The New York Herald Newspaper, April 5, 1865, Page 1

__ WHOLE NO. 10,446. THE END. Our Details of the Decisive Contest of Sunday, WHAT GRANT HAS ACCOMPLISHED The Destruction of Lee’s Army. Twenty-five Thousand Rebels Taken Prisoners. Fifteen Thousand Rebels Killed and Wounded. One or Two Hundred Largo Guns Captured. Twenty-eight Locomotives, Forty-four Passenger Cars and One Hun- dred and Six Freight Cars Found in Richmond. THE PURSUIT OF THE ROUTED REBELS MORE PRISONERS TAKEN. The Rebel Line of Retreat Strewn wita Artil- lery, Ammunition, Wagons and Caissons, THE REBEL GENERAL A. P. HILL KILLED, The Union Losses in the Campaign Less Than Seven Thousand, Another Herald Correspondent Wounded. The Capture of Lee’s Head- quarters. OCCUPATION OF PETERSBURG. ITS ENORMOUS DEFENCES. THE REBEL RAMS BLOWN UP. ZATS DEO. THE OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. : Secretary Stanton to General Dix. ‘Wasmxaron, April 4—11 4. M. Major General Dix, New Yor'ke:— The following particulars, dated at City Point, April 4, height o'clock A M., give the latest information re- @eived from Richmond:. General Weitzel telegraphs from Richmond that of gailroad stock he found there twenty-eight locomotives, Gorty-four passenger and bagzage cars, and one hundred end six freight care. At half-past three o’clock this morning General Grant, from Sutherland station, ten miles from Petersburg, towards Burkesville, telegraphs as follows:— General Sheridan picked up twelve hundred prisoners to-day, and from three to five hupdred nore have been gathered by our troopa. The majority of the arms that ‘were left in the hands of Lee’s army are now scattered between Richmond and where his troops now are. ‘The country is alsv fuk of stragglcrs. The line of re- (weat is marked with artillery, ammunition, burned or @harred wagons, caissons, ambulances, &c. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Geeretary Stanton’s Second Despatch. War Dararrwent, he Wasmsarox, D. C., April 4—11 P. ™. } Major General Jor A. Dix, New York:— ‘The following telogram from Genoral Grant has just reached this department. What hour to-day it left him dees not appear, but probably in the afternoon. No details of the casuaitics bave been received, but they are expected here to-morrow. ‘The statement that official information had been re- eeived of General Custer being killed is not true. Ho wes unharmed late this afternoon, . EDWIN M. BTANTON, Bocretary of War. Wits0n Station, Va, April 4, 1966, Mon. EB. M. Stanton, Secretary of War;— e ‘The army ts pushing forward in the hope of overtaking or dispersing the remainder of Lee's army, Shoridan, with his cavalry and the Fitth corps, is be- tween this and the Appomattox, General Mead, with the Brcond and Sixth, following. General Ord is following the line of the Southside Railroad. All of the enemy that retain anything like organiza. tion have gono north of the Appomattox, and aro appa. fently heading for Lynchburg. Thoir loses have been very heavy. Reumhaiagh adenine pean used as hospitals for wounded men. In every direction I hear of rebel soldiers pushing for Dome, some in large, some in amall squads, and gene- rally without arms, ‘The cavalry have pursued so closely that the enemy shave been forced to destroy probably the greater part of sheir transportation, calssons and munitions of war. ‘The numbey of prisoners captured yesterday will ex- ceed two thousand. From the 28th of March to the present time our loss, in killed, wounded and ceptared, will not, probably, reach seven thousand, of whom from one thousand five hundred to two thousand were captared, and many but slightly wounded. 1 shall continue the pursuit as long ae there appears fo de any use in it, U. & GRANT, Lieutenant General. THE HERALD DESPATCHES, Mr. Thomas M. Cook’s Despateh. Prrarspuna, Ve., April'8, 1865. Petersburg is ours, The three words tell the story. ‘With ite fall the rebel capital falls. Volumes that may be written will scarcely add to the intensity of the joy that will fill the popular heart of the North at the an- nouncement, General Grant has added a new lustre to his great fame asa military chieftain. He has bearded the lion in his den and conquered him. Lee's army has received a more terrible thrashing than it ever met with before, and is flying in scattered parte, a third of it being ‘oow prisoners in our hands, SUMMARY OF MILITARY OPERATIONS. Let me briefly summarize before proceeding to elabo- rate the details of the brilliant combinations and move- ments that have resulted so gloriously. HE BATTLES OV SUNDAY. ‘The operations of yesterday cut the rebe? army on the south of the Appomattox in twain. Tho elegant fighting of the Ninth, Sixth and Twenty-fourth corps gained for ug an entrance into and possessson of the main rebel works west of the Baxter road, leading into Petersburg, with their guns and an immense number of prisoners. Still further to the left Sheridan was operating with his grand column of cavalry, supported by the Fifth anda portion of the Second corps. The operations nearer Petersburg severed the rebel lines, leaving the forces contending against Sheridan isolated. The whole right wing of Lee’s army was thus cut off and in imminent danger of being captured bodily. Vigorous pushing gained for us numbers of prisoners, but, for reasons set forth in the despatches of your correspondents with that part of the army, the main force managed to withdraw in the direction of the Upper Appomattox. THE STAMPEDE. Pressfig our advantages on the right, we were rapidly doubling the rebel lines up when night interposed, giving them an opportunity of withdrawing, which