Vicksburg, Saturday, July 25. Troops returning from Jackson, their
expedition having been crowned with success. Notwithstanding the warm
weather they marched in good order and high spirits.

Vicksburg, Sunday, July 26. Several of our boys attended divine service
at the M. E. Church. Very warm and oppressive. Indications of rain, much
needed to settle the choking dust. Health is very good so far in spite
of wind and weather. Received mail.

Vicksburg, Monday, July 27. A severe rain storm visited us last night
preceded by a heavy wind which prostrated nearly half of the huts,
leaving the occupants to the mercy of the elements. Received a letter
from home but one week old; the latest yet received. Northern papers of
the 22nd inst.; good news from all quarters. "Oh! the good time's
a-coming". On guard. Troubled with a gathering on my right forefinger.
Very painful.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 28. Very warm and oppressive. Suffered
severely from my finger. I am afraid I am going to have a felon on it.
Did not take care of my team. Battery M, 1st Missouri returned from
their Jackson expedition, forty on the sick list, being obliged to use
their mule drivers to park their battery.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 29. Had but little sleep last night on
account of my finger and very painful all day. Showed it to our doctor
who wanted to lance it, but had no knife.

Vicksburg, Thursday, July 30. Finger a little easier. Slept while I kept
it in water. No mail. Very monotonous, especially when suffering.
Visited by Sergeant Savage, 23rd Wisconsin, he going home on a furlough.

Vicksburg, Friday, July 31. The Company is rife with grumbling and
discontent, owing to the Company cook operations; sour and heavy bread
and other rations uncooked, a barrel of the "infernal liquid" having
been drawn at headquarters. A shameful free use of it. Orderly too drunk
for duty.

[Sidenote: 1863 Camp Surgery]

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 1. Took a large core out of the swelling on my
finger. It does not pain me any more. A citizen took in a cartload of
peaches to-day, and upon order of Lieutenant Clark sold them to the
boys. They were the first I ate this season. If he would but come daily
it would be healthier. Cloudy all day. At night visited by a big storm
of wind and rain. Went to bed early with a very heavy fever and
rheumatic pain in all my bones. No mail for four days. Strict orders
down town. None admitted without pass from Pr