From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd                       JUNE 7TH.–The 20th was at the front all day, sharp shooting. There is a good deal of danger in this kind of business, but we have our fun at it notwithstanding. Another effigy hoisted a little above [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd                       JUNE 6TH.–Still banging away. I took a horseback ride around the line to the left in the rear of McClernand’s corps. Everywhere I went I was met with the familiar zip, zip, of rebel bullets flying promiscuously [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 5TH.–The siege is still progressing favorably. There is joy in our camp, for Uncle Sam has again opened a clothing store, which we shall patronize, asking nothing about price or quality. The boys cheered lustily when they saw the teams drive in, and heard what they were [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 4TH.–We move at last. We left camp as the sun rose, reaching our old quarters in front of the rebel Fort Hill in the afternoon. Glad we are to get here. A great change has taken place during our ten days’ absence. More rifle-pits have been made [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd                       JUNE 3D.–Expected to move to-day, but got orders instead to remain in camp. Have heard heavy cannonading towards Vicksburg. Would prefer to take our place in the line around the city rather than stay away, for there [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd                       JUNE 2D.–We stayed in camp again all day, and I improved the time strolling through the camps, forts and rifle pits, which had been deserted by the Confederates. They seem to have left their quarters rather unceremoniously, [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 1ST.–We stayed in camp all day, much to the enjoyment of the boys. Sergeant Hoover and I got a horse and mule, and rode down to Chickasaw Bayou, where the supplies for our army around Vicksburg are received. I have complained a little of being overmarched, but [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 31ST.–We were aroused by the bugle call, and in a few minutes on the march again. Halted at noon on a large planta ­tion. This is a capital place to stop, for the negroes are quite busy baking corn-bread and sweet potatoes for us. We have had [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 30TH.–Moved this morning at four o’clock back again to ­wards Vicksburg–rather an early start, unless some special business awaits us. A few surmise that there is need for us at the front, but I think it is only a freak of General Frank Blair, who is in [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 29TH.–”The early bird catches the worm.” We tried the truth of that adage this morning, but failed to make the catch. A few graybacks were seen afar off, but we failed to get within range of them. Where, O where, is General Johnston and the grand army [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 28TH.–We did not strike out on the war-path again till three P. M. to-day, having spent the time previous in taking a good rest. To-day we have not marched very rapidly, as it has now become necessary to go more slowly in order to feel our way, [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 27TH.–It was three o’clock this morning before we camp­ed. A tiresome tramp we have had, and after halting, but a few minutes elapsed before we were fast asleep. We were up, however, with the sun, took breakfast and were on the march again at eight o’clock. We [...]

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. [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 24TH.–Sunday; and how little like the Sabbath day it seems. Cannon are still sending their messengers of death into the enemy’s lines, as on week days, and the minnie balls sing the same song, while the shovel throws up as much dirt as on any other day. [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 23D.–Our regiment lay in the rifle pits to-day, watching the enemy. For hours we were unable to see the motion of a man or beast on their side, all was so exceedingly quiet throughout the day. After dark we were relieved, and as we returned to the [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 22ND. –Last night mortar-shells, fired from the boats on the river in front of the city across Point Louisiana, fell thick over all parts of Vicksburg, and at three o’clock this morning every cannon along our line belched its shot at the enemy. Nothing could be heard [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 21ST.–We were relieved this morning before daylight, and slipped back to our camp as quietly as we could. The rifle pits where we watched were pretty close to the enemy, and we had to note every movement made by them. If they put their heads above their [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 20TH.–When I awoke this morning I offered thanks to God that my life had been spared thus far. We slept on our arms–something unusual. This day has been busily spent in making cautious advances toward the works of the enemy, and, although our progress seems to have [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 15TH.–The familiar “Attention, battalion!” was heard from our Colonel, when we marched back upon the same road that had led us to Jackson, camping as usual at dark. We passed through Clinton, and the inhabitants were surprised to see us returning so soon, for they fully expected [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 14TH.–Started again this morning for Jackson. When within five miles of the city we heard heavy firing. It has rained hard to-day and we have had both a wet and muddy time, pushing at the heavy artillery and provision wagons accompanying us when they stuck in the [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 13TH.–Up early, and on the march to Jackson, as we suppose. I dreamed of my bunk-mate last night. Wonder if his remains will be put where they can be found, for I would like, if I ever get the chance, to put a board with his name [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 12TH–Roused up early and before daylight marched, the 20th in the lead. Now we have the honored position, and will probably get the first taste of battle. At nine o’clock slight skirmishing began in front, and at eleven we filed into a field on the right of [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 11TH.–We drew two days’ rations and marched till noon. My company, E, being detailed for rear guard, a very undesirable position. General Logan thinks we shall have a fight soon. I am not particularly anxious for one, but if it comes I will make my musket talk. [...]

From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd MAY 10TH–Left camp after dinner. Dinner generally means noon, but our dinner-time on the march is quite irregular. Advanced unmolested till within about three miles of Utica, and camped again at dark. This forenoon my bunk-mate (Cal. Waddle) and I went to a house near camp to get [...]