"How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollections present them to view."
Evening. Saw considerable dry land to-day on the right. Passed some plantations, apparently wealthy. Colonel Putnam sent a detail out in the yawl at 3 P. M. Brought in seven sheep, also in the evening brought in a good beef. Gave a piece to the Battery boys. Tied up near the plantation of the rebel General Elkhorn who had been paroled. Only twelve miles from Helena by road yet. Six to Coldwater. Heavy picket thrown out.
1863 On the Yazoo
On Yazoo Pass, Thursday, March 26. A fine day. Health poor. Nausea and diarrhea very bad. Advanced very slowly to-day, the current being swifter than before, so that we are just tossed from tree to tree. Obliged to use the capstan continually. A limb took off one of the escape pipes, another entered the cook room on the second floor. It is with great trouble the men can save themselves from falling limbs. One fell on two boys which came very near proving serious. Passed at 2 P. M. by the "Hamilton Belle", dispatch boat.
On the Coldwater, Friday, March 27. Started early on our tedious journey, being only four miles from where we stopped night before. Passed by the packet "Wenona," had some mail aboard, could not get it. Health still very bad, diarrhea, poor appetite. Got some biscuit (light) from the cook, but could not eat much. Could I but get a good draught of milk and good graham bread of Sister Mary, methinks I would soon feel well. Better for my case than the opium pills, which is all the doctor would give me. Felt rather homesick. Cloudy, some rain. Entered Coldwater at 3 P. M. Little better scenery.
On the Coldwater, Saturday, March 28. Met six boats from below. Report General Quinby's headquarters 190 miles at the mouth of Tallahatchie. Boats badly seamed.