their duty. — A G D

PITTSBURG LANDING— BATTLE OF SHILOH 41
(April, 1862)
of a hill awaiting the approach of the rebels in front. While in
this position, Thomas Hains of Company E took off his hat, placed
it upon his ramrod, and holding it up, shouted to the boys along
the line to see what a close call he had had while out in front, for
a minie ball had passed through the creased crown of his hat,
making four holes. Before he could get his hat back on his head,
a small shell burst over us and mortally wounded him.
By this time the rebels were marching right oblique, just in
front of us, in double line of battle with their two stands of colors
flying. By order we waited until we could look them in the eye
and then rose up and fired a volley at close range into their ranks,
throwing them into great confusion. We then made a bayonet
charge, capturing one of their standards, and together with the
Eleventh and the Twentieth Illinois Infantry we captured Cobb's
battery and retook General McClernand's headquarters. In this
charge Company E met its greatest loss of the day.
j\Iy musket became so dirty with the cartridge powder, that
in loading it the ramrod stuck fast and I could neither get it up
nor down, so I put a cap on, elevated the gun and fired it off.
But now I had no ramrod, and throwing down my musket, I
picked up a Belgian rifle lying at the side of a dead rebel,
unstrapped the cartridge box from his body, and advanced to our
company, taking my place with the boys. While in this position
I witnessed a wonderful sight — thickly-flying musket balls. I
have never seen hail falling thicker than the minie balls were fly
ing in the air above us, though too high to do any harm. Our
ammunition soon ran out and the entire regiment was ordered to
the rear to replenish our cartridge boxes.
When leaving with my company for the rear to restock our
ammunition supply, I passed a severely-wounded boy (a stranger
to me) who begged me to help him to the rear and out of danger.
I stooped down and let him put his arms around my neck, but
finding that I could not rise up with him hanging on my neck, I
assured him that he would be safe there among the logs, and
explained that if I should stay with him, I would surely be taken
a prisoner, so left the poor fellow to his fate.
After filling our cartridge boxes, we again formed in line of
battle close by the cavalry field and right in the midst of heavy
brush timber. Here we remained for about two hours, when we

42 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1862)
were ordered by General Grant (in person) to a position on the
extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee, in support of Dresser's
battery, being placed in line by Webster of General Grant's staff,
just to the left of the siege guns. Here we were engaged for more
than two hours. The Fifty-fifth Illinois and the Fifty-fourth
Ohio were placed to our left in support of two batteries hard by
the river. Here about 5 o'clock in the evening, three regiments
of Buell's army, just arriving, helped to repulse the fearful charge
of the rebels.
The Eleventh Iowa was taken from its brigade early in
the morning and remained separated all day. Now with the end
of the day's fight, and after dark, we retired a few rods distant
from our last line of action and without food or shelter bivouacked
for the night, lying down on the wet ground in the rain.
This was our first battle and our company was hard hit, our
losses being as follows : Killed, Lieut. John F. Compton, Serg.
Ezra McLoney, John R. Buckman, George Croak, Thomas M.
Hains and Carlton Frink; mortally wounded, George W. Sim
mons and John W. Dwiggans ; severely wounded, Elmore Chris-
man and John T. Rice.' About ten other boys were slightly
wounded. Monday, 7th — It rained all night. The battle was renewed
this morning at 6 o'clock, by our forces under General Buell.
The Eleventh Iowa formed and marched forward with parts of
broken regiments, in support of the left center of Buell's army,
whenever needed. It was very trying for us thus to stand in
line of battle, shells exploding over our heads and cutting off
limbs of trees, spent minie balls flying all about us, yet not being
able to get into action, because of the line of battle just in front
of us. The rebels were fighting desperately, but falling back
all the while with great slaughter of men. About 3 p. m. the
rebels in front of us began to retreat, with Buell's anny after
them, but we remained in line. About an hour later the report
came that the rebels had left the field, and we were ordered back
to our camp in Jones' Field, arriving there about dark. We had
not been in our tents since Sunday morning and they were still
standing, but a great many had been hit and badly torn by shells
and minie balls. We found the body of a rebel soldier
typhSd %ver.— A^ 'a d" "^^"^ "*^' *''°'" ^^^ ""^"^^ °' '^® ^'""""^ ^""^

PITTSBURG LANDING— BATTLE OF SHILOH 43
(April, 1862)
lying in my tent ; he had been wounded and apparently had gone
in, crawled between our bunks and bled to death. We carried
the body out to the parade ground and then got a shovel to clean
away the blood from the place where the body had lain in the tent.
Tuesday, 8th — We formed a line of battle early this morning
and remained in line about two hours.^ So many men through
out the camp were firing off their loaded rifles, preparing to clean
them, that the officers thought a battle was in progress out in
front. About 9 o'clock word came in from the front that there
was no rebel in sight, and we were ordered back to our quarters.
We spent the day in burying the dead, both our own and those
of the rebels.
Our battle line had been at the south end of Jones' Field,
where a few days before we had cleared the timber for a review
ground. This place was fought over so often by both armies
and the dead lay so close that one could walk on dead bodies for
some distance without touching the ground. There were over
three thousand five hundred dead on the battlefield, and some
thing like five hundred dead horses. Seven hundred bodies of
the rebels were put into one grave. It is an awful sight to see
the dead lying all about. It rained this forenoon, but cleared
off this afternoon. The heavy rains have soaked the ground,
making it very muddy. About five thousand of our forces ar
rived today.
Wednesday, pth — Fifteen hundred more of our troops arrived.
We are still burying the dead. It rained again today. The
ground is so thoroughly soaked that it is difficult to dig the graves
deep enough and keep out the water. We bury our dead by com
panies, all of one company in one grave, and if only one of a
company is killed, the body is placed in a grave by itself. The
bodies of the rebels' dead are placed side by side in long graves.
The carcasses of horses are removed by burning them.
Thursday, loth — We are still burying the dead. The lieu
tenant of Company F was buried today. Nearly all of the dead
'It has been said by some that from General Grant down to the
commonest private in the ranks of the entire Army of the 'Tennessee,
all the men cared for on Monday afternoon, the second day of the battle
of Shiloh, was to get back to their camps. I cannot believe the state
ment, for on Tuesday, the 8th, when we were ordered into line of battle,
on that gloomy, rainy morning, and a cold wind blowing from the north
west, I know by the sentiment of the boys in my own company, that
they would have gone to the front then if ordered to do so. We felt
that the loss in our company was too great not to follow up the vic
tory. — A. G. D.

44 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1862)
have been buried now, but there are some of the wounded still
dying. I was detailed with two others to bury three of the
rebels' dead. We went out about a half mile north of the camp
to a stony knoll where one body lay, and worked all forenoon, the
ground being so hard and stony, to dig even a shallow grave
into which we rolled the body and covered it the best we could.
In the afternoon we dug a double grave for two who had died
of mortal wounds.
Friday, nth— It rained all day. Troops have been arriving
by the thousands every day since Sunday.
Saturday, 12th — It is still raining every hour and the floors
of our tents are very wet.^ Our camp has become very muddy,
which, with constant rain and the braying of mules day and night,
makes it a very gloomy time.
Sunday, 13th — It is clear and warm today. We had battalion
drill again, twice today. Not more than two hundred of the regi
ment are fit for duty. Major Abercrombie, who drilled us, gave
us a lecture about getting out to drill. He assured us that the
battle we just had would be classed as a skirmish in comparison
with what we would have to go through with before this war
is over. The boys declared that if he called this battle a skir
mish, they would like to know what he called a real battle.-
Monday, i.jth — We had inspection of arms this forenoon.
Most of the boys in our company picked up rifles from the battle
field and got better rifles than they had. But it makes it quite
difficult for the quartermaster to supply the extra ammunition re
quired for the different kinds of rifles. The weather is quite
warm. Tuesday, 13th — There's nothing of importance.
Wednesday, i6th — No news of importance."
'We had not yet learned how to take care of our health, for in place
of raising our tents from the ground and building our bunks about
eighteen inches high, as we did in later camps, we just laid down our
rubber ponchos on the bare ground, covered this with a blanket, then
lay down with another blanket for a cover. Our bedding thus was often
damp, and it is no wonder that so many of the boys became subject to
fevers and rheumatism. — A. G. D.
'Major Abercrombie's words were quite true, as we found out later
by experience. — A. G. D.
''There was much discussion among the men over the great battle
we had just been through, the battle of Shiloh. The question why the
Confederates lost the battle, I should answer as follows: First they
were four hours late in making the general attack on that s'unday
™°L"^"i- ^h« Confederate generals, instead of sending some of their
staff officers before daylight to spy out and report to the commanding
general what they had seen (according to a report of H. C. Dockett of

PITTSBURG LANDING— BATTLE OP SHILOH 45
(April, 1862^
Thursday, 17th — The day is fair. Had battalion drill again.
Friday, i8th — No news of importance.^
Saturday, igth — Nothing of importance. Everything appears
to be so lonesome.
Sunday, 20th — John T. Rice, a member of Company E, Elev
enth Iowa, was buried this afternoon with military honors.'^ He
died of his wound accompanied with fever. Three other men
who died of disease were also buried today. We learned that
Wilson Simmons of Company E died of lung fever on the 15th
at Mound City, Illinois.

General Bragg's staff), should have had their first line of battle at the
Union picket line by that time, and then charging our pickets and com
ing in upon the first camps, they could have captured them before they
could have dressed; then pushing on to the other commands, they could
have put them to rout before they could have formed a line of battle.
But their being so late in making the flrst attack gave our commanders
time to form into line. As it "was, "whenever the Confederates advanced
our forces were in shape to flre volleys into them and easily throw them
into confusion, thus making their advance slower_ and more irregular
during the day.
In the second place, the Confederates starting four hours late in
the morning made them more than six hours late in the afternoon, so
in place of being ready to make their last charge of the day at 1 o'clock
they did not make it until almost 7 o'clock in the evening. By that
time it was too late, since the Union generals had formed a strong line
of artillery, supported by all the infantry, who stood loyally by their
colors. Then, just before the final charge, one brigade of Buell's army
had already arrived and formed in line, and the day was forever lost to
the Confederates. — A. G. D.
'While the battle of Shiloh was a Union victory, nevertheless it
was dearly won, and could easily have been a defeat. Even at that
time the men in discussing it, pointed out some of the mistakes meide
by the Union forces. I wish to point out how the day at Shiloh was
almost lost to the Union Army. In the first place, when the different
commanders called out the troops u-nder arms at 6 o'clock on Friday
evening, April 4th, they kept them in line until midnight, "when, since
the immediate danger was past, they ordered them to return to their
quarters. Then it was that a great mistake was made, for instead of
sending the men back to camp, they should have been put to work,
every man with shovel, pick or axe, digging trenches, throwing up
breastworks and fortifying their camps. Thus by the morning of the
6th they would have had two or three lines of works. That this was
not done must of course be charged to General Sherman. Each man
behind the works would have been equal to five men in the open. Gen
eral Prentiss' men, protected in the old, sunken roadway, in making
their attack upon us, proved the worth of a man protected, to one out
in the open. The mistake cost the Union army more than a thousand
men, besides those captured.
In the second place, when the Union army was attacked on that
Sunday morning, there were but four regiments in line of battle and
ready for the assault of the Confederates. The officers did not succeed
in forming a continuous line of battle until late in the day. Regiments
and brigades would march to the front and form in line, but they were
usually unsupported by troops on the right and left at the same time.
This enabled the Confederates to come in on the flanks and the rear,
thus compelling our forces to fall back or be captured. This continued
till late in the afternoon, when Webster succeeded in forming a con
tinuous line of artillery, supported by all arms. This, together with
the arrival of Buell's brigade, which formed a line on the left, saved
the day to the Union cause for all time to come. — A. G. D.
2Rice was buried in the Shiloh National Cemetery, Pittsburg Land
ing, Tennessee, his grave being 175, Section 9. — A. G. D.

46 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1862)

Chapter VI.
The Battles in and Around Corinth. April 21-July 27.
Monday, 2ist — Our camp is becoming more unhealthy all the
time, and the odor from the battlefield at times is very disagree
able. This is the result of the heavy rains followed by warm
weather. Troops are arriving here every day and going on to the front.
The army is advancing on Corinth, Mississippi, and we hear that
there is almost continuous skirmishing between the outposts of
the two armies.
Tuesday, 22d — It is quite pleasant again after some rain —
thunder showers. The wheat fields are looking fine.
Wednesday, 23d — We have company drill twice a day and
more of the boys are getting out again for drill. The artillery
men are receiving fresh horses to replace those killed in the battle.
The weather is beginning to get very warm.
Thursday, 24th — No news of importance.
Friday, 25th — We struck our tents early this morning and
marched about three miles to the southwest, and went into camp
again, camp No. 2. We were brigaded over again. It rained
all day. Saturday, 26th — Our regiment is now brigaded with Iowa
soldiers, the brigade being completed today. Our brigade is com
posed of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa
Infantries, with Colonel Crocker in command.^ We were in
spected today by the general inspector of the army, and had all
our accouterments on.
Sunday, 27th — Today we had company inspection. We had
to go to work and clean up our camp and parade ground. The
camp is in the timber. The water is very scarce and poor at that.
Monday, 28th — We had company drill at 9 a. m. The weather
is getting very warm ; the sun shines hot, and we are sweeping
'The brigade dating from April 27, 1862, became known as "Crock
er's Iowa Brigade." It remained together throughout the war and
maintains an organization to this day. — A. G. D.

THE BATTLES IN AND AROUND CORINTH 47
(April, 1862)
our camp with brush brooms. We are being kept quite active,
the doctors, we hear, having told the officers that the men would
have better health if kept at work.
7 uesday, 29th — We received orders this afternoon to march
out towards Purdy, about twelve miles, to be in readiness as a
supporting column to General Wallace in command of the right.
He was expecting to be attacked by the rebels and sent for re
inforcements. We went in light marching order without knap
sacks, and we have to lie on our arms at night.
Wednesday, 30th — We were routed from our beds of leaves
at 4 o'clock and moved on two miles farther in the direction of
Purdy, when we received word from General Wallace that we
were not needed. We marched back to camp, arriving here about
noon, in a heavy rainstorm, soaked to the skin and covered with
mud. We had lain all night with rifle in hand, in a heavy tim
ber, on beds of leaves, without blankets, and some of the boys
caught cold. The Eleventh Iowa was inspected today for pay.
Thus ends this month in old Tennessee.
MAY, 1862.
Thursday, ist — We received marching orders, and striking
our tents moved four miles further toward Corinth. All of the
Sixth Division moved forward today. We went to work and
cleaned up our camp in a heavy piece of timber. This is camp
number 3.
Friday, 2d — It is warm and pleasant. The water is very
scarce at this camp and poor in quality. We hear the sound of
cannon in the front every day. The Sixth Division is in the sec
ond line of battle, but we are building no fortifications, as we are
moved from right to left, as the case may be, in support of either
wing of the army whenever reinforcements are called for.
Saturday, 3d — We struck our tents and at 7 a. m. started in
the direction of Corinth. After marching eight miles we pitched
our tents for camp number 4. All of the sick boys have been
sent to the hospital set up at camp number 2, which we left a
few days ago. General Pope has taken Farmington, out to the
left of our army. There was some very heavy cannonading this
afternoon.

48 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1862)
Sunday, 4th — It rained nearly all day. We received orders to
cook four days' rations and be ready to march at a moment's no
tice. Henry L. Sweet of our company died of fever this morning
at the Division hospital.
Monday, 5th — Nothing of importance. We did not get orders
to move, so we had our regular drills today.
Tuesday, 6th — We had battalion drill this afternoon. News
came that Yorktown has been taken. New troops are still ar
riving and our lines are being extended to the right and left.
A second line is supporting the artillery in the front line and the
second line's flanks are supported by the cavalry.
Wednesday, 7th^ — We struck tents this morning, and moving
three miles around to the right, cleared away the heavy timber
and brush for our camp number 5. Our camp is just at the edge
of the vacated breastworks of the rebels, they having lost them
by being outflanked by our forces. Lieutenant Anderson of Com
pany A returned from home today, having been on furlough.
Thursday, 8th — It is very warm today. Our major drilled
us — the regiment — in the manual of arms. Company E went out
in the evening to reinforce the pickets.
Friday, 9th — We heard some very heavy firing off to the left
towards Farmington. General Pope was compelled to fall back
from Farmington, but has again taken the town.
Saturday, loth — The Eleventh Iowa went out today to rein
force pickets again. Our cavalry had quite a skirmish with the
rebel pickets out on the flanks while driving them in.
Sunday, nth — The Iowa Brigade moved two miles to the
right, nearer to Corinth, and some of our boys came in upon the
rebel pickets. We established another camp — camp number 6.
The Eleventh Iowa was relieved from picket duty this evening.
Monday, I2th^ — Batallion drill today. Sixteen of the boys of
our regiment failed to appear for the drill and later they were
put into a squad by themselves under an officer and pub through
the drill until dark — that was their punishment for disobeying
orders. th^. 'i^^Ji? ^- o??'S^?;"®., °^ Company E, who was severely wounded at
the battle of Shiloh, died on this day at Paducah, Kentucky.— A G D
^On this day George T. Willcott of Company E died of fever in'iScott
Tl°,??*^'rrl'?'"^' t""^ George W. Simmons died of his woundi at Tip?Sn
Iowa This makes Company E's loss in the battle of Shiloh nine— six
killed and three dying of their wounds.— A. G. D. ^^''-'on, nine six

THE BATTLES IN AND AROUND CORINTH 49
(May, 1862)
Tuesday, 13th — We received marching orders this forenoon,
and striking our tents at noon, started off towards the right. We
marched four miles and went into camp — camp number 7. There
was some skinnishing with the pickets today.
Wednesday, 14th — We cleaned up our camp today and had
company drill twice. There was some heavy musketry firing on
the front lines, and the artillery was in action on both sides, but
not much damage was done.
Thursday, i§th — We were expecting to be attacked today by
the rebels' making a charge on our front line and were ordered
to fall in with two days' rations in our haversacks. We marched
out about a mile, and forming a line of battle, remained there till
dark — about six hours — when we moved toward the right wing
and up to camp. The entire right wing of the army has moved
around farther to the right.
Friday, i6th — Nothing of importance has taken place today,
but I think we will have a fight soon. We have plenty of rations,
but the drinking water is very poor. The health of the men is
better, however, since we have become more active, and the men
are getting back their old-time vigor. Some of the boys who
have been sick are now returning to the regiment. Major Aber
crombie is in command of the regiment while Colonel Hare and
Lieutenant-Colonel Hall are at home recovering from wounds re
ceived at Shiloh.
Saturday, 17th — We were ordered to strike tent and march
out to the picket line and form in line of battle. Here we re
mained in line until after dark. There was heavy cannonading
and musketry firing all along the line and it continued all day.
We pitched our tents in a heavy piece of timber and established
camp number 8, in our siege of Corinth.
Stmday, i8th — Our brigade threw up four miles of fortifica
tions, earthworks, and also forts for the artillery. We were ex
pecting to be attacked by the rebels' making an effort to turn
our right flank, so we were in line of battle all day. The pick
ets have been fighting all day, for the only action taken by the
rebels was trying to drive in our pickets.
Monday, 19th — We were ordered to strike our tents and move
to the right, but just as we were ready to fall into line, the order

50 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1862)
was countermanded and we were ordered to go to throwing up
breastworks. It was reported that the rebels were going to
come out of their breastworks and attack us. The pickets were
fighting all day, and there was brisk skirmishing and cannonad
ing all along the front. Our entire picket line has been reinforced
by extra men.
Tuesday, 20th — Things are a little more quiet today, the can
nonading not being so brisk, although the skirmishers are keeping
up a lively firing all along the line.
Wednesday, 21st — The right wing moved up closer upon the
fortifications of the rebels and although they tried to drive our
men back, they failed in the attempt. There is very heavy can
nonading and skirmishing. The left wing of our army is under
command of General Pope. The earthworks between the two
armies are getting very close to each other.
Thit-rsday, 22d — Things were a little more quiet this forenoon,
but there was some very heavy cannonading off on the left flank
this afternoon. Skirmishing is still going on between the pick
ets. There are not many men being killed on either side, since
they are well protected by their respective fortifications ; it is when
they have to advance on skirmish in the open that they suffer
losses. Friday, 23d— We formed a line of battle at 4 o'clock this
morning, but the rebels did not make their expected attack. The
army generally now forms a line of battle every morning at 4
and remains in line until about 6 o'clock. It rained some today,
and on account of the wet weather it was only at times that there
was activity along the lines.
Saturday, 24th — The Eleventh Iowa went out on picket at 5
o'clock this evening. It was reported in camp that General
Beauregard is moving all of his heavy ordnance and his entire
army to the south with a view of evacuating Corinth. The re
port says that teams loaded with munitions of war are leaving
Corinth every day.
Sunday, 25th — We stood in line of battle out on picket all
night, and were relieved at 9 o'clock this morning. There's a
report in camp to the effect that General Pope is desirous of mov-

THE BATTLES IN AND AROUND CORINTH 51
(May, 1862)
ing his command around by the left flank to get into the rear of
Corinth and cut off the retreat of the rebels. General Halleck,
however, would not give him permission, as, he did not want to
take any chances in allowing his army to be divided, thereby giv
ing the rebels the opportunity of attacking and defeating each
part separately. It is estimated that Halleck has about one hun
dred thousand men in his command here about Corinth, and we
hear that Beauregard has about the same number.^
Monday, 26th — It is very warm. Had company drill twice
again today. There was very heavy cannonading off on the left
flank. Tuesday, 27th — Things are quiet all along the lines today.
Our supplies and ammunition are hauled by team from Pittsburg
Landing. We still draw our full army rations every five days.
Wednesday, 28th — Some very hard fighting out on the right
flank. Our men were driven back from their line, but rallied and
regained the ground lost. In the mix-up we took some prisoners
and there were some killed and wounded on both sides.
Thursday, 29th — There was heavy cannonading today off on
the left flank and the pickets are still fighting. General Pope cut
the railroad and with the aid of the Second Iowa Cavalry burned
a train of cars and took one thousand stand of arms.
Friday, jo^/i^Corinth was evacuated during the night. Upon
leaving, the rebels burned the depot and several houses, besides
a large amount of other property, and also blew up their powder
magazine. They burned some cars loaded with their own sup
plies which they could not get away because they had no engi
neers. At daylight General Pope with his force entered Corinth
and then went in hot pursuit of the rebels.
Saturday, 31st — There was still some fighting today with the
fleeing rebels, and we took some prisoners, but the main part of
the army had too much of a start on us.
The Eleventh Iowa received four months' pay today. I drew
$53.00. We had to make settlement at this time for all clothing
purchased. 'Beauregard had been reinforced and now had a force of 50,000. See
Rhodes Vol. III. page 628.— Ed.

52 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1862)
JUNE, 1862.
Sunday, ist — It rained all day. I took "French leave" this
morning and went into Corinth. The town appears to be de
serted and it is a dilapidated looking place, as so much of it has
been destroyed. I found it to be a fine place, however, on high
ground, and when rebuilt it will be beautiful. There are two
railroads running through the town and there are good schools
and a college. The country around is rich and the farms are
well fenced.
Monday, 2d — I was one of a hundred men detailed to clean
up our camp ground. Pope's men who went in pursuit of the
rebels are returning and going into camp in and around Corinth.
I spent $1.00 for peaches and bread at the sutler's tent.
Tuesday, 3d — The weather is very hot. We have no picket
duty now, but get plenty of exercise by regular drills, having
company drill twice a day. We also get exercise in keeping the
camp clean ; have to sweep it every morning.
Wednesday, 4th — Nothing of importance. Some of the troops
are returning to Pittsburg Landing, a part of them to go down
the Tennessee river and then up the Cumberland to reinforce the
army in eastern Tennessee, and the others are to join the forces
going down the Mississippi.
Thursday, f/th — We received marching orders with one day's
rations. It is reported that General Buell will move with the
Army of the Ohio into central Tennessee. It is clear and hot
today. Friday, 6th — We struck our tents and at 7 a. m. started on
our march. We marched through Corinth and went into camp
again about a mile northwest of town, making camp number 9.
The Eleventh Iowa went out on picket.
Saturday, 7th — I stood out on picket all day. We were re
lieved from picket this evening about dark. We were posted in
a heavy timber about two miles out, on one of the main roads
leading to town. Water is very scarce and poor at that. We
have to go a mile from camp for our drinking water, and to a
branch the same distance to do our washing.
Sunday, 8th — We received orders to clean up for inspection
and a detail of men was put to work cleaning up the parade

THE BATTLES IN AND AROUND CORINTH 53
(June, 1862)
ground. We have a fine drill ground out in a large field. But
the camp being out in the open, the sun beats down pretty hot
upon the tents.
Monday, 9th — It is dry and hot. We are at work building
fortifications here on a large scale, Corinth being an important
point for either arrfiy to hold, as it is the key to Mississippi and
Alabama. The bulk of the Army of the Tennessee is left here,
while detachments of the original hundred thousand under Hal
leck are being sent to other commands to act as reinforcements.
Tuesday, loth — It is dry and hot. I wrote a letter to father
enclosing $50.00 of the $53.00 which I received from the Gov
ernment on May 31st, and in greenbacks at that. I had $1.86
coming to me over and above the allowance the Government
makes for clothing, which is $40.00 a year.
Wednesday, nth — I was on guard today at General Todd's
headquarters. The weather is very hot. The teams all went to
the river for provisions. We are establishing a good camp at
this place. We raised our wedge tents up from the ground and
built bunks for our beds instead of lying down on the ground.^
Thursday, 12th — The farmers living about here are cutting
their wheat ; some have already begun stacking. Wheat here is
good, with some especially fine fields, but some fields were en
tirely destroyed during the siege of Corinth. The corn is not as
good on account of the cold, wet spring.
Friday, 13th — It came the Eleventh Iowa's turn to go on pick
et today. The teams still have to go to Pittsburg Landing, twen
ty-two miles from Corinth, for provisions and ammunition for the
army. Saturday, 14th — We came in from picket this morning, having
been relieved by the Thirteenth Iowa. We do not have much
idle time here, for besides keeping our camp and clothing clean,
we have picket duty and fatigue duty on the fortifications.
Sunday, ijth — There were five hundred men from the Sixth
Division detailed to go out and cut down the timber in front of
the fortifications around the camp. The trees are cut so as to
make them fall outward toward the approach of an enemy; the
branches are then sharpened, making what is called an abatis.
'This was the first time that we built bunks for our beds, raised up
from the ground. — A. G. D.

54 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1862)
The trees in a space six hundred feet wide and twenty miles long
are being felled. We had company inspection at 5 o'clock in the
evening. Monday, i6th — It came my turn for the first time to go on
fatigue. Our men are throwing up a line of breastworks and
building some very strong forts. I worked all day at one of the
big forts built for the siege guns. The fort is fifteen feet high,
with a ditch in front fifteen feet wide and ten feet deep. At the
top within each fort the guns will be mounted on a dirt platform
about ten feet high so as to afford a good view in front. When
the works are completed on this grand scale it will require one
million men to defend them.^
Tuesday, 17th — It is very hot. Nothing of importance.
Wednesday, i8th — It is very hot, but the troops are iri fine
spirits. Some of the boys who were wounded at Shiloh, together
with those who went home on furloughs on account of sickness,
are now returning to their commands.
Thursday, 19th — Drill is now all dispensed with on account of
the hot weather. But the men are kept busy at fatigue and picket
duty. Friday, 20th — Our regiment went out on picket this evening.
Water is very scarce out on the picket line and so we have our
canteens filled in the evening before we go out.
Saturday, 21st — We were relieved this morning by the Thir
teenth Iowa. Some of the fruit in this locality is beginning to
ripen and we will have some variety in our rations.
Sunday, 22d — We had company inspection at 5 o'clock this
evening. Our chaplain, John S. Whittlesey, died of diphtheria
on May nth at Durant, Iowa, and our regiment has no chaplain
at present. We have no services on Sunday now, except that
some of the companies occasionally have prayer meetings.
Monday, 23d — Nothing of importance. I went out to the
branch a mile from camp to do my washing. Burtis Rumsey of
our company has been sick for about two weeks and he begged
me to take two of his shirts along and wash them for him, so I
'These works were never completed, the commanding general hav
ing called off the work. It was a good thing that it was discontinued,
for the heavy work during the hot weather would have greatly injured
the men. — A. G. D. = .> j

THE BATTLES IN AND AROUND CORINTH 55
(June, 1862)
did. I used a small camp kettle which the company cook has set
aside for boiling clothes. Some of the boys in the company hire
colored women to wash their clothes. I prefer to do my own
washing. Tuesday, 24th — Our camp was inspected today by the brigade
commander. Colonel Hare arrived in camp today. The boys
were very glad to see him come back to the regiment.
Wednesday, 23th — The weather is very hot today and our
camp is becoming very dry and dusty. Twenty-seven men were
detailed this morning to clean up our camp for general inspection.
Thursday, 26th — The Eleventh Iowa went out on picket. The
Third Brigade of the Sixth Division was inspected by the general
inspector of the army. Men and camp both passed inspection
quite satisfactorily.
Friday, 27th — We were relieved from picket this morning by
the Thirteenth Iowa. Blackberries are beginning to ripen and
seem to be plentiful. Fresh fruit with our rations will lighten
our worii.
Saturday, 28th — It rained this morning and the air is nice and
cool. We worked most of the day cleaning up for another in
spection — polishing our shoes, belts, cartridge boxes and muskets,
besides sweeping the camp ground.
Sunday, 29th — We had inspection this morning at 8 o'clock
by the general inspector. Colonel Hall and Captain McLoney ar
rived from home this morning. The Colonel had been wounded
at Shiloh and went home to let the wound heal. Mrs. Hall is
with the Colonel in camp and the men of the regiment have great
respect for her; she is so kind to the sick in the regimental hos
pital. Monday, 30th — The Eleventh Iowa was mustered for pay this
morning. The men all looked fine— well and clean. None had
on ragged clothing and few were absent from the regiment on
account of sickness.
This ends June, with us in a good camp near Corinth, Mississ
ippi.
JULY, 1862.
Tuesday, ist — Received orders to cook four days' rations and
be ready to move at a moment's notice. We had everything in

56 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1862)
readiness when late in the evening the order was countermanded.
Wednesday, 2d — I went out about a half mile from camp to
pick blackberries, and I picked a gallon of them and sold them to
the hospital steward for $1.25.
Thursday, 3d — The Eleventh Iowa went out on picket duty.
I was on guard at division headquarters, my post being in a large
orchard, and my orders were to keep all soldiers out of it.^
Friday, 4th — ^The Eleventh Iowa came in from picket. The
weather is very hot. This is my first Fourth of July in the army.
Things appear so lonesome. The battery boys of our brigade
took their battery of six guns out a short distance from camp and
fired a salute to celebrate the day.
Saturday, 5th — There is nothing of importance. Everything
seems quite dull. There are but few whites left in Corinth and
we seldom see white natives anywhere. There are some colored
people in town, women and children, but the able-bodied men
have all been taken off with the rebels. Some colored men are
coming into camp from the plantations.
Sunday, 6th — It is very hot today. We had company inspec
tion this morning. No news of importance.
Monday, 7th — No news of importance. We have to haul our
water for the camp. The springs where we get our drinking
water have become very low on account of the dry weather. Our
quartermaster has to send the teams three miles distant for water.
I went out about four miles to the south with a squad of men to
slaughter some cattle and to bring in some fodder for the mules.
Tuesday, 8th — The rebels in this locality are not making
much of an effort to retake Corinth. The report in camp is that
they have sent the greater part of their forces east to reinforce
their army in and around Richmond. News came this evening
that General McClellan has been whipped and is now retreating
from Richmond.
Wednesday, pth — Nothing of importance today. Our regi
ment went out on picket again. Our picket line and reserve post
are both in heavy timber and so we do not have to be in the hot
sun while on duty.
'Such orders soon got to be a Joke with the men, they in a quiet
way giving the commanding officers to understand that they did not
go down South to protect Confederate property. In a short time all
guards were taken from orchards or anything which the men wanted
for food. — A. G. D.

THE BATTLES IN AND AROUND CORINTH 57
(July, 1862)
Thursday, loth — The regiment returned from picket this morn
ing at 8 o'clock, the Thirteenth coming out to relieve us. The
roads are becoming very dusty and a regiment of men with a few
mules can kick up a big dust. The soil is a sandy loam, and so
fine and of such a color as to look like smoke from even a short
distance. Friday, nth — Nothing of importance today. The weather is
very warm. The entire army is engaged on the fortifications and
in felling trees, and besides picket duty we have to keep the camp
clean and our accouterments polished. Every man has his rifle
in readiness. Saturday, i2th — We had company inspection again as usual.
A good many negroes are coming into camp. Some of the men
who are strong enough to work and who want to be free are
given work on the fortifications. A number of the officers are
adopting negro boys as servants, and some of the most intelligent
boys are being sent North to be educated.
Sunday, 13th — No news of importance. Some of the men oc
casionally get into religious discussions. There are two of them
rather strong in the Universalist doctrine. One of them who
reads the Bible a good bit got into a discussion today with some
of the men. While some of the boys are church members in
their homes, there are a good many who are not.
Monday, 14th — The weather is very warm ; it is sweltering.
I was detailed with a squad of men from our regiment under
command of the quartermaster to go out with the trains to get
some corn and fodder for the mules and horses. The Govern
ment has adopted the policy of paying for all material taken on
a foraging expedition. But this is upon one condition only, viz. ;
the quartermaster issues a requisition on the Secretary of War
for all material taken, and then if the owner of the property can
prove his loyalty to the Government, he will get his pay for the
same ; if he cannot prove it, he will be classed as a rebel and will
get nothing.
Tuesday, 15th — No news from Richmond.
Wednesday, i6th — Our regiment went out on picket. I went
on camp guard.
Thursday, 17th — It rained all last night and everybody is
thankful, as it has become so dry and dusty. There are a few

58 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1862)
cases of sickness in our regiment, due to the extremely hot weath
er — a few cases of typhoid fever and some are suffering from
chronic diarrhea.
Friday, i8th — The weather is very hot. Colonel Hare took
the regiment out on the drill ground for battalion drill, but we
remained out only a half hour, since four or five men were over
come with the heat and had to be taken back to their tents.
Saturday, 19th — Everything is very quiet. With the excep
tion of a few cases, the health of the men in camp is generally
good. But the men are becoming restless. All would rather be
in active service, for this camp service will never bring the war
to a close.
Sunday, 20th — No news of importance. The weather is very
hot. We had company inspection this morning, after which, be
cause of the intense heat, the men remained in their tents. None
were out during the day except those detailed on duty.
Monday, 21st — It is very warm and dusty today. There are
some fine orchards around Corinth and the apples and peaches
are beginning to ripen now. Fresh fruit will help out our ra
tions and add freshness and variety.
Tuesday, 22d — We removed our tents and had a general clean
up of the camp. We made brush brooms, took down all tents,
swept the ground, then pitched our tents again.
Wednesday, 23d — Our regiment is out on picket today. It
rained all day. We seldom see any of the rebel cavalry in
this locality, yet we always maintain a strong picket line so as
not to be taken by surprise. We are expecting them to make
a raid upon Corinth any time.
Thursday, 24th — We were relieved from picket this morning
by the Thirteenth. Wild fruit is becoming plentiful and while
on picket we added quite a variety to our rations.
Friday, 25th — The quartermaster drew some clothing today
for our regiment. The regiment was out for drill today, with
better success than the other day when it was so hot.
Saturday, 26th — Nothing of importance. Much of our time
in camp is taken up with the question of rations. During this hot
weather the regular army rations are drawn, but the men use very
little of the salt bacon. But the bacon being issued, the company

THE BATTLES IN AND AROUND CORINTH 59
(July, 1862)
cook takes care of it and now has a wagon load of it stacked up
beside his tent, anyone being permitted to go and help himself to
it. At noon the company cook prepares the bean soup and cooks
the pickled beef, after which he calls out for every man to come
and get his portion. All the other rations are issued every five
days, each man carrying his portion in his haversack. We have
had no Irish potatoes issued for eight months now, but fresh beef
we draw, sometimes twice a week, and it is cooked for us by the
company cook. The rations are all of good quality with the
exception of crackers, which at times are a little worm-eaten.
Sunday, 27th — We had regimental inspection this morning by
Colonel Hare. We received orders to march in the morning.
The Eleventh Iowa lost two men by disease while here in this
camp — such is the penalty of camp life.

60 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1862)

Chapter VII.
On Guard at Bolivar, Tennessee. July 28-September 11.
Monday, 28th — We struck our tents and at sunup started on
our march for Bolivar, Tennessee. Our guide took us on the
wrong road and we countermarched about ten miles, thus not
being far from our starting point. The guide was tied and taken
back to Corinth.^ It is very warm and the roads are dusty. Our
road being on high ground, we found water very scarce, and
what little we got was of poor quality. General Tuttle is in com
mand of our division, the Sixth.
Tuesday, 29th — We got on the right road and started at 8
o'clock this morning. We marched twelve miles and bivouacked
for the night. The weather is extremely hot and the roads are
very dusty. Orlando Stout of Company E fell out of the ranks
today, and getting too far behind, was taken prisoner.
Wednesday, 30th^-We camped on a large "secesh" plantation
last night. The owner of it being a general in the rebel
army, we made ourselves at home, killing all the cattle that we
wanted and taking all the honey that we could carry away with
us. We started at 8 o'clock this morning and marched fourteen
miles, when we bivouacked for the night.
Thursday, 31st — We started at 8 o'clock this morning and
arrived at Bolivar at 12 o'clock noon. We went into camp two
miles east of town on the banks of the Hatchie river. Our camp
is in a fine piece of timber, well shaded. I was almost played out
when we arrived in camp; the weather being so hot, it was hard
work to carry knapsack and accouterments and keep up with the
company. Our officers are expecting to be attacked at this place
and have put three or four hundred negroes to work throwing
up breastworks. There is some very pretty land in this part of
old Tennessee and there are some very nice farms. The timber
here is chiefly of white oak, but there is some poplar and beech.
Bolivar is a fine town and has one railroad.
'I never learned what became of him. — A. G. D.

ON GUARD AT BOLIVAR, TENNESSEE 61
(August, 1862)
AUGUST, 1862.
Friday, ist — All hands are at work cleaning up our camp.
We have a very pretty camping ground right on the bank of the
river. The entire Crocker Brigade is in this camp and is in com
mand of General Crocker.
Saturday, 2d — I was detailed on brigade guard this morning,
but was taken sick while at my post and was relieved at 1 1 a. m.
Sunday, 3d — When the sick call was made this morning, I
went to see the doctor for the first time. I was threatened with
fever and the doctor gave me three "Blue Mass" pills and marked
me off duty for three days.
Monday, 4th^—I slipped out today between two guards and
going up the river about a mile to a bakery near a mill, I
bought a dozen apple pies. I returned safely to camp and sold
the pies to some of the boys for double what I paid for them.
Orders are very strict against absence from camp, for it is re
ported that a large force of the rebels is in this locality, and
they may charge upon our camp any time.
Tuesday, 5th — The Eleventh Iowa drew two months' pay to
day. I received $26. We are able to purchase most any kind of
goods needed, right here at Bolivar only two miles from camp.
Wednesday, 6th — I went on guard again. The boys are hav
ing high times today ; all having plenty of money, they are mak
ing it lively in camp. But those on guard duty are having hard
work because of the hot weather; for with dress coat buttoned
up, all accouterments strapped on, and carrying musket at right
shoulder shift, one can easily see what warm work it is walking
the beat.
Thursday, 7th — Nothing of importance. Everything is quiet
in camp. The rebels are not giving us much anxiety yet, but
our officers are not napping; a strong picket is constantly kept
in line. Friday, 8th — No news of importance. The officers are hav
ing considerable trouble in keeping the boys from getting through
the lines. We have regular brigade guard to keep the men in
camp, yet every day a few slip through when the guards are
walking in opposite directions. But now, every morning at guard

62 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1862)
mount, the officer of the day gives strict orders that guard num
ber I shall walk his beat so that he will be looking at guard num
ber 2, and continuing thus around the entire camp, so that all get
ting to the end of their beats at the same time face about and
proceed as before, each looking toward the guard ahead of him.
Saturday, 9th — The weather is very hot and during the day
the men not on duty keep close to camp. There are some fine
orchards in this locality and we get plenty of fruit now, as all
orchard guards have been removed. The men are given passes
and every day four or five from each company go out to get fruit.
Sunday, loth — We had company inspection this morning. We
received orders to sweep the camp twice a day from now on. Our
new chaplain, Chauncey H. Remington, conducted preaching
services in the evening on the regimental parade ground.
Monday, nth — I wrote a letter home today and sent a ten-
dollar bill in it. I am sending home nearly all my pay from the
Government, with the understanding that father is to keep it for
me. Tuesday, 12th — We just learned that Ebenezer McCullough
of Company E died of chronic diarrhea at Corinth, on the third
of this month. His home was at Davenport, Iowa.
Wednesday, 13th — The weather is very hot. I was on camp
guard today when one of the guards suddenly became sick. I
was number 24 in the first relief, and the man next to me, number
25, got sick. He called out to me, "Corporal the guard number
25." It then became my duty to repeat the same call, "Corporal
the guafd number 25," to the guard next to me, number 23, who
made the same call to the guard next to him, and in this way
the call went down the line to guard No. i. Guard number i
then sent the same call to the corporal of the guardhouse, who
went out to guard number 25 to see what he wanted. When he
was found to be sick another guard was brought out to relieve
guard number 25.
Thursday, 14th — The Eleventh Iowa was ordered to move
across the river, which we did this afternoon and went into camp
on a low piece of ground. Our regiment is to guard the railroad
track for four miles. We have to go on duty every other day
and have to see that the rebels do not come and tear up the
track.

ON GUARD AT BOLIVAR, TENNESSEE 63
(August, 1862)
Friday, 13th — There was a very heavy rainstorm last night.
We pitched our tents and built the bunks in them today, and are
again quite well settled in camp. This is my birthday — twenty
years old, and I have done a hard day's work, setting up our tent
and building bunks, after having been all night on picket. I have
now served almost a year in the army and it has been an active
year's work, too.
Saturday, i6th — Ten men from each company are detailed
every morning to stand on picket, while the others patrol the rail
road tracks. The first thing we do is to form a line of battle
every morning at 4 o'clock.
Sunday, 17th — Nothing of importance. We had company in
spection early this morning. Because of the hot weather, all men
not on duty stay close to their tents in the shade.
Monday, i8th — We are having some very hot weather. Since
coming to Bolivar, each man is permitted to cook his rations in
his own way, and so every man has a frying pan of some sort,
and a tin peach can in which to boil his coffee. One man in our
company, "Long John," as the boys have nicknamed him, is a
great coffee drinker. He carries a two-quart peach can strapped
to his haversack, and every day buys up one or two rations of
coffee from the boys who do not use much.
Tuesday, 19th — We received orders that two companies are
to go out every three days about four miles east of the camp, to
guard the railroad at the deep cut. On the third day they are to
be relieved by two other companies from the regiment. It is a
dangerous place to be on picket.
Wednesday, 20th — Nothing of importance.
Thursday, 21st — There is one train a day over the railroad.
It is a combination train, and comes in at 6 p. m. and departs at
8 o'clock in the morning. The train does not run at night for
fear the track might be torn up, as the rebels are so near.
Some very hot weather now. We get all the fruit that we
want here, and have plenty of other rations at this camp. We
have fresh pork and sweet potatoes. The potatoes we either boil
in kettles or bake in ashes.
Friday, 22d — No news of importance. The rebels are not
making any attacks on us, but they keep us busy watching them.

64 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1862)
Saturday, 23d — Some very hot weather today. It is my tum
off duty today, but I dread the picket tomorrow on the main road
going into Bolivar.
Sunday, 24th — I went out on picket this morning to remain
at the one post for twenty-four hours. I was on vedette for eight
hours, two hours at a time. The vedette has to stand out in ad
vance of the reserve post, one hundred yards or more. This post
is about three miles east from Bolivar on the main road, having
a high rail fence on either side. If the rebels should make a
raid on the town, they would have to come in on this road.
Monday, 25th — Companies E and K went out on railroad
guard, to the deep cut about four miles east of our camp. We
went to relieve Companies C and H and are to stay out two days.
We have to patrol about five miles of the track to the east of our
reserve post, making nine miles of track to guard. Our reserve
stays in a schoolhouse located on a high piece of ground close
by the railroad. We have to keep a strong picket line all night.
Our drinking water here is excellent, and we have all the peaches
and apples that we can eat. Some rain this evening.
Tuesday, 26th — We remained on railroad guard all day again.
Nothing of importance happened, but we had quite an exciting
time for a while last night. When George Cush of Company E
was on vedette, he thought he heard someone ahead of him in
the brush, and gave the usual command to halt, but without re
sponse. Then as the noise continued he let fire, and although
he hit nothing, yet that shot was enough to arouse the whole re
serve post, and we remained in line the rest of the night, think
ing that the rebels would make a charge on us before daylight.
In the morning, upon investigation, we concluded that the noise
must have been made by a hog or a calf, for there was not the
least sign of the rebels. But the boys of the company began
teasing George about his scare, and it is not likely that they will
let him know the last of it for some time.
Wednesday, 27th — Companies G and B came out this morn
ing to relieve us from picket duty at the big cut. We have had
very little rest while on picket and patrol during the last forty-
eight hours. Our regiment has begun building fortifications here
at Bolivar ; some negroes drifting into camp have been put to this

ON GUARD AT BOLIVAR, TENNESSEE 65
(August, 1862)
work. The rebels to the south of us are getting bolder, and have
driven in some of our outer pickets.
Thursday, 28th — Nothing of importance. We are enjoying a
well-earned rest in camp today, after having been without sleep
for forty-eight hours. Our camp ground is getting dryer and
more settled, and the weather is more pleasant.
Friday, 29th — No news of importance. We are all on fatigue
duty today, building rifle-pits and a fort. Our fortifications are
not on high ground, but in case of an attack upon our camp, they
would give us ample protection.
Saturday, 30th — We are on guard every other day now. I
am on picket post again on the main road out east from our camp.
There are thirty of us with a captain in command. I stood on
vedette for eight hours. Our reserve post is close by a farm
house owned by a man named Patrick. He has a great many
slaves who are out in the fields picking cotton, and they have a
colored foreman, a slave at that, over them. But Patrick himself
is the "driver," though he seems to be kind to his slaves, who are
mostly women and children. Patrick had been forced into the
army of the Confederacy, but he escaped, and returning to his
plantation, he hopes now to remain within the Union lines.
Sunday, 31st — Our pickets at the south edge of town were
driven in by the rebels, and expecting to be attacked, the right
wing of our detachment was in line of battle all day. We have
now been in camp at this place all month and the work which we
have been called upon to do has been very strenuous. I was on
picket half the time, patrolling the railroad, and I spent the other
half on special picket and on fortifications. I have been in good
health.
SEPTEMBER, 1862.
Monday, ist — We were expecting to be attacked today and
so were in line of battle most of the time. Our pickets to the
south of town are still skirmishing.^ The weather is very hot.
>It was the belief in camp that there was only a fmaU force Of the
enemy in the locality of Bolivar, but that they were quite active to make
nnrSjmmanders think that they Were here in large force to take the place
and »rSake Slkeep a large force there while their rea objeotlve was
rorintii We had tlien but a small force at Corinth while the Confed
erates had^heir main army in the vicinity of luka. Mississippi, with the
view of capturing Corinth. — ^A. G. D.

66 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1862)
Tuesday, 2d — There was some fighting south of town this
morning and there is still some skirmishing. Old Patrick and
several other citizens left, for they were afraid that the rebels
would catch them and hang them. They had violated their oaths
to support the Confederacy and then when the Union army
took this section they had sworn to support the United States,
and now thinking that this place would be retaken, they got out
so as not to fall into the hands of the rebels.
Wednesday, 3d — Our regiment had to fall in line of battle
this morning at 2 o'clock so that if the rebels should attack us
they would not find us in our beds. The rebels did not appear
and a big detail was put to work on the fortifications. When
these works are completed a small force can hold them against
a force five times the size.
Thursday, 4th — Companies E and K went out on railroad
guard at the deep cut, to relieve Companies C and H. We are
guarding the road for a distance of seven miles. We have some
very strict orders on guard; every man has to be on guard all
the time, as the rebels may come out of the brush at any moment,
and if we should be caught napping, some of us would surely be
killed. Friday, 5th — We are still on guard at the big cut, with car
tridge boxes on and muskets by our sides. It was reported that
the rebels were coming to attack us last night and there was no
sleep for us. They did not come, but I hope that they will not
deceive us any more.
Saturday, 6th — We were relieved this morning by Companies
B and G and arrived in camp at 11 o'clock. All are glad to get
back to tent for a good rest, after having been on duty for forty-
eight hours.
Sunday, 7th — There have been no rebels to see us yet. Things
are very quiet today ; the weather being so hot, no one cares to
stir. Monday, 8th — It rained all last night. Bolivar has a town
clock which can be heard as far out as our camp. The town
watchman keeps calling out the hours till 2 or even 4 o'clock in
the morning, ending with his monotonous "all's well." The feel
ing of the boys is that all is not well when hundreds of men have
to be out on vedette with drawn muskets ready for a fight, and

ON GUARD AT BOLIVAR, TENNESSEE 67
(September, 1862)
that the watchman had better dispense with the announcement
until this war is over.
Tuesday, 9th — Nothing of importance. We are still working
on the fortifications ; those at work are relieved from picket duty
at night. The rebels are not as bold as they were a few days ago.
The talk in camp is that our brigade will leave in two or three
days for Corinth.
Wednesday, loth — We finished building Fort Hall, on the
north side of town, and when the artillery boys get the cannon
mounted, we will be ready for the rebels.
Thursday, nth — ^The brigade received marching orders to
leave in the morning at daylight and we packed our knapsacks
today. The talk is that we are to go to Corinth. A small force
is to be left here to hold the fort, and it will require a large number
to take it. Bolivar has some loyal citizens who will be protected
in this way, but we are sorry to bid these people good-bye, per
haps for all time to come. We have been in camp here forty-
two days and all the time engaged in hard service — on picket,
fatigue and patrol duty, besides often in line of battle.

68 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1862)

Chapter VIII.
The Battles of luka and Corinth. Chasing Price and Forti
fying Corinth. September 12-October 31.
Friday, I2th — We struck our tents at daylight and at 8 o'clock
left Bolivar for Corinth, Mississippi, about forty-five or fifty
miles distant. We marched fifteen miles and bivouacked for the
night on the banks of the Hatchie river. The weather is very
hot and the water is scarce, which, together with the dusty roads,
makes traveling hard work. The men, however, are in good
health and spirits ; only a few found it necessary to call on the
doctor for aid in having their accouterments carried.
Saturday, 13th — We started at 7 o'clock and marched fifteen
miles. Bivouacked for the night on the banks of the Tuscumbie
river. It was very warm and dusty marching, but all held their
places in the ranks. It is said that the rebels' cavalry which kept
up close to our rear guard, had something to do with keeping the
men in line, for anyone falling out behind would surely have been
taken prisoner.
Sunday, 14th — We started early this morning with General
Crocker in command and marched fifteen miles without stopping
to get a drink. But several of the men became overheated, for
it was a dreadfully hot day and the roads were dusty. We
reached Corinth at 1 p. m., and going out a mile south of town,
stacked arms and remained there the rest of the day. We were
nearly famished when we reached Corinth. Our road was on a
pine ridge, hot and dusty, with a mile to water on either side, and
it was utterly impossible for one to fall out of rank, get water,
catch up and get back to his place in line. It was one of the
hardest marches I have ever been on.^ On passing through the
town, by the college grounds, the young lady students worked
hard at drawing water from the well and giving it to the men
to quench their thirst. We bivouacked in a large cotton field, as
our teams had not yet arrived with our tents. It commenced to
rain about sundown and we lay on the ground without any pro
tection. ' The fast march and doing without water so long was all uncalled
for, as after we got to Corinth we did nothing but lie around. — A. G. D.

THE BATTLES OF lUKA AND CORINTH 69
(September, 1862)
Monday, 15th — -We pitched our tents and built our bunks to
day. It had rained all night and rained some more this after
noon. The men are not pleased with this camp ground, as it is
low and level. There will be a great many on the sick list jf we
remain here. On account of the dry weather all summer, the
springs no longer furnish the branch with running water, and we
are compelled to get our drinking water from a stagnant pool.
Our former camp here in Corinth, which we left in July, was on
high ground and all had hoped that we would be permitted to
occupy that spot, but we were disappointed in that — such is the
life of a soldier.
Tuesday, i6th — We drew some clothing today ; I got a rubber
poncho, which cost $2.50. It is about three by six feet, with
eyelets every six inches all around the edges, so by four men
going together in bivouac and putting their ponchos over a pole
resting on two forks, they will have a roof that will tum rain
better than any canvas roof. They are good, heavy rubber cloth.
Wednesday, //^/t—Our division started at 6 o'clock this morn
ing, leaving all our baggage in the tents. Each man is carrying
sixty rounds of ammunition, and only such teams as are needed
to haul extra ammunition are taken along. The whole Union
army, excepting a small garrison left at Corinth, is on the move.
We are marching out to the northwest, but the men do not know
where they are headed for. We marched twenty-five miles to
day, and went into bivouac for the night. We got our gum
blankets just in time, as it rained nearly all day, and the roads
became very muddy, especially where the artillery went. The
men built fires tonight to dry their clothes.
Thursday, i8th — It rained all night and till about 10 o'clock
in the morning. We were on the march again for fifteen miles
and then bivouacked for the night. We have traveled forty miles
in the two days and learn that we are about ten miles from Cor
inth. Friday, ipth — Each man w'as ordered to have sixty rounds of
cartridges, and leaving our bivouac, we marched a short dis
tance and formed a line of battle waiting for the sound of cannon
from Rosecrans' men in and around luka, on the opposite side of
the rebels. Not hearing anything we slowly moved forward about
four miles through the woods, remaining all the while in line of

70 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1862)
battle. We drove the rebel pickets in. At noon the Eleventh
Iowa was on a high piece of ground in open field awaiting orders.
Some of the boys started fires to boil their coffee, and the rebels,
seeing the smoke, opened with a few shots from a battery of four-
pounders. Then our battery of heavy guns, lying in front of us,
suddenly opened up on them and soon put them out of business.
But the boys put out their campfires in short order. When the
rebels first opened fire upon us, I was lying on the ground rest
ing my head upon my knapsack and a ball passed just over me,
striking the ground at my left. That was a closer call than I
cared to have and I did not think of taking a nap again.
Saturday, 20th — We remained in line of battle all night and
early this morning advanced in a line about two miles, when we
received orders to march on into luka. The rebels retreated dur
ing the night, and General Rosecrans' forces are after them. We
learned this morning that a battle had been fought yesterday
here by Rosecrans' forces alone. When we were waiting for the
sound of Rosecrans' cannon, we could not hear them on account
of an unfavorable wind. The rebels attacked him and made the
fight come off a day before the time set for our capture of them.
The Sixteenth Iowa of Crocker's Brigade had been detached from
us and sent forward, being the only regiment of our brigade en
gaged in the fight. Their loss was fourteen killed. The Fifth
Iowa in Rosecrans' army was trapped in an ambush which was
made with a battery masked in green leaves, and lost forty-one
killed. The rebels were driven out and left their dead and
wounded on the field. Quite a number of our wounded are now
being brought into town from the battlefield. luka is a nice place
with some good buildings. It is well supplied with good water
from splendid springs. There is poor farming land around here,
it being quite rolling in this part of Tennessee. The timber, most
ly pine, is rather scrubby.
Sunday, 21st — We lay around all day in the camp which the
rebels vacated. Their tents are badly torn, but the wooden
bunks are in good condition. The wounded have all been cared
for and the dead were buried today. A detachment of our army
is still in pursuit of the rebels. Our brigade has been detailed
to garrison this place and we expect our tents to arrive soon. I
was detailed on camp guard this morning.

THE BATTLES OP lUKA AND CORINTH 71
(September, 1862)
Monday, 22d — No news of importance. Rain last night. For
aging parties are bringing in all the fresh pork that we can use, be
sides plenty of sweet potatoes. Our crackers, having been kept
in storage so long, are musty and full of the weevil web, and
there are no trains from Corinth to bring a fresh supply. We
often clean them the best we can and bake them again in ashes
or in skillets.
Tuesday, 23d — We moved out of the old camp in the woods
and went into bivouac in a large field. We are obliged to form
a line of battle every morning at 2 o'clock and remain in line until
after sunrise. A few of the rebel cavalry are still watching us
in this vicinity. Our entire division is at this place, but it is
thought that we shall soon leave for Corinth, as luka is not a
very important point to hold, but Corinth, because of its two rail
road lines, is very important.
Wednesday, 24th — The first train of cars came in today from
Corinth and we expect now to receive a fresh supply of hardtack.
We have been on one-third rations by foraging; now, however,
it seems we have to do without, for we have cleaned up every
thing for a distance of ten miles in all directions.
Thursday, 25th — Our knapsacks and tents arrived today by
train from Corinth, and it will be more like living now. We have
excellent water here, and there are large hotels for invalids, this
having been a health resort for Southern people. There are quite
a number of mineral springs here, some of sulphur and others
of iron. Friday, 26th — I was on fatigue duty down in town today,
helping to dismount the guns and load them with the ammuni
tion upon the cars to be shipped to Corinth. We are preparing
to leave luka as soon as possible, but it is slow work, as the rail
road is in bad shape, and there is only one train a day.
Saturday, 27th — Company E went out today with the teams
to forage for corn and fodder. We were out northeast about
seven miles and found plenty of corn, but not much fodder. The
boys also took some chickens and two fine hogs. The farmers
in this section are not rich, their farms being on the bluffs of the
Tennessee river, but they seem to have plenty and some to spare.
When the quartermaster sends teams out to forage, he calls for
a company or perhaps a whole regiment, and they go and take

72 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1862)
what they want without asking for it, but the officer in charge al
ways gives the owner of the property the quartermaster's receipt.
Sunday, 28th— It rained all day. I went out on picket. David
Huff, Leroy Douglas, Wm. Esher and I were together at one post.
We had strict orders to keep a sharp lookout for the rebel caval
ry. We are expecting to be attacked.
Monday, 29th — We were relieved from picket this morning,
and for the first time in several days we rested in camp all day.
The weather is hot and sultry, with quite cool nights. The
rebel cavalry seem to be all around us, but for fear of getting
hurt they keep their distance.
Tuesday, 30th — Nothing of importance. We received orders
to drill.
OCTOBER, 1862.
Wednesday, ist — The Eleventh Iowa was ordered down into
town last night, for it was expected that the rebels would make
a charge into town to burn our rations. We think, however,
that they want our rations for their own haversacks. We
formed a line of battle and lay in the streets all night, but the
rebels did not show themselves. We received orders to march
at daylight this morning. The cars came in from Corinth at 4
o'clock this morning, and the sick men, our baggage, and the re
mainder of our stores were loaded up and sent to our headquarters
at Corinth. By noon luka was expected to be entirely evacuated
by our men. Our regiment marched twenty-three miles and
bivouacked for the night within six miles of Corinth.
Thursday, 2d — We started this morning at 7 o'clock, and
reaching Corinth at 10, we marched out two miles west of town
where we pitched our tents in the timber for camp. Water is
very scarce. I took six canteens and started to find water, but
to get it I must have traveled in all four miles. The balance of
the day I served on camp guard.
Friday, jcf— I was on camp guard all last night, on the second
relief. Troops were coming in all night. This morning about
daylight the Sixth Division was ordered out, and marching out
about two miles to the northwest, we met the rebels in force and
formed a line of battle. Our pickets having been attacked about

THE BATTLES OF lUKA AND CORINTH 73
(October, 1862)
sunrise, the battle now commenced in earnest and ksted all day.
There was some hard fighting in the afternoon, particularly off
on the right, and our men soon fell back to the first line of breast
works. About 3 p. m. the Iowa Brigade was flanked and had
to fall back to the second line of breastworks, but the brigade,
with the exception of the Fifteenth Regiment, did not get into
the thick of the fight.^ The fighting continued till dark, and after
that there was some very heavy cannonading.
Saturday, 4th — During the night all was quiet and our brigade
fell back to the last line of fortifications which, extending almost
around the town, had been built in the last few days. Here we
lay in line of battle all night. The rebels commenced to throw
shells into town this morning at daylight. I was still on guard
with the teams and we had to get out of that place in double
quick. The rebels threw some ten or twelve shells before our
battery in Fort Robinet could get the range of them, but when
they did, they opened on them some sixty-four-pounders and soon
put the rebel's battery out of commission. I was relieved and
went to join the regiment, which had been advanced to support a
battery. About 10 o'clock the rebels made a charge upon Fort
Robinet, to our right, and tried to break our lines at that point but
failed. This charge was made by a Texas cavalry, dismounted;
they came clear over into the fort, driving some of our artil
lerymen from their guns, but they were soon overpowered, some
being killed and some taken prisoner. The colonel of the regi
ment planted their flag on our fort, but he was almost immediately
killed. The rebels' dead just outside of the fort lay three or
four deep and the blood ran in streams down the trenches. The
rebels finally withdrew about 4 p. m., leaving their dead and
wounded. The Iowa Brigade was placed to the left of Fort
Robinet, in support of a battery, but did not become engaged dur
ing the day. Some of our forces started after the fleeing rebels.
We received orders to be ready to march in the morning, and
have to lie in line of battle all night.
Sunday, 5th — The entire Sixth Division, taking up the line of
march^ this morning at 6 o'clock, marched five miles and then
'The record of the losses of our brigade is as follows: The Fif
teenth, eleven killed, sixteen wounded; the Thirteenth, one killed, four
teen wounded; the Sixteenth, one killed, twenty-one wounded; the Elev
enth, three killed, eight wounded. — A. G. D.
"As we passed the fl!>ld hospital of the Confederates on the Corinth

74 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1862)
formed a line of battle. We heard some very heavy cannonad
ing out on the Hatchie river, in our front. General Hurlbut had
cut off the retreat of the rebels at the bridge crossing the river,
but after a hard fight they got away and continued their retreat
to the south, on the east side of the river. We resumed our
march at i p. m. and after covering ten miles stopped for the
night. The Second Iowa Cavalry was ordered back to Corinth.
Monday, 6th — We started this morning at daylight and
crowded the rebels very hard all day, capturing their trains and
some of their artillery — ammunition, arms and caissons. I never
saw such a stampede in all my life. They drove their wagons
and artillery through the timber, over fallen trees, two and three
abreast, wiggling through the standing timber as best they could
with every teamster for himself. Some of the artillery men took
the cannon off the running gears, and throwing them into gullies,
covered them with leaves. Everything imaginable was strewn
along the road — tents, bake ovens, corn meal, fresh beef and a
great many other things ; some of their supplies they burned up,
to keep from falling into our hands. We captured some of Gen
eral Price's headquarters' supplies, among such a buffalo robe
which the men tore up for souvenirs.^
Tuesday, 7th — ^We kept on the march last night till i a. m.,
when we stopped in bivouac. The men were all very tired, yet
were willing and anxious to go on if only they could capture Price,
or even a part of his army. Leaving our bivouac at 8 o'clock
this morning, we again started after Price. We soon came upon
the rebels and shelled their rear guard almost all day. We took
a great many prisoners. It is reported that they are breaking up
battlefield, we saw eighteen of their dead, evidently having died from
wounds, lying side by side, and almost black in the face, which at the
time was said to have been caused by their drinking a mixture of Water,
vinegar and gunpowder. Our army had barrels of vinegar, one for each
regiment, so stationed as to permit the men to come and help them
selves. Now, our quartermaster, in hastily removing the commissary's
supplies back of the inner lines during the battle, had, for lack of fa
cilities, left standing these barrels of vinegar. It is supposed that the
Confederates took the vinegar and made a drink of it, for after the
battle there was no vinegar to be found. — A. G. 13.
'During that day's march I saw, I think, the meanest man In the
Union army. We had just started up a long, steep hill when I noticed
one of our men coming out of a one-room log hut by the roadside. As
he passed us, with an oath, he growled that he had gone into the hut
to get something to eat, but all he could find was a half-bushel bag of
corn meal. This the woman, who by the way had the courage to stay
with her home, begged him not to take, as it was all the food she had,
but he took it. Then when about halfway up the hill, the bag of meal,
in addition to his accouterments, becoming too heavy, he with another
oath, dumped half the meal out on the ground and ran on to catch up
with his command. For such a man I cannot find words to express my
contempt. — A. G. D.

THE BATTLES OF lUKA AND CORINTH 75
(October, 1862)
into small bands and getting away through the timber and are
scattering in every direction.
Wednesday, 8th — We did not get into bivouac until late last
night, and again started on our march early this morning. We
marched until 3 p. m., when we halted to rest, going into bivouac
for the night in a large field of cow-peas, near the town of Rip
ley, Mississippi. We ran out of rations and foraging parties
were sent out. They brought in sweet potatoes and fresh pork,
which is all we have to eat. I picked some cow-peas and cooked
them ; they are rather strong, yet better than nothing to eat.
The report is that the rebels have scattered out and escaped,
and that we shall not follow them any longer. We are so far from
our base of supplies that we are in danger of being captured.
Thursday, pth — We have received no rations today and the
boys have been pitching pretty freely into the cattle and hogs in
this locality. The rebels are reported to be at Holly Springs,
Mississippi. We moved on nearer Ripley and are three miles
east of town. It is very warm and dusty; water is scarce along
the way.
Friday, loth — We have received no rations yet and have noth
ing but fresh meat and sweet potatoes to eat. Our brigade went
out about four miles on a scout, to escort a battery to another
part of the army. The weather is very hot and about 3 o'clock
in the afternoon it commenced to rain, the roads soon becoming
very muddy, for the dust was so deep. At dark we reached
our old bivouac, where we had been the night before last, and
stopped for the night. A cool wind followed the rain and some
of us went into negro huts, built fires and dried our clothes.
Saturday, nth — We were routed out this morning at i o'clock
and started for Corinth, seventy miles distant. It soon began
raining, and after marching six miles in the rain we met our pro
vision train. We stacked our arms by the roadside, drew some
rations and had a good square meal again. The hard-tack and
coffee, with the bacon broiled on our ramrods in the fire, tasted
mighty good — better than any pound cake eaten at home. While
resting here and feasting, a number of the boys who had gone
into the negro huts, caught up with us. They were in the cabins,
nice and dry, and thought when we were routed out in the night,
that it was to form in line, but in the morning found out their

76 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1862)
mistake and hastened to catch up with the command. A few of
them were taken prisoners by the rebel cavalry following us.
After our meal we continued our march till we reached the Talla
hatchie river, and bivouacked in heavy timber on the banks of the
river. We traveled thirty-five miles today, the weather being
quite cool.
Sunday, 12th — We started early this morning and marching
thirty miles arrived at Corinth just at dark. The soldiers are
all very tired and worn, having marched about sixty-five miles
over a heavy road in two days. We came into Corinth over the
ground we had fought over in the battle of October 3d and 4th.
This battlefield is a terrible sight and gives one a horrible picture
of war. Our men having hurriedly gone in pursuit of the fleeing
rebels, the burial of the dead was left to the convalescents, to
gether with such negroes as could be found to do the job. Many
of the dead bodies had become so decomposed that they could not
be moved and were simply covered over with a little earth just
where they lay.
Monday, 13th — Quite a large mail awaited us here. We
cleaned up our camp grounds and pitched our tents in order. All
are glad to be in camp 'again, as sleeping on the damp ground in
bivouac, without any protection whatever, as we did the last week,
is hard on the health.
Tuesday, 14th — No news of importance. We washed our
clothes today. We have to haul our water about two miles, and
it is poor at that. The horses and mules are taken by the men
to water. Wednesday, 13th — We are once more getting settled in camp.
Our duties are not as laborious as they were at Bolivar and luka.
We have begun the building of forts and rifle-pits, close in, all
around Corinth, so that a small force can hold the place. We
are pulling down some of the vacant houses to make room for
fortifications. But the fortifications will not be on as grand a
scale as those built here during the summer. They will be small
er, too, than the fortifications which protected us during the bat
tle here. Thursday, i6th — We have a beautiful camping ground; it is
well situated on high ground which affords good drainage and
in case of rain will dry off quickly. The weather is very wann

THE BATTLES OF lUKA AND CORINTH 77
(October, 1862)
and pleasant, with signs of autumn on every hand, and a north
ern autumn at that. We have warm days and cool nights, and
the foliage of the forest is turning many different colors.
Friday, 17th — Everybody is now busy in the routine duties
of camp life. The Government is having some deep wells drilled
here in our camp ; one of them is now completed and we are en
joying plenty of good water, although it is quite a job to draw
it. We draw the water by means of a bucket attached to the end
of a rope which runs upon a pulley fastened upon a tall pine tree
standing near the well. The bucket is about four feet long and
has a valve in the bottom. There are always some of the men
at the well waiting for their turn to draw water.
Saturday, i8th — It is reported that General Bragg is march
ing on this place.^ Colonel Hare has not been with us for some
time and will not be with us again. We have just learned that
he resigned his commission on August 31st, on account of the
wound which he received at the battle of Shiloh. He was re
spected by all the men of the regiment, and we are sorry to lose
him. Sunday, 19th — Nothing of importance. This is our first Sun
day in a quiet camp for more than two months. We had com
pany inspection this morning and dress parade at 5 o'clock in
the evening.
Monday, 20th — -No news of importance. We are again draw
ing regular army rations, having a railroad to our base of sup
plies. There is little to be secured by foraging around Corinth,
as the rebels' attempt to retake the place has resulted in keeping
a large force of our men here and food and feed has been almost
cleaned up, with the men for a part of the time on short rations.
Tuesday, 21st — Some very fine weather. We have received
orders to have company drill twice a day now, and dress parade
every day at 5 p. m. We are getting over the effects of our hard
service of the past two months.
Wednesday, 22d — We had brigade inspection today with all
accouterments on. There is a report in camp that the army is
soon to make an important move south into Mississippi. It is
'This was one of those mere rumors, for we know by history that
General Bragg was not around there at the time. — A. G. D.