they did, leaving their guns, tents and works as they had used and occupied them, excepting such as we had previously cap- tured; and the road was left open for our advance into the city, which was made at half-past four o'clock this morning by Colonel Ralph Ely’s Second brigade of Bre- vet Major General Orlando B. Willcox’s First division of the Ninth corps, Major General Parke commanding. The First Michigan sharpehooters are the undisputed claim- ants of the honor of the first entry into the city. TE victory. At this wfiting it is impossible to give anything like accurate reports of the result of the success. Up to last evening twelve thousand five hundred prisoners had been reported at general headquarters. It is but a small estimate to suppose that ten thousand were added to the momber during the night and this morning—making twenty-five thousand in all. One hundred pieces of artil- Jery, including siege guns of all calibres, in the works aboutthe city, will be nd mean item in the grand result. Small arms by the tens of thousands we have. Immense warehouses filled with all manner of army stores still re- main unharmed in Petersburg. Battle flags, army wagons, camp and garrison equipage, horses, mules, &¢., beyond estimate are included in tho captures. The re- Dellion loses, also, by this signal victory, the further services of such men as General A. P. Hill and Colonel Pegram, both killed in action, and a host of officers of lesser note. The casualties among their officers has been fearfully disproportionate to those among their men; an indication, at least, of the rapidly increasing demoraliza- tion of their army, requiring) unusual exposure by their officers to keep them up to the fighting spirit. CHARACTER OF THE MIGHTING. The fighting that has won us this signal victory has been vastly different from that which has hitherto cha- racterized the conflicts between these two armies. It has not been the steady, organized, determined, un- yielding, deadly struggle of Chancellorsville, or Gettys- burg, or the Wilderness. The slain are not numbered by scores of thousands, The hospitals are not overrun with torn and bleeding patienta. Many good men have fallen, and the hospitals contain numbers of brave men wounded; but not to exceed twelve or fifteen thousand, if eo many, have been disabled. I doubt whether the mamber will exceed ton thousand. Such, then, being the general character and result of the glorious affair, doubtless the reader will bo interested in reading the story more in detail. OPERATIONS IVMEDIATELY BRPORR PETERSUURG. The operations up to Saturday night have already been given in full. Sunday morning's battle has been briefly alluded to, The full operations of that day are given by the Hanaxpy’s corps of correspondents—each from his own standpoint. It was my fortune to be with the right of our line, where the Ninth corps was posted in the old works of the Army of the Potomac. The work as- signed to this corps in the original plen of the move- ment was simply to hold this line while the rest of the army moved out on the left to draw Lee out of his works orturn his flank. The movement succeeded in both objects, and hence the magnitude of our victory. ‘THE NINTH CORPS. The line Seld by the Ninth corps extended from the Appomattox to the Weldon Railroad, a distance of fully five miles, confronted at all points by the strongest works of the rebols, mounted with their heaviest artil- lery. These are the opposing lines, the extending and strengthening and perfecting of which have occupied the two armies since early last summer. They are what an officer yesterday aptly termed ‘‘the bloody linea,” Be- tween them have been fought all the battles that have occurred in front of Petersburg. ‘WE .LOOX's LINES. The First division of the Ninth corps, under command of Brevet Major General Orlando B. Willcox, held the extreme right, baviug as its particular territory the line from the Appomattox to Fort Emory, just wost of the Baxter road, something over two miles in extent. To this portion of the line I attached myself, and the im- Portant operations here effected I will relate. 4 DEMONFTRATION. At midnight on Saturday Genoral Willcox received or- ders to make @ demonstration on hie extreme right, in order to draw as many of the rebelaas possible in that direction, and thus assist the attacks that had beon planned for the following morning. The demonstration was made with great earnestness atthe same time that Admiral Porter was hammering away with his gunboats up the James river, All th Mery on that part of the line was ordered into play, and the skirmish line in front of Ely’s brigade was advanced. The moon was yet shin- ing and the night was perfectly clear; so that the attack was distinctly witnessed from the bluffs in the rear. The men moved forward steadily, and soon the sharp volleys of musketry indicated their approach to the rebel lines; the artillery on the heights behind them fired more briskly, the s! hricking through the air over their heads. Then the rebel batteries opened, and a most in- fernal din was awakened to disturb the placid stillness of the midnight. Amid the noise and smoke the skir- mishers kept steadily on, meeting with so little opposi- tion that they were enabled to cross tho rebel lines, enter their works, capture pris»ners in number greater than thoir own, and finally advanced into the outakirte of the town, where they met a strong body of rebels coming out to reinforce the portion of the line that had just been cap- sored, A brisk engagement was fought her), within the Mmite of the city; but our smumbere wore NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1865. so small that we were compelled to withdraw, ‘and reluctantly fell back to our own lines, Had the troops been at hand to reinforce this movement, instead of being simply a demonstration it could easily have been turned into an actual attack, and would have given us then the whole left of the rebel line of works and cut them off from Petersburg entirely. General Willcox was very anxious to so change the character of the affair; but ‘at the critical moment he recerved orders to attack at the earliest dawn of morning on his left, so that he could do nothing more at thistime. The success of this demon- stration gave rise to the report, which was sent away yes- terday morning, that we had possession of Petersburg. In the movement we lost a few men only, among them Lieutenant Colonel Nichols, of the First Michigan sharp- shooters, seriously wounded. One effect of the movement ‘was most excellent, Leo had mobilized so lange ® por- tion of his army against Sheridan that there was merely ‘® picket line left here. The demonstration compelled ‘him to recall some of the troops that had been sent else- ‘where, in order that he should not be flanked here. AN BARWEST ATTACE. 80 soon as this affair was over Willcox began massing his few available men for the appointed attack on the left. This was to bes combined and determined attack om the rebel front 80 far as our troops, properly formed, Could attack. The object was twofold:—First, by # more earnest demonstration to recalla greater portion of the rebels who were massed on their. extreme right; and wecond, if possible, to foree their lines, ‘PORT MANONE. The part of the attack assigned to General Willcox was tocarry Fort Mahone, one of the most formidable works ‘on the rebel lines, situated at the point where their line crosses the Jerusalem plank road and directly in front of Fort Emory, where the left. of Willoox’s division rested. For this purpose the first brigade, Colonel Samuel Harri- man, of the Thirty-seventh Wisconsin, was brought around from the right of the line and put into position, supported by a brigade of Potter's division of the same corps. While this was being done similar dispositions ‘were making further to the left, and a system of ¢annon signals had been agreed upon to fix the moment of start- tng, that all hands might assault simultaneously. DARKNESS. At precisely four o’clock the signal gun was heard. It was yet scarcely gray dawn and a considerable mist hung over the fields, so that objects were quite indistinct at a very short distance and not visible at all a few hun. dred yards away. From this cause the preparations made had been wholly secreted from theenemy. The signal gun, breaking the stillness of the early morning, may possibly have been an alarm of danger to them; but, as they knew not whence to look, they doubtless eimply remained very quiet. _ ‘THE ASSAULT. Colonel Harriman advanced at once. A small detach- ment of his brigade was thrown out in advance as skir- mishers, while the rest followed close after in line of battle with fixed bayonets. The men moved very quietly and in perfect order, though manifesting an eagerness of spirit that was an assurance of succeas. That they went to stay was indicated by their being accompanied by a detachment of one hundred men of tho First Connecticut heavy artillery, prepared to turn and work upon the rebels the guns that should be captured, They passed out into the darkness and all was still. A painful season of suspense followed. Presently a musket is heard, then another, and soon a volley. They have reached the rebel picket line. Now a hearty cheer is heard, followed dy sroarof musketry. ‘The cheering and the musketry firing is taken up and rans along to the left until it is lost in the distance. The flash of the muskets disclose the positions. Instantly the artillery of both sides is at work, andtwo hundred guns belch forth their thunder tones of anger. In the roar of the artillery all other sounds are hushed or drowned. But the work is done. It was done quickly. A second cheer and a second vol- ley from our skirmishers, and the gallant Harriman gave the order, ‘‘ Charge bayonets !—doublegquiek /—cuanaE!’’ and away the noble fellows went, over breastworks, rifle pits, abbati, chevaua de frise, the parapet of tho fort, in- to the main work, and the deed is accomplished. Fora moment the thanderstruck rebels looked, and then took to flight. But our brave fellows were too close after them. They could not all escape. Two hundred and fifty in that single work were sent back as prison- ere. Nine guns also wore captured, which were quickly trained in directions opposite to whore they had been facing and set at work upon other an- noying rebel batteries. The glory of the first entrance into the work is disputed by the Twenty-seventh Michigan Volunteers and the First Connecticut heavy ar- tillery. The former had their colors with them, which were the first set upon the parapet, and hence they have the proof of priority. ‘TH MAIN REBEL. LINES SEVERED, The importance of this gallant achicvment, and those simultaneously made farther to the left, cannot be over- estimated. It rent the whole line intwo. It separated the right and left wings of their army. If evacuation had been determined upon by them, it closed the main door of escape for their right wing. Moreover, it took from them commanding positions of great importance and a large amount of valuable artillory. It was not to De supposed that they would yield points of such vital im- portance to themselves without a further effort. ‘THE REDRLS ATTEMPT TO