Albert Underwood Civil War Diary

Sat. Jun. 04: Moved up to near the ordinance depot about 7 oclock this morning and at 12 oclock we started up the river, the whole fleet being in motion now. We run slowly up the father of waters. It is the report that a Rebel battery is on the Arkansas shore and been firing into our boats. We are ordered to prepare 2 days rations and be in readiness if they attack us.

Sun. Jun. 05: Passed quietly up the river without any disturbance at all from the Rebs. We made rather slow time and reached the Dunnyside Landing about 4 oclock in the evening. All the boats landed and the troops disembarked. We also unloaded our battery and hitched up and moved a few rods and unhitched and unharnessed and camped for the night. The Rebs are in 4 miles of here. Musketry bad.

Mon. Jun. 06: Left the landing at 8 oclock, and it rained hard all the time. We passed round long Old River Lake. Skirmishing commenced about 11 oclock and quite a hard fight took place toward 1 or 2 oclock. Our forces drove them across a slough and fought them till they drove them away. We then crossed over and marched on to Lake Village and camped for the night. The Rebs having left or got out of our way.

Tues. Jun. 07: Left Lake Village, Chicot county, Arkansas, about 8 oclock. Passed on around Old River Lake. No disturbance from the enemy on the way. Traveled over some very bad slushy roads. Reached Rossmere Landing about noon, found all our boats here and we all embarked in the evening. Got a fine lot of blackberries. Some of the Rebs followed up this evening and one of the gunboats throwed a few shells at them and they left.

Wed. Jun. 08: Started up the river at 4 oclock this morning, made pretty good speed today. Nothing of interest occurred today. Passed Napoleon about 4 oclock this evening. Went up to the mouth of White River and tied up till dark, then shoved out again up the river and run all night. It rained considerable today. Cool breeze most of the time, mosquitoes very bad.

Thurs. Jun. 09: Running quietly along this morning. We passed Helena about 10 oclock this morning, passed several boats going down this morning. Nothing of interest occurred on the run up here. We reached Memphis about 11 oclock tonight and landed. Some of our boats have gone on up the river. Pleasant weather, on guard today. Getting tired of this boat again.

Fri. Jun. 10: Commenced unloading our Battery about 11 oclock and got it off and started put to camp about 1 oclock. We went into camp on the Hormando Road in a nice grove about a mile from the main part of town. A good many troops are camped near here. Rained a little through the fore part of the night, very warm today.

Sat. Jun. 11: Remained cloudy all day and rained a little after noon. I took a walk out round looking for a pole for a tent, nothing of the kind to be found. Pleasant came over to the Battery and I went over to the 7th with him in the afternoon. Saw a good many of my old friends. I went through the city this evening quite lively time since Smith's command has come in.

Sun. Jun. 12: Cool and pleasant today. Considerable excitement is up this morning. It is the report that our forces were badly whipped out near Whitesville. The 21st Mo. Regt. of our Brigade was sent out to reinforce also several other regiments. I heard` the Rev. ??? of Iowa preach in the evening at the camp of the 89th Indiana Regt. Very cool this evening. Lt. Hight in command.

Mon. Jun. 13: Beautiful morning with a pleasant breeze all day. I went down to the river today and round Ft. Pickering. I also visited Elwood Cemetery this evening which is only about a quarter of a mile east of our present camp and is very nice place. It contains some very nice vaults and monuments and beautiful shrubbery. No news of interest. Lt. Hight takes command.

Tues. Jun. 14: Pleasant weather. I took a walk round through country this morning and again in the evening. Were out to the outposts and the line on the west, very nice country out that way, a great many gardens and occasionally a dairy. The 21st Mo. Regt. came in this evening. The veterans of the 3rd Indiana Battery started home this evening.

Wed. Jun. 15: The weather still remains cool and pleasant. We had Battery inspection this evening. Lt. McClain of the 89th Indiana Regt. is our Brigade Inspector now and Lt. Sawyer of the 117th Illinois Brigade is Brigade Adjutant. Col. Murry of the 89th is commanding Brigade. Col. Moore of the 21st is commanding Division now.

