tillery and baggage and wagons, all in a rush embarking on the
transports. 6th and 12th Wisconsin Batteries were ordered on the "Robert
Campbell Jr." but we could not get out on first Section, it being too
crowded. The 2nd and 3rd Sections with the battery and forage wagons
were pushed in front of the "Tecumseh" and there guarded for the night.

Memphis, Monday, March 2. Cloudy in the morning but cleared off sunny.
Failed to get the carriages on in the forenoon. After dinner four men of
each platoon were left to load the pieces, while the boat dropped down
to load with coal. Felt rather weak; troubled with diarrhea which had
rendered me rather weak. Got forage on board for horses.

On the Mississippi, Tuesday, March 3. Raw and cold on the boat. Laid at
the wharf all the forenoon, waiting for the word. 2 P. M. the fleet
"tied loose" and headed down stream, the "Campbell" being fourth in the
procession. It was an interesting spectacle, fourteen boats all laden
with troops and munition and ammunition of war, leaving the clayey
bluffs of Memphis on one side, and the blackened ruins of Hopefield on
the other to plan the final destruction of all that harbor the enemies
of our country. But notwithstanding, it was a sad thought to me as I
looked to the distant North, where there are anxious hearts for me, and
I was still going farther, and I may never again return. The river was
very high, nothing but water in sight, the willows putting on their garb
of green. The "Campbell" soon took the lead and arrived at Helena by 9
P. M. ninety miles distant. Tied up till 2:30 A. M.

[Sidenote: 1863 Racing on the Mississippi]

Grand Lake Landing, Ark., Wednesday, March 4. When we again started, the
air was very raw and cold. Hailed at the mouth of White River by a
gunboat and we had to come to and report at 9 A. M. Passed Napoleon at
11 A. M. which was nearly inundated. In the afternoon a race took place
between the "Campbell" and the "Louisiana" which came up, and after
about half an hour took the lead. 5 P. M. the fleet landed at Grand Lake
Landing, eighteen miles above Providence. We immediately commenced
unloading; got everything off except the horses. They were harnessed,
but were again unharnessed. Slept on the boat.

Grand Lake Landing, Thursday, March 5. Up early; got the horses; then
got the carriages off the "Tecumseh" which was rather tough work. Came
into park right by the levee and stretched our picket rope and put