We did not get into bivouac until late last night, and again
started on our march early this morning. We marched until 3 p. m., when we
halted to rest, going into bivouac for the night in a large field of cow-peas,
near the town of Ripley, Mississippi. We ran out of rations and foraging
parties were sent out. They brought in sweet potatoes and fresh pork, which is
all we have to eat. I picked some cow-peas and cooked them; they are rather
strong, yet better than nothing to eat. The report is that the rebels have
scattered out and escaped, and that we shall not follow them any longer. We are
so far from our base of supplies that we are in danger of being captured.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 75
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