1861 August 6 camp at Memhpis

[from the diary of William Cox Holmes]

Got to Mempis about 8 o;clock after a pleasant trip on the
cars. Marched immediately for Camp Pillow which was about
1 1/5 miles distant.--found it a very pleasant place on the
Miss. river well supplied with couver &c.--Met with a
warm reception by the soldiers then present, was much pleased
with it. I felt much attached to them. Eat breakfast and
took a short rest after which we pitched our tents etc. We
formed into line & I was appointed Orderly Sergeant of the
company. Entered into the duties of the office & found it
exceedingly perplexing for the first day on account of
having to give out rations [illegible] very well. Did
not feel much home-sick but would occasionally see the con-
trast. I held up well under the circumstances and on the
whole was muched pleased with the excitement of camp-life. In
the evening I went down to Memphis where I found many new things
especially in the steam boat line. Got back home pretty early
& went to preparing for night, put out my guards for the
night under the Corporal. During the night I slept very
hard but soundly for I had not slept any the night before.
Camp sleeping did not suit me altogether but I was contented
with it. Though Orderly I had full permission to sleep
when I could get at it which was a consolation I learned
of my Corporals whom [illegible]

William Cox Holmes (1840-1924) was an alumnus of the University of Virginia. He began service in the 25th Mississippi Infantry, which was re-designated the 1st Mississippi Infantry in 1862. Later became a captain in the 1st Mississippi Sharpshooter Battalion. After the war he graduated from the New Orleans School of Medicine and practiced in Texas from 1867 until his death.

MSS 38-472