line, in front of Petersburg. The loss was small on each side. On the next day, Thursday, the 30th, Turner's division of the 24th corps was moved down the Vaughan road and across Hatcher's Run. It then turned to the right and advanced to make connection with the right of the 2d corps. A brigade of Gen. Foster's division then moved out and connected with the right of Turner, thus making the line complete. Field works were thrown up, and some skirmishing with the enemy took place. The two divisions of the 25th corps held a place between the right of the 24th and the left of the 6th. The 9th corps remained on the right of the 6th. Early on the same day Gen. Sheridan connected his right with the left of Gen. Warren near the Boydton plank-road. The enemy had a strong line of intrenchments already erected to cover a position known as Five Forks. The force of Gen. Merritt was sent in that direction for the purpose of turning the right of the enemy, and the advance brigade, under Gen. Devens, soon encountered their cavalry, and drove them back to their works. Their infantry in turn drove back the advance. Their line of intrenchments covered the White Oak road, which runs from the Boydton road to the Southside Railroad. From the White Oak road toward Hatcher's Run the enemy were in strong force. All attempts to turn his right by cavalry were baffled. Meanwhile some changes were made in the position of the different corps. The 5th at night occupied a position about a mile north of the junction of the Quaker and Boydton roads. During the day it had advanced westward about three-fourths of a mile, and lay fronting northward, with the pickets of Gens. Ayres's division within five hundred yards of the White Oak road, but at a spot between two and three miles west of its intersection with the Boydton road. The divisions of Gens. Crawford and Griffin were on the right successively. On the right of the 5th corps was the 2d, which now had its right near Hatcher's Run. Gen. Sheridan remained at Dinwiddie and covered the left. The movements of the day had been accomplished with skirmishing and some artillery firing, making the losses of the Union troops about two hundred. The object now was to get possession of the enemy's position, known as Five Forks, by carrying which their right flank would be turned. At this point five roads meet in the woods, three of which run back to the Southside Railroad. The White Oak road was here strongly fortified with logs and earth, with its approaches blocked by fallen trees. Sharpshooters were also stationed to resist any ad vance. Early on Friday morning, the 31st, Gen. Warren massed the division of Griffin in the rear of those of Gens. Ayres and Crawford, for an advance upon the White Oak road, which commences at the Boydton road and runs westward, crossing the Quaker road and the Claiborne, which latter extends northwestly to the Southside Railroad. About 8 o'clock the advance commenced toward the Dabney House, Ayres's division leading and supported by the other two. After moving about a half mile beyond the plank-road the enemy's skir mishers opened fire, at the same time falling back upon their main works, a mile and a half below the White Oak road. A severe fire was now opened upon the advance under Gen. Ayres, which broke and fell to the rear, followed by a vigorous charge upon them by the enemy. The attack of the enemy was so impetuous, and they were so well handled, that they swept the field, notwithstanding the obstinate resistance, Each division met the same fate until the whole 5th corps was driven back to the Boydton road, when Miles' division of the 2d corps came to their aid and checked the enemy. They now attempted to cut off Sheridan's cavalry, which were greatly exposed by the failure of the 5th corps to advance. The 2d division was on Stony Creek, southwest of Dinwiddie, consisting of three brigades-Smith's, Davies', and Gregg's-and holding the left of Sheridan's line. The brigade of Gen. Fitzhugh was next, and facing southeast, and next was Stagg's brigade, on Gravelly Run, six miles from Dinwiddie. About two miles from the latter place was Gibbs' brigade. Early in the afternoon the enemy attacked the left in force, but it held its ground. Davies' brigade, on the right of the extreme left, was next attacked, and, being flanked, was driven back with severe loss, The enemy next attacked the left centre, and forced it back, when the commands were faced into new positions, and reënforcements hurried up. At 5 P. M. the greater part of both divisions had been repulsed and driven back seyeral miles to the Boydton road, and Gibbs' brigade had fallen back about a mile from Dinwiddie. The troops of Gen. Merritt were now reformed, and held a firm position on the right. The enemy, reënforced by the infantry which had driven the 5th corps, renewed the attack, but the artillery being in position, and a large force of cavalry having been rallied by Gen. Sheridan, the desperate charges of the enemy were sucessfully resisted, and they drew