Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Monday, October 31, 1864

We lay in bivouac all day, this being a regular muster day, and the army was mustered. Foraging parties were again sent out. I was on picket continuously for twenty-four hours.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 225

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, October 31, 1863

The water has left our camp in a frightful condition, and we got orders to move the camp to higher ground tomorrow. This was general muster day.¹ I went on fatigue today. William Green of our company, not having recovered from his sickness, left for home this morning on a thirty-day furlough. I sent $50.00 to father by him.

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¹ A general “muster day” was a day observed throughout the army by general order mustering the soldiers for pay. — Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 150