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| Receiving supplies at Chickasaw Bayou for the army around Vicksburg. |
We stayed in camp again all day, and I improved the time
strolling through the camps, forts and rifle pits, which had been deserted by
the Confederates. They seem to have left their quarters rather unceremoniously,
for they abandoned siege guns, with tents, wagons, clothing and ammunition
scattered about in confusion. I thought, while camped here, they seemed to feel
quite secure. They frequently looked towards the Yazoo, and defied our boats to
come up. However, when the boats did come, with Sherman in the rear, they beat
a hasty retreat to the inside of Vicksburg.
As our duties have been light to-day, the time has been
occupied socially, by the boys reciting many little scenes of the past month.
We conversed feelingly of those left behind on acount of sickness, or wounds,
or death in battle. Only half our company is left now, and after two years
more, what will have become of the rest? We shall fight on, perhaps, till the
other half is gone. The friendship that now exists among our remnant is very
firmly knit. Through our past two years of soldier life such ties of
brotherhood have grown up as only companions in arms can know. And I trust
before the end of another two years · the old flag will again float secure in
every State in the Nation.
SOURCE: Osborn
Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story of the Siege of Vicksburg, p.
40-1
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