r-bearers report a rebel captain killed in front of the
piece by canister cutting him nearly in two. In the meantime the 1st and
5th pieces took position on the right to prevent three pieces of
artillery from taking position. Advanced about two miles when their
pieces opened fire with shells on us. The howitzers went forward but
were ordered back by Chief of Artillery, and two ten-pound Parrotts
instead. A brisk firing on both sides for ten or fifteen minutes. The
1st Brigade in line on right, 2nd on left, when they pulled up stake and
we marched without molestation within a mile of Black River; went into
park. All very tired and needed rest. Passed about seventy-five
prisoners during the day, many more being taken by Logan on the left.
Pickets firing often during the night, once with artillery.

[Sidenote: 1863 Earthworks]

Near Black River, Monday, May 4. Harnessed and hitched, but soon
received orders to unhitch and get fodder enough to feed all day. Firing
with artillery across the river occasionally during the day. Earthworks
thrown up on this side of the bayou, the rebels being on a neck of land
between that and the Black River, said to have received reinforcement.

Near Black River, Tuesday, May 5. A fine day. Health good. Lay quiet all
the morning until 2 P. M. Orders came to hitch up a howitzer and a rifle
piece; first and third pieces made ready and fell in with 5th and 10th
Iowa Infantry and four companies of cavalry on a reconnoitering
expedition. Colonel Boomer in charge. Waited three quarters of an hour
at the river to finish the bridge, when the cavalry crossed and started
on, the bridge consisting of three flat-boats tied together endways,
which reached across. Passed through a half mile of very swampy bottom,
then came into an open country with fine plantations. Marched briskly on
the road to Vicksburg, about four miles, then rested. General McPherson
passed to the front and returned in about an hour, ordering us to
retrace our steps as soon as possible as there was much need of us there
and the roads were bad. Returned on full trot and came into camp a
little after dark.

Near Black River, Wednesday, May 6. Remained quiet. Foraging parties
sent out bringing plenty of corn, fresh meat and many other things,
taken from the deserted houses of fleeing chivalry. Mail arrived. Rec'd
two letters from home dated 18th and 26th ult. Pontoon train of eighteen
wagons passed to the right.

Near Black R