Saturday, 3d–Orders have been issued to fortify Vicksburg so that a small force can hold the place against one five times the number; the fortifications are to be on the highest ground in the city. I was on duty at a picket post three miles below Vicksburg, on the east bank of the Mississippi. There were four privates and two corporals at the post, the corporals taking their turns in standing out in front as vedettes.
Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.
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