Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.
THE SITUATION AT PETERSBURG.
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The Petersburg papers of yesterday have nothing of interest. Monday, like Sunday, was one of more than usual quiet. At 1, P.M., heavy cannonading opened on our left, and continued for some ten or fifteen minutes, when it entirely ceased, and all became still again. The only items of interest we gather from the Petersburg papers are the following:
During Monday the pickets on either side did not fire, but seemed to have mutually agreed to a discontinuance of this barbarous practice.
The enemy’s wagon trains moving about Battery No. 5 and other batteries in the vicinity were distinctly visible Monday from several elevated positions in the city. It is thought that he is making some alterations in the vicinity of No. 5, but what these alterations are, cannot be definitely ascertained from the distance at which his movements are viewed.
Monday, afternoon, about 2 o’clock, there was heavy cannonading on our centre, and upon inquiry we ascertained that it was a demonstration of the enemy, but for what object no one [illegible] could divine.
It was reported late Sunday evening that the enemy were burning surplus baggage on our extreme right, and making such movements as impressed upon the minds of those in the vicinity that he was about to contract his lines, by withdrawing his left flank from the Southern railroad. The heavy loss to which he has been subjected in this locality recently by the indomitable Mahone gave an air of plausibility to the rumour, but it was believed yesterday that he was still there, and that, too, in considerable force.
It is reported that the enemy have repaired the Norfolk railroad, and are now operating it to within two or three miles of Petersburg.1
Source:
- “The Situation at Petersburg.” Richmond Examiner. June 29, 1864, p. 2 col. 5 ↩