Sunday May 17th Our regiment was ordered to occupy the trenches around Vicksburg tonight. I being unwell remained in camp until the next evening when I joined my regiment.

Monday May 18th The Yankees advanced on our works and slight skirmishing was kept up during the day. All quiet at night.

Tuesday May 19th Company "I" was ordered out this morning on skirmish. The Yankee skirmishers came up about 7 o'clock when our joys opened fire upon them which they returned as soon as they could get in a safe position. We fought them until after noon when the Yankees being reinforced we fell back to prevent them from flanking us as we were entirely unsupported. Our loss three men wounded. All of our skirmishers were driven in and the Yankees continued to advance on our works. In the evening made one charge on our left and two on our right but were gloriously repulsed at every point. Firing ceased at dark. Our loss slight.

Wednesday May 20th Remained in the trenches during the day. The Yankees made another unsuccessful charge on our right in the evening. Cannonading was heavy at times during the day. Firing ceased at dark. Our loss slight.

Thursday May 21st The Yankees silenced one our guns on the Jackson Road. No one hurt in the 43rd. Some slight charges were made on our right unsuccessful - Vicksburg was bombarded all night. it rained this evening.

Friday May 22nd This has been a bloody day to the Yankees. They made charge after charge on our lines and were as often repulsed with heavy loss. Some bold fellows charged up to our trenches and got in the ditches on the outside where they remained until night, they escaped under cover of darkness. Our loss slight - 43rd nothing - rain in the evening. I was touched by a ball but not hurt. Two more guns dismounted on the Jackson Road but one was put on a log and did terribly execution in the Yankee lines. The Yankee sharp-shooters kept up a furious fire all day.

Saturday May 23rd Today has been comparatively quiet though the center of our lines suffered the most furious shelling that it yet has received. The firing on our right and left was slight. The Yankees planted a battery so as to rake our trenches. Some think the Yankees are preparing to evacuate. Don't believe it. Heard they were moving troops to our Left. Rain in the evening. Boys all hopeful and eager for the Yankees to charge. Don't think they will charge the 43rd.

Sunday May 24th Nothing but sharp-shooters and cannons were engaged today. We're expecting a charge on our center but the Yankees contented themselves with shelling us which was quite furious about sundown. Our loss slight.

Monday May 25th Very little fighting during the day cannonading and sharp shooting was kept up until 3 o'clock when a flag of truce was sent out from our side to request the Yankees to bury their dead or suffer us to do it. A cessation of hostilities was agreed upon for 5 hours, when the soldiers from both sides met - on the most friendly terms. It was impossible to keep them apart and they met like old friends and not as enemies. One man wounded in the 43rd.

Tuesday May 26th Not much fighting today except a continual ding-dong from the sharp shooters and occasional cannonading. The Yankees are fortifying in front of us extensively. No news from Johnston. Heard that Bragg had defeated Rosecrans. Will he be able to spare us assistance? Oh! for the aid to get out of this bull pen.

Wednesday May 27th Today passed as yesterday. A little rain in the evening. Our batteries sunk the gun boat Cincinatti, one of their finest boats, today. No news from Johnston. The rumor from Bragg and Lee is good but we can't hear anything reliable in this horrible place. A prisoner taken from the Cincinatti said the Yankees intended coming into Vicksburg tomorrow. We will see them when they come.

Thursday May 28th Today passed off comparatively quiet. The Yankees' sharp-shooters amused themselves shooting horses, mules, and cattle that happened to come in their sight. One man wounded in Co. "C". Rain in the evening. The enemy have dismounted a great many of our guns. Heard that Lee was at Arlington Heights; that Johnston was at Clinton with 30,000 men and Loring at Jackson with 18,000 and both expected to be here next Wednesday. May he come!

Friday May 29th The enemy commenced this morning with a furious cannonading which continued one hour then ceased till evening when they gave us another of equal length. Sharp-shooters kept up a fire all day. A little rain this evening. No one hurt in the 43rd.

Saturday May 30 A slight cannonading was kept during the day which increased towards night and became quiet furious from 6 to 7 o'clock when it ceased. No one hurt in our regiment.

Sunday May 31st The Yankees commenced furious cannonading on our lines at 3 o'clock this morning which lasted till 4 when it ceased. Heard that Johnston was at Jackson with a large force and was waiting for reinforcements from Bragg which was on its way to Join him, when he would come to our deliverance. May it be soon for we are in terrible suspense. The day ended as usual with a cannonading.

