Near Helena, Ark., Wednesday, March 11. Sunny and fine weather. Instead of moving came the order to disembark, and by noon the whole of Quinby's Division was on the sand bar of about two acres in one solid mass. It was with difficulty that we got our battery in position and tarpaulin put up.
Near Helena, Thursday, March 12. Fine weather. Washed my clothes in the forenoon. In the afternoon joined in the funeral procession of a member of Co. G., 72nd Illinois. Laid him in the swamp and left him in the cheerless spot, a soldier's grave. Many of the boys in spite of high water, went out foraging and brought in fresh pork and beef in plenty.
Near Helena, Friday, March 13. Health good. Fine weather. Drew thirty days' forage for horses, per order. 1st Brigade embarking, loading in the night. Stood guard.
Near Helena, Saturday, March 14. Health not very good. Seven months ago I enlisted in the service of the U. S. Then I hoped that by this time a different phase of the matter could be seen. But alas, it very dark ahead, yet I do not despond, neither have I regretted my enlistment. I can only do the best I can, and be satisfied. A hard tug is before me. May God grant me health and courage to do my duty.
Near Helena, Sunday, March 15. Warm day. Ross's 8th Division landed a little below from Memphis. 1st Brigade and 2nd Battery left for the Pass yesterday. Received papers of the 13th--_Bulletin_ [Memphis].
Near Helena, Monday, March 16. A fine spring day. Still troubled with diarrhea. All monotonous in camp. Spent most of the day patching. Vaccinated by George Fisher, hospital steward.
Near Helena, Tuesday, March 17. Very warm, a forerunner of the burning heat to come. Mail arrived. Heard from home. Oh! welcome letters.
Near Helena, Wednesday, March 18. Very warm. Felt a little better. Nothing very interesting.
Near Helena, Thursday, March 19. Exercised and washed my horses. Health in camp poor. Eighteen on the sick list.
Near Helena, Friday, March 20. The marine fleet of Colonel Ellet passed down the river, consisting of the "Autocrat", "Diana", "Baltic", "Alone", and the "E. H. Fairchild" with iron-clad ram. Boats gathering; expecting to embark soon. 11th Wisconsin Infantry landed below here.