Sunday, 8th–We had preaching in camp three times today, morning, afternoon and evening. Quite a number from the city came out to camp to attend the services. The weather was delightful.
Saturday, 7th–We had a big picnic dinner in camp today, given for the soldiers by the ladies of Scott county. There was fried chicken, bread, pie and cake by the wagon load, free to all who were hungry. The food was placed on a long table and each man could walk up and help himself. [...]
Friday, 6th–Nothing of importance. We have company drill twice a day now. We draw our rations every morning about 9 o’clock now. They consist of bread, beans, potatoes, bacon, rice, sugar, coffee, salt and pepper, also soap and candles. Twice a week we have salt beef and fresh beef. Each one draws enough for the [...]
Thursday, 5th–Four men from Company A of the Eighth Iowa were drummed out of camp today. They had refused to take the oath to support the United States Government.
Wednesday, 4th–Very fine weather. No news of importance. The Government has issued to each man a good, double, woolen blanket, which we use for covers at night in our bunks of wheat straw. There are two men to each bunk, my bunk-mate being Thomas Fossett. He is a good, conscientious fellow.
Tuesday, 3d–A new company came into camp today which had only about half the necessary number, and so it was planned to have them join with us and form a full company, but the two companies could not agree on who should be captain.
Monday, 2d–We are having regular drilling now; company drill at 10 o’clock in the forenoon for two hours, and in the afternoon regimental drill for two hours. Every evening at 5 o’clock we have dress parade.
Sunday, 1st–We had our first preaching in camp today, both morning and evening, by the chaplain of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry. Quite a number of folks came out from town to attend the meeting. At 5 o’clock we had dress parade with the Eighth Iowa.