Friday.
Did not get up till about 9 o’clock. Were then just passing Donaldsonville. Got breakfast in the Cabin, 12 M. We are just passing Plaquemine 20 miles below Baton Rouge. A boat from gunboat No. 2 has just come on board, bringing the news that the rebels have offered to surrender Port Hudson on condition of being allowed to take away their arms & the big guns! 3 P.M. Have just finished dinner, & we are not opposite the lower part of Baton Rouge. Reached, & moored to the old wharf boat “Hatcher”, about four went on shore, but a hard shower coming on, we took shelter in the Hatcher till it was over. Delivered two days rations of bread & coffee & a little salt port, & then started.
Marched up on the Bayou Sara road 5 miles & camped just below the pontoon bridge. The 26th had reached camp before us, having marched through in the rain. Slept well. Heard many reports of mortars up at Port Hudson during the night. I dreamed of being at home & having dear mother come & kiss me many times! May my kind heavenly Father soon cause the dream to prove a reality.
Diary of Isaac Winslow Case [Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection]