THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865

with much interest until a turn of the road hid the city
from my view. I then lay back in the waggon to try for a
short nap. I had not lain down long when I had to tumble
out again as we were now at our journey's end. We put our
things down by a sutle's tent and held a council of war
what to do. Something to eat was voted first. We roused
the sutler up. Whilst he was turning out, I went to find
out the whereabouts of the "Black Hawk." I met a negro
belonging to the "great Western" and he told me that she
was gone up to "Yazoo City." I returned to the party and
found them engaged in the discussion of ginger nuts,
cheese, and river water. I
[101] fell to with the rest but did not eat much. Bought a pipe
(for which I paid fifty cents). Had a good philosophical
smoke. Wrapped my coat around me and lay down by the levee
for a short snooze, it being now 3 A.M.
June 2, Tuesday. Awoke about daylight. Some of the party
were sleeping yet. Shook myself and started to look for
some conveyance to take me to "Cairo." Found the "Kennett"
up. Went on board of her to enquire aobut the fare. The
clerk told [me] that if I would get a pass from "Provost
Marshall" Reno, the Quartermaster Genral on the "Sunny
South" would give me transportation but that I would have
to board myself. I then went and saw the Q.G., showed him
my dischage, [who] said it was all right but that no one
was allowed to leave our lines without a pass. He told me
the P.M."s office was at the lower landing by the
"William's Canal," so I started for there. Met an
acquaintance who told me the "Black Hawk" was down there.
I then went back to the party and told this. They were
having breakfast off prepared coffee, Bologna sausage, and
ginger snaps. Concluded to go and see "Capt. Breeze."
Left one of the party (he being sick) to mind our things.
On the road down, stopped at [a] tent for a drink of ale.
Charged me only $1.50 for two one-pint bottles full, which
was "werry" moderate indeed, "werry." Found the "Black
Hawk." Saw the first Lieut. Told him our fix. Told us we
were just hours too late as the DeSoto went up last night
(how I prayed for
[103] the delay the Price made on the trip up). Said we could
stay on board until the next boat would go up and in the
meantime he would issue a ration for us and have us put in
a mess. He then sent me for the bags and hammocks, telling
me that as soon as I came back with them, he would send me
right up. I went after them in a tug, carried them down to
it, put them aboard, and took the sick man to the hospital
boat, but before I returned the "Kennett" left, without me
of course. I felt quite ill. I thought that I was about
to have a sunstroke with travelling around in the blazing
sun, but after bathing my head I felt better. Supper time
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