Huron, George A., 1838-1927 [Letter of 7th Indiana soldier regarding the Crater Affair and Us Colored Troops casualties]

Fighting at Petersburg, destruction of an Confederate fort, discussion of black troops. "Saturday morning we blew up a rebel fort in front of Petersburg and immediately opened with mortars and artillery along our entire line, for a few hours the artillery made a continous roar. The explosion of the fort was terrific, men and rubbish were blown into the air a hundred feet high, many men were buried in the ruins and doubtless smothered, Part of the 9th Corps charged the fort and captured it The rebels attempted to retake it and were repulsed repeatedly. We only occupied a portion of the enemys works and found it impossible to take their second line. About one o'clock the enemy opened from both flanks with mortars and artillery and at the same time a heavy column charged in front forcing us to fall back to the original line, and leave killed and wounded on the field between the lines, The rebels refused to allow us to bring in the wounded and bury our dead, and had refused to recognize three flags of truce on yesterday. I hear that another flag was sent over today but have not learned whether anything was affected or not. I have heard no estimate of our loss and of course that of the enemy is unknown, The 28th. Colored Regiment, from Indiana, lost heavily, only four officers not harmed." Written to his wife.