healthy
man. A burying party went over at 4 P. M. to consign his earthly remains
to their last abode. His death had but little effect in camp, so
estranged is the soldier's mind. But some hearts have been wounded and
are bleeding that have been patiently waiting his return for many hours,
never to be realized in this world.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 11. Warm--yes, hot. Lay in camp with no
excitement; notwithstanding I whiled the hours away without much trouble
with plenty of papers and captured books to read.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 12. Received mail. I got two letters from
home bearing date of July 12th and August 2nd, the first being detained
at Memphis. What a source of comfort these weekly messengers from home
are to me. How anxiously I wait for the week to roll around so as to be
the recipient.

[Sidenote: 1863 "Wild, Jovial Scuffle"]

Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 13. Boys in good spirits, those of them that
are blessed with health. At twilight they had a general gathering in our
street, and held a wild, jovial scuffle of an hour, such as none but
soldiers can partake in or enjoy. An eye witness would call it
foolishness, but it is well that they spend it innocently rather than in
some worse game. "It is all in three years" they say. Very true.

Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 14. The anniversary of my military life. One
year ago to-day I took the oath to serve faithfully Uncle Sam. What my
hopes and fears were then were far from being true. I have passed a year
of hardship and danger from home and kindred. Instead of returning home
in half the time with peace triumphant, I am away down here, and I
expect nothing else but to serve another year--God willing. It is a
bigger and more tedious job than I anticipated, but I am not
disheartened, I will do my duty as near as possible.

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 15. Evie and I did our washing before
breakfast. Swam my horse in the pond this morning with fifty others.
Good fun. David Evans and myself rode over to the hospital in the
afternoon; most of the boys doing well with the exception of G. R.
Jones. He is very low, weak and emaciated. I am afraid he will not live
long. Poor boy, he is very anxious to go home. After supper sent by
Sergeant Dixon in search of my off horse, having strayed while I was
sick. Had a pleasant ride over the hills and through gorges, but no
event.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 16. Weather very warm and heavy. Health--not
sick, not well