78 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1862)
rumored that there are soon to be some changes of brigade and
division commanders.^
Thursday, 23d — No news of importance. The roads are quite
dusty. Friday, 24th — I went to wash clothes today. Company wash
ing squads are sent out daily, except Sundays. A squad con
sists of eight men with a captain, a lieutenant and two sergeants.
This method is necessary because we have to go so far, two miles,
and a smaller group could easily be taken by the rebels' cavalry.
Saturday, 23th — It is very cold today. It snowed about two
inches this afternoon. We are well fixed for a mild winter in
camp, with plenty of wood for fires in our Sibley tents.
Sunday, 26th — The Eleventh Iowa was detailed to work on
the fortifications under construction down in town. It was quite
cold all day, and disagreeable, as the snow is still on the ground.
Monday, 27th — Our entire regiment was at work on the forti
fications. Nathan Chase and William Cross of my company had
a fight today, all over some trivial matter. It seems that it is
enough to have to fight the rebels without the men fighting among
themselves. They were put into the guardhouse.
Tuesday, 28th — The regiment worked on the fortifications to
day for the third day in succession. I was not with my company
though, being on other fatigue duty. The forts under construc
tion are arranged so that if one fort should be captured, the guns
of two other forts could be turned upon the enemy in that one.
The floors of the forts and the rifle-pits are raised from four to
ten feet by filling in earth, and then laid with the lumber from
the houses which were pulled down to make room for the forti
fications. The ramparts are faced on the outside with long woven
baskets of hickory withes and filled with earth to keep them in
shape. The forts are built with a view of standing some time,
and should last for four or five years. We commenced drawing
bread instead of crackers.
Wednesday, 29th — The Eleventh Iowa was detailed to clean
up and smooth a tract of ground for inspection. We are to have
'There was a sentiment even then among the rank anfl flip ct tho
men that General Grant was the man to lead them, lome exorcised the
opinion that in the course of time he would be placed i^commanlof alt
the armies of the United States. The men had the utmost cohfldence in
his leading the army to complete victory. — A. G. D. "'•'""'"• ^onnaence in

THE BATTLES OP lUKA AND CORINTH 79
(October, 1862)
general inspection of the army here at Corinth, and it is to be
made by General Grant.
Thursday, 30th — The weather is quite warm again. We were
at work getting ready for general inspection, cleaning camping
ground, clothing and accouterments. Our camp is now in fine
shape and the men are well rested. Some of the sick and wounded
who have been absent for some weeks are returning to camp.
Friday, 31st — This was general muster day, and we were re
viewed this afternoon by the commanding officer. General Mc
Arthur. The general says our division is hard to beat, declaring
that it would be difficult to find a better-looking number of men
armed for active service than the Sixth Division. After the re
view we were mustered for pay. The weather is very warm and
the roads are dusty.

80 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1862)

Chapter IX.
The Campaign Around Holly Springs and Retreat to Lafay
ette, Tennessee. November 1-January 11, 1863.
NOVEMBER, 1862.
Saturday, ist — I was on guard today. The Sixth Division re
ceived orders to march in the morning.^ We are to go in light
equipment, leaving here our knapsacks and tents, which are to
be put in storage.
Sunday, 2d — We struck our tents, packed our knapsacks and
sent them into Corinth for storage. The sick were all left in the
hospital at Corinth. We started at 2 p. m. and marched fourteen
miles, when we bivouacked for the night. The roads are very
dusty and the weather is quite cool, but we are breaking the chill
by building campfires.
Monday, 3d — We started at 8 this morning, and marched
eighteen miles. We cannot get much sleep at night because the
army is so large ; it is about 10 o'clock every night before we get
into camp. But the weather is quite cool and the roads are good
for marching. We went into bivouac for the night in a large
vacant field. We passed through some rich farming country to
day, which the foraging parties had not found. The farms have
good buildings and fences, and the crops are bountiful.
Tuesday, 4th — We started rather early this morning and ar
rived at Grand Junction at 9 o'clock in the evening. The army
has burned the fences along the road and set fire to many de
serted houses.^
'The Eleventh Iowa regiment was within fifty miles of Corinth for
two hundred and thirty-four days, and in that time took active part in
the two days' battle at Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, two
months of garrisoning and fortifying Corinth, forty-two days in forti
fying and garrisoning Bolivar, the battle of luka and garrison duty
there, the two days' battle of Corinth and then the pursuit of the enemy
and return to Corinth. During all this time Company E was with the
regiment performing its full duty. The losses of our company were
nine killed in battle and five dying of disease, making fourteen of the
company whose bodies were laid away under the green sod. — A. G. D.
^our march these two days was marred by the disgraceful spectacle
of the waste and destruction of property. Some men set fire to the
autumn leaves in the fence corners along the road. A high wind blowing
soon spread the fire, which laid waste the timber and burned some farm
buildings, together with their contents. Such destruction of property
was the djsgrace of our army — but it was at the seat of war —A G D

HOLLY SPRINGS CAMPAIGN 81
(November, 1862)
Wednesday, 5th — It was cold last night to lie in open bivouac.
A cold northwest wind was blowing, and although we built fires
to sleep by, yet the night was very uncomfortable, for while one
was warm on the side next to the fire he was freezing on the
other. We lay still all day to rest, but many of the boys slipped out
in small squads for forage ; they ran all over the country and
fetched in fresh pork by the wholesale. I was in a squad of six
with our corporal and we came in with our haversacks filled with
sweet potatoes. On returning to camp, we passed too close to
the colonel's tent, and he happened to be standing outside taking
a sun bath. He called the corporal to his side, asked him where
he had been, where he belonged, and taking out his penknife, cut
from the corporal's blouse his chevrons and gave him an order
to his captain, reducing him to the ranks. ^ The rest of us passed
on to our tents. While we were out foraging, the colonel issued
an order directing each orderly sergeant in the regiment to have
his company fall in line every thirty minutes for roll call, and
every man not answering to his name was either to be put in the
guardhouse or on extra duty. I was caught, but being a pretty
good friend of the orderly, I got off easy. He ordered me to
carry a kettle of water to the company cook, telling me that since
this was my first offense, he would let me off with that. None of
the boys was punished very hard.
Thursday, 6th — The Sixth Division remained in bivouac here
at Grand Junction, while a part of the army moved on to Holly
Springs. We have roll call now every hour during the day.
Friday, 7th — The weather is fine with quite cold nights. We
are on half rations now, because there are no trains through from
Corinth. Saturday, 8th — Nothing of importance. A large detail from
the Sixth Division was sent to clear a place for a drill ground
down on the second bottom of the creek south of our bivouac.
Sunday, 9th — We moved our camp to higher ground today,
and are now in camp on the banks of Scott creek.
Monday, loth — We have plenty of water at this camp, but are
on short rations, having nothing but "gruel" and sweet potatoes
to eat. What the boys call gruel is made from flour and corn
'This, it has always seemed to me, was a mean, contemptible thing
for the colonel to do. — A. G. D.

82 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1862)
meal. The quartermaster issued some flour and meal today, each
man drawing his portion and cooking it to suit his taste. The
usual method of preparing it is to make a dough and then bake
it in the hot ashes or in the frying pan. Some of the new regi
ments from the North are equipped with shelter tents, each man
carrying his part of the tent on his knapsack. The boys have
nicknamed the new tents "dog tents." ^
Tuesday, nth — The same old thing over. We are still in
camp and on short rations. The quartermaster tells us to be pa
tient three or four days more, when he expects to have full ra
tions for us. I hunted about an hour through a ten-acre corn
field, thinking I might find an ear of corn and parch it to help
relieve my hunger, but the field had been picked over so thor
oughly that I did not even find a nubbin.
Wednesday, 12th — Nothing new. The weather is quite cool.
This makes our eighth day on short rations, but the quartermaster
assured us today that he would have some provisions for us to
morrow. New troops are arriving every day and passing on out
to the front.
Thursday, 13th — The railroad is repaired now and the cars
came through today to Grand Junction from Corinth, loaded with
provisions. Our tents and knapsacks also arrived. We pitched
our tents, drew rations this evening, and commenced to live again.
It looks like home once more. Three new recruits for our com
pany arrived today from Iowa.
Friday, 14th — Nothing of importance. The Eleventh Iowa is
in the Third Brigade commanded by General Crocker; the bri
gade is in the Sixth Division commanded by General McArthur;
the division is in the Seventeenth Army Corps commanded by
General McPherson.
Saturday, 15th — It rained all day and we had no drill. No
news. We have the Sibley tents now and are in good shape for
cold weather. The tents are large, one accommodating eighteen
or twenty men, and it is supported by a center pole which rests
on a tripod. Fires are built on the ground floor in the center
'Our boys were inclined to ridicule the idea of a man having to
carry his tent on his back, and gave them the nickname "dog tent "
But at that very time some of the boys would have been glad for a
chance to carry as good tents, for when we were out on the march our
tents had to be left in camp or else put in storage, and we would have
to bivouac without any protection. — A. G. D.

HOLLY SPRINGS CAMPAIGN 83
(November, 1862)
and there is a round hole at the top of the tent for the smoke to
escape. The men sleep in Indian fashion with their feet to the
fire. Sunday, i6th — We had another heavy rain today which caused
Scott creek to overflow and our camp was almost flooded over.
It seems that we shall have to move the camp.
Monday, 17th — We moved our camp today onto the hills back
from the creek. We raised the tents from the ground about three
feet, by digging trenches and setting staves which we made from
the red oak trees growing so plentifully here. Then we elevated
our bunks about eighteen inches from the ground with the staves
and lumber torn from vacant houses in the vicinity.
Tuesday, i8th — We cleaned up our camp ground and finished
setting in order our new camp. We have a very fine camp now
and it looks quite homelike. It is located in rather open, wooded
ground and the different colors of leaves on the trees make it
look quite grand. The nights are getting frosty.
Wednesday, 19th — I was detailed to help the general quarter
master draw supplies for the division. There were about one
hundred men and we went with teams to La Grange, Tennessee.
The supplies consisted of sugar, flour, pickled beef, pork, salt and
vinegar, these all in barrels, with coffee and rice put up in sacks,
and crackers or "hard-tack," salt bacon, pepper, soap and candles
in boxes. The feed for the animals consisted of oats and shelled
corn in sacks, and hay in bales of four or five hundred pounds
each. Loading these on the wagon was heavy work, especially
the big bales of hay, which required the strength of all who could
get hold to lift them. We got a taste of another phase of war.
Thursday, 20th — We had division drill by General McArthur
this forenoon, and in the afternoon we had battalion drill under
Lieutenant Abercrombie. Our drill ground proved to be poorly
suited for division drill, on account of the ravines and washed-
out gullies.
Friday, 21st — No news of importance. We are now in the
regular routine of camp life, with drill twice a day. The quar
termaster received a consignment of clothing and blankets for
some of the men of our regiment.
Saturday, 22d — It is dry and the weather is quite pleasant.

84 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1862)
After the regular drills we cleaned up camp for inspection. There
is no news, but the report in camp is that the division will start
for the front in four or five days.
Sunday, 23d — Nothing of importance. We had general in
spection this forenoon and in the afternoon the boys were per
mitted to remain in their tents — some were reading, some writ
ing letters home, while others were mending their clothes.
Monday, 24th— -Wt draw rations now of equal parts of meal,
flour and crackers, and in amount equal to a one-pound loaf of
bread. We have no means for baking bread, so each man turns
over his flour and corn meal to the company cook, who boils it
into a mush. Then at the noon hour he calls out and the men
go and get their portions. Some of us fry the mush with a little
bacon, which makes a very palatable dish. But I cannot under
stand why it is, that with a railroad open to our base of supplies,
the quartermaster cannot draw full rations of crackers for the
men. Tuesday, 23th — Division drill in the forenoon and battalion
drill in the afternoon, as usual. We had a practical demonstra
tion during our division drill of the' difficulty of drilling on un
even ground. While our column was advancing in line of battle
by right flank, up hill and down hill, and across ravines and gul
lies, the line at times became badly broken ; men occasionally fell
into the gullies and had to be helped out ; it became pretty excit
ing and even quite laughable, for there was always some one
struggling to stay in his place in the line.
Wednesday, 26th — Nothing of importance. The boys had the
laugh on our commanding general this afternoon when we were
returning from drill ; he was riding at the head of the division
and when crossing the creek at a rocky ford he was thrown from
his horse. The boys declared that the horse was O. K., but that
perhaps the real cause of his ducking was Southern rum.
Thursday, 27th — I signed the allotment roll for my father to
draw $10.00 of my pay at home. The division received orders to
be ready to march tomorrow morning. We are to pack our extra
clothing in our knapsacks, which are to be stored at La Grange.
Our tents are to be taken with us, the quartermaster delivering
them to us every night so that we will not have to lie out in all
kinds of weather.

HOLLY SPRINGS CAMPAIGN 85
(November, 1862)
Friday, 28th — We packed our knapsacks ready to be sent to
La Grange, and striking our tents started at 6 o'clock. We
marched eighteen miles and went into camp for the night. Our
cavalry drove some five hundred rebels out of Holly Springs this
morning. The entire army is on the move and is in command
of General Grant. It is reported that we are to effect a junction
with General Sherman's army in the rear of Vicksburg.
Saturday, 29th — We started this morning at 6 o'clock and ar
rived at Holly Springs at 10 o'clock. We remained there about
two hours and then moved on to Waterford, eight miles distant,
where we went into camp. We drove the rebels before us nearly
all day and there was some skirmishing. The fighting in the
streets of Waterford was sharp and the buildings were burned.
There was heavy cannonading in the front late in the day. There
are thousands of negroes, women and children, of all shades of
color gathered at Holly Springs. The roads by which we marched
were lined with them. The best of the negro men have been
taken South by the rebels to work on their fortifications.
Sunday, 30th — We lay in camp here at Waterford all day
and I wrote a letter to John Moore. I was on picket last night,
but was relieved this morning. There was some skirmishing and
cannonading out on the Tallahatchie river today. Several troops
passed here going out to the front. The land in this part of the
country is very rough and very poor. The soil is sandy and is
easily worked.
DECEMBER, 1862.
Monday, ist — We lay at this place, Waterford, until about 6
o'clock in the evening, when we struck our tents and started on
a night march.
Tuesday, 2d — We marched ten miles last night and then went
into bivouac for the rest of the night. The rebels are falling
back without much resistance. We left our bivouac at 10 o'clock
this morning, crossed the Tallahatchie river over the railroad
bridge and after marching four miles, went into camp. We are
near the town of Abbeville, where the rebels were strongly forti
fied. They deserted the place early yesterday morning after
burning the station, but left large quantities of their supplies
which they could not move before they had to flee. After they

86 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1862)
had crossed the bridge, which is a mile long, they set fire to it,
but it failed to burn. Our cavalry is after them today and have
taken several prisoners. It rained all day today.
Wednesday, 3d — It rained all night, but the weather is rather
cold. We moved our camp today and set it up again in a de
serted camp, one mile from Abbeville, which the rebels had built
for winter quarters.
Thursday, 4th — ^Our entire company went out on picket duty
this morning with the orders to keep a sharp lookout for rebels.
The sentinels out on the front are ordered to stand in secluded
places, as they are in danger of being picked off by the rebel
sharpshooters. It rained all day again.
Friday, 5th — ^The rain continued all night. We were relieved
from picket this morning about 9 o'clock. Troops are passing to
the front and there is some heavy cannonading in that direction.
Saturday, 6th — I was on duty today with a foraging party of
our division, to help load the wagons with corn and cotton. We
brought in seventy-five loads of cotton worth about $40,000. At
one plantation some negroes were out at work picking cotton,
while others were baling it in the gin houses, but we drove into
the houses and loaded up without asking for the privilege. The
Sixth Division almost every day brings in from seventy-five to
one hundred loads of corn or cotton. This part of the state is
thickly settled and the settlements are rich, there being a great
deal of corn and cotton.
Sunday, 7th — No news of importance. The weather is get
ting quite cool. The chaplain of our regiment is not with us at
present and we have no preaching on Sundays, though we have
prayer meeting in the evening. We had regular company inspec
tion this evening. Our guard and picket duties are light at this
place. Monday, 8th — The Sixth Division is running a mill now, the
quartermaster having taken possession of a grist mill which he
is running day and night. We are now drawing full rations of
meal instead of crackers and we have plenty of fresh pork and
sweet potatoes. The boys have confiscated every bake oven in
the country ; each company has from three to five, and by keep
ing them hot all day we bake all the corn bread needed. We all
appreciate full rations after our fast at Grand Junction.

HOLLY SPRINGS CAMPAIGN 87
(December, 1862)
Tuesday, 9th — No news of importance. Our foraging parties
destroy a great deal of property unnecessarily, especially when
the owner of a plantation is away with the rebel army — then there
isn't much left when the boys get through.
Wednesday, loth — Our troops are still moving out to the
front. It is fine weather for marching. There is very little sick
ness among the men now.
Thursday, nth — I was on the picket line again today. Picket
duty is less dangerous now than it was, as the rebels have fallen
back. We maintain a brigade guard at this camp.
Friday, 12th — Nothing of importance. I was relieved from
picket this morning. New regiments from the North are arriv
ing and passing out to the front to hear their first roar of cannon.
Saturday, 13th — I was on duty again today, going out with
about two hundred men from our division to bring corn. We
got one hundred loads, and although it was not a good day for
snapping corn, yet the corn being quite good it did not take long
to fill a wagon.
Sunday, 14th — No news of importance. We had company in
spection as usual on Sunday morning. There are no foraging
parties sent out on Sundays, but brigade and picket duty are per
formed every day and night.
Monday, 15th — The railroad bridge across the Tallahatchie
river is repaired now, and the first train came through today.
The cars can run as far as Oxford now. The quartermaster of
our division has brought together at this place about $1,000,000.00
worth of cotton, which is to be shipped to the North.
Tuesday, i6th — The Sixth Division received orders to be
ready to march in the morning. We have been in the rear of the
army and we are now to move forward. The railroad being in
operation now, it is said that our base of supplies will be moved
forward and established at Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Wednesday, 17th — We struck our tents this morning and at
10 o'clock started toward Oxford. We went into bivouac for
the night within four miles of the town. The weather is fine for
marching and we have good roads.
Thursday, i8th — We started at 6 o'clock this morning and ar
rived in Oxford at about 10. We were inspected by General

88 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1862)
Grant, passing through the town by platoon. We marched on
eight miles out from town and went into camp along the railroad.
Grant has his headquarters in Oxford. It is a fine town, on high
ground and well built up with fine homes of the rich planters.
A college is located here, with good buildings.^ The surround
ing plantations are well fenced and have good buildings.
Friday, 19th — The boys worked all day setting up their tents.
The boys of our company cut down a red oak tree from which
we made staves, set them in trenches dug in the ground, and had
just finished putting up the tents, when at 5 p. m. the long roll
sounded to form in line. We were ordered to march to the sta
tion to board the cars for Holly Springs, as the rebels had taken
the place and burned our rations. But we did not go, as another
regiment nearer the station got there ahead of us and we were
marched back to our camp, with orders, though, to be ready to
start for Holly Springs in the morning. We had expected to
stay here several days and are sorry to have to leave the place,
for it would have made us an excellent camp ground, being on
a south hillside with timber just thick enough for shelter.
Saturday, 20th — We struck our tents early this morning and
marched twenty-one miles back toward Holly Springs. It is a
disappointment to have to retrace our steps and the boys are not
as jolly as they were when going south. Holly Springs is said
to have been taken and our supplies cut off. We have been put
on half rations.
Sunday, 21st — We left Abbeville this morning and marched
through to Holly Springs, twenty-two miles. It was warm and
dusty traveling. We arrived at dark, going into bivouac in the
north edge of town, and I tell you the boys made the boards
fly, for as the teams had not yet arrived with our tents, we pulled
down vacant houses to build bunks and windbreaks to protect us
from the cold wind.
Monday, 22d — The rebels before leaving town burned several
houses, altogether some two or three squares, besides burning
about one million of our rations, and we are again short of food.
On that account the boys are not in the best of humor, and every
' Our diarist must have seen either the University of Mississippi,
opened in 1848, or Union Female College, a Cumberland Presbyterian
college, founded in 1854. — Ed.

HOLLY SPRINGS CAMPAIGN 89
(December, 1862)
man has practically a free hand to take anything that he can use
or that he may want; and there are no officers out looking for
corporals to reduce to the ranks as was done on our way south.
Any citizen who in any way had aided the Union army found his
property set on fire by the rebels under the pretext that it had
caught fire from our burning supplies. We received word that
we are to stay here until further orders.
Tuesday, 23d — No news of importance. We pitched our tents
this morning. I was out on a foraging train for some corn, but
we got very little, as this section of the country is pretty well
cleaned up. We are now on half rations.
Wednesday, 24th — Nothing of importance. It is quite cold
and our extra clothing, underwear, is in storage at La Grange,
Tennessee. There is no chance to draw new clothing now.
Thursday, 23th — General Rosecrans's division passed here to
day on their way to Memphis. This is rather a gloomy, dry
Christmas. We are still on half rations. But in spite of it, the
boys are all enjoying themselves. They are taking everything
that they can lay their hands on, carrying to their tents couches,
rockers, chairs, tables, books, bric-a-brac— in fact, all kinds of
household articles. Some of the boys, who are lovers of fancy
books, sent home by express some of the most costly bound vol
umes. Holly Springs has certainly paid dear for burning our
supplies. Friday, 26th — The Fourth Division commanded by General
Logan passed here today on their way to Memphis. Nearly all
of the troops which started on the expedition south have now
returned. Saturday, 27th — Nothing of importance.^
'The days of the latter half of the month of December were the
darkest we had seen up to that time and, as it proved, they were the
darkest days of the entire Union army during the whole four years of
war. Our armies, all along the line, East and West, had not been suc
cessful. The second 600,000 men had been called for during the summer,
and the loyal men of the North responded nobly, most of them being
on the field by December, ready for action. But there was an element
in the North holding nightly meetings and declaring that the war was
a failure; there was also talk of England's recognizing the Confederacy;
then there were discouraging letters from the home folks to the men
in the field, for the times were hard and the situation looked very bad
to them. They would, in writing to us, ask what we thought of the
outlook, and almost to a man, the reply would be that we would push
ahead until we were successful, for our loss already had been too great
to give up the struggle short of going to the bitter end. — A. G. D.

90 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1862)
Sunday, 28th— The weather is quite cool. We are pretty
hard on clothes in the army. My bill for clothes up to this time
is as follows : One overcoat, $7.20; two dress coats, $13.42 ; four
pair pants, $12.12; two pair double woolen blankets, $5.12; three
pair drawers, $1.50; two pair shoes, $3.12; three woolen shirts,
$2.64; one rubber poncho, $2.73; four pair socks, $1.04; one hat,
$1.55; one cap, 6oc ; one knapsack, $1.56; one haversack, 56c;
one canteen, 44c. ^
Monday, 29th — We had company drill this morning and re
ceived orders to be ready to march in the morning. We have
been at Holly Springs nine days now, and the town is almost de
serted.^ Tuesday, 30th — We struck our tents and started at 10 a. m.
We reached Coldwater by noon and stopped for our mess. Our
colonel must have been cold and in a hurry, for he gave the order,
"Front right dress ! Stack arms ! Break ranks ! Get rails and
build fires ! G — D — !" It amused the boys and they were not
long in building fires and preparing hot coffee. At i o'clock
we left for Moscow, Tennessee, along the railroad, and after a
day's march of twenty miles went into bivouac for the night
within one mile of town.
Wednesday, 31st — We left our bivouac at 6 a. m. and entered
the town of Moscow at 7 and were then ordered to move to
Lafayette, Tennessee, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad
thirty-five miles east of Memphis, where we are to guard the
railroad. The town is located on the Wolf river and is sur
rounded by heavy timber.
JANUARY, 1863.
Thursday, ist — We have become somewhat indifferent about
keeping our camp in the best possible order, for we have been
disappointed so often in soon having to leave a camp which we
took pains to build. We have, however, fairly good bunks in
our tents, made of brush and leaves. Our duties are very la-
'Then there was that leather collar ("dog collar") to make us hold
up our heads; it cost fourteen cents, but it was enough and the only
one needed during the four years of war. — A. G. D.
= When we passed through Holly Springs going south, the town
looked very pretty, and no property was destroyed. But when the place
was surrendered to Van Dorn by our traitorous colonel in command of
the small garrison, and that without the firing of a gun, then it was that
destruction followed. When we had to come back to find our stores
burned and live on half rations, our men were not in the best of humor;
they did not care then if the whole town was destroyed. — A. G D

HOLLY SPRINGS CAMPAIGN 91
(January, 1863)
borious here, for besides the regular picket duty, we are almost
constantly at work repairing the railroad. Today four companies
were on picket patrol and at work repairing a railroad bridge.
I was on picket duty with the countersign "helmet." The army
is on half rations, but we expect more soon, as a provision train
came through today from Memphis. The Third Division went
to Memphis. The weather is clear and cool.
Friday, 2d — We are now on less than half rations and the
outlook for anything better in the next few days is not good, al
though a train was expected to come through from Memphis to
day.^ The railroad east and west from us has been torn up ; the
rebel cavalry seem to be able to destroy it as fast as we can
repair it.
Saturday, 3d — A work train came in from Corinth today, and
troops are coming in from the front. It is said they are bound
for Memphis where they will take transports down the river, to
go into camp just above Vicksburg. The Fifteenth Iowa left
camp here and took up quarters down in Lafayette.
Sunday, 4th — I was on picket again today. A work train
came in from Memphis, and four trains passed through going
to Memphis ; but none of them brought provisions, and as our
provisions are so low, the division quartermaster sent all the
teams to Memphis to bring provisions.
Monday, §th — A report came to camp that the forces under
Sherman made an unsuccessful attack upon Vicksburg.^ We are
shut out of communications now as well as of provisions; we
have had no mail for a month.
Tuesday, 6th — We received a large mail today, coming
through from Memphis, and it is quite jolly in camp. Besides
this, our teams returned from Memphis with loads of provisions,
and we hope soon to have something more to eat. A report was
circulated in camp today that peace had been declared, but no
one takes the report very seriously.
Wednesday, 7th — The quartermaster placed a strong guard
around the corral where the provision wagons were parked last
night. But some of the boys of my company and of Company
'The train the day before did not have provisions. — A. G. D.
' They failed because of the strong fortifications and the fact that
Grant failed to make his attack in the rear of Vicksburg at the same
time, as planned.— A. G. D.

92 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 186S)
K were determined to have something to eat without waiting on
the slowly-moving formalities. They slipped through the guard
line in the night to the wagons and succeeded in getting away
well loaded, having secured a small chest of tea and two boxes
of crackers, which they divided among the boys of the two com
panies before daylight. Expecting Van Dorn's cavalry to make
a dash into town today, we formed a line of battle at 2 o'clock
and awaited the attack. But no cavalry appeared, and in the
evening all our teams with a strong guard were sent out to forage
corn and fodder.
Thursday, 8th — Although it is now quite warm, we are still
waiting for our knapsacks containing our underwear which were
stored at La Grange, but we were again disappointed in not get
ting them today as expected. Our boys have never been so bent
on foraging as they have since going into camp here. Last night
a squad of boys from Company K were out looking for whatever
they could find, but apparently with little success, until returning
to camp they passed by the camp of the Sixteenth Iowa, where
they noticed two dressed hogs hanging up to cool during the
night. What did they do but deliberately walk up and carry off
one of the carcasses to their own camp ! They immediately cut
up the meat, put it into kettles over fires, cooked it, and divided
it among the boys of their company, all before daylight. This
morning when a squad of the boys of the Sixteenth Iowa walked
along our regimental camp in quest of that missing hog, they did
not see evei^a sign of meat, bone or campfire embers.
Friday, 9th — It is reported in camp that we are soon to go to
Memphis for duty. Several cases of smallpox have broken out
in the camp of the Sixteenth Iowa Regiment. All who had not
been vaccinated before had to take their medicine. The country
along the Charleston & Memphis Railroad from Memphis to
luka, a distance of about one hundred miles, and for some miles
on either side of the line where our armies are in camp and on
the march, has been laid waste and is almost desolate. The
men are desperate enough for anything. Vacant houses on plan
tations or in towns and villages have been burned. Many of
these were substantial buildings with stone chimneys, which gen
erally remained standing after the bumings. These the boys hi
lariously spoke of as headstones and on passing them would call

HOLLY SPRINGS CAMPAIGN 93
(January, 1863)
out: "Here stands another Tennessee headstone," or a "Miss
issippi headstone," as the case might be.
Saturday, loth — Two trains loaded with provisions came
through on the railroad from Memphis, and we drew five days'
full rations. This was the first time that we drew full rations in
forty days, but we have no way of drawing extra clothing, and
our knapsacks in storage again failed to come today. The First
Brigade passed by on its way to Memphis.
Sunday, nth — We received orders to be ready to march early
in the morning for Memphis. The report in camp is that we
are to go on down the Mississippi river. The Fourth .Brigade
of the Third Division came in at 5 o'clock in the evening and
relieved our brigade. A detail from the Eighty-first Illinois In
fantry furnished the picket guards to relieve our post where I
was on guard with Corporal McBirney and Privates John Esher
and George Eicher, all of my company. We are all glad to leave
this place, as it is low, damp and unhealthy, which with the small
pox makes it a bad camp.

94 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 186S)

Chapter X.
The Vicksburg Campaign. Siege and Surrender of Vicksburg.
January 12-July 4.
Monday, 12th — We struck tent early this morning and at 8
o'clock took up the line of march, the entire Sixth Division being
on the road bound for Memphis. Companies E and K are on
rear guard. The day being fairly warm and quite pleasant, we
covered twenty miles without incident, and bivouacked for the
night within nine miles of Memphis.
Tuesday, 13th — We left bivouac this morning at 6 o'clock and
moved on to within a mile of Memphis, where we went into camp.
The day was cloudy, threatening rain, and by evening had turned
quite cool, with a high wind blowing. The ground being very
rough here, the setting up of our tents was pretty slow work.
Wednesday, 14th — It rained all night and much of the day.
Our tents failed to turn the water, as the strong wind blowing
literally drove the rain through the canvas, making it as wet
where we lay as on the outside. There is no hay or straw to
lie on at night and no lumber to be had for floors, but the quar
termaster is providing us with plenty of cordwood, and having
the Sibley tents we build fires in the center of them to warm our
selves and dry our clothes. A great many of the boys got per
mission to go down town to spend the night. We signed the pay
rolls for two months' pay and were expecting to receive our pay
today, but for some reason it failed to come.
Thursday, 15th — It turned cold during the night and the rain
of yesterday turned into snow which continued all day. Our
camp is in a frightful condition, there being six inches of snow
on mud a foot deep. Half the men of the Sixth Division go into
town over night. The Eleventh Iowa received two months' pay
this afternoon, and now only a few of us remain in camp, the
most of the boys putting up in the city instead. We are expect
ing any moment to receive orders to break camp here.
Friday, i6th — The snow continued today with a high wind.
I loaned Lieutenant Spencer $15.00.^ I went to the city today
'Mr. Downing informs me that, as was the common practice, this
loan was evidenced only by a verbal contract. — Ed.

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG 95
(January, 1863)
to purchase some supplies, spending in all $i.oo. This evening
we received our long-looked-for knapsacks with our extra under
wear, which was quite welcome. Those of us who were not for
tunate enough to secure extra underclothes when at Holly
Springs, as some did, were obliged to wear one undersuit for
forty-nine days without changing. When we now cast them
aside, some of the boys declared that there was almost enough
life in their clothes to walk.
Saturday, 17th — It was cold and stormy all day. I spent the
day down in the city, and bought a few more necessary articles
— spent $1.25. Five hundred rebel prisoners passed up the river
today, being taken to a Northern prison. This evening we got
orders to be ready to leave.
Sunday, i8th — Bright sunshine, with cold northwest wind
blowing. We struck our tents early this morning, loaded the
wagons, and started for the river. Upon reaching the city com
mons, on a high bluff overlooking the landing, we stacked arms
and remained there in the mud all day. About dark we were
ordered to go aboard the transports. Our regiment with two oth
ers, the Eighteenth Wisconsin and the Ninety-fifth Illinois, to
gether with a part of the Second Iowa Battery, embarked on the
Marie Deming, where we bunk tonight.
Monday, 19th — We worked all day loading our supplies on
the transports. The Ninety-fifth Illinois finished their loading to
day and are now lying in waiting. The river is quite wide here,
one and one-half miles, and is fast rising. There are four mor
tar boats and one gunboat here, besides a large fleet of transports,
some of which are loaded with troops to go down the river, while
others are coming from the North with fresh troops. The rebel
gunboat, "General Bragg," has just been captured here.
Tuesday, 20th — Another cold, wet day. We completed load
ing our regimental supplies about noon, and at 4 o'clock started
for Vicksburg. We tied up for the night about forty miles be
low Memphis. The boats are overcrowded, and because of tbe
cold, weather there is much suffering.^
'Starting on this trip ended seventy-nine days of campaigning in
northern Mississippi and western Tennessee. For suffering from ex
posure, part of the time no tents at night, nearly all the time on half
rations or less, for forty-nine days no change of clothing, and more
than sixty cloudy days with rain or snow, this campaign proved to be
one of the most laborious campaigns during our four years' service. —
A G. D.

96 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1863)
Wednesday, 21st — The weather continues cold. At daylight
our fleet started on down the river, reaching Helena, Arkansas,
at 10 o'clock. We left Helena at noon with thirteen transports
loaded with troops and tied up for the night sixty miles below.
The transports dare not run at night on account of being fired
upon by the rebels from the banks of the river. They fire on
us even on the day run, but before we can get our boats to the
banks to give them chase, they are gone and out of sight.
Thursday, 22d — Today we enjoyed the first warm, clear day
for more than two weeks, the snow having entirely disappeared.
Our fleet continued all day without a stop. We met the White
river expedition returning to Memphis from Napoleon, Arkan
sas. We tied up for the night about one hundred miles above
Vicksburg. Friday, 23d — We continued our journey again at daylight and
by evening reached a point about ten miles above Vicksburg,
where we drove our fleet ashore and remained on the boats all
night. Fully seventy-five boats loaded with troops are assem
bled here, while the fleet of gunboats is lying in the river two
miles below us. The country is very low here, the land on either
side of the river being about twenty feet below the water in the
river, which is kept within its banks by levees. The river is ris
ing, and about three miles below us the levee on the Louisiana
side has broken, and the land is being flooded.
Saturday, 24th — We had some rain early this morning, fol
lowed by a heavy fog which lasted all day. Boats loaded with
troops are constantly arriving and landing at different points
along the river where the men are going into camp. Some of our
boys are quite sick, the result of using the river water on the way
down. Accidents are not common here considering the large
number of men crowding as they do, but today a private of the
First Kansas Infantry fell from the boat and was drowned before
help could reach him.
Sunday, 23th — We moved up the river today about a mile and
disembarked on the Louisiana side, going into camp right on the
bank. We are from ten to fifteen feet below the water in the
river, while the levee is twenty-five or thirty feet higher than our
camp. Company E was to go on picket, but the order was counter
manded, and then at dark a detail of one thousand men, I being

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 97
(January, 1863)
one, from our division, was chosen to go down the river to work
on the canal which is being cut across the point of land opposite
Vicksburg. It is a fearful mudhole to work in. A large num
ber of negroes are put on the job. The rebels try to shell the
place, but their shells all fall short.
Monday, 26th — Today I was one of a detail of two thousand
men sent down the river a few miles to repair the break in
the levee on the west bank of the river. The break is two hun
dred feet wide and the water rushes through with terrible force.
I was glad when the order came to return to camp, for I would
rather risk my life in a battle than to work another day on that
break. An increasing number of men still lying in the boats are
getting sick from drinking the poor river water ; the new recmits
just arriving from the North are especially affected.
Tuesday, 27th — Wood for fuel is becoming very scarce in
camp, and also on the transports. The Thirteenth Iowa, with
thirty of us from my regiment, were detailed to go with the trans
ports up the river for wood. We reached the woodyard about
thirty miles up the river at dark and Company C of the Thirteenth
Iowa was detailed for picket. There are six thousand cords of
wood piled up here.
Wednesday, 28th — We had ten or twelve teams at work all
day hauling wood to the boats. I worked till noon with the de
tail of men hauling wood and loading the transports, while the
other detail was on picket. In the afternoon our detail was on
picket and the others completed the loading. We were called in
from picket at sundown and with all on board the transports
started on the return trip, reaching our camp a little before mid
night. Thursday, 29th — We have plenty of wood now. At about 2
o'clock this afternoon a brisk fire opened between our men and
the rebels. We have not yet heard what was the cause of it.^
A scouting party seventeen miles out from the city had a skir
mish with the rebel cavalry, but there were no losses outside of
several horses. A report came into camp that Port Hudson has
been taken by our forces.
Friday, 30th — Everything is quiet today. It came my turn t<i
'This was down at Vicksburg, where there was some heavy cannon
ading between our gunboats and the Confederate batteries. — A. G. D.

98 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1863)
go on duty. Another gunboat came down the river today. Gen
eral McArthur moved his headquarters from the boat, lying here
in the river, out into a plantation house nearby. Things are very
expensive here; butter is fifty cents a pound and cheese is forty
cents. Saturday, 31st — A scouting party of about two hundred men
mounted on horses and mules, and carrying one piece of light
artillery, came upon a rebel camp some eighteen miles out and
engaged in a fierce fight. After standing their ground for two
hours the rebels left for the tall timber. They left their sup
plies to our men, who burned all that they could not bring with
them, and returned to camp with only five or six men wounded,
bringing one lone prisoner.
FEBRUARY, 1863.
Sunday, ist — We had an all day rain and the river is rising;
the bottom land on the east side of the river is already under
water. It came my turn to go on fatigue today. A detail of four
hundred men was again sent down to work on the break in the
levee. Our chaplain preached to the regiment this afternoon.
Monday, 2d — An exciting time down at Vicksburg last night
was reported in camp this morning. One of our gunboats ran
the blockade and while passing their batteries, the rebels fired
exactly one hundred and thirty shots at her, but did not hurt her.
Our gunboats blew up one of the rebels' steamers which was
tied at the wharf just below the city, and then ran another battery
below without being hurt.
Tuesday, 3d — Cloudy and cold. The levee is the only thing
of interest and importance. We are still at work on the levee,
but the water is almost to the top now, and it is breaking at so
many points that the land on both sides of the river is being
flooded. Our camps will have to be moved to higher ground far
ther from the river. Some of the camps are already being moved.
I bought a supply of bread today for a dollar.
Wednesday, 4th — Rain all day, and the whole country is being
flooded over. General Grant has sent five or six expeditions
along the river to find some way to move the arniy on to higher
ground in the rear of Vicksburg, and also to solve the problem
of getting our fleet and gunboats past the rebels' batteries with-

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 99
(February, 1863)
out running the risk of having them destroyed. I wrote a letter
to John D. Moore, Inland, Iowa.
Thursday, 5th — Weather pleasant. I vvas detailed to go out
on picket, but the order was countermanded. There is some talk
of our leaving the place. It is reported in camp that on account
of the flood the work on the canal had to be given up, and that
an effort would be made to turn the current of the river through
the canal, thus letting the river cut it.
Friday, 6th — We hear that we are to move up the river to an
island where General McPherson's command is. About one hun
dred transports with troops aboard are tied up along the levee
on the Louisiana side, awaiting orders to go up the river, while
still others are being loaded. The plan is to go into camp at
different points to do garrison duty, making it safer for fleets
to pass at certain points.
Saturday, 7th — While waiting for orders, I went down to a
daguerreotype gallery^ and had my likeness taken. The water is
still rising and the report in camp is that our division is to pro
ceed up the river to Lake Providence, Louisiana, and cut the levee
to let the water of the Mississippi through to the lake from which
it would be carried into the Red river.
Sunday, 8th — Orders came for the detail of men to quit the
work of repairing the levee and for our entire division immediate
ly to embark on the transports. The Eleventh and Thirteenth
Regiments went on board the "Empress" and loaded all their sup
plies after night ; at the last moment the Tenth Ohio was ordered
to take passage with us.
Monday, 9th — We left for Lake Providence, seventy-five miles
above Vicksburg, at 10 o'clock this morning, and reached our
destination at dark. There were six transports and one gunboat
in our fleet. We found the First Brigade of our division already
here arid at work cutting the levee.
Tuesday, loth — This is a clear, warm day. We disembarked
early this morning and marching out about one mile from the
river to Sparrow's plantation, we pitched our tents on the large
lawn of the plantation house, bordering the lake. Mr. Sparrow,
the owner, is a congressman in the rebel congress, and he and
his family having gone away, left their negroes in charge of the
' Among the numerous "camp-followers" was also to be found the
picture man; — Bd.

100 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1863)
plantation. Our colonel has established his headquarters in the
plantation house. The First Kansas out on scout duty today got
into a skirmish with the rebels and lost two men killed and eight
wounded. Wednesday, nth — A large detail from our brigade began
work on the canal from the Mississippi river to Lake Providence.
About three hundred negroes are working on it. The canal is
being cut twenty rods wide and when completed will be three-
quarters of a mile long with a fall of twenty feet. I paid out
thirty cents for some necessary articles, and also loaned thirty
cents to Clark.
Thursday, 12th — A dreadful rain during the night flooded our
beautiful camp on Sparrow's lawn. The ground being so nearly
level, it will take some time for the water to run off. It cleared
off in the afternoon and it is nice and warm. The grass and trees
are beginning to look green; peach trees are in full bloom. I
wrote a letter to brother John.
Friday, 13th — The mail today brought me a letter from Jason
Sparks and the monotony of camp duties was broken with good
news from home. The weather is quite warm and we no longer
need fires in our tents. Things are growing very fast and the
farmers in this locality are planting their corn.
Saturday, 14th — A heavy rain all night stopped our digging
for a time, and the fatigue party did not begin work on the canal
until I o'clock in the afternoon. It is terribly muddy and the
water hinders our digging; we wheeled out more water than
mud. The following strange epitaph I noticed on a tombstone
in a cemetery located in a grove near the town of Lake Provi
dence : "Remember man, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I now am, so you must be.
Prepare for death and follow me."
Sunday, i§th — We had another all night rain, which again
stopped work on the canal. We moved our tents a little distance,
to get out of the mud, going onto higher ground, closer to the
lake. We are still in the plantation lawn, however, which com
prises about twenty acres and has a great variety of shrubbery
and tropical trees.

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG 101
(February, 1863)
Monday, i6th — It rained all night and some today. Our can
vas tents are no good in shedding water. I was on guard today,
but on account of the heavy rain and high wind all the guards
were taken off duty.
Tuesday, 17th — Another all night rain, which continued all
day today. Our camp is again becoming very muddy. Com
pany E went on picket duty today. Our camp guard has been
taken off.
Wednesday, i8th — We came in from picket this morning.
The day is warm but cloudy. News came that another one of
our gunboats accompanying a barge loaded with hay ran the
blockade at Vicksburg.
Thursday, 19th — I was off duty today and went to town to
have my likeness taken. ^
We now have five hundred negroes at work cutting the levee
at Lake Providence, and Captain Elrod of the Thirteenth Iowa
has about one hundred negroes at work picking cotton — last year's
crop left in the field.
Friday, 20th — There is some talk of our having to move our
camp again. News came that our gunboats were throwing shells
into Vicksburg, one every fifteen minutes, driving the rebels back,
and that our mortar boats were damaging some of their water
batteries. Saturday, 21st — Yesterday was clear and warm, but today it
rained all day. We have had full rations ever since leaving Mem
phis. Today we received eight days' rations with an extra ra
tion of desiccated potatoes. Orders came to clean up for inspec
tion. Sunday, 22d — Dress parade was dispensed with today on ac
count of the smallpox scare. One case of smallpox was discov
ered in Company K. Instead of the regular inspection, the doc
tor vaccinated all who could not show a scar less than a year old.
Monday, 23d — General Logan's division arrived today, accom
panied by the Seventeenth Engineers' Corps with pontoon bridges.
' Upon inquiring of Mr. Downing how he came to have his "likeness"
taken twice so close together (see Feb. 7), he laughingly confessed that
it was not because the flrst was not a good picture, but because it was
not a proper picture. Said he, "To tell the truth, I had it taken dressed
in a major's uniform, and it wouldn't have been safe to let it be seen."
He destroyed it and had another taken. — Bd.

102 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1863)
They bring the news that our men are still throwing shells into
Vicksburg, and that the rebels are vacating the place. Our quar
termaster went out into the country with the teams and brought
in nineteen loads of cotton.
Tuesday, 24th — There was quite a fire today in the town of
Lake Providence, burning several vacant houses. In the excite
ment our men found two rebel flags. The Eleventh and Thir
teenth Iowa received orders to embark with three days' rations,
and taking passage on the "Marie Deming" left for Greenville,
about sixty-five miles up the river, to reinforce the brigade there.
Wednesday, 23th — We arrived at Greenville at 9 o'clock in
the morning and reported to the commander of the post, who in
formed us that he did not need reinforcements. He had just
defeated a force of three hundred with a battery of six light guns
and lost but three men. We remained, however, during the day,
leaving for our camp down the river at 10 o'clock at night.
Thursday, 26th — We reached our camp this forenoon in a
rain which continued all day. General Quimby's division just
went into camp here, from up the river. The regimental quar
termasters are bringing in large quantities of cotton every day.
Friday, 27th — We received orders to clean up for general in
spection. Captain Beach of Company H of the Eleventh Iowa
having been appointed to go after and bring back any deserters
from our brigade, left for Iowa to get all such found in the State.
Saturday, 28th — Our regiment was mustered for pay at 9
o'clock this morning, and at 10 o'clock we had general inspection
with all accouterments on, by the inspector general of the Seven
teenth Army Corps, General William E. Strong.^ I got an order
today from the captain on the sutler for $1.50.
'Iowa may well be proud of the Third Brigade of the Sixth Divi
sion, Col. M. M. Crocker commanding. It is composed of the following
troops, viz.: The Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa
Infantry. It turned out for inspection 1,935 rank and file. » • * Since
I have been a soldier, it has so happened that I have seen many brigades
of many different army corps, both in the Eastern and Western armies,
but never have I seen a brigade that could compete with this Iowa
brigade. I am not prejudiced in the slightest degree. I never saw any
of the officers or soldiers of the command until the day when I saw them
in line of battle prepared for Inspection. • • • i cannot say that any
one regiment of the brigade appeared better than another — they all
appeared so well. The Eleventh was the strongest. It had 528 enlisted
men and 20 officers present for duty, the Thirteenth 470 enlisted men and
22 officers, the Fifteenth 428 men and 29 oflScers, the Sixteenth 405 men
and 33 officers. In the entire brigade there was not to exceed a dozen
men unable to be present for Inspection. — Roster of Iowa Soldiers. In
fantry, Vol. II, p. 279.

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 103
MARCH, 1863.
Sunday, ist — We had regimental inspection by the colonel at
2 o'clock, and our regiment showed itself in good trim. Boats
are passing daily, loaded with troops for Vicksburg. I was on
camp guard and the evening seemed to be very long and lone
some. It put me in mind of the long evenings just before the
battle of Shiloh, and I thought how soon there might be another
such a battle.
Monday, 2d — Being off duty I got a pass this afternoon and
went to town. The quartermaster drew wedge tents for the regi
ment and clothing for some of the men. I drew a new haver
sack costing fifty-six cents. Our army is in good condition in
equipment, provisions, clothing and munitions of war, and the
health of the men is good with the exception of the new regi
ments, in which there are many sick. The work on the canal
continues, with about a week's work to complete it ; we still have
the large force of negroes on the job.
Tuesday, 3d — Everything is quiet. I went down town again
this afternoon. Our men have pulled a steam tug up on the bank
and the engineers have a force of a thousand men re-calking it.
Wednesday, 4th — The engineers finished calking the steam
tug and with ropes attached to it some five or six thousand men
succeeded in pulling it overland to the lake where it is to be
launched. I crossed the lake in a skiff to the south side to buy
some notions of a sutler with the Fourth Division. Among other
articles, I purchased a diary for seventy-five cents, for the pur
pose of keeping a record of my army life. We were ordered to
prepare for inspection.
Thursday, 5th — We had regimental and camp inspection this
morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by a major of General McPher
son's staff. We came out in splendid order. The officers of the
Eleventh Iowa met at 6 o'clock this evening to draw up resolu
tions demanding the hunting down of all Copperheads in the
North. The steam tug was started on the lake today to inspect
and make sure of the outlets from Providence Lake through the
Tensas river to the Red river. These outlets must all be open be
fore we let the water into the lake.
Friday, 6th — I was detailed to go on picket with Company D.
Had quite a thunderstorm this evening.

104 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1863)
Saturday, 7th — It is quite showery and things are growing
fine. Farmers throughout here are putting into corn most all the
land that is not flooded. There are few white men here and most
of the able-bodied negro men are forming companies and regi
ments for the army of the North, to be under white officers.
Sunday, 8th — Company E went on picket this morning. Had
a fearful hailstorm late this evening.
Monday, 9th — We were relieved from picket at 9 o'clock this
morning. The Thirteenth Iowa had battalion drill this after
noon. Hear some heavy cannonading in the direction of Vicks
burg. Tuesday, loth — We heard again that Port Hudson was taken,
and also that Rosecrans had a battle, but can learn nothing def
inite. A squad from our regiment mounted on mules and horses
had an exciting experience while out scouting, about twelve miles
from camp. Seeing some chickens in the yard of a farm house,
they thought they might as well get a few to take along with
them. When some of the boys, dismounting, entered the yard
to catch the chickens, they were met by the woman of the house
with a bucket of scalding hot water and they had a hard time
trying to keep out of her way. Some of the boys got a touch
of the hot water, but they caught their chickens.
Wednesday, nth — All is quiet. The commissioned officers of
our brigade had a meeting at brigade headquarters for the pur
pose of considering ways and means for arming the colored men,
since they have been declared free. The plan is to put them un
der good officers for garrison service, thus relieving that num
ber of men for the more important places in the front. They
also passed resolutions calling upon the loyal people of the North
to put down those at home who are opposing the prosecution of
the war; if need be they would use force by calling for soldiers
from the front. The men at the front feel that this opposition
to war at home is helping to prolong the war, by encouraging
the rebels.
Thursday, 12th — The Eleventh Iowa received two months'
pay, I receiving $26.00. We commenced to cut the levee today,
but shortly after we got started the order was countermand^.
Friday, 13th — The weather is quite pleasant and all is quiet.
There is nothing of importance.

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG 105
(March, 1863)
Saturday, 14th — I was on guard at Colonel Crocker's head
quarters 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.
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 Di
vision boarded the transports and left today for Vicksburg.
Monday, i6th — 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 rush
ing through the canal can be heard a mile.
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.
Wednesday, 18 th — 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 over
flowing 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.
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. 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 occu
pying vacant buildings will have to move out tomorrow. I pur
chased a tin plate and spoon for thirty cents.

106 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1863)
Saturday, 21st — ^The Eleventh Iowa received new guns, the
Enfield rifle, and everyone is pleased with the exchange. Re
ceiving orders to move camp, we struck our tents at 3 o'clock p.
m. and moved two miles and went into camp in a cottonfield close
by the levee just above the town of Lake Providence. On ac
count 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.
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.
Monday, 23d — It rained nearly all day and our new camp has
become very muddy. Today I read tfie two books of Chronicles
in the Bible, sixty-five chapters in all. Our picket duty here is
very light at present.
Tuesday, 24th — It rained all night and day, and our camp is
almost covered with water. The report in camp is that we will
go down the river in a day or two.
Wednesday, 25th — A division of troops passed our camp going
down the river, while General Logan's Division came back again
going on up the river.
Thursday, 26th — It is very warm and pleasant, and the mud
is drying up fast. We have no need for camp guards at this
camp. We drew six days' rations. The Eleventh and Fifteenth
Iowa Regiments received orders to move at once down the river.
We immediately struck our tents and by 10 o'clock p. m. were
on board the "Superior" with all the quartermaster's supplies, but
the boat is to lie here all night. Everything seems to point to a
movement upon Vicksburg, and the report is that the fleet, pro
tected by the gunboats, will have to run the blockade, while the
troops will have to move by land through Louisiana and cross the
river below Vicksburg.
Friday, 27th — We started down the river at daylight this
morning and landed about three miles below Lake Providence.
We pitched our tents on the lawn of a fine plantation, some dis
tance from the house. We found plenty of boards with which to
build our bunks. We are situated about ten feet lower than the
water in the river, but the levee is strong here, being well sodded
over. Our camp is in the open, unprotected by shade trees. On

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 107
(March, 1863)
coming down the river we saw our camp ground on the Sparrow
plantation all flooded over, and the country as far as we could
see was under water. The town of Lake Providence looked deso
late with the houses standing in the water.
Saturday, 28th — No new developments today. We had orders
to clean up for inspection. I went to the commissary headquar
ters and drew a hat and a blouse, costing $4.78.
Sunday, 29th — We had a heavy rainstorm last night, blow
ing down several tents. Today it is quite rainy with a cool wind
blowing. Being off duty today I remained in camp and read
through the Book of Psalms.
Monday, 30th — A cool wind again today. Several boats load
ed with troops went down the river today bound for the vicinity
of Vicksburg. I am in hopes that they will do something.
Tuesday, 31st — Warm and pleasant today. More troops passed
dowTi the river. I commenced cooking for the captain and offi
cers of our company.^ I was considered a pretty good cook at
home, but having so few utensils here, I fear there will be quite
a contrast.
APRIL, 1863.
Wednesday, ist — It continues warm and pleasant. All is
^uiet. I went up town to the division quartermaster to buy pro
visions for the officers, the captain giving me the money with the
order to purchase ten days' provisions. When I returned the cap
tain noticed among the items of the bill "20 lbs. codfish," and
exclaimed, "Why, Alexander, what in thunder are you going to
do with salty codfish? You have enough to do the whole com
pany, and there are but three of us !"^
Thursday, 2d — Weather warm and pleasant. No news.
Friday, 3d — The Eleventh Iowa signed the pay rolls for four
months' pay. Boats loaded with troops are passing down the
river every hour of the day. Our entire division is again drill
ing four hours a day. We have a fine drill ground.
' It seems that Private Downing was to get $5.00 per month as cook.
See the entry for May 2d. — Bd.
^There was some suspicion that the codfish deal was some April Fool
business, but I declare that it was all done in dead earnest. But I be
gan to figure that it was a pretty large ration of codfish for ten days
and the matter having been noised about, I was not very careful to lock
the codfish in the mess chest. The boys soon found out where they could
find codfish after night, and at the end of a week it had all disappeared.
X was thankful. — A. G. D.

108 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1863)
Saturday, 4th — Nothing of importance. The weather is get
ting very warm, but it is pleasant. I wrote another letter to
Jason Sparks.
Sunday, 5th — We had company inspection at 10 o'clock this
morning and regimental inspection at 5 p. m. I did not go out
on inspection, having to prepare an elaborate dinner (some of
that codfish), and after dinner I had a good many dishes to wash
— tin plates, cups and knives and forks. I read the following
chapters today: Isaiah, ninth chapter, second to the eighth
verse ; Psalms, twenty-second chapter.
Monday, 6th — Four loads of sanitar}- goods from Iowa were
landed today for the Eleventh Iowa. Colonel Hall arrived this
morning from home and the boys were glad to see him. One
year ago today he commanded the Eleventh Iowa at the battle of
Shiloh. The boys are all in fine spirits. The Sixteenth Iowa
received their pay today. It is reported that our cutting of the
levee at Lake Providence will prove of no avail, as the channel
of the Tensas river is so narrow, and it is impossible to cut out
the big overhanging trees, so as to make it wide enough for a
fleet to pass through. The project will have to be given up as
impracticable. Tuesday, 7th — The sanitary goods were issued to the different
companies of the regiment today; the boys are pleased with the
many good things that came from Iowa. Received orders to
clean up for inspection.
Wednesday, 8th — General Townsend, of General Halleck's
staff, from Washington, D. C, made a speech to the Sixth Di
vision of the Seventeenth Army Corps today, on the question of
arming the colored men. He urged loyal men to accept commis
sions as officers in colored regiments. General McArthur, com
mander of our division, spoke also, and the boys cheered them a
great deal. Steps were taken to raise two regiments of colored
troops at this place and give them arms. The Fifteenth Iowa re
ceived their pay today.
Thursday, 9th — The Eleventh Iowa received four months' pay
today, I receiving $3.00 a month here and father drawing $10.00
a month at home. The boys of our regiment send a large amount
of their money home every pay day.

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 109
(April, 1863)
Friday, loth — William Mills, secretary to the president of the
Sanitary Commission of Iowa, visited our regiment today. He
is down here among the different Iowa regiments distributing the
sanitary goods donated by the loyal people of the State. The
health of the Eleventh Iowa is very good, and the boys are feel
ing fine. Our regiment reports five hundred and twenty men for
duty. Saturday, nth — The Eighth Iowa passed down the river to-
da}-. We had no drill this afternoon, but were ordered to clean
up for inspection. April has been warm and pleasant every day,
but today we had a high wind.
Sunday, 12th — Eight gunboats went down the river today.
The boys feel quite lively and are anxious to get into action again.
We had company inspection in the morning and regimental in
spection in the afternoon, with dress parade at 5 o'clock. Some
of the men of our regiment were caught in a trap today. They
went up into a pigeon house a short distance from camp and were
having a game of "chuck luck" when someone informed the offi
cer of the day, who took some guards, surrounded the house, en
tered and made a quick dive for the rubber poncho, taking all the
money lying on the figures, almost $200, and arresting all the
participants. He put the fellows in the guardhouse and turned
over the money to the hospital steward.
Monday, 13th — Our nice weather was broken today by an all
day rain. A large number of transports loaded with troops went
down the river; the Twenty-fourth Iowa was on board. I went
down to the sutler in the Fifteenth Iowa camp and bought a
bushel of potatoes, paying $2.50.
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. Gen
eral 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

110 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1863)
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.
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.
Thursday, i6th — 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.
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 gun
boats and six transports with five hundred thousand rations on
board ran the blockade. Another large fleet loaded with troops
went down the river today.
Saturday, i8th — Weather pleasant. Had some rain this even
ing. Another large fleet loaded with troops passed down the
river just after dark.
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.
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.
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.
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.

•SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 111
(April, 1863)
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. Friday, 24th — We are now in camp twenty miles above Vicks
burg. Received orders to clean up our camp ground and to have
company drill forenoon and afternoon. A large detail was put
to work and when the camp was put in order we had our regu
lar drills, one hour each time. A large fleet of troops came down
the river this morning.
Saturday, 25th — ^^Our division received orders to get ready to
March. All the sick are being taken to the hospital and we are
storing our supplies^ upon the boat. We have to go in light
marching order, one tent to each company and with five days'
rations. Sunday, 26th — We struck our tents this morning at 5 o'clock
and loaded them on the boat and at 2 p. m. with knapsack on
took up our march. By night we were within one mile of Rich
mond, Louisiana, on the railroad running from Vicksburg to Mon
roe, Louisiana, where we bivouacked for the night.
Monday, 27th — It rained all day and we marched into Rich
mond early this morning, taking shelter in cotton sheds, vacant
houses, and any shed that would turn water. The Third Brigade
is quartered in gin houses and negro shacks. White and I had
a fine bed to sleep in last night. The land here is so nearly on
the dead level, that it is almost impossible to keep out of' mud and
water, but we have plenty of cotton for bedding.
Tuesday, 28th — It cleared off this morning and we left Rich
mond at 10 o'clock, marched nine miles and went into camp on
Holmes's plantation, about eight miles from the Mississippi and
' Tents and extra baggage. — A. G. D.

112 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1863)
due west from Vicksburg. We took possession of all the vacant
houses and sheds on the plantation. The roads are very muddy
and many of the trains got stalled. Some of the wagons loaded
with ammunition sank down to the axles and much time and labor
were consumed in getting them out. There was some fighting at
Grand Gulf today.
Wednesday, 29th — The teams all went back to the landing
this morning for provisions and the boys cleaned up our camp
ing ground. We have first-rate grub now, hard crackers, sow
belly, green tea, besides fresh beef every fifth day. We draw
full rations every five days when in camp, and every three days
when on the march. The boys live fine. I wrote a couple of
letters today.
Thursday, 30th — Our provision train returned from the land
ing today. There was some very heavy cannonading at Grand
Gulf today, where it is reported that the rebels are strongly forti
fied. Some of our transports ran the blockade at Vicksburg last
night. The Eleventh Iowa was mustered for pay today. The
sergeant-major reports the regiment as having five hundred and
fifty men fit for duty.
MAY, 1863.
Friday, ist — News came that General Sherman has again
made an attack on Haines's Bluff, the same as last fall when the
plan failed because General Grant failed to co-operate with him.
The plan is to be tried again this spring. A large ammunition
train passed through here for Carthage, Louisiana. General
Crocker left the command of our brigade, to take command of the
Seventh Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps. The boys are
all sorry to see him leave.
Saturday, 2d — The weather has been warm and quite pleas
ant for several days and the roads are drying fast. Things are
very quiet here. Colonel Hall is now in command of our bri
gade. We have drill twice a day, though this afternoon there
was none, in order to give the boys time to wash their clothes
and clean up for inspection. I received $5.00 from Captain Mc
Loney, for the month of April, as cook for the officers' mess.
Sunday, 3d — News came that our army took five hundred
prisoners at Grand Gulf. General Steele's Division passed here

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG 113
(May, 1863)
today. There is an Iowa brigade in it, consisting of the Fourth,
Twenty-sixth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first Infantry. The men all
look fine and there are none from the brigade in the hospital.
Monday, 4th— The Eighth, Twelfth and Thirty-fifth Iowa
Regiments passed here today on their way to the front. They
are all fine-looking men. I feel in hopes that Vicksburg will soon
be in our hands. Our division is in the rear, most of the other
troops having gone on ahead of us. Our army is in strong force
at this' place, and there is no danger of the rebels' cavalry making
a raid on the base of our commissary supplies here.
Tuesday, 5th — ^The Fourth Iowa Cavalry passed here this
morning. It is a fine regiment of horse. Four hundred and
forty-four rebel prisoners captured at Grand Gulf were taken
by here this morning to be sent to our prisons in the North;
they are a hard-looking set of men. News came today that our
men have taken Grand Gulf with two thousand prisoners. If this
is true it gives us a road to Vicksburg over high ground, which
means the fall of Vicksburg.
Wednesday, 6th — ^The Sixth Division trains all went to the
landing this morning for ammunition. Wagon trains are pass
ing back and forth all the time, hauling provisions and ammuni
tion for the army at Grand Gulf. We had battalion drill this
afternoon. Thursday, 7th — One hundred and fifty prisoners captured at
Grand Gulf were taken past here this morning; they all looked
quite downhearted. A large train of provisions passed here for
the army below. The roads are drying fast, which is making the
hauling and marching better. The boys are all anxious to leave
this place and move to the front. This is a low, unhealthy lo
cality. An old negro here has picked up more than a thousand
overcoats and blankets and is storing them away in his hut.
These are thrown aside by the men marching out from the land
ing. On becoming warm and getting tired of their loads, they
begin to unload about the first day's march.
Friday, 8th — General Blair's Division, composed of Ohio and
Illinois troops, went by today on their way to Grand Gulf. All
day teams were returning to the river landing for provisions for
the army at Grand Gulf. We received orders to send all the sick

114 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1863)
back to the hospital at Memphis, and prepare to march. Our
regiment has battalion drill twice a day now.
Saturday, 9th — It is quite pleasant. Had battalion drill this
forenoon. The boys are all in fine spirits, expecting at any mo
ment to receive marching orders. Our division teams returned
from the landing with provisions and went on down to Carthage,
where they will load them on boats for Grand Gulf.
Sunday, loth — Our brigade received orders to march at 5
o'clock tomorrow morning. Regimental inspection at 8 o'clock
this evening showed the regiment to be in fine order. Companies
D and E went out on picket this evening.
Monday, nth — We started this morning at 5 o'clock and
marched about eight miles, when we stacked our arms until 3 p.
m. We continued our march to Perkins's Landing about forty-
five miles below Vicksburg as the river runs, or twenty miles as
the crow flies. Here we bivouacked for the night. The country
here is very low and often overflows. The large plantations, such
as Perkins's, Holmes's and Jeff Davis's, are usually planted to
cotton. The work is all done by slaves driven by overseers who
live on the plantations, while the owners, planters, reside in more
healthy localities.
Tuesday, 12th — We took up our march at 5 o'clock this morn
ing and marched sixteen miles over very fine roads. This is a
very rich country, and before the war, was prosperous, but now
looks quite desolate, the buildings and fences having been burned
by our troops. At the approach of our army the people fled,
leaving all behind them. At noon we halted for lunch, and since
it was so fearfully hot, remained here during the heat of the day
in the shade of evergreens. The Eleventh Iowa was situated just
opposite the residence of General Bowie, said to be a descendant
of the inventor of the bowie knife. The main Bowie residence
was burned and household articles, among which is a grand
piano, are strewn about the large lawn. The outbuildings, on a
grand scale, were not molested. The lawn contains about forty
acres and is planted in all kinds of tropical trees and shrubbery,
with cisterns and fountains at different points. The plantation
borders the west bank of Lake St. Joseph, the public highway
being just between it and the lake. This plantation, containing

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG 115
(May, 1863)
several thousand acres, is all planted to corn, which is now in
tassel and silk. Our march today was along the west bank of
the lake with a continuous cornfield on our right. When night
came we were still by the lake, where we went into bivouac.
Wednesday, 13th — After an early breakfast we left bivouac
at 6 o'clock and took up our march. By noon we reached the
Mississippi river, where we took boat, and going down about two
miles landed on the east bank at Grand Gulf or Hard Times Land
ing — where the town once was. The town was destroyed just
a year ago by the Union fleet, and there is nothing left but the
streets and sidewalks. We went into camp here to stay until
relieved. Thursday, 14th — News came today that Richmond was taken.
I took a walk and reviewed the rebels' works about here. They
were strongly fortified with heavy ordnance on the high bluff,
about two hundred feet above water, with the river for a dis
tance of two miles running straight to the bluff. This made it
a very dangerous place for our gunboats to approach. But after
two days' shelling, our gunboats with two or three transports
succeeded in running the blockade and landing below the fort.^
The river coming with such force is fast washing away the bank
and we hope that we may soon move from this place. The Third
Brigade of Blair's Division arrived late last night.
Friday, 15th — News came again that Richmond has been tak
en, and that all of General Lee's supplies are cut off. The Third
Brigade of General Blair's Division landed at this place today and
went into bivouac. A gunboat came up the river from Port
Hudson. Reports are coming in that General Grant is routing
the rebels wherever he comes upon them in force. There are
some prisoners and wounded being brought in from the front.
The wounded are taken to the hospital and the prisoners to the
North. Saturday, i6th — The weather has been quite warm for sev
eral days. Troops are arriving every day and some of them are
going to the front. It is reported that our men are shelling the
rebels at Vicksburg and are getting no reply. We received a
^At the time of the capture the first troops marched down and
crossed the river onto high ground some two miles below, while our
main army came into the rear of the enemy, who were compelled to
surrender, leaving all their heavy guns. — A. G. D.

