The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-04-14
THE UNION &c JOURNAL,
CORRESPONDENCE.
HrADQrARrrss, ODD y. s. G T.l

RICHMOND, Va. April B, Go.
Mr. EpiroR IL hardly thought when
gave you an account of our triumphant
march through Wilmington, that it would,
so soon, be my extreme pleasure to chronicle
a similar march through the capital OF the
played-out Confectionery. But such il my
happy privilege. to be able to give you gen.
erl account Of our capture OF the ia'ter
place.
One week ago today the Army oil tho
James, excepting one division (kautzs col
ored) and one brigade Of white troops, NOV
ed TO the left of Petersburg. Their success
in conjunction with the Army Of the Poto-
mac. YOU have already been made acquainted
with by the tcll.tale telegraph. II was evi.
dent from the efforts the enemy IN our front
made, that they considered their situation
rather precarious. He could be seen con-
stantly strengthening his works and manifest
ing other indications Of impending danger.
Perhaps IL he had carefully watched US he
might have seen symptoms Of little nervous
irritablity, for our lines were very weak and
we resorted to various stratagems to make il
apparent that we were very strong. For in
stance. as we were in hearing distance, cash
regiment was ordered to beat tattoo and re
veile twice at different parts OF the line, to
make IL appear that we had large force.
Asour "erring brethren" could distinctly see
Us. we had battalion and brigade drills with
out number, also battery drills, to show the
Johnnies that they would have formidable
foe to contend with should they dare to make
charge. Each DAVIS experience was a rep
etition of the preceding. SUNDAY, April I'd,
we received orders to be ready to move at
moments notice. In the morning we receiv-
cd unofficial notice that We should mako an
attack upon the lines Monday morning ut 1
o'clock. OF course we specialized not q lit
tie upon the probable results. Morning
came, and we We're very agreeably admonish
ed by the blowing up OF the rebel rams and
gunboats, that instead Of fighting we should
march. At 4 o'clock we broke camp and
commenced the onward to Richmond march
in earnest. We met with no opposition
whatever, and about III A. NJ, April Sd, we
marched into Richmond with banners flying
and drums beating. Cheer upon cheer rent
the air by our boys. intrrspersed with sing
ing Rally round the Flag" "liois, up the
Flag" "John Brown" &c. The contra
bands focked around US, shouting, dancing,
gesticulating. and manifesting the most fran
tic joy. One quite intelligent con.raband
told me that jeff Davis left the city at IL
o'clock the night before. jeff. said he could
not continue his responsibility any longer.
We found the Arsenal, workshops, and pri.
vate dwellings on fire, and at the time OF
writing. o clock p. NJ, shells are constant.
ly exploding and the fire continues.
After four years of fighting and the loss OF
thousands of lives. Richmond is ut last ours;
still, none of us can realize that we have
marched through this deserted place. We
have captured hundreds OF guns of light and
heavy calibre-what stores. am unable, Mt
present, TO ascertain. w. found their works
very strong, and they could never have been
taken by assault, but by an immense sacrifice
Of life.
Yours, respectfully,
AsTRACAIuS.