. M. on rebel General Fisk's ground, who was killed
at Murfreesboro. Unhitched and swam horses to wash them, and fed them
freely on rebel corn, having made about four miles. Supped on fresh beef
and hard-tack, and laid down in the open air.

Near Richmond, Wednesday, April 29. Awakened at 2 A. M. with orders to
march before daylight. Everything ready accordingly, but did not start
until an hour after sunrise. Crossed the bayou about two miles from
where we started on a rude pontoon built across a barge. Marched through
a thick wooded bottom three miles, then recrossed the bayou on a similar
bridge. Open country once more. Encamped early within two miles of where
we crossed the river. Teams sent back after forage and rations. Very
tired. Gnats very bad.

Near Grand Gulf, Miss., Thursday, April 30. Bugle sounded in broad
daylight, which led the boys to conclude that we were not to leave
early, so they lay quiet, but were soon aroused by Captain Dillon coming
in and telling us to hurry up, we would have to be on the road in less
than forty minutes; and in three minutes we were all in ranks to the
sound of the bugle. Ordered to have three days' rations in haversacks
and prepare to fight. Hitched up. Mustered for pay in the saddle and
then started out. Passed two steamboats where they used to take on
troops, but we marched on about thirteen miles and encamped within
hearing of the guns of Grand Gulf. Four miles off, heavy firing all the
afternoon. Our gunboats attacked them silencing all their guns except
three which they were obliged to leave. Such is the report. Travelled
through beautiful country which was all in full growth. Corn three feet
high. Blackberries and strawberries ripe. Peaches as large as a plum.
Looking like a July day in Wisconsin.

[Sidenote: 1863 Good Food and Fighting]

Near Grand Gulf, Friday, May 1. Awoke early to be soon on the march;
travelled down the levee four miles, when we embarked on the
"Silverwave" at Hard Times Landing. Seven gunboats and four transports
crossing troops as fast as possible in sight of the bastions of Grand
Gulf. Landed two miles below, and by 11 A. M. were on the march toward
Port Gibson. The flat of Louisiana was relieved by the broken surface of
Mississippi. Steep hills, and obliged to lock [the gun wheels] often.
Marched very fast, only one mule team along. Heard firing all the
afternoon in the advance. Encamped at sundown after travelling twelve
miles. Mississ