Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1865-04-07

Particulars Of The Capture Of Petersburg
Admirable Beharior Of onr Troops
y Particulars oftse pursuit Of Lees Army
Sheridan cuts of tao Rebel divisions.
PETERSBURG, Va. April 8.
The Army of tho Potomac has been
in and out Of the city this morning,
merely making flying visit. The rebels
commenced evacuating last night at 10
o'clock, and by o'clock this a. m. were
across the river, having burned about
one million dollars worth Of tobacco, the
South Side railroad depot, and the
bridges across the Appomattax. Our
troops charged the inner line at day sht,
taking picket line Of some 500 men
prisoners.
The troops on entering the city, be.
haved most admirably. Not more than
half dozen stores being entered by
them, and these mostly contained tobacco
cigars, &c. The Provost Guard soon
arrived, and established order. The
Mayor Of the place met the troops as
they entered, and handed to the afficers
commanding, the following communica-
tian.
LIEUT. GENERAL U. s. GRANT, Command
ing U. 8. forces: or the Major Generals
commanding U. S. forces in front OF
Petersburg -
GENERAL.-The city of Petersburg
having been evacuated by the Confeder-
ate troops, we, committee, authorized
by the Common Council, do hereby sur
render the city to the U. S. forces, with
the request for the protection of the
persons and property of its inhabitants.
We are respectfully,
your obi servts,
(Signed) T. W. W. Towns, Mayor.
darcy Paul. Committee.
Petersburg, Va. April 3, 1865.
Protection was promised on the part
Of our troops, and the citizens have ne
cause Of complaint, for certainly there is
no instance on record where an army
after lying in trent Of place Of so much
importance, and losing so many men in
the effort to capture it, entered city
with less disorder, and doing less dana &c
70 private property, than in this case.
The citizens did not show themselves
during the fore part Of the day, but after
discovering that our soldiers were orderly
and well behaved, with no disposition to
disturb or annoy any one, they began to
make their appearance at the doors and
windows, and late in the day even enter
ing Familiarity into conversation, many
expressing their joy quietly that the con-
fedcrates had gone, and hoping the war
would soon be over. i-~--+ Hrg
5 p. m.-Ever since morning our
troops have been pushing throug Oh the
city westward, taking the Cox aud river
roads to Switzerland Station on the
Southside Railroad where our headquart.
ers are at camp tonight. AT this time
the rear guard in charge Of Col. Taylor
Of the Sd Md. vols, are passing, and the
wagon trains are to follow. The railroad
from City Point to this place, is to be
in running order Immediately
The city will be held as depot for
supplying the army so long as it Is with
in reach. The rolling stock of the rail.
road was run of toward Richmond, but
in this department they must have been
very delinquent, or they would not have
burned SO much tobacco.
A courier has arrived from Gen. Sher.
idan. stating that the two divisions Of
rebel troops that were cut off had crossed
the Appomattox some 10 or II miles
above Petersburg, but he was following
-skirmishing with their guard aud ex.
pecting to have an engagement soon.
The troops are rapidly .bushing on to
his assistance, and before noon another
victory over the rebels may be gained.
The report of Gen'l A P Hills death
| is confirmed BY citizens hear sumo Of
whom saw his body. ls'-.
WASHINGTON, April 5.
Three hundred and forty rebel officers
prisoners, were brought to this city to-
day.