, Saturday, June 20. Awakened this morning by lively
reveille from the muzzle of the 9-inch columbiads which opened at 9 A.
M., followed by the 30-pound Parrott, then light battery, and a
continued crash from all points for six hours, when, at 10 A. M. firing
ceased. Whether the stronghold was weakened or not by the process is
not known. Our piece alone threw two hundred rounds. The two regiments
of infantry were posted in the rear during the fighting. Logan's men on
the enemy's works digging. Three horses wounded and one negro in the
evening from sharp-shooters.

Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 21. Pleasant day. Not much artillery
firing, but sharp musketry. 3 horses wounded. Called on guard in the
afternoon; guarding five platoon drivers for grazing without permission;
they were put on extra duty. Paid off to the 1st of May. The officer
forgot his allotment roll. Received full pay here. Expressed $20.00
home.

Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 22. Quiet, dull day. Very little firing
by artillery. Ammunition scarce. Eben Davis of 20th Iowa visited us in
the afternoon. Report says fighting on Black River with Johnston.
Ambulance gone back. 3rd Brigade of our Division under marching orders.
Wrote two letters which occupied most of my time.

Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 23. Reveille at 5 A. M. Drivers fall in
for roll call, then stable call. No horses to be taken from the picket
rope except at water call. Pioneer Corps put up a brush screen to hide
us from the view of the sharp-shooters, who of late became not only
annoying but dangerous. Heavy wind and rain in the evening.

Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 24. Cloudy and indications of rain.
Heavy firing on the left was heard last night. Cannoneers called to
their posts and equipments on. The rebels charged with two brigades on a
rifle pit, in which the 12th Wisconsin was stationed. They allowed them
to approach within a few rods of the pit, then poured in deadly volleys;
with the third [volley] they broke for their works, the 12th after them,
going [up] the heights. If they had had any support they might have
entered. David Evans's horse wounded.

[Sidenote: 1863 The Mine]

Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 25. Our curiosity was awakened this
morning by an order to each piece to deposit all their slow-matches at
Captain's tent, we knew not for what purpose. But we soon learned that
it was to convey fire to the blast placed under the big fort to our
right