116 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1863)
dispatch from General Grant this afternoon, saying that his head
quarters is in the State House at Jackson, Mississippi. The
troops are in fine spirits.
Sunday, 17th — There was some very heavy cannonading out
at the front today, and word came that a battle was fought at a
place called Champion Hills, with heavy loss on both sides. The
rebels are falling back towards Vicksburg. The river is falling
and troops are still arriving. General Lauman's Division arrived
last night.
Monday, i8th — A despatch from the front informs us that
General Grant has taken the railroad bridge across the Big Black
river in the rear of Vicksburg. The troops also took some pris
oners. The Eleventh Iowa, accompanied by a gunboat, went
on a scout up the Big Black river to destroy a bridge which the
rebels had built in the last few days. This river empties into the
Mississippi a short distance above our camp.
Tuesday, 19th — All is quiet here at Grand Gulf. We heard
some heavy cannonading up at Vicksburg. The Third Brigade
of General Lauman's Division arrived this afternoon, and about
10 o'clock our brigade (the Third of the Sixth Division) and the
Third Brigade of Lauman's received orders to embark at once for
Vicksburg. The Eleventh and the Thirteenth got on board the
"Queen Forest."
Wednesday, 20th — This morning found us going up the river,
when about 10 o'clock we landed three miles below Vicksburg.
The rebels commenced throwing shells our way and we dropped
down the river to a point six miles below the city. But at 4
o'clock we returned to the place we had reached in the morning,
and landing on the west bank marched across the point of land
just opposite Vicksburg. Here we boarded the boats again and
awaited orders. The mortar boats are throwing shells into the
town. Our armies about Vicksburg have taken a great many
prisoners. It is reported that our men have taken Haines's Bluff,
and that General Grant has commenced action all the way around
his line of battle.
Thursday, 21st — Early this morning, at 6 o'clock, we moved
up the river and entering the Yazoo river we reached Haines's
Bluff, where we landed and stacked arms. Here we remained
several hours awaiting orders. General Sherman has just taken

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 117
(May, 1863)
Haines's Bluff and now is uniting with General Grant's forces
in surrounding Vicksburg. At 4 o'clock we again took boat, re
turning down the river to Young's Point, where we landed, and
marching across the point again took the boats. We passed on
down the river below Vicksburg to Warrington, Mississippi,
where we landed, and marching out about five miles, went into
camp for the night.
Friday, 22d — This morning we moved out a short distance
from our bivouac and formed a ^line of battle. The rebels com
menced throwing shells at us, and continued it all day; but as
their guns were aimed too high, our greatest danger was from
the falling limbs of trees hit by their shells. Four companies,
including Company E, were sent out on the skirmish line. Com
pany B had one man killed^ and one wounded. We withdrew
after dark and moved five miles farther on toward the right wing
of the army and bivouacked in a cottonfield for the night. We
were in heavy timber all day, which with the rough land, all hills
and gullies, afforded us some protection. We are on the ex
treme left of Grant's army, which almost encircles Vicksburg.
Saturday, 23d — ^We started this morning at daylight and
marched five miles to General McPherson's headquarters at the
center of the army. Here we lay until 4 o'clock in the after
noon, when we marched back to our old place on the extreme
left. The rebels again commenced to shell us, but the shells
went over our heads. The Eleventh Iowa went on picket. Our
men are shelling the rebels from all sides, and they are falling
back behind their fortifications. When passing the headquarters
of the Seventeenth Army Corps today, I saw a most dreadful
sight at the field hospital; there was a pile, all that a six-mule
team could haul, of legs and arms thrown from the amputating
tables in a shed nearby, where the wounded were being cared for.
Sunday, 24th — The rebels tried to shell us again this morn
ing, but could not get range of us. There was not much fighting
today, our men having orders not to advance. Our siege guns,
mortar boats and gunboats are throwing shells into the rebels
day and night. We were relieved from picket this afternoon by
another regiment.
' Jacob S. Deeter. — Roster Iowa Soldiers, II, p. 309.

118 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1863)
Monday, 25ih — Fighting commenced this morning all along
the line, but it proved to be mostly picket fighting. There was
also some heavy cannonading and the mortar boats and the gun
boats were in action. Our command, the Sixth Division, lay in
bivouac all day. In the evening the rebels came out and cap
tured some of our pickets, and we then formed a line of battle.
The First Missouri Battery threw some shells into the rebels'
camp after night. General Lauman's division arrived this morn
ing, but did not get into action.
Tuesday, 26th — It was quiet all along the line last night. The
rebels came out with a flag of truce, asking permission to bury
their dead, killed during the day. Our brigade started towards
the right this morning, and arriving at McPherson's headquar
ters at the center, we went into bivouac for the night. Our march
was over hot and dusty roads. Our guns commenced to shell
the rebels again this afternoon.
Wednesday, 27th — Our brigade, with four others, all under
the command of General Blair, left this morning for Benton's
Crossroads. The expedition is to keep General Johnston from
coming in to reinforce the rebels at Vicksburg. Cannonading
and picket firing opened up early this morning. Our army, by
sapping and mining after night, is gradually working its way
closer to the fortifications. Our men are well protected during
the day by earthworks.
Thursday, 28th — ^Last night we bivouacked twenty miles east
of Vicksburg and remained there till noon, waiting for rations.
We then moved on ten miles and went into bivouac for the night.
The country is very rough in this part of the state and there are
only a few small farms to be seen. Water is scarce, our main
reliance being cistern water.
Friday, 29th — We started on the move early this morning and
after marching about ten miles came upon the rebel pickets.
We drove them in and forming a line of battle advanced towards
them about two miles, our batteries throwing a few shells. But
the rebels refused to take a stand and finally withdrew altogether.
It was a small detachment of Johnston's army. We lost one
killed and two wounded. Our regiment went out on picket.
Saturday, 30th — Our expedition started back this morning for
Vicksburg. We received orders to burn the buildings along the

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 119
(May, 1868)
way and drive in all the cattle we could find. Our road ran
akjng the south side of the Yazoo river, through rich bottom land
planted to corn and cotton. The plantations are well improved
with fine buildings. This bottom land is from one and one-half
to two miles wide and springs in the bluffs pour out excellent
water which mns in streams to the river. We got our fill of
good water. When we halted at noon for lunch Company E, on
rear guard, stopped in the sheds of a cotton gin in order to escape
the hot sun. We had been there but a few minutes when some
straggler set fire to the cotton, which being very dry and scat
tered about soon made a big fire, driving us out. The fire burned
some sheep, a yoke of oxen and a wagon, besides other articles
which we had taken en route.
Sunday, 31st — We camped by the river last night, and early
this morning started for Haines's Bluff. We marched along
some fine cornfields. We reached Haines's Bluff in the after
noon, and went into bivouac to the south of that place. We were
as far east as Mechanicsville, forty-two miles from Vicksburg.
On this raid we burned some fine plantation houses and other im
provements. I saw only one residence left standing, and that
was where the family had the courage to remain at home. The
weather has been hot and the roads dusty.
JUNE, 1863.
Monday, ist — We lay over here below Haines's Bluff all
day, the boys being very tired after their long march. We ran
out of provisions last night and could not draw any today. Some
of the boys went out into the country to see what they could for
age. We heard the roar of cannon at Vicksburg all day.
Tuesday, 2d — ^We lay here in bivouac again all day. Our
quartermaster drew some clothing for the regiment. I drew a
pair of shoes, a shirt and a canteen. We are still without pro
visions. We spent the day in cleaning our clothing and equip
ments. There was some very heavy cannonading at Vicksburg
today and we are expecting to receive orders to leave soon for
the lines in the rear of Vicksburg.
Wednesday, 3d — We lay still again today, but all improved
their time cleaning up their accouterments. We drew two days'

120 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 186S)
rations, which relieved our hunger. We received orders to march
early in the morning. Colonel Chambers returned from the
North today. He is to take command of our brigade, a thing a
great many of the boys were sorry to learn.
Thursday, 4th — We left early this morning to join the army
in the rear of Vicksburg, and arrived at General McPherson's
headquarters about 5 o'clock in the evening. Here we stacked
arms and formed a line of battle. Our men are still shelling
Vicksburg day and night. We are here on high ground, but can
not see the town of Vicksburg.
Friday, 5th — We remained in line of battle all night. Our
brigade lay in bivouac all day. The Governor of the State of
Iowa made a speech to the Iowa Brigade. Adjutant General
Baker and Congressman Wilson of Iowa spoke also. The Six
teenth Iowa went out on picket. Skirmishing has been going on
all day, and our men are digging rifle-pits.
Saturday, 6th — Several companies from our brigade were de
tailed to go out last night and work as sappers and miners on the
rifle pits. Our forces are working their way closer to the rebels'
works every day, and Vicksburg is now almost completely sur
rounded. The rebels are running short of provisions, it is said,
and are anxious for reinforcements to break the siege. They
made attacks today on our outside lines at four or five different
points, driving in our pickets.
Sunday, 7th — The rebels made an attack on our forces at
Duck's Point, Louisiana, where, it is reported, two negro regi
ments met the attack and captured two hundred prisoners and
five pieces of artillery. Who says that the negro will not fight?
I say he will fight ! Arm the negroes and let them fight for their
liberty! There are some Northern troops with them at Duck's
Point, and together they make a strong garrison.
Monday, 8th — The Third Brigade received their knapsacks
this morning. The boys are at work building sheds of the cane-
brake which is so plentiful in this part of the State. Fighting
is still kept up and reinforcements are arriving every day. Vicks
burg must and shall fall this time !
Tuesday, 9th — The weather away down south in Dixie is get
ting quite warm. The soldiers are all in good health and fine

43 JUNE, ©fe-

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SIEGE AND SURRENDER OP VICKSBURG 121
(June, 1863)
spirits. Times are quite lively, with good news from all direc
tions around Vicksburg. Our mortar boats are throwing shells
into town day and night.^
Wednesday, loth — The cool morning was followed by a rain
all day ending at dark in a heavy windstorm. Companies E and
D of the Eleventh Iowa worked all last night in cutting a road
through the canebrakes to the rebels' breastworks. Skirmishing
has been going on all day.
Thursday, nth — The Thirty-fifth Iowa received marching or
ders. A report is that General Burnside with eight thousand
troops went on an expedition up the Yazoo river today. Can
nonading has been heard on all sides all day. News came that
General Banks has Port Hudson surrounded and is now besieg
ing the place.
Friday, 12th — Our brigade receiving orders, moved out about
a mile and again went into camp in a large hollow ; we fixed up
bunks and made a nice camp. I was out last night again with
a lai^e detail from our brigade digging rifle pits, working all
night with rifle in one hand and pick in the other, digging trenches
to protect ourselves in the daytime. There was skirmishing and
heavy cannonading all day, and after night by their lighted fuses
we sometimes could see the shells from our mortar boats coming
over the city and down to the ground before they exploded.
Saturday, 13th — The Eleventh Iowa moved out towards the
rear about four miles, to relieve the Ninety-third Illinois on
picket. The land around here is very rough and heavily tim
bered. There is an occasional small farm. The people around
here are all rank secessionists.
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.
' We were all confident that Pemberton would soon be compelled to
surrender Vicksburg, for we had him completely surrounded. — A G. D.

122 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1863)
Monday, i5th-^Onx 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 thou
sand 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.
Tuesday, i6th — 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 roar
ing 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. 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 black
berries and plums. They are quite plentiful, and come as a God
send 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 bot
tom. Thursday, i8th — 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 oflf his right thumb by an acci
dental 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.^
'I undertook the job for Ford, but did some perspiring before I fin
ished the letter, and I would never undertake it again. The letter went
through and he received a nice one in reply. — A. G. D

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG 123
(June, 1863)
Friday, ipth — 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.
Saturday, 2oth — By order of General Grant all the artillery
opened upon Vicksburg this morning, and the bombardment con
tinued 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. Sunday, 2ist — 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.
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.
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^ in the direction of the Big Black river.
Company E was left here for picket duty.
Wednesday, 24th — I was on picket today, each man going out
every other day, and the orders are very strict, no one being al
lowed 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
'To join Sherman's forces. — Ed.

124 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1863)
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.
Thursday, 25th — Everything on the outside is quiet as usual.
Our engineers blew up one of the main rebel forts, and the in
fantry 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 ex
plosion, 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.^
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 de
termination to get out, for their provisions are very low. No
news from the rear.
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.
Sunday, 28th — I was sent out on picket duty today and every
thing is quite still along the line. It is also quiet at the front,
except along General Logan's Division, where the rebel sharp
shooters are trying to silence our batteries. News came that
Port Hudson had not been taken, and that instead General Hook
er 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.
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
'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.

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG 125
(June, 1863)
lines has been quiet. I came in from picket this moming. The
boys of my company are all in fine spirits, and although the black
berries are getting scarce, peaches and apples, which are plentiful
around here, will soon be ripe.
Tuesday, 30th — Our company was mustered at 9 o'clock this
moming 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.
JULY, 1863.
Wednesday, ist — A detail of the Seventeenth Iowa came out
this moming 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.
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 sur
render.'^ 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.
' 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.

126 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 18«3)
Saturday, 4th — A despatch came that Vicksburg has been
taken and that Pemberton has made an unconditional surrender
to General Grant. The terms include the surrender of his army
of twenty-seven thousand men, one hundred siege guns, one hun
dred and twenty-eight field guns, and eighty thousand small amis.^
Early in the day the rebels drove some of our skirmishers in, but
in the afternoon we commenced to shell them and they withdrew.
They surrendered soon after. Our company went out on picket
this evening. This has been a hard Fourth of July ; I don't want
to see another such a Fourth.

' There were no provisions to give up and General Grant isaued
Government rations to all the prisoners taken. — A G. D.

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 127
(July, 1863)

Chapter XI.
The Campaign Against Jackson, Mississippi. July 5- July 26.
Sunday, 5th — We came in this morning at 10 o'clock from an
all night picket along the Big Black river. We were relieved by
General Tuttle's Brigade. Our brigade then fell back a mile and
went into bivouac in heavy timber. The rebels all left l^st
night, it is thought, for Jackson, Mississippi, with the forces of
Sherman and Ord in pursuit of them. Sherman passed us, cross
ing the Big Black at Messenger's ford, while Ord's army crossed
the river over the railroad bridge. There is great rejoicing in
camp over the fall of Vicksburg and the boys are singing songs
and celebrating.
Monday, 6th — We have had very changeable weather for a
week now — hot and sultry, then cool and pleasant, then warm and
hazy. The Eleventh Iowa received two months' pay today. I
got $37.25; of this, $11.25 was allowed for clothing not drawn.
The Thirteenth Iowa and the Tenth Ohio Battery went out on
picket duty.
Tuesday, 7th — A high wind today ended jn rain tonight. Col
onel Charnbers of the Sixteenth Iowa, who has been command
ing our brigade, left for Vicksburg this morning to obtain re
lease from this command in order to return to the regular army.
The boys of the brigade are glad to see him leave- Colonel Hall
takes charge again of our brigade. I went on brigade guard to
night. Our countersign is "Vicksburg."
Wednesday, 8th — I came off guard duty this morning at 9
o'clock. There was a hailstorm last night and everything looks
nice and green, notwithstanding the fact that there has been no
rain for two months. But it is hot and the corn has suffered a
great deal. All the fields are planted to corn, as that was the
surest way to get food for the rebel army.
Thursday, 9th — There is no news of importance and we have
had no chance yet for newspapers. We have scant news while
out here in the woods, sometimes getting no mail for eight or
ten days at a time. All our teams went to Vicksburg today fo»-

128 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1863)
provisions. The forces of Sherman and Ord are still pursuing
Johnston. Friday, loth — News came that there was fighting at Jackson,
Mississippi, General Sherman having pushed Johnston back to
that point. Troops are passing on to the front to reinforce Sher
man. News came also that General Lee was making a raid into
Pennsylvania.^ Colonel Chambers returned from Vicksburg to
day, and has again taken charge of our brigade. The men of our
brigade are all in good health at present. The weather is hot
and oppressive. No more at present.
Saturday, nth — ^The Eleventh Iowa started at sunup this
morning for Jackson, Mississippi, as an escort for two hundred
and forty-five wagons loaded with provisions and ammunition for
General Sherman's army. By night we were within one mile of
Clinton, where we went into bivouac, closely corralling the wag
ons. We rode on the wagons a part of the time during the jour
ney. Whenever they came to a stretch of good roads, the team
sters would put the horses on the run, and in order to keep up
we had to climb onto the loaded wagons. We suffered for lack
of water today, for the rebels in their retreat polluted the branches
they crossed by killing and throwing into the streams their worn-
out horses and mules, hoping thus to strike a blow at us. Their
march was marked by the buzzards flying above or feeding upon
the carcasses of the slain animals.
Sunday, 12th — We started this moming at sunup and arrived
at General Sherman's headquarters at 10 o'clock. Two regiments
of Sherman's army came out to reinforce our train guard. They
feared that the rebels' cavalry would make a raid on the train
before we could reach the main army. We arrived safely with
out losing a single wagon. Cannonading is going on quite live
ly from both sides. Good water is very scarce here, and the few
wells and cisterns which we can draw upon are crowded all the
time; I stood with two canteens for more than an hour waiting
for my turn.
Monday, 13th — We left this morning at 3 o'clock on our re
turn trip via Black river bridge, with a train of two hundred and
fifty empty wagons. We took with us sixty-one prisoners, giving
' This seems to have been the flrst news from the battle of Gettys
burg — a week after the battle. — Bd.

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 129
(July, 1863)
them the first free ride they have had for some time. We all
rode on the wagons, standing, and in order to keep from falling
out when the teams made a lurch, we removed the canvas covers
so as to hold to the bows. The road was lined the whole way
with troops going to reinforce General Sherman. The day was
cloudy, and we were thankful, as it kept the deep dust from ris
ing somewhat. We reached the bridge at dark and went into
bivouac. I was on a detail to guard the prisoners during the
night. The paroled prisoners are all being sent out of Vicksburg
to their homes. They are a hard-looking set of men.
Tuesday, 14th — We lay here in bivouac at Black river bridge
all day, and we are glad for the chance to rest and clean our
clothes. The cars from Vicksburg can run only to the river,
since the bridge is burned and the railroad track is torn up for
five miles east of the river. A train load of provisions came out
from Vicksburg today, and a part of the provisions and ammu
nition have been loaded upon wagons and started with an escort
for Jackson.^
Wednesday, 15th — A train of provisions and ammunition ar
rived from Vicksburg this morning. Late in the afternoon they
finished loading the wagons with the provisions and ammunition
for Jackson, and our regiment was ordered to accompany them.
We started late and after marching six miles stopped for the
night. We received orders to keep a sharp lookout for the rebels'
cavalry, as they had crossed the Pearl river and had captured and
burned a part of the train just ahead of ours.
Thursday, i6th — We left our bivouac with the wagon train
at an early hour and moved on quite rapidly, expecting to be at
tacked at any moment. We passed the place on the road where the
train just ahead of us was attacked by the rebel cavalry, which
captured and burned fifteen of the wagons, taking with them the
mules and carrying off the drivers and guards as prisoners. This
was a terribly hard day for us. We were not allowed to climb
the wagons, but were ordered to keep up with them, and with
muskets loaded and bayonets fixed, be ready to fight at the drop
of a hat. Then, too, the weather was awfully hot, and the
dust kicked up by the mules was stifling; besides this, we were
iThe men generally dreaded this kind of service, for it was exceed
ingly dangerous. Then, too, much of the journey had to be made on
the run — but it is a soldier's business to obey orders and do the best
he can. — A. G. D.

130 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 188»)
almost famished, the little water we could find being unfit for
use because of its sickly odor. But late in the aftemoon we ar
rived at Clinton, where we were relieved by another regiment and
went into camp with our brigade which was stationed here.
Friday, 17th — We heard that our wagon train went throwgh
to Jackson without attack, and that the rebels evacuated the
place this morning, with Sherman's forces in hot pursuit. We
hear that Johnston, after crossing the Pearl river, burned the
bridges behind him and is now in rapid retreat on the other side.
News came that Meade had taken Richmond, Virginia, together
with thirty thousand prisoners. Things are very lively here to
day — there is singing and rejoicing.
Saturday, i8th — Our wagon trains now move unmolested back
and forth from Vicksburg to Jackson, since there are few of the
rebels' cavalry left in this section. Our brigade is to remain
here at Clinton as a reserve to escort wagon trains when needed.
We hear that Sherman is still after Johnston. Our camp here
is quite low and damp, and a great many of the boys are coming
down with the ague.
Sunday, 19th — Company E with three other companies, one
from each regiment, went out on picket this moming. Our com
pany is stationed on the south side of a vacant field. Off to the
north on the other side of the field and just in the edge of the
timber on high ground, we can see the rebel cavalry, but they
are careful to keep their distance. We have fine times on picket
now, with little danger of being attacked and plenty of fruit to
eat. We have green corn, too, and the fields nearby are being
pretty well picked over. One of the boys came in with a hun
dred ears of corn. He roasted fifteen of them in the campfire
ashes, ate all of them, and declared that he could eat two or three
more. Monday, 20th — We came in from picket this moming and this
afternoon moved our regimental camp onto higher ground. Some
of our boys are having a time with the ague and fever. The Fif
teenth and Sixteenth Regiments were ordered out to Miller's
Creek to guard a wagon train. The Thirty-fifth Iowa passed us
on their way to Vicksburg with five hundred prisoners from John
ston's army. Orders came to prepare to march.
Tuesday, 21st — Our brigade started for Vicksburg this after-

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 131
(July, 1863)
noon. We covered five miles and went into bivouac. It is ex
tremely hot, and having had no rain for so long, the roads are
very dusty. Our entire army is falling back to Vicksburg.
Wednesday, 22d — We started this morning at daylight and
marched all day. We stopped for the night along Baker's Creek,
just beyond Edward's Station. The roads are alive with troops
returning to Vicksburg. It is reported that Johnston's army is
falling back to Columbus, Mississippi.
Thursday, 23d — ^We were off by 4 o'clock this morning and
reached Big Black river bridge by noon. It had rained very
hard here yesterday and last night, overflowing the river and
causing the deep dust to become deep mud. This made our trav
eling very heavy, and since the rain set in again this aftemoon,
we moved on only about three miles and went into bivouac.
Friday, 24th — We remained here in bivouac all day. Orders
came for our brigade to return to Black river bridge and remain
there until relieved by General Sherman. The cars are coming
through now from Vicksburg twice a day. We are very anxious
for mail, having had none for many days, and are disappointed
in not receiving any today. We put in our time today cleaning
clothes. Saturday, 23th — Our brigade returned to the bridge and went
into camp, with Colonel Chambers in command of the entire post.
Our army field hospital is located here and the convalescents are
being cared for in it. Refugees by the thousands are at this
place and are still pouring in by the hundreds from every direc
tion, ahead of Sherman's returning army. It is a wonderful
sight to see ; they are of all colors and ages, though mostly women
and children. I bought a gold pen today from the sutler for $2.00,
and had the misfortune to lose it before night.
Sunday, 26th — We were relieved by an Iowa brigade from
Sherman's army, which just arrived, but we remained in bivouac
all day, awaiting orders. One of General Sherman's foraging
trains came in; they are going to forage for oats. News came
that there was fighting going on at Charleston, South Carolina.
It was quite hot this morning, and in the afternoon we had
a hard rainstorm. A great many of the boys in camp here are
sick with the chills, while others are almost worn out by the hard
service.

132 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 186S)

Chapter XII.
On Guard at Vicksburg and the Fruitless Expedition to Mon
roe, Louisiana. July 27-September 3.
Monday, 27th — Our brigade started for Vicksburg at 4 o'clock
this afternoon. We moved only four miles, when we stopped for
the night. The country is very rough and the heavy rains have
made the roads very muddy.
Tuesday, 28th — We started early this morning and though it
was hot and sultry, we reached Vicksburg at 10 a. m. So we
finally entered Vicksburg after more than eight months in try
ing to take the place. In the afternoon we moved out a few
miles to the north of town and went into bivouac. While in
Vicksburg we saw some of the paroled prisoners leaving for their
homes. They were indeed sorrowful-looking beings — all in rags
and without food ; yet they were ready to fight for their cause to
the bitter end.
Wednesday, 29th — We passed a miserable night, for we had
no tents and the ground was wet from yesterday's rain ; besides,
the ground is so rough and hilly that we can hardly find a place
big enough to camp on. Things dragged on slowly this morn
ing, so I had a chance to run around some to view the fortifica
tions. The rebels were strongly fortified, and had dug large
caves under ground at the foot of the hills just off from the road
way to protect themselves from our shells. Troops are going
aboard the transports, some down the river to reinforce General
Banks at Port Hudson, and others north to aid General Dodge in
Tennessee and northern Mississippi.
Thursday, 30th — It is quite hot and sultry. There is no news
of importance. Colonel Hall has again taken command of our
brigade. I bought a two-pound can of butter, paying $1.25, and
five loaves of bread for fifty cents.
Friday, 31st — The weather continues hot. Our men are at
work raising the gunboat "Cincinnati," which was sunk during
the siege of Vicksburg. She was a fine boat. A detail of men
was sent to bring our tents today, but they failed to get them.

ON GUARD AT VICKSBURG 133
AUGUST, 1863.
Saturday, ist — The quartermaster received some clothing for
our regiment. I drew a pair of pants for $3.05 and a shirt for
$1.46. A certain number of men from each company will be per
mitted to go home on a thirty-day furlough, and the boys of our
company are looking forward to the time, wondering who will
be the lucky ones.
Sunday, 2d — The teams went to the wharf down in Vicks
burg for our tents. The three boys from our company drawing
furloughs were Sylvester Daniels, I>aniel E. Sweet and Major
Christmas, and they left for home today on a thirty-day furlough.^
I sent $1.00 with Sweet to buy postage stamps for me and $2.00
to buy me a gold pen.'' I also sent $5.00 to father by Daniels.
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 cov
ered 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.
Tuesday, 4th — The heat is intense today. We finished put
ting up the brush shades and also completed our bunks. It seems
like home once more. Our regimental payrolls were made out to
day, while the Thirteenth Iowa received their pay. Major Fos
ter is now in command of our regiment.
Wednesday, 5th — The heat continues as yesterday. The Elev
enth 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.
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.
>In drawing lots for furlough, our diarist tells me, the officers fav
ored the married men. Mr. Downing himself did not care about a fur
lough. — Ed.
» I am using this pen in re-writlng the manuscript of my war diary
fifty years later, and in my seventy-second year. — A. G. D.

134 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1863)
Friday, 7th — It is quite sultry today. There is no news of
any importance. The Sixteenth Iowa received their pay today.
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.*
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, atid the
work was strenuous, besides its being on the Lord's Day — ^but
such is the life of a soldier.
Monday, loth — 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.
Tuesday, nth — No news from the Army of the Potomac nor
from Charleston, South Carolina.
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.
Thursday, 13th — It is rumored that our brigade is to go to
Natchez, Mississippi, in a few days, but we cannot tell whether
it is true or not. I was on police duty today, for the first time,
down in Vicksburg. There are more than a hundred men de
tailed each day to keep order in the city, and nobody is allowed
on the streets without a pass from the provost marshal. We
work on eight-hour shifts, and each man has a certain part of a
street to patrol for two hours at a time, after which he is off duty
for a period of four hours. I was on duty in a residence dis
trict, and while I was walking my beat, a lady came out of her
home for an afternoon's walk. I of course had to ask her to
show her pass. I must have looked pretty fierce to her, with
'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 mar
ried comrade money to send home to his family. — Ed.

ON GUARD AT VICKSBURG 135
(August, 1«63)
loaded gun, fixed bayonet and all accouterments on. I asked her
kindly for her pass and she answered that she had none, where
upon I told her what my orders were; that she would have to
return to her home and not come out on the streets again with
out a pass, or I would have to take her to the provost marshal's
office. She thanked me very politely as I closed her gate, saying
that she wanted to obey orders and that she would send out and
procure a pass before going on the street again. This lady is
certainly experiencing war at her own dooryard, yet she showed
the good breeding of the Southern lady.
Friday, 14th — All is quiet. Orders came today to send all of
the sick home on thirty-day furloughs.
Saturday, 15th — This is my birthday — twenty-one years old
today. I was detailed to help dig a grave for the body of Rufus
C. Walter, of Company G, who died last night. He had been
wounded and lived here in camp in a hammock which was tied
to trees, or to posts set in the ground when there were no trees.
Sunday, i6th — We had regimental inspection this morning at
8 6'clock. The regiment showed itself in splendid order. A man
from the Fifteenth Iowa was buried this morning, having died of
fever.* Some of the sick boys of our regiment started home to
day on their furloughs. Mark Titus was the only one from Our
contpany, though some of the boys still have the fever.
Monday, 17th — Our company went out on picket this morn
ing. There is always danger of cavalry raids, particularly even
ings. Some more of the sick boys were examined this morning
by the doctor. The boys were hoping to get a sick furlough.
There is some homesickness in the regiment, but a number will
be made well by a thirty-day furlough. I am in good health and
it is more than a year since I have had to report to the doctor,
and then he marked me "not fit for duty" for only three days.
Tuesday, i8th — We were relieved from picket this morning.
It looks pretty bad in walking the streets of Vicksburg to see the
destruction caused by our shells. Many buildings are complete
ly demolished, while others have great holes made in their walls
— I counted as high as ten holes in a wall. I noticed a shell ly
ing in the bottom of a cistern, whose fuse must have been put out
' John Chrismore, Knoxville, Iowa. He died August 15th and was
burled in National Cemetery at Vicksburg, Section G, grave 172. — Roster
Iowa Soldiers, Vol. II, p. 926.

136 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 186S)
when it struck the water and so it only knocked a hole in the
wall, but it drained the water out of the cistern.
Wednesday, ipth — A thunderstorm last night cooled the air
some, though it is still extremely hot. There was a boat blown
up this morning down at the wharf and thirty or forty lives were
lost, mostly negroes. The boat was being loaded with ammu
nition and the explosion was caused by a negro's dropping a
box of loaded shells. A number of persons thrown into the water
were rescued from drowning.
Thursday, 20th — It has rained most of the day. On dress
parade this evening orders were read for the brigade to prepare
to march in the morning with ten days' rations and one hundred
rounds of ammunition. The sick are to be left in camp.
Friday, 21st — We packed our knapsacks and started at 10
o'clock for the landing two miles above Vicksburg and a mile
below our camp. Our regiment with the Thirteenth went on
board the "Fanny Bell," and at dark started up the river.
Saturday, 22d — After an all night run, we landed this morn
ing at daylight at Goodrich's Landing, on the Louisiana side,
from which place we marched two miles up the river and went
into bivouac, where we remained all day. There were four bri
gades in the expedition, comprising about five thousand men, and
commanded by Brigadier General Stephenson. There is a camp
of several thousand negro refugees here, old men, women and
children, they having fled from the plantations. They are fed on
Government rations doled out to them, which cannot take the
place of their accustomed corn bread and pork. They are poor
ly cared for, the place being a miserable camp of filthy hovels, and
are dying by the hundreds of disease and neglect.
Sunday, 23d — Our expedition broke camp this moming and
started for Monroe, Louisiana, on the Washita river, seventy-
five miles northwest of Vicksburg. By i o'clock we had covered
ten miles, in a burning hot sun,* without water to drink, and
through neglected fields of hemp standing from ten to fifteen feet
high. The cavalry went in front to break down the hemp, and
were followed by a six-gun battery and our army wagons, after
'Oh, that hot sun on our heads! It was frightful! There was no
air to stir even a leaf; it was like going through a fiery furnace! But
stopping in that God-forsaken country to hunt for water would have
been a greater punishment than going on without water — so we kept
straight on.- — A. G. D.

ON GUARD AT VICKSBURG 137
(August, 1863)
which the hemp was pretty well flattened for the infantry to pass
over. The men and animals suffered awfully. Many artillery horses
gave out and some of the men were sunstruck. Many of the boys
fell out of the ranks during the trip and had to be cared for by
the doctor. Finally at the end of the ten-mile joumey we reached
the banks of the Tensas river, and though the water was stag
nant, in mere pools, we threw ourselves down, brushed aside the
green scum and drank that hot, sickly water to quench our thirst.
Monday, 24th — Spending the night here we started early this
moming and moved on to Bayou Mason only seven miles fur
ther on. Here we remained during the balance of the day and
for the night. There being no bridge, we had to wade the bayou
to enter the town. Our cavalry routed about one hundred and
fifty of the rebels in a camp on the west bank of the bayou.
Most of our way today was shaded by forest trees. The
country here is low and heavily timbered with cypress and the
ground is covered with masses of palm leaf. We noticed drift
wood high up in the trees, some forty or fifty feet, and were told
by the natives that it was carried there last winter when the
"Yanks" cut the levee up at Lake Providence, flooding the whole
country. So we were permitted to see some of the results of our
attempt at directing the waters of the Mississippi.
Tuesday, 23th — We took up our march at 4 o'clock this morn
ing and journeyed seventeen miles, when we stopped for the
night. Our brigade took the rear, the Eleventh Regiment act
ing as rear guard. The day's march was through swamps and
bayous and land heavily timbered. Now and then we noticed a
field with a little log hut in it, occupied by a poor white family,
whose head was away with the rebel army, or with a cavalry
squad in this section.
Wednesday, 26th — Getting an early start again this morning,
we covered sixteen miles and camped for the night on Oak Ridge.
This ridge is on a dead level and 'only about twenty feet higher
than the bottoms where the cypress grow so luxuriantly. It is
covered with oak and fine large walnut, also magnolia and a few
other semi-tropical trees. To reach the ridge we had to wade
across Bayou Lee. Our cavalry had preceded us and routed a
small detachment of rebel cavalry. They were nicely fixed up at
this place. Our boys went in on their nerve at foraging.

138 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1863)
Thursday, 27th — Leaving our Oak Ridge bivouac early this
morning we journeyed fifteen miles more and stopped for the
night on the banks of Bayou Said, only seven miles from Mon
roe, our destination. During the day we crossed another ridge
known as Pine Ridge, which is eight miles across and about twen
ty feet above the surrounding land. It is beautifully covered with
yellow pine, growing so straight and tall, seventy-five to one hun
dred feet. We noticed a few small clearings with log huts.
This is the worst bivouac we have yet occupied. It is full of
poisonous reptiles and insects, centipedes, jiggers, woodticks, liz
ards, scorpions and snakes of all kinds — I have never seen the
like. Some of the boys killed two big, spotted, yellow snakes
and put them across the road — they measured about fifteen feet
each. The ground is covered with leaves ten inches deep, and
the water of the bayou has a layer of leaves and moss fully two
inches thick.*
Friday, 28th — We had company inspection this morning and
then started out for Monroe, expecting to have a little fight in
taking the town. But upon reaching the place we found that the
rebels had withdrawn, leaving at 6 o'clock in the morning. Gen
eral Logan's Division entered the town at 10 o'clock, while our
brigade had come within a mile of town, where we again went
into bivouac. In the aftemoon there was a heavy rain. The
rebels have a hospital here, with about fourteen hundred sick and
wounded. Monroe is a nice town, well situated, and has some
fine buildings. Strict orders had been given us not to kill any
livestock on this expedition ; all persons caught in the act were to
be arrested. But some of the boys of our regiment had killed a
hog and were in the act of cutting it up when the general of our
division came riding along with his staff. The boys were caught
in the very act. General Stephenson halted, and wanting to know
by what authority they had killed the hog, he was going to have
them arrested on the spot. But they had one fellow equal to the
occasion, who explained that they had killed a wild hog. They
were out in the timber getting wood with which to build fires,
'This proved to be our most dangerous journey in all our four years'
service. The natives told us the next morning that no Southern sol
diers could have been hired to do what we did. I have often wondered
and would like to know, just as we did then, why we were sent into this
forsaken section of the country, and during the most sickly time of the
year, at that! The natives we saw were a white-livered set; they were
all ardent sympathizers of the secession cause. — A. G. D.

ON GUARD AT VICKSBURG 139
(August, 1863)
when some wild hogs there made a charge upon them, and in self-
defense they had killed the boldest one; they then thought that
as they had killed it they might as well bring it in and have some
fresh pork. The general rode on.
Saturday, 29th — We had a heavy rain during the night and
the day- opened cloudy and dismal. Our entire expedition started
on the return journey for Vicksburg. We covered twenty-six
miles and camped for the night on Oak Ridge. Some of the men
had found too much of the "Southern bay rum," and imbibing
quite freely, became so topheavy on the way that they had to be
hauled all day.
Sunday, 30th — We left Oak Ridge and covering but ten miles
went into bivouac on the banks of Heff river. Some of the men
on account of the bad water and climate are suffering with the
chills and fever. The boys were raiding all the sweet potato
patches they found along the way, today.
Monday, 31st — We left Heff river and marched through to
Bayou Mason, eighteen miles, and stopped for the night. While
marching today some of us heard the report of a rifle, and we
learned that a member of the Seventh Missouri had committed
suicide by shooting himself. He stepped out of rank into the
brush and putting the muzzle of his gun under his chin, touched
off the trigger with his toe and blew his head off. We were mus
tered for pay upon reaching Bayou Mason.
SEPTEMBER, 1863.
Tuesday, ist — We lay here at Bayou Mason all day to rest.
The boys are very tired after marching for twelve days, with the
weather much of the time so fearfully hot. Then on account of
the bad water, exposure and fatigue, a large number are sick,
many of them not able to carry their accouterments, while others
are too sick to walk and have to be hauled. The boys made the
sweet potatoes suffer today. Received orders to start tonight at
midnight and march to the Mississippi river.
Wednesday, 2d — We left Bayou Mason at midnight and
marched through to the river, eighteen miles, without stopping,
reaching Goodrich's Landing at 7 o'clock this morning. Gen
eral Stephenson planned our march so that we should pass through

140 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1863)
that terrible ten miles of hemp at night, thus avoiding the heat.*
Our brigade led in the march all the way. The day is very hot
and sultry. General Logan's Division has taken the boats down
the river for Vicksburg.
Thursday, 3d — The boats arrived this morning and we em
barked immediately, pushing out at 10 o'clock for Vicksburg.
The Eleventh and the Sixteenth Iowa were on board the "Samuel
Gotz." We were crowded on the boat, and the heat of the sun
was frightful. We reached Vicksburg at 3 o'clock in the after
noon, and disembarking, marched to our old camp.

'All were thankful to him for it; for, if there is such a place as hell,
this piece of road is a sample of the road leading to Satan's residence.
—A. G. D.

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 141
(September, 1863)

Chapter XIII.
A Siege of Fever and Ague. Fortifying and Patrolling Vicks
burg. September 4-December 2.
Friday, 4th — The weather today is intensely hot. Those who
are not sick spent the day in washing their clothing. Over half
of the boys in our regiment are sick with the fever and ague, all
because of the very poor water we had to drink while on the
march, the weather being very hot and sultry.*
Saturday, 3th — No news of importance. The weather con
tinues hot and sultry. Many more of the sick are being sent
home on furloughs or taken to hospitals. Although half of our
number are sick with the chills and fever, yet a kind Providence
has certainly favored the soldiers of the Union armies in this re
gion ; for though in past years it was a common thing for the
people here to have a siege of cholera or yellow fever, we have
thus far been spared such a scourge.
Sunday, 6th — The sick in our regiment were sent away this
morning, thirty-one in all. Those who could stand the trip North
were given a thirty-day furlough, and the very sick were taken
to the general hospital here in Vicksburg. The men whose thir
ty-day furloughs have expired are returning to their regiments.
Monday, 7th — Things are quiet and there is no news of im
portance. Our chief concern is taking care of the sick, as the
weather is yet quite hot. This is a lonesome day with so many
of our company sick in the hospital, while six are home on fur
loughs and three more are soon to go. This leaves but a few
of us for duty. I tell you, it looks pretty discouraging.
Tuesday, 8th — Captain McLoney is going home for thirty days
and there are still others from our regiment going on furloughs.
We have no drilling, dress parade, camp guard or picket duty to
perform, nor yet fatigue duty — our whole duty at present is to
help care for the sick boys.
' The results accomplished by this expedition were meager indeed,
while the suffering endured by the men engaged in it was very great
Many died from the effects of the hardships to which they were sub
jected and many never fully recovered from the diseases contracted
while passing through that malarious region, and that during the hot
test days of the summer. — A. G. D.

142 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1863)
Wednesday, 9th — Still more of the boys are coming down
with the ague. I had a shake of it myself today, for the first
time in my life. I passed through all the degrees of fever and
chill. Am thankful tonight to find that I am still among the liv
ing. Thursday, loth — I reported to the doctor this morning for the
second time in the space of two years. The doctor thought that
I was in no immediate danger, for which opinion J thought he
was not very well posted, but he gave me the "Blue Mass" pills,
telling me to be sure to take them and not throw them away as
so many of the boys do. I told him that I did not come for the
purpose of getting medicine to throw away, for I had been too
near dying. He assured me that I was a long way from dying.*
Friday, nth — We moved our camp to the south of Vicksburg,
two miles, just within the fortifications. The ground is low and
-level here, and the water is scarce. It is not a good place for the
sick to get back their health. But there is danger of a raid -by
the rebels' cavalry from this point.
Saturday, 12th — Company E went out on picket this morning.
I did not accompany them, as I had another chill yesterday and
was not strong enough to go. The teams brought in our poles,
lumber and planks and those of us left in camp worked all day
building bunks and putting up the brush shades in front of the
tents. Sunday, 13th — There was regimental inspection this morning
with accouterments on and in full dress. Some of the companies
have the appearance of a "corporal's guard." Company E, being
on picket, was not on inspection, but later they were relieved.
The Thirteenth Iowa went down town to act as a provost guard.
Our chaplain having resigned, we have no religious services at
present. Monday, 14th — Companies A and B started out with teams
on a foraging expedition of three days. A detail of forty men
was sent down to the wharf to unload a boat of ammunition.
Tuesday, 15th — The weather continues sultry and hot. We
have our camp fixed up quite comfortably again. There are not
'The doctor's exact words were: "Oh, you're a long ways from
dying!" Perhaps I was more frightened than sick. But when a sick
man is near a regular hospital and sees from three to six dead men
carried out every day to the "bone-yard," as the boys used to say, it
does not look very encouraging to him. — A. G. D.

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 143
(September, 1863)
many of the sick in the regiment now, most of them having been
sent away, and others of us who were sick are getting stronger.
I am on duty again, having been to see the doctor only the one
time. Wednesday, i6th — I was on division guard today. There
are several negro regiments in camp in the vicinity of Vicksburg ;
they made a good appearance today for their first time on review.
They were reviewed by the commander of the post. As a rule
there are inferior officers in charge, and it would be a good thing
if they would drill in the manual of arms themselves.
Thursday, 17th — We had a cool rainstorm this afternoon
which was quite refreshing. The sick in the general hospital
here in Vicksburg are improving and are being sent home on
thirty-day furloughs.
Friday, i8th — It is reported in our camps that General Rose
crans has taken Chattanooga, Tennessee, and that General Burn-
side took two thousand prisoners and twelve pieces of artillery
without firing a gun. We hope that the report is true, for Chat
tanooga will afford our army there a strongly-fortified place.
Saturday, 19th — Company E went out on the picket line to
day. The nights are getting cooler and the middle of the day,
though warm, is not so oppressive. Since our rainstorm it begins
to look like autumn ; the trees are beginning to turn various colors
and the sun shining over the timbered hills in the late afternoon
makes a landscape grand to look upon.
Sunday, 20th — We had dress parade this evening at 5 o'clock
and important orders were read to the command. The first is,
that our division is now to be known as the First Division of the
Seventeenth Army Corps ; second, that on a march we are to
carry only nineteen pounds, and third, that we are to be ready
to form a line of battle at a moment's notice. The reason for
the last is that the rebels have driven in our pickets on the right
and may make a raid. News came that a battle is being fought
on the Chickamauga river, to the south of Chattanooga, with
heavy loss on both sides.
Monday, 21st — Three companies were sent out on picket to
day. I was on camp guard today. It is reported that the battle
south of Chattanooga is still in progress, and also that our gun
boats are throwing shells into Charleston, South Carolina. We

144 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1863)
hear that there was a riot in Mobile, when six hundred women
and children demanded bread of the city.
Tuesday, 22d — Everything is very quiet. We learned that
Alexander Ragan of Company E died at Benton Barracks, St.
Louis, on the 9th of this month. His is the first death in our
company since August 3, 1862, when Ebenezer McCullough died
at Corinth, Mississippi, on that date.
Wednesday, 23d — The weather is quite cool and the boys are
beginning to fix up for winter by siding up the tents and build
ing chimneys. There is some prospect of our brigade having to
remain here for the winter. The Second Brigade of our division
is still at Natchez. We are raising our tents and bunks about
twenty-four inches from the ground. The openings around the
tents we close up with boards torn from buildings, and having
the wedge tent which accommodates four, we build our bunks for
two men, one on either side, with the fireplace and chimney in
the rear between the bunks. This makes a pretty good house for
winter quarters.
Thursday, 24th — There is no news of importance. I have en
tirely recovered and am in good health again. Our regiment, as
also the entire brigade, is slowly regaining its strength and in
creasing in number. The boys from the hospitals are taking their
places and those on furlough are returning and bringing new re
cruits with them.
Friday, 25th — It is quite warm today. I was on fatigue duty,
accompanying the quartermaster's wagons into Vicksburg to draw
supplies for the regiment. The bales of hay and sacks of corn
taxed our strength in loading them. Some of the boys on fur
lough returned today.
Saturday, 26th — There is still some shaking with the ague
among the boys, but the health of our regiment is gaining slowly.
We have no drill in camp at present, but we are on duty al
most every day, our routine running as follows : Picket duty
every other day, and the alternating days on fatigue duty either
in Vicksburg or in camp, and then, once a week for twenty-four
hours at a time, we are on provost duty in Vicksburg.
Sunday, 27th — It continues quite warm and all is quiet. We
had company inspection early this morning, after which those

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 145
(September, 1863)
not on duty were free to go about, and I attended services at the
Baptist church in the city. It seemed like home to attend a regu
lar church service on a Sunday morning. This church building
is of brick and during the siege four or five cannon balls passed
through the walls at different places.
Monday, 28th — I went out on picket today, on the public high
way from Vicksburg to Warrington. We have to maintain a
heavy picket with strong reserve at all the public highways lead
ing from this place.
Tuesday, 29th — I came in from picket this morning in a rain
which continued all day. We learned that a boat twenty miles
up the river from Vicksburg, burned and sank last night in mid
stream, with a large number of lives lost. The boat was loaded
with provisions for the army here at Vicksburg.
Wednesday, 30th — It rained all day. I was on fatigue, help
ing to clean up the review ground. We are to have general in
spection in the next few days by General McArthur, our division
commander, and General McPherson, corps commander. Our
company is returning to its old-time form and numbers.
OCTOBER, 1863.
Thursday, ist — We had brigade inspection this morning at 7
o'clock, by General McArthur. Colonel Hall of our regiment is
in command. There were three regiments of infantry, one of
cavalry and three batteries. In the afternoon I was on fatigue
duty, and part of the time in a heavy rain ; this is our third suc
cessive day of rain.
Friday, 2d — The weather is quite cool for this time of year
in the "Sunny South." There is no news of any importance.
Things are very quiet.
Saturday, 3d — Orders have been issued to fortify Vicksburg
so that a small force can hold the place against one five times the
number; the fortifications are to be on the highest ground in the
city. I was on duty at a picket post three miles below Vicks
burg, on the east bank of the Mississippi. There were four pri
vates and two corporals at the post, the corporals taking their
turns in standing out in front as vedettes.
Sunday, 4th — Our brigade was reviewed this morning at 7
o'clock by General McPherson, major-general commanding the

146 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1863)
Seventeenth Army Corps. The pickets were not relieved until
about noon, and so we missed the inspection. The boys are in
camp today reading or writing letters.
Monday, 5th — Everything is very quiet here, although as the
health of the men is improving our duties become more laborious.
Every regiment that can be taken from Vicksburg is being sent
to reinforce the armies at other posts. General Sherman has
been ordered to proceed to Chattanooga and thus all of the Fif
teenth Army Corps will be taken from the vicinity of Vicksburg.
Tuesday, 6th — Our brigade went into Vicksburg this after
noon at 2 o'clock to be in the review, together with the entire
army at this place. We were reviewed by Major General U. S.
Grant. The report in camp is that General Grant has been or
dered by the War Department to report at Louisville, Kentucky.
All are sorry to see him leave. Just after dark, the Eleventh
Iowa was ordered out on picket, it being expected that the rebel
cavalry would make a dash into Vicksburg in the morning.
Wednesday, 7th — Six regiments were stationed at the differ
ent roads last night to reinforce the regular pickets. But the
rebels did not make their appearance as it was reported they
would. Our regiment was relieved at 10 o'clock this moming by
the Thirteenth Iowa. We were struck by a fearful rain and
windstorm last night.
Thursday, 8th — The Eleventh Iowa went out again on picket
this morning, relieving the Thirteenth. I did not accompany the
regiment, because I was on camp guard. The weather is quite
cool and there is no news of any importance.
Friday, 9th — The rebels have made no attempt at a raid into
Vicksburg, but seem to be at their old trick of making our offi
cers believe that they are in this vicinity in large force. Our
officers, however, are on their guard, and are not to be caught
napping. They continue a strong support of the pickets. The
Eleventh and the Thirteenth again exchanged places, our boys
coming from picket. A report came that Rosecrans had been
whipped at Chattanooga, by Bragg's army.*
'In fact, Rosecrans with his army in Chattanooga had been sur
rounded by Bragg, who had possession of the railroad, and Rosecrans'
army had to depend upon long hauls by wagon for their supplies. — A.
G. D.

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 147
(October, 1863)
Saturday, loth — The Thirteenth came in and the Eleventh
again went out on picket this morning. I was relieved from camp
guard after two days' steady duty, and accompanied my regiment
on picket. About dark our brigade received orders to be pre
pared to march at 6 in the morning, with one day's rations in
haversacks and four days' rations in the wagons.
Sunday, nth — We left this morning according to orders and
marched fifteen miles, when we stopped to eat dinner. We then
continued our march about five miles farther, and at 4 o'clock
we reached the Black river bridge, just ten miles out from Vicks
burg, thus making a circuit of twenty miles to reach this impor
tant point.
Monday, 12th — We remained here in bivouac all day, and shall
probably continue at this place several days. Our brigade was
sent here to relieve the Third Brigade of General Tuttle's expe
dition toward Jackson, Mississippi. It turned very warm today.
It is raining this evening, and we have no tents in which to stay.
Tuesday, 13th — This is election day for the soldiers of Iowa,
they having been given the right to vote while in the army. No
one is permitted to electioneer for his favorite candidate and those
who persisted in doing so were arrested and put in the guard
house. General Tuttle, the commander of a division, is from
Iowa and is the candidate for governor of the State on the Demo
cratic ticket, against Colonel Stone, formerly of the Twenty-sec
ond Iowa Regiment, who is the Republican candidate for gover
nor.* Wednesday, 14th — General Tuttle's division left early this
morning on their expedition, carrying eight days' rations. Gen
eral Logan's Division is also in the command, and there is a total
of about ten thousand men — infantry, artillery and cavalry. Our
brigade moved into the tents of the Third Brigade of Tuttle's
Division, the Eleventh Iowa occupying those of the Fifth Minne
sota. Thursday, 15th — The weather is quite cool and pleasant and
we are enjoying the rest afforded us, for the duties here are not
laborious ; all we have to do is to keep the camp clean and serve
on picket. We had regimental inspection this afternoon.
'Stone was elected, even without the soldier vote, by a large ma
jority. Mr. Downing has the distinction of having cast his flrst vote
while in the service. — Bd.

148 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 186ii)
Friday, i6th — I went on picket this morning. We have to keep
a strong picket line for fear of the rebels' cavalry making a dash
into this place and burning the provisions stored here. The large
camp of refugees is still maintained here by the Government.
The cars are running back and forth through here from Vicks
burg, coming out at ii a. m. and returning to Vicksburg at 3
p. m. Saturday, 17th — We had regimental dress parade this even
ing, after which an order was read to us giving us our drilling
program while stationed here. Beginning tomorrow the Elev
enth and the Thirteenth are to have skirmish drill in the after
noon of every other day, and the Fifteenth and Sixteenth are
to practice battalion drill on the alternating days.
Sunday, i8th — The Thirteenth went up to Messenger's ford
on picket. We had our regular company inspection this morn
ing. In the afternoon I went to the refugees' camp to hear a
colored man preach. There was a large number of negroes and
they had a joyful time; their singing and shouting beat all that
I have ever listened to. They were so happy that they did not
cease shouting until after sundown.
Monday, 19th — We were out this morning for our skirmish
drill. The scouting expedition returned from Jackson this after
noon and occupied their old camp, while we had to go into open
bivouac for the night. The expedition had little difficulty in
routing the rebels at Jackson, but lost five or six men killed and
quite a number wounded.
Tuesday, 20th — General Logan's Division returned to Vicks
burg today. Our brigade pickets were called in and we were ex
pecting also to return to Vicksburg, but had to remain here in
bivouac all day. The health of our regiment is quite good now,
and most of those away on sick furlough have returned to the
regiment. Wednesday, 21st — Our orders came and we left this morning
at 6 o'clock for Vicksburg. We arrived in camp at noon, twelve
miles from where we started. All is quiet here and no news of
any importance.
Thursday, 2 2d — We are glad to be at home again in camp
after eleven days' absence. Most of that time we were in bivouac

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 149
(October, 1863)
without any protection — ^two nights in soaking rainstorms. Our
heavy duties begin again — fatigue duty and camp guard, four
teen of our number being on guard today. Our regimental pay
rolls for two months' pay were made out and we signed them to
day. There is no news from the army in the East, and all is quiet
here in the West.
Friday, 23d — It rained all day, but that did not affect our camp
routine. I was on camp guard, and large details were out at
work, as every day, on the fortifications.
Saturday, 24th — ^The weather is quite cool. I worked all day
building a fireplace in my tent, while my bunk-mate was out on
duty. The boys are all fixing up for winter just as if we were
going to stay here all winter.
Sunday, 25th — I went out on picket today. We keep a strong
picket guard along the entire line. The rebels' cavalry are not
as bold as they were two or three weeks ago,' for they know that
we are becoming more thoroughly entrenched every day; be
sides this, they have been pretty well driven out of this section.
Monday, 26th — Everything is quiet. A thousand men are at
work every day on the fortifications. The fortifications are being
built on a small scale, but are built all around the edge of town
so that a small force can hold the place. The cannon are ar
ranged so that they can be turned in any direction.
Tuesday, 27th — The Eleventh received their pay today, and
then went out on picket. Picket exchanges are directed by the
aid-de-camp of our brigade, who rides out every morning with
the picket relief, and after posting them, brings the retiring picket
into camp and disbands them.
Wednesday, 28th — The weather is getting quite cool, particu
larly the nights, and a little fire in our tents in the evening makes
it quite comfortable and homelike. It is different on picket,
where no fires are allowed, except on the reserves' posts. Troops
are leaving Vicksburg nearly every day, going to northern Miss
issippi and western Tennessee to occupy garrisons made vacant
by General Sherman's men going to the relief of the army cooped
up in Chattanooga.
Thursday, 29th — It is quite pleasant today. The Mississippi
river is slowly rising. Produce is very high here at Vicksburg

150 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1863)
and fruit and vegetables are scarce this fall because of the large
armies in and around this section for more than a year. What
little stuff has been grown by the farmers was confiscated by the
soldiers before it was matured, so what we get is shipped down
from the North, and we have to pay about four prices for it. Po
tatoes and onions are $4.00 a bushel, cheese (with worms) is fifty
cents per pound, and butter — true, it's only forty cents a pound,
but you can tell the article in camp twenty rods away. Vicks
burg being under military rule makes it difficult for the few citi
zens to get supplies, which they can obtain only from the small
traders who continued in business after the surrender, or from the
army sutlers. No farmers are allowed to come in through the
lines without passes, and even then no farmer, unless he lives a
long distance from Vicksburg, has anything to bring in.
Friday, 30th — We had a downpour of rain last night which
continued most of the day. Our camp is flooded, the dry run be
side it having become a raging torrent, and our camp ground is
under water from one to four feet. Some of the boys put all
their belongings on their bunks and others left for higher grounds.
Saturday, 31st — The water has left our camp in a frightful
condition, and we got orders to move the camp to higher ground
tomorrow. This was general muster day.* I went on fatigue
today. William Green of our company, not having recovered from
his sickness, left for home this morning on a thirty-day furlough.
I sent $50.00 to father by him.
NOVEMBER, 1863.
Sunday, ist — We moved our camp about a half mile onto
higher ground this morning. The quartermaster had our lum
ber and wood hauled from the old camp and we worked all day
pitching our tents and rebuilding the bunks, fireplaces and chim
neys. It has been a busy day with us, although it is the Lord's
Day, but a true soldier cannot halt when duty calls. I was very
thankful that I did not have to be on the picket line, so that I
could have a hand in fixing up our tent.
Monday, 2d — It was my turn on the picket line today. Our
picket post is three miles below Vicksburg on the main road to
'A general "muster day" was a day observed throughout the army
by general order mustering the soldiers for pay. — Ed.

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 151
(November, 1863)
Wa:rrington, and I was -stationed right on the bank of the Miss
issippi. Our reserve post has one lieutenant, one sergeant, two
corporals and thirty privates. Sbc men under a sergeant go out
on the public highway from four to six miles, twice a day, to see
that there are no rebels advancing.
Tuesday, 3d — Though the weather has been warm for two
days, we are fixing up our tent for any cold snap that may come
later on, for the report now is that we will remain here at Vicks
burg all winter. I finished building the fireplace in my tent. The
quartermaster has a detail of men with teams cutting and hauling
wood from the timber for the winter.
Wednesday, 4th — It is still quite warm. I was on fatigue at
the fortifications. The men are pulling down some fine resi
dences and using the material in building the forts. It is pretty
harsh and severe business to order a family, brave enough to
stay all through the siege, out of their home and tear down their
house before their eyes, to build into fortifications, but this is
war. We are fortifying the place so that ten thousand men can
hold it against any force that has a mind to come.
Thursday, 3th — It rained all day and on account of it the fa
tigue party did not work on the fortifications. Our camp num
ber 3 is located on the town commons, and because of no timber
near by the northwest wind has a full sweep over the camp. No
news of importance.
Friday, 6th — I was on fatigue again, but on account of rain
last night the detail did not go to work until i o'clock this after
noon. Some of the heaviest siege guns obtainable are being
mounted on raised platforms in the forts.
Saturday, 7th — I was on fatigue duty again today. Two bri
gades of General Logan's Division went out to the Black river
post to relieve General Tuttle's Division, which came in and is
to take boat for points up the Mississippi river.
Sunday, 8th — No work today, only picket duty, and all is very
quiet here. General Tuttle's division left Vicksburg this morn
ing for Memphis.
Monday, 9th — An order was read at dress parade today an
nouncing that ten men from each regiment would be detailed to

152 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1863)
go home to their respective states to solicit recruits for their regi
ments. Lieutenant Alfred Carey has been selected to represent
Company E of the Eleventh Iowa.
Tuesday, loth — I was on a detail of two hundred men with
one hundred teams to haul the commissary supplies and ammu
nition from the transports to the storehouses and magazines con
structed near the new forts. It is heavy work, and as to hand
ling the ammunition, quite dangerous. General Grant has given
orders that Vicksburg must be well fortified and supplied with
munitions and provisions, and that it must be held against all
possible attack, for it cost too much to obtain it, besides its being
a point of the greatest strategic importance.
Wednesday, nth — It is very pleasant after four or five days
of quite warm weather. I was on picket again, the first time
for a week. Two brigades of General Crocker's Division arrived
from Natchez to reinforce the troops here at Vicksburg. Two
negroes entering an old vacant Confederate magazine today
were blown to pieces. They were smoking and it is supposed
that the loose powder on the floor in some way became ignited.
The explosion was heard for miles around. So much again for
the filthy habit of smoking.
Thursday, 12th — The two brigades of General Crocker's Di
vision were at his request ordered back to Natchez today, be
cause of a threatened attack of the rebels at that place.
Friday, 13th — My same old duty again — picket. There was
no fatigue detail today, as the fortifications are almost completed.
Two or three forts, however, are yet to be built just outside of
the rifle pits.
Saturday, 14th — The weather is quite warm, but windy and
smoky. Wild grapes are still growing. There is no change; all
is quiet and no news. We still maintain our regular picket of
two thousand men.
Sunday, 13th — We had the regular Sunday inspections, com
pany at 10 o'clock and regimental at 4. It is pretty strict disci
pline to call us out on the Lord's Day for two inspections, when
our daily duty is so laborious.
Monday, i6th — On picket today. The weather is warm and
pleasant, though the cool nights give warning of approaching

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 153
(November, 1863)
winter. With our high picket post and the beautiful landscape,
finer than an artist could paint, picket duty in the daytime is a
delight. Tuesday, 17th — The report in camp this morning was that
General Sherman had been killed and his force captured on a rail
road train east from Memphis. Another report this afternoon
says that the train was attacked by the rebel cavalry, but that
the troops formed a skirmish line and routed the rebels, and that
Sherman is safe ; but men were killed and wounded on both sides.*
Wednesday, i8th — The weather is still warm. Our fatigue
duty is not so laborious now, but the picket duty is becoming more
strenuous if anything on account of the activity of the rebels'
cavalry. The Eleventh Iowa signed the payrolls today.
Thursday, 19th — All is quiet and there is nothing of impor
tance. The report in camp is that the Sixth Division will remain
at Vicksburg all winter; we are thankful if that is the case, as
we are comfortably fixed for winter.
Friday, 20th — It is rainy and blustery today, but otherwise
all is quiet. We received two months' pay, being paid in crisp
new greenbacks. The paymaster always has a guard with him
to guard the strong iron box containing the bills.
Saturday, 21st — The weather is quite cool today. The Fif
teenth Iowa got their pay today. Pay time for the soldiers is
the time for the gamblers.- It is then that they start up their
"chuck luck" games. These banks or games are set up south of
town, about the springs where the boys from our brigade go for
their water.
Sunday, 22d — This morning when our detail was relieved
from picket, we were marched to brigade headquarters and put
to target shooting. This is to be done regularly from now on,
in order to give the boys practice. To encourage good marks
manship a reward is given; those who hit the bull's-eye are ex
cused from picket duty, once for every time they hit the mark.
Monday, 23d — It was warm and pleasant again with rain in
the afternoon. The "chuck luck" banks at the spring are in full
operation this morning. At each bank there are from twelve to
twenty of our boys down on their knees laying their money on
' See Sherman's Memoirs, Vol. I., pp. 371-72.
2 That is, gambling among thfe soldiers themselves. — Ed.

164 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1863)
certain figures, as the "banker" throws the dice. After each
throw the operator picks up the largest number of dollars. Some
of the men in less than five days lose every dollar received from
the paymaster.
Tuesday, 24th — The weather is clear and cool, and the regi
ment is in good health. No news of importance.
Wednesday, 23th — Out on picket. The guard continues strong
and the officers are very strict.
Thursday, 26th — I returned from picket and all is quiet. I
loaned $5.00 to Corporal Daniel E. Sweet, until next payday. All
of the furloughed men are back now.
Friday, 27th — A detail of men, two of them from Company
E, was sent as a guard to go up North with some deserters from
our army. Upon being caught, the deserters were brought back,
court martialed, and will now be confined in one of the United
States military prisons.
Saturday, 28th — A detail of forty men from our regiment was
sent into town on provost guard. Our orders were to arrest all
citizens and soldiers found upon the streets without passes from
the commander of the post here or from the provost marshal, and
take them before the latter for investigation and punishment.
Sunday, 29th — We learned that there had been several spies
in the city getting plans of our fortifications; they also got med
ical supplies and other articles of value to the rebels, and smug
gled them through our lines at night. Special precaution is taken
and the guard is to be continued. We were relieved this mom
ing by a detail from the Thirteenth Iowa.
Monday, 30th — The weather continues with pleasant days and
very cool nights. I loaned $5.00 to Thomas R. McConnoIl. No
news of importance.
DECEMBER, 1863.
Tuesday, ist — All is quiet. We had dress parade this after
noon at 5 o'clock. I wrote a letter home today.
Wednesday, 2d — We now have a good market house estab
lished here which has cut the cost of provisions ; formerly the
army sutlers had a corner on everything. I bought a barrel of
potatoes for $4.00, which, without the market house, would have

FEVER AND AGUE— FORTIFYING VICKSBURG 155
(December, 1863)
taken $12.00 out of my month's pay. The provisions come from
the North and are sold by retailers occupying stalls in the mar
ket house. They are usually at it as early as 3 o'clock in the
morning. Two brigades came up from Natchez this morning and went
out to Black river bridge to reinforce the post there. A report
reached camp to the effect that General Grant has raised the siege
of Chattanooga and put Bragg's army to rout, gaining a glorious
victory. We threw up our hats and cheered for Grant. Sher
man routed Longstreet from the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Everything seems to be coming our way again.

156 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1863)

Chapter XIV.
Re-cnlisting as Veterans. December 3-January 27, 1864.
Thursday, 3d — I went out on picket this morning. An order
was read on parade this evening, announcing that all soldiers who
will re-enlist for three years or during the war will be enrolled in
the Veterans' Corps, and receive a bounty of $400.00 and a thirty-
day furlough. Some of the boys signed their names at once.*
Friday, 4th— The rebels seldom show themselves near our
front. The loss of Chattanooga and Knoxville is a staggering
blow to them. News came today that General Grant had an
other engagement with Bragg, near Dalton, Georgia, and again
whipped him.
Saturday, 5th — The re-enlisting of the men for three years is
proceeding rapidly. Most of the boys are in favor of seeing the
war brought to a close before they quit the job, while others say
that they have seen enough of war, declaring that they have done
their duty.
Sunday, 6th — I went on patrol guard in the city today, and
shall be on guard off and on all night, looking for spies. I at
tended the evening services of the Baptist church while off duty
after a two-hour shift. The weather is nice and warm, as it has
been for many days.
Monday, 7th — I was relieved from patrol this morning. Thus
far we have not succeeded in locating any of the reported spies.
This patrol duty is quite hard, since when we have a few mo
ments for rest the only place is a vacant room over a store, with
out fire ; furthermore, lying down on the floor is not very invit
ing because of the graybacks running over the floor.
Tuesday, 8th — Everything is marching along fine. The fin
ishing touches are being put upon the outside forts and the heavy
guns are mounted and ready for action. The floors of the forts
and rifle pits are all laid with the lumber torn from the houses
which were removed to make room for the forts, so when it rains
' I was not yet in from picket and so knew nothing of wliat was
going on. — A. G. D.

RE-ENLISTING— VETERAN REGIMENTS 157
(December, 1863)
while the men are occupying the forts, they will not need to
tramp through the mud. News came that General Bragg was re
treating with Grant after him. General Grant is the man for us
yet. All are loud in their praise of Grant, and declare that he
is the coming man of the time, that we will have him at the head
of all of the United States armies before the war is ended.
Wednesday, 9th — Another twenty-four hours duty on picket,
which with the time occupied in going out and returning makes
about twenty-six hours each time.
Thursday, loth — It is pretty cold weather now, somewhat
cloudy and windy. Our regiment furnished the patrol for the
city today, composed of a captain, a lieutenant, two sergeants,
eight corporals and forty privates.
Friday, nth — The Eleventh had regimental inspection with
accouterments and full dress. The boys are continuing to re-en
list for three years or during the war. Officers from the corps
headquarters are out among the different regiments urging re-
enlistments. They argue that the war will be over anyway by
the time the first three-year service shall have expired, and they
might as well avail themselves of the extra bounty. Then, too,
they say, "What a fine thing it would be to be called a veteran
of the war!"
Saturday, 12th — It came the Eleventh Iowa's turn to go on
reserve picket, down in the river bottom. It is a fine place for
a reserve post, plenty of wood to burn these rather cold nights.
Sunday, 13th — We were relieved from picket and arrived in
camp about noon. For a wonder we did not have inspection of
any kind on this, the Lord's Day. It rained some this morning,
but turned off quite clear in the afternoon.
Monday, 14th — A pleasant day and all is quiet. This is wash
day in camp. But since there are so many negro women here,
thankful for the job, and who do it so cheaply, most of the boys
hire their clothes washed. I got my week's washing done for
twenty-five cents. In the early morning we see dozens of negro
women going to the springs, each with a tub of soiled clothes on
her head and a pail in each hand, singing "the day ob jubilee
hab come." In the evening they return with the clean clothes
in the same fashion, many of them singing some quaint negro
melody.

158 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1863)
Tuesday, 15th — Quite cool this moming, with a high wind all
day. Quite a number of the Eleventh Iowa have re-enlisted,
though only eighteen of our company.
Wednesday, i6th — It rained nearly all day, commencing about
I o'clock in the night. I being on picket had a hard night of it,
for the water at our post in the bottom stood about a foot deep.
It was a fearful night to be out on picket ; one could not even
find protection standing, let alone lying down.
Thursday, 17th — It cleared off and has turned quite cold, con
sequently the boys not on duty keep pretty close to the fires in
their tents. There are no "chuck luck" banks in operation now
— it is too cold, and then the boys' money is all gone.
Friday, i8th — No news. Our camps are good and there will
be no suffering since we have plenty of wood for fuel. The boys
feel quite lively staying in camp so long at one time, but I think
a march would do us all some good.
Saturday, ipth — All is quiet around Vicksburg, and the weath
er is quite mild and pleasant, though quite cold at night. Our
camp was cleaned up for inspection. I was out on picket again,
though on higher ground than the previous time out.
Sunday, 20th — Quite pleasant weather. We had our regular
company inspection at 9 o'clock today with dress parade at 5
o'clock. Monday, 21st— The Eleventh Iowa furnished the provost
guard for the city, though I had to go with a picket squad.
Tuesday, 22d — Relieved from picket this morning. It was
quite cold last night. I was on an outpost and our detail con
sisted of a sergeant, a corporal and twelve privates. We took
turns standing on vedette, one hour at a time.
Wednesday, 23d — The weather continues quite pleasant. There
is no news. All is quiet here. There has been no foraging for
two months now, for the reason that there is nothing left to for
age. J often wonder what the farmers in this section live on ;
whatever they have certainly cannot be in abundance. The citi
zens of Vicksburg are a little more fortunate ; that is, if they have
the greenbacks, for since July 4th, last, Confederate scrip is no
longer legal tender. Some people still have a little gold and sil
ver, which comes from its hiding place when their larders run
low.

