Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1864-08-12
Army Correspondence.
THE EXPLOSION AT PETERSBURG.


HEADQUARTERS Co ], 21sr Pa. CaAaIRr.
FgoST LIyE or BATTLE, SgAR PErERsBrgG, VA
July 20, 1884.
70 tie Editor Of The Bedford Eaquiru
The evening iscalm, theboys are moving around
the works as careiessiy as if alta pic nc. The
| enemy gratifed ils spleen by sheliing our lines
and now both armies gaze at each other in sullen
silence, the stiffness only broken BY the f. f. VS..
/ who dosnot like to see the sable sons Of Africs
elime their once ''lnost humble servants, now
with yankee weapons in their hands, constantly
declaring their love to their former protectors.
by sending greetings Of powder and lead into their
ranks. With this single exception. al. is as Quiet
along the lines Of the Potomae army as was ever
4 IN the palmy days of little McNapoleon Soon,
however, rations of picks and sheyels were issued
and men instructed TO make the best use of them
until clock IN the morning, when ball viii be
opened for which extensive preparations have been
made for some time
July 30th 4 p, MI laid down few moments
to sleep and my mind wandered back to the loved
ones at home, andthe
Two in tie low trundle bed.
Far away in the cot on the nountaia r
When my light fepose was broken by sudden
fearful crash which shook the earth all around
and threatened destruction to one or the other of
the armies. Then followed as quick as the tick of
clock roar all along the lines from rightto left
lhe hrst crash was caused by the blowing up Of q
very strong rebel fort which commanded aboutsa
mile OF our lines was well manned and stored with
guns, mortars and ammunition. The negro troops
under Gen. Burnside had undermined this fort
and ITS explosion was to be the signal for opening
ON their works. The destruction oflife must have
been great as the whole work arose maiestiealIy
IN the air, where magazine, shells and all exploded
scattering men, arms, limbs, laortars cannon and
shells IN all directions, the wAle mass returning
70 the earth with crash that caused the earth to
trembie; and discouraged every rebel soldier that
witnessed the catastrophe The ruihs were i'm
nIiedlately occupied BY our brave boys and soon
the star spangled banner" waved over the ruins
ofrehsl folly.
The rebs promptly replied to our cannon. but
we're soon completely silenced, proving the supe-
rorlty cur arms, and science as well as undaunted
courage
What beautiful sight these Enion lines pre-
sent: AL along the works are to be seen nnnIer-
Gus Banners many of which are placed far beyond
our works, waving in grand defiance to the rebel
missiles, while not a single emblem of rebel PROV
ess is to be seen along their lines Soon as we 81
fenced their batteries, the compliments Of the
whole artillery was payed to Petersburg the effect
OF which was soon manifest by volumes Of smoke
arising from the heart Of the city ALAS alas
that great city; In one hour has her destruction
come A scene presented to the right is worthy
OF note. Two bodies Of troops confront each other
one the best families of Virginia, whose former
fame and present valor is unquestionable; the
other are the sable sons of Africa, lhterate and
unknown to fame, both placed in battle array
The negroes occupy the ruins of the destroyed
fort, the position Of which is Of extreme impor-
tanee to the Confoderates, 50 they make desperate
efforts TO regain it. Accordingly they charge on
their former slaves Both armies, who were hid
behind their breastwork. row leap up 10 behold
flle dreadful struggle. Hostilities are suspended
vance with yen, and are met BY Airics sons. L.
But soon the rebel lines Eaver their ranks are
thinned by the unerringaim of the colored troops.
Not waiting TO receive them in the works, the ne
grocs rush on them with fury that could not
be opposed, and Essail them in open field. The
rebs scatter aud ran in confusion back to their
works leaving on the field the greater part of
their numbers. Twice they tried this game, aud
twice were they repulsed by the dark men with
great slaughter. May God have mercy on their
souls as we cannot have any on their bodies But
the battle commences to rage again and must go
to my post. NJ. p. ID.