RETAKE THE FORT. Scarcely were we quiet in possession of the fort, when the rebels, having reorganized their forces and picked up some reinforcements, came up with a determined effort to retake it. They made a most desperate assault, stagding up wmanfully against terrific discharges of grape and canister, and withering velleys of musketry; but it was all to no pur. pose. The heroic little garrison stood their ground bravely and obstinately, while the artillery of all our forts sent forth murderous assistance in rapid time, The din of the first assault was fully revived. Pandemonium ‘would be a place of rest in comparison to the unceasing roar of that artillery, the shrieking and bursting of so many shells, the yells of the rebela, the rattle of the mus- ketry, and the final cheering of our men as the rebel lines wavered, broke and finally went back indisorder Four times subsequently during the day did they attempt to retake thie position, but were each time sent back in disorder, It was in one of these assaults that the rebel General A. P. Hill lost his life, while seeking in person to lead bis men up to the works. These successive attacks and repulses consumed the entire day. Meantime, however, the Sixth and Twenty- fourth corps, having broken through the rebel lines in their front, were (swinging around to thelr rear and coming down both upon their rear and flank. It was evident then that Petersburg was lost to the rebel- Hon. If they could not retake these works where our lines were extended, how much less their chance when we were concentrating and bringing within reach a foreo #0 vastly superior to any they could possibly muster, The day was up with them, and they knew it; but now their anxiety was for night. “Oh, for night or Blacher,” they might well cry. LEE’ HEADQUARTERS CAPTURED. The movements of the Sixth corps were so rapid after breaking their lines that evon General Lee could scarcely. keep his sacred person safe, As it was his hoadquarters were overhauled and fell into our handa Itis reported that they were destroyed. ‘THE EVACUATION OF PETEREBURG ANTICIPATED. At night General Willcox issued orders to his troops to be on the alert and watch closely the operations of the rebels, It was firmly expected that they would evacuate, and it was no part of the intention to let them get away without a parting word, SUNDAY WIGHT. Throughout the early part of the night operations were confined to skirmishing, moro or less hoavy at different hours, along the entire line, The utmost vigilance was exercised, and it was confidently antici- pated that the rebels would take advantage of the dark- ness to get away. A CONFERENCE. Soon after dark General Willcox was sent for by Geno ral Parke, and remained at corps headqaarters until mid- night, in conference with his superior, TUE REBELS DEMON TRATE AT MIDNIGHT, At a fow minutes past twelve o'clock the rebels ad vanced and mado a demonstration of attack on the cen. tre of our Hues, Scattering volleys of musketry aroused tho reserser who, overcome by the faticuos of the pro- tracted day and night struggjes, could not avoid aleep- ing whenever ® joment’s opportunity presented itself, Quickly the lines in readiness and everybody at his post, Then the increased. Soon the forte openea ‘with their heavy artillery. The rebel guns responded briskly. The darkness was intense, A thick mist hung over thecountry, mixed with the amoke of the past Gay's battle, rendering it a night of horrid character. Through the thick darknoss 9 bank of Jufid light hung over the city of Petersburg, betokening destruction and ruin im progress. And amid it all the unseen attack; the roar of musketry; the thunder of artillery; the cheer- ing and shouting of the soldiers; the groping about in apprehension and fear—who can paint such scenes. ‘REPULAED. But the attack was of short duration. The brave fel- lows in the treuches know its import. They appreciated, also, how near they were to a glorious victory, and how important that they should stand their ground without wavering. And faithfully they performed their duty, sending the rebels back Dieeding, disheartened, dis- eouraged. ‘VIGILANOB. ‘Then followed ® season of anxious stillness. Not a sound disturbed the quiet of thet thick, black midnight. Mo picket fring, no signal guns, no attacks or indica- tions of attack—a terrible, momentous, threatening quiet, which only can be appreciated by those who have spent a night‘on a battle fleld. Orders were issued to the pickets to advance and keep close tothe rebel lines. Wateh them closely; give them no chance to run; when they start go after them; no matter for rest; sleep comes after the victory. Vigilance was now all-im- portant, An hour passed; everything remained quiet. At last, tired out with watching and exhausted, I threw myself down and ina moment was dreaming of a happy home ‘and dear ones far away from battle fields and scenes of blood and carnage. ‘THE JONNNTES GOING. But my dreams were of short duration. At three o'clock I was roused by a staff officer with a message from theGeneral. Our skirmishers occupied the main lines of the rebel Works, and orders were issued for an immediate advance. ‘MALY-PAST THREB O'CLOCK, MONDAY, 4. M.—PETERSBURG, At half-past three horses were saddled, coffee swal- lowed and away to Petersburg. FOUR 0’OLOCK—PETERSBURG OCCUPIED. At four o’clock Colonel Ely reported his brigade in Petersburg. The First Michigan sharpshooters, leading the skirmishers and pressing hard upon the rear of the rebel forces, were the first to enter the long fought for city. With cheers and shouts of triumph they entered; but the fighting was done. At every step they picked up rebels anxious to surrender, but nowhere found any willing to fight. Petersburg was ours—won by hard fighting and determined bravery. Ifthere be any confederacy left its people may seek to give the impression that they evacuated the city voluntarily. A more complete driving out was never accomplished. A victory more signal and indisputable has not been gained in this war. 4 GLORIOUS CORPS. ‘The Ninth corps has made a reputation in this grand success sufficiont, had it never before achieved distinc- tion, to place it among the most gallant corps of the United States army. Left alone to hold the old lines that formerly had been garrisoned by the whole of the Army of the Potomac, it not only held them securely, but ad- ‘vanced against the main rebel lines, piercing them in several places, capturing and holding several forts and a score of guns, with a large number of prisoners, holding their advantages and contributing to a very large-extent to the glorious achievement that has crowned the united efforts of the whole army. ‘Fit WORK ACCOMPLISHED BY THR FIRST DIVINION. ‘The first division alone, under General Willcox, in their operations of yesterday, not only held the extended line of two miles and over against all attacks, but themselves attacked the strongest positions on the rebel lines, cap- turing two forte, mine guns, nearly a thousand prisoners, several flags, &c., and all with a loss to themselves of but about two hundred men. And now they add to their record the capture of the rest.of the rebel lines, guns, tents, prisoners innumerable, and finally the city of Pe- teraburg. Glory enough for one division. GENERAL W100 was in the field throughout the whole affair, ap.» -« the operations of the division, as the result demonstrates, with great judgment and ability. His men have be- haved with a gallantry that iseeldom equalled. Whether attacking or defending, they always presented the samo determined front, never finching, however fierec the danger. COLONEL MARRMLAN, of the First brigade, was particularly noticeable for his gallantry in the assault and defence of Fort Mahone. This affair exhibited great genius and skfll, as well as gallantry in the manner in which it was socomplished, and should win for the able officer that conducted it a speedy promotion, whieh he well merita. FORT EMORY. The guns of Fort Emory, in our line, direstly opposite Fort Mahone, contributed very materially to the suc- cons. This fort was garrisoned by Companff M, of the First Connecticut’ heavy artillery, Captain Faxen com- manding, and its battery of thirty-pounder Parrott’s was served most efficiently. CasvALTins, Among the casualties during the day were the follow- ing :— Pescomon ‘M. Gowan, 48th Pennsyivania, killed. salitevet Major Genera Poter, Beoond division, wounded, *rjeutanamt Colonel Nichols, let Michigan sharpsboot- "ean Ey Ballad Se Wacom onus capita De Lana Leutenant Oslopel sive roth Obi. tht . Heer hoy Ag he Captain Richard Wi ‘TRE WORK ON THB LEFT. 1 woald not have the impression obtain from anything that I have written above that the other two divisions of the Ninth corps have lacked in gallantry or enthusiastic co-operation im the great events tescribed. It is sufli- cient for me to write what I have seen. Other corres- pondents were sentto the lines, more to the left, who will doubtless do justice to the gallant men who thero performed equally heroic deeds. THE FORTIFICATIONS ARD INTRENGHMENTS AnOUT rieTERs- BuRO. My route from Fort Amory into the city of Petersburg was by the Baxter road, and led directly across the forti- fications of both armies. A more difficult ride it was never my fortune to attempt—covered ways, rifle pits, chevaus- defriae breastworks, breastworks chevaus-defrise, rifle pits and covered ways, ditches that could ‘be leaped, and ditches wide and deep, paraliols and cross sections, gbatia and entanglements of every description—the exhaustion of engineering skill. An jemtanglement of digging, such as never before was seen, covered the greater part of the distance. For a breadth of more than a mile the country is literally all dug over, Every manner of earthwortk has been thrown up by ether army. Corrections of tho lines, alterations, changos and perfections have kept the armies busy for & year, It is impossible to describe this vast network of intrenchments from the hasty glance I had in riding through and over them, or to describe them in mere words, The civilian cannot better understand than by coneciving @ vast aystem of sunken roads sufficient to manq@uvre armies of a hundred thousand men, without exposing any above the level of the ground. This is one foature of those extensive works, to which must be added the high and strong breastworks, ranning in zigzag courses, With batteries and redoubts interspersed; and then the advanced piexet lines, with the various sunken paths of Communication; and behind all the chain of strong forts, with wide and deop ditches, fringed with chev-aus-de-frise, the same fas in front of all the other works. EQUEPTRIANISM UNDER DIPFICUT TIRE. Had not the infantry preceded mo, and by clambering over and through these works broken down tho slopox, and filled in ditches in places, it would have beon utterly impossible for me to get through on horseback, As it waa the task was not an easy one, and the appearance presented by the rider must have beon somewhat of an improvement on the celebrated illustrations of the fanous John Gilpin’s noted ride, At times it required | doeperato clinging to the animal's mane to avold alippiug off backwards, and again the eruppor