RB-BNLISTING— VETERAN REGIMENTS 15»
(December, 1863)
Thursday, 24th — I went on picket again this morning. Late
in the evening the Eleventh and the Fifteenth Regiments were
ordered out to a little town called Redstone, as it was reported
that a strong force of the rebels was there. At 10 o'clock at
night a detail of sixty men from the Thirteenth and Sixteenth
Regiments was sent out to reinforce our pickets, as it was feared
the rebels' cavalry would make an attack upon Vicksburg in the
early morning.
Friday, 23th — It was a false alarm. The rebel attack did not
materialize and we came in from picket at the usual time. The
extra force from the other two regiments returned late in the
aftrnoon. The camp is a lonely place with so many out at Red
stone, and it is Christmas Day, too. I went to the regimental
hospital and purchased from the steward a nice mince pie for
my Christmas dinner, costing me fifty cents.
Saturday, 26th — The Eleventh and the Fifteenth Iowa re
turned from Redstone, and they report that there was no sign of
the rebels out there. The rebels being out there was all a hum
bug. The regiments were sent out there so that the officers in
town could have a spree on Christmas.*
Sunday, 27th — I was again on provost patrol in the city, and
with two others was assigned to the mule corral, the meanest
place one could possibly be stationed at; for all we had to do
was to see that the four mules penned up there did not kick down
the fence.
Monday. 28th — The commanding officers of our post here are
"conscripting" every able-bodied citizen for military duty. The
order applies to blacks as well as to whites, and aims to provide
artisans for labor in connection with the army and army posts.
Tuesday, 2pth — I was on camp guard today. The weather is
quite pleasant. News came that General Schofield is to be re
moved from the Department of the Missouri and that Rosecrans
is to be placed in command. People are rejoicing over the change.
Schofield is in command of a corps with Grant.
Wednesday, 30th — The veterans of the Eleventh Iowa were
svvom into the United States service today. There were ten from
Company E, as follows : Nathan Chase, George Cush, Leroy
'Many thought at the time that it was n put-up job to give the boys
a march — and I still believe it. — A. G. D.

160 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1863)
Douglas, Frank Johnson, James Martin, James Newcom, Henry
Newans, James Rankin, Burtis Rumsey, and Orlando Stout.
Thursday, 31st — The weather has been generally mild this
month, though changeable, but today it capped the climax. There
was a strong gale from the northwest, accompanied by rain and
snow. This is regular muster day. The Eleventh Iowa was
mustered at lo o'clock, and we all had to fall in line by com
panies, and march to the colonel's tent, where we answered to
our names as they were called. This is a poor day for "Vet
erans ;" the re-enlisting is not progressing very fast.
JANUARY, 1864.
Friday, ist — This is a cold New Year's Day, but things are
quite lively in camp, the boys being in fine spirits. I got a pass
to go down town this afternoon and found the stores all closed
for the day. This is the beginning of the year 1864, and this
cruel war still continues to rage in the land. I pray to God that
it may come to a close before this year does ; but, if not, may all
things be done to the glory and praise of God, for He is a God of
battles. May this war come to a close and our nation be at peace
once more, and may slavery be wiped out so that there shall be
no more slaves in America.
Saturday, 2d — I was detailed for picket again this morning,
and the post I drew stationed me on the bottom land. It began
to rain late in the afternoon and continued into the night and
I vvas soon standing in water. I tell you, it is poor comfort on
picket. The commanding officer banished three women from our
lines today. The case against them grew out of a meeting on last
Thanksgiving Day. They attended the meeting held in the Pres
byterian church and when the minister prayed for the President
of the United States, for the success of our arms, and for the
Stars and Stripes, saying, "May they continue to float over the
land of the free and the home of the brave," the three women
got up and indignantly walked out. They were banished for
disloyal conduct.
Sunday, 3d — It cleared off this morning and it got quite cool.
I was at my post this morning, standing in water a foot deep.
When our relief came they had to go back almost to town before

RE-ENLISTING— VETERAN REGIMENTS 161
(January, 1864)
they could cross the swollen creek to reach our post. The "Vet
eran" excitement was raging when we got back to camp. This
afternoon we had a meeting of our regiment, when Major Foster
made a speech on the subject of re-enlisting, and I re-enlisted. A
large number in our brigade and throughout the Seventeenth
Army Corps have re-enlisted. Abraham Brown of our company
died yesterday, here in the Vicksburg hospital. He was a good
man. Monday, 4th — An order was issued by the War Department
cancelling the previous order giving the large bounties to sol
diers for re-enlisting, but it is not to go into effect until midnight
of the 5th inst. Re-enlisting is going on at a lively rate. Com
pany E today secured the necessary number entitling it to be a
veteran company — the first one in the regiment. Company K
being the second. General McPherson delivered a speech before
the Iowa Brigade, expressing his desire that the entire Seven
teenth Army Corps might become a corps of veterans, and I think
there is no doubt but that it will.
Tuesday, 5th — ^The Eleventh Iowa went in today as a veteran
regiment, for three years more if needed. Our brigade will also
go in as a veteran brigade. It is quite stormy, with a wind from
the northwest. I went on picket again, down on the river bottom,
two miles below.
Wednesday, 6th — The time for re-enlisting with the bounty
expired last night at midnight The boys who re-enlisted are
now looking forward to going home on a thirty-day furlough
in the spring.
Thursday, 7th — Pleasant weather again after several days of
cold. Our brigade now provides the provost guard for the city,
which takes each regiment down town every fourth day. The
work is thus becoming heavier for our brigade. All is quiet in
camp. Friday, 8th — I was on fatigue duty, hauling wood for the
picket post out in an open field. General Hunter reviewed our
brigade today and inspected Company E. It is reported that he
is to take command of the Seventeenth Army Corps. All of us
hope that it is a false report, for we do not wish to lose General
McPherson.

162 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1864)
Saturday, pth — I was on picket guard down town and all is
quiet. The ice floe is running quite strong in the Mississippi and
has been for some days, which is rather a new thing to the people
of Vicksburg. They say the like has never been known, at least
in such large quantities, and that this is the coldest winter they
have had for fifty years, although there is no snow as yet.
Sunday, loth — We had company inspection this morning. A
brigade from here was sent up the river on transports to Green
ville, to rout the rebels who have set up a battery there, block
ading the river and stopping navigation.
Monday, nth — The weather has been very warm for several
days and there was a heavy thunderstorm last night. All is quiet
in camp, but the men in the old regiments, having re-enlisted, are
becoming restless and want to move, for remaining in camp will
never bring the war to a close.
Tuesday, 12th — It is cloudy but warm, and the ice is still
coming down the river. Our duties here in camp are lightening
up some. All is quiet and there is nothing of importance.
Wednesday, 13th — I was on patrol down town. Things are
quiet there, but the streets are quite muddy. The patrols have
strict orders to arrest all soldiers found down town without passes,
as well as citizens who are caught on the streets without passes.
It is not a very pleasant duty, this thing of stopping everyone on
the street and requiring him to give an account of himself.*
Thursday, 14th — There is a rumor that our army has taken
Charleston, South Carolina. Some of our guard early this mom
ing stole a big fish from a fisherman who was taking a load to
market. It weighed forty pounds and was divided among the
boys. I took a piece to my tent and cooked it, but I might as
well have eaten a piece of crow, for it was tasteless and tough.
It proved to be a channel cat.
Friday, i§th — Camp and picket duty are becoming very light
as compared to one month ago. Some of the regiments sent to
-Minnesota and western Iowa to drive back the Indians, are re
turning to camp. It is reported that the Sixteenth Army Corps
will soon return from Chattanooga. We hear also that General
Sherman will command an expedition from Vicksburg across the
state to Meridian, Mississippi.
'Mr. Downing explained that spies in Vicksburg had gotten some
Union uniforms, and that special precautions were again taken. — Ed.

RE-ENLISTING— VETERAN REGIMENTS 163
(January, 1864)
Saturday, i6th — The weather has been warm and pleasant for
a week. We have our regular daily drills and dress parade. It
came my tum to go on the picket line again. The Thirteenth
Iowa received their muster rolls, and when they are filled out,
the regiment will be sworn into the United States service as a
veteran regiment.
Sunday, 17th — We had an all day rain. Company inspection
early this morning. The Eleventh Iowa received their muster
rolls and the boys are anxious to be sworn into the service and
start for home on their thirty-day furloughs.
Monday, i8th — It cleared off and turned quite cool. Noth
ing — nothing new ; still lying in camp. The men are becoming
restless and anxious to move on to another place, and to accom
plish something.
Tuesday, ipth — The weather is quite pleasant. No news. On
picket again and all is quiet. We see nothing of the rebels about
here. Wednesday, 20th — The Thirteenth Iowa was today sworn into
the service for three years as a veteran regiment.
Thursday, 21st — All things quiet in camp and no news. The
weather is pleasant, though a little frosty every night. The army
could stand a long siege, for we have plenty of wood and the
quartermaster has in storage a large supply of provisions. This
is fine soldiering.
Friday, 22d — The weather is quite warm and it looks almost
like spring — grape vines are beginning to start.
Saturday, 23d — Warm weather. Still lying in camp and all
is quiet — no news.
Sunday, 24th — After company inspection this morning, I went
to church down in the city; went again in the evening. They
have regular church services and Sunday school every Sunday.
Monday, 25th — The Eleventh Iowa Regiment was today sworn
into the United States service for three years or during the war,
and now we are a veteran regiment. Our company had an elec
tion of officers, but it did not amount to anything, as it was ve
toed by the colonel, and men of his own choice were put into the
offices. The role of officers as elected is as follows :*
'The men had been promised the right to elect their own officers if
they re-enlisted. — A. G. D.

164 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1864)
Captain  S. S. McLoney
First Lieutenant  William Spencer
Second Lieutenant  Joseph Tomlinson
First Sergeant  Lewis Elseffer
Second Sergeant  David Huff
Third Sergeant  Hiram Frank
Fourth Sergeant  John A. White
Fifth Sergeant  Alexander G. Downing
Tuesday, 26th — I went on picket today. The weather is quite
warm. Vicksburg, on the east bank of the Mississippi, is built
on very high ground. It is quite rough and rolling here. There
are some nice buildings here — a very fine court house, six good
church buildings and a number of very nice dwellings, besides
some large warehouses and stores. During the siege the houses
were all more or less damaged, there being scarcely a single build
ing that was not in some way injured. There are very few of
the old citizens living here at present, as the military rule of the
Union army is not good for their peace of mind.
Wednesday, 27th — We have battalion drill now every after
noon, and today our regiment was reviewed by General Chambers.
A division of the Sixteenth Army Corps from Chattanooga
landed here last night.

THE EXPEDITION TO MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI 165
(January, 1864)

Chapter XV.
The Expedition to Meridian, Mississippi. January 28-March 6.
Thursday, 28th — Some of the troops that are going out on an
expedition to Meridian, started on their way this morning. It is
rumored that the Seventeenth and Sixteenth Army Corps are to
make a raid across the State of Mississippi for the purpose of
destroying the railroad running from Vicksburg to Meridian, and
that General Sherman is to be in command of the expedition.
Friday, 2pth — Everything is working fine here at present. We
can hear nothing about the army in the East. Some of the bri
gades have moved out to Black river bridge, since there is a bet
ter camping ground at that place ; they also have good water there
and plenty of wood and provisions. But we are still lying in
camp with plenty to live on and our duty is very light.
Saturday, 30th — We cleaned up our camp for inspection.
Troops are still landing here for the purpose of going out on
the raid.
Sunday, 31st — Regimental inspection today and the usual dress
parade. All things are quiet in camp and no news. I attended
church services in the afternoon. Since the arrival here of the
large number of reinforcements, the rebels have all left this
vicinity, retiring beyond the Black river. In all probability they
are informed as to our contemplated expedition and are con
centrating their forces to dispute every mile of the way to Meri
dian.
FEBRUARY, 1864.
Monday, ist — The weather is nice and warm today, as it has
been for several weeks. A part of General Tuttle's Division ar
rived in camp from some point up the river. The Crocker Bri
gade (Third Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Seventeenth
Corps) received orders to prepare to go with the expedition, tak
ing twenty days' rations of hard-tack, salt, coffee and sugar. We
are to start in the morning at daylight. Meridian is one hundred
and sixty miles east of Vicksburg.

166 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1864)
Tuesday, 2d — Our pickets were relieved last night about 10
o'clock preparatory to going on the expedition, but we did not
get off this morning because the quartermaster failed to get the
rations loaded yesterday, so we have to remain in camp for an
other day. I went on camp guard this morning. Our orders
are to leave all equipage in camp, taking only our blankets and
one hundred rounds of ammunition. The convalescents are to
remain here to guard the camp.
Wednesday, 3d — We started this morning at 8 o'clock and
marched to the Black river, where we bivouacked for the night.
Our brigade was train guard for the provision train. Our en
tire expedition is supposed to have about twenty-five thousand
men, composed of infantry, artillery and cavalry, with one engi
neers' corps in charge of a pontoon bridge. The weather is fine
for marching. General Crocker's Division has started ahead.
Thursday, 4th — We started to move at 8 o'clock and by night
reached Bolton Station, where we went into camp. Our brigade
being in the rear did not get into camp until 11 p. m. There was
some skirmishing by Crocker's Division, which lost three men
killed and several wounded. Two men were killed by a ball from
the rebels' battery striking the top rail of a rail fence, which
broke and struck the two men, knocking off their heads and spill
ing their brains about. It was a gruesome sight. Their bodies
were buried where they fell.
Friday, 5th — We left our bivouac this morning at 8 o'clock
and moved forward about fifteen miles. General Liggett's Di
vision was assigned the advance today, while our brigade was
taken from the supply train and placed immediately in Liggett's
rear. General Hurlbut's Division is on a road just off to our left.
There was some skirmishing, though with little loss to either side.
We drove the rebels out of Clinton this morning and at dark
routed them from Jackson, capturing one piece of artillery and
some prisoners. We did not get into bivouac until 10 o'clock.
Saturday, 6th — Our amiy did not move until in the afternoon,
because of having to lay the pontoons across the Pearl river. The
rebels had burned the bridges, twenty-eight in all, after crossing.
I was detailed this morning as special guard at the Seventeenth
Corps headquarters while out on this expedition. Things are
quiet in the rear.

THE EXPEDITION TO MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI 167
(February, 1864)
Sunday, 7th — We started early this morning and after reach
ing Brandon, about thirteen miles east of Jackson, went into
bivouac about a mile from the town. There was no skirmishing
in the front today, the rebels rapidly falling back. Our men set
fire to the town this evening and burned almost the whole town.
Most of the citizens had fled from the place before our forces
entered. We captured a great quantity of tobacco here.
Monday, 8th — We left bivouac at 8 o'clock and covered seven
teen miles today. There was some skirmishing in front. The
roads were good and but few bridges to cross. All is quiet in
the rear. This section of the country is heavily timbered, mostly
pine, and the soil is quite sandy. It is thinly settled through here.
Tuesday, pth — Starting early this moming we reached Mor
ton about noon, where we went into bivouac and remained the
balance of the day. The rebels took their first stand here, form
ing a line of battle, but our two corps being brought together to
engage them, they feared to risk a battle and hastily fell back.
The Sixteenth Army Corps then passed ahead of the Seventeenth,
taking the advance in pursuit. It is estimated that the rebels
have a force of fifteen thousand men. Our army is burning all
railroad and public property on the way. This town even is lit
erally wiped out, for when the citizens flee before our army and
leave their homes vacant, there is always someone ready to set
the vacant houses on fire.
Wednesday, lOth—We left Morton early this morning, and
covering fifteen miles, reached the town of Hillsborough at about
3 o'clock. There was some skirmishing in front with a loss of
three to the rebels. By the time the rear reached town it was
all on fire, the citizens having fled. Our army moves rather slow
ly, on account of the bridges being burned, and the engineers
must rebuild or throw out the pontoons. But things are march
ing along fine.
Thursday, nth — We moved but ten miles today, when we
went into bivouac. Our men are foraging on the way, especially
for meat, of which there is a plenty of fresh pork. Some of the
foraging parties sent out today were captured and roughly used
by the rebels. General McPherson had his headquarters in a
large mansion on a rich plantation today. There had been hun-

168 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February. 1864)
dreds of slaves on this plantation, but all the able-bodied negro
men were taken along by the rebels for their army.
Friday, I2th — We reached Decatur at lo o'cl(Kk this morn
ing and went into camp. The rebels attacked the provision train
of the Sixteenth Corps and killed twenty of the mules before our
men could rally and put them to rout. The town was burned be
fore we left it. Things are marching fine.
Saturday, 13th — We left Decatur early this morning and
marched fifteen miles before going into bivouac. The Sixteenth
Corps corralled their train and leaving a brigade to guard it
pushed forward after the rebels. Skirmishing in the front con
tinued and was brisk at times. The weather is pleasant and the
roads are fine for marching. There is still plenty of forage along
the way. This morning I saw a woman with her children forcibly
moved out of her residence, all the household goods and the house
set on fire. The deed was ordered by our officers, for they had
been informed that her husband was out in the brush with his
rifle, killing Union soldiers at every opportunity. The plantation
home had the appearance of wealth.
Sunday, 14th — We marched fifteen miles again today and went
into camp for the night. The Seventeenth Corps also corralled
their wagon train, leaving two brigades as a guard. There was
some skirmishing in the front today, but we learn that the rebels
have left Meridian without making any resistance, retiring to the
south. Some of our men occupied the town late this evening.
Things are marching along fine.
Monday, 13th — After two hours' marching our army entered
Meridian at about 10 o'clock this morning and went into camp.
The rebels are still retreating, and detachments of our army are
pursuing them. The infantry is sent out in all directions tear
ing up the railroads, burning the ties and twisting the rails.
Large numbers of cars, some engines and the depot have been
burned, as also the store buildings and many residences. It is a
terrible sight to look upon. Forage is plentiful in this vicinity.
Tuesday, i6th — After a rain yesterday, it is quite cool today.
General Crocker's Division went on to the town of Enterprise,
to destroy the railroad there, while the Sixteenth Corps went to
the north destroying the railroad. General McPherson has his

THE EXPEDITION TO MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI 169
(February, 1864)
headquarters in a fine residence in the west part of town and his
headquarters' guards, twenty-eight of us, occupy the negro huts
close by. We are at present short of rations and all I had for
dinner was some tough fresh beef, which the more I fried, the
tougher it got.
Wednesday, 17th — ^The different troops are returning to camp
here after destroying about one hundred and twenty-five miles
of railroad, stations and all public property. All is quiet around
here. Thursday, i8th — Our provision trains came in from the rear
today and we are thankful for the hardtack which we have been
without for three days.
Friday, ipth — The quartermaster is sending out large foraging
parties today, while the army is preparing to start back toward
Vicksburg tomorrow, after destroying everything within our lines.
There are no more rebels to be found in this vicinity.
Saturday, 20th — The weather is quite cool and has been for
several days. We left Meridian early this morning for Vicks
burg, followed by large numbers of contrabands and refugees.
Some of the negro women have their bedding tied up in quilts,
carrying them on their heads, each with a bundle of clothing in
one hand and in the other a corn pone and pieces of bacon tied
up in a red handkerchief.
Sunday, 21st — The weather is fine for marching. After a
night's rest, we started early this morning and reaching Decatur,
went into bivouac. The provision trains aim now to keep one
day's march in advance of the army.
Monday, 22d — We had a long hard day's march, with our
brigade leading the corps. There were some wide swamps to
cross and we had to build corduroy roads of rails and pine trees,
over which to move the artillery. It was late before we went
into bivouac.
Tuesday, 23d — We left at 8 o'clock and by noon had reached
Hillsborough, where we were ordered to go into bivouac for the
night. We caught up with the supply trains here and getting a
fresh supply of provisions we are to lie over to give them a start
again. All is quiet on the return.
Wednesday, 24th — The army left the Hillsborough bivouac

170 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1864)
over different roads. Our brigade went in advance of the Six
teenth Corps to assist the engineers in laying the pontoons across
the Pearl river. This is a good section of the country for forage.
We selected twelve men from our entire headquarters' guard of
twenty-eight to go out on forage, and they brought in six hun
dred pounds of bacon, twenty-five live chickens, one hundred
pounds of honey and other articles. Several of us are up to
night cooking the chickens, which with the other things will fill
our haversacks. We shall live well now. We are camping on a
large plantation.
Thursday, 25th — The main army moved only eight miles to
day, when it went into camp for the remainder of the day and
night. This is to give the Sixteenth Corps time to cross the river.
Our brigade was the first to cross the river, and we went on as
far as Canton, about fifteen miles north of Jackson. Here we
went into camp and are waiting for the army to catch up. All is
quiet. The weather is quite warm. Peach trees are in bloom and
the wild grapes are getting green.
Friday, 26th — General McPherson with the main part of the
army left camp at 8 o'clock in the morning and after an all day
march arrived at Canton after dark. They crossed the Pearl
river at 10 a. m. and then reloaded the pontoons and destroyed
what remained of the bridge. Just before going into camp two
men were shot dead by the accidental discharge of a gun which
they were pulling out from the back end of the wagon.
Saturday, 27th — We remained here in camp all day. A num
ber of foraging parties were sent out and some of them were cap
tured by the rebels, and so did not have the privilege of enjoying
their booty with their comrades. Canton is a very nice little
place, and our army did not destroy the town because so many
of the citizens remained in their homes.
Sunday, 28th — The supply trains started on ahead for Vicks
burg, taking with them about six thousand contrabands and refu
gees — men, women and children, both white and black, of all sorts
and sizes. The rebels drove in our pickets today, but did not
come any closer. The report is that it is Wheeler and his cavalry.
Monday, 2pth — The rebels drove in our pickets again last
night and there was some skirmishing, but when we commenced

THE EXPEDITION TO MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI 171
(February, 1864)
cannonading they fell back. General McPherson has his head
quarters here in a fine residence, and I am one of three men who
have to walk the beat in front of his headquarters; we had the
same duty the entire expedition, when his headquarters was in
a residence or in his tent in bivouac
MARCH, 1864.
Tuesday, ist — We left Canton at 8 o'clock this morning, our
brigade taking up the rear. There was some skirmishing with
the rebels' cavalry, which began early in the morning before we
got started. Bullets commenced to fly and the guards formed
a line to protect the headquarters' baggage. Finally, however,
the rear guard opened a light battery on the rebels, who soon
dropped back out of danger. The army, on account of an all day
rain which made the roads very muddy, covered only eight miles,
and went into bivouac, our rear not getting in, however, till 4
o'clock in the mOrning.
Wedriresday, 2d — Orders were issued this morning for the
army not to destroy any more property while on the march. We
just learned that while we were in Canton, General Hurlbut levied
a tax on the citizens, compelling them to furnish corn meal and
other articles of food for the army. Today we marched fifteen
miles, reaching CHnton Crossroads by night, where we went into
bivouac. The rebels are still following us and there was some
skirmishing in the rear, which at times made it necessary to bring
the light artillery into action.
Thursday, 3d — We got into motion early this morning and
marched twenty miles. We bivouacked for the night within
twenty-six miles of Vicksburg and not far from our forces at Big
Black river bridge. The rebels ceased following us today. The
weather and roads were fine for marching.
Friday, 4th — ^The army left bivouac at daylight this morning
and the vanguard reached Vicksburg at 2 o'clock, while our rear
did not get in till dark. We found our camps, clothing and all
in good shape. The Sixteenth Army Corps went into camp out
east of Vicksburg. We were relieved from the duty of head
quarters' guard this morning. The expedition was out thirty-
two days, and marched three hundred and twenty-five miles; it

172 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1864)
destroyed an immense amount of property, thus inflicting a tre
mendous blow to the Confederacy, and foraged on the country the
whole way.
Saturday, 5th — We are all glad to get back in camp again
and to sleep in the bunks instead of lying on the ground in open
bivouac. The boys spent the day in washing clothes and clean
ing guns and accouterments.
Sunday, 6th — The weather is quite pleasant today, and has
been for several days. We had company inspection early this
morning, and in the afternoon we had preaching in camp, fol
lowed by dress parade at 5 o'clock.

HOME ON VETERAN'S FURLOUGH 173
(March, 1864)

Chapter XVI.
Home on Veteran's Furlough. March 7-April 22.
Monday, 7th — The Thirteenth Regiment started for Iowa to
day on their thirty-day furlough. Our regiment received three
months' pay, and all who re-enlisted were given a part of their
bounty money, $160.00 each. The bounty, with my regular pay,
after settling for six months' clothing, $8.00, gave me $207.00.
Tuesday, 8th — I was detailed with six men from the Eleventh
under me, as special guard at the roundhouse. We were de
tailed about midnight to relieve the Ninety-fifth Illinois, which
will accompany a part of the Sixteenth Army Corps down the
river, and then on an expedition up the Red river. The Sevens
teenth Army Corps is going home on veterans' furlough.
Wednesday, pth — It rained all day. We are still on guard at
the roundhouse. Troops are on the move, both up and down
the river as fast as the transports can carry them. New troops
are to gfarrison Vicksburg from now on. We are glad to leave
the place, for we have been in and around Vicksburg for more
than fifteen months, and have seen some very hard service in
that time. But there is something about Vicksburg, the Gibral
tar of the West, that is really fascinating.
Thursday, loth — It rained all day yesterday, and today it is
quite cool. The expedition that is going up the Red river left
this afternoon. Regiments are leaving every day for the North,
going home on their veterans' furloughs. We are still on guard
at the roundhouse.
Friday, nth — The Iowa Brigade turned over their tents and
camp equippage to the general quartermaster, preparatory to going
up the river. General Grant is now at the head of all the armies
of the United States, just where we have wanted him ever since
the surrender of Vicksburg.*
'After Vicksburg, General Grant was sent to Chattanooga, Tennes
see and succeeded in raising the siege there, and then at Knoxville, de
feating two Confederate armies all in the space of a few days. That
covered Grant with glory in the estimation of us Western men, and we
then declared that he was the man to send to Washington, D. C, and
to take command of the Eastern as well as the Western army. — A. G. D.

174 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1864)
Saturday, 12th — All the men of the Iowa Brigade who did not
re-enlist have been formed into a battalion until the veterans re
turn. Major Pomutz of the Fifteenth Iowa is in command. All
the non-veterans of the old regiments are to remain at Cairo, Illi
nois, until the veterans return from their furloughs.
Sunday, 13th — The Eleventh and the Fifteenth Iowa, togeth
er with the Twelfth Wisconsin, all veterans, went aboard the
"Continental" this afternoon and about dark left for the North.
I could not go with my regiment, as I have not yet been relieved
from guard duty at the roundhouse.
Monday, 14th — It is quite cool today, after three days of warm
weather. We are still on guard at the roundhouse. The con
trabands are all being put to some kind of work, or enrolled in
the army. As the Government has to feed them, they will par
tially pay their way by Working.
Tuesday, 15th — We were relieved from guard at the round
house, and I received my transportation papers from the provost
marshal. I was promoted today from "high private in the rear
rank" to sixth corporal in the front rank, my commission to date
from March i, 1864.*
Wednesday, i6th — This is a beautiful day. I left for home
on my thirty-day furlough. I embarked with the Fifteenth Iowa
and the Thirty-second Illinois, on board the "Olive Branch." We
left for Cairo, Illinois, at 3 p. m. We say adieu to thee, Vicks
burg, the Gibraltar of the West ! We leave thee with some pleas
ant memories, notwithstanding the many hardships we had to en
dure while with thee ! Before we left Vicksburg the railroad sta
tion caught fire and was completely consumed with two thousand
bushels of oats stored there.
Thursday, 17th — Our boat has been running steadily since
starting, it having stopped but once, and that was to take on
wood for the boilers of the engine. The time has passed with
out incident.
Friday, i8th — It is quite cool today with a rather sharp wind
blowing, which with our crowded condition makes it very un
comfortable. The Thirty-second Illinois received their pay on
'This was indeed a surprise to me, as I had never asked for any
office. The expression in quotations was a war-time saying, a joke of
the privates. — A. G. D.

HOME ON veteran's FURLOUGH 175

(March, 1864)

board today, and no doubt the gamblers will get their hands in
before we land.
Saturday, ipth — It is quite cool. We reached Memphis at 4
o'clock this morning and remained all day, not starting on our
trip till late this evening. The supply train of the Sixteenth
Army Corps was unloaded here from our boat, and we took on
the Thirty-fifth New York Infantry.
Sunday, 20th — It is quite cool today. We ran all day, but
we have a big load, crowding every nook and corner of the boat ;
we are more crowded than before reaching Memphis. The ser
geant in charge of us six guards had our haversacks replenished
at Memphis. Monday, 21st — We reached Cairo at 4 o'clock this morning
and I went ashore with my comrades to the Soldiers' Home for
breakfast. We then went to the provost marshal's office for our
railroad transportation from Cairo to Davenport. We boarded
the train at noon and arrived at Centralia at 5 o'clock. We had
to lie here until after midnight when we took the Illinois Central
for La Salle, Illinois. The train was so crowded that in order
to get a comfortable place, we bought sleeping berths. The
weather is cold here, and we saw snowbanks for the first time
in two years.
Tuesday, 22d — We reached La Salle at 2 o'clock this after
noon and changed cars for Davenport, arriving at our destina
tion at dark. I took lodging at the Davis House. The taverns
are all crowded, because of so many soldiers coming home on
their furloughs.
Wednesday, 23d — I left all my accouterments and clothing at
the hotel. Before starting for home, I purchased some clothing
and other articles, all amounting to $46.50. Among other things,
I bought a blouse and vest, a hat, shirts, boots, pen, and my first
watch, for which I paid $17.00. I started for home at 10 o'clock,
and as it is seeding time and the roads are muddy, there were no
teams in town from my neighborhood, so I had to walk the entire
distance, all alone. I reached home at 8 o'clock and found all
well, and getting along fine.
Thursday, 24th — I went to Mr. Elseffer's and spent most of
the day there, taking dinner with them. Lewis Elseffer is a mem-

176 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1864)
ber of my company and was detailed as clerk in corps headquar
ters, thus could not return with us.
Friday, 25th — I remained at home all day visiting and talking
over some of my experiences. One change I find in myself, and
that is the discomfort in sleeping in a warm room, as the custom
in the homes is, for it is more than two and a half years since
I have slept that way.
Saturday, 26th — The friends of the boys in our -company gave
a dinner for us today at Mr. Ray's, and father took me over. It
was a cold, cloudy day and the roads were muddy, but all the
friends came out and gave the boys a warm greeting — and a fine
dinner we had. W'e all enjoyed ourselves and are thankful to
those who got up this dinner for the returned soldiers. It would
be fine soldiering if one could have such dinners in the army.
May this war scx>n come to a close that all may enjoy home, and
help where we are needed.
Sunday, 27th — I went with father to meeting today, in our
old church at Inland, and attended the Communion of the Lord's
Supper with the Disciples. They have no minister at present,
but meet ever\- Lord's Day to break bread. It rained nearly all
day. Monday, 28th — I went to Tipton on horseback today, accom
panied by John D. Moore, who enlisted in Company E of the
Eleventh Iowa Infantrj-. All of the Inland boys who went be
fore have re-enlisted as veterans, and four or five others besides
John Moore are going to enlist in our company and go to the
front when we return. I saw several of the boys of my com
pany today, who live at Tipton.
Tuesday, 2pth — I attended a supper this evening given for
the veterans of my company, at the home of Mr. J. W. Stanton
on York Prairie. On account of the bad weather, dark night
and muddy roads, there were not many there, but we had a fine
supper and a pleasant evening with friends.
Wednesday, 30th — I remained at home all day. Times ap
pear to be very dull and lonesome. My brothers are having a
siege of the measles. I am thankful that I have had them, for
measles in the army causes more soldiers to be discharged for
disability than anything else. I long to see this cruel war come
to a close.

HOME ON VETERAN'S FURLOUGH 177
(March, 1864)
Thursday, 31st — I went to a party this evening, given in honor
of the veterans, over at Mr. Hatch's, on Yankee Street.* There
were not many present, but all enjoyed themselves. I found a
new road to travel, a mile from this place — if all goes well. Things
are very quiet in this settlement, but almost every young man
here is thinking of returning with us to help bring the war to a
close. It does us good to see the loyal sentiment among the peo
ple at home. The general belief at home is that the war cannot
last more than a year longer.
APRIL, 1864.
Friday, ist — The same old thing over and over. I almost
wish myself back in the army; everything seems to be so lone
some here. There is nothing going on that is new, and there is
no work of any kind.
Saturday, 2d — They had a very cold winter here in Iowa and
the ground has been frozen so deep that it is slow in thawing out.
Farmers, as yet, have sown but little wheat, but they have every
thing ready to push the seeding as soon as the ground will per
mit. It is quite pleasant today, but the roads are very muddy
yet, and there is no news of any importance.
Sunday, 3d — I went to our church again this morning, it being
the day for preaching. In the evening I went to see a young
lady friend.
Monday, 4th — It rained all last night and nearly all day. I
attended a party this evening at Mr. Fossett's and we all had a
fine time which passed off very rapidly. There were fourteen
couples present. I remained over night with my old bunk-mate,
James. I enjoyed my visit with him, talking over the times when
we started into the service together.
Tuesday, 5th — I took dinner at Mr. Curtis's today, and had
a fine dinner. Two other soldier boys were there, Mr. Curtis's
son. Homer and Thomas Fossett, both of the Twenty-fourth Iowa
Infantry. The citizens in and around Inland are very loyal, and
the vicinity is well represented in the Eleventh and Twenty-
fourth Regiments.
'Yankee Street was the name given to an adjoining neighborhood.
—A. G. D.

178 DOWNING'S CmL WAR DIARY (.\prn, 1864)
Wednesday, 6th — I went to Tipton to attend the celebration
of the 6th of April, the da}- on which two years ago we fought
the battle of Shiloh. I went with a team, taking a load of the
young people of the community with me. The roads were aw
fully muddy and once we stuck in the mud. The citizens gave
a dinner in honor of the veterans of Company E, and though I
cannot brag on the dinner, there were a great many present. Al
though we had a mudd}- time of it, yet all seemed to enjoy them
selves. At a meeting in the court house in the aftemoon. Major
Foster of the Eleventh Iowa delivered a speech before a large
audience. Thursday, 7th — It rained all day, and I remained at home.
As the boys are all down with the measles, I am helping father
with the farm work between showers.
Friday, 8th — Another wet day and I stayed at home all day.
It is so lonesome that I almost wish I was back in the army : al
though if I did not have to go back, I could enjoy myself a great
deal better. IMay God hasten the day when this cruel war will
be fought to a close, so that the soldiers may return to their homes
and friends, ^^'hat a cruel thing this war is ! Think of the thou
sands of our brave men suffering in the hospitals and in the
camps, and many being killed on the battlefield. And yet, think
of the everlasting Copperheads in the North, how they sympa
thize with the South ! Such men as they are not fit to be compared
with the negroes of the South ! I would like to see such men as
they are be made to go down there and fight for the South, and
be compelled to live on mule beef at that !
Saturday, pth — It is cool and quite pleasant. I stayed at home
all day and did some writing (brought my army diary up to date).
The farmers are still hing b}- waiting for the weather and the
ground to get fit for seeding. There is no news of any impor
tance from the army.
Sunday, loth — It is still raining; there appears to be nothing
but rain, rain! I went to meeting again this morning, and ac
companied Mr. Sparks home for dinner. Jason Sparks is going
to enlist and retum with us to the front. In the afternoon we
all went to attend meeting at the Inland schoolhouse, but the
preacher didn't come, and so I spent the balance of the day with

HOME ON VETERAN'S FURLOUGH 179
(April, 1864)
the family of Mr. Willey, and remained there till late in the even
ing. Monday, nth — It was rainy all day, but I went to farming
this morning for the first time for nearly three years. As the
boys are all sick and as it is impossible for father to hire help
even for a few days, I made up my mind that it was my duty to
help father to get his seeding done. I started in drilling wheat,
but after a while I had to stop on account of the rain.
Tuesday, 12th — It rained almost the whole day; it does look
as if it would never quit raining. I gave father $110.00 today,
to keep for me until I return from the war. That makes $360.00
altogether that I have placed in his hands to put out on interest
till I return. There is nothing of any importance here.
Wednesday, 13th — It is cloudy and very cool. I helped fath
er put in his wheat today, harrowing all forenoon and drilling in
wheat in the afternoon. James Kelley, a soldier of the neigh
borhood, home on a furlough, came over to help me out for a
few days.
Thursday, 14th — Another cloudy, disagreeable day ! I drilled
in wheat all day and Kelley did the harrowing. The boys with
the measles are getting along fine and will be well in a few days
if they don't take cold.
Friday, 15th — It is cloudy and quite cool. I harrowed all
day, and I think that it is the last day's work that I shall do on
the farm for some time, unless this cruel war soon comes to a
close. There are two families in this locality who are Copperheads
and opposed to the war. They are members of the "Knights of
the Golden Circle," but are very quiet at present. They do not,
however, give dinners to the retumed veterans. About eighteen
months ago, they, with some others, north and west from here,
were giving the loyal people of the county a great deal of trou
ble, going so far as to recruit a company of cavalry for the rebel
army and drill them at the county seat. Finally, some of our
brave soldiers, Tipton boys, home on furlough, made it so hot for
the would-be rebel soldiers, that they disbanded, and have not
been seen drilling since.
Saturday, i6th — It is clear and quite cool today. My brother
John and I went up to Tipton this morning. Things are pretty

180 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1864)
lively in town; but there are not many of the veterans in today.
I went to the harness shop and bought a saddle as a present to
father. I called on Mrs. Willey, she and her husband having
been good friends of mine. Mr. Willey was a member of the
Twenty-fourth Iowa, but died in the spring of '63 at Milliken's
Bend, above Vicksburg. On our way back home I stopped at
the home of Mr. Robedie and t(X)k supper with the family.
Sunday, 17th — It is cloudy and quite cool. There was some
rain today, but toward evening it cleared off and became quite
pleasant. I attended church at the Sparks schoolhouse, where
the few members of the Christian church in this settlement have
organized a church. They have prayer meeting and communion
every Sunday at 10 o'clock, with preaching every fourth Sunday.
May God help those who are trying to keep His holy laws, and
may He help the churches all over the world, that they may do
much good in bringing sinners to repentance and into the service
of the Lord their Savior. After services I went home with John
Moore, perhaps for the last time this spring. John and I spent
the early evening at the home of Mr. William Listenwalter.
Monday i8th — I stayed at home all day. Father finished sow
ing his wheat today. John D. Moore with Henry Clark left this
morning for Davenport to go into Camp McClellan — Clark is
a veteran of my company, while John is a recruit for the com
pany. Jason Sparks could not go with them on account of hav
ing the measles. Dr. Clark went to see him and certified that he
was not fit for duty.
Tuesday, ipth — I attended a party last night at Mr. Ray's and
did not get home till daylight this moming. William Green and
Jeremiah Argo came home with me for breakfast and left for
Camp McClellan. Green is one of the veterans of Company E
and Argo is a recruit for the same. The weather is getting warm,
the ground is in fine condition for putting in the crops and the
farmers are all quite busy seeding. I sowed some barley toda}'
for the first time. This evening I went over to Mr. Sparks's to
see Jason, who is getting along well with the measles, and in a
few days will be able to leave for the army.
Wednesday, 20th — I remained at Mr. Sparks's over night and
coming home this morning stopped at the postoffice. I got a let
ter from Thomas R. McConnoll, my bunk-mate and one of the

HOME ON VETERAN'S FURLOUGH 181
(April, 1864)
non-veterans whom I left at Vicksburg. The non-veterans are
all at Cairo now awaiting our return.
Thursday, 21st — This is a warm, pleasant day and I bade
farewell to my home folks and friends and started back to the
army, my thirty-day furlough being almost up. I went on horse
back, brother John going along as far as Allen's Grove, to Uncle
John Moore's to remain over night, while John returned home,
taking back the horse which I rode. Though the spring has been
very late, the farmers here have all their small grain in and it is
starting fine. The country around Allen's Grove is very nice
farming land; it is rolling, with plenty of timber and close to a
good market; it is becoming very thickly settled. Scott county,
Iowa. Friday, 22d — I started with Uncle John this moming for
Davenport, but one of his neighbors, Mr. Lathrop, soon overtook
us and as he had to go to town anyway, I rode with him and
Uncle John retumed home. I reached Davenport by noon and
went to the Davis House for my dinner, after which I called for
my knapsack and accouterments and made a bee-line for Camp
McClellan. Eight companies of the Eleventh Iowa have already
reported and it is expected that we shall leave for the South in
a few days. I went down town and got my new watch repaired —
costing $2.00 — and purchased a few necessary articles, such as a
diary, pocket dictionary, stationery, etc., costing in all $3.15.

182 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1861)

Chapter XVII.
Mobilization at Cairo and Moving Forward to Join Sherman
Before Atlanta. April 23-June 8.
Saturday, 23d — Company E reported for duty this moming,
and in addition ten recruits. Our regiment has more than one
hundred recruits. We signed the pay rolls this forenoon, and
were expecting to receive our pay, one month's, but as Company
B has not yet arrived in camp, the paymaster withheld the pay.
I swapped watches with Henry Clafk, trading my cylinder
escapement watch for his American lever watch, and gave $10.00
to boot. The boys still keep straggling into camp, and all who
have reported are in high spirits and glad to return after their
thirty-day furlough.
Sunday, 24th — It is raining again — there is nothing but rain
and mud. Company B is now in camp and we received our pay
today, including $5o.<x) of the new bounty. I got $63.00 in all.
We received orders to be ready to move in the morning at 6
o'clock, and go to Cairo, Illinois. It rained all day and so we
had to stay in camp. We had preaching here this afternoon. I
had a couple of likenesses taken yesterday and today I am send
ing them away.
"Disappointment is the common lot of man."
Monday, 23th — And still it is raining! Reveille sounded at
5 o'clock this morning and we strapped on our knapsacks and all
accouterments, and at 7 o'clock marched to the station, where we
boarded the cars and started for Cairo.
We bade old Iowa farewell, perhaps never to return, for in
the course of the coming events it is improbable that all will get
back, but if the Lord is willing, I hope that we may be spared
to return again. Crossing the Mississippi at 8 o'clock, we ar
rived at La Salle about noon and changed cars — exchanged fine
coaches on the Rock Island for rather poor ones over the Illinois
Central. Leaving La Salle at 3 o'clock we passed through Bloom
ington at dark, soon after which many of us took berths for the
night. This morning just before leaving Davenport, I sent $50.00,

MOVING FORWARD TO JOIN SHERMAN 183
(April, 1864)
my bounty money, to father by Solomon Lichtenwalter, who had
come to Davenport to see us off. I then borrowed $5.00 of
Thomas Armstrong, to run me till next pay day.
Tuesday, 26th — We stopped at Centralia this morning for
breakfast, and arrived at Cairo about 5 o'clock in the evening.
Our regiment received new tents, and marching up the Ohio, we
went with our non-veteran comrades into camp just above Cairo.
There are about twenty thousand troops in camp at this place,
and a large expedition is being fitted out here, to start in a few
days, but there is no certainty as to where it is going.* Most
of the Seventeenth Army Corps is camped here awaiting orders.
It is being reorganized and fitted out with Springfield rifles and
cartridge boxes.
Wednesday, 27th — It rained all day and there is no end of
mud in our camp, which is on very low ground. Cairo is im
proving very fast, a great many buildings having been erected
since this war broke out. The veterans still keep coming in on
every train; the Eighth Iowa arrived today. About two thou
sand troops went aboard the transports for Huntsville, Alabama.^
We will be glad when we get orders to leave this mudhole.
Thursday, 28th — It is cloudy and misty, and suffocating smoke
is settling over our camp at times — and there is no end of mud.
There is no news of any importance and we lay in camp all day,
with no drill or dress parade. We are expecting orders to board
the transports for Huntsville, Alabama. I went down town this
afternoon to purchase a few articles. Things are awfully dear
here. The soldiers are all supplying themselves with stationery
and little articles needed on a long campaign.
A Regiment: A body of men, either horse, foot or artillery,
commanded by a colonel and consisting of a number of companies,
usually from eight to twelve.
A Reserve: A select body of troops in the rear of an army,
reserved to sustain the other lines as occasion may require.
— A. G. Downing.
Friday, 29th — It is quite cool and cloudy, with some rain this
afternoon. The Ohio river is rising fast. The veterans keep
'The expedition was fitted out for the campaign against Atlanta,
under the command of General Sherman. — A. G. D.
'Clifton, Tennessee. — A. G. D.

184 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1864)
arriving daily at Cairo. The Seventeenth Army Corps is being
reorganized as fast as possible and sent up the Tennessee river
and landed at Clifton, and is then to march across to Huntsville,
Alabama. Our mustering rolls are being made out and we are to
be mustered in tomorrow. I received my discharge from the old
service, dated December 31, 1863, and sent the certificate home
for father to keep till I return.
Saturday, 30th — The Eleventh Iowa was mustered today for
pay. The regiment numbers about six hundred men present for
duty, and but few are absent on account of sickness.
General McPherson is having his entire corps (the Seven
teenth) armed with new Springfield rifles, and our regiment to
day turned over to the quartermaster the Enfield rifles and old
accouterments to draw the new rifles and accouterments. Most
of the men feel that the Enfield rifle is better suited to our use
than the new one, for it has a bronze barrel, hence easier to keep
clean, as the outside does not require extra polishing.
I took a walk this aftemoon over Cairo to view the town.
There is a great deal of building going on, even if it is one of
the biggest mudholes in the State of Illinois. The town may be
said to be on stilts, for the buildings rest on posts, ten or twelve
feet from the ground, and of course the sidewalks are the same.
There are only two or three really nice buildings in the town.
But it is a very important place for our armies, as it is the mobil
izing point for our army on the Mississippi and the Tennessee
rivers.
MAY, 1864.
Sunday, ist — The Eleventh Iowa signed the pay rolls this
morning for two months' pay. Six of the boys were robbed of
$30.00 last night. Our regiment drew the new rifles and accout
erments this aftemoon. The Government is fitting out all of the
veteran regiments with new equipments.
We received orders this afternoon to go on board the trans
ports at 5 o'clock, and we struck our tents and turned them over
to the post quartermaster. The Eleventh, the Fifteenth and part
of the Thirteenth Iowa are on board the "John H. Dickey." We
were ordered to carry five days' rations. Our destination is sup
posed to be Huntsville, Alabama.

MOVING FORWARD TO JOIN SHERMAN 185
(May, 1864)
Monday, 2d — We left Cairo at i o'clock in the night and ar
rived at Paducah, Kentucky, at 10 o'clock today. We were sent
here to reinforce the troops at this place, as it was reported that
the rebels, thought to be Forrest's command, would make a raid
into Paducah for the purpose of destroying our supplies. We
went ashore while the transports with large details of men were
sent back to Cairo for ammunition and provisions. I was de
tailed this morning for the first time as corporal of the guard.
We have a force of about five thousand men at this place, with
but one fort.
Tuesday, 3d — We remained in bivouac all day. The trans
ports did not return today as expected. The recruits of the
Eleventh Iowa were formed into a battalion and drilled twice a
day, by Captain Kelly of Company D. We had oui^ first dress
parade this evening, since returning from furlough, and the regi
ment looked well in their new uniforms, but it was very awk
ward in the manual of arms because of the new recruits. An
order was read on dress parade making some promotions of non
commissioned officers in Companies A and H, since they went in
as veterans. Paducah is a nice town and contained about seven
thousand inhabitants just before the rebellion broke out.
Wednesday, 4th — We lay here all day awaiting the boats.
Nathan Chase, a veteran of our company, got into trouble with
some men of the Fifty-third Indiana Regiment and one of them
shot him twice, one ball going through his right arm and the
other taking effect in his mouth, but neither wound is dangerous.
The trouble was caused by drink. The health of the regiment is
good, yet there are several sick, some with light attacks of the
ague, and they are sent to the hospital here at Paducah. The
transports arrived late this evening and we received orders to go
aboard early in the morning.
Thursday, 5th — Reveille sounded at 4 o'clock and by daylight
we were on the boats. At 8 o'clock we started up the Tennessee
river, our destination, we suppose, being Clifton, Tennessee. Our
fleet consists of eleven transports and two gunboats, one of them
in advance and the other taking the rear, so that if we should be
attacked by light batteries from the bank, the gunboats would
be ready for action and silence them. Then each transport has
a squad of men with rifles in hand ready for action in case we

186 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1864)
should be fired upon by the guerrillas. The weather is pleasant
and everything is working fine.
Friday, 6th — Our boats tied up for the night, but early this
morning, at 4 o'clock, we continued our journey. The river is
deep and narrow here, which with the high bluffs, makes it a
dangerous place for bushwhackers, but we were not molested on
the trip. We reached Clifton at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and
disembarked, marched out about two miles and went into bivouac.
Saturday, 7th — Our new wedge tents were issued to us this
morning by the quartermaster, and we worked all day pitching
the tents and building bunks. I was on fatigue duty as corporal,
in charge of a squad of men cleaning the grounds. We have a
fine camp at this place with very good water. The health of the
men is excellent and they are all in fine spirits. There was a
flying report that the rebel general, Forrest, has been captured,
but we don't know as to the truth of it.
Sunday, 8th — All is quiet. We had dress parade this evening
and an order was read to the effect that the troops should drill
two hours a day in company or skirmish drill, and besides that,
the recruits should drill four hours a day; also that there are to
be four roll calls a day, and company inspection every morning
at 8 o'clock. There are about five thousand men in camp under
command of Brig. Gen. F. M. Force, and all are in fine spirits and
well fitted for a fight. The general quartermaster has large quanti
ties of rations and ammunition here, and there are some three or
four thousand beef cattle for our meat supply. This camp puts us
in mind of our camp at Pittsburg Landing, two years ago, but I do
not think that we will have such a battle as we had then, although
the rebels' cavalry is quite active.
Monday, pth — The weather is warm and pleasant and things
are growing fine. The order of the day in camp is as follows :
Reveille at 4 o'clock, roll call and breakfast call at 6, doctor's
call at 6:30, guard mount and company inspection from 8 till 9,
company drill 9 to 10, dinner call and roll call at 12 noon; in
the afternoon, company drill from 2 to 3 o'clock, dress parade
and supper call at 6, tattoo and roll call at 8, taps at 8 :30, when
all lights must be out and every man not on duty must be in his
bunk. This is the way the days pass with a soldier in camp, in
time of war.

MOVING FORWARD TO JOIN SHERMAN 187
(May, 1864)
Tuesday, loth — We had an all day rain, and there was no
drill or dress parade. The country around Clifton is very rougli.
There are but a few small farms, found only in the bottom land.
Clifton is on the east bank of the Tennessee river about twenty-
five miles below Savannah. The town has been burned and the
people driven out, there being only four or five of the thirty log
huts standing.
H'ednesday, nth — I was in a detail of a hundred men, with
my corporal's squad, to go out on cattle guard. We had to herd
about a thousand head of our beef cattle. At noon we were
called in and our regiment, together with the Twentieth Illinois,
was ordered to strap on our knapsacks, strike our tents and
drive the cattle out about five miles farther on. We left our camp
at 2 o'clock and at 3 reached Hardin's creek, in the direction of
Huntsville, Alabama, where we found better range for the cattle,
which was the object. There is more danger here of the rebel
cavalry's making a raid and stampeding the herd, but it is thought
our force is sufficiently large to guard the cattle.
Thursday, 12th — It is very foggy this morning and our camp
is low and unhealthy. We had inspection this morning and then
company drill for an hour. John White and I then took a walk,
and going outside of the pickets, we climbed some very high
bluffs and found some of the nicest springs that I have ever seen.
The country is very rough and heavily timbered with chestnut
and scrub oak. There are a few little clearings with log huts.
Our teams went back to Clifton this morning for rations.
Friday, 13th — I went out as corporal of the picket this even
ing at 5 o'clock. There was in all a detail of one hundred and
twelve sent out from the two regiments, besides the commissioned
and non-commissioned officers. The guards are stationed from
one to two miles from camp, where the cattle are corralled.
Saturday, 14th — The weather is quite warm and pleasant. A
large fleet of transports arrived at Clifton this morning, loaded
with troops and supplies, the wagons and teams of the Seven
teenth Corps being on board. We also received a large mail.
News came that General Grant had defeated the rebels
in a two days' battle before Richmond, though he lost about
twenty thousand in killed and wounded. The news is almost too

188 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1864)
good to believe. All is quiet here in the West. We are still
herding cattle, but think we shall soon be relieved.
Sunday, 13th — We had regimental inspection this moming at'
10 o'clock. Two regiments came out from Clifton as reinforce
ments for ours. We turned over all our tents, except one for
every five men, and this evening received orders to be ready to
march in the morning at 5 o'clock for Waynesburg, Tennessee.
Jason Sparks arrived this evening from Iowa to join our com
pany. He is well and happy.
Monday, i6th — Reveille sounded at 3 o'clock and at 5 we
started on our way to Waynesburg. We reached the place at
noon and went into camp for the rest of the day. The troops
kept coming in from Clifton all the afternoon.* Our corps, the
Seventeenth, is all together again, and now in command of Gen
eral F. P. Blair. We have fine weather for marching, but the
roads are very rough and stony, making it hard on our feet. The
water is plentiful and very good, there being some healthful
springs about here.
Tuesday, 17th — We marched fifteen miles today. Our bri
gade had the cattle in charge and at 10 o'clock we had to stop
and let them rest, the heat and rough stony roads being too much
for them. The other brigades of our corps passed us, going on
ahead. We starte(J again at 4 o'clock, but did not catch up with
our corps and go into bivouac until late at night. In the country
we passed through, only now and then are there small clearings
with log huts. The people are poor and schoolhouses are very
scarce through here.
Wednesday, i8th — The troops in advance of us started early
this morning, but our brigade did not move until 11 o'clock. We
had a hard day's march, having to cross a large swamp,- wade
four creeks, and cross one river twice ; yet we covered fourteen
miles with the cattle, and got into bivouac near Clarenceville^ at
9 o'clock at night. Many of the men got sore feet, as a result
of being in the water so much and then having to walk the rough,
stony roads. The town of Clarenceville, they say, is almost de
serted, only a few of the meaner sort of people remaining.
'They all left Clifton for Huntsville, Alabama. — A. G. D.
-This must have been Lawrenceburg, the county seat of Lawrence
county, and on a direct line between Wa.vnesburg and Pulaski. — Ed.

MOVING FORWARD TO JOIN SHERMAN 189
(May, 1864)
Thursday, ipth — We started our drove of cattle early this
morning and the brigade broke camp at 8 o'clock and followed.
We reached Pulaski at 2 o'clock, a distance of sixteen miles, and
went into camp. Our road, rough and rocky, followed a wind
ing creek which I think we had to wade twenty-four times dur
ing the day. I was corporal guard last night and having had no
sleep, the hard day's march has almost worn me out.
Good news came from the Eastern army, also from the Cum
berland army. The report is that General Grant has had a six
days' fight at Richmond and that the rebels are whipped and on
the retreat.
Friday, 20th — We are having nice weather. We lay here at
Pulaski all day in order to draw rations and to rest. We spent
the day in washing clothes and cooking navy beans and fresh
beef. The troops of our corps were ordered to pack all extra
clothing in their knapsacks and turn them over to the quarter
master, who would then send them by rail to Huntsville, where
they are to be stored. We are to go in light marching order from
now on, having but a blanket apiece. There is but little sickness
in the corps and the men are in fine spirits. All are anxious to
get through to the main army.
Saturday, 2ist — Reveille sounded at 3 o'clock and at 5 we
took up the line of march, our company being rear guard for the
brigade. We marched seventeen miles and went into bivouac
several miles beyond Elkhorn, which we reached at i o'clock.
Here we waded the Elkhorn* river, which is from three to five
feet deep and two hundred feet wide. The boys had a great deal
of fun in wading across. The country is very rough and rocky,
and the hard turnpike over which we marched most of the day
made our feet very sore.
Sunday, 22d — We started at 5 130 this morning and marched
till 2 o'clock, when we again went into bivouac. Our brigade
today was just in front of the rear. We passed through some
very fine country with well-improved farms. Today we bade old
Tennessee farewell and entered Alabama.
What a cruel thing this war is ! May God hasten the day
when it will be brought to a close and our nation enjoy peace
once more. Here in the army we have to march on Sunday as
'Now called Elk river. The town which our diarist calls Elkhorn
was probably what is now .\spen Hill. — Ed.

190 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1864)
other days. A soldier has to go through a great many hardships
not thought of by others.
Monday, 23d — It has been very warm but pleasant for several
days. Reveille roused us this morning at 3 o'clock and at 4 our
brigade started, taking the advance. Our last night's bivouac is
just twelve miles northwest of Huntsville and we had a fine road
to travel on coming into town. There is some very fine country
with splendid farms around Huntsville. We entered the town at
10 o'clock and went into camp, lying here the rest of the day. Here
we got our knapsacks and a large mail. I received a letter and
likeness from Miss G  . All of the non-veterans joined
their regiments this aftern(X)n. Our quartermaster received a
consignment of clothing for the regiment.
Tuesday, 24th — We remained here at Huntsville all day rest
ing. I went to the camp of the Fifty-ninth Indiana and found
my cousin, Hamilton Shepherd, and the sons of some of our old
friends from my old home at Bloomfield, Indiana. The order is
that we are to start for Chattanooga* in the moming, and we again
had to turn over our tents and baggage to the quartermaster, who
will put them in storage.
Huntsville is a nice little town among the hills, and as in the
case of most all of the villages here in the South, its citizens fled
on the approach of the "mudsills," as they call us. There is a
large spring here with a strong, steady flow of water, coming off
a rocky cliff one hundred feet high, which supplies the town with
water. The water runs into a large pool, from which it is pumped
into an elevated tank by means of a water-wheel set near the cliff,
and distributed over town through pipes.
Wednesday, 23th — We packed our knapsacks and sent them
by rail to Rome, Georgia. The advance of our corps started
early this morning for Decatur, Alabama, but our brigade taking
up the rear did not leave Huntsville till in the aftern(X)n. From
Decatur we are to proceed to Rome, Georgia. We marched
through fine farming country with good buildings, but as usual
the people are gone and the farms are idle. Such is the effect
of war, the citizens being afraid to remain while our armies are
marching back and forth.
'Rome, Georgia. The order was later countermanded and the army.
Instead of going to Chattanooga, went to Rome via Decatur, Alabama.
— A. G. D.

MOVING FORWARD TO JOIN SHERMAN 191
(May, 1864)
Thursday, 26th — We left our bivouac at 6 o'clock this morn
ing and marched twelve miles. Within a few miles of Decatur
we went into bivouac for the night. Advance brigades of our
army were skirmishing with the rebels today and it is reported
that the colonel of the Seventeenth New Jersey Regiment was
killed. Our men captured a provision train and also took some
prisoners. Our corps teams have been sent out for fodder.
Friday, 27th — We remained in bivouac until 2 o'clock waiting
for rations. After getting our rations we crossed the Tennessee
river by pontoon bridges and started on our way for Rome,
Georgia. The railroad bridge of the Memphis & Ohio, here at
Decatur, was destroyed by our gunboats soon after the battle of
Shiloh. It took seventy-two pontoon boats to make our bridge.
Our road today lay through a large swamp which it took some
time for the artillery and provision trains to cross; besides we
had some very rough country to cross, and did not get into
bivouac until midnight.
Saturday, 28th — We started at 7 o'clock this morning and
dragging along slowly with our heavy trains, went into bivouac
when we reached Somerville at 3 o'clock. Most of our road was
over very rough country and besides we had to wade one river,
the bridges being gone. Somerville is a mere village with a
courthouse, a few stores and about twenty dwellings.
Sunday, 2pth — It was 9 o'clock before we got started this
morning and though the country here between two mountains is
very rough, we covered fourteen miles and went into camp in
the mountains for the first time. Large foraging parties were
sent out this moming to secure meat. Our advance lines had a
skirmish with the rebels this aftemoon. The health of the men
is good, but many have sore feet from the hard marching.
Monday, 30th — The weather is getting quite warm and the
roads are dusty. Our advance guard broke camp at daylight,
while our brigade did not get under way until 10 o'clock. We
crossed a ridge of mountains this afternoon and this evening
went into camp in the valley close to Warrenton. The moun
tains are heavily timbered, mostly chestnut, and the soil is sandy
and rocky. There are only a few small farms here and there.
The men have gone to war, while the women and children remain
with scarcely anything to live on.

192 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1864)
Tuesday, 31st — We broke camp in the early moming and
started on another day's march, our brigade leaving at 7 o'clock
and taking up the rear. We climbed the mountains again and
after marching sixteen miles went into camp on the very top.
This has been a hard march ; the men are suffering as never be
fore from sore feet and some, giving out, had to be hauled in
the ambulance. Then, too, we are on two-thirds rations because
of the lack of transportation.
JUNE, 1864.
Wednesday, ist — Our brigade started at 5 this morning, but
covered only twelve miles. We marched down the Sandy moun
tains into the valley and went into bivouac along the banks of
Sandy creek. The rear of the army did not get into camp until
midnight. The wagon trains could move but slowly over the
rough, rocky roads, and even then the teams are almost worn
out. Many of the horses and mules lost their shoes and have
broken hoofs and sore feet. Large foraging parties are sent out,
but because of the poverty oi the country they do not get much.
Thursday, 2d — A fine shower about noon cooled the air and
laid the dust. The entire corps lay in camp all day, the men
washing and mending their clothes, and the blacksmiths shoeing
the horses and mules. We are in the valley between the Sandy
and Lookout mountains, which are heavily timbered with pine
and ash. The quartermaster's trains were sent out on forage to
day, but, although the farms in the valley are fairly good, there
is little to be had, for the few farmers thought it useless to grow
crops this summer.
Friday, 3d — It rained nearly all day and changed the dust into
mud, which made the marching very heavy. We left camp at 8
o'clock and leaving the valley, traveled over a spur of Lookout
mountain nine miles across. We marched eighteen miles today
and bivouacked on the Chattanooga river. We passed a house
of mourning today where lay the body of the head of the family,
he having been killed just a few days before in a battle with Sher
man's men. I never saw a sadder sight. The wife and daugh
ters dressed in deep, rich mourning were most pitifully bewailing
their loss. But some of our boys remarked that the people of
the South had brought on this war themselves.

MOVING FORWARD TO JOIN SHERMAN 193
(June, 1864)
Saturday, 4th — We started at 8 o'clock and marched fifteen
miles today. Have had rain for three days now, but late in the
aftemoon it cleared off. We had to wade a river, the water
being only three or four feet deep, and the boys had great fun in
trying to carry the powder on their heads to keep it dry. We
were soaking wet from the rain so we did not mind wading the
river. But the muddy roads make marching very hard, especial
ly since we are kept on two-thirds rations when we might just as
well have more. Large foraging parties were again sent out,
but there isn't anything in the country to be had, although
we traversed a level country between two mountains the whole
day. Sunday, 3th — Rain again this forenoon and clear this after
noon. We started early this morning, our regiment leading the
advance division, and at 3 o'clock reached our destination, Rome,
Georgia. The sixteen miles covered today was over very muddy
roads, such as we have had for the last fifty miles, and all were
greatly fatigued. Some of the men gave out completely and had
to ride in the ambulance. News came that General Grant had
surrounded Richmond, and that General Sherman was driving
Johnston, but the report is too good to believe, yet I hope it is true.
Monday, 6th — It is quite warm. We started early this morn
ing, and crossing the Coosa river on a pontoon bridge, passed
through Rome for Kingston, about fourteen miles distant. We
arrived at Kingston about 4 o'clock in the afternoon and went
into camp. Kingston is on the railroad ranning from Chattanooga
to Atlanta. Our forces routed the rebels from here about ten days
ago. A large force of our men is stationed here. There is no
news from the front. We are still in mountainous country, but
there are some very nice farms in the valley with fine dwelling
houses. Tuesday, 7th — The weather continues warm. Our corps drew
fifteen days' rations at Kingston this morning. We left the place
at 10 o'clock, carrying five days' rations, the balance to be hauled
by the supply trains. We marched twelve miles to Cartersville
and went into camp. Our troops control the railroad, which is in
running order to this place, but the rebels burned the bridge just
before evacuating the town. Our men will soon have it rebuilt,
using the old piers, which are intact. It is three hundred feet long

194 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1864)
and one hundred feet above the water. The rebels were very
strongly fortified here at Cartersville, but they left the place with
out fighting because of our troops flanking them. Cartersville will
be used as a base of supply for Sherman's army.
Wednesday, 8th — We moved forward early this morning,
marching twelve miles to the little town of Ackworth, where we
went into camp. We are now with Sherman's army, our corps
being placed on the left in front of Atlanta. Our front is about
twenty-five miles north of the city, while my division is back
about ten miles farther. Sherman's forces now number about one
hundred and fifty thousand men and it is thought that the rebels
under Johnston have seventy-five thousand. Our army, in the
main, is lying still today, though there is some skirmishing in
the front. The rebels have fallen back about ten miles. The
health of our men is excellent ; they are in fine spirits and anxious
for a fight.

THE BATTLES AROUND ATLANTA 195
(June, 1864)

Chapter XVIII.
The Battles Around Atlanta. In the Field Hospital.
June 9- July 11.
Thursday, pth — The weather is fine — warm and pleasant. Our
corps remained quiet and in its position all day. But orders have
been given for the whole army to move forward in the morning.
We commenced drawing full rations again today. I went out on
picket this evening.
General Sherman is in command of all of our forces, with
General Thomas in command of the right wing. General Hooker
of the center, and General McPherson of the left. We have a
large force of cavalry on each of the flanks. The country about
Atlanta being so hilly and rough, it is exceedingly difficult to
advance in front of the rebels, they having by far the better po
sition.* They have a great deal better chance to kill our men
than we have to kill them.
Friday, loth — Our entire army moved forward early this
moming. The teams were all left in the rear. We advanced
our division about ten miles and went into bivouac at a place
called Big Shanty. Our front drove in the pickets and did some
brisk skirmishing and cannonading. The railroad station at Big
Shanty and the houses have all been burned. Our army is pre
pared for a big fight. There is no news from Grant's army, but
at last accounts things were working fine.
Saturday, nth — Had a light shower yesterday, while today
it rained nearly all day. We formed a line of battle this mom
ing and moved forward. There was some sharp skirmishing, and
our cannons were active, but the rebels did not reply. We ad
vanced about a half mile and the rebels fell back inside of their
rifle pits, a mile distant, at the foot of Kenesaw mountain. Each
regiment then went to work throwing up its own rifle pits. There
was some more sharp skirmishing, the rebels attempting to turn
'Sherman's plan was to get up as close as possible to the Confed
erates' works, build forts and rifie pits, and then move our right around
their left, or our left around their right, thus fianking them and threat
ening their rear. By that means they would be compelled to evacuate
their strong works without having the opportunity of fighting from
behi<id them. — A. G. D.

196 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1864)
our left, but we drove them back. The railroad is now in opera
tion up to our army, and the first train came in to Big Shanty* to
day. News came that Lee had evacuated Richmond, but we could
not believe the report.
Sunday, i2th — It rained steadily all, day. Our forces did not
advance any today, but they are still throwing up earthworks
and planting batteries. There was some shelling at a few points
today by our men and the skirmishing at times was quite lively
on both sides. But because of so much rain the last two days,
and since we have worked so hard building rifle pits, we are glad
to remain quiet and get some rest. As we have no tents, the men
have built "ranches" out of their rubber ponchos, for shelter and
for resting places in which to get snatches of sleep. There are no
tents except the hospital tents, and some of the officers have "fly
tents" in order to keep their papers and books dry. Our wagon
trains are kept in the rear for fear of our being suddenly shelled
and compelled to fall back. The earthworks of both sides are in
plain view of each other, all the timber between having been cut
down, and the pickets are close enough together at night to en
gage in conversation.
Monday, 13th — It rained again nearly the whole day. We
formed a line of battle early this morning, but soon returned to
(jtir "ranches" with orders to keep our accouterments on and be
ready to form at a moment's notice. Skirmishing commenced
early all along the line and there was cannonading from our side
with no reply from the rebels. Things are progressing fine.
There is no news from the army around Richmond. I wrote a
letter today to Robinson Laport of the Twenty-fourth Iowa and
received one from Miss Moore. ^
Tuesday, 14th— 'No rain, but cloudy and quite cool. Skir
mishing began again early this morning and our artillery threw
shells into the rebels' works, but they would not reply. The}
are still fortifying their position. A rebel company con
sisting of thirty-five men came over to our lines today and gave
themselves up. They informed us that there was a whole bri
gade that would surrender if given a chance, for they were tired
'This is the station where Andrews and his band captured an engine
with tender one Sunday morning and started up North, but he and his
men were all captured, and some of them were executed, while others
were set at liberty. — A. G. D.
^Miss Moore, of Tipton, Iowa, wrote letters to encourage the sol
diers. — A. G. D.

