We were annoyed some little through the night, by the rebels
firing, but they didn't hit anybody. Two regiments of infantry with some
cavalry crossed the river for a little scout. I do not think there are many
rebels over there, but what few there are, ought to be whipped. They will have
to fall back at the approach of our men, but that is easily done, and, when our
forces return, they will be right back firing from behind the trees.
The army is marching on around Vicksburg, and we are very
anxious to take our place in this grand column. We are quite tired of the
duties assigned us here, and have had orders to move several times, which were
as often countermanded.
Had chicken for dinner. Uncle Sam doesn't furnish chickens
in his bill of fare, but they will get into the camp kettle. We have to
be very saving of the regular rations, consequently must look outside for
extras—chickens, ham, sweet potatoes, etc., all taste good. I walked down the
river a short distance, viewing the scenery, when a bullet flew through the
trees not far from my head. I looked across the river from whence it came, but
could not see anybody. Did not stay there long, but got back to camp, where I
felt safer.
Our camp is in the bottom, close to the river bank. – The enemy
at Grand Gulf spiked their cannon and retreated to Vicksburg. If that place
could not be taken by the gun-boats on the river in front, the infantry
marching in their rear made them hustle out in a hurry. When the people in
Vicksburg see their retreating troops returning to the town they went out to
protect, they will think Grant's marching around them means something.
While writing a few letters to-day I was amused to notice
the various attitudes taken by the boys while writing. One wrote on a
drum-head, another on his cartridge-box; one used a board and several wrote on
the top of a battery caisson. These letters would be more highly appreciated by
the recipients if the circumstances under which they were prepared were
realized.
SOURCE: Osborn Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story of the Siege
of Vicksburg, p. 7-8
