masters' department. Our last meal was brought us
yesterday by our cook, which in fact was a small portion. But we kept as
good cheer as possible. One of our men managed to find about a half
bushel of coarse meal (for which we paid a dollar) and a beef killed,
which with a good cup of corncob coffee made us a good breakfast, and
all were satisfied. Unharnessed; drew two days' rations hard crackers,
rare things. Lay still all day. A slight sprinkle of rain settled the
awful dust.

Firing kept up steadily from early dawn until dark, not fast, though
still bombarding the fort. A flag of truce sent in by Pemberton,
offering possession of the city if allowed to pass out with side-arms,
which Grant respectfully declined, as a complete chain from one river to
the other is thrown around them, Hurlbut coming up with 40,000 fresh
troops, also Banks. Communication opened from Young's Point with Haynes
Bluff, so as to make it an easier matter to obtain provisions. Steele
reported to have reached the town on the right, but compelled to fall
back to his entrenchment by superior force.

Before Vicksburg, Friday, May 22. First Section of caissons have gone to
the landing for ammunition. Howitzers ordered out. 8 A. M. Advanced to
the line of caissons, when we were ordered to prepare to support a grand
charge to be made at 10 o'clock all along the line. Two of McAllister's
24-pounder howitzers to go with us. The limbers were stripped No.'s 5
and 7, to have charge of canister in haversack. It was a warm place to
go, and we anticipated hot work. At the hour the infantry advanced. Most
of the enemy's guns had been silenced for the time by the unceasing
cannonading kept up from all points for an hour before the charge, but
when they came up to the front of the fort they met the infantry in
force, and then a terrible struggle ensued until darkness put an end to
the scene. Both parties stubbornly held their own. Our line was right
under their fort with the flag stuck on the corner and neither party
could remove it. On the knoll by the siege guns was a sight truly
sublime and terrible. For miles to the left the field of conflict could
be seen extending to McClernand's Corps, artillery smoke rolling in
volumes from the brow of the ridge a quarter of a mile to the
fortifications, and the sharp crack and puff of the musketry immediately
under them. At sundown our line was obliged to fall back for the night.
Doubtless many a poor fellow lay on t