Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Sunday, 12th–It rained steadily all day. Our forces did not advance any today, but they are still throwing up earthworks and planting batteries. There was some shelling at a few points today by our men and the skirmishing at times was quite lively on both sides. But because of so much rain the last two days, and since we have worked so hard building rifle pits, we are glad to remain quiet and get some rest. As we have no tents, the men have built “ranches” out of their rubber ponchos, for shelter and for resting places in which to get snatches of sleep. There are no tents except the hospital tents, and some of the officers have “fly tents” in order to keep their papers and books dry. Our wagon trains are kept in the rear for fear of our being suddenly shelled and compelled to fall back. The earthworks of both sides are in plain view of each other, all the timber between having been cut down, and the pickets are close enough together at night to engage in conversation.