Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday,June 1, 1862

This morning we remain in camp awaiting orders to move, but we receive them not; remain here all day. We are now camped near the rebel commissary; it is one vast heap of ruins; sugar and flour scattered all over the ground, molasses running in streams down the railroad. Everywhere the fields are strewn with tents, cooking utensils, army wagons, old trunks, rebel uniforms, flint lock muskets, &c., &c. It is indeed an apt illustration of the assumed confederacy. The news from Pope's advance is cheering this evening.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 78

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, June 2, 1862

Our regiment is still encamped near the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. It rains considerably to-day, which makes everything look cheerful. This evening we receive orders to hold ourselves in readiness to move.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 78

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, June 3, 1862

For some cause unknown to the soldiers, we do not move to-day. Good accounts from Pope continue to come back.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 78

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Wednesday, June 4, 1862

This morning we finally move from our camp near the railroad, and march southward. Our destination is said to be Boonville. It seems that the entire army is in motion. The roads are soon blockaded with the artillery and army trains, and in consequence our regiment is delayed. We pass Danville about dark. Marching on, we go into camp about nine o'clock P. M.

The boys are very tired to-night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 78-9

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Thursday, June 5, 1862

This morning we lay in the shade until two o'clock P. M., when we move about two miles. The heat is intense; the boys seek every opportunity to shield themselves from the sun's scorching rays. We proceed no farther to-day.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 79

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, June 6, 1862

This morning we remain in the shade, having no orders to move. Some of the boys sally forth into the plantations, and it is not long until they return with a large supply of chickens, turkeys, butter and eggs.

This afternoon we move forward twelve miles; march in quick time. One by one the boys drop by the way, being unable to keep up with the command on account of the excessive heat.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 79

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Saturday, June 7, 1862

This morning we do not move. The regiment is soon busy building bower houses to shield them from the sun.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 79

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, June 8, 1862

To-day, Halleck's vast army is resting beneath the shady forests of Mississippi. The boys keep close under their houses; the weather is very warm; the water is very scarce, hence the soldiers are suffering.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 79

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, June 9, 1862

This morning we still remain undisturbed in our bower camp. Troops are hourly passing us, moving southward.

The roads are very dusty; water is becoming scarcer; what we have is of an inferior quality; we need rain very much.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 79-80

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, June 10, 1862

To-day we remain in camp. It is rumored to-night that the troops in our rear are moving back towards Corinth.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 80