required to be @rong to prevent more rapid head»ay tiea the horee | was making, Now and then a vigorous spurring would THE NEW YORK HERALD. PRICE FOUR CENTS. produce an unsurpassed leap that would clear a ditch im- passable im any other way. And so by most remarkable engineering and unequalled horsemanship, although the dangers encountered were frightful, I succeeded in get- ting safely through the labarynth, and had the honor to be the first Yankeo civilian to enter the city. as the Lower bridge, had evidently been the last used by the rebels, and was but just fired. Presuming upon my recognised authority as an officer of high degree, I sent the negroes off after the engines, and very soon had a first class fire brigade improvised and at work extinguish- ing the flames. Transferring my authority to a white man, who represented himself to be @ fireman and seemed willing} to work, 1 left the scene to make other observations, Let me pause here for a little time while the victori- ous Army of the Potomac is marching into Petersburg, ‘and describe the final dispersion of Lee’s grand army. STRENGTH OF THE ARMY DEVENDING PETERSBURG. At the commencement of General Grant’s operations on this line five days ago the rebels had a force at their command defending Petersburg variously estimated at from sixty to seventy-five thousand men. The defence of Petersburg was the defence of Richmond. If one fell the other was certain to fall. Hence every available man was brought to confront Grant. Of this boasted army of veteran troops, the last hope of the rebellion, not less than twenty-five thousand have fatlen into our hands as prisoners of war. These have ‘been captured on the battle field as the fruit of severe fighting. Twelve thousand and five hundred of them had been delivered at City Point and disposed of up to last evening. So rapidly were they received that troops could not be spared to guard them all, and Admiral Porter volunteered the services of his sailors and marines for that duty; and the gallant tars of the Monitors (the depth of water not permitting them to get up to Richmond) thus found an opportunity of par- ticlpating in the great final struggle of the war. ‘THE KILLED AND WOUNDED. Thave no data upon which to base an estimate of the casualties in the rebel ranks, but on every hand they are reported to be very heavy. Ordinarily thirty-three and a third per cent is a fair average of losses in a general engagement of any magnitude. But let it be supposed that, because of the lack of spirit in the rebel ranks, which caused them to shrink from the fight and not stand up so bravely as on former occasions, their losses were small. Make them but twenty-five percent. That gives from fifteen to eighteen thousand killed and wounded—say fifteen thousand, which, added to the twenty-five thousand captured, makes forty thousand, more than half the entire army, at the maximum cati+ mate of its strength, or three-fourths at the minimum estimate. WHERE ARE THE RAST? ’ These estimates leave from fifteen to thirty thousand men of the Petersburg rebel army yet alive and at large. Add to this say ten thousand occupying the defences of Richmond, making from twenty-five to forty thousand, the sole survivors of the grand army of Northern Vir- ginia. These are divided into not less than four distinct fugitive bands, each seeking safety for itself alone, with no settled purpose or plan of junction, and no rest af- forded them by their unrelenting pursuers to form plans. HOW THE REBELS GOT AWAY. Sheridan’s succeas at the Five Forks on Saturday cut Lee’s right wing off, sinco which time it has not been heard of. Doubtless it was then understood by them that defeat meant abandonment of the Petersburg and Richmond lines, and rightly considering Sheridan's flank movement a virtual defeat, these fellows made off with all haste. Their disappearance has been considered s ‘wystery up to this time, the rebels themselves supposing them captured entire. ‘The vigorous push by the Ninth, Sixth and Twenty- fourth corps yesterday morning, penetrating and piero- ing the rebel lines, caused another separation of their forces, cutting off a second large body. Of the flight of these we have some trace. <A portion of them started for the Appomattox, and succeeded in crossing that stream by means of a pontoon train ata point some ten or fifteen miles above Petersburg, while the rest, being hard pressed, could not get acroas, and fled up the river on {ts southern bank. Sheridan is still pursuing and pushing them, capturing more prisoners at every step. A third detachment, consisting of those who held, or sought to hold, the works immediately in front of Peters- burg, escaped through that city. ‘The fourth detachment, those in the defences of Rich- mond, are also fugitives, it now being known that that place is evacuated. ‘WHERE HAVE THEY GONE? Thus we have the grand arnty roduced by its many battles paigns to but sixty or seventy-five thou- sand number again reduced in the final strug- gle to twenty or thirty thousapd, or, including the Rith- mond detachment, not in the battle, to from twenty-five to forty thousand; and these again separated by the chances of battle into four distinct squads, each sepa- rately put to crip i -eog pursued. Thus the rebel army of virginia is in reality de- stroyed. The general pres icp th flight of cach squad is towards the Danville Railroad. they have a plan of forming a juncttion at jon or Burksvitle, But the pian will be frustrated. Neither of the fragmenta will be permitted to halt at any point Jong tnough for another to find it, They are on the run, fairly put to