From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
MAY 25TH.–Pemberton sent a flag of truce to Grant at two P. M., and the cessation of hostili ties thus agreed on, lasted till eight o’clock in the evening. It made us happy, for we fancied it was a sign they wanted to surrender–but no such good luck. It was simply to give both sides a chance to bury their dead, which had been lying exposed since the twenty-second. Both armies issued from their respective fortifications and pits, and mingled together in various sports, apparently with much enjoyment. Here a group of four played cards–two Yanks and two Rebs. There, others were jumping, while everywhere blue and gray mingled in conversation over the scenes which had transpired since our visit to the neighborhood. I talked with a very sensible rebel, who said he was satisfied we should not only take Vicksburg, but drive the forces of the south all over their territory, at last compelling them to surrender; still, he said, he had gone into the fight, and was resolved not to back out. He said they had great hope of dissension in the north, to such an extent as might strengthen their cause. There have been grounds for this hope, I am sorry to say, and such dissen sions at the north must prolong the war, if our peace party should succeed in materially obstructing the war measures of govern ment. From the remarks of some of the rebels, I judged that their supply of provisions was getting low, and that they had no source from which to draw more. We gave them from our own rations some fat meat, crackers, coffee and so forth, in order to make them as happy as we could. We could see plainly that their officers watched our communications closely.
Burying the dead that had lain between the Confederate and Union lines for three days.