f Argyle."

Providence, La., Tuesday, April 14. Cold and rainy all day, making it
rather disagreeable. Spent the day in our quarters over the horses. Read
the _Covenant_, mused and slept most of the day. At about 9 P. M. we
neared what appeared like a city with its hundreds of lamps, but proved
to be Providence with the lighted steamboats tied close.

Millikens Bend, La., Wednesday, April 15. A warm pleasant day. Awoke to
get hay from a barge, then strolled around to see Providence, which was
a neat village with several fine buildings, but most of the main part of
the town is inundated by the pass cut through the levee, connecting the
river to Lake Providence, about 80 rods long. And where used to be the
street, now is the bed of a rushing torrent. Found the 6th Division
(McArthur's) encamped here. McPherson's headquarters also here. Took on
600 boxes of coal and at 2:30 P. M. started on our way down the river,
being the last of the fleet. Wrote a hurried letter home. 5 P. M. we
arrived at Millikens Bend, the shore lined with steamboats, the troops
embarking as fast as possible. Got a part of our battery off.

Millikens Bend, Thursday, April 16. As soon as practical brought into
park behind the levee in an open field; very pretty grounds but no
trees, and before noon the field was covered with the tents of Quinby's
Division. Signed the payroll in the afternoon. Met Charley Finn and Wm.
Jones of the 23rd. who were left in the convalescent camp; the Regiment
gone to Richmond, La., three days. All the mule teams of the Division
ordered to take provisions and ammunition to them. Weather very fine.
Troubled with toothache very much. Health otherwise good.

[Sidenote: 1863 Contrabands]

Millikens Bend, Friday, April 17. Were ordered to prepare for general
inspection at 9 A. M. Got off from guard in time to mount my team.
Formed three lines on the plain in front, viz: 1st line, 3rd Brigade;
2nd line, 3 batteries of artillery; 3rd line, 1st Brigade. (2nd Brigade
not yet arrived from above). Were inspected by Adjutant General Thomas
of Washington and Colonel Sanborn (commanding Division in sickness of
Quinby) and staff. After inspection the troops were brought in a solid
square when General Thomas was introduced by General Grant, and spoke of
the policy of the administration in regard to the contrabands, which was
received with cheers; followed by Colonel Sanborn and lieutenant colonel
of the 72nd Volunteers.

Went