31. Awoke by the side of my team when the
sun was high. Went up the hill to see the pieces, but was timely warned
by a "whist" by my ear to keep low, as we were within 300 yards of the
enemy's fort, and at the first indication of a man's head a leaden
messenger was sent to him, and safety only existed in keeping out of
sight by lying low. Nelson brought our breakfast from camp. Unharnessed
our horses and went to water back to our old watering place, exposed to
the fire of the sharp-shooters. One of our horses was struck in the
neck.

Very warm. Built a shade and lay down to sweat and sleep. At 3 P. M. the
rebs opened a fire with a piece of artillery which was returned by a
dozen. One of the 10th Iowa killed in rifle pit by our piece.

Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 1. Cannoneers up nearly all night.
Advanced our pieces eight yards to the front so as to get better range.
Went to water horses, stopped in camp to feed hay in the forenoon and
afternoon. At dusk started out with both limbers after ammunition. Went
about two miles to Quinby's headquarters. Filled them from magazines and
returned by 10 P. M.

Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 2. Fired at intervals all day. At night
fired thirty minutes without ceasing. Caisson limber after ammunition in
the evening. Up till midnight helping on the bastion. The heat very
oppressive.

Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 3. Nothing of importance until about 3
P. M. when the enemy opened with artillery all along the line, which
soon brought the cannoneers to their post, and rapid firing of twenty
minutes convinced them that they had better quit. The shells flew very
thick for a few minutes. One 24-pounder dropped into the second piece's
bastion, taking out the eye of Fred Baker, the first man wounded by
rebs. Received mail.

[Sidenote: 1863 Dodging Sharp-shooters]

Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 4. But little fighting done to-day with
the exception of sharp-shooting. Sultry and heavy. Battery drew
clothing. I got a rubber poncho.

Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 5. Fine day. Not very warm. Ordered to
fire once every five minutes during the day. Went with the gun-limber to
the magazine at noon. Fired twenty rounds in the evening. Occasional
firing all night.

Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 6. But little firing during the day.
While watering horses I rode about two miles into the country, filled my
haversack with ripe, juicy plums. Thought I'd like to take them