Thurs. Jun. 16: On guard today. Received orders last evening to march at 2 oclock today but the order was countermanded to march at 2 oclock, but hold our- selves in readiness to march at a moments notice tomorrow. Ples came over this evening. Rained a little this evening, just enough to lay the dust cleverly. We are taking everything easy now.

Fri. Jun. 17: Beautiful morning. I took a walk this morning down to the market house and round back through the south part of town. Everything is quiet at the present time. We got but little news lately. We are waiting very patiently now for the Paymaster to come round and pay us off. Some hundred day men came in this evening.

Sat. Jun. 18: Beautiful weather. Rather lonesome times now. Orders were received to remain in camp for the paymaster would be out to pay us off, but he has not come. We have been disappointed every day for about 2 weeks now. It has been the talk ever since we have been here that we would get our pay tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes.

Sun. Jun. 19: Pleasant morning but very warm in the middle of the day. It is a very lonesome Sunday, nothing going on of interest here nor in the city. I remained in camp all day and passed the time in reading. I went over to preaching at night to the 119th Illinois Regt. also heard an exhortation at the 89th Indiana Regt.

Mon. Jun. 20: Raining this morning. Received our pay this morning up to the last of May. I went out to the 7th Kansas cavalry camp this evening, but the Regt. had gone out on a scout toward Moscow. Some of the Regt. had gone out with a flag of truce to take provisions to our wounded at Liberty. No news of any interest is going on here at the present.

Tues. Jun. 21: Considerable stir this morning among the veteran boys getting ready to go home. Rained this evening a little. Quite pleasant this evening since the rain. The veteran boys got started at 5 oclock this evening. Some are putting on pretty heavy airs and some are on the tight and others go off like command soldiers. It looks quite lonesome now the veterans have left.

Wed. Jun. 22: Pleasant weather this morning. Nothing interesting or instructive has taken place today. It rained a little this evening. The 2nd Illinois Artillery Battery came in from Columbus this evening. I went down to the wharf this evening and passed up through the city. Quite a stir in the city this evening.

Thurs. Jun. 23: Pleasant morning. A detail of 20 men and 3 teams were detailed from our Battery this morning to go with the 3rd Indiana Battery on an expedition out along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The 89th Indiana Regt. went out this morning. I rode down to the river this evening, not many boats at the landing now. Quite warm today, quite lonesome now.

Fri. Jun. 24: The 119th Illinois Regt. left this morning. We moved our camp this evening way over near Poplar street, have a very nice shady camp now in a nice grove with nice grass, plants and water close by. Passed down Water street to the river this evening and back up Adams. A pretty good shower of rain fell this evening.

Sat. Jun. 25: Beautiful morning, but very warm and sultry in the middle of the day. We have got our camp fixed up quite comfortable now. I rode over to our old camp this morning and it was about vacant. All four brigades were gone except the sick and the veterans of the 58th Illinois Regt. I went up to the big spring this evening after water.

Sun. Jun. 26: Beautiful day. I rode over to the 7th Kansas Cavalry camp this morning and stayed till after dinner. Saw Ora (?) Vickery. The Regt. is out at Moscow. Very warm day. I took a walk down Poplar street this evening to the 14th Indiana Battery. Their veterans have just returned after spending their furloughs at their homes.

Mon. Jun. 27: Quite warm today. I went down to the mouth of Wolf River this morning and took a bath in the river. I spent most of the day in reading as it is too warm to stir around with any satisfaction. We have had no mail or but little news of any kind for a few days past. Just finished reading "THE MEMOIRS OF AN AMERICAN LADY".

Tues. Jun. 28: I took a ride for more than 2 miles along the picket lines this morning and round by our old camp. Very warm this evening. I have put in most of the day reading. It is rather dull times here at the present. No mail nor eastern papers received for some time now. Went to meeting at the 41st Wisconsin Vol. Regt. McCord died today.

Wed. Jun. 29: On guard today. Uncomfortably warm today. Taylor and Wendall returned from the 3th Indiana Battery today from Moscow on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The expedition was moving on towards Lagrange when they left. There are but few old soldiers here now, but a good many 100 day men.

