Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-03-31
THE NEWS.

TERRIFIC CANNONADING NEAR PEIEkSBU re
REPORTED GREAT SLAUGHTER" or TBE
ENEMY
We copy the following frcm the Petersburg Ejp-
rsSS Of this morning
Last night, at nine minutes past ten O'clock the
enemy opened on our extreme lett, near the Apo
mattox, with a fearful artillery are, while I stimuli
taneous movement was made the part of their
infantry, the men charging mp to breasiwork,I n
great masses.
Our men, under the gallant Gordon, were wide
awake, and received the charge with GOODNESS and
precision, which caused the assaants 10 recoil with
evident dsmay aud CONSERVATION.
Up 10 u O'Clock the lighting was continued with
great vigor and perSstency, the enemy making in
all five separate assaults, in every Of which the
Yankees were sent reeling back
Al the late hour at which We write az IL A.
NJ, heavy firing is progressing, but our officers
and men know that the enemy has done his worst,
and feel perfectly satisfied that they can hod their
own against Grants combined leglons.
The night was intensely dark, il being impossi-
bic To see man at a distance OF more than tEenty
PAGES, and We eaanot speak positively Of the enc
my 5 losses, but they must have been immense
They came in swlrm', supposed 20 be several lines
Of battle deep, and in no instance did they even
get through our distractions the irresistible infer
euce /, chat the slaughter fearful. Oar loss,
We are pleased to hear, comparatively small.
We witnessed the scene from the brow of Boil
iugs Hin, and never fesrfnlly era al.
From tine river around to the Wilcox House, for a
distance OF three miles the horizon illumina-
ted with bursting bomhs,,and exploding shells,
while the line OF battle was most clearly defnedby
the sheet Of lame, which literally biazed without
cessation from the muzzles OF our small arms.
The eotre communityw aroused by the deaf
eniug Of artillery and incesssnt roll ~ mus
ke;ry which shook every dwelling nom roof to
basement, and caused the inmates to shake with
agitation aud alarm.
The enemy evidently expected to surprise our
troops, bat Gen. Gordon's boys never sleep wh en-
danger Is near, and extended TO the ASSISTANTS
cepti0n which We IhinG it probable they will never
forget. Gen Gordon's motto is ''eternal vigilance
IS the price Of liberty"
The gGiiaatry Of our men was displayed in a
most gratifying manner, aud tEei- conduct il the
theme CT universal praise. The artillery ire on our
side magnificent and the Cumming 5 ana Brad
fogd batteries in Chesterfield, were cmnently con-
spicuoas tor rapid and accurate firing from the ele-
walton sc occupied. 1t Is a TACT especially deserv-
q
lasted two hours, not man was observed coming to
the rear.
TaURsDA1, OSE O'cLoCE, A. M.-We have Just
seen an officer from the front. lie says the enemy
charged up CtsUalr rise within tel PAGES
OF the mazzies Of our guns aud we're literally
ed down. The slaughter Is knosR to have been very
great but morning viii alone reveal its extent. Our
loss is unpreeedently small.
ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS
A letter from Petersburg, dated O'Clock this
this morning furnishes the annexed particulars:
~ have just returned from Blandiord. 1 never
witnessed grander sight. From the river 10 the
Wilcox House, tie line Of battle ragged and rosred
fog two hours, with herceness which, TO non
combatant, was truly terrific.
.'TLe enemy charged in several lines of battle,
coming, in some of their assaults, up to our Oh
structions AZ the foot OF the breastworks aud our
boys literally moved them down.
THE losses on the part OF the enemy must have
no doubt been fearful, but it is impossible to -scs
what has been doGe. Daylight will probably reveal
fearful scene OF carnage and blood
"OGT men (GOTion's cOrpS) covered Themselves
with glory. Gen. Gordon was present m person,
encouraging his brave boys, and urging then, tothe
work By his confidence and enthusiasm.
Heavy fighting is expecte ed on our extreme right
today, near what Is known as Arms srong's Mil,
but Gen. Lee is fully prepared Tor the Yandais.
"While the battle was raging tonight the roar
Of cannon and the rattle Of musketry were fright
ful, aud the ladies' and children OF our city we're
greatly alarmed. Well they might be, when but
mile Of space Is between the enemy and the heart
of Petersburg.
ID IL aa orair, Vad nd va
hope that He will continue His guardian protec-
ton The victory tonight quite reyiyes MS"
THE FIRING AUDIBLE IN RICHMOND,
The firing last night was audible in every part Of
the city, and gave rise to various coDjeeNrss the
most popular of which was that il was tcesSiOned