Monday June 1st The enemy kept a cannonading all night - one of our company was hit Last night, on picket - by a piece of a ball, wound slight.

Tuesday June 2nd Today passed off without much fighting and severe cannonading in the evening. On our right there was a pretty heavy picket fight last night. No result from it. Heard that Johnston's advance pickets were at Big Black and that the Yankees were crossing to the Louisiana shore. Our boys have been drawing pea bread since Sunday which is making many of the boys sick. No one hurt in the 43rd. May our deliverance be soon. Some of the boys are getting very much out of heart, but I shall not think of surrendering till the supplies fail, then if Johnston does not come to our aid we will have to surrender or cut our way out.

Wednesday June 3rd Very little firing of any kind today. Had a high fever today. Pea bread has given out to the joy of all

Thursday June 4th Last night was very quiet and very little firing during the day. It is reported that most of the Yankees have gone to the rear to fortify against Johnston. No one hurt in our regiment.

Friday June 5th Some firing during the night which was kept up at intervals during the day. Missed the chill today. A great many of the men are getting sick with chills. No news from the "front."

Saturday June 6th Today there was a little more firing than yesterday. A good deal of firing during the night. Porter has ceased shelling the town - supposed to have gone to Helena which it is reported that Price has captured. Heard that Johnston was advancing slowly driving the enemy before him; also that parts of our Army were ordered to have 4 days rations prepared to go to his aid and that he was expected tomorrow. May he come! We are looking eagerly for him. The weather is Very warm and dusty. One man wounded in Co. B. Our wounded are doing very well.

Sunday June 7th The Yankees awoke us this morning by throwing shells into our lines thick from 4 to 5 o'clock. Porter's mortars opened on Vicksburg this morning again. Heard heavy firing from up the Mississippi this morning. I wish our home folks could hear that we are safe. Johnston, we want to see you. Why don't you come? It makes one's heart sick to see the condition of the women and children in Vicksburg. These houses are being blown to pieces and everything they possess destroyed, and save their lives only by staying in holes in the ground. It is interesting to see the different kind of holes they live in. They have beds and eatables in then and I imagine are much more comfortably fixed up than the people we read of living in holes and caves. But the idea that they have by energy and industry erected sumptuous residences and supplied them with everything they could contribute to their comfort and ease, and are now driven to take refuge in the ground while their houses are being blown to pieces and their property destroyed is enough to turn the hearts of true Southerners to steel against the savage horde doing this; but instead of this thousands of our people have gone to the enemy and are now aiding the enemy in their work of destruction. A great many were weak kneed patriots who are desponding and are willing to make peace on the enemies' own terms. Yet there are many that are hopeful and firm in their determination to drive the cruel invader from our soil. They believe God will defend the right and in Him is their trust. The day closed with a sharp cannonading but during the day there was less firing than there has been for some time. A good many of the boys are becoming sick. Would that Johnston would come! A Yankee told our boys last night that Johnston had come to the Big Black but had gone back. Will another day bring him?

Monday June 8th Had an alarm last night and all the boys were in the trenches in a few moments ready for the foe, but no foe came. The Yankees kept up an occasional cannonading during the night, which prevented our fatigue parties from working. This morning we were awaken by a quite furious bombardment. It seems the Yankees are resolved we shan't over sleep ourselves. The day passed off quiet. No news that is reliable but many rumors. When will we get where we can have mail facilities. For 22 days have we been in this little confederacy not 5 miles in diameter entirely cut-off from the outside world. The sharp-shooter from both sides opened a brisk fire about dark. No one hurt in our regiment.

Tuesday June 9th The enemy threw shell across our lines all night to prevent our fatigue parties from working. The life we lead is most miserable: Under the most tormenting suspense we are compelled to remain in our rat holes all day, and what little exercise we get we take at night. It is not sufficient to keep us up. We get up in the morning wash our face and hands, eat breakfast, Iie down till dinner, eat dinner then lie in our holes till night when we can come out and stretch our weary limbs a little; then go to bed if we are not on duty and sleep till morning when the day is passed as before. Think of spending 22 days of such a life, what would not be a relief to it? Can the boys be blamed for desponding when the rations are short and not good. Most any kind of a change would be received with joy. We have not despaired of Johnston coming yet, but for the love of humanity come soon. Rather than submit to the enemy we will hold out as long as we can sustain life. Weather warm and dry, are needing rain very much. One man killed in Co. "F", one wounded in Co. "F" and Co. "B". Cannonading has been a little more severe on us today than usual. None on the left. Rations short and men grumbling. They do not draw enough to satisfy them. We can appreciate good living when we get home once more. It is very hard to endure the hardships and privations of camp life-and not get enough to eat besides, but the prize we are contending for is worth the sacrifice.