off to the woods. Meantime the 5th corps had been rallied, and advanced and regained the whole ground which had been lost. The divi sion of Gen. Griffin captured the earthwork from which the enemy had issued, and advanced and took a position on the White Oak road, east of Five Forks. At the same time the 1st and 3d divisions of the 2d corps, next on the right, advanced, and a hot engagement with the enemy ensued. The latter resisted stubbornly, but at length withdrew, and the whole corps advanced three-fourths of a mile, captur ing about one hundred and fifty prisoners. The two divisions of the 24th corps were on the right of the 2d, and were thrown forward so as to cooperate with the general advance. The enemy had thus foiled the plans of the day; but owing to the strong force and the skilful handling of the numerous batteries in the field works he had been checked in turn, and forced to retire. At night the Federal right had advanced a few hundred yards from its position in the morning, and the left reached to the White Oak road, three-fourths of a mile from Five Forks, which was to the westward, and three miles from the intersection of the White Oak road with the Boydton road. The White Oak road from the extreme spot occupied, was held about one mile eastward. From that point the line ran in an irregular and semi-circular form to the 2d corps. The Union loss of the day was between 2,500 and 3,000; that of the enemy was less. Many prisoners were taken on both sides. On the next day, Saturday, April 1st, the contest for the possession of Richmond was virtually decided. During the night Gen. Grant had placed the 5th corps, Gen. Warren, under the command of Gen. Sheridan. All night the troops had been busy throwing up works, corduroying roads, and bringing up trains. At 4 A. M. the enemy made an attack on Foster's division of the 24th corps. It had been expected, but they came so suddenly that the troops broke to the rear, and left them to raise their flag on the parapet. The troops were soon aroused and drove back the enemy. About fifty prisoners were captured on each side. This was followed by the roar of musketry and a cannonade all along the centre and right of the line. This soon quieted down. The command of Gen. Sheridan was now about 30,000 men, consisting of nearly four divisions of cavalry and three of infantry, and double the force which the enemy were able to concentrate against him. At the same time the army threatened the whole length of the extended line from Dinwiddie to Petersburg. The plan of operations by Gen. Sheridan appears to have been to break through the enemy's line in such a manner as to enclose Five Forks and its garrison, and to capture them. At daybreak the cavalry advanced under Gens. Custar and Devens, slowly driving the enemy toward the left of his works on the White Oak road. These divisions were dismounted, and fought with carbines, while the brigades of Gens. Gregg and Mackenzie remained in the saddle, so as to flank the enemy quickly. Thus the troops worked steadily up or all sides tc the intrenchments of the enemy, who fell slowly back to their main position, delivering a most destructive fire. Thus Gen. Sheridan got a force well on the enemy's flank and rear, while the rest of the troops pressed slowly upon the front of his works. An attack was now to be made by the whole force, and about 3 P. M. the 5th corps was ordered forward to support the cavalry. It marched from its position, and was halted obliquely to the White Oak road. It was then swung round on its left wing as a pivot by advancing the centre and right. This brought it on one flank of the enemy, while the cavalry pressed the other. The enemy were pressed back slowly, and becoming aware of their dangerous position, a most deadly contest ensued for two hours. Being strongly intrenched, and having a battery in position, they raked the troops of Sheridan with a terrific fire. Several times his men, appalled by the slaughter, staggered back from the intrenchments; but by turns he urged, cheered, and drove them until the enemy were nearly surrounded on all sides and exhausted. With his ranks reduced and wearied, and seeing it to be useless to try longer to check the desperate onsets, the enemy rushed to the rear through the only outlet left for him. Sheridan, with overwhelming forces, pressed upon him, and a further bloody contest ensued. At 7 P. M. the battle was over. The cavalry divisions of Gens. Custar and Mackenzie pursued and picked up many stragglers and fugitives. About four thousand prisoners were captured, several cannon, an ambulance and baggage train, several thousand muskets, and many flags. Sheridan's loss was estimated at not far from three thousand, while that the enemy was as large, besides the prisoners. During the day the 2d corps had been making a general advance, engaged constantly with the enemy, and extending so as to connect with the 5th, and be ready to support them near the White Oak road. The 6th and 9th corps had not been engaged; but in