10 May 1862

Saturday, 10th Pleasant. E.I.R.B. The book of Ecclesiastes entire, also the songs of Solomon. All is still and quiet. We put our guns in order this morning and after noon, had orders to be ready for action immediately as the rebels were making a demonstration on our right, but did not make an attack, and at night all was quiet again. We learned to day that Yorktown was evacuated by the rebels under Johnston on the 5th inst. and that a battle was fought at Williamsburg by Gen. McClellan and the rebels defeated, also the particulars of the capture of N. Orleans on the 26th ult. by Com. Farragut.

[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]

Head Qrs 2nd Brig 2nd Div. Army of the Tenn. May 10th, 1862
Col Comdg 9th Ills Vols } I require you to supply your Regt with the 30 axes and thirty spades stated in General Orders No 13 May 9th 1862, if you have not done so. Make out the necessary requisitions - have them approved and send for the tools tonight to Pittsburg Landing. I must have these articles without delay.
R. J. Oglesby, Brig Gen Comdg

Head Qrs. 2nd Brig. 2nd Division May 10th, 1862
Special Order No 5 } Col Mersy Comdg 9th Ills Vols. the following order is just recd. From Division Head Qrs. Gen Oglesby Sir : You will have Colonel Mersy's Regiment (9th Ill) ready for Picket duty tomorrow morning at 3 A.M. precisely with two days rations. I will be waiting at the bridge over the creek on the Corinth road (in front of these Head Quarters) to guide them & post them in the position they are to occupy.
By order Brig Genl Davis
You will comply with the above order & in order to do so you will be released from furnishing detail for the Grand Guard - Other details are to be furnished in pursuance of orders heretofore made.
By order Brig Gen R. J. Oglesby