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


Cen Weitzel learned at 3 A. NJ on Monday
that Richmond was being evacuated, and at
daylight moved forward first taking care to
give bis men breakfast, in the expectation that
they might have to fight. lie met no opposi
uon, and IN entering the city was greeted with O
nearly welcome from the mass of the people.
Inc Mayor went out to meet him 10 surrender
the city, but missed him on the road.
zen. Weitze finds much suffering and poy-
efty among the population ; the rich as uell as
the poor are destitute Of food. He issues sup
plies to oil who would take the oath. The in
habltants now number about 10000 half OF
them OF African descent.
1t Is not true that jeff Davis sold HE furni.
ture before leaving. 1t is all in bis house,
whore Gen. Wcitzel is now making his residence
lie left at p. NJ. by the Danyilie road
all the members Of Congress escaped, Hunter
nas gone nome. Carson Smith went with the
army. Judge Campbell remains here.
ten. Weitzal took here 1000 prisoners be-
sides the wounded these number 5000 in nine
hospitals. lie says he captured cannon to the
number OF 5UO. Five thousand muskets have
been found IN one lot. Thirty locomotives and
500 csIs are found here. The Petersburg rail-
road bridge ls totally destroyed that Of the
Dsnyllle road partially, 50 that connection with
Petersburg can easily be mads
ALI the rebel vessels are DESTROYED except an
unfinished ram, which has her machinery IN her
perfect The Tredegar Works are unharmed
and The msehinery is here. Libby Prison and
Castle Thunder have also escaped the fire, and
are blled with rebel prisoners Of war. Most of
The ed Tors have fed, especially John Mitchell.
The Wing appeared Tuesday as q Union paper
with the name OF the former proprietor at its
head.
uen. Weiszel describes the reception of the
Fieslden: as enthusiastic in the extreme.
lhe Htrdfds correspondence from the late
mansion oil Jef Davis in Richmond, says the !
evacuation OF that city was seriously con.en-
PAted several days before it took place, but the
hnal decision was not arrived at until Sanday
afternoon last, when Lee teegraphed to DAVIS
that Grant had rendered the holding OF the cit,
by him impossible. This telegram was read in
the ehurches and the departure of the leading
rebels commenced ct once, and was continued
through the night. JEFF Davis left at one p. NJ. |
Tor Danville, and it is understood that the Gov
efnmen' archlVss were sent to that place and
Mi lton, y. c.
Ihe city was fired by Gen. Ewell, and although
Gen Weitlel on reaching the city endoavored to
e1tlnguish the flames, one-third of the place
was destroyed. Amcng the buildings burned
were the War Department, Post Ofce Treas
ury Department, several churches, two bank
and three newspaper Offices.
ls was understood to have be IN Lee. design
to reach Danvllc, Va, and there foftify aud
make another stand. This plan Sheriilns
movement has frustrated, and Lee il. now sppar-
emily endcsvoring to get to Lynchburg.
The works 10 front of Richmond consist OF I
.hres strong lines wholly enyeloping the city. /
The outer cues are co tnuous. anu ,hs ialer
one consists OF series Of strong redoubts aud \
basIion forts All thess mounted inward of
900 guus, and would when properly garrisonod
iorm an almost impassable series Of defen-
ses. Iorpedoes were thickly strewn all over
The ground, marked with little flags for the
safety OF the rebels, but which they negl cted to
remove IN their hasty flight and thus saved
many OF the lives of our men when marching
into Richmond. The second line was found
equally strong as the frs. excepting as to aba
tvs and torpedo.s The third line is lust out
side the edge Of the town and situated on high
ground These works, like the others mount
heavy guns.
Dayisreceived Lee dispatch to evacuate while
IN church. lilo took on the train on which he
escaped horses and carriages, so as to take to
the country in case the road was interrupted.
lie expressed himself as being yet determined
not 10 give up, though it was certain he had but
little hope left. Extra Billy Smith did not
leave until after midnight lie left his wife be-
hind, as also did Gen Lee The news OF the
death of her son, W. IL. +, Lee, in the battles,
has been received.
Tho Legislature was in session MS late as nine
0 clock on Sunday evening, when the members
started for Columbia by thu canal and Janes
river. Brecklnrdge lett the city as late as 6 ~ /
. clock on Monday morning. A number Of
rebel oiAsers were arrested in the city and pa.
rolled. l.
The IImss Richmond correspondent says the
famous Libby prison is now oiled with rebel
prisoners captured on Monday msrnipg. Great
'uaerlng s caused to poor families by the rebels
irlng the city, many being rendered houseless.
The Worlds correspondence says the machine.
y ot the famous Tredegar works in Richmond
we're sent Danvilleward fortnight ago, also
hal nj all L.. A.. n