The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-06-24

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ment: 80. 1884,. -,---.l.,s --,---l,--l
CITY Point 18th, pia Jamesto,cn lsiand
$50 A. M l6h.-Gen. Smith, with 5000
men, attacked Petersburg this morning. 2
Gen. Butler reports from bis observatory
near Bermuda Hundreds, that there has been
sharp fighting, and the troops and trains oil
the enemy were, as he writes, moving from
tho city across the Appomsttox, as II retir.
ing. Gen. Hancock Is not near enough to
render Gen. Smith any aid.
The Richmond papers have nothing TO In.
dictate q suspicion Of our crossing the james
river. They (the rebels expected to be at
tackled from the direction Of Malvern Hill.
7.30 p. M.-Our latest report from Smith
was at P. NJ. He had carried o line OF on
trenchments at Beatty's House, the colored
troops assaulting and carrying the rifle pits
with great gallantry. but no had not carried
the main line. He describes the rebel arti!.
lery fire as very heavy. Heexpects to assault
this line just before dark. Gen. Hancock ID
within three miles OF Gen. Smith.
CITY Point, Va, 7 30 A. NJ 18th. vld
Jamestown Island IL As A. MAJ 20 r.
NJ. yesterday, Gen. Smith assaulted and car
ried the principal line of the enemy's works
before Petersburg, taking thirteen cannon.
several stands Of colors and between 300 and
400 prisoners. This line is two miles from
Petersburg. Gen. Hancock got up and took
position on Gen. Smiths left at A. M. to-
day. There was heavy firing in that direc-
ton from to o'clock. f
A dispatch from "Don't Hard" Landing,
w., 10th inst. at one p. NJ, says:-After
sending my dispatch of this morning. from
the heights southeast Of Petersburg, wen,
over the conquered lines with Gen. Grant
and the engineer officers. The works are oil
the very strongest kind-moro difficult even
to take than was Missionary Ridge at Chat.
tanooga. Tho hardest fighting was done by
the black troops. The forts they stormed
were, I think, the worst Of all. After the
affair was over, Gen. Smith went to thank
them and tell them he was proud OF their
courage and dash. Ho says they can't be
excelled as soldiers, and that hereafter he
will send them in difficult place as readily
rs the best white troops. They captured six
out of the sixteen guns which he took. The
prisoners he took were from Beauregard's
command. Some Of them said they had just
crossed tho James river above Drury's Bluff.
do not think any of Lees army had reach
cd Petersburg when Gen. Smith stormed il.
They seemed to be there this morning. how
ever, and making arrangements to hold the
west side of the Appomattox. The town
they cannot think Of holding, for 1t lies d.
rectly under our guns. Tho weather con-
tinues splendid.
City Point, AIS P. M. 10th. ria James.
town ll.45 p. M.-Gen. Butler reports from
Bermuda Hundreds that thoeenemy have
abandoned the works in front OF that place.
Gen. Buffers troops are now engaged in
tearing up the railroad between Petersburg
and Richmond.
The following dispatch does not designate
the hour, but it is supposed to be later than
the preceding:
Iues' Junction, Va, 1GM.-I camo down
from tho pontoon above Powhattan with o
dispatch for Secretary Stanton Just as |
left, Capt. Pitkin reported to mo that Pc
tersburg was in our possession.
Nothing of recent date has been heard
from Gen. Sheridan, but the Richmond Wing
of the 18th contains dispatch from Gen.
Leo, stating that Sheridan had been routed
In an engagement with Fitz Hugh Loo and
Hampton, losing 500 prisoners and leaving
his dead and wounded on the field.
A dispatch FROM Gen. Sherman, dated last
night ut o'clock, has been received. It
only states the relative position Of the forces.
No engagements had yet occurred.
(Signed) EDWIN NJ. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.