Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-04-15

SSSuSu @o,vVV Inc FeDei destruction Q
property, on their retreat, literally beggar
description. Strsgglers and deserters ar
even in excess OF what was anticipated
NEw YoBK, April D.
The Heratds correspondence has the fol
lowing account of the operations Sunday
AT midnight Saturday, Gen. Wilcox ma,
orders TO demonstrate on the right of til
| line, so as to draw the rebels from the left
preparatory to operations in that quarter
Admiral Porter and all the artillery in tn,
works on the right were also set at work
Wilcox's skirmish line was advanced. TIL,
rebels were aroused, and soon sharp volley
of musketry were heard, indicating that the
we're at work.
Amid the noise and smoke the skirmisher
pushed on until they reached the outskirts o
Petersburg, where they met heavy body o.
rebels and advanced upon them. A brisk
engagement followed, but our numbers were
so small that we were compelled to withdraw
Gen. Wilcox then gave orders TO attack Fort
Malone on the left, and massed a column foI
the purpose.
while this was being done similar dispo
sitions making system of cannon signals
had been agreed upon, to fix the moment OF
starting, that all might assault simultaneously
Owing to mist which hung over the field
the preparations had been concealed from the
enemy. At o'clock the signal was given,
the men advanced quickly and in perfect or
der with fixed bayonets. That they went to
stay was indicated by being accompanied by
a detachment of heavy artillery prepared to
turn and work the enemy's guns.
presently musketry was heard, the rebel
picket line was reached. Now a hearty cheer,
followed by the roar of musketry. The
cheering and musketry firing is taken up and
runs along to the left until it ia lost in the
distance.
Instantly the artillery on both sides is at
work, and geo big guns belch forth their
thunders, but the work is quickly done.
+" Harriman, Of The Thirty .SevenM WiSco,-
sin, acting Brigadie- General, gires the order to
charge. Up and away, and the noble fellows
went over breast works, rifle pits and cher
eaafr de frieze, the parapet of the fort, into
the main works, and the deed is accomplish
ed. For one moment the thunderstruck
rebels looked, and then took to fight but
our fellows were too quick for all of them,
and captured $50. Nine guns were found in
the fort, and quickly trained, and set at
work annoying the rebel batteries
''This, with the simultaneous operations
further to the left, cut the rebel line in two,
a large amount Of valuable artillery.
Scarcely were we quiet in possession of
the fort when the rebels, having recognized
their forces and picked up some reinforce
ments, came up with a determined effort to
retake 1t. They made most desperate as
sault, standing up manfully against terrific
discharges of grape and canister and with
ering vOllies of musketry, but it was to no
purpose. Seven times during the day did
they attempt to retake this important posi-
ton, but were each time sent reeling back in
disorder, losing heavily each time. 1t was
in one of these assaults that the rebel Gen.
A. p. Hill lost his life, seeking in person to
lead his men up TO the works.
Meantime the 9th and Gath corps, having
broken through the rebel lines in their front
were swung around to their rear, and coming
down both upon their rear and flank, it was
evidently that Petersburg was lost to the re
bellion. The movements of the 9th corps
were so rapid that Gen. Lee himself narrowly
escaped capture. As twas, his headquarters
fell into our hands"
throughout the early part of the night
operations were confined to skirmishing, but
a few minutes after II o'clock, the rebels ad-
vanced, making a demonstration. 1t was of
short duration, promptly repulsed, then fol-
lowed season of stiffness with orders for
most strict vigilance. The orders were that
if the rebels started to go, we were to go
after them, and they did go at 8 o'clock
Our skirmishers in pursuit, occupied the main
lire and orders were issued for an immediate
advance. At four O'Clock. we were in Peters
burg.
The TriJ,ne's correspondent recounts the
operations on our left
"At 4.30 Sunday morning, the 9th corps
left its line to attack the enemy's left center.
1t moved ca echelo9, so as to enable the corps
to throw forward its left, and flank the works
of the enemy one after another. Soon
battery of four guns opened upon the first
division, but by a rapid charge of the first bril-
gade it was Immediately captured. The
batteries of the enemy now opened from
every point, but on went our gallant braves
The left soon reached some works in their
front and one by one they fell into our
hands.
"At 1890 A. NJ. grand picture of war
presented itself, the line of the corps with its
left in advance was sweeping on towards two
heavy forts. The rebels piled their guns
vigorously, and shells burst thickly over our
line. On pushed the left division until it
struck the Southside railroad, and against
the two forts swept the I'd division. Our ar
tillery played upon the forts from command
ing positions necessarily until our men were
close up to them, then dash was made upon
the works, but it was repulsed. Again it was
tried, and this time it met with success, but
so resolute were the rebels inside that some
of them used the bayOnet for a short time.
Gas these works fell into our hands loud
cheer rent the air, and the enemy were seen
retiring to their second line, which opened
sharply in an effort to stay our advance.
"About this time Sheridan appeared on the
field and was received with loud cheers
by the 9th corps, who look up to him with
great respect.
CAT this moment our entire line was
changing its long front to the right, and
slowly before it the broken line of the enemy
was falling back upon their rear defenees.
Against the line TO which they fell back
a heavy force was now pitted, composed of
parts of the Gath, 9th and 25th corps, and
nearly all fresh troops A lull took place
when the force was ready to move, and it was
plain that a desperate action was to be
fought. Dusk stole over the scene, and the
attack was deferred for the day.
"While the above fighting was taking
place, the 5th corps and the cavalry under
Sheridan thinned the right wing of the rebel
army, taking from 4, 900 to 5000 prisoners
Tho 9d enrps connecting with the right or
the 9Th, was also victorious, notwithstanding
they had perhaps the toughest ground to fight
over, and a brave and determined foe in the
rebel Sd corps
"The line of defences in front of the 9th
Corps was stronger than those at any other
point. Ii delivered many assaults during the
day, aud suffered severely. At night it found