Thurs. Jun. 30: I made 2 trips down to the Adams street Hospital today, but failed to get in both times. Quite warm again today. A picnic is going off today in a nice shady grove close to our camp. I walked over 2 or 3 times to see the performance. Today is municipal election in the city. No news of interest yet.

Fri. Jul. 01: Another warm and sultry day. I went down in town this morning and back round the 7th Kansas Cavalry Regt. and took dinner. Ora Vickery came over to camp with me after noon. Rained a pretty good shower in the evening. I went down to the Beal Street Market this evening. They have a pretty good market now.

Sat. Jul. 02: This has been another warm and sultry day. Everything is going quite smoothly now. Rained a good refreshing shower this evening. I took a ride down to the city in the morning and also in the evening. Nothing of much interest going on here now. But little news has been received here for a few days.

Sun. Jul. 03: Beautiful day, but quite warm when the sun shines. I rode down to the river to water my horse this morning and spent the rest of the say in reading the Bible and Ancient Metaphysics. I and Joe Swearingen went down to the city to church this evening. Heard a good sermon and some very good singing.

Mon. Jul. 04: Fired a salute of 34 guns at 5 oclock this morning. I rode down town this morning to see what was going on. We had a good dinner gotten up by ourselves for our own boys. Everything went off nice and smooth and everybody was satisfied with the dinner. I rode down town again this evening. The 44th Iowa had a grand illumination tonight.

Tues. Jul. 05: On guard today. I rode down to the city this evening and visited my old friend William Gifford at the Adams Street Hospital No. (?). It is uncomfortably warm again today. Saw Adjutant Winslow of the 89th Indiana Regt. this evening. The 7th Indiana and the 2nd Mo. Cavalry came in and have gone up the White River, Arkansas.

Wed. Jul. 06: I rode down to the city and wharf this morning, not many boats here now. The 44th Iowa 100 Day Regt. started out on the cars today for Lagrange this morning. Quite warm again this evening. I took a ride down to the city again this evening along Union Street and back by the Depot and then across to Poplar Street.

Thurs. Jul. 07: It is quite warm again today. I went down to the landing this morning and again in the evening to see if any New Orleans boats had come up. I am looking for the old 21st boys to pass about now or in a few days at least. A dance near here tonight. Several of the boys went over and took a part in it.

Fri. Jul. 08: Another very warm and sultry day. I went up to our old camp this morning and down by the Beal Street Market to the city and back. I rode down to the river to water my horse this evening and it came up a heavy shower and I got a good wetting going back. It did not lay the dust out here. The 7th Illinois Cavalry went out to Lagrange.

Sat. Jul. 09: I passed through town this morning and went out by Ft. Pickering and the contraband camp and the graveyard where many of our soldiers are buried. I was down to the Beal Street Market this morning. It is quite interesting to see the market men and women of all shades and colors crowding round the market making purchases and eating ice cream, cake, etc..

Sun. Jul. 10: It is a little cooler today or there is a little more air stirring at least, which makes it more comfortable. I remained in camp till evening and then went down to the Adams Street Hospital to see my friend Wm. B. Gifford of the 89th Indiana, and am enjoying myself very well these times. Am living at the top of the pot.

Mon. Jul. 11: I am on guard today. It is quite warm and looks like some rain this evening. I spent my time mostly in reading the newspapers and the Scriptures and riding round for exercise. We hear no news of late from the expedition. The cars are running daily to Lagrange and to Salsbury. I took a little exercise this evening in swimming.

Tues. Jul. 12: I rode down to the river this morning and across north of town to the 7th Kansas Cavalry Regt. Saw my friend Zimoson who just returned to the regiment from St Louis. Stubbins McCalla and I went down to the New Memphis Theater tonight. The performance was pretty good. The singing of the Star Spangled was excellent.

Wed. Jul. 13: Warm again today. The roads quite dusty now. It is very disagreeable going to the city and back. I went down to the river twice today but learned nothing of interest. The 41st Wisconsin Regt. moved their camp today south of town and the 143rd Illinois Regt. has moved near our camp.