flight, and Sheridantg magnificent cavalry, ‘with the elated, victorious Army of the Potomac, are on their heals, picking up additional prisoners by hundreds and thousandsalmost at every turn. A more complete destruction of an army was never known. Even Waterloo, when the facts are learned, will be found net to surpass it. The fugitive character of this once mag- nificent army is attested by the multitude of ite numbers found in Petersburg, hid away im houses, barne and other places of concealmeng, anxious to give themselves up as prisoners rather than stand a long and hopeless pursuit, Itia further attested by their leaving behind them their arfillery, tenta and all impedimenta; and by the roads lined with their cast off guns and accoutre- menta. Goodby to the rebel army of Northern Vir- ginta It hasbeen anoble army, worthy of a better eause and a more honorable death. THE OCCUPATION OF PETERSBURG. When Ely's brigade entered the city daylight had not yet dawned. Socing that the rebels would not fight, and that but a scattered few remained in it of them, when the outskirts of the town were reached the firing ceased, and the troops made a dash in, and-captured the most of the small skirmieh line that had been falling back before them. They then had undisputed possession of the city, ‘and at half-past four o'clock Colonel Ely so reported it to General Willcom. At that hour your correspondent rode in. THK NEGROM. ‘Tho streets at first seemed deserted, but the cheers of the excited soldiers, as they marched through the town, s00n brought out swarms of negroes—men, women and children—who manifested their gladness by every con- cetvable demonstration, Aprons, handkerchiefs, sheets, table cloths, anything that was or ever had been white, were waved by these overjoyed people, either as tokens of amity and submission, or in welcome, it was hard to determine which. They bowed and soraped, danced, shouted and sung hymns, swung their bats and turbans, laughed and cried, and acted altogether very much like people crazy with joy. ‘‘Hreas de good Jesus do Yankees hab come;” “Tank de Lord you's all here,’ “Press de Lord, we's been lookin’ for you dere many days; “Glad to ree you all; we like you a heap better'n we duzde rebela’"’ These and many eimilar expressions met us on all hands, while the friendly salitations and greetings were #0 numerous that we wearied of returning them. Your correspondent, being the firet mounted man in town, was looked upon as some high military dignity, and received moro than his share of these hospitable demonstrations. One old negro woman insisted on kiesing my hand, while any number of mothers presented their babies for a distinguished touch, It was somewhat embarrassing, as well as a little annoying, to be compelled to explain at overy street cor. ner that I was no very groat personage after all, DRATRUCTION OF BRIDGAR—AN IMPROVINRD FIND MRIGADE, Entering at the upper end of the main street of the town, I forced my way along a most beautiful avenue, lined at first with elegant dwellings, and lowerdown with blocks of stores that would not look mean In Broadway, to th: Richmond rajiroad (e) ot on the river, at the lower end of the street. Turning ‘o the right on Water street, and goirg one block, I entered a street leading to the river, acrusa which at this point were a wagon enger br the principal railroad bridge. er had t oughly destroyed. Ite d been blown down with powder, aud the sup strvetore birned, The wooden passenger brid-w knows A BRIDGE POR GOTTEN. Just below this point was another railroad bridge—a temporary affair, built by the military authorities for our own accommodation—but as the track across it oommu- nicates with all the railroads centering 1n Petersburg, it 4s an important etructure for us. This bridge the rebels had forgotten or neglected to destroy. It was just as good as ever it was. THE CAMPBELL RIDGE, crossing the river at the upper end of the town, was wholly destroyed. DESTRUCTION OF RAILROAD FROPERTY. Most of the railroad property in the city was destroyed. The depots were not fired, but the rolling stock that could not be got away was burned. How much de- struction this entailed in the limited time alloted me I could not ascertaip. BURIED, From many citizens of the town I learned that the dense volumes of smoke that have hung over the city since yesterday morning were caused by the destruction of tobacco stored here, It is estimated that five thou- sand hogsheads of the weed have been consumed. There are gtill, however, large quantitics remaining uninjured. COMMISRARY STORKS. T was told that thero were immense stores of all kinds of provisions for the army in the city. These were stored in buildings in the heart of the city, the destruc- tion of which would have entailed the probable total de- struction of the town, so that, on the protest of the citizens, they were left unconsumed. THE WORK OF OUR SHELIS. I had much curios'ty to see the effect of the numerous shellings to which the town had been subjected, and rode through that portion of the city most exposed. certainly wonderful that so little damage had been done. Nearly every other building in some localities had been struck; but, with the exception of now and then a chira- ney knocked down, or a hole through the building that a few dollars would repair, the injuries were scarcely per- ceptible. localities, and was told that they had been there through- out all the seige. But few people either had been killed by the cannonading in the town, cited, but they numbered in all less than a score. Tt was I found the people living in the exposed Bome sad cases were