order to coöperate in a manner with Sheridan, a general cannonade was opened along the front at 10 P. M. Enlivened by the news of Sheridan's success, the troops made it one of the hottest during the siege of Petersburg. During the day Gen. Warren was removed from the command of the 5th corps, and Gen. Griffin took his place. At 4 A. M. on the next day, Sunday, April 2d, an assault all along the line by the 2d, 6th, 9th, 24th, and 25th corps commenced. The divisions of Gens. Turner and Foster, of the 24th corps, were brought up on both sides of Hatcher's Run in support of the 6th corps, and charged with it. The enemy opened a destructive fire while the troops were massing, and continued with such severity as often to check the advance. The 6th corps carried the two forts in its front, and the 3d division, under Gen. Seymour, after a severe fight, broke through to the Southside Railroad, and, commenced to tear it up. The 24th corps, between the 6th and 2d, had been equally successful. The right division of the 2d corps and the two divisions of the 24th, captured one thousand prisoners and many guns, and carried the works up to the railroad. The 9th corps advanced simultaneously with the 6th, and after the severest fighting on the field, captured Fort Mahone, which covered the Jerusalem plank road. But the position was too important to be lost, and the enemy charged in turn to retake it, and were nearly successful, when, by the approach of the 6th corps on the left, he was once more driven back. The following telegraphic despatches relate the progress of the day: CITY POINT, VA., April 2-2 P. M. Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War: At 10:45 A. M. Gen. Grant telegraphs as follows: "Every thing has been carried from the left of the 9th corps. The 6th corps alone captured more than three thousand prisoners. The 2d and 24th corps captured forts, guns, and prisoners from the enemy, but I cannot tell the numbers. "We are now closing around the works of the line immediately enveloping Petersburg. All looks remarkably well. I have not yet heard from Sheridan. His headquarters have been moved up to Banks' House, near the Boydton road, about three miles southwest of Petersburg.' A. LINCOLN. SECOND DESPATCH. CITY POINT, VA., April 2-8:30 P. M. Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War: At 4:30 P. M. to-day Gen. Grant telegraphed as follows: "We are now up, and have a continuous line of troops, and in a few hours will be intrenched from the Appomattox, below Petersburg, to the river above. The whole captures since the army started out will not amount to less than twelve thousand men, and probably fifty pieces of artillery. I do not know the number of men and guns accurately, however. "A portion of Foster's division, 24th corps, made a most gallant charge this afternoon, and captured a very important fort from the enemy, with its entire garrison. "All seems well with us, and every thing is quiet just now." A. LINCOLN. During the afternoon of the same day Gen. Lee, finding his army no longer able to maintain its position, gave orders for the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg. This was accomplished during the night. This evacuation was early discovered by the troops before those cities. As they advanced to take possession of Petersburg, the Mayor of the city appeared with the following communication: To Lieut.-Gen. Grant, commanding the armies of the United States, or the Major-General commanding United States forces in front of Petersburg. GENERAL: The city of Petersburg having been evacuated by the Confederate troops, we, a committee authorized by the Common Council, do hereby surrender the city to the United States forces, with a request for the protection of the persons and property of its inhabitants. We are, respectfully, your obedient servants, W. W. TOWNES, Mayor. D'ARCY PAUL, CHARLES F. COLLIERS. Seldom was a city occupied by a besieging army with less disorder or damage to private property. A writer who was present says: "The citizens did not show themselves during the fore part of the day, but after discovering that our soldiers were orderly and well-behaved, with no disposition to disturb any one, they began to make their appearance at the doors and windows of their residences, and later in the day even entering familiarly into conversation, many of them expressing their joy quietly that the Confeds had gone, and hoping that the war would soon be over. For more than a month past rebel troops have been receiving less rations than ever before, only just enough being brought in to last from day to day. The citi zens say they have suffered much, but it is well to take such stories with a good deal of allowance. The rebels managed to get away all their artillery, excepting one or two old Columbiads and a few heavy mortars, which they could not transport readily. The city presents a very cleanly and respectable appearance, and there are many residences here that would do no discredit to Fifth avenue, New York. Many of