to the convalescent camp of the 23rd, found Hugh Hughes very low in
body and mind. Returned just in time to receive my pay up to the first
of March, $13.00 here, $40.00 per allotment. Heard soon the tremendous
roar of artillery. Heard last night seven gunboats and two or three
transports run the blockade at Vicksburg, burning one transport.
Hospital cleared off as fast as possible, expecting to get some wounded
in soon. Great activity all around. 2nd Brigade arrived at night.

Millikens Bend, Saturday, April 18. Cloudy--indications of rain. Boys
busy expressing their money home, paying debts and some investing in
chuck-luck. Had battery drill in the afternoon of two hours.

Millikens Bend, Sunday, April 19. Had severe storm of wind and rain last
night, which gave us a wet bed. Had special muster at 9 A. M. Detailed
to go after rations in the tempest. Exercised horses in the afternoon.

Millikens Bend, Monday, April 20. Drill two hours in the forenoon. Got
sick and went to the tent before finishing. Nausea and vomiting. Very
warm.

Millikens Bend, Tuesday, April 21. Fine day. Six transports preparing to
run the blockade at Vicksburg. Volunteers called for from this Division
to move them. Many anxious to go. Quite an excitement. Received mail.

Millikens Bend, Wednesday, April 22. Heavy rain all night, making it
very muddy to drill. Standing gun drill in the afternoon. 4th Brigade of
3rd Division inspected on the drill ground and addressed by Governor
Yates of Illinois, inspiring and encouraging.

Millikens Bend, Thursday, April 23. Very warm. Ordered to prepare for
park inspection at 8 A. M. Stood waiting until 9, when we went out to
drill. No inspection. Standing gun drill P. M. 11th Ohio Battery and 1st
Missouri left to-day. Boats ran the blockade last night.

Millikens Bend, Friday, April 24. Very warm. Drill in morning and
afternoon. Sergt. J. B. Jackson and P. Walport, heroes of Corinth,
returned to the Battery. Preparations to leave to-morrow.

ENCIRCLING VICKSBURG

Richmond, La., Saturday, April 25. Awoke early and at 6 A. M. we filed
off after the 5th [Iowa]. Travelled up the levee about two miles, then
turned to the west and passed through level country. Very pretty, the
roads lined with growing hedges of creeping roses, etc. which were in
full bloom, filling the air with their fragrance. And the flower gardens
were truly beautiful, notwithstanding their former admirers were engage