Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-04-11


TINS purpose the first brigade, Colonel Samue
Hartman OF the Thrty-seyenth Wisconsin, was
brought around from the right ofthe line and pu,
ln'o position, supported by a brigade Of Porter.
dNhlon OF the same corps While this wss being
done similar dispositions were making further d
the eit, and system Of cannon signals had been
'greed upon to fix the moment Of starting, that
oil hands might assault simultaneously
At precisely four o clock the signal gun was
heard. 1t was yet scarcely gray dawn and con
siderable mist hung over the fields, so that objects
we're quite indistnct at very short distance and
no! visible at alI few hundred yards away.
From this cause the preparations made had been
wholly secreed from the enemy
Colonel Hartman advanced at once. A small
detachment Of his brigade was thrown out in sd.
vance as skirmishers, while the rest followed close
alter N line Of battle WIKI fixed bayopcts. The
men moved very quietly and in perfect order,
though manliesllng an eagerness ofsprit that was
an assurance Of success That they went to stay
was indicated by their being accompanied by a
detachment Of one hundred men Of the First
Connecticut heavy artillery, prepared to turn and
work upon the rebels the guns that should be
captured. They passed out into the darkness
and all was still. A painful season Of suspense
followed. Presently musket is heard. tten an
Other and soon yoiey. They have reached the
rebel picket line. Now hearty cheer is heard
followed by roar Of musketry. The cheering
ana the mnsketry firing is taken up and runs
along 10 the left until Il is lost in the distance
fhe Hash Of the muskets disclose the positions.
instantly the artillery Of both sides is at work.
and two hundred guns beoh forth their thunder
tones Of anger. In the roar Of the artillery an
other sounds are hushed or drowned. But the
Work IS done 1t was done quickly. A second
cheer and u second yolley fiom our skirmisbers
and the gallant Harrimsn gave the order, Charge
bayonets. double quick cHAKGE' aud away
the noble fellows went, over breastworks. rifle
pits abatti, caepau1 de 6iss, the parapet Of the
fort, into the main work, and the deed ia accom-.
pllShed. For moment the lbunder-struck reb-
els looked, and then took to fight. But our
brave fellows were too close after them. They
could not all escape. Two hundred and 6hv in
that single work were sent back as pri.obsfs.
NIle guns also were captured, which were quick.
y trained in directions opposite 10 where they
had been facing and set at work upon other an.
noJlng rebel batteries. The glory Of the first
entrance into the work is disputed by the Twenty
seventh Michigan Volunteers and the First Con.
neccu' heavy artillery. The former had their
colors with them, which were the GI,t set upon
The pappet, and hence they have the proof Of
priority.
The importance Of this gallant achievement.
and those simultaneously made farther to the
left, cannot be o7er.estimated. Il rent the whole
!he ID two. Il separated the right and left wings
Of the rebel army II evacuation had been de-
termIned upon BY them it closed the main door
OF escape for their right wing. Moreover it took
from them commanding positions Of great impor.
tance and large amount Of valuable artil ery.
1t was not to be supposed that they would yieid
points o. such vital importance to themselves
without further effort.
Scarcely were We quite in possession Of the fort
when tho rebels, having recognized their forces
aud picked up some relnioTcements, came up with
a determined effort to retake it. They made a
most desperate assault standing up manfully
against terrific d.schirges Of grape and canister,
and witheriDg yo!.eys Of mGsketry but /. was
all to no purpose The heroic little garrison
stood their ground brayeiy and obstinalely, while
The artillery Of all our forts sent forth murderous
assistance in rapid time. The din Of the first as
ssult was fully revived. Pandemo .um would he
/ place Of rest 10 comparison to the unceasing
-oar Of that artillery, the shreking and bursting
of SO many shells, the yels Of the rebels the rat.
lie OF the muskeIty and the fua cheering of oar
men as the rebel lines Waversd broke and finally
vent back in disorder. -Four times subseouently
iuIng The day did they attempt to retake hi.
POSITION, but were each time sent back in disorder
Z VAS in one OF these assaults that the rebel Gen
ral A, P. Hill lost his life, while seeking ia pet.
on TO lead his men mp to the works.
These successive attacks and repu:ys consumed
he entire day. Meantime, however, the Sixth
nd Twenty ly-tourh corps, having broke through
be rebel lines IN their front, we're swinging around
o Their rear, and coming down upon their rear |
nd flank. IL was evident then that Petersburg |
Fas lost 10 tee rebellion. II they could not re- |
axe these works where our line: we're extended, |
ow much less their chance when We were con-
entrating and bringing within reach force 90
asIly superior TO any they could possibly mus
er. The day was up with them, and they knew
but now their anxiety was for night. o, for
light or Butcher they might well cry.
The movements Of the Sixth corps were 90
apld after breaking their lines that even GENERAL
zee could scarcely keep his sacred person safe
IS It was, his headquarters we're oyerhauled and
III into our hands Ii is reported that they we're
sstroyed"
THR OCCUPATION or PETERSBURG
When Eiy's brigade entered the city, day
ght( on Monday had not yet dawned. Seeing
rat the rebels would not fight, and that but a
a &. 4. r