JUNE 25. Thursday. We hear the forces in our rear have had a slight engagement. Our forces fell back until they had their position and then repulsed the Rebs and drove them back in confusion. The cheering and acceptable rumor of the capture of Port Hudson has reached us. It is said to be official. The latest news from the east is that the Rebel raid is rapidly progressing and they are within forty-seven miles of Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. Lee and his generals are surely adopting Napoleon’s tactics. It yet remains to be seen whether they have the genius to carry out the bold and fearless plans. It is now 2 o’clock. The artillery is getting busy, and it is rumored that we shall have work before night. The brigade was formed in rifle pits at the brow of the hill. Gen. J. Leggett’s brigade was formed in the rear of the fort. We lay here an hour before the explosion took place. It was followed by four others that we could see, and a general opening of artillery along the whole line, and also the mortars and gunboats and fleet. As soon as it occurred, regiments filed up parallel with the fort and poured a close and deadly fire into the enemy’s face. Hand grenades were freely used on both sides. We lost severely and did not accomplish our object. The fault must have been the engineers’. The fort was not destroyed, the concussion was not near what we expected it would be. We lay there all night. The throwing of hand grenades was kept up. At dusk I went and drew a new gun. JUNE 26. Friday. We were ordered out on picket early this morning. The Rebs on our front were very shy. I only caught an occasional glimpse of them, but fired fifty rounds, mostly at their port holes and works. A good many shells and pieces came among us, but no one was hurt. Our boys at the fort had warmer work and finally fell back. JUNE 27. Saturday. There were a number wounded this morning and ambulances continually passed through camp. The day is hot and sultry. At dusk Doty and I went within a few feet of the Rebels’ fort. We have sunk another shaft and are again undermining their works. We climbed the observatory and took a good look at Vicksburg, the river, and its surrounding works. JUNE 28. Sunday. Hot and sultry. Went after blackberries alone this morning and picked four quarts. Had a good wash and returned to camp. Johnston gradually closing up. JUNE 29. Monday. Hot and sultry, and very dusty. Rebels unusually quiet. News from the east very meager. Hooker has ordered a seal to be put on the press, but from what we can hear a terrible battle is imminent. May the great Ruler of the Universe grant us success.