THE BATTLES AROUND ATLANTA 197
(June, 1864)
of retreating all the while. They also represented to our offi
cers that Johnston's entire force numbered only sixty thousand
men, and said that their artillerymen had orders not to fire when
our artillery shelled, but to wait until our troops should make a
charge, and then open up on us. There was one man of the Six
teenth Iowa killed today by a rebel sharpshooter.
Wednesday, 13th — The day has been clear and quite warm.
This morning Company E was sent out as sharpshooters. Dur
ing the night the Eleventh and Sixteenth Regiments had thrown
up a new line of rifle pits, about a half mile in advance of the old
one, and at noon today moved forward in line of battle into the
new trenches. At the same time our skirmish line was ordered
to advance on the rebel skirmish line, and it being our com
pany's turn to go out on the line, we were deployed and advanced,
driving in the rebel skirmish line for almost a half mile, push
ing them back from their first and second lines of fence rails
piled up for their protection. We approached so near to their
rifle pits at the foot of Kenesaw mountain as to make it possi
ble for their artillerymen to use grape and canister upon us, kill
ing one man, William Alexander. The rebel skirmishers now
received reinforcements, while our skirmishers on the left failing
to come up with us, made a gap in our lines and left us in a very
hot place for a little while, as it gave the rebels a cross fire on
us, and we were compelled to fall back, thus losing some of the
ground taken. But just then our colonel sent another company
in double quick to relieve us, and our lost position was regained.
We had become completely used up and lost one man killed, one
mortally wounded, seven slightly wounded, and one man taken
prisoner.* Our stretcher bearers, after the fight, raised the white
flag and went to get the body of Alexander for burial.
Thursday, i6th — Skirmishing commenced again early this
morning. The rebel batteries off on the left would fire a
round or two and just as soon as our guns would open on them
they would stop firing. General Leggett's Division on the left
drove the rebels back about a mile, and there was some very
heavy cannonading in the afternoon on the right, where it is re
ported that General Thomas made a charge on the rebels' left,
around the rear and got possession of Pine Hills. It vvas reported
'As was supposed at the time. See note under June 16th. — Bd.

198 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1864)
that at one point a rebel regiment, the Forty-third Mississippi,
was ordered to make a charge on our lines and when they started
their colonel ordered them to reverse arms, and they came march
ing right into our lines, surrendering themselves as prisoners of
war. While our men were making demonstrations all along the
line yesterday, about one thousand rebels were taken pris
oners, some of them surrendering without firing a gun. They
said that there was a great discontent in the ranks of their army
around Atlanta ; that they were tired of continually falling back,
and that many had come to the conclusion that the war on their
part could be nothing else than a failure. Company E is lying
quiet today. The rough treatment we experienced yesterday was
a hard blow to the company, for the loss of nine men from one
company in a skirmish line, in less than four hours, does not often
happen.* Friday, 17th — Our brigade was moved out to the left of the
Fourth Division during the night, and General Logan's Division
occupied our former position. The Eleventh was at work nearly
all night throwing up a new line of rifle pits, while the other regi
ments of our brigade occupied pits previously made by other
troops. During the night Logan's Division was twice charged
upon, but both times repulsed the attack. Skirmishing began early
this moming and continued throughout the day. Our entire left
wing was ordered to fall in all along the line and make a demon
stration, by cheering and by opening our batteries. This was
done to compel them to draw reinforcements from their left, while
our right would then charge their weakened left.^ During these
demonstrations and skirmishing the captain of Company C was
wounded by a sharpshooter, as was also a private in Company G.
'Our losses were as follows: William Alexander, killed; Lieutenant
Alfred Carey, mortally wounded; John Zitler, a thumb shot off; Thomas
R. McConnoll, a minie ball passed through thigh; John Ford, DeRoy
Douglas, George G. Main and John Albin, slightly wounded. James
Martin, it was thought at the time, had been taken prisoner, but on
the fifth day after the skirmish his body was found by an Ohio regi
ment, lying with the bodies of two Confederate soldiers. They had
made Martin a prisoner, it seems, but before they could get to the rear
with him, a shell from one of our batteries exploded over them, killing
all three. Then, as they were considerably back from our lines, the
body was not found until the enemy had fallen back and our army had
advanced; besides, our brigade in the meantime had moved two miles
to the left.
Martin had both legs cut off by the shell. A captain from the Ohio
regiment which had found his body, brought his silver watch, Bible,
some letters and other articles found on his person, and turned them
over to our captain, informing him how Martin, in all probability, lost
his life. — A. G. D.
^This is strategy of war. — A. G. D.

THE BATTLES AROUND ATLANTA 199
(June, 1864)
Saturday, i8th — A light rain yesterday was followed by rain
most of today, and all was quiet along the lines until late this
evening, when there was heavy cannonading till late in the night.
We were ordered to keep all accouterments on and our rifles at
our sides during the night, for it is expected by our offi'cers that
the rebels will attack our left or evacuate. Deserters report that
their men have orders to that effect. There has been some very
hard fighting on our right this aftemoon, and General Thomas
has turned the rebels' left and pierced their center.* The news
from Richmond is that General Grant is on the south of Rich
mond, that he has taken Fort Darling, and that he is going to
change his base of operations.
Sunday, 19th — It rained hard all day. Cannonading com
menced early this morning and was kept up all day, being very
heavy in the center. We have outflanked the rebels' right and
they have fallen back from their first line of rifle pits and have
placed their heavy guns on high points of ground. It is sup
posed that they are on the retreat towards Atlanta, as it is re
ported that they have fallen back from two to four miles and are
building strong earthworks. The First Brigade of our Fourth
Division has now formed a line of battle beyond their former first
line of rifle pits. The Thirteenth and the Fifteenth Iowa Regi
ments moved out in the front this afternoon.
The rain today has been a great benefit to those who are
wounded. May God help them and stand by them, and may they
return thanks unto Him ! May they ever look unto Him for their
support and help.
Monday, 20th — It has been quite warm today with rain this
evening. Things were quiet all along the line until in the after
noon, when there was heavy fighting in the center, and all our
artillery opened upon the rebels, without response from their
guns. The heaviest cannonading that we have had yet was from
our center, and it lasted for two hours. The rebels have fallen
back, but still hold Kenesaw mountain and have their heavy bat
teries planted on the very top, while our men are along the north
side of the mountain, slowly ascending it. Our regiment moved
to the front again this evening and two companies, I and H, are
out on picket.
'The final result of the demonstrations on the left the previous day
—Ed.

200 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1864)
Tuesday, 21st — Another all day rain and things were very
still all along the lines until late in the afternoon when there was
some brisk skirmishing. General Hooker made two charges on
the rebel works yesterday; the first time he was repulsed, but
the second time he carried them and took several hundred pris
oners. General Osterhaus at the same time made a charge and
took about two hundred prisoners. There is no news from Rich
mond. Wednesday, 22d — It has cleared (iff and is quite warm today"
The rebels commenced shelling us this morning, but did little
damage, as their shells fell short of our lines, on account of their
insufficient charges of powder, we suppose, and because their
guns are too small to stand heavier charges. Our batteries opened
up and exchanged shots with them for about two hours. Our
men commenced throwing up heavy earthworks this evening.
Company C went out on picket this evening. There have been
no trains coming in to Big Shanty for the last two days on account
of the rebels' destroying the railroad on this side of Chattanooga ;
but it will be repaired in a few days. Our army draws full ra
tions with the exception of meat, of which we are allowed but
three-fifths rations.
Thursday. 23d — We were up all night throwing up breast
works, finishing them about noon today. The rebels opened up
their battery on Little Kenesaw mountain, but did no harm. Gen
eral Leggett on the right made a demonstration before the rebel
lines, but was not engaged and soon fell back again.* All is quiet
on the right. The Sixteenth Corps was ordered out on an expe
dition with fifteen days' rations, but we do not know their des
tination. We received orders to be ready to march at a moment's
warning, with two days' rations. William Cross of Company E
returned from the hospital after an absence of ten months.
Friday, 24th — Our skirmish line was advanced late yesterday
'I remember quite distinctly seeing General Sherman with his staff
officers ridmg along our lines taking in the lay of the country. They
had just passed by where I was stationed, when they halted near one
of our batteries and began using their field glasses, taking a view of
*?®~,®"^™y ^ J'°SS- ^t that same time a Confederate general with his
staff rode out of the timber upon an open knoll to take a view of our
lines with their glasses. This was too good a chance for our battery,
so the gunners, taking good aim, fired five or six shots at the mark,
and one of them hit and killed the Confederate general, who the signal
«Pi^SI ^l^t^if'''^ ^f-% ^ (jeneral Pope. Our signal corps had learned the
^fPr. , ^® Confederate signal service and at once reported the facts.
?hnt wh'^r.lffnff^ Pj.^'.'^el that General Sherman himself had aimed the
shot which killed their general, but such is not the case.— A. G. D.

THE BATTLES AROUND ATLANTA 201
(June, 1864)
evening and the men worked all night building rifle pits to pro
tect themselves today ; I was on a detail that worked till i o'clock.
The Fifteenth and Sixteenth furnished the skirmishers for the
brigade, and the Fifteenth had two men killed. There was some
skirmishing with heavy cannonading today. Our company with
Companies F and G went out this evening after sundown to re
lieve the skirmishers, and we worked again most of the night
throwing up rifle pits. Things are usually very quiet after night,
though now and then skirmishing breaks out and arouses a little
excitement. Saturday, 23th — We remained out in the rifle pits till this
evening, when we were relieved by the Fifteenth Iowa. John
Esher was shot through the face this afternoon by a rebel
sharpshooter. The shot was fired through one of the "port
holes" under the head log of our defenses, where he was at the
time loading his gun. The ball struck his jaw bone, knocking
out some of his teeth, but it is thought that he will recover.*
There is no news from Richmond.
Sunday, 26th — There was very little cannonading and skir
mishing today. We drew two days' rations with orders to be
ready to march at a moment's warning. Several brigades of the
Fifteenth Army Corps are moving out to the rear, but we do not
know their destination. The health of the troops is fine, although
they are much fatigued. We have a great many wounded at
the hospital, but it is reported that they are getting along fine.
May God hasten the day when this cruel war will be brought
to a close, so that our nation may enjoy peace once more. May
He hasten the day when tbe rebels will lay down their arms and
retum again to their homes. But we must remember that there
may be many men yet who will fall for their country before
it is free from this accursed secession. May God be with us and
help us as we stand in need, for He is a God of battles.
Monday, 27th — There was a general line of battle formed this
morning and orders given to make a charge all along the lines.
'Esher said to me, "I'm going to see what I'm shooting at," and
walked up to peer through the porthole, when all of a sudden a ball
crashed in, knocking him down, and as he fell back his heels kicked
up. He was right by my side when he was struck and as he fell he
cried out, "Oh, boys, I'm killed!" After he recovered, we laughed a
great deal over it, at his expense, for he thought that now he was really
killed. But althougb Esher recovered from the wound, yet he was de
formed for life. His head was drawn down on the side of the wound,
since the cords of the neck were shorter than on the other side. — A. G. D.

202 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1864)
The center charged in full force, but as the flanks failed to charge,
soon had to fall back. The Eleventh and Sixteenth Iowa fur
nished the skimiishers for our brigade and charged the rebels'
skirmish line, but were driven back to their old line. Our side
lost several in killed and wounded, and what little was gained did
not pay for the loss of life. Company A of our regiment was
in the charge and had one man killed; so close was he to the
rebel works that our men had to raise the white flag in order
to get his body. The Fifty-third Indiana made a charge on the
rebel rifle pits and lost about forty men, taken as prisoners. When
they made the charge, the rebels lay down in their pits, allowing
them to come close up, when they rose up with their rifles drawn
and said : "Come on, boys, we won't hurt you," and took them pris
oners. Tuesday, 28th — There was cannonading and skirmishing to
day on both sides, all along the lines, but our men did not at
tempt to advance the line of battle. We have orders to be ready
to march at a moment's warning.
Wednesday, 29th — There was heavy cannonading on our side
today, but the rebels did not reply. Our company was out on
the skirmish line again, but I could not go with them on account
of sickness. I have not been fit for duty since Saturday even
ing, the 25th, but on last Monday, the 27th, I was taken quite
sick, having contracted the intermittent fever while digging the
rifle pits along a branch infected with malaria. The weather was
quite hot today, which is hard on the sick.
Thursday, 30th — The Seventeenth Army Corps have removed
all their surplus baggage to the rear for the purpose of making
a flanking movement on the rebels, who are reported to be fall
ing back from their lines around Kenesaw mountain. Our ar
tillery in the front is still in action, but the rebels make no reply.
JULY, 1864.
Friday, ist — All is very quiet along the lines today. The
rebels have built a strong line of works out along Nick-a-Jack
creek, and it is reported that they are planning to retire from
Kenesaw mountain and Marietta to their new line of works.
Saturday, 2d — All the sick have been removed to the field

THE BATTLES AROUND ATLANTA 203
(July, 1864)
hospital in the rear of the army. I was brought here to our di
vision field hospital, near Big Shanty, with a few others. Our
army supplies at Big Shanty have been removed by the
general quartermaster, as the army has been ordered around to
the right. The Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps are
leaving the left flank altogether, and are hastening to the right
wing. The rebels have now left Kenesaw mountain and Mari
etta and have moved around to their left so as to keep our right
from flanking them.
Sunday, 3d — All is quiet. Our men are still marching around
to the right. The Seventeenth Corps drove the rebels back about
two miles, taking one line of their works. Wagon trains are
going by the hospital day and night, and the roads are getting
very dusty.
Monday, 4th — Our corps is still moving forward, and it is now
along Nick-a-Jack creek. We learned here in the hospital that
the corps lost several men killed and wounded in the skirmish
fights yesterday. This has been a hard day for me, as I have to lie
in the open without any shelter over me, the hospital tents being so
crowded with the wounded. I have been taking some strong med
icine the last two days, in the hope that it would break up the
fever. Tuesday, 3th — Our men are still advancing. The Eleventh
Iowa made a charge on the rebels' left, on Nick-a-Jack creek,
and took one line of rifle pits. We lost a few in killed and
wounded. William Cross of Company E was killed by a piece
of shell from the rebels' batteries ; he had returned from the
hospital to his company only about two weeks before. I am still
in the hospital and no better. It is quite sultry today.
Wednesday, 6th— There is still skirmishing on the lines and
some cannonading going on, but there is no general advance along
the lines, except on the extreme left.
Thursday, 7th — It is quite warm. Still skirmishing and can
nonading. The wounded in the hospital are getting along fine.
Friday, 8th — The weather is quite pleasant today. Wounded
men are coming in from the front every day. Our men are
strongly fortified in front of the rebel works, and within about
a mile of the Chattahoochee river.

204 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July. 1864)
Saturday, pth — The rebels left their rifle pits in the night and
crossed the Chattahoochee river.*
Sunday, loth — The sick and wounded were all moved today
from the division hospital to Marietta. This could safely be done,
now that the rebels have fallen back across the river. Marietta
is not likely to be within the lines of a fierce battle, in case the
rebels should come around on either flank of our army. It is
very quiet all along the lines today.
Monday, nth — A train load of the sick and wounded left to
day over the railroad for Rome, Georgia, where they are to go
into the hospital. I stayed here at Marietta all day.- The gen
eral quartennaster has his headquarters here now since the rail
road is in running order to this point. The supplies for the army
are being taken from here by wagon trains and distributed along
the lines as needed. A great many citizens are coming into Mari
etta for the purpose of going North to get away from tlie war
region.

'General Sherman always moved his army by the right or left flank
when he found the Confederate fortifications in front too strong to make
a charge, and in that way the enemy had to fall back, leaving their
strong position. — A. G. D.
'Mr. Downing thought that his fever was broken and that he might
soon rejoin his company, yet he feared that he would have to go to
Rome. There w^as some danger in going to Rome, because of a possible
attack, and then he dreaded the thought of being confined in the gen
eral hospital. — Ed.

IN THE HOSPITAL AT ROME, GEORGIA 205
(July, 1864)

Chapter XIX.
In the Hospital at Rome, Georgia. Reports from the Front.
July 12-September 23.
Tuesday, I2th — I was taken with the other sick and the
wounded to Rome, to the field hospital of the Fifteenth, Sixteenth
and Seventeenth Army Corps. We left Marietta at lo a. m. and
arrived at Rome at 6 p. m. No news.
Wednesday, 13th — There are a great many sick and wounded
at this place. All of the vacant store buildings are filled with the
sick, while the wounded are cared for in tents east of town. Noth
ing of any importance.
Thursday, 14th — I am with a large number of sick in a ward
over a vacant store building. For the last four days I have had
the camp diarrhea, and have become so weak that I have to lie
on my cot all the time.* But we have a good doctor in this ward.
Friday, 13th — There is nothing new. We have very poor
food here in the hospital, but we have good water. Rome was
selected for our field hospital because of the good water and be
cause it was on high, rolling ground, thus affording drainage.
There are very few citizens living in Rome, they having gone
before our army took possession of the town, some going to the
North, others to the South. There was no burning of property
here, our officers having placed guards about town to prevent it.
Saturday, i6th — The weather is pleasant. There is nothing
of any importance.
Sunday, 17th — The same as ever. Am still in the hospital,
but getting some better, and I am very thankful, for it is very
disagreeable to lie sick in a field hospital. We have soldiers for
nurses, and though they are convalescents, yet they are strong
enough to care for the sick and wounded. They are glad to do
everything possible for their comrades.
Monday, i8th — The weather is quite pleasant. There is noth
ing of any importance. All is quiet.
'Mr Downing has an entry in his diary for every day, but wrote
them at a later date, after he was convalescing. — Ed.

206 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1864)
Tuesday, 19th — It is the same thing over and over. My fever
is broken now and I am getting better. I just learned that there
are three others of my company here in the hospital, all in dif
ferent wards. They are Lieutenant Alfred Carey, Thomas R.
McConnoll and John Zitler, all wounded on the skirmish line on
June 15th at Noon-day creek at the foot of Kenesaw mountain.
Wednesday, 20th — Have had pleasant weather for a week
now. Most of the citizens remaining here have been moved out
of town, for the purpose of using their homes for hospitals. No
news.* Thursday, 21st — The same thing over and over, again and
again. ^ All the available rooms in town have now been turned
into hospital wards. We have single, iron cots with good mat
tresses, and the sheets and pillows are kept nice and clean.
Friday, 22d — The citizens remaining in town, after so long
a time, have become quite reconciled. Nothing new from the
front.^ Saturday, 23d — All is quiet. No news from the front. A
great many sick and wounded are coming in from the front.
Deaths occur here at the hospital every day.
Sunday, 24th — The weather is sultry. All is quiet, and no
news from the front. , I am gaining every day and can be up and
around in the ward, but have not yet been out of d(X)rs.
Monday, 23th — It is hot and sultry. Lieutenant Carey died
this morning here in the hospital, from his wounds, after suffer
ing thirty-five days, he having been wounded on the skirmish line
on the 15th of June. He was shot in the left thigh, the minie
ball glancing from his hip and lodging near the spine. But the
doctors were not able to locate it until after his death, when they
removed it. I had not seen Lieutenant Carey from the time he
was wounded until after he had died, being present when his body
'On this day David Hobaugh of my company was killed on the skir
mish line. Our entire army moved forward making an advance on At
lanta. — A. G. D.
'On this day the Iowa Brigade made a charge on Bald Hill, in front
of Atlanta.— A. G. D.
'In the battle of this day the Iowa Brigade was on the extreme left
of the Seventeenth Corps, and all four regiments suffered in the num
ber killed and wounded, besides losing many as prisoners of war. George
Sweet of Company E was killed and Aaron Pierce was missing. The
Sixteenth Iowa lost over two hundred and thirty, who were taken pris
oners. This battle, known as the battle of Atlanta, proved to be the
hardest fought battle for our brigade during the siege of Atlanta. Major
General McPherson was killed in this battle, and the loss of our beloved
McPherson was a great blow to the Army of the Tennessee. He was
a noble man and kind to all under his command. — A. G. D

IN THE HOSPITAL AT ROME, GEORGIA 207
(July, 1864)
was dressed for burial. John Zitler came over to my ward and
we went down together. We saw his clothing and other articles
packed by the chaplain, who has charge of all the effects of the
deceased soldiers, and they will be forwarded to Mrs. Carey at
their home in Cedar County, Iowa. Lieutenant Carey's body was
buried in his uniform here at Rome, Georgia.
Tuesday, 26th — It is very warm. Still lying on my old cot.
The hospital is one of the hardest places that I have found since
I have been in the service; but when a soldier gets sick, he has
to go there so that he can be taken care of. I have been in the
United States service three years now, and this is the first time
for me in the hospital. I hope that it may be the last time.
Wednesday, 27th — It is quite warm. Nothing of importance.
One month ago today I was taken sick with the intermittent
fever, at Kenesaw mountain.
Thursday, 28th — No news. All is quiet. I am still gaining
strength slowly. We get very poor board here for a sick man
to gain strength on, but we must make the best of it at present.
The room we occupy, called a ward, is about one hundred feet
long north and south, and fifty feet wide. There is a row of cots
on each side. My cot is on the west side, and in the afternoons
it is so hot that we can hardly stand it. There are windows in
front and along the west side.
Friday, 29th — It is quite sultry today. Six deaths occurred
today in the three wards of our building. One of the sick men,
William Gibson of the Thirty-second Ohio Cavalry, died last
night. He had been very sick, but was getting better, and just
before he lay down for the nig'ht, told me that he felt better than
for several days ; but a few hours later he was dead, dying very
suddenly. He left a small family. Life is indeed very uncertain.
We should be prepared to meet death any moment, for we know
not when the brittle thread of life will be broken, and we have
to go to meet our Lord, prepared or unprepared.
Saturday, 30th — It is quite warm and sultry. We have a man
in our ward who is very homesick; he sits on his cot and cries
like a child. He has been promised a furlough, and I believe
that if he could not get it he would die. All the wounded here
able to take care of themselves on the way, are going home on

208 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1864)
thirty-day furloughs. Three from our company, Thomas R. Mc
Connoll, John Zitler and John Hilton, are going. John Esher is
not going until his wound gets better. A great many of the
wounded men are dying, for the weather is so hot the wounds
quickly mortify. No news from the front.
Sunday, 31st — Quite warm. It rained very hard this after
noon. There is no news of any importance. Everything appears
so dull and the time passes so slowly. I am considered a con
valescent now by the doctor and he has put me to work dealing
out the medicine to the sick. Our chaplains here in the hospital
hold preaching services in the churches of the town on Sundays.
The convalescent soldiers make up the audience, as most of the
citizens are gone, having given up their houses for hospital pur
poses.
AUGUST, 1864.
Monday, ist — Quite warm and sultry. There isn't any news
from the front. There is a force of about two thousand here
under command of General Vandever, with an equal number of
convalescents. The courthouse, located on the highest point of
ground in Rome, is our citadel, strongly fortified with guns fac
ing in all directions. The place is soon to be garrisoned with
two regiments of negro troops, and the few remaining citizens
are greatly agitated over the thought of being stopped on the
streets by negro guards and required to show their passes.
Tuesday, 2d — We had a refreshing rain last night. Gov
ernor Stone of Iowa arrived at the hospital this moming,
having come from the front, with an order from General Sher
man granting a thirty-day furlough to the sick and wounded from
the Iowa regiments here in the hospital. Those able for duty are
to be sent to the front. News came from the front that the Iowa
Brigade was badly cut to pieces in the battle of the 22d of July.
Many of them were taken prisoners, including almost all of the
Sixteenth Regiment. Among the killed are the major of the Thir
teenth and the lieutenant colonel of the Fifteenth.* There is no
news from General Grant's army.
'Later I learned that while the brigade's loss was great, yet Com
pany E's loss was light. By a flank movement the brigade advanced a
short distance upon Atlanta. — A. G. L.

IN THE HOSPITAL AT ROME, GEORGIA 209
(August, 1864)
Wednesday, 3d — Everything is quiet here in Rome, Georgia.
There is no news from General Grant's army.
Thursday, 4th — It is warm and sultry. There is no news from
the front. I am still serving the medicine to the sick.
Friday, 3th — It rained nearly all day. The troops here are
receiving their pay today, some for one and others for two months.
Since May ist the Government has been paying the privates
$16.00 per month, which is an increase of $3.00. But money
here in Rome is of no particular benefit to a soldier, for there is
nothing in town to buy, the only business men being the sutlers
who are attached to the regiments in the front. All is quiet at
this place.
Saturday, 6th — It is warm and pleasant again. This is gen
eral scrub-day for all the hospitals ; the floors are scrubbed, clean
sheets and pillow slips put on the cots, and clean underclothes
are dealt out for the sick.
Sunday, 7th — A train came in this evening from the front
loaded with the wounded from the Seventeenth Army Corps.
They were wounded in the battles of July 21st, 22d and 28th
around Atlanta. There is still no news from Grant's army.
Monday, 8th — This morning I was put in as head nurse of
ward D, hospital number 4. My duty is to direct the nurses in
dealing out medicine and attending to the needs of the sick.
Tuesday, 9th — A train loaded with wounded came in last night
from Marietta, Georgia, and they were sent out to the field hos
pital east of town.
Wednesday, loth — No news from the front. The sick in my
ward are all getting along well, with the exception of two men
who are suffering severely with inflammatory rheumatism. Some
of the men are returning to the front, while others are going
home on furloughs.
Thursday, nth — A train loaded with sick and wounded came
in this afternoon from the front. Some of our convalescents had
to give up their cots to the sick, and go out to the field hospital,
where they will occupy tents.
Friday, 12th — It rained nearly all day. I received a letter to
day from William Green, my bunk-mate out in the front. He
reports that the loss of our company in the battles of July 21st

210 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1864)
and 22d before Atlanta was four men : George Sweet and David
Hobaugh killed, and H. Newans wounded, and Aaron Pearce is
missing. I wrote a letter to Albert Downing this afternoon.
Saturday, 13th — This is general scrub-day, and we are clean
ing up the wards of the hospital. We have good food for the
sick served to them on their cots. The convalescents go out to
the dining room for their meals. No news from General Grant's
army. Sunday, 14th — A hot, sultry day. There is no news of any
importance. We are giving close attention to the very sick and
the severely wounded, some of whom are dying every day.
A SET OF RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved, That I may from this day learn something new
from the Scriptures every day, and that I may obey the laws of
God as near as I can, in entreating my fellow men, and in doing
good for the Master's sake.
Resolved, That I may once a day or more offer thanks to my
Savior for his help ; and, above all, that I may try to live a true
Christian until death. May God help me so to live, is my prayer.
Monday, 13th — It is quite warm. All is quiet. There is noth
ing new from the front. A large number of men left the hos
pital this morning for the front. I would like to go, too, but the
doctor tells me that I can do more good by staying here and
caring for the sick. This is my birthday — twenty-two years old
today. Tuesday, i6th — There was a heavy rain this afternoon. All
is quiet and there is no train in today from the front. I sold my
American lever watch today for $33.50, which is $4.50 more than
I paid for it in Davenport, Iowa.
Wednesday, 17th — No rain today — the first day without rain
during this month. A train load of sick and wounded came in
today from the front. The railroad is in running order again
after the raid by General Wheeler, in which he tore up about two
miles of track near Dalton, Georgia. It is reported that Wheeler
has been captured vvith eight hundred of his men.
Thursday, i8th — It is the same old thing over and over. The
first thing we do when sick and wounded soldiers come to the

IN THE HOSPITAL AT ROME, GEORGIA 211
(August, 1864)
hospital, is to pack all their clothing, blankets, knapsacks and the
like, store their accouterments and guns in a dry place, and deal
out to each a cotton shirt, drawers, socks and a pair of carpet
slippers. When they get well, their clothes and equipment are
returned to them, and in case of death their personal effects are
turned over to the regimental officer, who sends them to their
former homes.
Friday, 19th — A man by the name of Henry Neeley, a patient
in our ward, died this afternoon of consumption. We were giv
ing him cod liver oil, a tablespoonful six times a day. Nothing
new from the front.
Saturd<iy, 20th — This is general scrub day. We had a busy
day in the hospital fitting out cots for the latest arrivals. Our
ward is crowded to the limit, there being more sick and wounded
here now than at any previous time. Our hospital number 4 con
tains only the sick. All is quiet. No news from General Grant.
Sunday, 21st — It is the same thing over again — lonesome,
lonesome, lonesome. The first thing in the morning is to serve
each man with food according to his condition and the doctor's
orders, and then deal out the medicine. There is a death every
day. Monday, 22d — It is quite cool and pleasant this morning and
things appear quite lively in town. I wrote a letter to Mr. G. G.
Evans, Philadelphia, ordering a gold pen, for w'hich I enclosed
$5.00.* Tuesday, 23d — Foggy this morning and sultry throughout the
day. David Huff of our company died here today in the field
hospital east of town, of the wound he received on the 12th of
the month. He was a schoolmate of mine, and a good boy. He
will be missed by all of the boys of the company.
Wednesday, 24th — William Snow died in our ward last night.
This is a dreadfully hot day, and since our ward is so crowded,
we make this a special scrub-day, to cool the atmosphere as well
as to keep the place clean.
Thursday, 23th — There are now from five thousand to six
thousand sick and wounded here, and still more are coming.
Though some of the sick are gaining slowly, yet there are from
'Mr. Downing says that was the last of his $5.00, for he never heard
from the order. — Bd.

212 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (August, 1864)
five to six deaths dailv ; there have been as many as eiglit deaths
in a day, and not less than three a day for the time the hospital
has been established here. I am told that the dead are buried in
the Rome cemetery. Most of the men are sent out to the front
again just as soon as they can go. General Hospital, Ward D,
Second Section, Second Division. Rome, Georgia.
Friday, 26th — A large number of the boys are going home on
furloughs. Their papers came in from the front today, signed up,
and the boys are to start home tomorrow. Thomas R. McCon
noll and John Zitler of our company are among them. I am
sending $25.00 home to father by John Zitler. That makes a
total of $445.40 which I have sent home. A. G. Downing, Com
pany E, Eleventh Iowa, Veteran Volunteers.
Saturday, 27th — All things are quiet. The furloughed men
left on the train this morning for their homes. This has been
another very busy day with us, being our regular clean-up day.
No news from the front.
Sunday, 28th — No news. All things quiet. Rome, Georgia.
Monday, 29th — News came that General Grant had an en
gagement with the rebels on the Danville railroad near Peters
burg, Virginia. The loss was heavy on both sides, but Grant
succeeded in holding his place. The fight took place on the 21st
of the month.
Tuesday, 30th — It is warm and sultry. There are not so many
sick and wounded coming in as there were a few days ago. Quite
a number, at their own request, are being sent out to the front.
When the convalescents are able for duty, they can't stand it to
remain here; the first thought is to get back into the lines.
Taking care of the sick is no light work, if one does his duty.
The worst is that there is so much sad, heart-rending work to
do, ministering to the dying, taking down their farewells to be
sent to their homes ; then after death, we have to roll the bodies
in their blankets and carry them to the "deadhouse," where other
hands take charge and bury them without coffin or ceremony.
Wednesday, 31st — The same old thing over again. Nothing
new from the front.* The sick and also the attendants here in
'Crocker's Iowa Brigade at this time was down at Jonesboro, below
Atlanta, stationed on the Atlanta & Montgomery Railroad, which was one
of tlie main roads running into Atlanta from the South. The losses in
the brigade while there, were small. — A. G. D.

IN THE HOSPITAL AT ROME, GEORGIA 213
(August, 1864)
the hospital were mustered for pay today. This is muster day
throughout the entire army.
SEPTEMBER, 1864.
Thursday, ist — It is quite warm. Nothing of importance.*
The number of men in the hospitals is decreasing rapidly, for so
many are going home on furloughs and no more are coming in."
Friday, 2d — Cloudy and warm — threatened rain. No news.'
I wrote two letters today, one to Lewis Elseffer and one to Mrs.
Mary Ham, Iowa City, Iowa.
Saturday, 3d — A report* came in today that General Sherman
has his headquarters in Atlanta, and that the rebel army is in
retreat with our army after them.'* News came also of the sur
render of Fort Morgan at Mobile, Alabama; also that General
Grant is shelling Petersburg with fifteen-inch shells. All things
are quiet here at Rome, Georgia.
Sunday, 4th — It is cool and quite pleasant. No news of any
importance. The boys in my ward are all getting along fine,
with the exception of two or three, and it is doubtful whether
they will ever again be well.
Monday, 3th — Clear and quite pleasant. 'All things are quiet.®
'On September 1st Crocker's Iowa Brigade advanced from Jonesboro
to Flint creek with the remainder of Sherman's army. The loss during
the day was light. — A. G. D.
^This shows how completely in the dark our diarist-nurse was, as
to what was going on around Atlanta. — Ed.
^On this day John Hilton of Company B was severely wounded in
the right side at Lovejoy Station. This was the last day's fighting In
the siege of Atlanta. Crocker's Iowa Brigade had been under flre
eighty-one days out of the eighty-seven days of the siege — from June
to September. — A. G. D.
'The information was gathered from a poster or news sheet about
four inches wide and twenty-two inches long, printed on one side and
sold among the soldiers at the hospital. Mr. Downing purchased one,
which he has preserved, and thinks he paid ten cents for it. — Ed.
'General Sherman finally took Atlanta by a bit of strategy. He
withdrew his army from the rifle-pits in front of Atlanta, and placing
the Twentieth Army Corps across the Chattahoochee river to protect
his base of supplies at Marietta, moved with the remainder of the army
in a wide circuit by his right flank and got into the rear of Hood's
army. It is said that when Sherman made this move. Hood, taking it
for granted that Sherman had given up the siege, proclaimed the fact,
and he and his army, together with the citizens of Atlanta, began cele
brating the event with a great jollification. But when Hood, in the
midst of their rejoicings, learned by courier the truth about Sherman's
move, and that the Union army was in his rear in full force, he sent
orders throughout his camp and the city, calling every man to arms.
He immediately began the evacuation of Atlanta, destroying the ammu
nition and all army supplies. — A. G. D.
^Men were leaving every day for the front and but few were brought
to our hospitals, since the Union army was in possession of Atlanta,
where hospitals were being established, while those at Rome were to be
closed just as soon as the sick there were able to go to the front. — A.
G. D.

214 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1864)
Tuesday, 6th — News came that General Sherman was still in
pursuit of the rebels, and that he has captured a great many of
them. This morning I was transferred from Ward D to Ward E
as wardmaster, the master of Ward E having been sent to the
front. I have charge of eleven sick men and they are getting
along well. One poor fellow with a severe case of inflammatory
rheumatism is entirely helpless.
Wednesday, 7th — The weather is still quite pleasant. There
is nothing of any importance. All is quiet. Ward E is on the
ground floor of the same building as Ward D, but at the rear of
the building, and is a poor place to put sick men for any length of
time, as it is poorly ventilated.
Thursday, 8th — Cool and cloudy with some rain todav'. All is
quiet.* Friday, 9th — It is clear and quite warm. The constant shift
ing of the sick and wounded men makes a great deal of work for
the convalescents here. They are planning to close the hospitals
here as soon as possible and the hospital equipment will be shipped
either to Chattanooga or Nashville until needed. The field hos
pital at Atlanta is all that will be needed.
Saturday, loth — A large number were sent to the front this
morning. Jeremiah Argo of Company E, who had been among
the 'wounded, was one of them. It is reported that the rebels
are planning to raid this place, for we have but few soldiers here
to defend it.
Sunday, nth — This is a quiet day. I have only five boys in
my ward now with one nurse. The ward is to be closed in a
few days and some of the wounded out in the tents will occupy it.
Monday, 12th — No news. We have received no mail and no
late papers for some time, because the main railroad to Atlanta
has been torn up by the rebels for some distance between Nash
ville and Chattanooga.
Tuesday, 13th — All is quiet here at Rome. Another large
squad of men was sent from the hospital to the front at Atlanta.
Nearly every day there are some leaving for their homes on fur
loughs. I received a letter today from Lewis Elseffer ; he is now
a clerk at the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps.
'Sherman's army went into permanent camp in the vicinity of At
lanta for a much needed rest. 'The camps were in the timber and the
men had good "water. — A. G. D.

IN THE HOSPITAL AT ROME, GEORGIA 215
(September, 1864)
Wednesday, 14th — The troops that went from here after Gen
eral Wheeler into eastern Tennessee about a month ago, returned
this morning, coming in on the train. They did not succeed in
capturing Wheeler, but they had several skirmishes with him, in
one of which it is reported that the notorious General Morgan
was killed.* The expedition, made up of the Thirty-ninth Iowa
and the Thirty-third Ilinois, experienced some hard marching.
Dr. French, in charge of the hospital here and head physician
of the sick wards, left today for Atlanta.
Thursday, 13th — The day has been pleasant. It is reported
that the rebel cavalry is in strong force in this vicinity and it
is a good thing that the expedition returned when it did.
Friday, i6th — There was quite an excitement early this morn
ing when it was learned that the rebel cavalry was indeed here.
All the convalescents in the hospital were armed and ordered out
into the rifle pits. Wheeler's cavalry were in plain view across
the river north of town. They did not come across, however, as
they discovered that our garrison was in shape to give them a
warm reception. All is quiet at present.
Saturday, 17th — The fight is all over and no one was hurt.
The troops remained under arms all night to be in readiness for
the rebels should they come across the river. Everything is
quiet today.
Sunday, i8th — Have had a week of very pleasant weather.
Our store of supplies here is small, as the army is to evacuate the
place as soon as possible.^
Mionday, 19th — The sick in the hospitals are getting along
well. Part of the men here received two months' pay today,
$32.00. The pay of soldiers has been raised to $16.00 per month
since May i, 1864.'
Tuesday, 20th — Rain most all day. More of the wounded
from the field hospital out east of town started home today on
thirty-day furloughs. The sick here are being transferred to
'This was another false report. — Ed.
2This proved to be my last Sunday at Rome, Georgia, for which I
was very thankful. While there I saw more sick and wounded men
than I ever wish to see again. While I was a convalescent working
among the sick, giving out different kinds of medicine to forty or fifty
men, I was under great responsibility, and it cost me many a night's
sleep and rest. — A. G. D.
'The $32.00 I received was the first pay I got since leaving Daven
port on Sunday, April 24, 1864. — A. G. D.

216 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1864)
temporary hospitals down town, while the remainder of the
wounded from the field hospital are taking the places vacated by
them. Wednesday, 21st — It rained all day. There is a rumor flying
in the air here that the veterans of the Seventeenth Army Corps
are to be mustered out of the service this fall, on account of not
having been sworn in right. But we cannot yet believe such a
report to be true; that would be too good a thing all at once.
We hear that all is quiet in the East, on the Rappahannock.
Thursday, 22d — It is still raining, which makes the third day's
rain. My ward was broken up today and the sick boys were
transferred to Ward D in hospital number 4. We worked all
afternoon making the ward ready for the wounded from the field
hospital. I tried to get permission to return to my regiment to
day, but the doctor would not let me go. But all who are able,
if not needed here, are to be sent to the front tomorrow.
Friday, 23d — I helped to move the field hospital into town
this morning. Most of the wounded able to go, have been sent
home on thirty-day furloughs, and some of the sick will also go
soon. There is no news from Grant's army. I received a letter
this morning from Miss G  . I received my knapsack and
equipments and bidding good-by, left for Atlanta, Georgia. There
was a squad of one hundred and seventy-five of us and we started
at noon, going as far as Kingston, where we lay awaiting a train
from the North. We left Kingston soon after dark.

WITH THE ARMY— PURSUIT OP HOOD 217
(September. 1864)

Chapter XX.
Rejoining the Eleventh Iowa at Atlanta and the Pursuit of
Hood. September 24-November 6.
Saturday, 24th — This morning found us lying at Acworth,
Georgia, having arrived at about 11 o'clock in the night. There
is an engine off the track about a mile east of town, and they are
at work repairing the track and trying to get the engine back on.
Eleven trains are waiting here, six going North and five South.
We left Acworth at 2 p. m. and arrived at Big Shanty, where
we again had to lie until night, waiting for the railroad to be re
paired. The rebels tore up the tracks to the west of Kene
saw mountain, this afternoon. They had a small battery with
them and threw some shells at the trains, but with the exception
of hitting three or four cars, did no damage.
Sunday, 23th — We arrived in Atlanta about 9 o'clock last
night. I stayed over night at the Soldiers' Home, in one of the
vacant store buildings. I got my breakfast there and then with
my knapsack on started for the headquarters of the Seventeenth
Army Corps. From there I went to the headquarters of the
Iowa Brigade and about noon joined my company. I was glad to
see the boys. I received a large mail, one letter from father with
$5.00 enclosed. Atlanta is quite a city, there being some fine build
ings, one of the finest being the railroad station. But the town is
low and in the timber.
Monday, 26th — The camp of the Seventeenth Army Corps is
four miles south of town. We have a very nice camp here, the
boys having built good bunks out of old lumber, in their wedge
tents. Our tents had been stored at Huntsville, Alabama, and
after the fall of Atlanta were sent forward. General Sherman's
entire army is in camp here, and strongly fortified, just south of
Atlanta. The army is to be paid off while in camp, the muster
rolls having been sent in to the paymaster. All is quiet.
Tuesday, 27th — General Sherman issued an order removing
all citizens from Atlanta, on account of the scarcity of food. There
is only one line of railroad open from the North to Atlanta, and
the rebels are destroying almost every day some portions of the

218 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (September, 1864)
track, thus delaying trains. All who take the oath of allegiance
are sent north beyond the Ohio river, while those who refuse to
take it are to go farther south ; they can take their choice. Gen
eral Sherman has notified Hood to come with wagons to a station
south of Atlanta and take care of the citizens, as our teams will
haul them to that station. A great many are taking the oath and
going North, but some think themselves too good to take the oath.
Some of the women are very strong secessionists, and spurn the
idea of taking the oath, declaring that they would rather die.
Wednesday, 28th — Cloudy with some rain today. I went on
picket this morning for the first time since coming back from the
hospital. I was on a lookout post on the right of the picket lines
of the brigade with four other men out of our brigade. All is
quiet in front of the lines. I miss the four boys killed in battle
while I was absent from the company — they were all good men,
three of them being veterans.
Thursday, 29th — We were relieved from picket this moming
at 8 o'clock. The men of the Eleventh Iowa have had no pay
since leaving Davenport early in the spring, and some of the boys
are pretty short of money; but they will get some soon, as the
paymaster is expected to arrive any day. The rebels are becoming
quite bold around Atlanta and along the railroads as far north as
Nashville, Tennessee. It is reported that Hood is going to try
to regain some lost ground. General Sherman has sent some of his
troops north to reinforce the detachments guarding the railroads.
There is no news from General Grant's army.
Friday, 30th — The weather is quite pleasant. Nothing of any
importance. I have made loans to the boys of my company as
follows: Samuel Bain, $5.00; John Ford, $5.00; Samuel Met
calf, $5.00; Burtis Rumsey, $3.00; William Green, $3.00, and
Monroe Blazer, $1.00. I also loaned $5.00 to John Hemphill of
Company I of the Sixteenth Iowa. All loans are to be paid back
on next pay day. I paid a debt of $5.00 to Thomas Armstrong.
I bought a gold pen from Jason Sparks for $5.00. All is quiet
on the post.
OCTOBER, 1864.
Saturday, ist — This afternoon the Third and Fourth EHvi-
sions of the Seventeenth Corps started on an expedition toward

WITH THE ARMY— PURSUIT OP HOOD 219
(October, 1864)
Fairburn, Georgia, where, it is reported, there is a large force of
the rebels. We marched about seven miles and went into bivouac
for the night. I received a letter from David Cole of the Twenty-
fourth Iowa. His regiment is now in the Shenandoah valley, Vir
ginia. Sunday, 2d — We started again early this morning, and after
marching about six miles, came upon the rebels' rear guard.
We did some skirmishing with them and chased them about
two miles, when we let them go and started back to Atlanta.
The rebels tore up a portion of the railroad track between
Marietta and Acworth, and delayed our trains. Our expedition
was sent out for the purpose of cutting off their retreat from
Marietta, but we were too late. After marching six miles on our
return, we went into bivouac for the night.
Monday, 3d — A heavy rain last night. We started early this
morning and arrived in camp about 9 o'clock. This afternoon
we received orders to prepare to march early tomorrow morning
with fifteen days' rations. It is supposed that the expedition is
going out towards Kenesaw mountain, as it is reported that Hood
is moving north with the main part of his army, and that he is
now in the vicinity of Kenesaw. The Fourteenth, Fifteenth and
Seventeenth Corps are to move north, while the Twentieth and
Twenty-third are to remain here at Atlanta. News came today
that General Grant is within five miles of Richmond and that he
has whipped the rebels at every point.
Tuesday, 4th — Rain early this morning. We stored away our
tents in Atlanta and left in light marching order. The three
corps started out on different roads, and the roads being muddy
it made hard marching. We bivouacked for the night four miles
west of Marietta, Georgia. The railroad bridge across the Talla
hassee river here was partially destroyed by the rebels. They
built a raft of logs and floated it down against the bridge, knock
ing out two piers. No news from the East.
Wednesday, 3th — The weather is pleasant. We were on the
move early this morning, the Seventeenth and Fifteenth Corps
marched out to the south of Kenesaw mountain, where we went
into camp about noon. We lay here the rest of the day. The
rebels, it is reported, are in force on Lost mountain. All is quiet.

220 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1864)
Thursday, 6th — It rained nearly all day. We lay in bivouac
all day, resting. We hear that Sherman with a part of his force
is trying to surround the rebels in the vicinity of Lost mountain.
The rebels left the railroad after tearing up about fifteen miles
of track, burning the ties and twisting the rails. But the engi
neers will have it repaired in a few days, as there are thousands
of trees along the way just the size for railroad ties. All is quiet
along the line.
Friday, 7th — Weather clear and pleasant. Our division, now
the Fourth of the Seventeenth Army Corps, started out to recon-
noiter. We went in light marching order without teams or ar
tillery and marching out about twenty miles to the southwest of
Marietta came upon the rebels' pickets, at a place called Powder
Springs. We drove them about four miles to the south, they not
caring for a fight, and camped for the night. Our division was
sent to find out whether or not the rebels are out in force along
this road.
Saturday, 8th — We started back early this morning for Mari
etta and arrived in camp about noon. I was sent out on picket
duty this afternoon. The entire Fifteenth Corps left on an ex
pedition this afternoon, but their destination is not known. The
rebels left Lost mountain, retreating to Dallas, Georgia. Our
men captured some of their wagon trains. All is quiet again.
No news from the North. Camp Eleventh Iowa, Marietta, Geor
gia. Sunday, 9th — We were routed early this morning and left for
Big Shanty, and arriving there in the afternoon went into bivouac.
The Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps were sent here to
put the railroad track in repair. The rebels tore up about nine
miles of track, burning the ties and twisting the rails. The engi
neers have to get out new ties and large details of our men are
put to work cutting down trees and hewing the ties. It is re
ported that the rebels are going to the North.
Monday, loth — A large detail from our regiment was put to
work on the railroad. Three of us, Hiram Frank, John D. Moore
and I, took French leave this afternoon and climbed to the top
of Kenesaw mountain. It is a grand view from the mountain,
but we had to pay for our sightseeing, for when we got back to
camp we found that our command had left. They were ordered

WITH THE ARMY— PURSUIT OP HOOD 221
(October, 1864)
to go on the double-quick to Altoona, Georgia, and we had to run
about four miles before we caught up with them. Our bunk-
mates were carrying our knapsacks, haversacks, canteens and
rifles, with all accouterments, and they were about as thankful
as we were when we caught up with them.*
Tuesday, nth — The weather has been cool and pleasant for
several days. Our entire corps started early this morning at 2
o'clock, going as we suppose, to Kingston. We marched through
to Cartersville, where we went into camp for the night.
We hear that there was a hard fight at Altoona yesterday
with fearful loss of life on both sides, but Hood had to give up
trying to capture the place. It is reported that Hood is now
moving toward Rome, Georgia.
Wednesday, 12th — We started early this morning and marched
to within five miles of Rome by midnight, when we went into
bivouac for the rest of the night. We had to move very slow
ly on account of the teams giving out. Our horses and mules
are getting very thin. This is because of the scarcity of forage,
and then, too, the roads are very rough, which made it hard on
them. Hood's force is thought to be about thirty thousand, while
our army numbers fifty thousand men, of all arms, and the men
are in fine shape. We received a large mail at Kingston, when
passing through there this evening.
Thursday, 13th — We left our teams behind at Kingston and
they did not catch up with us till this morning. We lay here in
camp all day. About sundown we received marching orders and
our division started for Adairsville, some fifteen miles distant from
Rome. We left our teams and all artillery behind and marching
through on a by-road, reached Adairsville by midnight.
Friday, 14th — At Adairsville we took a train composed of box
cars and left for Resaca, where we arrived about 4 o'clock this
morning. We at once left the cars and formed a line of battle.
Here we lay all day. The remainder of our corps soon arrived,
and later the Fourteenth Army Corps came up. The first division
of our corps was sent out after the rebels. They found them on
the railroad about six miles out between Resaca and Dalton, where
'General Corse had fiagged Sherman for reinforcements, as Hood
was trying to capture the place. Our army had about one million rations
stored at Altoona. Sherman flagged: "Hold the fort; I am coming,"
and General Corse answered back that he'd hold the fort to the death
if need be. — A G. D.

222 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1864)
they already had destroyed about fifteen miles of track. Our
troops engaged in a skirmish there in which the Seventeenth Iowa
were taken prisoners, but were at once paroled. It is reported
that the commander of the post at Dalton surrendered the place
without firing a gun. It is thought that the rebels are making for
the mountains, and if they succeed in getting there before we do,
it will be hard to trap them, as they are in their own country and
among friends.
Saturday, 13th — We left Resaca early this morning, going out
after the rebels whom we found at the south entrance of Snake
Creek Gap. Here we formed a line of battle and skirmishing
commenced. A small force of the rebels was behind some old
works which our men had built last spring while advancing on
Resaca. Finally two regiments of the Third Division made a
charge upon them and routed them. Our loss was about fifty
killed and wounded. The rebels then fell back through the pass,
blockading it for about eight miles, by felling trees across the
road. Our corps did not succeed in getting through the pass
until about dark, and the Fifteenth Army Corps was still in our
rear. Sunday, i6th — We left bivouac early this morning and
marched eight miles. We passed through Gooseneck Gap, about
four miles long and quite narrow. The rebels did not take time
to block this gap. The Fifteenth Corps being in the advance,
came upon the rebels and engaged them in some skirmishing.
The rebels are still falling back to the north. We are now in a
mountainous country, and thinly settled, as it is so rough and
rocky. The timber here is of chestnut and all varieties of oak.
Monday, 17th — We lay in bivouac all day, but at dark moved
on about four miles and again went into bivouac. The weather
has been very pleasant for some days. The muster rolls of the
non-veterans of our regiinent were made out today. They re
ceived their discharge papers, as their three years' service will be
up tomorrow. There are twelve from our company: Albert
Alice, John L. Ayers, John Ford, George Eicher, Padenarin
McCarty, Ebenezer Rankin, George Mooney, Hugh C. McBirney,
Joseph McKibben, Thomas R. McConnoll, Samuel Metcalf and
Albert B. Stiles.

WITH THE ARMY— PURSUIT OP HOOD 223
(October, 1864)
Tuesday, i8th — We started early this morning and reached
Lafayette at 9 o'clock. We lay there for two hours when we
took up our march for Summerville, Georgia, and went into
bivouac within four miles of the town. The rebels are still mov
ing to the north through the Blue mountains. We had two days'
rations left in our haversacks this morning, when we received or
ders from the quartermaster that they would have to run us four
days, as we could not draw any before that time. No news from
the Eastern army.
Wednesday, 19th — We entered Summerville at 10 o'clock and
remained there till noon, when we started for Galesville, Ala
bama. After marching fifteen miles, we went into bivouac on
the banks of the Ogeechee river. All is quiet in front.
The valleys through which we are marching are quite rich and
there are some fine plantations which afford good forage. It is
fortunate for us, as we have to get most of our living that way
while on this expedition. Sweet potatoes are plentiful and then
we also get some fresh pork.
Thursday, 20th — The same as ever. We marched twelve
miles and went into camp near Galesville, Alabama. All of the
forces of General Sherman which have been after Hood, came
together at this place by different roads, and are now in bivouac.
General Hardie of Hood's army is in front of us with his corps
and still retreating. It is fine marching weather.
Friday, 21st — The Fourth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth
and Twenty-third Army Corps have concentrated here and are in
bivouac. Foraging parties are sent out from the different corps,
as there are some rich plantations in this section. Our corps
moved camp today about four miles. All is quiet in the front.
The report is that the rebels are retreating toward the Blue moun
tains. Saturday, 22d — We lay in camp all day for the purpose of
resting. But it appears to the rank and file of the men that Sher
man must have given up trying to catch Hood, or else we would
not remain so long at one place. The supply trains were all sent
back to the main railroad line for provisions. I went out on
picket this morning. The non-veterans of the Eleventh and Thir
teenth Iowa Regiments were mustered out this morning, and left
for Chattanooga, from which place they will start for home. All

224 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (October, 1864)
of the non-veteran officers from each regiment, except two or
three, went out with the privates. It is fine weather for march
ing. No news from the Eastern army.
Sunday, 23d — The weather is getting pretty cool mornings,
but we have plenty of wood to build fires in front of our shacks.
All is quiet in the front. I was relieved from picket this morn
ing. We had company inspection this evening.
Monday, 24th — Still lying in camp and all is quiet at the front.
Large foraging parties are being sent out for food for the men
and feed for the horses and mules. The valleys in this part of
the country are thickly settled, but not more than half of the plan
tations have been cultivated this past season, as the negroes were
taken south by their masters to keep them from falling into the
hands of the "Yanks," and also to help build fortifications. The
plantations that have been farmed were put mostly in wheat and
corn. There are some large fields of corn which come in very
handy for our army at this time.
Tuesday, 23th — Still lying in camp. The supply train of the
Fifteenth Army Corps returned with rations late this evening, but
the supply train of the Seventeenth Corps has not yet come in.
It is reported that the army of the Tennessee is going on a
march of four hundred miles. The route is supposed to be down
through the States of Alabama and Mississippi and then up
through to Memphis, Tennessee.* We are to take rations for
thirty days and clothing for sixty days. The armies of the Ohio
and of the Cumberland, it is said, are to garrison Atlanta^ and
also to hold the railroad between Atlanta and Nashville. The
Twenty-third Amiy Corps moved out today to Cedar Bluffs.
Wednesday, 26th — The weather is quite pleasant. Nothing of
importance. Still in camp. Our work, outside of regular picket
duty, is very light here.
Thursday, 27th — Still lying in camp, and all is quiet.
Friday, 28th — Weather still pleasant. The Seventeenth Army
Corps was reviewed by General Mower. We were out in full
dress with knapsacks, haversacks and canteens on. There is to
be only one battery to each division of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth,
'This was the flrst hint at "marching through Georgia," but the
camp rumor had it Alabama and Mississippi. — Ed.
=We learned later that it was Chattanooga instead of Atlanta, and
that the two armies were to be united under the command of General
Thomas. — A. G. D.

WITH THE ARMY— PURSUIT OF HOOD 225
(October, 1864)
Seventeenth and Twentieth Army Corps. The remainder of the
artillery, with all defective wagons, horses and mules, is being
sent back to Chattanooga. All things quiet in camp. We re
ceived orders to be ready to march in the morning at daylight.
Saturday, 29th — We were routed out at 2 o'clock this morn
ing and at daybreak took up our march. We covered fifteen
miles and went into bivouac near Spring creek. We reached
Cedar Bluffs by 10 o'clock, where the Fifteenth Army Corps
passed us, turning on a road to the right. About noon we crossed
the Coosa river on a pontoon bridge and marched all the after
noon through a miserable swamp. The country is heavily tim
bered with white oak, and is thinly settled.
Sunday, 30th — We started early this morning and marched
fifteen miles. We bivouacked for the night near Cave Springs.
Large foraging parties were sent out v>'hich brought in great
quantities of provisions and feed, this section not having been
overrun by our armies. Cave Spring is a little village sixteen
miles southwest of Rome, Georgia. The citizens all left their
homes on the approach of our army. I was detailed on picket
duty. All is quiet.
Monday, 31st — We lay in bivouac all day, this being a regu
lar muster day, and the army was mustered. Foraging parties
were again sent out. I was on picket continuously for twenty-
four hours.
NOVEMBER, 1864.
Tuesday, ist — We started early this morning and marched
through to Cedartown and went into bivouac for the night. I
was taken sick this morning and had to ride all day in the am
bulance. This was my first experience in the ambulance.
Wednesday, 2d — We started early this morning and after
marching fifteen miles went into bivouac near Van Wert, Geor
gia. It rained all day, and the roads became so slippery that it
made hard marching. Some of the men gave out and had to
be hauled. Thursday, 3d — ^Still raining. Our march today covered six
teen miles and the troops are very much fatigued. We camped
for the night in Dallas, Georgia, one division, the Fourth, going

226 DOWNING'S' CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1864)
into vacant houses and buildings in the town. The citizens all
left the place upon our approach. There had been a cotton mill
here, but it was closed down last summer when the Yankees were
besieging Atlanta.
Friday, 4th — Left Dallas this morning, marched ten miles, and
went into camp near Lost mountain. I went out with a foraging
party from our regiment. We brought in five head of cattle and
seven hogs, and also some cane molasses and corn meal. We also
searched for cabbage, but the negroes did not know what we
meant ; they said that they had never seen any such thing grow
ing. We found very few citizens at home, mostly poor families
at that ; but the men were away in the rebel army.
Saturday, 3th — We left our fires early this morning and
marching toward Marietta, went into bivouac for the remainder
of the day and night within five miles of the town. Captain An
derson of Company A, Eleventh Iowa, arrived from Iowa this
evening with one hundred and fifty conscripts for our regiment
to serve one year. They are a fine lot of men to be conscripts ;
however, only half of them were drafted, the others being sub
stitutes, each receiving from $150 to $800.
Sunday, 6th — Our division was moved in close to town today
and went into camp. We received orders to remain here a few
days, to draw clothing and receive our pay. This was glorious
news. We pulled down vacant houses and proceeded to build
bunks and "ranches" with the lumber, covering them with our
rubber ponchos. The Sixteenth Iowa went out with the regiment
al teams for forage. Nine trains came in over the railroad from
the north, loaded with provisions for the army stationed at the
different points along the line, and at Atlanta. Things are quite
lively in town today.

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 227
(November, 1864)

Chapter XXI.
Marching Through Georgia. Capture of Savannah. Novem
ber 7, 1864-January 2, 1865.
Monday, 7th — It is cloudy and quite cool. The Eleventh
Iowa received six months' pay this afternoon, besides another in
stallment of the bounty. I got $148.00 in pay and $ioo.(X) of
bounty money. Our army is preparing to evacuate Atlanta. The
general quartermaster is loading every train going north with the
surplus commissariat and all extra army baggage. It is reported
that our army is going to fall back as far as Chattanooga, and that
we are to destroy the railroad as we go. There is a report that the
army of the Tennessee is going on a long expedition further
south.* Tuesday, 8th — Still in camp. Some rain today. Ten train
loads of army supplies left for the North. A great many refu
gees are being sent north, as it will be impossible for them to
make a living down here during the coming winter. This
is election day and everything is very quiet in camp, as
political speeches are not allowed in the army. The election went
off fine. Our regiment is strong for Old Abraham — three hundred
and fourteen votes for Lincoln and forty-two for McClellan.
I bought a watch of John Aubin for $18.50. Some of the boys
are having lively times down town ; they are going in on their
nerves, to make up for lost time.
Wednesday, 9th — It is still raining. I went out on picket this
morning. We received orders to be ready to move at a moment's
notice, for the purpose of tearing up the railroad tracks. Citizens
all around Atlanta, hearing that the Yankees are going to leave the
place, are coming in larger numbers to go North. Women leave
their homes and all they have, and with their children walk a dis
tance of thirty miles, for the sake of getting to the North. Where
both armies have been ravaging the country, the people are des
titute — haven't anything to eat — and therefore they have to leave
their homes. No news from the North.
'This was through Georgia, but as yet the men knew nothing def
inite. — Ed.

228 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1864)
Thursday, loth — All is quiet in camp. I borrowed $25.00
from ^Villiam Barrett until next pay day. Several trains came
in from the North this morning. We received a large mail.
All men unable to stand the march on our Southern expedi
tion are being sent North. Each regiment will be allowed but
one wagon, and the number of headquarters wagons will be great
ly reduced. Every man in the ranks will have to carry his shel
ter tent.
Friday, nth — All is quiet in camp. We have company drill
twice a day now for the purpose of drilling our conscripts. We
received orders that the last mail would leave for the North to
morrow moming and that all who wanted to write farewell let
ters home would have to attend to it before that time. The rebel
cavalry, about three thousand strong, made a raid on our forces
at Atlanta, but were repulsed with heavy loss, for what little tliey
gained. Saturday, 12th — Our corps marched out on the railroad be
tween Marietta and Big Shanty and tore it up, burning all the
ties and bending the irons. The iron rails were thrown into the
fires and then twisted up. The last train went North about noon,
and no more mail will be sent out from this part of the army for
forty days. The telegraph lines between Atlanta and the North
were cut soon after the last train left. The railroad from Dalton
south, wherever Sherman's army goes, is to be destroyed and all
stations and public buildings burned.
Sunday, 13th — We started early this morning for Atlanta and
after marching twenty miles went into camp for the night. A
detachment of the Twentieth Army Corps is stationed at the rail
road bridge crossing the Chattahoochee river. They will soon
destroy the bridge, and also the track clear to Atlanta. All is
quiet in the front. We burned everything in our camp yesterday
/ I that we did not need, and it seems that everything in sight is being
/ burned. Every man seems to think he has a free hand to touch
Ijhe match. The nice little town of Marietta which we left behind
this morning will doubtless be burned before the last of Shen-nan's
army leaves the place.
Monday, 14th — This moming was cool and pleasant. We
started early and marched five miles, going into camp a mile south
of Atlanta. We tore up the railroad tracks through Atlanta and

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 229
(November, 1864)
burned all the public buildings. There was a fine large station
here, and a splendid engine house, but both were burned. Very
few citizens are left in Atlanta. The Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sev
enteenth and Twentieth Army Corps are in bivouac in the vicinity
of Atlanta. They are concentrating here for the purpose of
making a grand raid down South. We are to take forty days' ra
tions with us, consisting of hardtack, coffee, sugar, salt and pep
per, candles and soap, but we are to forage for meat as we march
through the country. All is quiet.
Tuesday, 13th — Started early this morning for the Southern
coast, somewhere, and we don't care, so long as Sherman is lead
ing us. The Army of the Tennessee forms the right, while the
Army of the Cumberland is moving off in the direction of Mil-
ledgeville, Georgia. There are about sixty thousand men of all
arms, and they are in fine spirits and well clothed for the cam
paign. The roads are good and the weather fine for marching.
We went into bivouac for the night about twelve miles from At
lanta. The country is very thinly settled and there is nothing to
forage. All is quiet at the front — none of the rebels in sight.
Wednesday, i6th — Reveille sounded early this morning, and
after marching twenty-five miles we went into bivouac tired and
worn. Our division marched all day over a by-road on the in
side of the right wing, and although the country was heavily
timbered, yet we had a good road. We passed by some fine plan
tations, well improved with some good buildings. The Four
teenth and Twentieth Corps form the left wing and the Fifteenth
and Seventeenth the right, both flanks being covered by the cav
alry. There was some skirmishing off on our right in front of
the Fifteenth Corps', but all is quiet in our front.
Thursday, 17th — We broke camp at 5 o'clock, marched eight
een miles, and went into bivouac for the night. Our regiment
was train guard and the Sixteenth Iowa was rear guard of our
brigade. We marched through some fine country today, and
though heavily timbered, it is well improved. It is good country
for foraging. We found plenty of fresh pork and all the sweet
potatoes we could carry. The weather is delightful and there
is no rebel in our front yet.
Friday, i8th — We were on the road by 8 o'clock and after
marching ten males, lay by until 10 p. m., when we were ordered

230 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1864)
to fall in again. After an hour's march we came to the Ockmul
gee river, which we crossed by pontoons at Ockmulgee Mills. The
entire Seventeenth Corps came together again here and at i
o'clock in the night we went into bivouac on the east side of the
river. The Fifteenth Corps crossed the river by the same
pontoon bridge. There is fine water power here and there are
large mills. The country is very rough.
Saturday, 19th — There was some rain last night and the roads
today are very slippery, which as the country is so hilly, makes
difficult marching. We marched fifteen miles and went into
bivouac. Our division was in the rear of the Seventeenth Corps,
the infantry marching at one side of the road so that the artil
lery and wagon trains could move together and all go into bivouac
earlier and at the same time. The country is thickly settled. The
citizens on the approach of our army left their homes and fled to
Macon. We passed through Hillsboro at 10 a. m., and the town
being deserted, many of the vacant houses were burned by our
men. We heard the sound of cannon off to our right in the di
rection of Macon.
Sunday, 20th — It is still raining and the roads have become
so muddy that it is impossible for the artillery to keep up with
the infantry. There are some well-improved plantations along
the way which have had good crops this season and we find plenty
of sweet potatoes and fresh pork. We are on short rations now
and therefore have to forage a great deal. We also find enough
forage for the horses and mules in the command.
Monday, 21st — We started on our march this morning in a
rain which continued all day. We marched fifteen miles and
went into camp. The artillery have the preference of the road
and because of the muddy roads our division wagon train could
jiot keep up. Our regiment was on train guard. We corralled
the wagons four miles in the rear, where the First Division of the
Seventeenth Corps went into bivouac, to safeguard the train,
since the rebels' cavalry have appeared both in front and in the
rear. Tuesday, 22d — The weather has turned cold. We left our
bivouac early this morning with the wagon train and at 10 o'clock
caught up with our division at Gordon, where they were in camp

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 231
(November, 1864)
last night. Gordon is fifteen miles from Milledgeville and is the
junction of the railroad running from there to Savannah. Gen
eral Sherman with the left wing of our army passed through here
ahead of us, remaining in the town three or four days. We
left Gordon about noon and marched ten miles on a by
road off to the right of our corps, going into bivouac near Irwin-
ton, the county seat of Wilkinson county. This is a nice little
town, but like all other places we passed through, is deserted, the
citizens running away on the approach of our army, and leaving
everything with the negroes. All is quiet at the front.
Wednesday, 23d — We started at 7 a. m. and marched twelve
miles, when we bivouacked for the night. It is reported that a
force of two thousand rebels is in our front beyond the Oco
nee river, and that there has been some skirmishing. We
crossed the Savannah railroad here at Station No. 15. This station
was burned last July by General Stoneman in his raid toward Ma
con, Georgia. The country is very heavily timbered, mostly pitch
pine, but there are some very nice plantations. The negroes have
all been run off to keep them from falling into the hands of our
army. We are now on three-fifths rations and are foraging for
meat. Thursday, 24th — We lay in camp all day. The rebels are
still in our front, and there is some cannonading off on our left
where the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps are on the move and
destroying property. The Seventeenth Corps burned all the rail
road property from Gordon down to the Oconee river. The first
brigade of our division destroyed the railroad for some miles in
this locality. The Iowa Brigade went out on the railroad this
moming and worked for two hours. There was some skirmish
ing in our front and to our right. Our division supply train is
lying at Station No. 15, the Fifteenth Iowa acting as train guard.
We received orders to march in the morning at 5 o'clock.
Friday, 23th — Our brigade marched out early this morning
and relieved the First Brigade at the railroad bridge across the
Oconee river, the rebels being just beyond. We burned the
bridge and after waiting there a short time, got orders to
march back to Toomsboro, which place we reached by 7 p. m.
From there we started for Hawkins Ford, some ten miles dis-

232 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (November, 1864)
tant, and after marching six miles went into bivouac. The Fif
teenth Corps came in on the same road in order to cross the river
by our pontoon bridge, which the engineers commenced to build
late in the evening, after our men had driven the rebels from
the river — they had to leave or be taken prisoners.
Saturday, 26th — The weather is cool but quite pleasant. We
lay in camp awaiting the completion of the pontoon bridge. At
10 o'clock we began our march and by 3 in the afternoon both
corps had crossed the river. The Fifteenth Corps had an engage
ment with the rebels on the 22d inst. near Macon, and after the
fight the rebels fell back and scattered, leaving their dead and
wounded on the field. Their loss was about one thousand, while
ours was only five hundred. Their force was mainly state militia
and came out from town to attack our approaching army. It
is reported that the rebels are concentrating some fifty miles ahead
of us and are strongly fortifying themselves on the Ogeechee
river. We are on two-thirds rations, but still we have plenty to
eat. Sunday, 27th — We started at 8 o'clock this morning, marched
eight miles, and went into camp for the remainder of the day.
On our march this forenoon our division, the Third, destroyed
ten miles of the railroad east of the Oconee river. The Fifteenth
Corps is off on our right about two miles, while the Fourteenth
and the Twentieth with Kilpatrick's cavalry are off on the left,
out toward Augusta, Georgia. All is quiet in front. This is a
very fine country, thickly settled and with some very nice farms,
though the soil is very sandy and there is considerable pine timber.
Monday, 28th — We started at 7 o'clock this morning, marched
fifteen miles, and went into camp at 5 p. m. Our division took
up the rear on our march today and we had good roads for march
ing, with the exception of a small swamp which lay in our path.
This is a fine country and there is plenty of forage. All is quiet
in front, the rebels retreating without putting up a fight.*
'Almost every day after leaving Atlanta large numbers of negroes,
women, children and old men, came, some of them walking miles, to see
the Yankees go by. The soldiers in the ranks would engage them in con
versation and the odd remarks the negroes would make were often quite
amusing. They were asked many questions, one as a joke, a favorite
one with the boys, was asking the nice mulatto girls to marry them; the
answer invariably would be in the aflfirmative. These incidents as well
as others made a change, and broke the monotony of our long, weary
marches. — A. G. D.

