June 26th. This morning received on board two deserters from Port Hudson. They made their escape by swimming Thompson’s creek, and report the rebel garrison living on half rations, and in expectancy of soon having to eat mule beef. If such be the case, Port Hudson must soon be surrendered to our forces. Many are deserting from there at present, and coming within our lines. From four to six P. M., firing going on at Port Hudson; from eight o’clock to midnight, moderate firing from mortars and guns of lower fleet upon the enemy’s works.
