Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1865-04-07
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BEDFORp Pa. FRIDAY, APRIL !. 1865
RIcHMoND Is FALLEN .

RICHMOND IL FALLEN
The dawn Of Monday morning saw the
solution Of the mighty question which has
for four years been under the discussion Of
the sword by the two greatest armies which
have fought anywhere on the globe for the
last fifty years. In the early hours of the day
the hag of the Union was borne VIGOROUSLY
into the rebel capital and citidel which has
so withstood and de6ed the utmost power of
our arms The great rebel army had been
driven from its works and trenches in front
Of Petersburg, had been forced from the
Notifications around Richmond, and was fly
ing, in route, and disnay, for the noun
tains and the plains, where it would but
meet new and fresh forces prepared to effect
its utter demolition. We may imagine from
the feelings Of the spectators at this dis
tance, and all over the land, what were
those of the actors on the spot-with what.
enthusiasm the whole of the veteran Army.
of the Potomac saw that the long-sought
prize was gained-that their their struggle
was crowned with success, and that the hour
of final triumph and peace would soon be
theirs and their country's
The operation which has thus grandly
terminated the great campaign which open
ed in July, 1861, was commenced on
Wednesday morning the 29th ult., and thus
lasted through just FIVE days. During the
last three of these days there was fierce,
bloody, continuous lighting, whose success
is shown not only in the fall of Petersburg
and Richmond, but in the thwarting Of the
enemy at every position, and in the vast
captures of prisoners and guns.
Ifthe whole Of Lee S force could not with
stand Grant behind the tremendous works
which they had been for four years in con
struction and perfection, how can this mis-
cradle remnant Withstand him even for a
day in the open fed? When they learn Of
the fall of their capital, they viii give up
the cause as lost and viii fight no more,
while such forces at may still attempt to
eohere will be scattered to the winds by the
cavalry of Sheridan. Such is now the
wrecked and hopeless condition Of Lee
army and the Southern Confederacy
1t only remains now for Sherman to scat
ter the chaff under johnson, and we viii
have an end of this whole rebel military
power.
1t has been long and desperate struggle
for Richmond and it viii be forever memo
rable in the annals of the Union, as well as
in the history Of the war The many Off
GERS, who have led the various armies
Mcdowell, Mcclellan, Burnside, Hooker,
Pope, Meade and, finally, Grant-the differ
ent routes taken to the rebel capital, the va
rious circumstances and vast sacrifices Of
the successive efforts-the great number oi
gigantic battles-all pess before the mind,
as they have previously sunk deeply into
the hearts and fortunes of the nation.
To the veteran and grand Army of the
Potomac, which has thus crowned its labori
in triumph and covered itself with glory, tht
nation gives boundless honor. Its greaf
heroism, its great character, viii make il
and its deeds immortal To all its comman
ders be honor And to the greatleader ant
chief who has directed and secured It's tri
umphs, the people and history accord homo
forever.