The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-08-10
Fierce Battle at Petersburg
EXpl Osfon of u Mine-An As
sauAt and q RepISlse-Fer-
rfblo LOsSes-The ArnR les
Occupy Their Former
Positions.

BEFORE PETERSBURG, July 30.-As
soon after daybreak as was practicable,
troops were to move in cooperation; an
immense mine, reaching far away under
the enemys line of earthworks in front
of Burnside's corps, was fired. The
explosion was the signal for the discharge
of every piece of artillery we have in posi-
ton from the Appottomax to our extreme
left. The effect was magnificent Ninety
Eve pieces Of ordnance fred Simultaneous
ly, that seemed as ifthey might have been
dischalg ged by the pull of the same lanyard.
The firing thus fercely opened was kept
up in the same manner, with scarcely
percsptible lull for at least an hour and
"a half, when it slackensd to some ex-
tent.
The result of the explosion of the mine
was almost to annihilate one regiment,
and burying three guns. Under cover of
artillery and pushing our vantage ground
by the suddenness of the assault, she
Ninth corps advanced, taking possession
of the works through the gap made by the
explosion, and driving the enemy to his
second line, which line of hill-tops are
eastward Cf the town. Nineteen Of the
Twenty South Carolina, buried
by the explosion, have been dug out alive,
but badly bruised and scratched, and some
of them doubtless mortally hurt The
attack they pronounce a surprise. The
mine was four hundred feet long, con-
structed with two galleries diverging fl ON
the main passage, making three chambers,
in which train of powder, fifteen inches
wide and deep, was laid. The effect of
the explosion was very disastrous.
The Herald's Special says:
At4 o'clock a cloud of dust was seen
rising from the rebel intrenchments-
This was followed by general up hesving
of earthworks, reaching probably fifty
feet. The whole mass looked like q huge
fountain of earth and dust, and formed the
most imposing spectacle. simultaneously
with this explosion, our batteries along
the entire line opened most murderous
and destructive FIRE on the rebel breast
works, and the infantry, with deafsning
cheers, rushed into the embankments Of
the enemy. A constant cannonading,
lasting near one hour and twenty minutes
has been going on. At 6 o'clock our
valiant troops had captured and occupied
the first line Of the rebel intrenchments
The Worlds special says the movemet
ofthe Second corps across the James river
was feint, as they were brought back du-
ring the darkness of Friday night to their
old position.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Po-
ToMAo, July 30, 9 p. M.-After the ex-
plosion at an early hour this morning,
everything betokensd brilliant victory;
but SOON after matters assumed different
aspect, part Of the attacking force having
given way, thus exposing the balance to
an enflading fire from both artillery and
infantry. The programme WAS as follows:
The mine was to be exploded at 3 A. NJ.
the batteries to open at once along the
entire line, immediately after the explos-
ion, and the 9th corps to make the charge,
supported by the 18th, (Ayers division
OF the 9Th corps, and the Sd division oil
the I'd corps. The greater part Of the ar
rangement was carried out as ordered,
although the commencement was later
than the hour designated, Oh account of
the fuse going out twice.
At $50 the charge was made, and the
fert with part of the line ON each side was
carried in most brilliant style. The I'd
division, which was in the center, adyan-
eed and carried the I'd line, short dis
tanee beyond the fort. and here rested,
holding their ground with the utmost de-
termination. 1t was at this time the col
ored division, under command of Brig.
Gen. White, was pushed forward and or
dered to charge and carry the crest of the
Hill, which would have decided the con-
test.
The troops advanced in good order as
far as the first line, where they received
CALLING fire, which checked them, and al
though quite number kept on advancing
the greater portion seemed to become ut
terly demoralizsd, part Of them taking