. Feel dull--a headache. Completed Sparks's _Biographies
of Gen. Chas. Lee_ and _Joseph Reed_. Read also a sermon of H. W.
Beecher in the _Independent_. Wrote home. 4 P. M. we were suddenly
startled by a loud peal of thunder, others followed, and in ten minutes
the sky so clear and blue, was enshrouded with black frowning clouds and
a heavy storm of wind with heavy rain followed. It rained nearly all
night. A Southern storm comes unexpectedly and leaves the same.

Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 17. On detail after hay. Got out fifteen bales
of new hay from the "Laurel Hill." Heavy work. Returned by dinner time.
Cloudy and rainy in the evening. _Why don't the mail come!_

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 18. On guard, first relief. A heavy rain fell
during the afternoon and nearly all night. Much like fall weather in
Wisconsin. Rather disagreeable on foot. Kept dry by the aid of rubber.
Mail arrived, with a good amount for "Jenk".

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 19. Health tolerable. Went to see the sick
boys. They were disheartened in hopes of obtaining furloughs. Rained and
thundered in the afternoon.

[Sidenote: 1863 Furloughs]

Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 20. Medical Director examining
patients--granted sick furloughs to all the applicants, twenty-nine in
number; some of them were in much need of them, others "played off" so
as to go home. The time of the last furloughs has run out, but not any
of them seen yet. 1 P. M. a terrible explosion has occurred on the
levee. The "City of Madison" loading up with ammunition for below was
blown to fragments. Nearly 200 lives were lost, and much damage done to
the "Ed. Walsh" lying alongside her. It was a sickening scene, human
bodies torn and burned into shreds thrown high in air. Many bodies not
found. Colonel Powell, chief of artillery on McPherson's staff, and
Lieutenant MacMurray, Battery M, reported to be on board the fated boat.

Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 21. Lieutenant Fancher started home, his
resignation having been accepted. He was very low. Another awful hot and
sultry day, with rainy, foggy nights. Several troubled with ague.
Prepared a mess of mushrooms for supper.

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 22. Health good, but severe headache and bad
digestion. Butter all gone, no more to be found. I don't feel much
disposed to eat "sow belly"; had grape sauce bottled and charged.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 23. The warmest day of the season, I think. My
shirt was wet with sweat whi