East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1865-04-12


is taken Up and runs along to the left
untilit islost In the distance The
flash of tie muskets disclose the po-
sitions. Instantly the artillery of
both sidesis at work, and 200 guns
'bslch forth their thunder tones Of
anger. Ii the roar of the artillery
all other Sunds ars hushed or drown
ed. But tho work is done 1t was
done qui&ly9 A second ehoer and a
second vdlsy from our skifmishers,
and the gallant Hartman gave the
order, go Charge bayonsts!---dcxbt
quick! k!-cnlRoE!. and away the noble
fellows went over breastworlxs, rifle
pits, abbati, eAepaxr de (r,Es, the Parai
pet of the fort, into the main work,
and the decd is accomplished. Fer a
moment the lhunder-struck rebels
looked, and then took to fight. But
our brave fellows were too close after
them, They could not all escape
Two. hundred and fifty in TINT single
work were sent back as prisoners.
aNine guns also were captured, which
were quickly trained in directions op-
posits to where they had been facing
and set at work upon other annoying
rebel batteries. The glory Of the first
entrance into the work is disputed by
the 9th Michigan Volunteers and the
LIST Connections heavy artillery. The
former, had their colors with them,
which were the first set upon tho par
apet, and hence they have the proof
Of priority. 1905 Igouo ofnw ysfll
ii rHs MAIN REBEL LINES SEVERED.
Tho Importance of this gallant
achievement and those Simultaneous
ly made farther to the left, cannot bo
overestimated. 1t rent the whole line
in two. It separated tho right and
left wings Of their army. If evacua-
ton had been determined upon by
them, it closed the main door Of escape
for their right wing. Moreover, it
took from them commanding positions
of great importance and a large
amount Of valuable artillery. 1t was
not to bc supposed that they would
yield points of such vital importance
to themselves without q further effort
ruE REDsLs ATTEMPT TO HrrAkE ruE FORT.
Scarcely were we quiet in posses
sion of the fort, when the rebels, hav-
ing reorganized their forces and pick
cd up some reinforcements, came up
with determined effort TO retake it.
They made most desperate assault,
standing UP manfully against terrific
discharges of grape and canister, and
whitening yolleys Of musketry; but it
was oil to no purpose. The heroic
little garrison stood their ground
bravely and obstinnately, while the
artillery of all our forts sent forth
murderous assistance in rapid time
The din of the first assault was fully
revived. lsPandemonium would be a
place Of rest in COMPARISON to the un- /
ceasing roar ofuthatl artillery, tho
and bursting of so many
shells, the yells of the rebels, the rat
tie of the musketry, and the final
Of our men as tho rebel lines
wavered, broke and finally went back
in disorder. Four times subsequently
during the day did they attempt to
rotake this position, but were each
time sent back in disorder. 1t was in
one of these assaults that the rebel
Gen. A. J.. Hill lost his life, while
in person TO lead his mon up
TO the works. f,1T -4E
TIE SIXTH AND rwESTY-foURru CORPS
GAINING THE REAR OF THE REBELS.
These successive attacks and re-
pulses consumed the entire day
however, the 9th and 24th
corps, having broken through the
rebel lines in their front, were swing
ing around to their rear and coming
down both upon their rearapd flank. 1t
was evident then that Petersburg was
lost to the rebellion. If they could
not retake these works where our
lines were extended, how much less
their chance when we were concen-
trating and bringing within reach a
force SO vastly superior TO any they
could possibly muster. The day was
up with them, and they knew it but
now their anxiety was for night. "Oh,
for night or Blucher" they might
well cry.
LEES HEADQUARTERS CAPTURED.
The movements of the 9th corps
were 30 rapid after breaking their
lines that even Gen. Lee could scarce
ly keep his sacred person safe. As it
was, his headquarters were ovor-
hauled and fell into our hands. 1t is
reported that they were destroyed.
~ SUNDAY NIGHT. uTn
Throughout the early part Of the
night operations were confined to
skirmishing, more or less heavy at
different hours, along the entire line.
The utmost vigilance was exercised,
and it was confidently anticipated that
tho rebels would take advantage Of
Inc uhrhness 10 Bet away.
i, CONFERENCE.
Soon after dark General Wilcox
was sent for by General Parke, and
remained at corps headquarters until
midnight, in conference with his
superior. li d1
THE REBRLs pEM,Ssrn,rIoS AT MIDNIGHT
At few minutes past II o'clock
the rebels advanced and made dem
onstration of attack on the centre of
our lines. Scattering volleys of mus
kerry aroused the reserves, who, over
come by the fatigues of the protracted
day and night struggles, could not
avoid sleeping Whenever moments
opportunity presented itself, Quickly
the lines were in readiness and every
body at his post. Then the firing in,
creased. Soon the forts opened with
their heavv artillery Tho rehel ouns