Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.
[SOPO Editor’s Note: Portions of this article have been removed when they didn’t pertain to the Siege of Petersburg.]
THE WAR NEWS.
As usual of late, there were rumours afloat yesterday that had better not be repeated.
A gentleman who left Charles City county yesterday morning, brought to the city the report that Grant was landing forces at Wilcox’s wharf.
Other parties, who reached the city last evening, stated that a large number of transports, laden with troops, passed down the river during the day.
Upon these reports a rumour was soon in circulation that Grant was withdrawing from Petersburg and crossing to the north bank of the James.
Up to seven o’clock, P. M., no official intelligence of such a movement had been received at headquarters.
FROM PETERSBURG.
We have a strange and not disagreeable piece of news from Petersburg. From three o’clock, P. M., on Thursday, until half past four yesterday evening Grant did not throw a single shell into the city. All Thursday night and yesterday the ancient city was as quiet as a village church-yard. The Sabbath stillness was broken only by the occasional boom of a cannon on some distant part of the lines. This sudden cessation of the useless and barbarous bombardment has inclined some to give credit to the report of Grant’s removal to the North side.
FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.
We hear nothing more from the Yankee force which were reported to have disembarked at the White House on Thursday. We should be inclined to believe that this force was a raiding party, but for two facts: we have nothing worth making an expedition against from that quarter; and the enemy’s cavalry are in no condition for a raid.—Sheridan and Wilson have had enough of raiding for a long time to come.
The losses they sustained at Trevillian’s, Nance’s shop, Staunton river, Sappony, Reams’ and Stony creek, cannot be repaired directly. Besides, if the men, material and horses were already replaced, Grant is apt to think twice before he sends out another freeboating expedition. The prestige of the once terrible Yankee raiders is broken. The Virginia militia whip them. The raiders are demoralized.1
Source:
- “The War News.” Richmond Examiner. July 9, 1864, p. 1 col. 1 ↩