ed a letter. John
enclosed the receipt of box from express office. Express one day before
mail. Nineteen furloughed men left for home on the "J. C. Swan". On
detail in the afternoon for foraging. Loaded 166 sacks of oats and 21
bales of hay after dark, when we returned rather tired.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 30. Calm and quiet day. Spent the day in writing
home and perusing _Covenants_ received from home. D. J. D. quite sick.
Slept with him during the night. Administered medicine.

Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 31. Very cold last night. Slept uncomfortable.
Got up before daylight and cleaned out my stable. 9 A. M. we had mounted
inspection and muster for pay. The old harness was stiff and scattered,
in poor condition for active service, as were also some of the horses
(or at least so is my old gray charger, a secesh horse farm bred). Warm
during the day. D. J. D. a little better.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Sept. 1. Did our washing before breakfast, Evie
doing the rubbing and I built fire and "toted" suds. Lieutenants Hood
and Simpson returned. One year ago to-day I joined the Battery at
Rienzi, a raw recruit. Little did I think that in one year I would be
away down here in Vicksburg. On the contrary I hoped long ere this to be
quietly at home with peace o'er all the land. Where will I be one year
from to-day--God knows.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Sept. 2. On guard, third relief. As I did not go
on until 12 M., E. W. E. and myself took a ride along the line to Fort
Hill, which is about three miles distant, and took another look at the
ditches, holes, abatis, and bastions, from behind which many savage
little balls were hurled at us two months ago, but now they are empty
and grass grown. Uncle Sam is fixing up all the important forts with
gabions. Fort Hill entirely built over, very pretty. Returned through
the hollows. Two letters from home awaiting me.

Vicksburg, Thursday, Sept. 3. Was not relieved from guard this morning
until 9 A. M., having stood an hour over time. (Orderly slept too near
whiskey keg I guess). Suffering from severe cold. Rev. Mr. Fancher and
Miss Calkins arrived here in the afternoon in search of son and father,
both of which were happily disappointed, as they had gone home before
they arrived. Mr. Fancher addressed us at evening roll call, after which
three Badger cheers were given him.

Vicksburg, Friday, Sept. 4. Lieutenant Clark left on leave of absence
with Miss Calkins and Mr. Fancher, leavin