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

Friday, 17th–We heard that our wagon train went through to Jackson without attack, and that the rebels evacuated the place this morning, with Sherman’s forces in hot pursuit. We hear that Johnston, after crossing the Pearl river, burned the bridges behind him and is now in rapid retreat on the other side. News came that Meade had taken Richmond, Virginia, together with thirty thousand prisoners. Things are very lively here today–there is singing and rejoicing.