Petersburg

A city of Dinwiddie Co., Va., on the south bank of the Appomattox River, about 25 miles from Richmond. The city is one of historic interest. It was twice occupied by the British forces as headquarters during the Revolutionary war; but it is principally noted as the scene of several sanguinary encounters during the civil war, and for the obstinate and bloody defense which it made. On June 15-16, 1864, two formidable a aults were made on it by the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant, but they were repulsed with heavy lo . It was then determined to invest the city, which was done a few days later. On July 30, another attempt was made to take it by storm, but without succe . The siege was prolonged with many indecisive operations until April 3, 1865, after a week’s bombardment it was evacuated by Gen. Lee, who surrendered six days later.