TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 21 AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1888 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 I / THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF TILE SECRETARY OF WART BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF Lieni Col. HENRY M. LAZELLE, Twenty-third U. S. Infantry. PURSUANT TO ACTS OF CONGRESS. SERIES IVOLUME XXL WASHINGTON: GOVERN3fENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1888 Page R002 ,4 ~~6 C c0i?rUl L ~ ~ k LI~? \.~.i ~ Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress n?ade an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confed- erate, Armies, and dii:ected him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not heretofore copied or printed, and j)roperly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such I)reparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Con- federate) of the XVar of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number, 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments. * This compilation will be the first general publication of the militai-y records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. * Volumes I to V distributed under act approved June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distributed as fcllows: Oii~thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be Bent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty- seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the pub- lication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how runny volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizaUons, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. lIe shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. II Page R004 lv PREFACE. The publication will present the records in th~ following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the correspond- ence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be4 arranged according to the campaigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be imme~ diately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspondence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political l)risoners. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the Generabin-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the national and the several State authorities The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lieut. (Jot. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, & cretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXIII. Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West V~lrginia, