THE BATTLE OF THE PETERSBURG CRATER.

THE CONFEDRATE LINE AS RECONSTRUCTED AT THE CRATER.

charge, and had they been supported, even at that late hour in the day, there would have been a possibility of success ; but when they fell back and broke up in disorder, it was the closing scene of the tragedy. The rout of the colored troops was followed up by a feeble attack from the enemy, more in the way of a reconnoissance than a charge ; but the attack was repulsed by the troops in the crater and in the intrenchments connected therewith, and the Confederates retired.

It was now evident that the enemy did not fear a demonstration f rom any other quarter, as they began to collect their troops for a decisive assault. On observing this I left the crater and reported to General Ledlie, whom I found seated in a bomb-proof with General Ferrerns ought to be devised for withdrawing the mass of men from the crater without exposing them to the terrific fire which was kept up by the enemy ; that if some shovels and picks could be found, the men in an hour could open a covered way by which they could be withdrawn ; that the enemy was making every preparation for a determined assault on the crater, and, disorganized as the troops were, they could make no permanent resistance. Not an implement of any kind could be found; indeed, the proposition was received with disfavor. Matters remained in statu quo until about 2 P. M., when the enemy's anticipated assault was made.

About 9 : 30 A. M. General Meade had given positive or der s to have the troops withdrawn from the crater: To have done so under the severe fire of