Thurs. Jul. 14: Pleasant day. It is a little cooler today than usual. It is quite dry and dusty. The colored folks are having a big picnic close by in a nice grove. I went over to see them dance. They had a splendid dinner consisting of the best of everything. They also had some speaking, a motley crowd it was.

Fri. Jul. 15: Rode down to the river this morning to water my horse. Quite warm and dusty yet. The nights are cooler and more comfortable now than they were a few days ago. I have been engaged most of the day in reading the news and old ANCIENT METAPHYSICS. No further news from Gen. Smith's expedition. The guerrillas have quit firing on the cars.

Sat. Jul. 16: Remained warm and dry. Rather quiet times here now. We hear no news from Gen. A. J. Smith's expedition lately. I went down to Beal Street Market this evening. Saw watermelons, peaches, and pears and quite a variety of other articles in the market. I went back round by the Poplar Street Market which was also well supplied.

Sun. Jul. 17: On guard today. I rode down to the mouth of the Wolf River this morning to water my horse. Remained in camp the rest of the day and read the news and finished reading the works on old ANCIENT METAPHYSICS, containing 378 pages. It is very warm yet and dusty beyond measure. Quiet times here at the present time.

Mon. Jul. 18: Remains warm, dry and dusty. I went down to the Adams Street Hospital to see my friend Gifford again, his wound is getting along very slow this hot weather. The boys have put up another swing, it is considerable higher and swings much better than the first. Good news from Gen. Smith.

Tues. Jul. 19: The news is good now from nearly all points. Smith has whipped old Forest pretty badly. I rode down this morning, found all quiet. An attempt was made to burn the steamer CONTINENTAL last night, but it was discovered before it had made much headway. It still remains warm and dry here yet.

Wed. Jul. 20: Uncomfortably warm and dusty weather now. I went to the river by way of the Beal Street Market again this morning. There is quite a respectable market now in the way of fruits and vegetables of all descriptions, but every thing is very high. We live very well now with vegetables we buy.

Thurs. Jul. 21: Warm, dry and dusty weather now. I went down to the river but learned nothing of interest. John Healy returned from the expedition after old Forest. He reported the expedition near Davis Mills. Pat Neel was wounded in the thigh, a flesh wound, none of the rest of our boys were hurt. Have roasting ears today.

Fri. Jul. 22: Last night was quite cool and it is quite pleasant today. The 95th Ohio Regt. came in this morning. I went to Wolf River to water and came back by Adams Hospital. Some of our boys have returned from the expedition this evening. The 3rd Battery has got back and considerable Cavalry has come in through the day from the expedition.

Sat. Jul. 23: Pleasant weather now but it is still dry and dusty. I rode over by the 7th Kansas Cavalry camp this morning but they have not returned from the expedition. On guard today. The colored folks have another picnic party close here today. More of the expedition returning today, but they are not near all in yet. Received no mail.

Sun. Jul. 24: I rode over to the 7th Kansas this morning but they have not got in yet. The rest of our boys came in from the 3rd Battery this morning. Our Brigade has got in. I went over to see the 89th boys this evening. They had nairy man killed and had but a few wounded while out this time. The expedition had a pretty hard time.

Mon. Jul. 25: I went to the river to water this morning and rode back the Hormande Road by our Brigade and saw many of my old friends of the 89th Indiana, 21st Mo., and other regiments. I went down to the Adams Street Hospital again this evening. There is no news of particular interest at the present time. Received orders to get in readiness for another expedition.

Tues. Jul. 26: It is getting a little warmer now. I went down to the river this morning, there are not many boats at the landing now. The steamer Belle Runyan sunk down the river close to Greenville and about a hundred men were lost. We receive the dailies here regular from St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Chicago.

Wed. Jul. 27: Pleasant weather for a few days. I went round by the Beal Street Market to the river this morning. Jack Whitted and I went over to the 7th Kansas Cavalry camp this evening and round by Wolf River. The 143rd Regt. Ill. 100 day men left this evening for Helena. Some Smith regulars were arrested tonight.

