Diary of Private Edward W. Crippin, Friday Morning, October 18, 1861

Still dark and gloomy with a drissling rain.  Our Regt. returned about 8½ O'clock had no brush with the Enemy took 600 or 700 bushels wheat & 4 secesh prisoners. Battalion Drill this afternoon

Camp McClernand Cairo Ills.

Nothing of an exciting character has transpired to day O & Co. of Light Artillery left camp cairo this afternoon where bound tis not known with us. Hickman & Brown were with the Regt. found Wm Sullivan today. 

SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 229

Diary of Private Edward W. Crippin, Wednesday Morning, October 23, 1861

Camp McClernand Cairo Illinois. Very cool—quite a change since yesterday. No rain last, night Sad news this morning another good man gone the way of all the Earth—Col. Ed. D. Barker (Baker) One of the best of Orators and the boast of our nation fell while gallantly leading his Regt. at the Battle near Leesburg Virginia Another sacrifice to the glorius cause of liberty. Ten men detailed out of each comp. armed with brooms & shovels for the purpose of cleaning up the barracks, and preparing quarters for our Regt. down in Camp Cairo.

SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 229

Diary of Private Edward W. Crippin, Saturday Morning, October 26, 1861

Camp Cairo, Illinois. Fogy and damp Drill as usual before breakfast no Drill this forenoon. Regt. was called out this forenoon for inspection that is the inspecting of men. The no. of men out on drill—the sick list & those absent from Camp not agreeing with the morning report, consequently there is a number that undoubtedly shirk from duty. This afternoon the review before Gen. McClernand came off.—Tomorrow we have a Grand Review.

SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 230

Diary of Private Edward W. Crippin, Sunday, October 27, 1861

Regimental inspection this morning.—Religious services by our Chaplain. Grand Review commenced this evening at 2½ O'clock continued till 5, before Gen. McClernand and Staff. The forces which passed Camp Cairo, Illinois. Under review were Five Regts. of Infantry One of cavalry and one Battery of flying Artillery. The review has been pronounced a splendid affair Every thing passed off in fine style

SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 230