oing across the battlefield it was a sickening sight, many of the
regiments having been literally cut to pieces. For four miles the road
was scattered with dead rebels and caissons etc. Came into camp at 11 P.
M. and soon dropped asleep after a clear victory. We suffered no loss
save one man wounded by a premature discharge of piece.

Near Clinton, Sunday, May 17. 8 A. M. We are packed up ready for orders
to move. Cannonading is heard briskly at times. Captain Williams's 1st
U. S. Battery of heavy siege guns drawn by oxen and mules are passing.
The enemy reported to have crossed the river and posted themselves
behind cotton bales. Some of the troops have been furnished with
hard-tack, but we have not seen any yet. While waiting, we have received
mail up to May 3. All well. 9 A. M. moved out through the thickly packed
trains about four miles, then lay in the shade until 5 P. M. went into
park in an orchard. Gen. McClernand has driven the enemy across the
bridge at the railroad, capturing a brigade of prisoners.

Near Black River, Monday, May 18. Crossed the Black River on bridge
built of cotton during the previous night, and marched through a cypress
swamp for two miles without any roads. Other troops concentrating from
other points as they are crossing in many places. Went in camp very
late, after which obliged to ride three or four miles in search of
water. Very tired.

THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG

[Sidenote: 1863 Before Vicksburg]

Before Vicksburg, Miss., Tuesday, May 19. We are lying in the reserve of
the battle line before Vicksburg, having been pushed forward at double
quick. General Grant gave them till 11 A. M. to surrender, but they did
not avail of it. Firing is going on with Parrott pieces in front but not
very brisk. 1 P. M. The 1st Section (Rifled) have gone to the left with
Lieutenant Clark. The other pieces were brought into action in front,
and laying in the reserve. Brisk cannonading all around with sharp
musketry at times--McArthur has taken a fort and guns. Sherman drove
them about a mile on the right. McClernand holds his own on the left.
Both wings said to have joined the Mississippi. Pontoon train passed to
the right in great hurry at 4 P. M. to be thrown toward the Yazoo.

Darkness closed hostilities and we limbered up and passed to the front
about a mile, and planted our battery on a hill, very steep and high,
doubling teams to go up. Relieved the 11th Ohio who had been engaged all
d