the houses in the lower part of the city have been badly injured by the shot and shell thrown from our batteries last summer, and since that time most of the houses located there have been vacant." The occupation of Richmond is thus described: WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, To Major-General Dix: General Weitzel learned, at 3 o'clock on the morn ing of Monday, that Richmond was being evacuated, and at daylight moved forward, first taking care to give his men breakfast, in the expectation that they might have to fight. He met no opposition, and on entering the city was greeted with hearty welcome from the mass of the people. The Mayor went out to meet him and to surrender the city, but missed him on the road. Gen. Weitzel found much suffering and por erty among the population. The rich as well as the poor are destitute of food. He is about to issue supplies to all who take the oath. The inhabitants now number about twenty thousand, half of them of African descent. fore leaving. It is all in his house, where I am now It is not true that Jeff. Davis sold his furniture bewriting. He left at 7 P. M. by the Danville Railroad. All the members of Congress escaped. Hunter has gone home. Gov. Smith went with the army. Judge Campbell remains here." Gen. Weitzel took here one thousand prisoners, besides the wounded. These number five thousand, in nine hospitals. He captured cannon to the num ber of at least five hundred pieces. Five thousand muskets have been found in one lot. Thirty locomotives and three hundred cars are found here. The Petersburg railroad bridge is totally destroyed; that of the Danville road partially, so that connection with Petersburg is not easily made. All the rebel vessels are destroyed except an unfinished ram, which has her machinery in her perfect. The Tredegar Works are unharmed, and the machinery was taken to-day under Gen. Weitzel's orders. Libby Prison and Castle Thunder have also escaped the fire, and are filled have fled, especially John Mitchell. The Whig apwith rebel prisoners of war. peared yesterday as a Union paper, with the name of the former proprietor at the head. The theatre opens here to-night. Gen. Weitzel describes the reception of the President yesterday as enthusiastic in the extreme. Most of the editors The fire in the city commenced in the Shoekoe warehouse, filled with tobacco, as well as the large granary establishment on Carey Street near Twenty-third Street. It was very destructive, consuming quite one-third of the city; and in addition to destroying the War Department, the General Post-office, the Treasury building, several churches, and many stores, likewise destroyed the offices of the Richmond Enquirer, Dispatch, and Examiner; the Virginia Bank, the Farmers' Bank, and the Bank of Richmond. On arriving in the city Gen. Weitzel, through his Adjutant-General, Major D. D. Wheeler, issued the following order: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT ARMY OF THE JAMES, Major-Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, commanding detachment of the Army of the James, announces the occupation of the city of Richmond by the armies of the United States, under command of Lieut. Gen. Grant. The people of Richmond are assured that we come to restore to them the blessings of peace, prosperity, and freedom, under the flag of the Union. The citizens of Richmond are requested to remain for the present quietly within their houses, and to avoid all public assemblages or meetings in the public streets. An efficient provost-guard will immediately reestablish order and tranquillity within the city. Martial law is, for the present, proclaimed. Brig.-Gen. George F. Shipley, U. S. volunteers, is hereby appointed Military Governor of Richmond. Lieut.-Col. Frederick L. Manning, Provost Marshal General, Army of the James, will act as Provost Maring guard duty in the city will report to him for instructions. By command of Major-Gen. Weitzel, shal of Richmond. Commanders of detachments do D. D. WHEELER, Ass't Adj.-Gen. Brig.-Gen. G. F. Shepley having been announced as Military Governor of Richmond, issued the following order: HEADQUARTERS MILITARY GOVERNOR OF RICHMOND, RICHMOND, VA., April 3, 1865. 1. The armies of the rebellion having abandoned their effort to enslave the people of Virginia, have endeavored to destroy by fire the capital, which they could not longer occupy by their arms. Lieut--Col. Manning, Provost Marshal General of the Army of the James and Provost Marshal of Richmond, will immediately send a sufficient detachment of the provost guard to arrest, if possible, the progress of the flames. The fire department of the city of Richmond, and all the citizens interested in the preservation of their beautiful city, will immediately report to him for duty, and render every possible assistance in staying the progress of the conflagration. The first duty of the armies of the Union will be to save the city doomed to destruction by the armies of the rebellion. 