Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-04-07
HEADQUARTERS ARMY poroMAo. Apr.2.

HEADoUARTERs Army poToMAo, Apr.2.
The most important victory ever gained by
the Army Of the Potomac was won to-day.
The outer line Of rebel works has at last
yielded to ocr victorious army, and the great
err portion OF this army are tonight within
one and one half miles Of Petersburg. The
struggle made by the enemy to retain this
work has been of most desperate character.
The orders for the attack on the line east
and south OF Petersburg, by the 9th and 9th
corps. we've carried out punc'ually at daylight,
the artillery having been hammering away
nearly all night.
A charge was made in front Of forts He'll
and Rice, on the Jerusalem road, and was 90
far successful that by 8 a. m. we we're in pos
session Of these Notifications. Fort Malone
being the most elaborate and extensive.
Another Account
AT 4 80 Sunday morning the 9th corps
left its lines to attack the enemy's left centre.
1t moved no as to enable the corps to throw
forward its left and flank the works Of the
enemy one after the other. Soon battery
Of four guns opened on the let division. but
by rapid charge Of the lst brigade, it was
Immediately captured. The battery Of the
enemy was opened from every point, but on
went out gallant heroes.
At 1880 q. m. grand picture Of war pre-
scented itself. The line of the corps with lite
left in advance was sweeping on toward two
heavy forts The reoels piled their guns Wig
orously aud shells burst thicky over our lines
On pushed the left division till it struck the
Southside railroad. and against the two forte
swept the ID division. Our artillery played
eba To- @,
them and then dash was made upon the
work, but it was repulsed. Again it was
tried, and this time it met with some success
but 50 resolute we're the rebels inside thai
they used their bayonets for short time. As
the works fell into our hands, u loud cheer
went up and the enemy were seen hastily re-
treating TO their second line, which opened
sharply in our effort to advance. About this
time Sheridan appeared in the field and was
received with loud cheers oy the 9th corps
At this moment, too, our entire line was
changing it's long front to the right and slow.
ly before it the broken line of the enemy was
falling back from the rear defences. Against
the line to which they fell back, a heavy force
was now fitted, and ne,rly all fresh troops
A lull took place, when this force was ready
to move and it was suoD plain that a terrific
action was about to be fought. Quiet stole
over the scene and the attack was deferred
till the next day
While the above was taking place, the 5tt
corps and cavalry under Sheridan turned tht
right wing Of the rebel army, taking frou
5000 to 5000 prisoners
WHAT GRANT THINKS OF THE SITUATION.
We hnd Ia the cincinnati Gazette the fol-
lowing extract from private letter from
Gen. Grant:
We are now having the weather, and
think will be able TO wind up mattero sbou
Richmond soon. l am anxious TO have lie,
mold on where he is short time longer, 81
that can get him into position wher,
he must lose great portion Of his army -
The rebellion has lost its vitality, and if
am not much mistaken there will be no rebe
army of any great dimeneions a few week.
hence. Any great catastrophe TO any one o
our armies would of course, revive the enem
for short time, but expect no such thin
TO happen