Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Wednesday, 24th–I was on picket today, each man going out every other day, and the orders are very strict, no one being allowed to go through the lines unless he can show a pass signed by General Grant. Our men are digging tunnels under the rebel forts and laying powder to blow them up. When a fort is blown up our forces are to make a charge at that point and capture the rebels. The report is that the rebels are planning to cut their way out through our lines. News came that Port Hudson has been taken, together with a great many prisoners.