2. No person will leave the city of Richmond with out a pass from the office of the Provost Marshal. 3. Any citizen, soldier, or any person whatever, who shall hereafter plunder, destroy, or remove any public or private property, of any description whatever, will be arrested and summarily punished. 4. The soldiers of the command will abstain from any offensive or insulting words or gestures toward the citizens. 5. No treasonable or offensive expressions insulting to the flag, the cause, or the armies of the Union, will hereafter be allowed. 6. For an exposition of their rights, duties, and privileges, the citizens of Richmond are respectfully referred to the proclamations of the President of the United States in relation to the existing rebellion. 7. All persons having in their possession or under their control any property whatever of the so-called Confederate States, or of any officer thereof, or the records or archives of any public officer whatever, will immediately report the same to Col. Manning, Provost Marshal. In conclusion, the citizens of Richmond are assured that, with the restoration of the flag of the Union, they may expect the restoration of that peace, pros perity, and happiness which they enjoyed under the Union of which that flag is the glorious symbol. G. F. SHEPLEY, Brig.-Gen. U. S. Volunteers, and Military Governor of Richmond. General Order No. 2. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY GOVERNOR OF RICHMOND, No officer or soldier will enter or search any private dwelling, or remove any property therefrom, without a written order from the headquarters of the Commanding General, the Military Governor, or the Provost Marshal General. Any officer or soldier, with or without such order, entering any private dwelling, will give his name, rank, and regiment. Any officer or soldier entering a private dwelling without such authority, or failing to give his name, rank, or regiment, or reporting the same incorrectly, will be liable to immediate and summary punishment. GEO. F. SHEPLEY, Brig.-Gen. U. S. Volunteers, and Military The following details were written by a correspondent at the time of the occupation: "The works in front of Richmond, which were wholly evacuated previous to our occupancy of the city to-day under Gen. Weitzel, consist of three strong lines, wholly enveloping it. The outer ones are continuous lines, the inner one consisting of a series of strong redoubts and bastion forts. All these works mount upwards of three taken, and would, when properly garrisoned, hundred heavy guns, all of which we have form an almost impregnable series of defences. As I rode along these lines they seemed, with the exception of the outer one, to have been most indifferently garrisoned; and but for the facility with which they could be reënforced at any time by bringing troops up the Petersburg road and crossing them on pontoons, the lines could have been carried by assault. "The route which I pursued on entering the capital was that by the Osborn and Richmond pike, which leads in a nearly north and south direction, and quite parallel to the James River. After passing our picket line, the first work encountered was Fort Field, forming a part of the exterior line of defence. This work, which is a very strong one in itself, is surrounded by three lines of abatis and one of torpedoes. The torpedoes were carefully removed by the advanced guard of Weitzel. These lines of torpedoes were marked out by small flags for safety to the rebels, which flags they neglected to remove in their hasty flight. The camps were left entire -tents standing and furniture within. After passing this line we came upon the second line, which was equally as strong as the first, excepting as to abatis and torpedoes. The third line is just outside the edge of the town, is situated on high ground, and is well adapted to satisfy the conditions of defence. Each of the detached works forming this line sweep a portion of the line in front of it by its fire, and rendering that front line untenable when reached. These works, like the others, mount heavy guns, many of which were navy guns, probably captured at Norfolk in the early part of the war. Communication between these works and those on the other side of the river was maintained by four bridges, some of which were pontoon and some pile, in addition to the three railroad bridges at and in Richmond. "The evacuation of the works and city was not generally understood by the troops and people till Sunday afternoon. The necessity of the movement was rendered imperative by Gen. Grant's successes on the left. At half-past three o'clock yesterday afternoon, Jeff. Davis, while in church, received a despatch from Gen. Lee, that immediate preparations must be made to evacuate Richmond and its defences at once, as he was wholly unable to make further headway against Grant's onset on the left. He added that his (Lee's) design was to endeavor to make Danville, and there fortify for a last grand stand. "Davis left this city last night at eight o'clock by rail for