Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-04-06
Account of Sundays Operations.

Assistant Secretary of War.
Account of Sundays Operations.
New YORK, April 5.-The Heralds cor
respondence has the following account of
| operations on Sunday:
At midnight Saturday Gen. Wilcox had
| orders to demonstrate on the right of the
line so as to draw on the rebels from the
left, preparatory to operations in that quar-
ter. The next morning Admiral Porter
and all the artillery in the works on the
right were also set at work. Wicox's skr-
mish line was advanced. The rebels were
aroused and soon sharp volleys of
musketry were heard, Indicating that
they were at work. Amid the noise
and smoke the skirmishers pushed on
until reaching the outskirts of Peters,
burg when they met heavy body of
rebels advancing upon them. * brisk en-
gagement followed, but our number were
so small that we were compelled to with
draw. Wilcox then got orders to attack
Fort Malone on the left. He massed a
column for the purpose. While this was
being done similar dispositions were max
ing further to the left, and a system of
cannon signals had been agreed upon to fix
the moment of starting that all might as
sault simultaneously. Owing to mist
which hung over the field the preparations
had been concealed from the enemy. At
four o'clock this signal was given the men
advanced quickly and in perfect order with
fixed bayonets. That they went to stay
was indicated by their being accompanied
by a detachment of heavy artillery, pre-
pared to turn and work the enemy's guns.
Presently musketry was heard; the rebel
picket line was reached; now a hearty cheer
| tOllnUnn hU n re. SNf e1.nk, NI,o
cheering and musketry firing was taken up
and runs along to the left until it is lost in
the distance; instantly the artillery on both
sides is at work and 200 big guns belch forth
their thunders; but the work is quickly
done. Hartman of the 37th Wisconsin act
ing Brigadier, gives the order to charge,
and away the brave fellows went, over
breastworks, rifle pits, abbatis, chevau de
frise, the parapet of the fort into the main
works, and the deed is accomplished. For
a moment the thunder-struck rebels looked
then took to flight, but our fellows were too
quick for all of them and captured 25O.
Nine guns were found in the fort and quick
ly trained and set at work, annoying the
rebel batteries. This, with the simultane-
GUS operations further to the left, cut the
rebel line in two, took from them COM
manding positions and large amount of
valuable artillery.
Scarcely were we quite in possession of
the fort when the rebels, having reorgan-
lied their forces and picked up some rein
forcements, come up with determined eff
tort to retake it. They made most despe-
rate assault, standing up manfully against
terrific discharges of grape and canister
and whitening volleys of musketry, but it
was to no purpose. Four times during the
day did they attempt to retake this impor-
tant position, but were each time sent reel
ing 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
position to lead his men up to the works.
Meantime the 9th and 24th corps, having
broken through the rebel lines in their
front works, swung around to their rear,
and coming down both upon their rear and
flank it was evident Petersburg was lost to
the rebellion. The movements of the 9th
corps were SO rapid that Gen. Lee himself
narrowly escaped capture. AS it was his
head Quartermaster fell into our hands.
The Tribune's correspondent recounts
morning the 9th corps left its lines to at
tack the enemy's left center. 1t moved in
echelon SO as to enable the corps to throw
forward its lett and flank on the works of
the enemy one after another. Soon bat
terry of four guns opened upon the first di-
vision, but by a rapid charge of the first
brigade, twas Immediately captured. The
batteries OF the enemy now opened from
every point, but on went our gallant braves.
The lett soon reached the works in their
front, and, one by one, they fell into our
hands. AT 1890 grand picture of war
presented itself. The line of the 9th corps,
with its left In advance, was sweeping
on toward two heavy forts. The rebels
piled their guns vigorously and shells
burst thickly over our lines. On pushed
the left division until it struck the South
Side railroad, and against the two forts
swept the I'd division. Our artillery played
upon the forts from cannonading positions
successfully, until our men were close up
to,them. Then dash was made upon the
works, but it was repulsed. Again it was
trieds sand this time it met with success, but
so resolute were the rebels inside that some
of them used the bayonet for short time.
AS these forts fell into our hands loud
cheer rent the air, and the enemy were seen
hastily retiring to their second line, which
opened sharply in an effort to stay our ad-
vance. About this time Sheridan appeared
ON the field, and was received with cheers
by the 9th corps, who look up to him with
great respect. At this moment, too, 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 defenses. Against the line to
which they fell back, a heavy force was
now placed, composed of parts of the oath,
9th, 9th and 25th corps, nearly all fresh
troops. A lull took place when the, force
was ready to move, and 1t was plain that a
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