Wednesday June 10th Last night was very quiet around the lines but Porter favored the town this morning with a brisk shelling. Had a nice rain this morning and evening. No one hurt in the 43rd. Heard that the enemy had evacuated Missouri, Ky. and Tenn., and that Lee was shelling Washington. I hope we may be relieved here soon. Commenced drawing bacon today.

Thursday June 11th The morning was cloudy after a heavy rain last night. Some firing during the night. The enemy opened a heavy gun on our entrenchment which knocked them down considerably. Are in constant expectation of an attack. One man killed in Co. "K" and one wounded in Co. "I" No news from the front that is reliable.

Friday June 12th Sharp-shooters kept up a continual firing all day shelled our company severely. Threw a great many into town. A courier came in yesterday, but the news brought is not divulged. They suffer us no rest but keep up a noise night and day, but their shells have but little effect on us. The boys can sleep soundly under the most furious bombardment. One man mortally wounded in "L". Nights cool and pleasant.

Saturday June 12th The Yankees shelled our lines all night and their sharp-shooters never sleep. The firing was quite furious about 3 o'clock A.M. Not as much firing during the day as yesterday. This day ends another week and nothing done except the Yankees are better fortified and have mounted some heavy guns which destroy our works badly. Will another week pass without something being done? Will not Johnston come to our assistance? This is our only earthly hope. Come soon. No one hurt in the 43rd.

Sunday June 14th This day which was made Holy and which we are commanded to keep Holy was spent by the two contending parties in trying to take each others lives. What a contrast to a sabbath before the war. Will not peace smile on our land again. The good Lord grant it; for we do not delight in war! Heard the Yankees made a charge on our extreme right today but were gloriously repulsed with considerable loss. Some papers got into our lines yesterday and an extra was issued ro give us the news. Northing important in it. No one hurt in the 43rd. Think we can hold out two weeks longer. Oh! Will not Johnston come in that time. All eyes are turned on us; may their interest in our safety be practically shown by their coming to our aid. If you are sorry for us come and show us how much you are sorry by aiding in delivering us. "We have a Tartar." Some few guns have been firing from our lines during the day, doing no damage as we can see.

Monday June 15th Nothing of interest today. The same continual ding dong of the sharpshooters, with now and then pretty heavy cannonading doing very little damage. Our guns firing slowly all day. The enemy are fortifying on a ridge in front of us where they can place sharp-shooters and command all our watering places, and the entire valley. Harriston's Legion is holding. They can annoy us very much by compelling us to stay in the trenches all day. The Scout - Tom Saunders came in a few days ago. He reports fine crops in our part of the country. The news he brought is not divulged. No one hurt in the 43rd. May I be able to write this every day till the siege ends.

Tuesday June 16th Today passed as yesterday with sharp-shooting and cannonading. The Yankees have not commenced firing on our spring yet. I hope they may not, for our present situation is bad enough without being deprived of any of our privileges. We are doing very well, better than could be expected. Some of our men are very desponding, they are whipped now and have been ever since the war began, but there are a great many brave spirits who never despair as long as.there is hope. There are such in here. Would they were all so! Then the disgrace of a surrender would not be endured. If Johnston did not come to our assistance a way would be opened wide enough in the enemies ranks to pass this entire army through or they would all perish in the attempt. If it becomes necessary for us to cut our way out I for one will go if any attempt it. I had rather risk my life in trying to go out of here than in a northern prison. We have orders to keep half of our men in the trenches day and night. One man wounded in Co. "B". Heard that a fight had come off at Forte Hudson in which the rebels were successful, also that Kirby Smith had crossed the river at Natchez and that Bragg's pickets were in sight of Nashville. I hope this may be true. The Yankees are gradually approaching our Lines. It is the opinion of some that we can't hold out much longer. I think we can hold out as long as the rations last.