Danville, his family having been sent out five days ago. On the train he had horses and carriages embarked, in case the road was interrupted, in order to easily make his way by these means. Governor Smith did not evacuate the Gubernatorial mansion until one o'clock this morning, when he fled, leaving Mrs. Smith behind, and all the furniture in his house, which he had heretofore threatened to burn. The residence of the Governor is now the headquarters of General Charles Devens, commanding a division in the 24th corps, now here. Mrs. General R. E. Lee, wife of the General-inChief, is also in the city." The operations of Gen. Sheridan on the 2d, consisted in efforts to push the advantages thus far gained by him. On the 3d his object was to intercept the retreat of the enemy. The advance of the cavalry consisted of Custar's division. At Namozine Creek the rear guard of the enemy was found strongly intrenched behind earthworks covering the crossing. The bridge had been destroyed and trees felled across the road leading down to it. A section of artillery was opened in front, while the cavalry forded the stream and flanked the enemy's position. After a short skirmish the enemy retreated, leaving their path strewn with wagons, ambulances, dead and wounded horses and mules, caissons, boxes of ammunition, mess utensils, arms, accoutrements, blankets, &c. The enemy were overtaken beyond Namozine Church, and prisoners, horses, and arms were captured in abundance. A harassing pursuit was now kept up for twenty miles, during which about 350 prisoners, four cannon, two flags, and several ammunition wagons were captured. Night put a stop to its progress. Early on the next morning, Tuesday, April 4th, the pursuit was resumed, with Mackenzie's division in front and Custar's in the rear. The enemy were overtaken in the afternoon, and found posted with infantry and artillery in works about two miles from Bethany. Skirmishing began at once, and continued until dark, when the troops encamped, waiting for the rest of the column. Soon after 11 P. M. the cavalry were aroused and marched all night, reaching Jettersville about 6 o'clock in the morning, and there found the 5th corps, well intrenched across the railroad from Richmond ' to Danville. The 5th corps had started in pursuit, soon after the cavalry, on the 3d, under Sheridan's command. They arrived in sight of the Appomattox about 2 P. M. Thence it turned to the left without crossing the river, and moved along the Namozine road behind the cav alry, marching through Amelia County and crossing both Deep and Namozine Creeks. The distance made was sixteen miles, which ended in blocking the trains in the miry roads. Few peo ple were to be seen, except those who had been slaves, many of whom followed the column. The march on the next day, Tuesday the 4th, was twenty miles, and brought the corps to Jetters ville, where it was massed across the railroad in an open field. In the rear of the 5th corps followed the 2d, and in the rear of the 2d was the 6th. These two corps were under Gen. Meade on the river or Namozine road, but did not start until the 4th. After a long march the 2d reached Jettersville at 2 P. M. on the next day after the 5th. When the cavalry reached Jettersville on the morning of the 6th, it was understood that Gen. Lee in his retreat from Richmond had got as far as Amelia Court House, while the Union troops were beginning to assemble at Jettersville. This place is on the railroad, about halfway between Burkesville and Amelia CourtHouse, and fifty-four miles southwest of Richmond. Amelia Court-House is on the same railroad, about forty-seven miles from Richmond. The cavalry division of Gen. Custar was immediately posted on the left of the 5th corps, and the 1st and Mackenzie's division still further to the left. At the same time Gen. Davies' brigade of Gen. Crooks' division was sent toward Burkes ville, to seize that station and ascertain the state of affairs in that direction. At Burkes ville is the junction of the Richmond and Danville Railroad with the Southside Railroad from Petersburg, and fifty-two miles west of the latter place. Gen. Davies came upon the cavalry of the enemy at Fame's cross-roads, and attacking them, captured a large number of prisoners, 5 new Armstrong guns and caissons, and about 200 wagons, mostly empty, and 7 or 8 battle-flags. An infantry force then came to the support of the cavalry, and Gen. Davies was forced to retire with his prisoners, after burning the wagons. At 3 P. M. Gen. Sheridan learning this news, and finding the condition of the enemy, sent the following despatch to Gen. Grant: JETTERSVILLE, April 5-8 P. M. To Lieut.-Gen. U. S. Grant: GENERAL:-I send you the enclosed letter, which will give you an idea of the condition of the enemy and their whereabouts. I sent Gen. Davies' brigade at Fame's cross-roads five pieces of artillery, about this morning around on my left flank. He captured two hundred wagons, and eight or nine battle flags, and a number of prisoners. The 2d army corps is |