ning 1st Brigade band serenaded Captain Dillon, after which they
were seated, treated and played and played and drank. Songs were sung
and beautiful music played, but the demon of the bowl prevailed, the
leader of the band soon became unable to go farther, and a scene
befitting a groggery ensued. All seemed to have lost all respect for
best principles. Too bad. These men left home with great pretensions of
temperance; even now it would be difficult to convince those left behind
otherwise; but whiskey is used by our officers more freely than water,
and that too is what they draw for the men mostly. Many a dark thing
behind the curtain in this world.

Troubled with toothache all day and at night Dr. Brady took it out at
the third hitch. Oh!

Vicksburg, Sunday, July 12. Inspection of clothing at 9 A. M. the first
of the kind since we left Memphis, after which McPherson's General Order
No. 20 was read; also official information of the surrender of Port
Hudson on the 7th inst. and our victory in the East, which of course put
a hopeful aspect on affairs. Received a large mail. Signed pay-rolls 6
P. M.

Vicksburg, Monday, July 13. Heavy rain last night. Cloudy and stormy all
day to-day. Policed off all the grounds under the Battery. Evie and
myself went about two miles, to the right in the afternoon on horseback,
got cane enough for bunks. Prisoners all marched out to-day except the
sick; Colonel Sanborn, inspecting officer, taking all contraband
articles from them.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 14. All is quiet and still, everybody fixed up
comfortably, and an old Welsh farmer's oven built, so we have soft
bread, a great luxury. Trains run regularly to Big Black, taking troops
and provisions. Third Brigade of our Division gone back to the rear. A
few prisoners came in with the evening train. All is life on the river,
crowded with boats, the town swarming with sutlers.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 15. All quiet and sleepy. Very warm. No mail
or news.

Vicksburg, Thursday, July 16. Now that we are fixed up and the officers
over their big spree (generally speaking) we broke up camp and went into
park about two miles to the right on a pretty slope. The battery parked,
the tents were put in its rear regularly by sections. All the shades,
bunks etc. were hauled over from the old camp, which was accomplished by
night, and put up.

[Sidenote: 1863 Bathing]

Vicksburg, Friday, July 17. Was on detail all day, putting u