Wednesday June 17th Very heavy cannonading this morning and evening. Sharp-shooters kept a sharp firing all day. No news from the world today. The Yankees continue vigorously to work in front of us. May they work in vainly One man killed in Co. "I". One wounded in Co. "D"

Thursday June 18th Were not shelled as severely today as yesterday but the sharp-shooters were quite lively. Had a fever this evening. One man in Co. "E" killed on picket last night, one killed in Co. "B" today. - No news.

Friday June 19th Not much firing today. Had a pretty sharp picket-fight last night on our right. The Yankees had occupied the ground our pickets had been occupying when our boys drove them off with loss. LT. HODS Co. "F" mortally wounded.

Saturday June 20th Today opened with the most furious bombardment we have yet had, which continue with a little abatement in furry till about 8 o'clock, then ceased and then but little firing during the balance except from sharp-shooter who never cease. Last night was very quiet. So much so that I couldn't sleep. Was aroused at four by a severe cannonading. No news from Johnston. One man wounded in Co. "D"

Sunday 21st of June Cannonading and sharp-shooting at intervals during the day. Last night very quiet. No one hurt in the 43rd. Good news from Johnston, that he was certainly coming with a large force, and was not far off. One courier reported him only 20 miles. I look for him soon. I hope another week will find us out of here and the Yankees gloriously repulsed. When will not this cruel war terminate. Will we not rejoice to be once more privileged to hear from our friends and to pass a day without being liable to be shot whenever we show our heads.

Monday June 22nd Today passed off as yesterday. Nothing new. The Yankees are continually approaching our works. Will they be able to run us out or can we hold out till Johnston comes? No one hurt in the 43rd today.

Tuesday June 23rd Heard that our boys charged the Yankees on our right last night, driving them from their works and taking eighty prisoners with the Loss of 4 or 5 killed and about the sane number wounded. One man wounded in Co. "A" and one in Co. "L". The firing around the lines was like it was yesterday, Sharp-shooters are doing the principal damage. We have to keep our heads close or we get an extra hole in it. Some are killed or wounded every day by them. Porter has been very quiet today. No Johnston yet.

Wednesday June 24th There was a fight on the right last night. Heard that our boys charged our works last night, capturing then with a hundred prisoners. "Bully for them." Not Firing today except from Sharp-shooters. They are faithful and never tire. Nearly every person is Looking eagerly for Johnston. I expect him this week. No one hurt in the 43rd.

Thursday June 25th The cannonading today was more severe than it was yesterday and this evening they blew up our forte burying 3 men in Co. "B", 2 in Co. "C" and one in Co. "L"; one man wounded in Company "B", one in Co. "K". When the forte blew up the Yankee sharp-shooters commenced a furious firing all along our Lines and attempted to charge our forte but they met boys there whom it was dangerous to charge. The cannonading was very severe. The enemy is on our parapet firing furiously down our line. A few days will end this fight. Unless Johnston comes soon he will be too late. Our rations are rapidly giving out. The men are weak for the lack of food and desponding. I am still looking for Johnston, Oh, that he may come. It would be hard for us to have to surrender after remaining in here so long. Half of our company under my charge is ordered across the branch to assist Co. "E" in case of an assault. Some fighting on the right Last night.

Friday June 26th The day passed off without the enemy making any demon strations on our lines. The 3rd La. and the 6th Missouri suffered severely yesterday. Col. Erwin, a brave and gallant officer, fell. One man wounded in Co. "B", one in Co. "F" and one in Co. "I". It is thought Johnston is pressing the Yankees heavily in the rear. I hope it may be so. Will our government suffer us to be captured after holding this place for 40 days, on quarter rations, against ten times our numbers? The Loss in position, men, and equipments would be too great. I firmly believe we will be succored. Heard some of the fatest mules were driven to the butcher pen yesterday, so we are not starved out while the mules Last. Some of the soldiers are cooking and eating young cane and various kinds of weeds.

Saturday June 27th Nothing of importance has transpired today. Some little cannonading. Sharp-shooters are always busy. One man killed in Co. "C" and one of the band. Heard that Johnston would attack the enemy tomorrow. He must come soon if he saves us. The enemy is very active with the spade and are determined to have Vicksburg if they have to level all the hills around Vicksburg. I don't believe they can take Vicksburg by manly fighting, but if they have time they may dig us out. A great many have despaired of Johnston coming, but I still have strong hope.

