JUNE 30. Tuesday. Hot and sultry. Our regiment was paid this morning. I received twenty-three dollars. A stoppage of three dollars for the premium which Phelps paid me at Memphis was detached. Co. L, 2nd Ill. Vol. Artillery came in this evening with rifles and James guns, direct from Memphis. It is the same battery which was sunk in the river this side of Grand Gulf while crossing over. They had occasion to stop below Lake Providence and shell a squad of Rebs. Our regiment is not in as good health as a week ago. This evening we were ordered out for picket. JULY 1. Wednesday. Regiment out on picket, but I worked at pay rolls. The brigade was formed and preparations were made to blow up the fort. I went over the hill and up the hollow to watch for the explosion. I waited a moment before the shock of the explosion was felt, and it looked as if the whole inside of the fort was torn out. It threw out several people, one Negro was thrown a hundred and fifty feet, lighting on his head and shoulders, scarcely hurting him. He attempted to run back, but a half dozen leveled muskets brought him back. He and others were digging on the inside to weaken the blast, which it did to a considerable extent. No charge was attempted and all resumed the old quiet again. The regiment returned from picket after dusk. JULY 2. Thursday. Mail came in late last evening. Got a letter from Father, Mother and Rosalie. I went after blackberries and picked a gallon. I had a good wash. Nothing of interest, but a good many shells which the Rebs threw over.