In August, the Mississippi Marine Brigade had the duty of moving Union troops down the Mississippi River as far as the Gulf of Mexico. It was not a very exciting month as boatload after boatload of troops were moved to secure the length of the Mississippi River for the Union.

Saturday, August 1, 1863

Still laying opposite Vicksburg. The general news is that we are to take a load of troops down the river. The commissary boat arrived here with a new supply of provisions for the fleet. The weather still remains very warm and sweltry.

Below is the original entry in George’s diary with no corrections.

Saturday Augst. 1^st. 1863.

Still laying opisite of vicksburg and the General news is that we are to take aload of troops down the river. The Comisary boat arived here with anew suply of provision For the fleet. The weather still remains very warm and sweltry

Read more about the adventures of George Painter and the Mississippi Marine Brigade in my recently published book, “Life in the Mississippi Marine Brigade” which is available on Amazon and ebay or by contacting me at beverlykerrauthor@gmail.com