Diary of John Hay: August 19, 1863

. . . . This evening and yesterday evening an hour was spent by the President in shooting with Spencer’s new repeating rifle. A wonderful gun, loading with absolutely contemptible simplicity and ease, with seven balls, and firing the whole, readily and deliberately, in less than half a minute. The President made some pretty good shots. Spencer, the inventor, a quiet little Yankee who sold himself in relentless slavery to his idea for six weary years before it was perfect, did some splendid shooting. . . . An irrepressible patriot came up and talked about his son John who, when lying on his belly on a hill-top at Gettysburg, feeling the shot fly over him, like to lost his breath — felt himself puffing up like a toad — thought he would bust. Another, seeing the gun recoil slightly, said it wouldn't do; too much powder; a good piece of audience shouldn't rekyle; if it did at all, it should rekyle a little forrid.

SOURCES: Clara B. Hay, Letters of John Hay and Extracts from Diary, Volume 1, p. 93-4; For the whole diary entry see Tyler Dennett, Editor, Lincoln and the Civil War in the Diaries and letters of John Hay, p. 81-2.

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, January 4, 1865

A large detail from the Fourteenth Army Corps was at work today on the fortifications. The Third Division of the Seventeenth Corps marched down to the coast and this afternoon embarked upon the expedition. Our division, the Fourth, received orders to be ready to move in the morning. Our regimental quartermaster received a consignment of clothing for the men. I drew a rubber blanket, one shirt, one pair of drawers and a hat. I also purchased at one of the stores here a military cap for $6.00. Captain Spencer left for home today on a thirty-day furlough; I sent $200.00 home by him to father.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 244

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, December 18, 1864

This morning, as yesterday, there was a very heavy fog, continuing till about 9 o'clock. We drew one day's rations of hardtack, having been without bread of any kind for six days, during which time rice was almost our sole diet. Our company was partially reorganized today by promotions. Lieutenant Spencer was promoted to captain, J. A. White to second lieutenant, and I was made fifth sergeant. J. Tomlinson is to be made first lieutenant, but the promotion was not made today because his commission had not yet arrived.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 238

Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Monday, January 25, 1864

The Eleventh Iowa Regiment was today sworn into the United States service for three years or during the war, and now we are a veteran regiment. Our company had an election of officers, but it did not amount to anything, as it was vetoed by the colonel, and men of his own choice were put into the offices. The role of officers as elected is as follows:¹

Captain S. S. McLoney

First Lieutenant William Spencer

Second Lieutenant Joseph Tomlinson

First Sergeant Lewis Elseffer

Second Sergeant David Huff

Third Sergeant Hiram Frank

Fourth Sergeant John A. White

Fifth Sergeant Alexander G. Downing

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¹ The men had been promised the right to elect their own officers if they re-enlisted. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 163-4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, January 16, 1863

The snow continued today with a high wind. I loaned Lieutenant Spencer $15.00.¹ I went to the city today to purchase some supplies, spending in all $1.00. This evening we received our long-looked-for knapsacks with our extra underwear, which was quite welcome. Those of us who were not fortunate enough to secure extra underclothes when at Holly Springs, as some did, were obliged to wear one undersuit for forty-nine days without changing. When we now cast them aside, some of the boys declared that there was almost enough life in their clothes to walk.

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¹ Mr. Downing informs me that, as was the common practice, this loan was evidenced only by a verbal contract. — Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 94-5

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, January 22, 1862

Orderly Clark, Sergeants Spencer, Sweet and White went out on a scouting expedition and brought in a pair of ponies and some things to eat.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 30