Sunday June 28th Today opened bright and beautiful. What a beautiful day it would be to pass in peace and quiet at home, Oh that a contrast to the manner we passed it. Worked last night at the forte. Annoyed a good deal by sharp-shooters and shells. One man killed Co. "L'' last night. The day has been tolerbly quiet. The enemy threw some few shells into our lines and the sharp-shooters shot into the hills. No news from Johnston I must own I am beginning to despair of his coming. Must we surrender. The present rations are two small bisquit, one ounce rice, half teacup full of peas and one-fourth Ib bacon. Men are hungry all the time, it is hard men should be compelled to do duty every night on such rations. The boys deserve great credit for their heroism. Will they gee it in the hearts of our people? We know we have done our duty and are satisfied.

Monday June 29th Will another week find me in this hold writing my diary. May the Good Lord so direct the counsel of our rulers that their plans may prosper, that we may gain such a victory here as may teach the enemy the folly of their way and make them willing to let us alone. One man wounded in Co. "K". Heard that Kirby Smith was on the other side of the river. Had rather he was on this side, for if we can succeed in driving the enemy from this place I will be satisfied. No further news from Johnston

Tuesday June 30th Was up last night till one o'clock and the night was very quiet. Another month has ended and still we are in the bull pen. How many more days will we have to remain here is a question we would give a great deal to have solved, but time will give the solution. We only can wait. Today has been tolerbly quiet. Heard that Gen Taylor was on the other side of the river. I hope he may cut off the Yankee supplies and get us some grub. Yankee papers give us very encouraging news from the North. One man killed in Co. "A"

Wednesday July 1st Last.night was very quiet. Heard we threw a keg of powder among the Yankees. They blew up our forte again this evening killing and wound about forty men. Ten negroes were buried in the forte. Immediately with the explosion of the forte the Yankees opened a furious fire from cannon and sharp-shooter which lasted about a quarter of an hour than everything became quiet again. The enemy were discovered moving towards the Jackson Road. We are ordered to be on the watch. Are expecting an attack on our center. No one hurt in the 43rd. No news from Johnston.

Thursday July 2nd The enemy kept up a considerable cannonading all night, I suppose to prevent our men repairing the forte. I heard the Yankees told our boys they would come into Vicksburg in three days or go to h--l. I think we can keep them out of the former place but have no power to keep them out of the latter. Today was very quiet. No one hurt in the 43rd, but a great many are Very much discouraged from very unreliable rumors. I own I am getting out of hope myself. The men are not in a condition to cut their way out. Heard that theYankee General on the other side of the river had sent for reinforcements to Grant but he could not send any, and that Johnston had Synder Bluff. Both rumors from Hebert. Rations are very scarce but it would make your mouth water to see the delicious soup we have for dinner.

Friday July 3rd Porter threw shell into town all night from his mortars. He is doing a great deal of damage with his Land batteries on the other side of the river. There was some fighting on the right Last night. the flag of truce was sent out this morning from our side for what purpose I have not heard. The flag went out at 8 o'clock this and lasted 6 hours when a flag was sent from the Yankees. Pemperton and Grant met in front of our lines. The truce is to continue till ten o'clock but no more firing till further orders.. It seems unnatural to pass about without being shot at. No one hurt in the 43rd.

Saturday July 4th No orders came to commence firing during the night consequently the night passed off very quietly and this morning was oppressively quiet. No one could tell the cause, till the men spread through the trenches that we were surrendered to take effect at 10 o'clock; at which time we marched out of our lines and stacked our guns in front of them. How humiliating and what a fourth this is to us. This is the most terrible blow that has been struck yet. We are prisoners of war to be paroled as soon as feasible. The Yankee are fighting for pilage and plunder, we for everything. Can they whip us? NO.

We were paroled on the 7th and left Vicksburg on the 11th camped at Big Black the first night. Raymond next night, Pearl River next, near Brandon next. Left for Enterprise on the 16th and arrived there the morning of the 21st. Left that night on the cars and got to Columbus next evening when I immediately put out for home. Am furlough for 30 days. "Bully for that"

Obituary, Lonoke, Arkansas Democrat, Lt. W.R. McCrary

Submitted by George McCrary

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