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

out and headed up stream and, as the noise of the
bombardment died away in my ears, I thanked God that he had
spared me to return to my Dear Wife and little one when so
many better men than I lies awaiting the sound of the last
trump in the red clay of the Walnut Hills at Vicksburg.
Did not turn in until it was late as I felt too comfortable
to think of sleeping.
June 4, Thursday. Turned out at 5 A.M. Did not sleep much
through the night as the bed was too soft for me to enjoy
it. Had not made much headway through the night. Passed a
few boats through the day all laden with troops for
Vicksburg. Kept a sharp lookout for querrillas all day but
saw none.
June 5, Friday. Tried the mattrass last night. It went
better. Had a slight touch of a chill today, owing nodoubt
to Tuesday's operations in the sun. About 6 P.M.,
arrived opposite Napoleon. Spoke the "Bragg," which was
lying here. Noticed the levee is wearing away very rapidly
so that a year from now there will be no Napoleon there.
Passed through the new cut-off, which saves about 10 miles.
About 9 P.M., took on two passengers from the Niagara.
One
[109] was a refugee from Bradley County, Ark., and the other a
ci-devant rebel colonel named Goodwin. He said that he had
got tired of it and was going home to his father in "St.
Louis." He also told us that he was in the fight at "Grand
Gulf" and that we killed 800 of them during the action. He
[said] that when Vicksburg went the secesh was played out
on this river. Being told a party of guerrillas were at
Island 68 with twelve pieces of cannon, all the rifles were
laid out handy. The two guns which we carry were primed and
everything in readiness in case we were attacked, but he
told that they would not attack this boat. He spoke as if
he knew their plans, which no doubt he did. A good sharp
watch was kept on him and, if he had tried to do anything
wrong, he would have been killed on the instant. All hands
stood ready for a call.
June 6, Saturday. The night passed without any trouble.
Spoke the "Curlew" in the forenoon. Arrived at "Helena"
about 5 1/2 P.M. Saw some Negro troops for the first time.
They looked quite comical to me in Uncle Sam's new blues.
Stayed about one hour. Troops still going down in vast
numbers.
June 7, Sunday. Arrived at "Memphis" at 2.30 P.M. Went
ashore and looked around. Deserted looking as usual. Left
at 4 P.M.
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