The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-07-19
FROM PETERSBURG.
From the Petersburg Express of the 18th.


We cannot report all quiet along the lines since
our last, for such statement would not Ne ,ne
truth During the small hours of Monday night,
there was brisk picket firing; and yesterday, there
was frequent firing from cannon and mortars. AS
TO o. general assault lines, there was no sign
of it, and it is q matter of much doubt W neither
Grant contemplates another assault. Even his
hard head has been somewhat softened by repeat
ed butting, and his bulldog tenaclty Of purpose,
has been much relaxed. Experience, that best OF
all teachers, in war as well anything else, has
taught the Lieutenant General of the Yankee ma
ton, that the Confederate army cannot be whipped
in the omen field as well as the utter folly OF at
tempting such a task when the plucky boys OF
Gen Lee fight behind breastworks.
Ali specuations as to what Grant now intends
is worse than idle. He has tried every conceiv-
able route to Richmond except the ''air line, and
there is not gas enough even in Yankee land to
transport an army sufficiently large by. an aerial
voyage, to drop suddenly into Richmond, and
hold it.
We were again subjected to bombardment
three times during yesterday, but the missiles &C
complished less than any, day which has pre-
ceded We heard of no accident to life and limb,
and if a building struck, except by harmless,
wellspent fragment, we have yet to learn 1t. The
few people who are left in our city, are made to
seek shelter, but beyond this, they are subjected
to Inconvenience
We understand from parties confronting, that
the enemy has either greatly reduced his force on
the centre, or as sort of ruse has secreted his
men on that particular part of the Line. During
Monday night there was great beating of drums,
and most unusual blowing of .trumpets. Here
too he has massed an immense amount of artille-
~ but the crowds which have heretofore swarmed
in the trenches, we're not to be seen yesterday.
The real condition of affairs here is unknown, but
men not to be deceived by any false phase
which the Yankees may assume. On the centre,
elsewhere, our officers and men will be found
ready, when the day of trial comes.
On our right the enemy is thought to have
some design Certain movements OF the enemy
dtfrng the past twenty four hours would indicate
something of this kind. But whether real or
fcigned, time alone must develope. We suppose
Grant only intends to keep up show of activity,
for to keep men baking in the trenches beneath
such a temperature as we have recently had, would
soon reduce them to grease spots.
4 Fiqht IN Prince George.-From gentle-
man who came in last night at IL o'clock, we learn
that fight occurred yesterday morning at 10
o'clock, near Lees Mill, ir Prince George in the
vicinity Of the Plank road. The enemy advanced
with infantry and cavalry, but were promptly met
by Gen. Fitz Lees cavalry division, aud repused.
We captured 81 prisoners, belonging chiefly to the
advance guard of the enemy.
Ihe enemy retlred, ana Delng REINFORCED ad-
vanced again at clock, but were again repulsed
by General Ftz Lee. We captured Adjutant,
who was too: severely wounded to be carried off.
Our loss was but one man wounded.
RICHMOND, July 15.-Rumors are plentiful of
Confederate successes in Maryland. Private ad-
vices from Petersburg state that the Yankees pc
remptorily refuse to exchange papers. The flag
of truce boat Varina, arrived to-day with Captain
Baylor, of Va. Capt. Cocker, of s. c., and several
ladies. No later papers received by this arrival