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 233
(November, 1864)
Tuesday, 29th — We left bivouac at 8 a. m. and marched twen
ty miles today, going into camp about dark. The Eleventh Iowa
4cted as rear guard. We had good roads, there being no hills.
'he country is very flat and heavily timbered and the soil is
sandy, mixed with clay. We are on two-fifths rations now, but
the country still affords additional rations, such as potatoes and
pork. Our general direction is southeast on the west side of the
Savannah and Macon railroad. All is quiet in front.
Wednesday, 30th — Weather pleasant. We broke camp at 8
o'clock and covered only ten miles by the close of the whole day's
march, when we went into bivouac on the banks of the Ogeechee
river. We had a bad road, it being almost one continuous swamp.
Now and then there was a small farm with a log hut occupied
by a poor woman and children, all the men and larger boys being
off with the army.* All is quiet in the front, but the rebels keep
close on our rear. It is reported that General Wheeler with his
cavalry is in our rear. The boys all declare that it's the safest
place for him to be, just so he doesn't get too close. This
is the sixteenth day out from Atlanta and we have been
on the march part of the time both day and night. We have
had but little fighting, but we have destroyed one thousand miles
of railroad and burned millions of dollars' worth of other prop
erty. Camp in the swamps of Georgia.
DECEMBER, 1864.
Thursday, ist — A heavy fog this morning. Our division
crossed the Ogeechee river early this morning, the other two di
visions of the corps having crossed last night. We crossed near
Benton Station on the Savannah railroad. Our brigade destroyed
the railroad this forenoon all the way from Benton Station north
to Sebastopol, on the road running to Augusta. Our entire corps
destroyed about fifteen miles of railroad. We left Sebastopol
about noon, and after marching eight miles through swamps,
went into bivouac at dark. All is quiet.
Friday, 2d — We marched eleven miles today and went into
bivouac after dark near the town of Millen. We passed through
'It has been truly said that Governor Brown of Georgia robbed the
cradle and the grave, forcing all the boys and old men into the army
at the time of their defense of Macon, where they were defeated and
scattered by our Fifteenth Army Corps on November 22, 1864. — A. G. D.

234 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December. 1864)
some fine country with very large plantations. We crossed the
east prong of the Ogeechee river about dusk, the infantry cross
ing over the railroad bridge and the artillery and teams by pon
toon bridge. Millen is on the bank of this river and is a junc
tion of the railroad running between Augusta and Savannah.
We demolished the railroad all along the line.
Saturday, 3d — We started off on our railroad destroying this
morning at 7 o'clock. Our corps destroyed about ten miles of
road, from Millen down to Station No. 70, where we went into
camp for the night. The Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps are
off on our left, destroying the railroad from Millen toward Au
gusta. At Millen there was located one of those hell-holes, a rebel
prison, where the rebels kept about thirteen hundred of our men
as prisoners. They rushed them off on the train for Charleston,
South Carolina, just before our army arrived. I never saw a
feed-yard looking so filthy and forsaken as this pen.* We burned
everything here that a match would ignite.
Sunday, 4th — Rain last night. The First and Third Divisions
and the First Brigade of the Fourth Division destroyed the rail
road this forenoon for a distance of ten miles. The Iowa Bri
gade acted as train guard. We covered fifteen miles today and
went into bivouac near Cameron Station. For the last two or
three days, we marched through fine country, though in some
places it is very sandy and the land is heavily timbered with pine.
The soil is very sandy, but the higher land is well improved and
thickly settled. Good crops were raised the past season, the work
having been done by old men and negro women. Most of the
citizens have left their homes.
Monday, 3th — We started out at 6 o'clock this morning, and
by 1 1 our corps had destroyed twelve miles of railroad. We then
left the railroad and marching ten miles, over very fine roads,
went into camp near Oliver Station. A force of eight thousand
rebels left Oliver this morning for Savannah. They came
into the town last night and throwing up earthworks made prep
arations for a fight, but this morning they concluded that they
had better move on, or they would get hurt, and the infantry left
without firing a gun. Our cavalry had a little skirmish with
'The treatment which our soldiers received in the Confederate pris
ons is the one dark, damnable stain that the South of that time will al
ways have to carry. The North can forgive, but it cannot forget. — A.
G. D.

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 235
(December, 1864)
them this morning. The Fifteenth Army Corps is on the west
side of the Ogeechee river, but in advance of us, and perhaps
the rebels were fearful of being cut off from Savannah.
Tuesday, 6th — We lay in camp all day. The day was spent
^n washing, cleaning and mending our clothes. The long march
is beginning to tell on our clothing and shoes. My shoes are
whole yet, but owing to so much sand, and wading through wa
ter, my feet are sore. My right foot is worn through on the bot
tom, and my toes are wet with blood every day. We are now
within forty-five miles of Savannah, Georgia, and about ninety
miles from Charleston, South Carolina. We can hear the large
guns roaring from both places. The rebels are still retreating
before us without much fighting. We are still in a rich country
for foraging. Each regiment sends out its foraging party and
we have plenty of sweet potatoes and fresh pork. We will have
better roads now for marching as we approach Savannah. All is
quiet in the rear of the army.
Wednesday, 7th — It rained all forenoon today, but because of
the sand our road did not get muddy. We started at 7 this morn
ing and after stepping off fifteen miles by 4 o'clock, we went into
camp for the night. Our regiment led the advance of our corps.
The rebels blocked our road by felling trees at the entrance to
every swamp, thus delaying our march, since there were a good
many swamps to cross. We had to build four or five small
bridges, and also had to do some corduroy work. The First Mich
igan Engineers in advance of us had charge of the work.
Thursday, 8th — We left bivouac at 8 o'clock this morning, but
owing tQ, the roads, we moved very slowly, making only twelve
miles before going into camp. Just before our regiment started
into bivouac, we were ordered to stack arms and help our teams
across a narrow swamp. We went about a half mile for rails,
each man carrying from two to four, to corduroy the road so
that the artillery and wagons could cross. Our cavalry had a
skirmish with the rebels at noon today, when passing through
Marlow Station, and captured a train of cars by cutting the rail
road before the rebels could get the train past the station. We
drew two days' rations today, with orders to make them last five
days. Friday, 9th — It is cloudy with a strong northeast wind. We

236 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1864)
Started early again this morning and after laying off ten miles
went into bivouac. The Twenty-fifth New Jersey was on the
skirmish line today, skirmishing commencing at lo o'clock and
continuing till dark. They lost four men killed and fifteen wound
ed. The First Division of our corps was in the front, and their
quartermaster was killed by a ten-pound solid shot fired from a
small cannon on a flat car which the rebels ran up and down the
railroad. Our way today was through one continuous swamp, but
we had a fine road, a high causeway which runs to Savannah. Our
camp tonight lies within ten miles of Savannah.
Saturday, loth — We broke camp at 6 o'clock this morning and
moved forward five miles, driving the rebels all the way. Our
division was in the advance in line of battle and drove the rebels
back inside their main works. There was some heavy skirmish
ing and we had to throw up breastworks. Our loss during the
day was fifteen in killed and wounded. We had four men
wounded by the explosion of torpedoes which the rebels had
buried in the road. General Sherman was riding with
our column, and when informed of what had taken place, ordered
that the prisoners of our division be placed in front to pass over
the road first. The prisoners requested that one of their number
be permitted to return to their headquarters to inform their com
mander of the peril in which they were placed. This was granted
and there were no more torpedoes planted in the road after that.
The prisoners dug up five torpedoes for us. S" >
Sunday, nth — The Twentieth Corps relieved our corps this
morning and we moved to the right about five miles, taking the
position occupied by the Fifteenth Corps, which moved still far
ther around to the right. We went into camp about 4 o'clock,
and the Eleventh Iowa was sent out on the skirmish line, where
we have good works built by the Fifteenth Corps. Skirmishing
is not very brisk because of the wide swamp between us and the
rebels. We are still on two-fifths rations and there is nothing
to forage. Monday, 12th — Our regiment was withdrawn from the rifle
pits, the rebels having left during the night, and with our entire
corps we moved about five miles to the right. Our division
stacked arms until 3 p. m. when we fell in and marched two miles
farther and again stacked arms. We now had to move over a

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 237
(December, 1864)
two-mile causeway from ten to thirty feet high, but the rebels
having planted batteries within range of the road, we waited to
move after dark. Our teams were all sent around about fifteen
miles. We ran the blockade under cover of the night, the rebels
opening their batteries on us, without doing any damage. We
went into camp about 8 o'clock.
Tuesday, 13th — We lay in bivouac all day. Our rations ran
out today and no more can be issued until we open up communi
cations with the fleet. To do that we shall have to open a way
to the coast. Our men have foraged everything to be found.
The only thing that we can get now is rice, of which there is a
great deal in stacks, besides thousands of bushels threshed out,
but not hulled, and stored away in granaries. The Thirty-second
Illinois went with a train from our brigade to forage.
Fort McAllister was captured late this afternoon by a detach
ment of the Fifteenth Corps, General Hazen's Division, Our
cracker line is open once more and there is great cheering in
camp over the news.
Wednesday, 14th — The capture of Fort McAllister gives us
our first communication with the North since the telegraph wires
were cut at Marietta, Georgia, on the 12th of November. We
have no rations yet, but will have crackers as soon as our men
can remove the torpedoes from the Ogeechee river, which is
thickly laid with them; then the transports can land provisions.
There is great rejoicing in camp, as we have nothing left but
unhulled rice. This we hull by placing a handful in our haver
sacks which we la}' on logs and pound with our bayonets. Then
we pour the contents from hand to hand, blowing the while to
separate the chaff from the grains. All is quiet along the line,
except occasional skirmishing. We had regimental inspection
this afternoon. The foraging train of the Fifteenth Corps came
in this aftern(X)n with some forage. We are now in camp in a
large rice plantation about ten miles south of Savannah.
Thursday, 13th — The weather is fine — days warm and pleas
ant and nights cool. The Thirty-second Illinois arrived in camp
at 11 o'clock with sweet potatoes, fresh pork and corn for our
brigade. We are still lying in camp without rations. We had
company inspection and drill for the recruits. The First Divi
sion of the Fifteenth Corps advanced their skirmish line this

238 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1864)
morning toward the rebels' post south of Savannah. There was
quite an artillery duel and some sharp skirmishing, but our men
succeeded in gaining their position.
Friday, i6th — Left this morning at 8 o'clock for King's bridge
over the Ogeechee river at a point fifteen miles from Savannah,
where we again went into camp. All the torpedoes having been
removed from the river, small boats can now come up to the
bridge and land. Two boats came up with mail and some other
articles. There were four tons of mail for the army. All
is quiet along the line, but we have no rations yet. We
still have plenty of rice with the hull on, but all the mortars upon
the plantation have now been gathered together and the cavalry
have put all the negroes of the plantation at work hulling rice.
Saturday, 17th — Large details of men from our division were
sent out to cut and prepare timber for the engineers to build a
wharf at the landing so that the boats can be unloaded more
readily. Several hundred of us were at work, some cutting the
trees — tall pines, others cutting them into proper lengths, and
still others hewing and squaring the timbers. The teamsters
then hauled them to the landing. Two more boats came up the
river today, one loaded with hay for the mules, the other with
our provisions. We received our mail today. All is quiet along
the line and the weather is fine.
Sunday, i8th — This morning, as yesterday, there was a very
heavy fog, continuing till about 9 o'clock. We drew one day's
rations of hardtack, having been without bread of any kind for
six days, during which time rice was almost our sole diet.
Our company was partially reorganized today by promotions.
Lieutenant Spencer was promoted to captain, J. A. White to sec
ond lieutenant, and I was made fifth sergeant. J. Tomlinson is
to be made first lieutenant, but the promotion was not made today
because his commission had not yet arrived.
Monday, 19th — Weather pleasant. Reveille sounded at i a.
m. and at 2 o'clock our brigade started for the rifle pits in front
of Savannah. The first brigade was left at the bridge to guard
the landing and to unload the boats. A little before daylight, un
noticed by the rebels, we passed over the same causeway that
we went down on, and after marching about nine miles we formed
a line of battle and sent out skirmishers. We soon drove the

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MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 239
(December, 1864)
rebels across the swamp. They used grape and canister on us,
but did little harm. At all the points where they have the roads
blockaded, we have planted sixty-four-pounders, which keep their
guns silent. There is some heavy cannonading and brisk skir
mishing all along the lines.
Tuesday, 20th — Cloudy and windy this morning. Heavy can
nonading with some skirmishing was kept up all day. Our bat
teries silenced the rebels' batteries at every point. Four com
panies from our regiment went out last night to reinforce the
details on building fortifications. The walls of the forts are to
be twenty feet thick. We have a miserable camping ground right
on the edge of the swamp, but we cleaned up a camp and at 4
o'clock this aftern(x>n had company inspection. We have very
poor water to use, having to get it from the swamp. But we are
now drawing full rations, for which we are very thankful. All
is quiet in the rear.
Wednesday, 21st — The last artillery firing this morning was
that of a thunderstorm. It seems that kind Providence wanted
a hand in the capture of the city. We received orders about 10
o'clock to be ready to march at a moment's warning, and im
mediately we were ordered to march, as the rebels had evacuated
the place. We started at once and before noon reached the edge
of the city and went into camp, while a part of the army went
in pursuit of the fleeing rebels. They left their outside works
last night at 10 o'clock, and this morning left the city, crossing
the Savannah river by pontoon bridges, under cover of their gun
boats. Their rear guard is now five miles below, just across the
river on the South Carolina side.
Thursday, 2 2d — It is quite cool. Our camp is just inside the
city limits. We tore down several houses and fences with which
to build "ranches," and then spent the rest of the day in cleaning
accouterments and washing our clothes. The rebels, in their
haste to get away, left about one hundred and fifty pieces of ar
tillery and a large quantity of fixed ammunition. They also left
hundreds of their sick and wounded soldiers here in the hospital.
Savannah is a very nice city, on high ground, affording a good
view of the South Carolina coast. The town is well laid out,
having wide streets and little parks at many of the intersections.

240 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1864)
There are some fine churches here. A large number of business
houses and office buildings are vacant. They had a printing
press here for the making of paper money. I passed
the building this morning where the press was located, and found
on the sidewalk two bales of the currency, which some one had
thrown out. The bundles were of about one hundred pounds
each and the money consisted of tens and twenties. I helped my
self to $50.00 and walked on. At the present time this money
is below par. The boys are offering $i,0(X) to citizens for a loaf
of bread, and some of the officers have offered from $4,000 to
$5,000 for some one to curry their horses, but they can find no
one who will accept their offers.
Friday, 23d — The citizens of Savannah have generally re
mained in their homes, only a few having left town. Four-fifths
of the people are women and children, the rest being old men.
They appear to be glad that our army has taken possession of
the city, and most of them are willing to take the oath of alle
giance. The people here are not so near starvation as they are
in other places in this state. Two or three small boats came up
the river from the coast, but they did not have any rations for the
army, as there is danger from the torpedoes laid in the river. The
torpedoes are being taken out as fast as the men can get to them.
Saturday, 24th — General Foster's command is still in pursuit
of the fleeing rebels through South Carolina. They had an en
counter yesterday with them, in which the rebels were complete
ly routed. General Foster was wounded in the fight and was
brought into town this morning. General Sherman* reviewed the
Fifteenth Army Corps this morning. We had company drill this
afternoon. Sunday, 23th — This is a cloudy, cool day and a lonesome
Christmas. We are on one-third rations now and poor prospects
of getting more soon. We still have plenty of rice, although in
'While on our march through Georgia, all the men had a chance to
see Sherman at close range, as he rode with the different corps, chang
ing from one to another. As we approached Savannah, going in on the
main road, which was rather narrow, he was with our corps, the Seven
teenth, which had most of the flghting to do. I noticed that when he
wished to get ahead to the front of the corps, he never would crowd
the infantry aside, but instead rode alongside himself, leaving the good
road for them. I have seen him ride this way, his horse on an ordinary
walk, with his staff oflScers riding in single file behind him. Some of
the boys would ask him questions, or make some joking remarks as to
where we were going, and the general would seldom reply, but would
always have a pleasant smile in recognition of the question asked. He
won the respect of the boys, and they all had confidence in him. — A.
Ct. D.

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 241
(December, 1864)
the hull, SO we can get along. Large foraging parties were sent
up the Savannah river to obtain rice straw for our beds and they
brought in large quantities of rice still in the sheaf to feed the
horses and mules. There are some very large rice plantations
along the river and there is a great deal of rice not yet threshed.
We had company inspection this evening. All is quiet.
Monday, 26th — Everything is quiet this morning, though for
a while last night there was quite an excitement in town when a
fire broke out. We are still lying in camp, with no particular
duty to perfomi, though we are expecting orders every day to
move down the river to Ft. Johnson, below Savannah. We are
on half rations now, but today got large quantities of fresh oys
ters, all we can make use of. They were in the shell and were
hauled into our camps by the wagon load, and sold to the boys
by the peck or bushel. Governor Stone of Iowa arrived in camp
today from Morehead City, North Carolina. He came to issue
commissions to the officers of veteran regiments, and also to see
that the sick and wounded Iowa soldiers in the field hospitals of
the South were receiving good care.
Tuesday, 27th — All is quiet. There is no news of any im
portance.* The Fourteenth Army Corps was reviewed at 9 a.
m. by General Sherman. The troops looked fine. The Four
teenth is a good corps. I sent in my subscriptions today for three
papers : the Missouri Democrat at $2.00 per year, the Theological
Joumal, $2.00, and Harper's Weekly, $4.00. I think I shall have
enough reading matter now for 1865, if I succeed in getting all
my papers.
Wednesday, 28th — It was cloudy with some rain, though it
cleared off in the afternoon and turned quite cool. Things are
very quiet in camp, and our duty is light; we do not have even
picket duty, as the cavalry are doing that on the outskirts. Near-
'The foragers or bummers, as they came to be called, presented at
times some odd and amusing situations. Starting out early in advance
of the command, they would do their pillaging, return to the main road
to await the arrival of the command, and along in the afternoon we
w^ould find them, often loaded down with good things for their com
rades to eat. They sometimes came upon rich plantations where the
owners had about everything they wanted, including a well-filled larder.
When there was no wagon at hand, they would look the premises over
and, finding the family carriage and horse, they would load it down and
start for the main line of march. I have often seen them with a fine
family carriage filled with smoked meat, and on the outside were tied
chickens, turkeys and geese, or ducks. Then, to cap the climax, one
fellow would be seated in the carriage dressed in the planter's swallow
tail coat, white vest and plug hat, while another one would be astride
a mule and dressed in similar fashion. — A. G. D.

242 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (December, 1864)
ly all the citizens inside of our lines have taken the oath, swear
ing that they will not aid the Southern Confederacy. All of
them express the view that the war will come to a close soon.
We hope their view will prove true.
Thursday, 29th — The weather continues pleasant but cool.
The glorious old Seventeenth Army Corps was reviewed at 9
a. m. by Major-General Sherman. The corps performed nicely
and looked fine considering the campaign through which they
have gone, and also considering the fact that they have not yet
drawn new clothing. We formed our lines in the streets down
in the city and the general rode along the lines to inspect them.
We then marched along Front Street, where the general was sta
tioned to review us. General Foster was also present as we passed
il! review. We got back into camp at 2 o'clock, having had a fine
day for the review. Things are very quiet and there is no news
of any importance. Small boats come up the river every day to
bring rations and other army stores. v
Friday, 30th — The Twentieth Army Corps was reviewed by
General Sherman at 9 a. m. They came out with their flying
colors and brass bands, making a big showing. But when there's
a fight on hand they are not as forward as they might be ; it suits
them better to garrison a place after it has been taken. We have
company drill once a day, and the substitutes have to drill twice
a day when in camp. The Thirteenth and Sixteenth
Iowa and the Thirty-second Illinois, moved their camps this after
noon to make room for the fortifications planned. Sherman has
ordered Savannah to be strongly fortified. Heavy guns will be
mounted so that no enemy can get close enough to do any harm
with the ordinary field guns. The engineers went to work today
laying out the places where the forts are to be built.
Saturday, 31st — Still in camp and on short rations at that, the
quartermaster having cut us down to one-half rations. We can
not understand why this should be, though there must be a good
reason for the order. The fire department of the city came out this
morning for inspection by General Sherman, and made a fine ap
pearance, considering that the city had been captured only ten
days before.* Our men commenced today to fortify the city.
'It seems that there was the best of understanding between the
people of Savannah and General Sherman. They tried to make it as
pleasant for the Union army as they could, and Sherman treated them
with creat consideration. — A. G. D.

MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA 243
(December, 1864)
They are throwing up heavy earthworks ten feet through, pro
tected by a ditch on the outside, ten feet deep by twenty feet wide
at the top and ten feet at the bottom. The fortifications are built
just inside the city. We have to tear down a great many houses in
order to get lumber to support the earth thrown up, and with
which to make platforms for the artillery.
And so this is the end of the year 1864. It has been a year
of hard, active service for our brigade, as also for the entire corps.
The Eleventh Iowa has done its part and suffered severely. Com
pany E alone having lost seven men by bullet in the siege of At
lanta, besides a number having been severely wounded.
JANUARY, 1863.
Sunday, ist — This is New Year's Day and my fourth in the
army.* We did not have to work on the fortifications today, and
as the weather was cloudy and cool we remained close to our
"ranches." At 4 p. m. we had company inspection. We are still
on two-thirds rations.
Monday, 2d — The weather is quite C(X)1. I was detailed this
morning to work on the fortifications. We are building the plat
forms, upon which will be mounted the large cannon, just out
side of the forts and rifle pits. These are elevated from five to
ten feet above the common level of the ground and then floored
so that in wet weather the gunners will not have to be in the mud.
A few nice residences have to be pulled down to make room for
the works, but nothing like that we had to do at Vicksburg.

'The common belief among the men was that this would be the last
New Year's Day spent in the army. Everything pointed to an early end of
the war. — A. G. D.

244 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1865)

Chapter XXII.
Raid Through South Carolina. January 3-March 7.
Tuesday, 3d — The First Division of the Seventeenth Army
Corps embarked this afternoon on an unknown expedition.* They
had to march down to the coast below the city in order to take
ship. It is reported in camp that the rest of the corps, together
with the Fifteenth Corps, is to follow in a few days, while the
Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, are
to cross the Savannah river above the city and start on a grand
raid through South Carolina. They are to move through North
Carolina and Virginia, and finally land at Richmond.
Wednesday, 4th — A large detail from the Fourteenth Army
Corps was at work today on the fortifications. The Third Di
vision of the Seventeenth Corps marched down to the coast and
this afternoon embarked upon the expedition. Our division, the
Fourth, received orders to be ready to move in the morning.
Our regimental quartermaster received a consignment of cloth
ing for the men. I drew a rubber blanket, one shirt, one pair
of drawers and a hat. I also purchased at one of the stores here
a military cap for $6.00. Captain Spencer left for home today
on a thirty-day furlough ; I sent $200.00 home by him to father.
Thursday, 3th — The order for the Iowa Brigade to move was
countermanded this morning, and we remained in camp all day.
The weather has been pleasant and is quite warm today.
Friday, 6th — We left our camp this morning at 8 o'clock and
marched down to the coast about four miles below Savannah.
At 2 o'clock we embarked on the transports for Beaufort, South
Carolina. Our regiment is on board a ship built in England
as a blockade-runner for the Southern Confederacy, but which
was finally captured by our navy at Savannah. It rained all fore
noon, but by noon it had cleared off with a high wind blowing in
from the ocean. Our ship, not having enough ballast, rocked
frightfully in the gale, upsetting tables in the dining room and
frightening many of the boys lest we should be turned over. The
'We learned later that the expedition sailed for Beaufort, South
Carolina. — A. G. D.

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 245
(January, 1865)
sailors only smiled at our discomfiture. The rough sea made a
great many of the boys sick, but our company being on the hur
ricane deck, did not become so sick. We reached Beaufort at 1 1
p. m., but cannot land, and so have to remain on the boats all
night. Saturday, 7th — This morning we found that during the night
our ship was driven by the high wind upon a sand bar in the
bay. Here we lay, a cold northwest wind blowing across our
deck forty feet above the water. But we fared better than the
boys below, for, on account of their being so sick, it was reported
that their floor was difficult to stand on even after the ship had
stopped. They ran a small side-wheel steamboat alongside of the
ship and set a tall ladder on the wheelhouse, reaching up to our
deck, and one by one we climbed down the ladder to the other
boat, which hauled us to the shore. We were glad to leave that
ship. Some of the boys declared that they would rather walk the
entire distance than ride on any ship. We marched out about two
miles from town and went into camp in a heavy pine timber. Here
we have plenty of wood with which to build a good fire, as a cold
rain commenced to fall this afternoon.
Sunday, 8th — It is quite cool. We lay in camp all day. We
are once more drawing full rations, and it is well that we are, for
there is absolutely nothing to forage here, not even rice in the
hull. We have also received some of the Sanitary goods sent
here for distribution. All is quiet at present and there is no news
of any importance. Beaufort is a nice place, situated on an island,
and has good shipping facilities. Goods of all kinds are sold here
at reasonable prices, business being carried on much as in a North
ern town. The Union army has been in possession of the place for
some time. The entire Seventeenth Army Corps is here, but will
move forward in a few days.
Monday, 9th — We remained in camp all day.* It rained most
of the day. No news of any importance.
'I had been suffering with the toothache for some days when on this
day it became so bad that 1 made up my mind to go to the doctor and
have the tooth extracted. I arrived at the doctor's tent, he directed me
to an ancient chair and asked me to show him the tooth. I pointed out
the exact tooth, he hooked on, at the same time telling me to hold on to
the chair, and pulled. He succeeded in bringing the tooth, but It was
not the aching one. 1 however, concluded that one tooth at a time was
enough, even if it was the wrong one, and returned to my rancho with
the hope that it would soon quit aching. But the last state of that tooth
was worse than the first. — A. G. D.

246 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, 1865)
Tuesday, loth — Our division moved out to the front about
five miles and went into camp again. We had to move because
we had burned up all the fallen timber around our camp, while
at the new camp we will have plenty. It rained quite hard this
afternoon and then turned colder at night. The country through
which we passed is on a dead level, and the plantations lie idle.
All of the buildings and fences were burned by our armies oper
ating in this part of the state before our arrival.
Wednesday, nth — It is clear and quite cool. We learn that
a part of the Fifteenth Army Corps landed at Beaufort today and
will come out this way and go into camp. We expect to be joined
by the other two corps from Savannah as soon as they succeed
in crossing the river, when we shall all move forward at the same
time. We had company inspection today.
Thursday, 12th — All is quiet in camp. The weather is very
pleasant and everything has the appearance of spring. The trees
seem alive with birds, many different kinds, some of which are
very sweet singers. Sometimes the sun is so bright that it re
minds one of June days in the North. We received orders to be
ready to march in the morning at daylight.
Friday, 13th — For some reason we did not break camp and
get started until 4 p. m. and then moved only four miles and went
into bivouac. We routed the rebels from the south bank of the
Broad river and laid down the pontoons for the army to cross
over. Two of our regiments crossed the river in skiffs at some
point above or below after nightfall and routed the rebels from
the river.
Saturday, 14th — Our army commenced to move at 7 this
morning and by 10 o'clock the last detachment had crossed Broad
river. We moved on about ten miles, driving the rebels and skir
mishing with them all the way. The Iowa Brigade lost one man
killed, a lieutenant of Company A, Fifteenth Iowa. The expe
dition consists of the Seventeenth Army Corps with General Fos
ter's command on our left.
Sunday, 13th — The rebels fell back last night and our men
pushed forward this morning. We moved six miles and again
went into camp. One regiment and the Thirteenth Iowa was left
at Pocotaligo for picket duty and to act as train guard for the

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 247
(January, 1865)
trains passing to and fro from Beaufort, hauling provisions out
to the front for the army.
Monday, i6th — All is quiet in front. Company E moved back
four or five miles to a large rebel fort on the main road to
Beaufort, and on an inlet of the ocean. We are to remain here
on picket duty until further orders. The main part of the regi
ment has fortified. Our company put up the "ranches" on a
causeway. Tuesday, 17th — Our brigade was inspected at i p. m. today
by the brigade commander. There is very little sickness among
the men in spite of the fact that we have been in this low, flat
country for a fortnight. The land where we are stationed is
barely above the sea level, and we easily see the effect of the tide
on the water of the inlet.
Wednesday, i8th — The weather is very pleasant. We are
still on duty guarding the main road to Beaufort. The_ trains
have all gone in for supplies. All is quiet in front. This low
country, before the war, was planted to (X)tton, the planters living
in town while their plantations were managed by overseers and
worked by slaves brought down from the border states. We can
see rows of the vacant negro huts on these large plantations, set
upon blocks so as to keep the floors dry. The negroes are all
gone, being employed in the armies of both sections.*
Thursday, 19th — There is nothing new. We are still on pick
et on the main road to Beaufort.
Friday, 20th — It rained all day and the roads are becoming
quite muddy.
Saturday, 21st — It is still raining. The teams are going back
'When I think of the vacant plantations I saw all through the South
when I recall the hardships of the negroes, and the different modes or
punishment inflicted upon the slaves, all with the consent of the South
ern people, then I can understand how they could be so cruel in their
treatment of the Union prisoners of war. They put them in awful
prison pens and starved them to death without a successful protest
from the better class of the people of the South. The guards of these
prisons had lived all their lives witnessing the cruel tortures of slaves;
they had become hardened and thus had no mercy on an enemy when
in their power. Many an Andersonville prisoner was shot down just
for getting too close to an imaginary dead-line when suffering from
thirst and trying to get a drink of water.
Not all Southerners were so cruel, for I lived in the same house
with an ex-Confederate soldier from Georgia, when in southern Florida
during the winter of 1911 and know that he had some feeling. He
had been guard at Andersonville for a short time, and told me that he
would have taken water to them by the bucketful, for he could not bear
to hear the poor fellows calling for water; but that he did not dare to do
it. This man's name was McCain, and at the time I met him his home
was at College Park, Atlanta, Ga. — A. G. D.

248 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (January, J.865)
and forth day and night, hauling provisions. The roads are so
bad now at places that the teams get stuck in the mud.
Sunday, 22d — A detail from our regiment was sent out along
the road today to help the loaded wagons across the deep mud-
holes, as they come through from Beaufort. It is reported that
the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps have crossed into South
Carolina and are floundering in the mud bottoms of the Savannah
river. Monday, 23d — It is still raining, and our men have made a
new landing within six miles of Pocotaligo. It is at one of the
inlets which has a channel deep enough for small steamboats to
come up. This will shorten the haul of our provisions about
twenty miles — no small item in this land of sandy bottoms.
Tuesday, 24th — It is still raining, which makes the fifth day
of steady rain, and at times it comes down in torrents. We are
very fortunate in having shacks set up on the top of the old fort
where we are located, for if we were camping down on the level
ground, we could not possibly keep dry. Our duty is very light
here, but we are getting awfully tired of the place, and hope that
as we have a new landing for the provisions, we may be able to
get away in a few days and move on to the front at Garden Cor
ners, South Carolina.
Wednesday, 23th — It has cleared off now and is quite cool.
It does not take long in this sandy region for the roads to dry
riff, and in three or four days they will be in good condition. We
expect to leave here soon. The men are becoming very restless,
being at one place so long. General Sherman and General How
ard left for the front today.
Thursday, 26th — It is still clear and quite cool with the wind
from the northwest. This is the coldest day we have had this
winter here in the South, yet there is no ice even in a bucket of
water. Friday, 27th — We are still on duty at the old fort, and every
thing is going well. The trains have now quit going to Beaufort
and we expect to receive orders to leave s(X)n.
Saturday, 28th — Our company received orders to move on to
the front tomorrow. The weather is quite pleasant. Some of
the trains of the Fifteenth Corps came in from the landing this
evening, but the corps has not yet arrived.

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 249
(January, 1865)
Sunday, 2pth — Our company left camp in the old fort at lo
o'clock and reached the brigade headquarters at Garden Corners
about n<x)n. Our entire division then moved forward about ten
miles and went into bivouac for the night. The roads were fine
for marching, having had no rain for four days.
Monday, 30th — We marched about three miles this morning
and then went into bivouac to await further orders. The report
is that we are now ready to make the grand raid through South
Carolina. The Seventeenth and Fifteenth Corps are to form
the right wing, as in the campaign through Georgia, with Gen
eral O. O. Howard in command. General Slocum is in command
of the left wing, composed of the other two corps, the Fourteenth
and Twentieth, while Kilpatrick's cavalry will take the flanks as
rear guard. General Sherman is in chief command. General
Foster, it is said, is either to remain here or move to Charleston.
Tuesday, 31st — We remained in bivouac all day and have
heard no news. We drew some clothing today. Our camp is
located about thirty miles northwest of Beaufort. The
country is very level and heavily timbered, chiefly with pine.
It is thinly settled and the farms are small with nothing of con
sequence raised on them. The people are poor, the women and
children being left destitute, as the men have all gone off to the
war.
FEBRUARY, 1863.
Wednesday, ist — We left camp early this morning for the
grand raid through South Carolina, under the command of
General Sherman. But our march will not be an easy one, for the
rebels will do their best to hold us in check. There are one hundred
thousand men within a radius of twenty miles, and there's no
telling how the campaign will end or who will be left dead or mor
tally wounded upon the field without a friend near. Cannon began
booming in less than an hour, but we had no losses today. We
moved foward about eight miles through Whiffy Swamp, driving
the rebels all the way. On account of the bad road we had to travel,
our division could not keep up with the rest of the corps, but went
into camp about four miles in the rear. The Fifteenth Corps came
up on our left to Hicky Hill, making a march of twenty miles.

250 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1866)
Thursday, 2d — This is a beautiful morning and we started
early on our march. We had better roads than yesterday, on
higher ground, and covered thirteen miles. We drove the rebels
forward all day, doing some lively skirmishing in the front. The
rebels have all crossed the Salkehatchie river, but have posses
sion of the two bridges about eight miles apart. We went into
camp near the river. We lost some good officers and brave men
in the skirmishing today. It makes one sorrowful to think that
they have to be buried here in this God-forsaken swamp country.
Friday, 3d — It rained quietly nearly all day, and we remained
in camp until 1 p. m., when we received marching orders. Our
division under General Giles E. Smith then made ready to wade
and swim the river midway between the two bridges. The river
is one and one-fourth miles wide, having at least one hundred and
thirty-three different channels or branches, from two to four feet
deep. It took us an hour and a half to cross over, General Smith
leading on foot, for no horse could go across. We were not al
lowed to talk or let our accouterments make any noise. We found
the rebel pickets on the opposite side, but they fired only a
single shot each and made for tall timber. We remained here on
guard. The First and Third Divisions crossed the river above
us and also drove in the rebel pickets.* Our teams and bat
teries were left in the rear.
Saturday, 4th — We remained in line of battle all night, not
being allowed to build any fires. This morning we moved out
about two miles nearer the upper bridge, the rebels having left
the vicinity during the night. We remained here, fortifying the
bridge. Our teams and batteries came across the bridge this
morning. General Mower's division lost several men here at the
bridge yesterday morning about the time that we were crossing
below. -
Sunday, 3th — The atmosphere is clear and it is getting quite
warm. We remained in our rifle pits all day, but had to put up
our shelter tents, for we actually suffered from the heat. All is
quiet in front. We had company inspection this morning and
'Our division, after successfully crossing the river, effected a lodg
ment on the main Charleston road just before the arrival of eight regi
ments which had been sent up to make good the enemy's position at
this bridge.— A. G. D.
^There was a concerted move by the Union army all along the line.
— Bd.

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 251
(February, 1865)
dress parade in the evening. We drew two days' rations to last
ten days, but we have an abundance of forage. The boys brought
in smoked bacon by the wagon load, also great quantities of corn
meal, sweet potatoes, honey and other good things.
Monday, 6th — The weather changed again, and we had a rath
er cold, drizzling rain nearly all day. We left our trenches at 7
o'clock this morning and were all day in marching ten miles, the
country being so very swampy. We had a great deal of corduroy
to build, and the rebels blocked our way by burning a bridge over
a deep channel in the swamp. There was some skirmishing in
the front. We were ordered to leave all our surplus bacon in the
company parade ground, and the quartermaster would send a wag
on with the extra forage for us ; but we were skeptical and carried
all that our haversacks would hold.*
Tuesday, 7th — We had another a)ll day, cold, drizzling rain.
We left our bivouac at 7 o'clock and after marching fourteen
miles stopped for the night. With every mile the road got bet
ter as we moved upon higher ground, and the forage also be
came more plentiful. Just after we had stacked arms to go into
bivouac, our regiment was ordered to fall in again. We marched
out on the Augusta and Charleston railroad to burn the bridge
over the Edisto river, but the pickets, on hearing our approach,
for it was too dark to see anything, all hastened across the bridge
and set fire to it themselves. This saved us the trouble and we
went back, reaching our bivouac about midnight, after march
ing in all about ten miles.
Wednesday, 8th — Our division started out on the railroad at
7 o'clock this morning and destroyed about ten miles of track.
We then returned to camp for the rest of the day and night. All
is quiet in front.
Thursday, pth — We remained in camp until noon, when we
moved forward again about ten miles and went into bivouac on
the east bank of the Edisto river. The First Division waded the
river to drive the rebels back so that the engineers with our corps
could lay the pontoons for the corps to cross. The Fifteenth
'Our company alone left a load of the finest bacon, besides other
articles. It was the last we saw of our store of surplus forage. We
learned later that the officers took that way of having the forage left
for the negroes and poor people of the vicinity, for we had cleaned the
vicinity of everything. — A. G. D.

252 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1865)
Corps crossed the river about a mile above. A great deal of prop
erty is being destroyed by our army on this raid. The familiar
clouds of smoke are becoming more numerous every day, while
out on the left we can count from ten to twenty of the red clouds
in the heavens every night.
Friday, loth — We lay in camp all day, but large foraging
parties were sent out. They brought in great quantities of for
age—pork and potatoes, also feed for the animals. The farming
is all done here by the negro women and old men, the able-bodied
men, white and black, being in the army. We received a large
mail today, the first for a month. I got two letters and two pack
ages. Saturday, nth — Very pleasant weather. We started at 8
o'clock this morning and moved forward twelve miles. There
was some skirmishing in front, and our forces routed the enemy
from some strong positions.*
Sunday, 12th — Our division relieved the Third Division on
the skirmish line at the bridge this morning, while they went
down the river about a mile, laid the pontoons and crossed over.
The skirmishing was commenced at an early hour all along the
line for a distance of fifteen miles. Our men threw shells across
the river into Orangeburg, and the rebels left the bridge about
I o'clock. Our division crossed the bridge two hours later and
took possession of the town.*
Orangeburg is nicely situated on the north bank of the Edisto
river, and on the railroad running from Charleston to Columbia.
The town is almost deserted, but before the war it had a popu
lation of three thousand. We destroyed the railroad and went
into camp for the night.
Monday, 13th — Our corps started out at 7 o'clock this morning
and after destroying twenty-six miles of railroad, marched fifteen
miles, on the State road from Charleston to Columbia, and went
into camp. This is the finest road over which we have marched
'When the Confederates had good positions, they were unable to
make a strong stand and retain them. For although they could delay
our army for a time at the main crossings of rivers, there was always
another part of our army reaching the same river by some byroad,
which after crossing would flank them, or coming up in the rear would
drive them out of their defenses. — A. G. D.
The town was on fire when we arrived. The report was that the
town was set on flre by a Jew, in revenge for the enemy's setting flre
to his cotton, about flfty bales,, when they evacuated the place. The high
winds which prevailed rapidly spread the flre in spite of the efforts of
the soldiers to extinguish it.

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 253
(February, 1865)
in all the South; it had mile posts and our division commander
must have wanted to see how fast we could march, for we stepped
off the fifteen miles in just three hours and fifteen minutes.
Tuesday, 14th — We started to move forward at 9 a. m. and
after an easy march of twelve miles* went into camp for the night.
The rebels are still retreating before us.
Wednesday, 13th — It rained all night, and this morning is
quite cool. By 8 o'clock we were again on the move and cov
ered ten miles in pushing the rebels back. The Fifteenth Corps
on our right drove them back this afternoon behind their fortifi
cations on the south bank of the Congaree river, then we had a
regular artillery duel until after dark. We have been in the
smoke of the burning pine woods and buildings almost contin
uously for the last few days. At times when marching on a road
alongside the burning pine timber, we became so blackened from
the smoke as to look like negroes, while the heat from the burn
ing pitch was frightful.
Thursday, i6th — Early this morning cannonading was begun
in front of the Fifteenth Corps, followed by some lively skirmish
ing, and the rebels were routed from their works and driven
across the Congaree river. The Fifteenth Corps then marched up
along the south bank of the river above the city of Columbia, to
the forks, where the Saluda and Broad rivers form the Congaree,
and crossed the Saluda on the pontoons. In the meantime our
regiment was behind on train guard and did not come into action.
We moved forward and with our corps went into camp for the
night on the south bank of the Congaree, just opposite Columbia,
the state capital.
Friday, 17th — The Seventeenth Army Corps remained all day
on the south bank of the Congaree river, near the Saluda cotton
mills, while the Fifteenth Corps early this morning crossed the
'It will be recalled that in the campaign through Georgia we went
in extra light marching orders. Just before we began our raid through
the Carolinas, at Pocotaligo, we received further orders which stripped
us of all unnecessary articles. General Sherman himself had only a
fly-tent at night.
Now I never could stand to carry a heavy knapsack, generally not
carrying enough to make it keep its shape. Before we left Pocotaligo,
therefore, in order to make it keep its shape and thus carry easier,
I made a frame out of a cracker box, eighteen inches square
by four inches in depth, and placed it in my knapsack, then rolling my
fly-tent, four by seven feet, and around it my rubber poncho, making
a roll about eighteen or twenty inches long, I strapped it on my knap
sack and I was ready for the march. With this outflt, when I was well,
I could easily march thirty to thirty-five miles a day. This I did with
out becoming fatigued, carrying besides, my rifie, cartridge-box, haver
sack with five days' rations, and my canteen filled with water. — A. G. D.

254 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February, 1865)
north fork, the Broad river, on pontoons, having laid them dur
ing the night, and moved down upon Columbia. But when they
entered the place they found that the rebels had already left it.
In the meantime the Thirteenth Iowa Regiment, being on our
skirmish line in front of the city, crossed the river in skiffs and
after a little skirmishing succeeded in placing their flag on the
State House before any of the Fifteenth Corps even got into
town.* So a part of the Seventeenth Corps was the first to enter
Columbia.^ Our corps crossed the forks late this afternoon and
went into camp a short distance from town.
Saturday, i8th — ^Columbia was almost completely destroyed
by fire last night. Only a few houses in the outskirts are left
standing, and many people are without homes this morning. Col-
lumbia was a very nice town situated on the Congaree at the head
of navigation. Three railroads run through the town. A new
stone State House was being built, which it is said was to have
been the capital of the Southern Confederacy. Last night I
passed b}- the sheds where the fine mar^ble columns for the build-
'This is precisely the substance of the original entry of Mr. Down-^
ing's diary. In the following footnote, after almost fifty years, he ex
plains the flag episode more fully and also speaks incidentally of the
burning of Columbia, though he makes no mention of it in his original;
that he did not is, however, not to be wondered at, since such burnings
were common. In his revision fifty years later he does not enter into
the discussion of "Who Burned Columbia," but makes a single state
ment, which seems to hold the Confederates responsible. — Bd.
-It was a bright sunshiny day with a high wind blowing from the
south. From where we were, on the south bank of the river just oppo
site the city, we could see men on foot and on horseback in the main
street of Columbia, lighting the cotton bales which they before had
piled up in the streets for defenses. In the forenoon a detachment of
men from the Thirteenth Iowa Regiment crossed the river, and driving
the enemy's skirmishers into the city, they placed their regimental flag
on the State House, thus having the honor of being the first to place
the Stars and Stripes on the capitol of the first state to secede from the
Union. The Thirteenth Iowa was in Crocker's Brigade, or the Third Bri
gade of the Fourth Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps. The boys
of the Thirteenth Iowa made the mistake of not placing a guard about
their flag, for about an hour after they had raised their flag, the Iowa
Brigade in the Fifteenth Army Corps entered the city from the west, and
the Thirtieth Iowa Regiment of that brigade, being on the skirmish
line, naturally made for the State House. Upon approaching the capitol
and seeing no Union soldiers around, they proceeded to investigate a
little, and upon entering the building and finding no guard, they took
down the fiag of the Thirteenth Iowa, and put up their own instead.
They then left a guard to defend it. The Thirteenth Iowa was without
a fiag for two or three days, when the Thirtieth Iowa finally returned
to them their flag.
Our corps, the Seventeenth, moved up the river, and by dark had
crossed the forks, the Saluda and Broad rivers, on the pontoons. As
soon as we had stacked arms, I left for the city to replenish my haver
sack, which had become rather flat, and I did not get back to our bivouac
until 2 o'clock in the morning, and then without anything to eat in
my haversack. On entering town I passed by the abandoned Confed
erate commissary department, and seeing a great abundance of food
stuffs, I thought that I would go down into town for a while, and then
on my way back would flll up my haversack. But when I returned, 1
found the building in flames and food and all was in ashes before day
light.— A. G. D.

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 255
(February, 1865)
ing were carved and stored, and this morning they were all in
ruins and the sheds in ashes. It is a sad sight to see the citizens
standing in groups on the streets, holding little bundles of their
most valued effects and not knowing what to do. It is said that
some even came here from Charleston to escape Sherman's army.
The people certainly have paid dearly for the privilege of seced
ing from the Union. The Seventeenth Corps passed through Col
umbia this morning and we were more than three hours in going
through town. Our division marched out northwest along the
railroad, destroying it all the way, and went into bivouac about
six miles from town.
Sunday, ipth — We marched out on the railroad today and de
stroyed seven miles of track, then retumed to camp, where we
had left our knapsacks. We heard the sounds today of heavy
explosions down in Columbia, and it is reported that our men
have blown up the new State House.*
Monday, 20th — We continued our march northward today
about ten miles, destroying six miles of railroad. All the rail
roads within twenty miles of Columlbia have been destroyed, every
tie is burned and every rail is twisted into a corkscrew. A
sad accident happened yesterday afternoon in Columbia
when a detail from the Fifteenth Army Corps was casting the
fixed ammunition into the river. A man dropped a shell on the
bank of the river, which exploding, caused other ammunition to
explode and ignited a large quantity of powder, killing several
soldiers and wounding twenty others. When Sherman heard of
it, he is said to have remarked that one of his soldiers was worth
more than all that ammunition or even the city of Columbia.
Tuesday, 21st — We left camp about noon and moved forward
another ten miles. The First Brigade took the railroad, destroy
ing it as they went.
Wednesday, 22d — We started at 6 o'clock this morning and
marched about fifteen miles. Our brigade tore up two miles of
'The sound of the explosions in Columbia, which we heard on that
day, was due to the destruction by our men of the fixed ammunition
found there. General Sherman saved the beautiful new state capitol
building though it bore some of the ear marks of our shot and shell.
The burning of Columbia resulted from the Confederates' setting flre
to the bales of cotton in the streets; then at night some of the Union
soldiers, getting too much poor whisky and burning with revenge, set
fire to some of the vacant houses, and the high wind soon spread it
over the whole town. — A. G. D.

256 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (February. 1865)
railroad. We passed through Winnsboro at lo a. m. The Twen
tieth Corps camped here last night and this moming moved north
along the railroad. About half of the town is burned. We left
the railroad at this place and marched eastward, going into camp
within six miles of the Wateree river. There are large numbers
of refugees at Winnsboro, well-to-do citizens having come from
all parts of the South — from Vicksburg, Atlanta, and other places
too numerous to mention. They came into this state, to this se
cluded town, thinking that the Yankees would never be able to
set foot on the sacred soil of South Carolina. They declare now
that they will go no farther, as it would be of no use, and we
agree with them in this case.
Thursday, 23d — We broke camp at 7 o'clock this morning and
marched ten miles, going into bivouac at Liberty Hill. At noon
we crossed the Wateree river, at Perry's ferry, on a pontoon
bridge which the Fifteenth Corps had laid and crossed on just
ahead of us. Our division led the advance in the Seventeenth
Corps, the other two divisions going into bivouac four miles in
our rear.
Friday, 24th — We started on our march at 7 this morning,
our division again taking the advance. We marched twenty
miles, and all the way in a fearful northeast rain, accompanied
by a high wind. The country is getting very rough. Some
of our foragers have been horribly butchered by the
rebels' cavalry during the last few days. Such atrocities as we
have witnessed make the horrors of the battlefield seem like ten
der mercies. In one instance one of our couriers was found
hanged on the roadside with a paper attached to his person bear
ing the words: "Death to all foragers." At another place we
found three men shot dead with a similar notice on their bodies.
Yesterday our cavalry in the direction of Chesterfield found twen
ty-one of our infantry lying dead in a ravine with their throats
cut. There was no note giving a reason for the frightful mur
ders. Saturday, 23th — It rained all night, but today it is clear. We
marched fifteen miles today through the mud. Our regiment is
on train guard. We found Little Lynches creek flooded and we
had to wade it, the water being waist deep. The Twentieth
Corps crossed the creek above us, the day before, and we learned

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 257
(February, 1865)
that they raised the floodgates of a dam, letting the water in on
us before we could get across. Our supply train had a hard
time crossing. The water came up into the wagon boxes and a
great deal of our hard bread got wet. We lost several beef cat
tle in the flood. The First Division did not come across this
evening. The hills on this side of the creek are frightful and the
mud is deep; when a wagon once settles in one of the holes, it
takes a final rest, for no effort of man or beast can extricate it.
Sunday, 26th— We had another all-night rain, but it cleared
off this morning. We started at 8 a. m. and marched ten miles,
going into camp near the Big Lynches creek. Our division is
still in the advance ; the First Division did not yet come up with
us. We have level country now, but for about twenty-five miles
on eac'h side of the Wateree river the land is very rough and cov
ered with pine timber.
Motuiay, 27th — The day was clear and pleasant. About mid
night last night our regiment was detailed to tear down an old
mill to get material for the engineers with the pontoniers to build
a bridge across the Big Lynches creek. We worked till 4 a. m.,
when we came in for a rest. This morning we took the advance
again with the teams and worked all day in building corduroy
to help the artillery and wagons across. When one layer of logs
would go under in the mud, we had to put on another till all the
teams had passed over. Our division got across late in the even
ing and went into camp about a mile beyond the creek.
Tuesday, 28th — We moved forward, in an all-day rain. The
First Division took the advance, while the Third was in the cen
ter, and the Fourth in the rear. Our regiment was rear guard
of the corps, and did not get into bivouac till 10 p. m. The
corps upon going into bivouac late this afternoon threw
up fortifications, for we are twenty miles in advance of the left
wing, and have to lie here till they catch up. The Fifteenth Corps
is away off to our right.
MARCH, 1865.
Wednesday, ist — March came in with an all-day drizzling
rain. We remained in bivouac all day. Large foraging parties
were sent out, but did not succeed in getting anything, not even

258 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1865)
enough for the teams and the men that went out. The country
is very thinly settled and the people here can hardly raise enough
to live on. The soil is very sandy and the country is very heav
ily timbered, the trees being mostly pitch pine. There are some
large turpentine camps about here.
Thursday, 2d — Still in camp. It was misty all day. One of
our rebel prisoners was shot today at corps headquarters. He
had to pay the penalty for the rebels' treatment of one of
our men, from Company H, Thirty-fourth Illinois, whom they
held as a prisoner and shot without provocation. When the pris
oners at our headquarters were told that one of them had to pay
the penalty, they drew lots, and it fell to a middle-aged man to
die. The man was given time to write a letter to his family and
then after bidding his comrades farewell, he was led out and shot.
Friday, 3d — It is still raining. We left our dismal camp at
7 a. m. and marched eleven miles, going into bivouac near Che-
raw. The First Division of the Seventeenth Corps drove the
rebels out of their works on Thompson creek and on through
Cheraw and across the Great Pedee river. They captured seven
teen cannon, three thousand stand of small arms and a number
of prisoners. Cheraw is quite a business town and had been a
manufacturing center for the rebel army. It is at the head
of navigation on the Great Pedee river and has a railroad run
ning to Charleston, South Carolina.
Saturday, 4th — We remained in bivouac all day. The Fif
teenth Corps just came in on a road to our left and is to cross
the Pedee ahead of the Seventeenth. The rebel skirmishers
are just across the river and our skirmishers are keeping up a
lively fusillade. Our engineers cannot lay the pontoons so long
as the rebels are on the opposite bank of the river and the plan
is to send a detachment above or below and cross the river after
dark, and flank them. The foragers of the Seventeenth Corps
were put in command of the colonel of the Ninth Illinois today and
sent out on a raid to Society Hill, fifteen miles south of Cheraw on
the railroad. They captured and destroyed two trains of cars
loaded with ammunition and provisions, and then tore up the
tracks for some miles and burned everything in town that would
burn.

RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA 259
(March, 1865)
Sunday, 3th — The First Division of the Seventeenth Corps
crossed the river last evening after dark and drove the rebels
back. Our engineers then laid the pontoons and the troops be
gan crossing at once. Our brigade passed through the town and
crossed the river at noon and then continued our march for seven
miles, when we went into bivouac for the night. Cheraw was
nearly all burned to the ground before our men left it. The
rebels burned the bridge across the river and upon evacuating
the town set fire to it, and our men burned what remained. We
are in a rich country again and forage is plentiful.
Monday, 6th — Pleasant weather. We started at 9 a. m.,
marched eight miles and went into bivouac near Bennettsville.
We are marching through a fine country and have plenty of for
age. There are no rebels in front of us at present. We are
nearing the state line now between South Carolina and North
Carolina, and our army has certainly made a wide path of desola
tion through the state.*
Tuesday, 7th — Weather is still pleasant. We started at 9 a.
m. and marching eight miles, went into bivouac for the night.
This is a fine country and we found plenty of forage again today.
Negroes are putting in the crops, mostly com. We saw some
fine fields of winter wheat. There is very little cotton put in here.

'In our march through South Carolina every man seemed to think
that he had a free hand to burn any kind of property he could put the
torch to. South Carolina paid the dearest penalty of any state in the
Confederacy, considering the short time the Union army was in the
state, and it was well that, she should; for, if South Carolina had not
been so persistent in going to war, there would have been no war for
years to come. — A. G. D.

260 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March. 1865)

Chapter XXIII.
March Through North Carolina. The Last Campaign. John
ston's Surrender to Sherman. March 8-April 26.
Wednesday, 8th — We started at 9 a. m. and marched seven
teen miles, going into camp for the night at Floral College, North
Carolina. It rained all day and the roads became very muddy.
The First Brigade on guard with the supply trains is in camp
about six miles in the rear. We entered the state of North Car
olina about 10 a. m. and received orders that there should be no
burning of property ; that any soldier caught in the act of starting
a fire should be shot on the spot.*
Thursday, pth — It is still raining. The army started at 8 a.
m. Companies C, D and E of the Eleventh Iowa were sent back
to town on provost guard, to see that nothing was burned, unti'
the First Division should come up. Our division is on the main
road. The First and Third Divisions are on roads to our right,
and the Fifteenth Corps is off on our left. We marched twelve
miles today.
Friday, loth — Started on our march again at 7 a. m. and made
twelve miles today. It is still raining and the creeks and swamps
are all overflowing. There was no show of keeping our clothing
dry, for besides the rain, we had to wade some thirteen creeks
and sloughs, some of them waist deep. This is a most God-for
saken stretch of country, and there is only now and then a small
farm. I can't understand how anybody could live here ; in fact,
the citizens have all left their homes.
Saturday, nth — It is clear again and quite pleasant. We
were off at 7 a. m. and marched twelve miles. Went into bivouac
within a mile of Fayetteville. Our division had the honor of
driving the rebels out of town, but the Fourteenth Corps was
placed on garrison duty. All of Sherman's forces, the four corps,
are concentrating at this place to cross the Cape Fear river. For
age is very scarce, the country being so very poor, but we hope
soon to strike rich country where we can fill our haversacks.
'This was a proper order, for the war was about over, and the order
was generally respected. — A. G. D.

THE LAST CAMPAIGN 261
(March, 1865)
Sunday, 12th — We remained in our bivouac all day, the boys
putting in the time in mending their shoes and clothing. The
Fifteenth Corps came in today. The engineers laid the pontoons
across the river. Fayetteville is just across on the east bank of
the river, and is at the head of navigation, ninety miles from
Wilmington on the coast. A boat came up this morning from
Wilmington. Our men did not burn much property in town,
only the public buildings were fired.
Monday, 13th — The Seventeenth Corps crossed the river this
morning and marched out about a mile, where we halted till late
in the aftemoon, when we moved forward three miles and went
into bivouac for the night. Three more boats came up from
Wilmington today. They are to be loaded with the refugees and
contrabands gathered up by Sherman's army.
Tuesday, 14th — I went out early this morning with the for
aging party of our division, in search of feed for the horses and
mules. We came to a rich plantation about four miles out, with
comcribs well filled, and in a short time we had the wagons loaded.
Some of us had been put to loading the wagons while others went
to get the chickens and other things. After the boys had caught
and loaded all the chickens and upset fully a hundred beehives,
they called out, "The rebels are coming!" We had just finished
loading the wagons, but that call was enough to frighten the
teamsters, and they put the whip to the mules, starting off on a
dead run. The road ran through a heavy timber, but it was wide
and perfectly level, and they galloped the teams the whole way
back to our bivouac. It was every fellow for himself, and I
never ran faster in my life. A commissioner from Cornell Col
lege* was in camp today for the purpose of raising money to ed
ucate the orphan children of soldiers and sailors. Our company
raised $229.00.
Wednesday, 15th — We were on the move at 7 a. m. and
marched ten miles today. Went into bivouac near the Black
river. The section of the country through which we passed to
day is almost one continuous swamp and heavily timbered. There
is a small farm now and then. The corps took different roads
and so we all got into bivouac earlier. Our division, the Fourth,
had the center. When the road was wide enough the infantry
'College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

262 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1865)
would march at one side, allowing the artillery and teams to oc
cupy the roadway. This made it equal to a double column, and
we could move faster and save time.
Thursday, i6th — We had a thunderstorm yesterday at 2 p. m.
and today we had an all-day rain. We marched twelve miles in
the mud, our division taking the lead. Our regiment crossed the
South river after dark, on the stringers of the bridge, the rebels
having burned a part of the bridge. The engineers have to lay
the pontoons for the artillery and teams to cross. The country
is very poor and forage is scarce.
Friday, 17th — Our division is still in the lead. We started at
7 a. m. and marched fifteen miles. Our regiment was train guard
and we did not get into bivouac until midnight. The rebels are
in our front and hard to drive; their main force, however, is on
our left, in front of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps. It was
clear today and quite pleasant.
Saturday, i8th — We started at 8 a. m. and marched twelve
miles, the Third Division being in the advance. We had to cross
a swamp four miles wide and the water in places was knee-deep.
Our progress was slow because we had to lay a great deal of
corduroy so that the artillery and trains could pass over the deep
holes. A great many of the men are almost barefooted and their
clothing is nearly worn out. The men on forage take everything in
the clothing line that is fit to wear, regardless of the cut or color.
Some have on white vests and straw hats, and occasionally one
can be seen in the ranks wearing a swallow-tailed coat and white
vest. This morning our men drew a few pairs of shoes, brought
from Washington.
Sunday, ipth — We were off at 7 a. m. and marched ten miles
through fine country. The roads were good and no swamps to
cross. They had good crops here last year, and there was plenty
of forage, so this evening we had our haversacks replenished.
There was some heavy cannonading off on the left in front
of the Twentieth Corps. The weather is fine.
Monday, 20th — Reveille sounded at 1 a. m. At 3 o'clock with
the Fifteenth Corps in front, we took up the line of march and
moved forward twenty-one miles, where we found the rebels
fortified on the west side of the Neuse river near Bentonville.

THE LAST CAMPAIGN 263
(March, 1865)
We drove them back inside of their works, and forming a line
of battle moved up as close to their works as we could, and then
buih a line of rifle pits. We left our wagon trains far in the rear
under guard. The rebels" force is reported to be about thirty-
five thousand men under the command of General Johnston.
General Schofield has been moving up this way from the coast,
and we just learned that he reached Goldsboro and took posses
sion of the place this afternoon. We are informed that General
Sherman will now open up communications from Goldsboro
southeast to Newbern.
Tuesday, 21st — We advanced our line of battle a half mile,
driving in the rebel skirmishers. Our loss was quite large in
killed and wounded. All our artillery was brought into action
and at times this afternoon the roar of cannon was fearful ; but
the rebels made no reply. Their loss in killed and wounded was
large. There was some hard skirmishing on both sides. The
Fifth and Twenty-fourth Corps under command of General Ord
joined us this afternoon, thus reinforcing General Sherman's"
army. The army is in fine spirits for all that the men are poorly
clothed and short of rations ; but anything that General Sherman
wants done now, they are willing to do. All know that when we
gain this battle, we will have a short rest and a chance to draw
some clothing, besides securing rations, for forage is scarce.
Wednesday, 22d — Companies E and F of the Eleventh Iowa
were sent out at 6 o'clock this morning on the skirmish line, but
there were no rebels to be seen in our front. They left dur
ing the night, crossing the Neuse river, and retreating towards
Raleigh, the state capital, s Kilpatrick's cavalry pursued them for
several miles. The rebels fought in the pine woods, which were
set on fire by the shells from our artillery. The fire compelled
them to fall back, and they left their dead and wounded on the
battlefield, to the mercy of the flames; the clothing was entirely
burned off some of the bodies. The loss was very light on both
sides. We remained all day in bivouac at the rifle pits, while the
Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps moved back towards Goldsboro.
Thursday, 23d — An order from General Sherman was read
this morning, stating that the campaign was over,* and that we
'This battle proved to be our last, and it is known as the battle of
Bentonville. We took part later in the surrender of Johnston's army
at Raleigh, N. C, but there was no battle then, or before the surrender,
only a little skirmishing. — A. G. D.

264 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (March, 1865)
should now prepare to take a short rest. We left the rifle
pits at 7 o'clock, marched fifteen miles, and bivouacked within five
miles of Goldsboro. Our army is concentrating there, and we
are to get supplies, rest up, and prepare for another campaign.
Friday, 24th — We left bivouac at 7 a. m. and marched to the
Neuse river, which we crossed near Goldsboro on a pontoon
.bridge. As we passed through town, we were reviewed by Gen
eral Sherman, passing him by platoon form, and marching to mar
tial music. The men looked pretty hard after such a long raid,
ragged and almost barefooted; but we felt repaid, for we had
accomplished the task which we had set out to do when we left
Savannah. We went into camp north of town just outside of
the town limits. Our corps, the Seventeenth, occupies the right
center and the Twentieth Corps the left center, while the Fif
teenth Corps occupies the right and the Fourteenth Corps the left.
General Schofield's army, the Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth
and Twenty-fifth Corps, is going into camp in the vicinity of
Clinton. Saturday, 23th — We remained in camp all day. Large forag
ing parties were sent out to get feed for the mules and horses.
Our train loaded with supplies returned from Kingston, down on
the river. A construction train came in from Kingston, repair
ing the railroad. The Twenty-third Corps from Schofield's army
has been moved to Kingston. All the troops are in camp in and
around Goldsboro, and it will be but a short time until all our
supplies will be brought in from the coast by the railroad.
The Thirteenth Iowa received three hundred recruits today.
Sunday, 26th — Pleasant weather. The Eleventh Iowa was
sent out with a foraging train to get corn and fodder for the
mules and horses of our brigade. They had to go a distance of
thirteen miles to get the feed. I being on camp duty did not go.
A train of cars came in from Newbern loaded with supplies for
the army, and our quartermaster received some clothing for the
regiment. Monday, 27th — We cleaned up our camp today, and are build
ing "ranches" with the expectation of staying here a while. We
have a fine camp ground and plenty of water. Large foraging
parties are sent out for corn and fodder. All is quiet in the front.
No news of any importance.

THE LAST CAMPAIGN 265
(March, 1865)
Tuesday, 28th — We have had pleasant weather for several
days, but today it is cloudy, with some rain. The men drew new
clothing today just as fast as the quartermaster could receive the
supply from the general quartermaster. Nearly every man in the
regiment is drawing a full suit, out and out. Some of the men
have to get new knapsacks, canteens and haversacks, while all
are getting new shoes. I drew a pair of pants and a blouse, a
pair of drawers and a pair of socks. Our regiment out on dress
parade has the appearance of a new regiment.
Wednesday, 2pth — It is quite rainy. We are now in spring
quarters. Some of the boys in the regiment get teams from the
quartermaster, go out to some vacant house or barn, and get what
lumber they want to build "ranches." J. D. Moore and William
Green went out this morning with a team and brought in a load
of lumber, and then this afternoon we built a small house for our
mess of four — Moore, Green, Jason Sparks and myself.
Thursday, 30th — It is quite stormy and rainy today. All is
quiet in camp, and there is no news of importance.
Friday, 31st — Cloudy and windy today. We are ordered to
have company drill four hours a day and dress parade at 5 o'clock
in the evening. This is all the duty we have to perform ; do not
even have camp guard or provost duty. We have no picket duty
to do, as the Twentieth Corps is out in front of us. We are
drawing full rations now and have plenty of clothing.
This is fine soldiering to what it was wading swamps in South
Carolina. Nothing more for this month.
APRIL, 1863.
Saturday, ist — The weather is pleasant. No news of any im
portance. The camp here is the best we have had since leaving
Vicksburg. Our "ranch" is eight feet square, boarded up seven
feet high, and has a gable roof of the proper pitch covered over
with our rubber ponchos, nailed to the rafters ; it will protect us
from the worst rainstorm. Our bunks are raised two feet from
the ground. We have a door to the "ranch," made of boards, and
the latch-string hangs out.
Sunday, 2d — Regular camp routine is the order. We had
company inspection this morning besides two hours' drill. A

266 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1865)
great many of us attended church in town this moming, also in
the evening.
Monday, 3d — Fine weather continues, and camp routine the
same. We are enjoying our fine camp ground, and to prevent
our becoming stale, we have to keep up regular drill for our next
campaign. Tuesday, 4th — The quartermaster distributed new clothing
today. I drew a hat, a pair of shoes and a pair of socks. We
are enjoying full rations again, and also our new clothing. We
no longer have to search our haversacks for a crumb of hardtack.
Wednesday, 3th — The regimental chaplains are occupying the
pulpits of the different churches of Goldsboro and conducting
nightly meetings. A large number of the boys are attending and
a great many are coming forward and professing the name of the
Lord. May the work continue until all have made the profession.
Thursday, 6th — News comes that General Grant has taken
Richmond with five thousand prisoners and five hundred pieces
of artillery. We also hear that Mobile has been taken with twen
ty thousand prisoners and a large number of guns. Glorious
news !
Friday, 7th — Weather still pleasant. Company drill two hours
a day. Our brigade came out in review and was inspected by
General Smith. A statement was read to us by the assistant ad
jutant general of our brigade, stating our loss at Richmond, and
also that of the enemy. Our loss was seven thousand killed and
two thousand taken prisoners, while that of the enemy was forty
thousand in killed, wounded and prisoners.
Saturday, 8th — All is quiet. Sherman's army received orders
to march on the loth. Our wagon trains are loaded with thirty-
five days' rations, and we are to carry five days' rations in our
haversacks. The news is so good that all are anxious to move
at once. The boys are all happy, thinking that this will be our
last campaign. Our brigade received orders to clean cloth
ing and accouterments for regimental inspection.
Sunday, pth — Very pleasant weather. Our division was in
spected this forenoon by General Smith. Two regiments in fhe
division did not pass inspection and were sent back to their
"ranches" with the order to get themselves up in better style and

THE LAST CAMPAIGN 267
(April, 1865)
come back at 4 o'clock for inspection. The Eleventh Iowa was
complimented for its neat appearance. We were ordered to come
over to General Smith's headquarters at 5 o'clock in the evening
to hold our dress parade. The officers of the two disgraced reg
iments were ordered to appear at his headquarters to see our reg
iment go through the manual of arms on our dress parade.
We returned to our "ranches" much elated over the high com-
pHments we had received from our division commander. We set
to work at once preparing for our dress parade, not even taking
time to cook our noon-day mess. A number of the boys were
sent down town to buy all the white gloves and white collars they
could find, besides shoe blacking and shoe brushes, and then we
spent all the time till the parade in fixing ourselves up. We went
over to the general's headquarters looking our best, and every
move ordered by our colonel was nicely executed in the presence of
the line officers of the other two regiments.*
Monday, loth — Had an all-day rain. The entire army moved
forward today, some starting at 8 a. m. We packed our knap
sacks early this morning, but did not start until 10 o'clock. While
we were waiting, some of the Twenty-fourth Iowa Regiment
which had arrived at Goldsboro came over to our "ranches" for a
visit. We boys had a visit from Homer Curtis of Company C,
Twenty-fourth Iowa. We marched ten miles today. The Fifteenth
and Seventeenth Corps form the right wing, the Twenty-third
Corps, in command of General Schofield, the center, and the Four
teenth and Twentieth Corps form the left wing. Some heavy can-'
nonading off on the left.
Tuesday, nth — Weather quite pleasant. We started at 6 a.
m. and marched twelve miles. Our march was very slow, the
road being through one continuous swamp. We had to lay cor
duroy the whole way. Our division, the First, was in front of
the corps, and there was some skirmishing in our front.
Wednesday, 12th — We started at 8 a. m. and marched five
miles, all the way through one continuous swamp. News came
to us this forenoon that General Lee had surrendered his entire
army to General Grant. It was glorious news. We forgot all
'The next day when we started for Raleigh, one of those two regi
ments having marched out on the road ahead of our regiment, was or
dered to halt while ours passed to the front. While we were marching
by they could not find words strong enough to express their contempt
for us. — A. G. D.

