The siege of Vicksburg, from the diary of Seth J. Wells

A firsthand wartime diary recounts daily life of a soldier during campaigns and the siege of a river city, documenting marches, camp routine, skirmishes, hardships, and interactions with fellow troops and civilians. Entries describe logistical details, weather, military drills, guard duty, construction of defenses, treatment of wounded, and movements between posts, along with reflections on morale and the strains of occupation after surrender. The narrative combines chronological entries with practical observation, giving a granular portrait of soldiering and military operations from the perspective of one participant.