ly to catch the first
sight of the far-famed city of Cairo (Ill.), and certainly an unhappy
surprise we found it; the combined medley of filth and disorder, the
streets rough, the sidewalks torn and tattered, rendering it dangerous
to travel, lest they should throw one headlong to the ditch.

Rienzi, Miss., Tuesday, Sept. 2. We went out in the morning to drill on
the field but did not see much into the wild scampering way. I wrote to
Sp[ring] Gr[een]. Had no time to write home before mail went out. Was
drilled on foot by Corporal Sweet in the evening.

[Sidenote: 1862 Camp Routine]

Rienzi, Wednesday, Sept. 3. Woke by the bugle at 3:30 A. M.; went out to
roll call and drill. The weather fine. Washed shirt and stockings for
first time. Wrote home. Drilled by Syl. Sweet in the evening on the gun.
The enemy skirmished our pickets, wounded three; our horses were
harnessed ready. I felt a little flushed.

Rienzi, Thursday, Sept. 4. Acted as No. 6 on drill to-day. Made a
galloping time of it. Did my first sweeping. Saw the first nigger dance;
watered horses in the evening; fell in with clothes on.

Rienzi, Friday, Sept. 5. Went out as No. 6. Was a little unwell.
Infantry preparing to move. Bad news from the Potomac.

Rienzi, Saturday, Sept. 6. Went through the usual routine of drill and
camp life. Received my first mail since my arrival, consisting of two
letters and a [Milwaukee] _Sentinel_. Changed mess. The 2nd Missouri
Infantry left. Wagons moving, fires burning all night.

Rienzi, Sunday, Sept. 7. Arose to the sound of the bugle at 3 A. M.
Prepared for a general inspection, but Captain, apprehending a move, did
not call us out. Drew good bunks from the old camp of 2nd Missouri.
After roll call at 9 P. M. I went to bed hoping to have a good night's
rest, but I was doomed to disappointment, for ere two hours had elapsed,
we were awakened by Corporal Dixon telling us to pack up all our
clothing and be in readiness to march. We of course obeyed and waited
for further orders, when about midnight, "Strike your tents" was given.
This done, the mules began driving in, loading was commenced, the horses
harnessed, and by one o'clock all was ready to march. That which could
not be taken was piled up ready for the march, but the order did not
come, so we were obliged to pick our place and lay down for a short and
uneasy sleep.

Rienzi, Monday, Sept. 8. To-day was spent in anxious waiting. I stood
guard for the