From the Petersburg lines.
[Correspondence of the Richmond Daily Dispatch.] Petersburg, Va., March 22, 1865.
All is now quiet along the lines.
Yesterday evening for a while there was quite an artillery duel, in which, however, but little damage was done.
Only one or two shots were fired into the city, and they without effect.
Consolidation is about to prove a reality with us, and no longer a subject of doubtful discussion.
Great doubt is entertained as to the justness of the treatment of those efficient officers who have been so fortunate as to fall into the hands of the enemy, and who are not yet exchanged.
I see from the papers that recruiting offices are already open for the reception of "colored volunteers" in your city.
Not to discuss the subject of placing in service the negro, I desire to state the fact that even now, after all the arrangements that have been "talked of," but not "acted upon," by Congress, there are connected with every division of this army numbers of stout, able bodied men, detailed as teamsters, blacksmiths, etc., etc., whose places might easily be supplied by negroes.
This is a fact worthy the consideration of those who desire to place the negro where he can most successfully aid in prosecuting the war. I only advert the fact. A. T.