268 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1865)
about our hard marching, and the whole brigade commenced sing
ing songs — "John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave.
As we go marching on !"
Thursday, 13th — It rained nearly all day and I never saw it
rain harder than it did this forenoon. We left our bivouac at 5
a. m. and marched eighteen miles. The roads are good now. The
left wing of our army marched into Raleigh, the capital of North
Carolina, the rebels having evacuated the place last night.
Friday, 14th — We started at 5 a. m. and marched twenty-one
miles. We crossed the Neuse river at noon and passed through
Raleigh about dusk, going into bivouac four miles west of town.
Raleigh is a very nice place, and not a building was burned. Our
division had the advance, the Eleventh and Thirteenth Iowa being
on train guard.
Saturday, 13th — We started at 7 a. m., marched only four
miles and went into camp again. News came from the front that
Johnston had stopped fighting for the purpose of surrendering his
army to General Sherman. It rained hard all day, but we don't
mind that when hearing such glorious news as the surrender of
Johnston. The Third and First Divisions remained in camp.
Sunday, i6th — The weather is warm and pleasant. We re
mained in bivouac all day. All is quiet in the front and both
armies are resting under a flag of truce. Neither army is al
lowed to change its position while the agreement is in force.
Monday, 17th — News came that Abe Lincoln* had been as
sassinated at Washington, in a theater, also Secretary Seward
and his son.* When the news came of the death of the president,
the safety guards, placed at private houses to protect the fami
lies from violence, were relieved. General Sherman at once de
manded an answer from Johnston by tomorrow, in regard to the
surrender. Charles Correll of our company was put under arrest
for saying that the president should have been shot three years
ago. Correll has only been with the company since the 28th of
last September, and then had been hired to enlist for a big sum
of money. I went out on picket this morning.
'That a soldier should speak of Lincoln in such familiar terms was
but natural. It was in no sense disrespectful. All through the war the
President was spoken of as "Abe" Lincoln. — Bd.
^This shows again the unreliable character of the first reports. — Bd.

THE LAST CAMPAIGN 269
(April, 1865)
Tuesday, i8th — General Sherman went out to the front on the
cars, and the two generals agreed upon the terms for the surren
der of Johnston's army. Both annies are to go into camp and
remain until the terms of surrender have been approved by the
War Department at Washington. The Union army is to go into
camp in the vicinity of Raleigh, and the rebel army in the
vicinity of Chapel Hill. I came in from picket this morning, hav
ing been out on the picket line for twenty-four hours.
Wednesday, ipth — We struck our tents about noon and
marched back about five miles, toward Raleigh, going into camp
within three miles of town. We laid out our camp in regular
order for the purpose of building small houses and covering them
with our shelter tents.
Thursday, 20th — It rained some today. We spent the day in
raising our tents. There is great rejoicing in camp. Many think
that peace is made, and that in a few days we shall likely start
for home.
Friday, 21st — Rain again today. All the men in the five dif
ferent corps are at work fixing up their camp grounds. The army
feels very sad and sorrowful over the death of the president.
Saturday, 22d — It is quite pleasant today. I went out with a
team after a load of lumber for our company. We pulled down
an old, vacant barn. No property is being burned and destroyed
in this state, and only vacant buildings are torn down to get lum
ber with which to build "ranches." There is a large amount of land
lying idle around here. The field where we have our camp has
not been farmed for two or three years. But there are some fine
wheat fields here and the wheat is just heading out. We
have a fine camp ; all of the tents are raised now, and our
brigade has shade trees set in rows throughout our camp. There
being no trees, we went to the timber and cut down small bushy
pine trees for the purpose, setting them in the ground. Our
camp looked so fine that the staff artist of Harper's Weekly took
a picture of it for the paper.
Sunday, 23d — We had regimental inspection at 10 a. m. and
this afternoon at 2 o'clock our division was reviewed by General
Smith. The division came out in good style.
Monday, 24th — The Seventeenth Army Corps marched to
Raleigh this afternoon and was reviewed by Lieutenant-General

270 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (April, 1865)
Grant and Major-General Sherman. Their reviewing stand was
in front of the governor's mansion. The army was glad to see
their old commander once more. We received orders to move for
ward in the morning, since the terms of the surrender of Johns
ton's army were not approved by the War Department at Wash
ington. This is not good news for us, but we are hoping that
Johnston will surrender without more fighting.
Tuesday, 23th — We broke camp again and at 7 a. m. started
to move forward, our division, the Fourth, taking up the rear.
We marched six miles and went into camp for the night. All is
quiet in the front. Deserters from Johnston's army are still com
ing in from the front. They declare that they do not want to do
any more fighting, for they know that their cause is lost. They
also expressed the belief that Johnston would surrender without
fighting. Wednesday, 26th — The weather is pleasant. We remained in
camp all day. Lieutenant-General Grant and Major-General Sher
man went to the front early this morning. The report came late
this afternoon that Johnston had surrendered his entire army to
Sherman. Great rejoicing in camp 1 Johnston is to retain one-
seventh of his small arms until his men start for their homes.

FROM A PHOTOGRAPH OF SERGEANT DOWNING
TAKEN AT LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, JUST BE
FORE THE MUSTERING OUT, JULY, 1865.

PEACEFUL MARCH THROUGH VIRGINIA 271
(April, 1865)

Chapter XXIV.
Peaceful March Through Virginia and the Grand Review at
Washington. April 27-May 27.
Thursday, 27th — We returned to our old camp just vacated
and put our shelter tents over the old "ranches" again. By i p. m.
the tents were all filled, we were at home once more and enjoying
ourselves. The boys are now waiting for orders to start for their
homes, but we are wondering which way we will go. Some think
we will have to go back to the coast and take ship for New Or
leans ; but I guess we will leave that to General Sherman — he has
never yet made a mistake in leading us.
Friday, 28th — The weather continues fine. We spent the day
in washing and cleaning our clothing. We received orders to
start for Washington at 8 o'clock in the morning, going by way
of Richmond, Virginia. Great rejoicing in camp at the thought
of going home — to come back no more. The report is that the
four corps under Sherman, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, are going
North, while the Twenty-third Corps under Schofield will remain
at Raleigh until all of Johnston's men leave for their homes. He
will take over the munitions of war surrendered by Johnston.
Saturday, 29th — Reveille sounded shortly after midnight and
we had our knapsacks packed long before daylight. Some of
the boys were so happy and excited that they did not sleep much
during the night. At 7 o'clock we took up the march, stepping
to music as we left our camp. We crossed the Neuse river about
noon and after marching twelve miles for the day, went into
bivouac. By order of General Howard we are to lay over here
until Monday, when we will continue our joumey. The Fifteenth
Corps is taking a road to our right. General Sherman's head
quarters wagons are going through with the Seventeenth Corps.
The Thirty-second IlUnois Regiment was taken from the Iowa
Brigade and was brigaded with the First Brigade of the Second
Division of the Seventeenth Corps. Our brigade is the First
Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Seventeenth Corps.

272 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May. 1865)
Sunday, 30th — Remained in bivouac all day. We had a heavy
rain last night, but it is clear and warm today. A man from the
Fifteenth Iowa preached in our camp at early candlelight this
evening.
MAY, 1863.
Monday, ist — Our corps, the Seventeenth, took up the line of
march at 6 a. m. and marched fifteen miles, going into bivouac at
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. No foraging parties are allowed
on this march, and no railroad or any kind of property is to be
destroyed. The army, by divisions, is to go into bivouac when con
venient about 3 p. m. each day, and about three miles apart, so
that the trains and artillery can get into their corrals before dark.
We passed through Forestville and Wake Forest, towns a mile
apart, at about noon today. We have good roads and fine weather
for marching.
Tuesday, 2d — Weather pleasant. We started at 6:30 a. m.
and marched seventeen miles today. We crossed the Tar river
at 10 this morning, and passed through some very fine country
this afternoon. There is nothing new.
Wednesday, 3d — We started at 5 a. m. and marched twenty
miles today. Crops look fine. There are a great many rebel
soldiers throughout the country here, who have just re
turned from the armies of Johnston and Lee. Our army, for the
first time, is passing through the country without destroying
property. Thursday, 4th — We started at 8 a. m., marched four miles,
and then lay over until 6 p. m., when we moved on four miles
farther, passing the Third Division, and went into bivouac within
a mile of the Roanoke river. The Fifteenth Corps is in advance
of us and their rear crossed the river this evening. Our trains
are all crossing the river tonight. Weather still pleasant.
Friday, 3th — It is quite warm. We left our bivouac at 3 a.
m. and by 6 o'clock had crossed the Roanoke river. It is a fine
stream. One of our drivers had an exciting experience in cross
ing the river last night, over the pontoon bridge. When he reached
the middle of the bridge his leading mules became frightened at

PEACEai'UL MARCH THROUGH VIRGINIA 273
(May, 1865)
the cracks between the boards and turned right around, upsetting
the whole thing, and the six mules, wagon and all went overboard.
When the driver saw what was going to happen, quick as a flash,
he dropped down upon the bridge between the wheel mules and
the wagon, thus saving himself. The mules and wagon were never
seen again, as the Roanoke is very deep. We crossed the State line
into old Virginia at 6 :30 this morning. At i p. m. we crossed the
Meherrin river and after marching twenty-six miles for the day
went into bivouac. We have fine roads. News came that the
two men who killed the president and stabbed Seward had been
shot. All is quiet.
Saturday, 6th — We started at 5 a. m. and soon struck the
Boydton plank road, which was quite good except at places, where
it was a poor makeshift of a road. We marched twenty-five
miles and went into bivouac for the night. I was sick all day and
in order to keep up with the command I had to have the doctor
order my knapsack and accouterments carried for me. Weather
fine. Sunday, 7th — Started at the usual time and marched eighteen
miles today. We bivouacked in some old camps which our men
had built during the siege of Petersburg, within two miles of
town. I rode all the way today with the wagon train. A
part of the Fifteenth Corps came in ahead of the Seven
teenth Corps, but our corps beat the Fifteenth into Petersburg
after all their running to beat us. The two generals in command
of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps started out, after
crossing the Roanoke river, to see which corps could reach Pet
ersburg first. So while one brigade of the Fifteenth Corps came
into Petersburg first, the entire Seventeenth Corps arrived in
town ahead of the Fifteenth.
Monday, 8th — We started at 7 a. m., and while passing
through Petersburg by platoons, were reviewed by General Ord,
in command at Petersburg. The Fifteenth Corps had to pass
through the city in our rear. We crossed the Appomattox river
at 9 a. m. and went into bivouac six miles out from Petersburg,
making a march of only eight miles for the day. Petersburg is a
lively place; business is going on regularly. The people are at
work repairing the damages done by the war, and are even erect
ing new buildings. It is a fine city with beautiful country around.

274 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1865)
although badly cut up with fortifications. The town was strong
ly fortified. Tuesday, 9th — We started at 3 o'clock this morning and
marched fifteen miles, going into bivouac on the banks of the
James river near Manchester. Sherman's entire army is arriving
at this place and will lie here three or four days, after which we
are to start for Washington City to be mustered out of the service.
Wednesday, loth — Remained in camp all day. General Sher
man's cavalry corps, under Kilpatrick, passed here on their way
to Washington City. We are camped in plain view of the city
of Richmond, once the capital of the so-called Southern Confed
eracy, but now desolate, its defenders having fled. It is partly
burnt, the rebels having set it on fire before they left.* The
weather is quite cool.
Thursday, nth — The Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps
started on their way for Washington City. Our corps remained
in camp all day. The sick were all sent down to the wharf to go
around by boat to Washington. The doctor had my name listed
for that route, and I started to go, but got a release. I told the
doctor that I should much prefer to march through with my com
pany, if he would have my knapsack and accouterments carried
for me in the wagons. He assured me that he would have them
seen to and told me that I could rejoin my company, for which
I am very thankful.
Friday, 12th — It rained very hard all night. We left our
bivouac at 4 o'clock this morning and at 6 o'clock passed through
Richmond.^ The town looks fine and business seems to be
good. We marched ten miles and went into bivouac on the
Chickahominy river. The entire army is taking the same route
and thus we cannot move fast.
Saturday, 13th — Started at 10 a. m. and marched twelve miles
today. We went into bivouac for the night near Hanover Court
House. It is quite swampy and the roads are very bad, on ac-
'The burning of Richmond by the Confederates seems so uncalled
for. It was certainly very short-sighted, since they could not help
knowing that their cause was lost. — A. G. D.
^The Union general in command at Richmond requested General
Sherman to have his army pass in review through Richmond, but Sher
man flatly refused, declaring that he would march his army around the
city before he would do anything of the kind, and Sherman had his
way as to how we should pass through. — A. G. D.

PEACEFUL MARCH THROUGH VIRGINIA 275
(May, 1865)
count of SO much rain the last few days. The country through
which we passed today is considerably cut up by fortifications and
badly used up on account of the two armies passing back and
forth so often over the same roads and fields. The citizens are
back on their farms and are at work again. Details of our men
are stationed all along the way, guarding their homes and prop
erty, to keep the army from destroying things. When the army
gets past, the guards fall into line at the rear.
Sunday, 14th — It is quite warm. We remained in bivouac
until I p. m., when we started and covered ten miles before night.
We crossed the Pamunky river at 2 o'clock, after which the army
divided, in order to get better roads. The Fourteenth and Seven
teenth Corps took a road on the left, while the Fifteenth and the
Twentieth marched on a road to the right. The roads through
the lowlands are fearfully muddy.
Monday, 13th — We left bivouac at 5 o'clock this morning and
marched eighteen miles. Went into bivouac for the night near
the Fay river. The weather is quite warm and the roads are very
bad. Tuesday, i6th — Started at 4 a. m. and marched twenty miles
today. We passed through Fredericksburg at 1 p. m., crossing
the Rappahannock river at that place. On coming into Freder
icksburg we marched along that stone wall by the bend of the
river and looked down upon the lowland below where so many
of our boys were marched to their death — at that terrible battle.
It made me shudder to look down upon that horrible place. Fred
ericksburg seemed filled with Johnnies just returned from the
war. At 5 o'clock we crossed the Poe river and went into bivouac.
Wednesday, 17th — We started at 4 o'clock this morning and
marched thirty miles today. It was very hot and a great many
of the boys gave out. Our division led the advance. We passed
through some very fine country and the crops are looking fine.
Thursday, i8th — Some of the troops started quite early this
morning, but our division left later, taking up the rear today. We
marched fifteen miles and went into bivouac after crossing the
Aeon river, wading it just below the mouth of Bull Run creek,
which empties into it. There are some fortifications here, it
being near where the battles of Bull Run were fought.

276 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1865)
Friday, 19th — Started at 10 a. m. and after marching fifteen
miles, went into camp within four miles of Alexandria, Virginia.
Sherman's entire army arrived today and all, including the ar
tillery, which we kept with the infantry all the way, are in camp
near Alexandria.
Saturday, 20th— There are three armies in camp here, the
Army of the Potomac under General Meade, and the Armies of
the Tennessee and of Georgia, both under General Sherman. We
received orders that the Army of the Potomac would be reviewed
by Lieutenant-General Grant on the 23d inst., and the armies
under General Sherman on the 24th. The review is to take place
in Washington City. It rained all day and it is very disagreeable
in our camp on the commons of Alexandria. The firewood is so
wet that it is almost impossible to get a fire to cook our food.
Sunday, 21st — It is still raining. We remained in our bivouac
all day. Some of the troops are moving toward Washington for
the grand review. News came that Jefferson Davis had been cap
tured by General Wilson at a small place in Georgia, called Irwm-
ville, in the county of Irwin.*
Monday, 22d — It is quite warm. Still in camp, and there's
nothing of importance. We had company inspection at 2 o'clock
this afternoon.
Tuesday, 23d — We started at 8 a. m. and by 10 o'clock had
passed through Old Alexandria. We went into bivouac within
three miles of Washington City. The Army of the Potomac was
reviewed by the president of the United States and Lieutenant
General Grant. Sherman's army is to be reviewed tomorrow.
Wednesday, 24th — This is a very pleasant day, for which we
are all thankful. We left for Washington City at 8 o'clock, and
crossing the Potomac river over Long Bridge, marched up to the
south side of the capitol. Our column was formed on the east
side of the capitol, and at 9 o'clock commenced to move forward
past the reviewing stand. The Army of the Tennessee was in
the advance, with the Army of Georgia following. General Sher
man was riding at the head of his army and he passed down the
avenue amidst loud cheering.
'The capture was effected on May 10th by Lieutenant-Colonel Pritch-
ard, of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, a detachment of General James H.
Wilson's cavalry. — Ed.

PEACEFUL MARCH THROUGH VIRGINIA 277
(May, 1865)
The following officers were in command of the different de
partments: Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard was in command of the
Army of the Tennessee, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan commanding
the Fifteenth Corps, and Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair commanding
the Seventeenth Corps; the Army of Georgia was in command
of Maj. Gen. Slocum, with Maj. Gen. J. C. Davis commanding
the Fourteenth Corps, and Maj. Gen. Mower commanding the
Twentieth Corps.
The reviewing stand was built on the south side of the ave
nue, and the army was reviewed by the president of the United
States and Lieutenant-General Grant, together with members of
the president's cabinet. There were about one hundred thousand
spectators along the avenue, and there was great cheering while
the army was passing. At times there was hearty laughter, when
some of Sherman's "bummers" would fall in behind their regi
ments, displaying some of the articles, as trophies, which they
had taken when marching through Georgia and the Carolinas.
We marched out across Rock creek about four miles north
west of the city and went into camp. Our knapsacks were
brought around by the supply train.
Thursday, 23th — It rained nearly all day — at times very hard.
We remained in camp all day and nothing of any importance oc
curred. Now that we are so near Washington, the boys are wait
ing their turns for passes to go to the city, for since there are
so many provost guards there, it would not be safe to go without
a pass. Friday, 26th — It is raining again today, and the roads be
tween our camp and the city are almost impassable. We are
poorly fixed here for washing and cleaning our clothing. The
long march from Goldsboro, North Carolina, has been pretty
hard on our clothes. We have not received any pay since No
vember, 1864, and some of the boys are getting pretty short of
change. Saturday, 27th — It is cloudy and still raining some. I re
ceived a pass and with six other boys of our company went to
the city to spend the day. We went through some of the public
buildings, the capitol, patent office and the treasury building ; they
are fine buildings, all being built of marble. We viewed the

278 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (May, 1865)
\\hite House from the street, and went through the Smithsonian
Park, which is \ery beautiful indeed.
The city is full of soldiers viewing the sights. But there is
one thing which seems to cast a gloom over the city, and that is,
that our beloved President Lincoln is not in the White House, that
he was not here to greet us when we passed down Pennsylvania
avenue, and that he had to be taken off by the hand of an assassin
just when the war was over.

THE MUSTERING OUT 279
(May, 1865)

Chapter XXV.
The Mustering Out. Return to the Harvest Field. May 28-
July 31.
Sunday, 28th — It is clear and pleasant today. We cleaned
up our camping ground and put up our "ranches" in regular or
der. News came that the rebel general, Kirby Smith,
commanding south and west of the Mississippi, had surrendered
his army and the navy.
Monday, 2pth — It is reported in camp that the western men
in General Sherman's army will be transferred to Louisville, Ken
tucky, by rail and by transports on the Ohio, there to be mus
tered out of the service. -The veterans are anxious to get their
discharge, for since the war is over we have no desire to remain
in the army.
Tuesday, 30th — The weather is pleasant and seems to be set
tled. There is nothing new.
Wednesday, 31st — I got a pass and went to the city again. I
spent most of the day in the patent office and in the Smithsonian
Institution. I also got my watch repaired, which cost me $3.00.
The city seems to be astir ; new buildings are growing up all over
and some of the Government buildings are being improved. Ex
cept for the presence of so many soldiers in the city, no one would
think that a four years' war had just ended. The city needs
most of all paved streets, for in wet weather they get very muddy
and the city looks no better than a country town. The Wash
ington monument is not yet finished and from a distance it looks
like a large smokestack with the top lacking. A part of the Fif
teenth Corps left for Louisville today, but all men whose time is
out by October ist were left here' to be mustered out at once. All
of the eastern men in Sherman's four corps are to remain in Wash
ington for the present. We had a temperance talk here this
evening by William White Williams. I bought a medal of honor
from him. Everything is going along fine.

280 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
JUNE, 1863.
Thursday, ist — The weather is quite sultry. There is noth
ing of importance. Our camp duty is very light here. The
ground is rough, and it would be impossible to find a place for
a drill ground or even a parade ground.
Friday, 2d — For the first time we saw mustered-out soldiers
leaving for their homes today.
Saturday, 3d — The weather continues quite hot. All men in
our brigade whose time is out by the ist of October were mus
tered out today and they turned over their guns and accouter
ments. Twelve boys from our company received their discharge
and will be sent home.
Sunday, 4th — We had company inspection this morning. The
weather is very hot and we all remained close to our "ranches" to
day. We could not go to the city anyway, for without a pass it
is difficult to get by the provost guard.
Monday, 3th — This forenoon we had a temperance speech by
Wm. Roach of Iowa at the headquarters bivouac of the Eleventh
Iowa. Blank pledges of the Washington Temperance Society
were distributed and a good many of the boys signed the blanks
after they were filled out.* The men mustered out from our divi
sion, the Fourth, started for their homes this aftemoon. The
Government furnishes them transportation to their home states.
Tuesday, 6th — We received orders to leave for Louisville, and
drawing four days' rations turned over to the general quarter
master our regimental teams and wagons. We expect to start in
the morning. The Third Division of our corps started this morn
ing, while the First Division left yesterday morning.
The troops are leaving Washington as fast as the railroads
can furnish cars ; they even bring in all the open cars not in use
and crowd the soldiers onto them until there is no standing room.
Large numbers of soldiers have already left for their homes,
while others are going to different cities to remain in camp for a
while. Wednesday, 7th — The First Brigade of our division left at 5
o'clock this morning for Louisville. Our brigade left camp at 3
o'clock this afternoon and marched to the Baltimore & Ohio sta
tion, where we boarded the cars. We were put on open coal cars,
'Mr. Do"wning was among the number. — Ed.

THE MUSTERING OUT 281
(June, 1865)
and there were so many to the car that we could not lie down and
straighten out.*
Thursday, 8th — We left Washington City at i a. m. and ar
rived at the junction of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad about 8
o'clock, where we changed to the line running through Harper's
Ferry, which place we passed through. Our brigade is in the
rear, the Eleventh Iowa being on the rear train, as we were the last
regiment to leave Washington, D. C. The day was very hot and
many of us being crowded on the open cars suffered terribly under
the hot sun. We arrived at Cumberland about midnight, where we
were served with hot coffee by the Sanitary Commission Society.
Friday, pth — Our train ran all night, except for two or three
times when we were standing on some sidetrack. Arriving at
the foot of the Cumberland mountains our train was divided and
another engine put on to pull one-half the train up the mountains.
The train moved up very slowly, which gave us a chance to get
off and cut some sassafras bushes, which we nailed on the sides
of the cars for shade, for the sun was terribly hot, and the weath
er was very sultry. By noon we reached the top of the moun
tains. At 4 p. m. we arrived at Grafton, Virginia, where we re
ceived hot coffee from the Sanitary Commission. Here we left the
Baltimore & Ohio road for Parkersburg, Virginia, over the Ohio &
Virginia Railroad. We passed through a great many tunnels be
tween Grafton and Parkersburg, one being four thousand one
hundred and thirty-eight feet long. The citizens along our route
today seemed to be very loyal, cheering us all along the way. It
reminded us of our home folks.
Saturday, loth — We had a heavy thunderstorm and rain early
this moming, which made it very disagreeable for us on our open
coal cars. We arrived at Parkersburg on the Ohio at daylight
and left the cars. We cooked and ate our breakfast and then
at about 8 o'clock went aboard the transports, and at 4 o'clock
in the afternoon we left for Louisville, Kentucky. The Eleventh
Iowa and the Thirty-second Illinois Regiments are on board the
transport "Empress." We have a fleet of five boats, which be
sides the "Empress" are the "Nord," "America," "Revenue" and
"Edinburgh," the headquarters boat. All the boats are heavily
'It was nothing short of disgraceful for the Government to treat
the soldiers that way after the war. The War Department should hav«
taken more time to move the soldiers from the city. — A. G. D.

282 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DLARY (June. 1865)
loaded and we are crowded, but it is much more pleasant than
in the open coal cars, and while the sun is hot, it is not so oppres
sive as on the railroad.
Sunday, nth — Our boats ran all night. This is a bright sun
shiny Sunday. All went well and everything was quiet until
about 4 p. m. when our boat struck a snag. We were nearing
Manchester. Ohio, when we ran upon an old sunken stone barge,
the bottom of our boat was torn off and it sank in less than three
minutes. The captain, quick to see the danger of our going
down in midstream, ordered the boat turned toward the Kentucky
side of the river, and we were within twenty feet of the bank
when it sank stern first, going down at an angle of about forty-
five degrees. In the excitement several men jumped overboard,
but were rescued by men in canoes from Manchester. Tears were
shed by the ladies of ^lanchester, thinking that, of course, a great
many would be lost, but all w-ere saved in one way or another.
Regardless of the danger some of the boys on the sinking boat
broke into the steward's pantry and filled their haversacks
with the good things in store. Our regiment was now divided,
and put on the other already crowded boats. Company E,
with H. G and B, went upon the "Xord" — and as usual. Com
pany E got the hurricane deck.
Monday, I2th — The boats ran all night, and we passed Cin
cinnati about I a. m. At daylight we landed at Ornod, Indiana,
remaining there about two hours, till the fog lifted. We arrived
at Louisville about 4 p. m., and disembarking, marclied out about
eight miles below town where we went into bivouac. This is a
miserable place for the troops to camp, being very low, the next
thing to a swamp, and heavily timbered ; we cannot remain here
long without its resulting in a great deal of sickness.
Tuesday, 13th — ^\'e had a thunder shower early this morning.
The Eleventh Iowa signed the muster rolls this morning and we
expect to get our pay in a few days. The Amiy of the Tennes
see is in camp in and around Louisville. The veterans are becom
ing very much dissatisfied, as they were expecting to be discharged
as soon as the war was over, but there is no sign of their being
discharged very soon ; besides that, we are kept in ignorance of it
all, not knowing what they are going to do with us. Some of the
boys think that we shall be sent down to Texas on dutv, while

THB MUSTERING OUT 283
(June, 1865)
others beHeve that we shall receive our discharge within a month
or six weeks.
Wednesday, 14th — The weather is sultry. We occupied the
day in cleaning our clothing and accouterments. The long jour
ney of eight hundred miles on coal cars and transports was pretty
hard on our clothes as well as trying on the men, for we had no
protection from the hot sun nor shelter from the rain. The farm
ers around here are harvesting, and the grain looks fine.
Thursday, 13th — The men found so much fault with our camp
on the low ground and made so much complaint about it at head
quarters that our division was ordered to move to higher ground.
We moved today to a large piece of sparsely-timbered land, high
and rolling, where we will have a fine camp. It is about two
miles south of Louisville. The Fourteenth Army Corps and one
division of the Twentieth Corps, with the exception of the east
ern men in these two corps, have arrived at Louisville.
Friday, i6th — Pleasant weather. We cleaned up our camp
ing ground today and built "ranches" covering them with our rub
ber ponchos. General Hinkenlooper, a West Pointer, is in com
mand of our brigade and has given orders to put on camp guard.
Saturday, 17th — Still pleasant. We have not yet received our
pay. A part of the Fifteenth Corps has been paid, and the pay
master is paying the men of the First Brigade.
Sunday, i8th — We had regimental inspection at 10 a. m. by
Captain Foster. The weather is very hot and this afternoon we
had a heavy thunderstorm. I was sergeant of the regimental
guard and during the night, on account of the rain, I had the
guard relieved.
Monday, ipth — It is very pleasant, having cleared off during
the night. We had regimental inspection again this morning.
Our camps are filled with all kinds of agents from the city, try
ing to sell their nostrums to the boys ; even the "dents" come out
to pull teeth or to clean them for the boys.
Tuesday, 20th — Very pleasant weather. I sold my watch to
Samuel Bair for $25.00, receiving $20.00 in cash, the balance re
maining unpaid. They have fine macadamized roads out from
the city, and there are men working on them all the time, but they
would be killing on soldiers marching over them.

284 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (June, 1865)
Wednesday, 21st— The Second Brigade of the Fourth Divi
sion of the Seventeenth Army Corps received their pay and em
barked this morning for St. Louis.
Thursday, 22d — The Eleventh Iowa received eight months'
pay, besides $100.00 of bounty money. I received $243.45,
$34.00 of it being clothing money.* I expressed $105.00 home,
John D. Moore sending some with mine. The boys of Company
E settled for their year's clothing. Tfie furloughed men started
for their homes this evening.
Friday, 23d — The Thirteenth Iowa received their pay today.
A great many of the boys expressed their money home.
Saturday, 24th — Weather pleasant. The Fifteenth Iowa re
ceived their pay today. I received a pass, and in charge of four
boys of the company spent the day in Louisville. The city is pa
trolled by large numbers of provost guards and I had to carry
my pass in hand all the time. I bought some clothes and sev
eral articles to take home. My bill came to $26.40, as I spent
$8.50 for a pair of pants, $9.00 for a jacket, and $3.75 for an al
bum, besides other articles.
Sunday, 23th — Rain this afternoon. We had company inspec
tion this morning and dress parade at 5 o'clock this aftemoon.
The paymaster finished paying the Fifteenth Iowa and then paid
part of the Sixteenth Iowa.
Monday, 26th — Quite sultry today. They finished paying the
Sixteenth Iowa. Money is quite plentiful, as the veterans re
ceived more than $200.00 each. General W. W. Belknap went
home on leave of absence and Brig. Gen. B. F. Pitts is in com
mand of our division.
Tuesday, 27th — Quite sultry today. Nothing of any impor
tance. Wednesday, 28th — We still have brigade guard. There is a
great deal of dissatisfaction in the veteran ranks on account of
their not having been discharged yet. The Indiana troops are find
ing the most fault, as they can almost see their homes just across
the Ohio river, but dare not cross over. They have been making
an effort through the Louisville papers to get General Sherman to
'When a soldier did not draw all the clothing the Government al
lowed him, he was allowed the money instead. Sergeants were allowed
more than privates, receiving $20 per month. — A. G. D.

THE MUSTERING OUT 285
(June, 1865)
tell them why they are not being discharged. Sherman answered
them also through the press, assuring them that the Government
will discharge them just as soon as it can get to them.
Thursday, 2pth — I am on brigade guard again, being ser
geant of the guard. Each day we have on guard from our bri
gade two commissioned officers, three sergeants, six corporals,
and one hundred and thirty-eight privates. One of the commis
sioned officers, a captain, is officer of the day for the brigade,
while the other, a lieutenant, is officer of the day for the regiment.
We have to wear our white gloves on guard.
Friday, 30th — The weather is sultry. Nothing of importance
today.
JULY, 1863.
Saturday, ist — The weather is quite hot and sultry. We are
looking forward to going home soon, and expect to receive
such an order any time, though we have not yet heard of one
having been issued.
Sunday, 2d — Things are working fine. Company inspection
this afternoon. On account of the heat, the men remained in
their "ranches" until time for dress parade at 5 o'clock in the even
ing. We cannot go to the city to attend church without a pass,
since there is a brigade guard around the brigade.
Monday, 3d — Reveille sounded at 1 a. m. for the Iowa Bri
gade, and at 2 o'clock we started for the city, marching down to
the wharf for the purpose of escorting General Sherman from
the landing to the residence of Mr. Osborne, the editor of the
Louisville Journal. The general looks fine ; he never looked bet
ter to us boys.
Tuesday, 4th — General Sherman reviewed the Army of the
Tennessee today for the last time, our division passing in review
at 9 a. m. He made a short speech — a farewell address — to all
the troops. He told us that we had been good soldiers, and now
that the war is over and the country united once more, we should
go home, and as we had been true soldiers, we should become
good citizens. This is a rather dull Fourth. I stayed in camp the
rest of the day after the review, but in the evening I went down
town to a theater — Wood's theater — for the first time in my life.

286 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1865)
For a while today there was a lively time in camp when a lot of the
boys tried to break through the guard line. When they failed at
that, they next made a raid on the sutlers, who have been doing
a big business since our arrival at Louisville. Before the officer
of the day could get guards to the sutlers' tents, the boys had
secured a considerable amount of booty.
Wednesday, 3th — An order from the War Department came
today, ordering the mustering out of all the soldiers of the Army
of the Tennessee. All is quiet.
Thursday, 6th — It is hot and sultry, but as our duty is light
we can stay in our "ranches" and keep out of the hot sun. All are
happy at the thought of going home soon.
Friday, 7th — Our officers have commenced to make out the
discharge papers and the muster rolls. The blanks came this
morning and the officers of each company have expert penmen
at work filling them out.
Saturday, 8th — Captain Spencer returned to our company to
day. He is in ill health and it is supposed that he has consump
tion. He is a fine officer, tall, and as straight as an arrow. He
is kind to his men at all times, on or off duty. We still have
dress parade every evening.
Sunday, pth — It rained all day and all of us not on guard re
mained in our "ranches." Our camp is on rolling ground and so
the water runs off quickly. In this camp we have no bunks built
up from the ground, for there was no tearing down of houses
to get timbers, but we have straw on which to lay our ponchos.
For a roof we have a pole resting on two forks, with four rubber
ponchos stretched over the pole and the ends fastened to the
ground. Monday, loth — The men of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth
Army Corps are raising a subscription for the purpose of erect
ing a monument in memory of the lamented Gen. James B. Mc
Pherson,* the old commander of the two corps, who was killed
in the battle of Atlanta on the 22d day of July, 1864. I gave
$5.00 myself, the whole company raising $75.00.
'Major-General McPherson was a noble man, a Christian gentleman,
kind to the officers and men in his command, and the men of his two
corps placed him equal to any of the generals in the army. Bast or West.
— A. G. D.

THE MUSTERING OUT 287
(July, 1865)
Tuesday, nth — Troops are leaving daily for their homes. The
boys are all active in getting everything squared up with one an
other before leaving for their homes. We get passes to the city
as often as we can, to buy things we want before leaving the
army for good. The boys are getting small photo gems taken
to exchange with one another ; I have already received over sixty
in exchange. Wednesday, 12th — Very pleasant weather. Our regimental
muster-out rolls are almost ready.
Thursday, 13th — I was on camp guard this morning, detailed
as sergeant of the brigade guard. This thing of camp guard is
about played out, and I suppose it is my last.* The guard house
or tent has become so dirty that the men on that relief do not
want to stay there while not on their beats. I took their names
this morning and allowed them to go back to their own tents.
Friday, 14th — I had a time getting the men out this morning
when starting around the brigade to relieve the second relief,
some refusing to come out of their tents. I finally started with
what guards I had, and when I came to a guard for whom I had
no man as relief, I told him to fall in behind and go to the guard
tent, thus leaving his beat vacant. After I had made the round,
I went to the tents of the absentees and ordered them out, each
to his own beat number, adding that if they refused I would have
them arrested and put in the guardhouse. I went to one chap's
tent the third and last time, and I tell you he did some lively
stepping to reach his beat. He was a member of the Sixteenth
Iowa. Our muster rolls and discharge papers were all finished to
day and the accounts with the regimental quartermaster were all
squared up; everything has now been inspected and reported
ready for mustering out. All the property belonging to the quar
termaster will be turned over to him tomorrow morning. Some
of the boys in the regiment have bought their Springfield rifles
of the Government, paying $7.00 for them. I bought my rifle,
as did more than half of the boys of Company E. These are
the rifles we received at Cairo, Illinois, in May, 1864. We are
entitled to our knapsacks, haversacks and canteens, and of course
are taking them with us.
'This proved to be the last time that we were on duty of any kind.
—A. G. D.

288 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1865)
Saturday, 13th — Our regiment, the Eleventh Iowa Veteran
Volunteers, was mustered out this morning at 9 o'clock. We
were relieved from all duty and turned over to the general quar
termaster the regimental teams and everything that does not be
long to the individual officers or men. The papers for the rest
of the brigade have not yet been made out.
Sunday, i6th — It rained all day, and having no duty of any
kind, we remained in our "ranches." We had no services of any
kind today, but as we had our last dress parade, and as this is
our last Sunday in camp, we should have had some minister come
out from the city for our last religious services in camp.
Monday, 17th — We had our last reveille early this morning.
We took down our rubber ponchos, packed our knapsacks, and
at 5 o'clock started for the boat landing, where we took the ferry
for New Albany, Indiana, crossing the river below Louisville.
On our way up the river we passed the headquarters of Generals
Logan and Belknap, and each delivered a short speech to us. At
New Albany we took the train for Michigan City, leaving at 10
o'clock. We had fairly good passenger cars, but the train was
a slow one, as it often had to switch onto sidings to let other
trains pass.
Tuesday, i8th — We are still pushing on towards home and
everything is all right. Our train ran all night, except when
standing on some sidetrack. We arrived at Michigan City a lit
tle after dark and changed cars for Chicago.
Wednesday, ipth — Our night along the lake shore was quite
cool. We arrived in Chicago this morning at 2 o'clock, and then
marched to the Rock Island station, where at 8 o'clock we t(x>k
train for Davenport, Iowa. We arrived at Davenport at 5 p. m.
A large crowd of citizens was at the station to receive us, among
them our old colonel, William Hall, who gave us an address of
welcome.* Although he was suffering from sickness, he came to
welcome us, and as he could not stand on a platform, he remained
in his carriage to address us. We then marched up to old Camp
McClellan, where we shall remain till we get our discharge and
'"I cannot stand long enough to make a speech, I can only say to
the citizens of Davenport, in response to the warm and generous wel
come that they have extended to my comrades of the Eleventh Iowa, and
myself, that the record we have made as good soldiers from the State of
Iowa, while flghting in defense of our common country, will be dupli
cated by the record we shall make as good citizens, when we shall have
returned to homes and loved ones." — Roster Iowa Soldiers II, p. 282.

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ISSUED AT LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, JULY IB, 1865.

THE MUSTERING OUT 289
(July, 1865)
pay, which we expect in two or three days. The Second and
Seventh Iowa have just received their pay and are striking out
for home.
Thursday, 20th — We remained in camp all day. No pay yet.
Friday, 21st — It rained all day. No pay yet. Most of the
boys are staying down in town. There is nothing of importance.
Saturday, 22d — Weather quite pleasant today. Our regiment
was paid off this afternoon, and we received our discharge. This
makes us free men again and we at once left Camp McClellan
for town. I went to the Davis House and stopped for the night.
!Mr. Hatch came to Davenport for a load of us.
I bought some clothing this afternoon, the first citizen's suit
which I was permitted to wear in four long years. I also bought
a good watch for $50.00, which with my clothing, $41.50, amount
ed to $91.50.
The Sixteenth Iowa arrived this morning from Louisville,
Kentucky. The men of our brigade, on being discharged, seem
to be scattering to the four ends of the earth; even the boys of
Company E, after bidding one another farewell, are going in all
directions. Sunday, 23d — I started for home, thirty miles distant, with
Abner Hatch, who had come down from our neighborhood with
a team for the purpose of taking a load of the boys home. We
left Davenport at 7 130 o'clock this morning and I reached home
at 5 p. m. I found my folks all well. I am at home this time
never to go to war again. It was a fine day for a ride in Iowa;
it had rained yesterday, and though it was somewhat cloudy, the
prairies never looked so nice and green as they did today.
Monday, 24th — It rained all day. I remained at home and
brought my diary up to date.
Tuesday, 23th — I went into the harvest field and worked all
day at binding wheat.
Wednesday, 26th — Working in the harvest field is making me
quite sore, as it is the first of the kind I have done in the last four
years. Thursday, 27th — It is the same thing and nothing of impor
tance.

290 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY (July, 1865)
Friday, 28th — I went out to Tipton today, and in the evening
had a fine visit with Miss  .
Saturday, 2pth — Home again from my visits. I have worked
three full days now in the harvest field.
Sunday, 30th — I went to church this morning and in the even
ing went to visit friends, old and new.
Monday, 31st — Today I again went out into the harvest field.

APPENDIX

292 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDER G. DOWNING.
I first saw daylight early on Monday morning, the 15th day
of August, 1842, in a log house of one room, on the northeast
corner of block 14, in the town of Bloomfield, Green county, In
diana. My father at that time had a small tanyard on said block
of land, but had to give up the tanning business finally, on ac
count of quicksand in the well from which he drew the water to
fill his tanning vats. My father and his twin brother came from
West Virginia* in their boyhood days and located at Salem, In
diana. While living there they learned the tanner's trade. Their
father, my grandfather, came from Ireland when a young lad and
later served his adopted country in the Revolutionary War. After
the war he settled in Virginia. My mother was from North
Carolina and was of English ancestry. She died when I was al
most two years old, and my only sister died six months later. In
1846 my father married again and moved upon an eighty-acre
farm two miles east of Bloomfield, which became the first family
homestead. There my five half-brothers were born. Our com
bined ages are, on this 14th day of June, 1914, 396 years, while
our combined time in Iowa is three hundred and sixty years.
I attended school two summers, during the last two years we
lived in Indiana. It was in a log schoolhouse, located in heavy
timber. It had no floor, nor even a window, though there was
a small hole in one side of the building to give light when the
door was shut. The door was made of split staves, and hung by
wooden hinges ; the accustomed latch-string was on the outside.
There was not a nail in the entire building. I attended my first
Sunday School at this schoolhouse, my cousin being the super
intendent. He gave me a Sunday School book, the reading of
which at that time of my boyhood days has guided me to this day
in living the better life.
In May, 1854, father pulled up stakes and left for Iowa. We
had one team of horses and three yoke of oxen, with two wagons
loaded with the family bedding, clothes and utensils, besides
'Then western Virginia. — Ed.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDER G. DOWNING 293
enough dried fruit to last two years. We also took along a small
herd of young cows and heifers.
It was my lot to drive those cattle. I was in my twelfth year
and with the one hired man walked the whole way, driving the
herd. I had just received from my uncle a new pair of boots for
the journey ; but those boots almost proved my undoing. My
uncle had bought our eighty-acre farm, upon which was a ten-
acre field of fall wheat, having been sown in the standing corn.
He told me that if I would cut the stalks he would buy me a new
pair of boots for our journey. That spring I went at the job
with father's old iron hoe, which had a dogwood handle, and
whacked down that ten acres of cornstalks, earning my boots. On
our way to Iowa we encountered so much rain and water that the
boots became so shrunken and stiff I could scarcely get them on
and off ; I had to leave them on for days at a time. The result
was that my feet became very sore and calloused, and to this day
I have a callous place on the bottom of one foot caused by the
pegs in those boots.
We crossed the Mississippi river at Davenport, Iowa, on Sun
day morning, June ii, 1854. It was a hot, foggy moming, but
soon clouded over and by the next day we had to travel in a cold,
all day, northeastern rainstorm. In all we were on the road
twenty-two days, and we had rain at some time during the day
for eighteen of those days.
Father had come to Iowa in the fall of 1852 and had entered
two hundred and forty acres of land eight miles east of Tipton,
the county seat of Cedar county. After he had the land surveyed
he bought forty acres more, of timber land, four miles distant.
Here he cut forks and poles for the frame and then went to Dav
enport for the lumber with which to build our shanty to live in
during the summer. Davenport was thirty miles distant, and it
took him three days with an ox team to make the trip.
In the latter part of the summer I had to drive the three yoke
of oxen hitched to a breaking plow while the hired man held the
plow handles, to break twenty acres of prairie. The grass and
blue stem were so high and always so wet that I never thought of
being dry until in the afternoon. There were so many rattle
snakes that I had to wear those "store" boots all that summer, to

294 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
protect my feet. While the hired man and I were breaking prai
rie, father was building our house, a one and one-fourth story
building, into which we moved some time in November. He also
built a sod stable, covering it with slough grass. Besides this, he
with the help of two hired men cut and stacked about sixty tons
of the blue stem for hay. We built a rail fence around the stacks
and then during the winter, we threw the hay over the fence to
feed the cattle.
The two hired men we had were both from Indiana and late
in the fall they went back, as they were afraid of freezing to
death in Iowa. Our first winter, though, was not bad ; in fact,
it was one of the finest winters I have ever seen in Iowa, and I
have now (1914) seen sixty of them in the State. The nearest
schoolhouse was four miles away and overcrowded at that, so I
received no schooling that winter. Father would go to the timber
every day with Ben and Head, a faithful yoke of oxen, to make
rails and posts, bringing home a load at night. He would reach
the timber usually by daylight and very often would not get home
till long after dark. I thus, with some help from my younger
brothers, had to do the chores, cut the stove wood, and carry it
into the house. The fine, dry winter was a great blessing to
father, as he had to work every day in getting out the material
with which to fence the farm the next spring.
That spring, 1855, we put in a crop on the twenty acres which
we broke the summer before, sowing twelve acres to wheat and
planting eight acres to corn. It was my task to harrow and
smooth down that tough sod. Father had made a forty-tooth, "A-
harrow," and with Ben and Head hitched to it, I harrowed
that twenty-acre field over and over. It seemed as if I
walked several thousand miles in getting the twelve acres of wheat
covered. Father had told me to lap the harrow about one-half
each time, and in my anxiety to do so I kept calling whoa-haw
to the oxen almost continuously. One day father said to me,
"Bud" (for that was my nickname then), "if I had a dollar for
every time you said whoa-haw, I could retire for life a rich man."
After putting in the wheat I helped father fence in sixty
acres of land with a tworail fence, building in all one mile and
sixty rods of fence. I dug the post holes and father set the posts,
and then nailed on the rails while I held them in place.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDER G. DOWNING 295
The old stage road from Davenport to Cedar Rapids ran
across our farm right where we had fenced it in, but the stage
route had not yet been changed. One day the stage from Dav
enport, heavily loaded with passengers, came through and the
driver, following the old road, drove right up to the new fence
to find his way blocked ; and in place of following the new road
about twenty rods up around the comer, he with the help of some
of his passengers was going to tear down the fence. Father was
at work a short distance away and seeing the move they were
making, simply called out to them to be careful what they were
doing. That settled the matter ; the driver uttered a few "damns"
and then went up the new road around the comer. The first rail
road engine had just entered Iowa, having been brought across
the Mississippi river on the ice by the piece and then put
together at Davenport. Soon thereafter the old stage route was
abandoned altogether.
At that time there were few houses to be seen on all that vast
prairie. From our home we could count but four or five small
homes, and we could see for miles in all directions without any
thing to break the view. It was a mile to our nearest neighbor.
That summer father cut our first crop of wheat in Iowa with
a cradle. I raked the swathes into bundles with a hand rake,
while the hired man bound them into sheaves. In the fall before
father had broken up a large hazel patch for a garden, and I
planted a part of it in watermelons. They did well, and late in
the season I sold in all $6.00 worth of melons to the "movers"
going west on the old territorial road which was now turned to
run close by our house. I counted that $6.00 over a great many
times, and each dollar then looked as big as a base drum head
does today. But alas! The six silver dollars went to a local
shoemaker for making six pairs of cowhide shoes for us six boys,
and that was the last I saw of the $6.00.
Our second winter in Iowa was spent in the same way as the
first. There was no schoolhouse near, and for the second time
I got no winter's schooling. Instead, I remained at home to do
chores and "smash up" the stove wood. Father again went to
the timber every day with the same yoke of oxen to make a load
of rails, or posts, or to cut a load of firewood, as occasion re
quired.

296 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
During the summer of 1856 we farmed on a larger scale than
the year before, and we bought a reaper to cut our grain. Then
came the cold winter of '56 and '57, with six to eight feet of snow
on the level. This "winter of the deep snow" was followed by
the "wet summer of '57." Our wheat crop was so badly blighted
that we took none of it to mill. We had to use old wheat for food
as well as for seed the following spring. The years of 1858 and
1859 were uneventful years. The times were hard, money was
very scarce, and what little there was to be had was wild-cat
money in the bargain.
The year of i860 was another rather dull year, though in the
late summer the political excitement ran high, the main topic
being the South and slavery. I united with the church in No
vember, i860, becoming a member of the Disciples' Church.
In 1861 there was no improvement over the past three years,
and the finest wheat ever grown would not bring over thirty cents
a bushel, while corn was only ten cents a bushel. That spring
the Civil War broke out, and after I helped father through with
the harvest, I enlisted in the army and was away from home in
the war for four long years. While in the army I participated
in thirty-eight battles and skirmishes, and was mustered out in
July, 1865.
When I came home from the war, I helped finish the harvest
and then in the fall worked with a threshing outfit. I went
through the winter without any occupation and then in the spring
of 1866 I decided to put in a crop. I farmed eighty acres and
cleared above all expenses $600.00 in six months.
In the fall of 1866 I thought that my occupation for life should
be that of a merchant and decided to go into business. I went
to London, Iowa, and bought an interest in a general store. After
six months of experience I found out that merchandising was
not my calling and sold out, losing in the whole transaction $1,-
200.00, or $200.00 per month. I decided then to make farming
my calling and in the spring of 1867 broke up one hundred and
twenty acres of prairie. I bought the best team of horses I could
find, paying $400.00 cash for them, and went to breaking prairie.
On the 9th of May, 1867, I was married to Miss Mary E.
Stanton, daughter of J. W. Stanton, a prosperous farmer of my

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDER C. DOWNING 297
home neighborhood. In 1868 we built a house on York Prairie,
two miles north of Bennett, Iowa. Here for a period of seven
teen years, I was engaged in general farming and stock raising.
My father died in 1877 and I settled up his estate, which was
worth about $50,ooo.(X>. He owned over five hundred acres of
land, all well improved, besides a large amount of personal prop
erty. In 1881 I built one of the largest barns in Cedar county
at that time, requiring over one hundred thousand feet of lum
ber. It would stable one hundred head of cattle, had bins to
hold five thousand bushels of grain, and the hayloft would hold
one hundred tons of hay. In the fall of 1885 I sold my farm of
two hundred acres and bought a badly run down farm of one
hundred and sixty acres. My old farm was all in grass, and at
my sale in September of that year I sold over one hundred head
of cattle, high-grade Durhams. I rented out the new farm I had
bought for a term of ten years and quit farming for good.
Being somewhat broken in health, we moved to Colfax, Iowa,
that same year for the benefit of my health. We remained there
until the 1st of March, 1887, when we moved to Des Moines,
Iowa, where we have made our home ever since. Having no
living children we decided to endow a medical chair in Drake
University and gave for that purpose $25,000.00. Later we gave
$5,000.00 to the Medical Library of the University, and since
have given $2,ooo.(X) to establish the Downing Prizes in Drake
University. Signed this nth day of June, 1914, by Alexander G.
Downing, in his seventy-second year and his sixtieth
year in the State of Iowa.

298 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY

SOME OBSERVATIONS.
By A. G. D.
BROTHERS IN COMPANY E.
Twelve families are represented in Company E by two broth
ers each, and one by three brothers. John W. and Samuel Albin —
John W. slightly wounded June 15, 1864, on the skirmish line on
Noon-day creek, Kenesaw Mountain in Georgia. Robert and Wil
liam Alexander — William killed on the skirmish line June 15,
1864, on Noon-day creek at the foot of a spur of Kenesaw Moun
tain. John M. and Sylvester Daniels — John M. received a wound
on one hand at Shiloh April 6, 1862, and was discharged for dis
ability on October 13, 1862. John W. and William Dwiggans —
William died of typhoid fever December 28, 1861, and John W.
died from wounds received at Shiloh May 7, 1862. John W. and
William Esher — John W. was severely wounded June 25, 1864,
at Kenesaw Mountain and discharged for disability March 20,
1865. Allen and Carlton Frink — Carlton killed at Shiloh April
6, 1862. Dean and John Ford — John had his right thumb shot
off at Vicksburg and then slightly wounded on the skirmish line
June 15, 1864, on Noon-day creek, Kenesaw Mountain. Ezra
and Samuel McLoney — Ezra killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Fran
cis and Reuben Niese — Reuben died March 2, 1865, in McDoug-
al's Hospital near New York City. Ebenezer and James Rankin.
Burtis H. and James K. Rumsey — James K. died at Chattanooga,
Tennessee, February 2, 1865. George W. and Wilson Simmons —
George W. wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862, and died of his
wounds May 12, 1862; Wilson died of lung fever April 15, 1862.
Daniel, George and Henry Sweet — George killed in battle July
22, 1864, near Atlanta, Georgia; Henry L. died of fever in the
Division Hospital in Tennessee, May 4, 1862.
CASUALTIES IN COMPANY E.
Killed in action, 11. Died of wounds, 4. Died of disease, 14.
Discharged for disability, 15. Taken prisoners, 6. Deserters, 4.

SOME OBSERVATIONS 299
Absent on account of sickness for short periods, 32. Absent on
account of slight wounds, 31. Total casualties, 117, or a fraction
over 82 per cent of the 142 men in the company during the four
years' service. There were those who were sick and marked not
fit for duty, yet who did not leave the company, and there were
others slightly wounded who likewise did not leave the company.
Then, there were those, who for the same causes, had to go to the
hospitals and be absent from the company for weeks at a time.
The regimental surgeon would examine all cases, and it was left
to his decision as to what a man had to do.
CROCKER'S IOWA BRIGADE.
Crocker's Iowa Brigade was composed of the Eleventh, Thir
teenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Infantry Regiments. The regi
ments enlisted in the months of September and October, 1861, and
were organized into a brigade April 27, 1862. There were in all
6289 enlisted men in the brigade.
The regiments had the following numbers, rank and file :
Eleventh, 1297 Fifteenth, 1767
Thirteenth, 1788 Sixteenth, 1441
The record of re-enlistments in the different regiments at
Vicksburg, Mississippi, January, 1864, is as follows :
Eleventh, 420 Fifteenth, 440
Thirteenth, 450 Sixteenth, 415
The casualties numbered 4773, or seventy-six per cent of the
strength of the brigade. The record of the officers and men who
died during the war is as follows :
Killed in Died of wounds
battle Wounded and disease Total dead
Eleventh  90 234 148 238
Thirteenth  117 313 176 293
Fifteenth  140 416 231 371
Sixteenth  101 311 217 318

448 1274 772 1220
The miles traveled in marching during the war are, by
years :

300 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
! By boat and
By land railroad
1862  495 581
1863  470 651
1864  1979 1660
1865 (to July 24)  1622 440
This makes a total of 4566 miles traveled by land and 3332
miles by boat and railroad, with a grand total of 7898 miles.
BATTLES ENGAGED IN BY CROCKER'S BRIGADE.
1862.
Shiloh, Tenn., April 6th.
Advance on Corinth, Miss., April 28th to May 30th.
luka, Miss., September 19th, 20th.
Corinth, Miss., October 3d, 4th.
Waterford, Miss., November 29th.
1863.
Lafayette, Tenn., January 2d.
Richmond, La., January 30th.
Siege of Vicksburg, May 20th to July 4th.
Oakridgetown, La., August 27th.
Monroe, La., August 29th. 1864.
Meridian, Miss., February 24th.
Big Shanty, Ga., June loth.
Noon-Day Creek, Ga., June 15th.
Brushy Mountain, Ga., June 19th.
Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 27th to July ist.
Second Advance on Nick-a-Jack Creek, Ga., July 3d, 4th, 5th.
Advance on Atlanta, Ga., July 20th.
Charge on Bald Hill, Ga., July 21st.
Battle of Atlanta, Ga., July 22d.
Ezra Church, Ga., July 28th.
Advance on Atlanta, Ga., August 3d.
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 3d to August 16th.
Atlanta & Montgomery R. R., Ga., August 28th.
Jonesboro, Ga., August 31st to September ist.

SOME OBSERVATIONS 301
Flynt Creek, Ga., September ist.
Lovejoy Station, Ga., September 2d.
Fairburn, Ga., October 2d.
Snake Creek Gap, Ga., October 15th.
Savannah, Ga., December loth to 21st.
The battles from June to September are known as the Siege of
. Atlanta. During this period of eighty-seven days Crocker's Bri
gade was under fire eighty-one days.
1865.
Garden Corners, S. C, January 14th.
River Bridge, Salkahatchie Swamp, S. C, February 2d.
Big Salkahatchie Swamp, S. C, February 3d.
North Edisto River, S C., February 9th.
Columbia, S. C, March 3d.
Fayetteville, N. C, March nth.
Bentonville, N. C, March 20th, 21st.
Raleigh, N. C, April 13th.
INTEMPERANCE IN THE ARMY.
Intemperance in the army during the war was the cause of
much disturbance, and, to the men using intoxicating liquors, it
was a curse. Men who were good men when sober, became, when
intoxicated, regular demons. There were more men ordered
bucked and gagged by officers for drunkenness than any other
cause, and that just for the reason that a drunk nian will talk
or fight. The only trouble I had with any of the boys in my company
was at Louisville, Kentucky, just before we were mustered out.
One of the boys came back to camp from the city so drunk that he
could hardly walk. I was out in front of my "ranch," cleaning
my rifle and accouterments, and, as I was the first man he hap
pened to see upon his return, he was ready for a fight at once. I,
of course, kept out of his way and soon a number of other boys
came out, captured him, took him to his "ranch" and tied him to a
post. There he remained till he "cooled off."

302 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
HARDSHIPS OF WAR.
Some people think that being in a battle is all there is to war.
While experience in battle is a dreadful thing, it is by no means
the only hardship in war. Here are some of the hardships and
dangers aside from being under fire: in a field hospital; suffer
ing from wounds or from any of the many diseases to which a
soldier is subject; on long marches, sometimes for days and even
nights at a time, or on picket line for a day and a night without
sleep ; in rain or snow, and that without protection, or perhaps in
digging trenches all night for protection the next day, or in re
maining in the rifle pits for days and nights at a time, and in ad
dition, drinking stagnant water, thus causing fevers ; then for days
and weeks at work, building heavy fortifications, and besides all
at times on short rations, when an ear of corn would be a God
send — these are some of the many hardships. But above all
things, starving to death in a Southern prison required more cour
age than going into any battle fought during the Civil war.
MY PAY FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
While in the army, I received as my pay, $700.00, as bounty
money, $500.00, and for clothing, $40.00, making a total of
$1,240.00. Besides this I received from the State of Iowa, $24.00.
Privates received $13.00 per month to May i, 1864, after which
time they received $16.00. Sergeants received $22.00 per month.

ROLL OF CO. E. 303

ROLL OF CO. E.
JOHN W. ALBIN — Age, IS; residence, Newport; nativity, Iowa; enlisted,
March 7, 1864; mustered, March 7, 1864; private; wounded, June 16,
1864; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
SAMUEL ALBIN — Age, 18; residence Linn county; nativity, Iowa; en
listed, April 9, 1864; mustered, April 11, 1864; private; mustered out,
July 15, 1865.
ROBERT ALEXANDER — Age, 22; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ireland;
enlisted, September 2, 1862; mustered, September 12, 1862; private;
mustered out, June 2, 1865.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER — Age 22; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ireland;
enlisted, September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re-
enlisted, January 25, 1864; private; killed in battle, June 15, 1864.
ALBERT ALLEE — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Indiana; enlisted,
September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; wounded,
June 21, 1864; mustered out expiration of term, October 17, 1864.
JEREMIAH A. ARGO — Age, 18; residence, Springfleld; nativity, Ohio;
enlisted, April 20, 1864; mustered, April 20, 1864; private; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
THOMAS ARMSTRONG — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, September 23, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; vet
eran; reenlisted January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN L. AYERS — Age, 21; residence, Mechanicsville; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, October 10, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; mustered
out expiration of term, October 17, 1864.
SAMUEL BAIN— Age, 21; residence, Cedar Bluff; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 28, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
EGBERT BANKS — Age, 25; residence, Davenport; nativity, New York;
enlisted, October 6, 1864; mustered, October 6, 1864; private; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
CORYDON BARKER — Age, 28; residence, Grinnell; nativity, Kentucky;
enlisted, September 23, 1864; mustered, September 23, 1864; private;
discharged for disabilities, May 10, 1865.
WILLIAM BARRETT — Age, 20; residence, Cambridge; nativity, Maine;
enlisted, September 13, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; 4th Corporal January 1, 1865;
mustered out, July 15, 1865.
FRED BARTIMER — Age, 19; residence, Davenport; nativity, Germany;
enlisted, October 3, 1864; mustered, October 4, 1864; private; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN R. or W. BATDERF — Age, 30; residence, Tipton; nativity, Penn
sylvania; enlisted, September 14, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861;
private; 4th Corporal December 12, 1861; discharged for disabilities,
July 25, 1862.
GEORGE BERRIMAN — Age, 21; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, September 9, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
MONROE S. BLAZER — Age, 21; residence, Springfleld; nativity, Vir
ginia; enlisted, March 2, 1864; mustered, March 2, 1864; private; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN W. BOLTON — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Iowa; enlisted,
September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; promoted, 4th
Corporal September 10, 1862; discharged for disabilities, March 9
1863.
BENJAMIN BOSSBRT — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, October 1, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran'
reenlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865. '
PETER R. BRADSHAW — Age, 19; residence, Tipton, nativity, Iowa; en
listed, September 28, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; reenlisted, Jan
uary 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
ANDREW BRIDGER — Age, 24; residence, Tipton; nativity, West Vir
ginia; enlisted, March 3, 1864; mustered, March 3, 1864; private; dis
charged for disabilities. May 26, 1865.

304 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
ABRAHAM BROWN — Age, 34; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, October 1, 1861; mustered October 6, 1861; private; promoted,
wagoner; died of disease, January 2, 1864.
ASA S. BRUNSON — Age, 33; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 30, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; wounded, September 5, 1864; mustered out,
July 15, 1865.
WILLIAM H. BUCK — Age, 25; residence, Davenport; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, October 7, 1864; mustered, October 7, 1864; private; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN R. BUCKMAN — Age, 18; residence, Le Claire; nativity, Illinois;
enlisted, August 26, 1861; mustered, October 15, 1861; private; killed
in battle, April 6, 1862.
HENRY D. CANFIELD — Age, 22; residence, Davenport; nativity, Indiana;
enlisted, September 28, 1864; mustered, September 28, 1864; private;
mustered out, June 2, 1865.
ALFRED CAREY — Age, 25; residence, Tipton; nativity, New York; en
listed, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; ofllce, 3d Sergeant;
2d Lieutenant April 7, 1862; 1st Lieutenant October 1, 1862; wounded,
June 15, 1864; died of wounds, July 25, 1864.
WASHINGTON CARL — Age, 23; residence, Tipton; nativity, Iowa; en
listed September 28, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
NATHAN CHASE — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Illinois; enlisted,
September 16, 1861; mustered, October 6, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
WILLIAM CHOWIN — Age, 39; residence, Davenport; nativity, England;
enlisted, October 7, 1864; mustered, October 7, 1864; private; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
ELMORE CHRISMAN — Age, 25; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, September 28, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private;
wounded, April 6, 1862; discharged for disabilities, December 2, 1862.
MAJOR CHRISTMAS — Age, 38; residence, Tipton; nativity, England; en
listed, September 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1861; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
JOEL H. CLARK — Age, 24; residence, Ireland; nativity, New York; en
listed, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 1st Sergeant;
transferred, Inv. Corps March 15, 1864; no record.
,JOHN P. COMPTON — Age, 36; residence, Ireland; nativity, England; en
listed, October 5, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 1st Lieutenant Oc
tober 5, 1861; killed in battle, April 6, 1862.
DWIGHT D. COMSTOCK — Age, 36; residence, Davenport; nativity, New
York; enlisted, September 21, 1864; mustered, September 21, 1864;
private; mustered out, June 2, 1865.
CHARLES CORRELL — Age, 20; residence, Davenport; nativity, Ohio;
enlisted, September 28, 1864; mustered, September 28, 1864; private;
mustered out, June 2, 1865.
GEORGE CROAK — Age, 20; residence, Le Claire; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, August 26, 1861; mustered, October 6, 1861; private; killed
in battle, April 6, 1862.
WILLIAM CROSS— Age, 25; residence, Tipton; nativity. New York; en
listed, September 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; killed
in battle, July 5, 1864.
ORRIN CULVER — Age, 26; residence, Grinnell; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 23, 1864; mustered, September 23, 1864; private; mustered
out, June 2, 1865.
GEORGE CUSH — Age, 25; residence. Cedar Rapids; nativity, Germany;
enlisted, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN M. DANIELS — Age, 26; residence, Tipton; nativity. New York; en
listed, September 24, 1861; mustered, October 6, 1861; 1st Corporal;
discharged for disabilities, October 13, 1862.
SYLVESTER DANIELS— Age, 33; residence. Inland; nativity, New York;
enlisted, August 20, 1861; mustered. October B, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; drummer; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
FERDINAND DAVIS— Age, 22; residence, Davenport; nativity, Indiana;
enlisted, September 22, 1864; mustered, September 22, 1864; private;
mustered out, June 2, 1865.
PATRICKS DEMPSEY — Age, 20; residence, Davenport; nativity, Canada;
enlisted, September 23, 1864; mustered, September 23, 1864; private;
deserted, November 13, 1864.