Thurs. Jul. 28: I went over to the 89th Indiana Regt. early this morning and by the 58th and 117th Illinois Regt. The 3rd Illinois Cavalry left for Paducah today. The colored people had another picnic near here today. Jesse Cox, Hospital Steward of the 89th Indiana, and David Smallwood came over to the Battery this evening. Warm and dusty.

Fri. Jul. 29: I got up early this morning and went down to the Beal Street Market and got some onions and potatoes. On guard today. We are expecting the veterans back now every day. A Negro was caught stealing in a garden near here this evening and was turned over to me to guard till morning. It still remains warm and dusty.

Sat. Jul. 30: My prisoner made an attempt to escape about 4 oclock this morning but we overhauled him and brought him back. Warm, rained a little shower here this evening but hardly laid the dust. I went down to Beal Street Market this evening and to the river. Uncomfortably warm this evening.

Sun. Jul. 31: We are expecting marching orders soon again but are not certain where we will go to. We are expecting the veterans now every day, the 3rd Battery veterans have not returned yet. I went down to Adams Street Hospital to see my friend Will Gifford this evening. The veterans came in this evening looking quite fine and hearty.

Mon. Aug. 01: Received a good refreshing shower last night. It is very pleasant today. Charley Connerly, Cy Wilburn and Conner got back this evening. We drew four new guns this evening with full equipment. We are making preparations now for another expedition in a few days, after old Forest or some other cuss.

Tues. Aug. 02: Pleasant day. We have been busy today fixing up things for a march. We drew some horses and a lot of new ammunition for our new guns. Turned over our old guns, ammunition and equipment this evening. I commenced packing ammunition in my caisson this evening. I've been in camp all day.

Wed. Aug. 03: Pleasant weather. We are busily engaged in getting ready for a march. Got marching orders about 2 oclock and the Battery started out about 4 oclock on the Pigeon Roost Road. I and Will McCalment were left behind and it being too late to overtake the Battery, we went back to camp and stayed all night with Mrs. Bishop.

Thurs. Aug. 04: Rained a little last night. We went down to the depot early this morning and got on the cars and left about 8 oclock. Passed White Station, Germantown, Colliersville, Lafayette, Lagrange, Grand Junction and Lamar, had good luck and reached Holly Springs at 5 oclock in the evening and slept all night in the cars.

Fri. Aug. 05: We started out this morning to hunt the 7th Kansas Cavalry. After much inquiry and considerable running round we found them and stayed with them all day. The Battery came in about dusk and we passed through town to the dept, crossed the railroad and camped about 9 oclock. Rained very hard last night.

Sat. Aug. 06: We remained here till afternoon and moved out into a grove about 1/4 of a mile east of the depot, where we went into camp. No Rebs have been seen near here yet. The 1st Division has gone on to Waterford. The 3rd Brigade came in today and has camped near us. Pleasant came over this evening and stayed all night with me. Nice Weather now.

Sun. Aug. 07: On guard today. This looks quite desolate to what it did two years ago when we were camped here. Crops look tolerable fair here where there is any crop at all. Peaches are plenty. I have had some good ripe peaches and watermelons since we came here. The 6th Illinois Cavalry has gone out today. John A. Davis returned this evening.

Mon. Aug. 08: I went over to the 7th Kansas Cavalry Regt. this morning and found them gone out to the Tallahatchee River. I went to the Holly Springs, found them all in about as good condition as when here before. Orders to be ready to move at an hours notice. Report of a little fighting yesterday at the Tallahatchee River. Music by the band every morning and evening.

Tues. Aug. 09: Pleasant weather. I went over to the 89th Indiana Regt. early this morning to see the boys. Rained a good refreshing shower in the evening. Wolverton and I went out east about a mile and got some apples and cider and other things. The 178th New York Band plays at headquarters every morning and evening.

Wed. Aug. 10: The 3rd Brigade left this morning. Rained a little this morning. No train came in from Memphis today. We are left out here by ourselves. There is no regiment or battery near us now and the picket lines are close to our Battery. I went out and got some peaches to cook this evening. One man shot today out south of here.