THE TOWN ALIVE. By six o'clock the town was quite awake and alive. Troops were pouring in from all directions, shouting, singing and cheering, but otherwise preserving the most orderly and commendable bearing. gling, no pillaging, no destruction of property or intra sion of private residences, Guards were stationod thickly in all directions with imperative orders to keep the sol- diers out of all buildings, public or priv: all property from destruction. ing themselves in large numbers upon the door stops, ip. the doors and at the windows of the houses, ‘ndicating that but few, if any, had run away, while most of them manifested in the expression of their faces a gladness at our arrival, Wherever I conversed with any of them 3 ‘There was no strag- , and protect The citizens wero show. found the first thought to be for something to oat, They seemed to be starved out. While there was plenty of food for the army it had been carefully hoarded, and the resident population left to shift for themecives as best they could. Doubtless it was on this account more than any other that th y were so pleased w sce us, and #0 ready to abandon the rebel cause. THR BUSINESS STREETS. On tho main business etreets there was every appear. rance of thrift. Though the stores were not generally opened at so early an hour in tho morning, I noticed here and there, where shutters were down, considerable stocks of goods, while all the busincss portion of the town bad ® commercial look. ue, General Lee was in Petersburg up to last night, super- intending the with:irawal of his troops, but was careful not to say in what direction he was going. When asked by some citizens if they had better go to Richmond, he told them that that would do no good, as Richmond was also being evacuated. He acknowledged his inatility to hold Virginia any longer, and seemed very mucb depressed. FUNERAL OF GENERAL A. PF. HILL. The funeral of G-neral A. P. Hill, whose death I have mentioned, was attended with military honors just pre- vious to the evacuation, General Lee and other distin- guished officers being present. He was buned in the City Cemetery on the day of his death, the circumstances bot permitting the retention of his remains longer. DEMERUCTION OF KRBEL VEER. All the vessels in the river here, and someon the ways, said to have been intended for gunboats or rams, were destroyed before the evacuation. At a very early hour this morning, just before our: advanced on the city, we wero startled by several flstifict explosions, 80 violent as fairly to shake the ground. These explosions were supposed to be in Petersburg; but I have just Joarned tliat they were caused by the blowing up of the bel vessels in the Jamos, below Richmond. Everything, therefore, is destroyed, even to the rebellion. Laus Deo, The end is near at hand. Bam off for City Point, and must close hastily. THE NEWS AT CITY POINT. Cort Pour, April 3—9 A. ML T have Just arrived here from Petersburg, and bave had the pleasure of giving the first detailed news from Peters- burg to the President, whom I met with Admiral Porter at General Grant's headquarters. PREAIDENT LIN@OLN’S JOR. When asked where I came from, and replying Peters burg, the President very dryly asked if I saw anybody thereI knew. The joke was scarcely perceptible, but still, under the circuinstances it will do. A CONTERT POR GLORY. Admiral Porter claims Petersburg as his vie- tory. The President asked him how that could be, “Why,” said Porter, “my Monitors ap the river the other nivht scared the rebels away. Diino" they tell you so In Petersburg?” to me. 1 was forced to reply that I hadn’t heard exactly that remark. “Well,” conunued the Admiral, “Mrs, Grant says 1 ean have Petersburg for my vietery if I won't claim Rich- mond, and I think I had better accept the torms, or Grant will have all the honors.” The President sug- gested that thero was glory enough for all, and certainly all seem to be full of it, from highest to lowest, as this brief colloquy indicated, THR PRESIDENT GOING TO PETERAnURG, Tho President ie just starting on @ special train for Petersburg. He expects to meet Grant thers, but Grant js with his army in pursuit of Lee, and, though eagerly and curiously looked for by the Petersburg people, he will not stop to show himeelf anywhere uutil he bags what is left of 1 ‘sarmy. THE PLRET MOVING UP TIT PIYER, Admiral Porter has ordered mich of his vorsels as cary go to feel! their way up to Richmond and open the river. The Monitors cannot go on account of the shallowness of tho water, but fhe double endera will be able vo got through. There is no doubt entertained here of tho evacuation of Richmond, though no intelligence has yet been received from that direction. nas, Everybody hero is crazy over the news of the morn. ing. Flags are displayed everywhere, and preparations making for a grand salute. Mr. 8. Cadw jer's Despatch. Jannatr’s Hore, Perens una, Va, “pr 3-8 ACM. ‘THE SURREWDER OF PETER Tru RG. The city of Potorsburg is ours. Ely's brigade of the Ninth army corps are reported as the first to have entered the town, The civil authorities formally surrendered it to Brigadior General Edwards, of the Sixth corps, at a quar- ter-past alx A. M. of the Appomattox during the afternoon and night of yesterday. to atores during tho might, bat there was no penerad or ¥ befor 7 tive ¢ * | hawk Leo's army was all withdrawn north The enemy burned and destroyed a few holesale destruction Of property dix ernable either ince our occupation of the place. Hoe aleo Aired tab! s, hate, &¢., immediately on Uo north so river, fronting the eity, and will probably CONTINUED OM FIFfH PAGR