ROLL OF CO. E. 305

JOHN A. DICKSON — Age, 19; residence, Davenport; nativity, Maine; en
listed, October 4, 1864; mustered, October 4, 1864; private; mustered
out. July 15. 1865.
LEROY DOUGLAS — Age, 20; residence. Cedar County; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, September 30. 1861; mustered. October 5, 1861; vet
eran; reenlisted, January 23, 1864; private; wounded. June 15, 1864;
mustered out, July 15. 1865.
THEODORE DOUGLAS — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, September 24, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; pri
vate; no record.
ALEXANDER G. DOWNIN(3 — Age, 18; residence. Inland; nativity, In
diana; enlisted, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran;
reenlisted, January 1, 1864; private; 6th Corporal March 1, 1864; 5th
Corporal; 4th Sergeant January 1, 1865; mustered out. July 15. 1865.
DAVID DRAUCKER — Age, 23; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reen
listed, January 1, 1864; private; fifer; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
LORENZO D. DURBIN — Age, 35; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; mus
tered, October 5, 1861; 2d Lieutenant September 22, 1861; 1st Lieu
tenant April 7, 1862; resigned, September 28. 1862.
JOHN W. DWIGGANS — Age, 19; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, September 23, 1861; mustered, October 5. 1861; private;
wounded, April 6, 1862; died of wounds, May 7, 1862.
WILLIAM DWIGGANS — ^Age, 19; residence, Tipton; nativity, Iowa; en
listed, September 23. 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; died of
disease, December 28, 1861.
CHARLES EDDY — Age, 26; residence, Davenport; nativity, Canada; en
listed, October 3. 1864; mustered. October 3, 1864; private; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
GEORGE W. EICHER — Age, 22; residence, Woodbridge; nativity, Ohio;
enlisted, September 23, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private;
mustered out expiration of term, October 17, 1864.
LEWIS ELSEFFER — Age, 18; residence, Woodbridge; nativity. New
York; enlisted, September 12, 1861; mustered, October B, 1861; vet
eran; reenlisted, January 1, 1864; private; 6th Corporal; 4th Corporal
January 1, 1864; 3d Corporal May 1, 1864; 1st Corporal January 1,
1865; mustered out, July 26, 1865.
JOHN W. ESHER — Age, 25; residence, Woodbridge; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, September 23, 1861; mustered, October 6, 1861; vet
eran; reenlisted, January 23, 1864; wounded, June 25, 1864; discharged
for disabilities, March 20. 1865.
WILLIAM ESHER — Age, 23; residence. Inland; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, September 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; mustered out,
July 15, 1865.
WILLIAM C. FALLS — Age, 33; residence, Tipton; nativity, Virginia; en
listed, August 30, 1862; mustered, August 30, 1862; mustered out,
June 2, 1865.
JOHN FERREN — Age, 24; residence, Davenport; nativity. Ireland; en
listed. October 11, 1864; mustered, October 11, 1864; mustered out,
July IB, 1865.
FRANK FISHER — Enlisted, October 5, 1861; rejected by mustering officer.
DEAN FORD — Age, 23; residence, Tipton; nativity, Indiana; enlisted,
September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN FORD — ^Age, 23; residence, Tipton; nativity, Indiana; enlisted, Sep
tember 14, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; wounded, Juno
16, 1864; mustered out expiration of term, October 17. 1864.
JAMES FOSSETT — Age, 21; residence. Inland; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 26, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 6th Corporal; dis
charged for disabilities, October 17, 1862.
HIRAM FRANK — Age, 42; residence, Tipton; nativity, New York; en
listed, September 24, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; 3d Corporal; 6th Sergeant October 16, 1862;
4tb Sergeant May 1, 1864; 2d Sergeant November 1, 1864; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
GOTTHES JOHN FREDERICK — Age, 18; residence, Davenport; nativity,
Germany; enlisted October 7, 1864; mustered. October 7. 1864; private;
mustered out, July 15, 1865.
ALLEN FRINK — Age, 22; residence, Tipton; nativity. New York; en
listed, September 26, 1861; mustered, October 5. 1861; private;
wounded, April 6, 1862; no further record.

306 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
CARLTON FRINK — Age, 18; residence, Tipton, nativity. New York; en
listed, September 26, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; killed
in battle, April 6, 1862.
WILLIAM H. GREEN — Age, 21; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; 5th Corporal January 1, 1865; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
THOMAS M. HAINES — Age, 24; residence, Tipton; nativity. New York;
enlisted, September 21, 1861; mustered, October B, 1861; private;
killed in battle, April 6, 1862.
JOHN W. HARDIN — Age, 20; residence, Jefferson City; nativity, Mis
souri; enlisted, December 19, 1861; mustered, December 19, 1861;
private; hospital June 30, no record.
HARRISON HARRICE — Age, 25; residence, Tipton; nativity, Maryland;
enlisted, September 24, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; dis
charged for disabilities, July 14, 1862.
PITT B. HARRINGTON— Age, 21; residence, Tipton; nativity, Michigan;
enlisted, September 17, 1861; mustered, October 5. 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July IB, 186B.
ABNER H. HATCH — Age, 25; residence, Tipton; nativity. New York; en
listed, September 14, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; dis
charged for disabilities, August 13, 1862.
LEWIS P. HAZEN— Age, 30; residence, Davenport; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, September 28, 1864; mustered, September. 28, 1864; private;
mustered out, June 16, 1865.
NICODEMUS D. HENRY — Age, 19; residence, Cedar County; nativity,
Ohio; enlisted, April 19, 1864; mustered, April 19, 1864; private; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
AUGUSTUS F. HERRICK — Age, 19; residence, Davenport; nativity. New
York; enlisted, October 8, 1864; mustered, October 8, 1864; private;
mustered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN HILTON — Age, 18; residence, Davenport; nativity, Missouri; en
listed, April 25, 1864; mustered, April 27, 1864; private; wounded,
July 5, 1864, and September 2, 1864; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
ROBERT L. HILTON — Rejected by mustering officer October 5, 1861.
DAVID HOBAUGH — Age, 21; residence, Toronto; nativity, Indiana; en
listed, September 17, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; pris
oner, October 4, 1862; reenlisted, January 1, 1864; private; killed in
battle, July 20, 1864.
DAVID HUFF — Age, 21; residence. Inland; nativity, Indiana; enlisted,
August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted, Janu
ary 1, 1864; private; 2d Corporal; 1st Corporal May 1, 1864; wounded,
August 12, 1864; died of wounds, August 23, 1864.
CHARLES J. JOHNSON — Age, 22; residence, Mechanicsville; nativity,
Ohio; enlisted, October 5, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private;
died of disease, November 25, 1863.
FRANK JOHNSON — Age, 19; residence, Tipton; enlisted, October 5. 1861;
mustered, October 5, 1861; reenlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN C. JOHNSON — Age 18; residence. Marshall County; nativity, Ohio;
enlisted, March 23, 1864; mustered, March 23, 1864; private; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN KINNAN — Age, 22; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, September 16, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1866.
CRAVEN LANE — Age, 19; residence, Tipton; nativity, Indiana; enlisted,
September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; died of dis
ease, January 3, 1862.
JOHN LETT — Age 19; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; enlisted, Septem
ber 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted, January
1, 1864; private; 3d Corporal January 1, 1865; mustered out, July 16,
1865.
AUGUSTUS LOBSHEIR — Age, 22; residence, Woodbridge; nativity, Ger
many; enlisted, September 25, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; vet
eran; reenlisted, January 1, 1864; 5th Sergeant; 2d Sergeant October 1,
1862; Sergeant-Major November 1, 1864; discharged for disabilities,
July 17, 1865.
JOEL LONG — Age, 22; residence, Cedar Bluff; nativity, Iowa; enlisted,
September 30, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; wagoner; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.

ROLL OF CO. E. 307

PETER LONG — Age, 18; residence, Davenport; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
October 11, 1864; mustered, October 11, 1864; private; deserted. No
vember 11, 1864.
HUGH C. McBIRNEY— Age, 21; residence, Mechanicsville; nativity,
Canada; enlisted, September 26, 1861; mustered, October 5. 1861; pri
vate; 3d Corporal; mustered out expiration of term. October 17. 1864.
PADENARIN MCCARTNEY — Age 39; residence, Tipton; nativity, Penn
sylvania; enlisted, September 23, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861;
private, discharged — ?'
THOMAS McCONNOLL — Age, 24; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, August 26, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private;
wounded, June 15, 1864; mustered out, expiration of term, October
31, 1864.
EBENEZER McCULLOUGH — Age, 23; residence, Davenport; nativity,
Ohio; enlisted, October 1, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private;
died of disease, August 3, 1862.
JOSEPH McKIBBEN — ^Age, 26; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ireland; en
listed, September 23, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; mus
tered out, expiration of term, April 1, 1865.
EZRA Moloney — Age, 25; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 28, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 4th Sergeant; killed
in battle. April 6, 1862.
SAMUEL S. Moloney — Age, 33; residence. Inland; nativity, Ohio; mus
tered, October 5, 1861; appointed Captain October 5, 1861; mustered
out, expiration of term, October 26, 1864.
ROBERT Mc WILLIAM — Age, 36; residence, Grinnell; nativity, Scotland;
enlisted, September 23, 1864; mustered, September 23, 1864; private;
mustered out, July 2, 1865.
GEORGE G. MAIN — Age, 32; residence, Lowden; nativity, New York; en
listed, September 19, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 4th Corporal;
wounded, January 15, 1864; mustered out, July 8, 1865.
JAMES MARTIN— Age, 19; residence, LeClaire; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
August 26, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; prisoner, October
4, 1862; reenlisted, January 1, 1864; private; killed in battle, June 15,
1864.
SAMUEL METCALF — Age, 25; residence, Tipton; nativity, Vermont; en
listed, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5. 1861; private; mustered
out, expiration of term, October 17, 1864.
GEORGE MOONEY — Age, 22; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 9, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; mustered out,
October 18, 1864.
JOHN D. MOORE — ^Age, 20; residence. Inland; nativity, Indiana; enlisted,
March 23, 1864; mustered, March 23, 1864; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
DANIEL MOWERY — ^Age, 24; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, September 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; discharged
for disabilities, March 27, 1863.
MARION Z. MUSCHOTZY — Residence, Lookout Station, Mo.; enlisted,
January 17, 1862; private; deserted, June, 1862.
FRANCIS NEESE — Age, 21; residence. Fort Dodge; nativity, Indiana; en
listed, September 28, 1864; mustered, September 28, 1864; private;
mustered out, June 2, 1865.
REUBEN NEESE — Age, 26; residence. Port Dodge; nativity, Indiana;
enlisted, September 28, 1864; mustered, September 28, 1864; private;
died of disease, March 2, 1865.
HENRY NEWANS— Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Canada; enlisted.
September 23, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted
January 1, 1864; private; wounded, July 22, 1864; mustered out, July
15, 1865.
JAMES NEWCOM— Age, 26; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania-
enlisted, October 17, 1861; mustered, October 17, 1861; veteran- re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; 5th Corporal; 3d Corporal. January
1, 1863; 2d Corporal May 1, 1864; 3d Sergeant October 27, 1864; 1st
Sergeant January 1, 1865; 2d Lieutenant July 29, 1865; mustered out
July 15, 1865, '
FOREST NOWLIN — Age, 18; residence, Davenport; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, October 10, 1864; mustered, October 10, 1864- private-
mustered out, July 15, 1865. '
CULVER ORRIN— See Orrin Culver.
'See Downing's Civil War Diary, p. 222.

308 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
WILLIAM PATTEN — Age, 19; residence, Tipton; nativity, Indiana; en
listed, September 26, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
AARON PEARCE — Age, 21; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 22, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; prisoner, missing in action July 22, 1864;
mustered out, July 15, 1865.
ABRAHAM PENCE — Rejected October 5, 1861.
ALEXANDER RAGAN — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, April 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; died
of disease, September 9, 1863.
EBENEZER RANKIN — Age, 22; residence, Mechanicsville; nativity, Ire
land; enlisted, September 26, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private;
4th Corporal; mustered out expiration of term, October 17, 1864.
JAMBS RANKIN — Age, 21; residence, Mechanicsville; nativity, Ireland;
enlisted, September 26, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
EDWIN D. REAVES— Age, 21; residence, Tipton; nativity Ohio; enlisted,
September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; discharged for
disabilities, April 15, 1863.
CHRISTIAN RBIGART— Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, September 28, 1861; mustered October 5, 1861; private;
discharged for disabilities, Novemlier 2, 1861.
JOHN T. RICE — Age, 22; residence, Lowden; nativity, Virginia; enlisted.
September 17, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; died of dis
ease, April 19, 1862.
ROSCOE R. ROYSTER^Age, 29; residence Port Dodge; nativity, Iowa;
enlisted, September 28, 1864; mustered, September 28, 1864; private;
mustered out, June 2, 1865.
BURTIS H. RUMSEY — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
October 1, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted, Janu
ary 1, 1864; private; mustered out, J^uly 15, 1865.
JAMES K. RUMSEY — Age 23; residence, Davenport; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, April 6, 1864; mustered April 6, 1864; private; died of disease,
February 2, 1865.
JAMES RYON — Age, 27; residence, Davenport; nativity, Canada; enlisted,
October 12, 1864; mustered, October 12, 1864; private; deserted, No
vember 13, 1864.
ALBERT B. SILES — Age, 23; residence, Wyoming; nativity. New York;
enlisted, September 28, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 7th Corporal;
2d Corporal; mustered out expiration of term, October 17, 1864.
GEORGE W. SIMMONS — Age, 22; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private;
wounded, April 6, 1862; died of wounds. May 12, 1862.
WILSON SIMMONS — Age, 21; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; enlisted.
September 23, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; died of disease,
April 15, 1862.
ADAM C. SMITH — Age, 29; residence, Tipton; nativity. New York; en
listed, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; private; died of
disease, 1863.
JASON C. SPARKS — Age, 21; residence, Le Grand; nativity, Indiana; en
listed, March 31, 1864; mustered, March 31, 1864; private; mustered
out, July 15, 1865.
WILLIAM SPENCER — Age, 26; residence, Davenport; nativity, Pennsyl
vania; enlisted, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 2d Ser
geant; 2d Lieutenant October 1, 1862; Captain October 27, 1864;
mustered out, July 15, 1865.
ORLANDO STOUT — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Iowa; enlisted,
September 21, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
DANIEL B. SWEET — Age, 23; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, August 20, 1861; October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted, Janu
ary 1, 1864; 2d Corporal; 1st Corporal; 5th Sergeant May 1, 1864; 3d
Sergeant January 1, 1865; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
GEORGE SWEET — Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Wisconsin; en
listed, January 1, 1864; mustered, January 6, 1864; private; killed in
battle, July 22, 1864.
HENRY L. SWEET — Age, 20; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; 8th Corporal;
died of disease. May 4, 1862.

ROLL OF CO. E. 309

HENRY M. SWIFT — Age, 18; residence, Boone county; nativity, Missouri;
mustered, December 19, 1861; private; died of disease, June 23, 1862.
MILTON SWIFT— Supposed to be Henry M. Swift.
ODELL THORNE — Age, 20; residence. Louden; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 17, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; reenlisted,
January 1, 1864; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
GEORGE M. TITUS — Age, 22; residence. Louden; nativity, Pennsylvania;
enlisted, September 18, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; flfer; 5th Sergeant January 1, 1865; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
JOSEPH TOMLINSON — Age, 24; residence, Tipton; nativity. New York;
enlisted, September 14, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; 3d Sergeant; 1st Sergeant May 1,
1864; 1st Lieutenant December 17, 1864; Captain July 29, 1865; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
GEORGE W. TOYNE — ^Age, 27; residence, Tipton; nativity, England; en
listed, August 20, 1862; mustered, August 30, 1862; private; mustered
out, June 2, 1865.
GEORGE W. TUTHILL — ^Age, 30; residence, Davenport; nativity. New
York; enlisted, March 25, 1864; mustered, March 25, 1864; private;
mustered out, July 11, 1865.
PETER VINRICHE — Age, 32; residence. Louden; nativity, France; en
listed, September 18, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, lS64; private; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
SALEM WADE — Age, 21; residence, Davenport; nativity. New York; en
listed, September 23, 1864; mustered, September 23, 1864; private;
mustered out, June 2, 1865.
LEROY WALDO — Age, 22; residence, Davenport; nativity, Ohio; enlisted,
September 28, 1864; mustered, September 28, 1864; private; mustered
out, June 2, 1865.
DARIUS WATERHOUSB — Age, 25; residence, Davenport; nativity. New
York; enlisted, January 27, 1864; February 11, 1864; private; mus
tered out, July 15, 1865.
JOHN A. WHITE — Age, 22; residence, Wyoming; nativity, Michigan; en
listed, September 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; 5th Corporal; 4th Sergeant October 16, 1862;
3d Sergeant May 1, 1864; 2d Lieutenant October 27, 1864; 1st Lieuten
ant, July 29, 1865; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
MILTON G. WAGGINS— Age, 18; residence, Tipton; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, September 9, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; private; 8th Corporal April 25, 1862; 7th
Corporal; 5th Corporal January 1, 1864; 4th Corporal; 2d Corporal
January 1, 1865; mustered out, July 15, 1865.
GEORGE T. WILLCOTT— Age, 20; residence. Inland; nativity, Ohio; en
listed, August 20, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; died of disease.
May 12, 1862.
JOHN ZITLER — Age, 19; residence, Tipton; nativity, Pennsylvania; en
listed, September 24, 1861; mustered, October 5, 1861; veteran; re
enlisted, January 1, 1864; wounded, June 15, 1864; mustered out, July
15, 1865.

310

INDEX
Abbeville, taken, 85, 86; army left, 88;
Abercrombie, Major, drilled Eleventh Iowa after Shiloh, 44; in com
mand of regiment, 49; drill by, 83;
Ackworth, Ga., train through, 217, 219,
Adairsville, Ga., marched through, 221.
Albin, John, wounded, 198,
Alexandria, Va., army at, 276,
Alexander, William, killed, 197,
Allee, Albert, mustered out, 222,
Allotment rolls, inaugurated, 84; discontinued, 133
Anderson, Lieutenant, return of, 48; captain, arrived with conscripts,
226
Armstrong, Thomas, loan from, 183; loan, 218,
Army of Cumberland, on march through Georgia, 229,
Army of the Tennessee, on march through Georgia, 229,
Argo, Jeremiah, 180; to the front, 214
Atlanta, Georgia, movement upon, 199; battles around, 209; field hos
pital, 214; provisions for army, 226; to be evacuated, 227; citi
zens leaving for north, 227; raid on, 228; evacuated, 229;
Ayers, John I. mustered out, 222,
Baker, Nathaniel B., Adjutant General of lo-wa, in charge of Camp Mc
Clellan, 5; reviewed Eleventh Iowa, 17; at the front, speech, 120,
Bain, Samuel, loan, 218,
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, station of, 280; long tunnel, 281,
Banks, General, at Port Hudson, 121, 132
Barrett, William, loan from, 228,
Batderf, John, company cook, 12
Bayou Lee, crossed, 13'7.
Bayou Mason, army through, 137, camp near, 139,
Bayou Said, camp near, 138
Beauregard, General, evacuating Corinth, 50
Belknap, General W. W., home on leave, 284; speech by, 288
Beaufort, S. C, army landed, 245 ; description of, 245,
Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, 19; parade ground at, 20; accident at,
20, 21
Benton Station, on Savannah railroad, 233,
Bentonville, N. C, rebels fortified at, 262, 263, battle of, 263,
Bible, presented by John Moore, 11; reading, 40; discussion about, 57;
reading of, 106, 107, 108
Big Black river, bridge across, 116; camp at, 125, 129; on guard at,
126; post at, 155; camping grounds, 165; return to, 171,
Big Shanty, bivouac at, 195, 196; supplies removed from, 283; train
through, 217; railroad at, 220; destruction of railroad, 228,
Blair, General, division of, 113, 115; command of, 118; command of
Seventeenth Corps, 188; in grand review, 277,
Blazer, Monroe, loan, 218
Bolivar, Tennessee, 60; on guard, 62; "corporal the guard," 63; on
picket at, 64; night watch, 66; Port Hall, 67; leave, 68
Boonesboro, Missouri, raid on, 24
Boonville, Missouri, 24; in pest-house, 25
Bounty, veterans', 156, 157; expiration of, 161; money, 173
Bragg, General, at Corinth, 77; defeated at Dalton, 156; retreating, 157
Brandon, Miss., burned, 167

INDEX 311

Brown, Abraham, died In hospital, 161
Buckman, John R., killed at Shiloh, 42
Buell, General, arrived at Shiloh, 42; to central Tennessee, 52
Burnside, General, expedition, 121; at Chattanooga, 143
Cadle, Richard, quartermaster of Eleventh Iowa, 15
Cairo, Illinois, 36, 37; concentration camp, 174, 175, 183; description
of, 184; transports back to, 185
California, Missouri, 25; flagpole raising, 26; company to, 33; hospital
at, 34; leaving, 35
Camp, routine, at Camp McClellan, 14; life in, 20; newspapers in, 21;
at Savannah, 'Tennessee, 37; in Jones' field, 38; unhealthy,
change of, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52; clean up for inspection, 55; near
Corinth, 72; beautiful camping ground, 76; in fine shape, 79; on
Scott creek, 81; flooded, moved, 73; near Abbeville, 86; receive
mail, 91; smallpox in, 92, 93; at Memphis, 94; camp on Missis
sippi, 96, 97; moved to higher ground, 98; muddy, smallpox in,
101; moved, 106; excellent, 110; Vicksburg, 111; sickness in,
131, 141; poor ground, 132; protecting from sun, 133; good, 134;
dangerous, 138; bunks, 142; reading, and writing letters, 146;
at home again, 148; flooded, built new, 150, 151; wash day in,
157; inspection of, 158; duties light, 162; guarded by convales
cents, 166; cleaning up, preaching in, 172; at Cairo, 183; rob
bery in, 184; at Clifton, routine, 186; lying in, making repairs,
192; at Atlanta, 217; at Galesville, 223, 224; leave, at Gales
ville, 225; at Atlanta, 228; in Georgia swamps, 233; in rice
plantation, 237; in Savannah, 239; quiet, in, 241; in pine timber,
245; fuel for, 246; lie in camp, 252; before Columbia, 253; in
bivouac at Cheraw, 258; at Goldsboro, 264; building "ranches,"
265; routine, 265, 266; near Raleigh, 269; return to, 271; preach
ing in, 272; at Alexandria, 276; at Washington, D. C, 277; tem
perance address in, 279; light duties, 280; at Louisville, 282;
moved, 283; waiting in, 285; description of, 286; get passes to
city, 287; last Sunday in, 288; at camp McClellan, 289
Camp McClellan, at Davenport, 5; return to, 6; troops from Tipton
arrive at, 11; concentration at, 181, 182; return to, 288; receive
discharge at, 289
Canton, Miss., camp at, 170, 171
Cape Fear river, 260
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 36
Carey, Lieutenant Alfred, to solicit recruits, 152; wounded, note, 198;
in hospital, death of, 206; burial of, 207
Carterville, Georgia, evacuated, 193; base of supply, 194; marched
through, 221
Carthage, La., train through, 112; loading boats at, 114.
Cave Springs, village of, 225
Cedartown, Ga., in bivouac, 225
Centralia, III., passed through, 175; stopped at, 183
Chambers, Captain Alexander, of regular army, 12 ; battery of six guns,
38; Colonel, command Iowa Brigade, 120; released from com
mand, 127; again command of Iowa Brigade, 128; command of
post, 131; General, review by, 164
Champion Hills, battle of, 116.
Chapel Hill, N. C, Johnson's army at, 269
Chaplain, preaching in camp, 13; regular preaching by, 15, 17; no
preaching, 28; new chaplain, 62; without, 86; preached to regi
ment, 98; without, 105; sermon, flrst in six months, 123; at hos
pital, Rome, 208

312 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
Charleston, S. C, news from, 131; besieged, 143; army at, 162; pris
oners sent to, 234
Chase, Nathan, in fight, 78; a veteran, 159; got into trouble, 185
Chattahoochee river, army along, 203, 204
Chattanooga, Tennessee, taken, 143; lost to South, 156; bivouac on
river, 192; railroad from, 193; railroad destroyed, 200; hospital
equipment, 214; surplus supplies, 225; army to, 227
Cheraw, S. C, manufacturing center, 258; burned, 259
Chickamauga river, battle on, 143
Chrisman, Elmore, wounded at Shiloh, 42
Christmas, first in army, 26; gloomy, 89; officers' episode, 159; lone
some, 254
Christmas, Major, on furlough, 133
Citizens, in Vicksburg, 154; gold and silver of, 158; for military duty,
159; without passes, 162; fled, 167; not molested, 170; levy on,
171; leaving, 190; destitute, 191; sorrow in home, 192; vacating
war zone, 204; leaving Rome, Ga., 205; at Rome, 206; agitation
of, 208; removal of, 217, 218; flee, 226; gather at Atlantic, 227;
flee, 230, 231, 234; oath of allegiance at Savannah, 240, 242; left
destitute, 249; hack on farms, 274; cheering soldiers, 281
Clarenceville, 'Tennessee, town of, note, 188
Clark, Henry, veteran of Company E, 180, 182
Clark, Joel H., elected orderly, 10; "scouting" expedition, 30
Clifton, Tennessee, army to, 184; journey to, 185; in camp at, 186;
town of, 187
Clinton, Miss., pass through, 130; taken, 166
Clothing, orders concerning, 16; settlement for, 51; for regiment, 58;
consignment of, 83; need of, 89; bill of, 90; from storage. 95;
overcoats and blankets for regiment, 103, 119; discarded, 113;
allowance for, 127; for regiment, 133; washing, 141; hew uni
forms, 185; for regiment, 190; in hospital, 211; waiting for, 226;
wearing out, 235; consignment of, 244; mending, 261; shoes,
262; distributed, 265; washing and cleaning, 277; cleaning, 283;
money allowed for, 284
Cold Water, Miss., marched through, 90
Cole, David, letter from, 219
Columbia, S. C, State road to, 252; capture of, 253, 254; burning of,
254; explosions at, 255
Columbus, Miss., Johnson's army at, command of, 131
Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, completed, election of officers,
10, 12; nativity of men in, 13; uniforms for, inspection, 19;
proud of drillmaster, 20; after "secesh," 24; in winter quarters,
26, 27; vaccination of men, 29, 31; religious services, 30; cele
bration of fall of Forts Henry and Donelson, 33; return to Cali
fornia, 33; company cook, 33; prayer meeting, 32, 33, 34; mend
ing clothes, 35; on boat, 36; last drill by Compton, 40; in battle
of Shiloh, 41, 42; rifles from battlefield, 44; at Bolivar, Tennes
see, 64; on Patrick's plantation, 65, 66; on forage, 71; washing
squads, 78; corporal reduced, 81; danger from sharpshooters,
86; inspection of, 110; skirmish line, 117; in cotton sheds, 119;
in the canebreakes, 121; reserve and police duty, 121, 122, 123;
joins regiment on Big Black River, 125; furloughs, note, 133;
picket service, 142, 143; in form again, 145; enlistments in, 158;
veterans of, 159, 160; veteran company, 161; election of officers,
164; veterans greeted, 176, 177; dinner for, 178; reported for
duty, 182; on skirmish line, 197; lying quiet, losses, 198; throw
ing up rifle pits, 201; on skirmish line, 202; non-veterans mus
tered out, 222; reorganized, 238; losses in, 243; on picket duty,
247; impatient to move, 248; moved forward, 249; on provost

INDEX 313

guard, 260; subscription for Cornell College, 261; on skirmish
line, 263; settled for clothing, 284; men purchase rifles, 287;
bidding farewell, 289;
Compton, John F., Englishman, drill-master, 9, 10; chosen flrst lieu
tenant, 10; in manual of arms, 15; praise for, 20; New Year's
chicken dinner to company, 27; after "secesh" assassin, 29, 33;
drills company for last time, 40; killed at Shiloh, 42
Congaree river, struggle for, 253
Corinth, advance on, 46, 47; evacuation of, 50, 51; Union army in,
51, 52; fortifications at, 53, 54; deserted, 56; orchards around,
58; army return to, 68; movements about, 69; important point",
71; battle of, 73; battlefield of, 76; Government wells at, 77;
fortifications of, 78; knapsacks in storage, sick in hospital, 80
Cornell College, commissioner from, 261
Conscripts, (see Recruits)
Coosa river, pontoon bridge across, 193, 225,
Copperheads, to hunt down, 103; denounced, 178; activity of, 179
Correll, Charles, arrest of, 268
Croak, George, killed at Shiloh, 42
Crocker's Brigade, (See Iowa Brigade)
Crocker, Colonel of Thirteenth Iowa, 15; General in command of bri
gade, 82; note, 102; headquarters of, 105; brigadier general,
command of Iowa brigade, 111; takes command of Seventh Di-
¦vision, 112; division at Natchez, 152; in Meridian expedition,
166; capture of Enterprise. Miss., 168
Cross, William, in fight, 78; returns from hospital, 200; killed, 203
Curtis, Homer, at home, 177; visit of, 267
Cush, George, frightened, 64; a veteran, 159
Dallas, Ga., enemy to, 220 ; marched thru, 225, 226
Dalton, Ga., railroad near, 210; capture of 221, 222; railroad from,
destroyed, 228
Daniels, Sylvester, returns home, 9; on furlough, 133
Davenport, Iowa, camp at, 5; return to, 6; troops arrive at, 11, 175
Davis, General J. C, in grand review, 2'77
Davis, Jefferson, plantation of, 114; news of capture, 276
Decatur, Miss., camp at, burned, 168; in bivouac, 169; march to, 190:
army thru, 191
Decatur, Alabama, army thru, 191
Deserters, to be brought back, 102, 154; confederate, 199
"Dog" tents, 82
Dodge, General, re-enforcements for, 132
Douglas, Leroy, on picket, 72; a veteran, 160; wounded, note, 198
Downing, Albert, half brother of Alexander G., 3 ; letter to, 109, 210
Downing, Alexander G., in the harvest field, 3, 4; birthday, enlisted, 4;
to Camp McClellan, his father's advice, note, 5; home on pass,
back to camp, 6; drill and rations, 7; perplexity of, 8; returns
home, enrolled in State service, 9; visits home before leaving
for camp, 10 ; to Tipton, to Camp McClellan with Eleventh Iowa,
11; sworn into United States service, cook for company, 12;
camp routine, 14; received State pay, 17; on the "Father of
Waters," 18, 19; sent money home, 19; on guard at Benton Bar
racks, 20; first experience in tent, 22; flrst pay from United
States Government, 23; first march after enemy, 23, 24; expe
riences of, 25; Christmas dinner, 26; marked "not fit for duty,"
27; vaccinated, 29, 30; sent money home, 30; cook for mess No
1, 31; boat to Cairo, 36; in battle of Shiloh, 40, 43; burying dead
44; opinions of Shiloh, note. 44, 45; enters Corinth, 52- sends
money home, on guard at General Todd's headquarters, 53 • first

314 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
time on fatigue, 54; picks blackberries, 55; sees doctor, sells
apple pies, 61; experience, 62; birthday, 63; hard march, 68;
buys poncho, 69; on picket, 72; at the battle of Corinth. 73;
description of chase, note, opinion of, 74; first offence and pun
ishment, 81; signed allotment role, 84; note, 89; account of sup
plies, 90; on guard, 93; loan to Lieutenant Spencer, 94; with
thirteenth Iowa, work on levee, 97; letter to John D. Moore,
"likeness" taken, 99; letter to brother John, 100; note, 101;
diary, 103; guard at headquarters, sent money home, 105; draw
clothing, 107; reading Bible, 106, 107, 108; cooked for officers'
mess, 107; letter to Jason Sparks, 108; money sent home, 109,
133; bread for officers' mess, slept in bed. 111; pay as cook, 112;
digging trenches, 121; writes letter for comrade, 122; strict or
ders on picket, 123, 124; filling canteens, 128; hard experience,
129; gold pen, 131; views Vicksburg, on patrol, 134, 135; ex
perience, 136, 137, 138; opinions of, 140, 141; ague, 142; return
to duty, 143; on fatigue and provost duty, 144; to church, 145;
on soldiers' voting, 147; sends money home, 150; paying soldiers,
153; provost guard, 154; on patrol guard, 156; Christmas din
ner, 159; New Year's day prayer, 160; re-enlisted, 161; strict
orders on patrol, 162; at church services, elected fifth sergeant,
164; corps headquarters' guard, 166; headquarters' guard, 171;
on guard at round house, 173; promotion of, started on furlough,
174; at Cairo, made purchases, reached home, 175; greetings,
176; dinners at Mrs. Curtis', 177; lamentations, 178, visits, 180;
expiration of furlough, 181, swapped watches, left for front, 182;
at Cairo, 183; certificate of discharge, 184; first detail as cor
poral, 185; Corporal's squad, 186, 187; outside of pickets, 187;
expressed feeling, 189; visits cousin, 190; description of battle,
197; feelings expressed, 199; prayer, 201; taken sick, 202; to
division hospital, 203; condition, note, 204; to field hospital,
Rome, Ga., 205; convalescent, 206; describes burial of Carey,
207; head nurse, 209; resolutions of, birthday of, 210; money
sent home, 212; ward master, 214; increase of pay, 215; left
hospital, 216; return to regiment, 217; loans to comrades, 218;
with comrades climbed Kenesaw Mountain, 220; on picket, ride
in ambulance, 225, bounty, 227, feet sore from marching, 235;
promoted to fifth sergeant, 238; obtains Confederate money, 240;
subscribes for papers, 241; sent money home, 244; observations,
note, 247; carrying heavy load, 253; notes on Columbia, S. C,
254; building corduroy, 257; note on S. C, 259; opinion of
country, 260; last battle, note, 263; with mess at Goldsboro, 265;
describes camp at Raleigh, 269; rejoicing in camp over John
ston's surrender, 270, 271; account of crossing Roanoke river,
272, 273; ill, decides to march, 274; describes homeward march,
275; description of grand review, 276, 277; medal of honor, 279;
description of journey, 281; account of sinking of transport,
282; command of guard, 283; sent money home, visits Louis
ville, 284; attends theater, 285; on Fourth of July, 285, 286;
estimate of General McPherson, note, 286; sergeant of brigade
guard, 287; trip home, 288, 289; returns to harvest field, 289,
290;
Do-wning, Andrew, half-brother of Alexander G., 3
Downing, George, half-brother of Alexander G., 3
Downing, John, half-brother of Alexander G., letter to, 100; referred
to, 179
Downing, Paul, half-brother of Alexander G., 3
Dressers Battery, 38; location of, 40
Drilling, at Tipton, 9, 10; at Camp McClellan, 13, note, 16, 17; at Ben-

INDEX 315

ton Barracks, 20, 21; on Jones' Field, 39, 40; after Shiloh, 44;
for punishment, 48; dispensed with, 54, 58; on rough ground, 84;
brigade and company, 105; division, 107; regimental. 111; on
march, 112; at Grand Gulf, 113; battalion, 114; renewed, 134; by
regiments, 148; in marksmanship, 153; regular, 163, 164; new
recruits, 185; order for, 186; conscripts, 228, 240; regular, 265,
266; dress parade, 286; last dress parade, 288
Durbin, Lorenzo D., chosen second lieutenant, 10; arrived in camp, 12;
after horse tliief, 29; scouting, 30
Dwiggans, John W., wounded at Shiloh, 42; died, note, 48
Edisto river, army crosses, 251, 252
Eicher, George, on guard, 93; mustered out, 222
Eighth Iowa Infantry, forming, 4, 5, 6; four men drummed out, 7
Election, soldiers' vote, 147; presidential, 227
Eleventh Iowa Infantry, chaplain of, 7; building barracks, 12; com
pleted, 14; guns and equipment, uniforms received by quarter
master, 15; first review in new uniforms, orders to leave for
South, 17; en route for St. Louis, march through Muscatine, 18;
at Benton Barracks, 19; marching orders, 21; to Jefferson City,
22; up Missouri River, 23; ordered to California, Missouri, 25;
in winter quarters, note, 27; regiment reunited, 34; up the
Tennessee, 37; at Pittsburg Landing, camp of, 38; called under
arms, 40, battle of Shiloh, 40; directed by Grant, 42; in battle
of Shiloh, 41-42, second day, 42-43; inspected for pay, 47; on
picket, 52, 53, 54, 55; guarding orchard, 56; loss from disease,
59; guarding railroad, 62; routine, 66; leave luka, 72; in battle
of Corinth, 73; on fortifications, 78; note, 80; without chaplain,
86; pay, 94; start to Vicksburg, 95; to Lake Providence, 99;
smallpox in, 101; to Greenville, 102; wedge tents for, officers'
resolutions, 103; pay, 104; Sibly tents for, 105; received En
field rifles, 106; toward Vicksburg, 106; pay, 108; health of, 109;
strength of, 112; through Louisiana plantations, 114; expedi
tion of, 116; movements of, 117; sappers of, 120; to rear, 121;
expedition of, 123; pay of, 127; escort for wagons, 128; Major
Foster in command, 133; on expedition, 136; rear guard, 137;
to Vicksburg, 140; no chanplain, 142; picket service, 146, 147,
148, 149; pay, 153; on picket, 157; re-enlistments, 158; veterans
sworn in, 159; roll call for re-enlistments, 160; a veteran regi
ment, 161; sworn in, 163; election of officers, 164; on furlough,
174; at Camp McClellan, 181; mustered, on board transports,
184; new uniforms, 185; rifle pits of, 197; building rifle pits,
198; to front, 199; on skirmish, 202; charge of, 203; no pay, 218;
camp of, 220; non-veterans mustered out, 223; six months' pay,
227; strong for Lincoln, 227; on train guard, 229; rear guard,
233; on fortiflcations, 239; part in campaign, 243; at Pocotaligo,
246, 247; at Edisto river, 251; cross South river, 262; foraging
train, 264; new clothes for, 265; complimented on dress parade,
267; temperance pledge, 280; entrains, 281, on board transports,
281; muster-rolls signed, 282; received pay, 284; muster-out rolls,
287; mustered out, 288
Elkhorn, Tenn., march through, note, 189
Elseffer, Lewis, elected flrst sergeant, 164; clerk, 176; letter to, 213;
letter from, 214
Esher, John, on guard, 93; wounded, note, 201; in hospital, 208
Esher, William, on picket, 72
Fairburn, Ga., march to, 219
Farmington, Tenn., campaign, 47, 48

316 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY

Fayetteville, N. C, army at, 260, 261
Fifteenth Army Corps, to move north, 219; on expedition, 220; at
Galesville, 223; on return, 225, 229; in engagement, 232; in ad
vance, 235; foraging train, 237; reviewed, 240; leave Savannah,
244; landed at Beaufort, 246; supply trains, 248; at Hicky Hill,
249; engagement before Columbia, 253; entering Columbia, 254;
detail from, 255; camp of, 264; on right wing, 267; race with
Seventeenth Corp, 273; paid off, 283; subscription for monu
ment, 286
Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, in Iowa Brigade, 30; battle of Corinth, 73;
at Lafayette, 91; guard wagon train, 130; on furlough, 174; on
transports, 184; to front, 199; on skirmish, 201; in battle, 208;
on move, 219, 220, 221; on march, 222, 229; train guard, 231;
landed at Beaufort, 234; received pay, 284.
Floral College, N. C, near state line, 260
Foraging, at Lookout Station, 28, 29, 30, 32; government's policy, 57;
on "secesh" plantation, 60; guards taken off, 62; for corn, 71;
poor, 77; orders against, 81; cotton, 86, corn and cotton, 87, corn,
89; scalding water for foragers, 104; oats, 131; green corn, 134;
on expedition, 137; party caught, 138; sweet potatoes, 139; for
meat, 167; plenty forage, 168, 170; parties, 169; for meat, 191;
poor country, 192; parties, 193, 223, 224, 225; plenty forage, 226;
for meat, 229; on march through Georgia, 230; for meat, 231;
plenty forage, 232; sweet potatoes and pork, 235; rice in sheaf,
241; description of foragers, 241; surplus bacon, 251; destruc
tion of property, 252; treatment of foragers, 256; country poor,
257, 258; capture of cars, 258; plenty forage, 259; forage scarce,
260; exciting episode, 261; clothes taken, 262; parties, 264; for
bidden, 272
Force, Brigadier General, F. M., command at Clifton, 186
Ford, John, wounded, 122, note, 198; loan, 218; mustered out, 222
Fort Donelson, taken with prisoners, 33
Fort Henry, taken, 33; dilapidated, 37
Fort McAllister, capture of, 237
Fort Robinet, at Corinth, 73
Fort Johnson, below Savannah, 241
Fossett, James M., bunk-mate, 12; on boat, 18; sent to hospital, note,
22, 26; at home, 177
Fossett, Thomas, did not re-enlist, 12; of Twenty-fourth Iowa, 177
Foster, Major Charles, with Le Claire boys, 5; word from, 8; relief for
Company E, 125; speech on re-enlistlng, 161; speech by, 178
Fourteenth Army Corps, to move north, 219; campaign, 221; at Gales
ville, 223; on march through Georgia, 229; destroying railroad,
231; reviewed by Sherman, 241; to start on raid, 244; flounder
ing in mud, 248; on garrison, 260; camp of, 264; on left wing,
267; arrived at Louisville, 283
Fourth of July, celebration, 56; fall of Vicksburg, 126; at Louisville,
Ky., 285, 286
Frank, Hiram, elected third sergeant, 164; climbing Kenesaw Moun
tain, 220
Fredericksburg, Va., site of battle, 275
Frink, Carlton, scouting, 29; killed at Shiloh, 42
Galesville, Ala., concentration at, 223
Gambling, "chuck luck," 109, 153, 154, 158
Garden Corners, S. C, headquarters of army, 247, 248
Glascow, Missouri, captured powder at, 24
Goldsboro, N. C, 263; in camp at, 264
Goodrich's Landing, camp at, 136; returned to, 139

INDEX 317

Gordon, Ga., camp at, 230; railroad junction, 231
Grand Gulf, fighting at, prisoners taken, 112, news from, 112; army
at, 113; boats for, 114; camp at, 115; quiet at, 116
Grand Junction, marches through, 80; Sixth Division at, 81; provi
sions to, 82; camp at, 83; fast at, 86
Grant, General Ulysses S., Port Henry and Fort Donelson, 33; reviews
army at Pittsburg Landing, 39; at Shiloh, 42; confidence in, 78;
inspection by, 79; command of, 85; inspection by, 88; at Vicks
burg, 98; failure of, 112; successes, 115; at Jackson, 116; sur
rounding Vicksburg, 117; confident, 122; siege of Vicksburg, 123;
surrender of Vicksburg, 126; review of Iowa Brigade, 146; orders
from, 152; at Chattanooga, 155; at Dalton, Ga., 156; praise for,
157; head of armies, 173; before Richmond, 187, 189; news from,
193; no news from, 195, 199, 208, 209, 210, 211; engagement,
212; at Petersburg, 213; no news from, 218; near Richmond, 219;
at Richmond, 266; receives surrender of Lee, 267; joins Sherman,
270; review of armies, 267, 277
Great Pedee river, army crosses, 258
Green, William, on furlough, 150; to camp McClellan, 180; letter from,
209; loan, 218; hauling lumber, 265
Haines' Bluff, army post, 109; attack on, 112; Eleventh Iowa at, 116;
taken, 117; army at, 119
Haines, Thomas, experience and death at Shiloh, 41, 42
Hall, Lieutenant Colonel William, in command at California, Missouri,
26; at home, 49; returns with Mrs. Hall, from home, 55; return
from home, 108; wife of, 110; takes command of Iowa Brigade,
112, 127; again in command of Brigade, 132; in command of regi
ment, 145; welcome to comrades, 288
Halleck, General, command of, 51
Ham, Mrs. Mary, letter to, 213
Hardie, General, of Hood's army, 223
Hare, Colonel Abraham M., of the Eleventh Iowa, arrived in camp, 14;
in charge of regiment, for drill, 16; in battalion drill, 20; in
command of First Brigade, 38; inspection of regiment, 39; at
home, 49; returns to camp, 55; drill, 58; inspection of regiment,
59; resignation of, 77
Harper's Ferry, passes through, 281
Hatch, Mr., party for veterans, 177
Hatchie river, camp near, 60
Hazen, General, forces of, 237
Hemmenway, Mrs., gives a dance, 28
Hemphill, John, loan, 218
Hillsboro, Ga., marched through, 230
Hillsborough, Miss., burned, 167; bivouac, 169
Hilton, John, furlough for, 208; wounded, note, 213
Hinkenlooper, General, command of Iowa Brigade, 283
Hobaugh, David, killed, note, 206, 210.
Holly Springs, Miss., rations, 81; moved upon, 85; base of supplies,
87; recaptured, 88; devastation of, 89; recapture of, note, 90
Holmes' plantation, camp on, 111; planted to cotton, 114
Hood, General, notice from Sherman, 218; moving north, 219; force
of, 221; retreating, 223
Hooker, General, at Port Hudson, 124; command of, 195; charges of,
200
Hospital, in siege of Vicksburg, 117; confederate, 138; filled, 141; sick
improving, 143; boys leaving, 144; near Big Shanty, 203; at
Marietta, 204, at Rome, Ga., 204, 205; description of, 206, 207;
preaching services, 208; scrub day, 209; crowded, routine, 211,

318 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY

212; men leaving, note, 213; changes in, 214; services slacken
ing, 215
Howard, General O. O., with Sherman, 248; command of right wing,
249; orders from, 271; in grand review, 277
Huff, David, returns home, 9; on picket, 72; elected second sergeant,
164; died in hospital, 211
Hunter, General, reviewed Iowa Brigade, 161
Huntsville, Ala., transports for, 183; destination, 184; driving cattle
toward, 186; knapsacks sent to, 189; army at, description of,
190 ; tents stored at, 217
Hurlbut, General, after Price, 74; division, 166; tax on citizens, 171
Illinois Central, railroad, 175; over the, 182
Inland, la., peace meeting at, 4; enlisted men at, 5; boys from, 9, 176;
loyal people of, 177; meeting at, 178
Iowa Brigade, announcement of, 30; formation of, 46; movement on
Corinth, 48; camp of, 61; garrisoning luka, 70, '71; at battle of
Corinth, 73; praise of, 102; resolutions by officers, 104; embarked
for Vicksburg, 110; quarters of. 111; loses Croker, Colonel Hall
in command of, 112; expedition of, 118, 119; on Big Black River,
124; health of men, 128; return to Big Black river, 131; to Vicks
burg, 132; rumored expedition, 134; on expedition, 136; lead in
march, 140; building camp, 144; recovering health, 144; relief
expedition, 147; target shooting, 153; becomes veteran brigade,
161; in expedition, 165; preparing to leave on furlough, 173; non-
veteran battalion, 174; in charge of cattle, 186; note, 206; news
from, 208; at Atlanta, note, 213; destroying railroad, 231; train
guard, 234; embarked for Beaufort, 244; in engagement, 246;
inspected, 247 ; review of, 266 ; Thirty-Second Illinois, taken from,
271; leaving Washington, 281; escort for General Sherman, 285
Irwinton, Ga., bivouac near, 231
luka, Mississippi, battle of, 69, 70; evacuation of, 72
Jackson, Miss., Johnson at, 127, 128; taken, 130; recaptured, 148, 166
Jefferson City, Missouri, 22; In camp, 24; headquarters, leave, 25;
return to, 36
Johnson, Frank, a veteran, 160
Johnston, General Joseph E., in siege of Vicksburg, 118; on Big Black
river, 122, 123; cut off, 125; at Jackson, 128; retreating, 130; at
Columbus, 131; forces of, 194; estimated force, 197, 263; sur
rendering to Sherman, 268; agrees to terms of surrender, 269;
surrenders to Sherman, 270; men and munitions of, 271; soldiers
of, 272
Jones' Field, camp of Eleventh Iowa, 38, 39; parade ground, 39, 40;
after battle of Shiloh, 42, 43
Kansas, First Infantry, 96; infantry in skirmish, 100
Kenesaw Mountain, 195; battle of, 197; held by confederates, 199;
lines around, 202; rebels left, 203; expedition towards, 219
Keokuk, la., "secesh" fight at, 6; false report, 7; Eleventh Iowa at, 18
Kilpatrick, General, cavalry of, 232; to start on raid, 244; as rear
guard, 249; pursuit of enemy, 263; to leave for north, 271; cav
alry of, 274
Kingston, Ga., passed through, 193; train through, 216; marched
through, 221
Kingston, N. C. (Kinston), supplies from, 264
Kirkwood, Governor Samuel J., visits troops on train, 11
La Grange, Tenn., provisions from, 83; knapsacks in storage, 84, 85,
89, 92

INDEJX 319

Lafayette, Tenn., on guard at, 90, 91
Lake Providence, La., levee at, 99; cemetery, 100; fire in, 102; flooded,
105, 106; desolation of, 107; levee at, 108; waters from lake, 131
Laport, Robinson, letter to, 196
La Salle, 111., passed through, 175, 182
Lauman, General, division of, 116; arrival of, 118
Le Claire, la., boys from, 5; to raise company, 8; boys from, at Tip
ton, 9
Lee, General Robert E., news from, 115; news of battle of Gettysburg,
128; report from, 196; surrender of, 267
Lett, John, cook for officers' mess, 122
Liberty Hill, S. C, bivouac at, 256
Lichtenwalter, Solomon, sent money by, 183
Liggett, General, division of, 166; in battle, 197; demonstration of, 200
Lincoln, President, call for troops, 3; proclamation for fasting and
prayer, 10; solider vote for, 227; assassination of, 268; sorrow
for, 278
Logan, General, command of, 89; division of, 101, 106, 124; at Monroe,
138; returned to Vicksburg, 140, 148; in command of, 147; divi
sion of, 151; charged upon, 198; in grand review, 277; speech
by, 288
Long Bridge, army crosses, 276
Lookout Station, Missouri, winter quarters at, 26, 27; country around,
30; leave, 33
Lost Mountain, rebels on, 219
Louisville, Ky., detachments leaving for, 279, 280, 281; in camp at,
282; country around, 283; army left, 288
McArthur, General, inspection of Sixth Division, 79; command of, 82;
division drill by, 83; headquarters, 98; speech, 108; review by,
110; inspection by, 145
McBirney, Hugh C, corporal, 93; mustered out, 222
McCarty, Padenarin, mustered out, 222
McClellan, General, retreat from Richmond, 56; small vote for, 227
McClernand, General John A., command of, 38; reviews division, 39;
general review by, 40; in battle of Shiloh, 41
McConnoll, Thomas R., loan, 154; at Cairo, 180, 181; wounded, note,
198; in hospital, 206; furlough for, 208; on furlough, 212; mus
tered out, 222
McCullough, Ebenezer, died, 62; reference to, 144
McKibben, Joseph, mustered out, 222
McLoney, Captain Samuel S., provisional, company disbanded, 8; com
pany for the state service, 9; chosen captain, 10; on scout, 32;
returns from furlough, 55; pay to Downing, 112; musters com
pany, relief of company, 125; on furlough, 141; re-elected cap
tain, 164
McLoney, Ezra, Sergeant, killed at Shiloh, 42
McPherson, General, Seventeenth Army Corps, 82 ; camp of, 99 ; inspec
tion by, 103; headquarters of, 117, 120; inspection by, 145; speech
on re-enlisting, 161; headquarters of, 167, 168, 169; at Canton,
170, 171; corps, 184; command of, 195; killed, note, 206; monu
ment for, 286
Macon, Ga., engagement near, 230, 232
Mail, at Lookout Station, 32; at Memphis, 91; at Lake Providence,
100; none received, 127; in hospital, 214, 216; at Atlanta, 217;
at Kingston, 221; last before march thru Georgia, 228
Main, George G., wounded, note, 198
•"Marching through Georgia," first hint of, 224, 227; preparation for,

320 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY

228; start on, 229; number of men, 229; destruction of prop
erty, 233
Marietta, Ga., evacuation of, 202, 203; sick and wounded to, 204; the
wounded from, 209; railroad at, 219; possible destruction of, 228
Marlow Station, Ga., skirmish with rebels, 235
Martin, James, a veteran; 160; killed, note, 198
Memphis, concentration at, 91; provisions from, 92; camp at, 94;
leaving, 95; hospital at, 114; stop at, 175
Memphis and Charleston Railroad, guarding, 90; country along, 92
Meridian, Miss., expedition to, 162, 165; captured, 168; destruction of
railroads about 169; orders on expedition, 171; results of expe
dition to, 171, 172
Metcalf, Samuel, loan, 218; mustered out, 222
Michigan City, passed through, 288
Milledgeville, Ga., marched through, 229
Millen, Ga., army through, 233; rebel prison at, 234
Milliken's Bend, camp at, 110
Mills, William, of Sanitary Commission, 109
Mobile, Ala., riots in, 144; surrender of Port Morgan, 213
Money, Confederate, plenty and cheap, 240.
Mooney, George, mustered out, 222
Monroe, La., railroad to. 111; expedition to, 136; description of, 138;
expedition to, note, 141
Moore, John, Mexican war veterans, 12, 181
Moore, John D., presents Bible to Alexander G. Downing, 11, 12; let
ter to, 85, 99; enlisted, 176; to camp McClellan, 180; climbed
Kenesaw Mountain, 220; hauling lumber, 265; money sent home,
284
Moore, Miss, letters to soldiers, 196
Morton, Miss., burned, 167
Moscow, Tenn., march through, 90
Mower, General, 224; losses, 250; in grand review, 277
Muscatine, Iowa, Eleventh Iowa at, 18
Nashville, Tenn., hospital equipment, 214
Negroes, servants adopted, 57; built breastworks, 60; on plantation,.
65; at Holly Springs, 85; at work, 97; work on canal, 100; pick
ing cotton, 101; entering army, 104; work by, 105; regiments
of, 108; regiments at Duck's Point, 120; refugees, 131, 136, 148;
regiments of, 143; washing clothes, 157; military duty, 159;
refugees from Meridian, 169, 170; troops for Rome, Ga., 208;
carried off, 231; on line of march, 232; put to work, 238; huts.
on plantations, 247; women farming, 252; putting in crops, 259;
refugees and contrabands, 261
Neuse river, 262; rebels crossed, 264; army crosses, 271
Newans, H., a veteran, 160; wounded, 210
Newbern, N. C, supplies from, 264
Newcom, James, a veteran, 160
Nick-a-Jack, Creek, works along, 202; army along, 203
Oak Ridge, camp on, 137, 138, 139
Ockmulgee Mills, Ga., on river, 230
Oconee, river, army crosses, 231
Ogeechee river, bivouac on, 223; rebels fortifying at, 232; bivouac on,
233; crossed, 234; King's bridge over, removing torpedoes from].
uoo
Ohio river, rising, 183
Oliver Station, army at, 234
Orangeburg, S. C, town of 252

INDEX 321

Ord, General, army of, 127; in pursuit of enemy, 128; in battle of Ben
tonville, 263; in command of Petersburg, 273
Osterhaus, General, charge of, before Atlantic, 200
Oxford, Miss., army at, 87, 88; college at, 88
Paducah, Ky., stopped at, 37
Pamunky river, army crossed, 275
Parkersburg, Ohio, train through, 281
Patrick, plantation of, 65, 66
Pay, of soldiers, increased, 209, 215; soldiers send money home, 108
Pearl river, crossed, 129, 130, 166, 170
Pemberton, General, siege of Vicksburg, 123; note, 121, 125; sur
render, 126
Perkins' Landing, below Vicksburg, 114, plantation, 114
Petersburg, Va., Grant near, 212, 213; Sherman's army through, 273
Pierce, Aaron, missing, 210
Pitts, B. F. Brigadier General, in command, 284
Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., mobilization at, 37, 38; troops returning to,
52; teams to, 53; reminder of, 186
Pocotaligo, S. C, on guard at, 246, 248; new landing near, 248
Pomutz, Major, command of non-veterans, 174
Pope, General, command of, 47, 48, 50, 51
Port Hudson, report from, 97, 104; siege of, 115, 121, 122; reports from,
124
Posten's Grove, church at, 4
Potomac river, 124; army of, 134, 276
Preaching, (see Chaplain).
Price, General, retreat from Corinth, 74
Price, Hiram, provisioning troops, note, 7
Prisoners, taken north, 95; taken, 112, 113; at Jackson, Miss., 128;
paroled at Vicksburg, 129; to Vicksburg, 130; leaving Vicksburg,
132; at Atlanta, 202; at Union, at Millen, 234; placed in advance,
236; retaliation in treatment of, 248; treatment of, retaliation,
258
Providence, Missouri, 23
Provisions, expensive, 98; hauling, 113, 114; trains of, 128, 129; trains
unmolested, 130; high price, 132, 150; hauling, 144; market
house for, 154, 155; trains, 169; transports and wagons for, 180;
wagon trains, 192; distribution of, 204; supply trains, 224; nine
trains of, 226; supply train, 231; by boat, 238; hauling, 247, 248;
difficulties of hauling, 257
Pulaski, Tenn., army at, 189
Purdy, Tenn., 47
Quimby, General, division of, 102; division of, 105, 109, 110.
Ragan, Alexander, death of, 144
Raleigh, N. C, occupied, 268; army at, 269
"Ranches," built of ponchos, 196; built from vacant houses, 226; built
at Savannah, 239; at Goldsboro, 264; description of, 265; at
Washington, 279; shelter of, 280, 286
Rankin, Ebenezer, mustered out, 222
Rankin, James, becomes veteran, 160
Rations, at Camp McClellan, 7, 11; served on long tables, 17; flrst
taste of hard-tack, 19; preparation of, 23; at Lookout Station,
28, 29; prepared by company cook, 33; cooking on boat, 36;
wild fruit, 54, 55; apples and peaches, 58; bacon and fruit, etc.,
58, 59, 62; cooking, 63; foraging for, 71; out of, 75; "gruel," 81,
82; short, arrived, 82; hauling, 83; portions, 84; full, 86; burned.

322 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY

88; half, 89; hot coffee, 90; short of, 91; arrived, 92; draw full,
93; high cost, 98; desiccated potatoes, 101; cost of potatoes, on
march, 109; variety, 112; waiting for, 118; wild fruit, 122, 124,
125; issued to Confederates, 126; green corn, 130; high cost of,
132; fresh bread, 133, 134; to negroes, 136; high at Vicksburg,
150; twenty days', 165; short, received, 169; beef cattle, 186;
cooking, 189; short of, 192; at Kingston, 193; full, 195, 200;
foraging for, 223; forty days, 229; sweet potatoes and fresh
pork, 230; three-fifths, 231; two-thirds, 232; two-fifths, 233, 236;
rice in hull, 237; drew hard-tack, 238; on full rations, 239; one-
third, 240; half, fresh oysters, 241; half, 242; two-thirds, 243;
variety of, foraged, 251; full, 265; loaded, 266
Recruits, arrived from Iowa, 82; in manual of arms, 185; drilling at
Clifton, 186; conscripts from Iowa, 226; drilling conscripts, 228
Redstone, expedition to, 159
Remington, Chauncy; chaplain for Eleventh Iowa, 62
Reseca, Ga., marched through, 221
Rice, John T., wounded at Shiloh, 42; died, 42; burial of, 45
Richmond, La., army through. 111
Richmond, Va., news from, 57, 115, 196; no news from, 200; objective,
244; capture of, 266; go by way of, 271; condition of, 274
Rifles, Belgian, distributed, 39, 41; from battlefield, 44; Springfield
rifles, 183; Enfield exchanged for, 184; men purchase their, 287
Roanoke river, army crossing, episode, 272, 273
Rome, Ga., en route for, 190, 191; passed through, 193; sick and
wounded to, 204; hospital at, 205; conditions at, 209; quiet at,
212, 213, 214; threatened, 215
Rosecrans, General, at luka, 69, 70; division of, 89; report from, 104;
at Chattanooga, 143; defeat of, 146; command of, 159
Rumsey, Burtis, sickness of, 54; becomes veteran, 180; loan, 218
Salkehatchie river, struggle for possession of, 250
Saluda river, cotton mills on, 253
Sanitary Commission, goods from, 108, 109; goods distributed, 245;
service of, 281;
Savannah, Ga., march toward, 234; approach to, 235; camp near, 236;
advance upon, 238; evacuated by rebels, 239; description of, 239,
240; citizens take oath of allegiance, 241, 242; to be fortified,
242; fortiflcations at, 243;
Savannah, Tenn., landing at, men in camp, 37
Schofield, General, department of, 159; possession of Goldsboro, 263;
army of, 264; command of left wing, 267; at Raleigh, 271; in
grand review, 277
Scott County Pair, 8
Sebastopol, Ga., destroying railroad to, 233
Second Illinois Cavalry, 23
Second Iowa Cavalry, in camp at the Fair Grounds, 6; in Camp Halt,
8; made up of Allen's Grove boys, 13; new troops for, 14; at
Corinth, 51; back to Corinth, 74
Seventeenth Army Corps, question of arming negroes, 108; hospital of,
117; re-enlistments in, 161; raid, 165, 167; provision train of.
168; on veteran's furlough, 173; supply train, 175; at Cairo, 183;
reorganized, 184; arrived at Clifton, 187, 188; begins action at
Atlanta, 195; flank movement, 202; movement of, 203; hospital
of, 205; the wounded from, 209; veterans of, 216; camp of, 217;
on move, 219, 220; at Galesville, 223; reviewed, 224; on return,
225; destroying property, 228; on march through Georgia, 229;
burned railroad property, 231; reviewed by Sherman, 242; leav
ing Savannah, 244; landed at Beaufort, 245; on expedition, 246-

INDEX 323

march on State road, 252; on bank of Congeree, 253; entering
Columbia, 254; marched through Columbia, 255; threw up forti
fications, 257; foragers of, 258; crosses Cape Pear river, 261;
camp of, 264; on right wing, 267; in review at Raleigh, 269, 270;
started on march homeward, 2'72; arrived at Petersburg, 273;
in camp near Richmond, 274; receiving pay, 284; subscription
for monument, 286
Seward, Secretary, report concerning, 268
Shepherd, Hamilton, of Bloomfield, Indiana, 190
Sherman, General, rear of Vicksburg, 85; report from, 91; at Haines'
Bluffs, 112, 116, 117; against, Johnston, 123; pursuing enemy, 127,
128; at Jackson, Miss., 128; re-enforcement for, 129; capture
Jackson, Miss., 130; to Chattanooga, 146; attacked, 153; at
Knoxville, Tenn., 155; expedition of, 162, 165; driving Johnston,
193; forces of, 194, 195; episode, note, 200; strategy of, note, 204;
order from, 208; capture of Atlanta, 213; pursuit of enemy, 214;
order removing citizens, 217, 218; forces of, 220, 223; through
Georgia, 231; orders, 236; at close range, note, 240; reviewed
troops, '241; inspects fire department, 242; left for the front, 248;
starts on grand raid, 249; at Columbia, note, 255; forces con
centrating, 260; to open communications, 263; orders from, 263,
264; orders for army, 266; negotiations with Johnston, 268;
terms of surrender of Johntson, 269; reviews army, terms of
surrender of Johnston, 270; army to start for Washington, 271;
at Richmond, 274; in grand review, 276, 277; army to be mus
tered out, 279; answers critics, 284, 285
Shiloh, battle of, preliminaries. Union camp, 38, 40; first day, 40-42;
second day, 42, 43; losses, 42, 43, 48; Mr. Downing's reflections
on, footnotes, 43, 44, 45; arrival of troops after, 43, 44; celebra
tion of at Tipton, 178
Sibley tents, 78, 82; at Memphis, 94; exchanged for wedge tents, 105
Simmons, George W, wounded at Shiloh, 42; died, 48
Simmons, Wilson, death of, 45
Sixteenth Army Corps, on Meridian expedition, 165, 167, 168, 170; at
Vicksburg, 171; Red river expedition, 173; supply train of, 175;
orders to, 200; on skirmish, 202; movement of, 203, hospital
of, 205
Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, in Iowa brigade, 30; at luka, 70; joke on, 92;
with wagon train, 130; rifle pits of, 197; on skirmish, 201, 202; in
battle, 208; on forage, 226 rear guard, 229; moved camp, 242;
received pay, 284; arrived at Davenport, 289
Sixth Di-vision, at Holly Springs, 85; cotton stores, 86, 87; grist mill
for, 86; at Memphis, 94; question of arming negroes, 108; re
view of, 110; in winter quarters, 153
Slocum, General, command of left wing, 249; in grand review, 277
Smith, Giles E., General, division of, 250; brigade inspection by, 266,
267; review by, 269
Smith, General Kerby, surrender of, 279
Smithsonian Institution, visit to, 278, 279
Solider vote, (see Election)
Sparks, Jason, letter from, 100, 108; to enlist, 178; measles, 180; gold
pen from, 218; with mess, 265
Sparks, Mr., at home of, 6, 178, 180
Sparrow's plantation, camp on, 99, 100, 105, 107
Spencer, Sergeant William, on scouting expedition, 30; loan; 94;
elected flrst lieutenant, 169; promoted to captain, 238; on fur
lough, 244; returns to camp, in ill health, 286
Society Hill, S. C, 258
Somerville, Alabama, village, army through, 191

324 DOWNING'S CIVIL WAR DIARY
South Carolina, army on raid through, 244, 248, 249; seek refuge in,
256; feeling, note, 259
Southern Confederacy, ship built for, 244; new capital for, 254; 274
St. Louis, mobilization at, 19; soldiers to, 30; ordered to, 35; army
leaves, 36
Stanton, J. W., supper for veterans, 176
Stearns, Captain, of Eighth Iowa, securing enlistments, 9
Steele, General, division of, 112
Stephenson, General, command of expedition, 136; orders of, 138; ex
pedition of, 139
Stiles, Albert B., mustered out, 222
Stone, Governor William, speech to Iowa Brigade, 120; candidate for
governor, 147; at hospital Rome, 208; arrived in camp at Sa
vannah, 241
Stout, Orlando, taken prisoner, 60; becomes a veteran, 160
Strong, General William E., estimate of Iowa Brigade, 102
Summerville, Ga., village of, 191; marched through, 223
Supplies (see provisions)
Sweet, Daniel, 30; on furlough, 133; return of, 154
Sweet, George, killed, 210
Sweet, Henry L, death of, 48
Tallahatchie river, 85; bridge over, 87
Tennessee river, transports up, 37, 185; crossed by pontoons, 191
Tensas river, channel of, 108
Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, new barracks, 13; new companies for, 14;
sworn in, Marcellas M. Crocker, colonel of, 15; new uniforms
for, 17; arrived at Jefferson City, 25; at Pittsburg Landing, 38,
53; on expedition, 97; to Lake Providence, 99; Captain Elrod of,
101; to Greenville, 102; with Eleventh, 116; on provost guard,
142; picket service, 146, 147, 148, 149; at Messenger's Ford, 148;
sworn in as veterans, 163; started on furlough, 173; on board
transports, 184 ; moved to front, 199 ; in battle, 208 ; non-veter
ans mustered out, 223; moved camp, 242; Pocotaligo, 246, 247;
flag on State house, 254; receiving pay, 284
Thomas, General George H., command of, 195; charge of, 197; in bat
tle, 199
Tipton, county seat, 3; news, 4; new company formed, 9; drilling at,
10; troops leave, 11; visitors from, 14; celebration at, 178; boys
of, 179
Titus, Mark, on furlough, 135
Toly, Tom, farm hand, 3, 4
Tomlinson, Joseph, company cook, promoted to first lieutenant, 238;
elected second lieutenant, 184
Townsend, General, speech on arming negroes, 108
Toyne, George, loan to, 134
Tuttle, General, in command at Bolivar, Tenn., 60; brigade of, 127;
expedition to Jackson, candidate for governor, 147; division left,
157; division of, 165
Twenty-third Army Corps, at Atlanta, 219; at Galesville, 223; on return,
224; camp of, 264
Twentieth Army Corps, at Atlanta, 219; destroy bridge, 228; on march
through Georgia, 229; destroying railroads, 231; reviewed by
Sherman, opinion of, 242; to start on raid, 244; floundering in
mud, 248; driving enemy, 262; camp of, 264; on left wing, 267
Uniforms, for Eleventh Iowa received, 15; cost, "dog-collars," 16; new,
185, 265

INDEX 325

Valentine's Day, 32
Vandever, General William, in command at Rome, Ga., 208
Van Dorn, cavalry of, 92
Van Wert, Ga., in bivouac, 225
Veterans, order concerning, enlistments, 156; urging enlistments, 157;
sworn in, 159; re-enlisting slow, 160; excitement in camp, bounty
discontinued, 161; restless in camp, 162; regiments of, 163; on
furlough, 173, 174; reception for, 176, 177, 178; gathering at Dav
enport, 181, 182; gathering at Cairo, 183; new equipments for,
184; rumored discharged, 216; commissions to officers, 241; dis
satisfaction among, 284;
Vicksburg, Sherman before, 91; start toward, 95; batteries at, 98; ran
blockade at, 101; report from, 102; troops to, 103; cannonading
at, 104; movement upon, 106, 110; troops toward, 107; sickness
in siege of. 111, 112; run blockade to, 113; siege of, 115, 116, 119;
fall threatened, 120; bombardment, 123; Ports blown up, 124; sur
render of, 126; rejoicing over fall of, 127; provisions from, 129;
troops returning to, 131, 132; expedition back to, 139; returned
to, 140; sickness in camp, 141, 142; provost duty, 144; fortifying,
145, 149; guarding, 146; provisions at, moving camp, 150;
winter quarters, fortifications, 151, 152; spies on fortiflcations,
154; quiet at, use of coin, 158; woman banished from, 160; ice
floe, 162; damage to, 164; refugees, 170; return to, 171; opinion
concerning, 173, 174
Wallace, General, 47
Warrenton, Ga., country around, 191
Washington, D. C, army to start for, 271; starting for, 274; grand
review at, 276, 277 ; description of, 278, 279
Washita river. La., 136
Wateree river, army crosses, 256; rough country, 257
Waterford, battle at, 85, 86
Waynesburg, Tenn., camp at, 188
Wheeler, General Joe, cavalry, 170; report concerning, 210; raid of,
215 ; cavalry of, 233
Whiffy Swamp, S. C, marched through, 249
White, John A., scouting, 29, 30; bed to sleep in. 111; elected fourth
Sergeant, 164; with Downing outside of lines, 187; promoted
Second Lieutenant 238;
White river, expedition, 96
White House, visit to, 278
Whittlesey, John S., chaplain of Eleventh Iowa, 14; died, 54
WiUey, Mr., visit with, 4; family of, 179, 180
Wilmington, North Carolina, boat from, 261
Wilson, James P., at the front, 120
Wilson's Creek, battle of, 3, 4
Winnsboro, S. C, refugees at, 256
Yazoo river, floods, 109; country around, 119; expedition up, 121; crops
along, 134
Zitler, John, wounded, note, 198; in hospital, 206, 207; furlough for,
208; on furlough, 212

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

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