Thurs. Aug. 11: I stood picket last night on an outpost. We received marching orders this morning and left camp at 10 oclock. Marched about 3 miles from Holly Springs on the Waterford Road and got orders to come back here. The 113th and 89th went to Lagrange to garrison the place. The balance of our Brigade stopped near the depot this evening. Very warm today.

Fri. Aug. 12: Rained a good shower this morning. The ground is pretty well soaked through now. It has remained cloudy all day. I went out a foraging about 2 miles southeast of town, got a lot of roasting ears and peaches. Several regiments of Cavalry came in from Oxford today. No train today, the cars are off the track near Lamar.

Sat. Aug. 13: Cloudy all day and rained a little in the evening. Our teams were sent out after forage again this evening, I went out with them. We went 3 or 4 miles and got some corn, and I got some peaches and some watermelons and drove in some beef cattle. The train came in this evening.

Sun. Aug. 14: Quite pleasant day. Everything is quiet here now. Rained a little this evening. The train came up from the Tallahatchee River this evening and reports a fight between 2 regiments of our infantry and some of Gen. Chalmers' cavalry. A train came up from Memphis this evening but brought no papers. We are living quite well at present.

Mon. Aug. 15: On guard today. Sprinkled a little this evening and is quite pleasant weather now. Cars are running all the time now between here and Memphis and on the Tallahatchee River. The telegraph wires are put up as far as this place. Our Brigade teams went out foraging again today. All quiet here.

Tues. Aug. 16: Rather warm weather again today. Received marching orders about noon to be in readiness to march at 2 oclock. We harnessed and pulled stakes ready to leave, but our Brigade failed to get ready. The 89th and 119th did not get in from Lagrange till about 11 oclock in the night. We unharnessed to stay till morning. Rained a little.

Wed. Aug. 17: We were in readiness to move at 5 oclock this morning. Left camp about 8 oclock, started out on the Waterford road, had tolerable good roads and reached Waterford about noon and went into camp on Spring Creek west of town. Rained a little this evening. The Negro Brigade and train went on this morning.

Thurs. Aug. 18: Left camp about 8 oclock, had pretty good roads in general. Crossed the Tallahatchee River and went into camp about 1 oclock, close to Abbeyville. Saw Pleasant, the 7th Kansas is camped near here. It rained quite hard this evening. The Rebs are now at Oregon Creek 4 miles from here. The railroad is now abandoned.

Fri. Aug. 19: Left camp about 7 oclock or were in readiness to leave, but the Cavalry went ahead and commenced skirmishing and drove the Rebs and it rained so much that it was almost impossible to move. We were ordered into camp till further orders. The 3rd Brigade went out this morning. It has rained all day and the roads are very disagreeable.

Sat. Aug. 20: Still raining this morning. The teams went a foraging today. The boys brought in a lot of peaches, apples and pork. We received marching orders about 4 oclock but the orders for the Battery was countermanded, but the Brigade moved out towards Oregon Creek. It is very muddy, but the mud is a settling a little this evening.

Sun. Aug. 21: Left camp about 7 oclock this morning. Very bad roads but we got along without any difficulty or without stalling or swamping. We crossed Haricane Creek about 11 oclock and went into camp about noon in 5 miles of Oxford close to our Brigade. There was a little skirmishing here this morning.

Mon. Aug. 22: Left camp about 8 oclock. Clear this morning. Moved up to the Brigade and I then went ahead and got to Oxford and remained there 3 or 4 hours and a dispatch came that Forest had taken Memphis. The torch was applied to the town, and when I left in the evening it bid fair to burn the hole town. The expedition returned about 8 oclock and camped on Haricane Creek.

Tues. Aug. 23: Left camp about 7 oclock. Passed Abbeyville and halted. The bridge across the river fell in, one mule team drowned. While we were waiting for the bridge to be repaired, a small forage party was sent out. The Rebs came up and attacked our rear and captured 2 of our teams. The boys all made their escape. A force was sent after them, they killed and captured a few. We camped in position tonight.

