We were soon formed in column by brigade, with our brigade in front. Company D, now the brigade sharpshooters, were deployed in front. At the order, our three brigades sprang forward to the charge at a right shoulder shift; the sharpshooters opened a rapid fire that was so well directed, that their guns were used with very poor effect. Without a stop the first fort was reached, and after ten or fifteen minutes of desperate resistance was ours. The second one then fell with scarce a struggle. The roar of battle was now heard along the whole line, the enemy fighting bravely behind their works; but at the close of that Sabbath evening we knew that the strength of the Rebellion was broken. During the night Petersburg and Richmond was evacuated, and the Rebel army in rapid retreat towards Danville. Early in the morning we were in pursuit, taking the road towards Burkesville, along the South Side road. Gen. Ord being in command of our portion of the army. We marched to Burkesville, arriving there at 11 o’clock on the night of the 5th, being square on Lee’s flank, who was to the north of us and on the road towards Farmville. The army was completely jaded, having been on the march since early morning, and rest was imperatively demanded. The General, however, called for two picked regiments to go out and destroy the bridges that cross the Appomattox, near Farmville, and thus cut off the enemy’s retreat in that direction. The 123d Ohio and 54th Pennsylvania were selected, and with a squadron of the 4th Massachusetts cavalry, the whole under command of Gen. Theodore Read, at once started. They met the head of Lee’s army near the point designated, and at once bravely attacked them. Col. Kellogg was in command of the infantry, Gen. Read being away with the cavalry on a reconnaissance. Deploying a heavy line of skirmishers, we stubbornly maintained our position, though against a largely superior force. After having repulsed them several times, Gen. Read, knowing we could not long withstand their rapidly increasing force, resolved to charge with his little band of cavalry, and endeavor to cut his way through to the main army. Gallantly that squadron rode to the assault, many of them destined never again to hear the bugle’s call. The brave Read was killed, and eleven officers of his staff and cavalry killed or wounded. None of them succeeded in getting through, nor did any of them return to us. Still we held our ground, and as the Rebels marched out beyond our flanks, more men were deployed, until finally, both regiments were a mere skirmish line. For several hours this unequal contest was waged, till at last the boys began to get out of ammunition, and very soon that cry became general.