“About fifty-five boys enlisted and we are to go in Company E of the Eighth Iowa.”–Alexander G. Downing.

Sunday, 18th–This morning attended the Methodist church and Sunday school at Posten’s Grove. Several Methodist brethren were received into the church. In the afternoon Mr. Wharton, the minister, delivered a patriotic speech and spoke of the war. He then called for volunteers and I put my name down to go for three years or during the war. About fifty-five boys enlisted and we are to go in Company E of the Eighth Iowa.