Wed. Aug. 24: All quiet this morning. I went down to the river this morning to see how the bridge was progressing. I went to the 7th Kansas Cavalry and to the 12th Mo. Cavalry, also saw my old friend Mr. Slade Vestal and Alf Brownsen in the 12th Mo. Cavalry. There was a little skirmishing today. Short rations now. The bridge is nearly completed. Quite warm today.

Thurs. Aug. 25: Left camp about 7 oclock this morning. Crossed the river without any accident. Passed Waterford and went into camp at 2 oclock about a mile beyond and near Limpkin's Mills. Uncomfortable warm today. Got plenty good peaches this evening, also plenty fresh meat. The roads are pretty good. No fighting today.

Fri. Aug. 26: Left camp about 9 oclock and got along very well, over the hilly and rough road and reached Holly Springs about 2 oclock. Uncomfortably warm again today. A small force of our troops were left at Waterford. We hear no further news about the raid on Memphis, and in fact we get no news at all now. There are ten prisoners along with us.

Sat. Aug. 27: Remained all day in camp. Very pleasant weather. We went out about 2 miles southwest of the city and got 3 loads of corn. Pleasant came over this evening and took supper with me. There is another report that another raid has been made on Memphis and Gen Washburne captured. Received marching orders tonight.

Sun. Aug. 28: Left camp about 7 oclock. Started out on the Pigeon Roost Road. Good roads but hilly. I went off the road about 2 miles and got some peaches. Saw a deer and saw our Cavalry make a charge on a house and commence firing like they were skirmishing with the Rebs. We reached camp at Coldwater at 6 oclock and camped. Marched 16 miles today.

Mon. Aug. 29: Left camp about 7 oclock this morning. Crossed Coldwater Creek, had good roads, got along well. One of the 89th boys was killed by someone shooting at hogs. Got a fine lot of nice peaches, found some ripe pawpaws today. Marched a good ways on the state line. Went into camp about 2 oclock. Marched 13 miles today. Good weather.

Tues. Aug. 30: Left camp about daylight. Beautiful day. We had very good roads today and marched along quite brisk and crossed Von Conner Creek about 11 oclock and stopped about 2 hours and fed and watered. I found a nice lot of pawpaws in the Von Conner bottom. We reached Memphis about 4 oclock and went into camp at our old camp at the end of Adams Street. On guard today.

Wed. Aug. 31: Rained a little this morning but cleared off in the evening. The 1st and 2nd Brigades are camped near here and Col. Shaw's Headquarters are close to our Battery, also Col. Murry's are close by. I rode down to the river this evening, I can't see that the raid did any damage to the city. We mustered for pay this evening.

Thurs. Sept. 01: Pleasant weather. I remained in camp all day in expectation of an inspection, but no inspection came off today. The 1st Division crossed the river into Arkansas. We came near going but escaped this time for some reason or other. The cavalry have not come in yet from the expedition. Everything is quiet here at present.

Fri. Sept. 02: The weather is quite warm today. There is not much news of interest in the papers now, only a little excitement about the Chicago Convention. We get hardly any mail for some cause or other of late. It is the report there now that the cavalry have been fighting out on the railroad lately. Some of the Hundred Day men came in today.

Sat. Sept. 03: Rather warm today. We drew some more horses this evening. I went down to Adams Street Hospital this evening to see my old friend Sergeant Gifford. There are a good many in the hospital now that are pretty badly wounded. Some were wounded up Red River and others in the expedition of Gen Smith in Mississippi.

Sun. Sept. 04: Pleasant morning. I took a squad and went down town to the Episcopalian Church this morning and at 3 oclock I went over to the 89th Indiana and heard the chaplain, the Rev. Mr Hodson, preach a funeral sermon. I took a squad of 13 men down to church tonight and heard a good sermon preached. Received orders to march at daylight.

Mon. Sept. 05: Left camp at daylight and went down to the landing and loaded on the W. R. Arthur right away. The 21st Mo. Regt. go with us on the W. R. Arthur. I took my farewell tramp through Memphis today, in all probability for a long while. We left Memphis about 5 oclock.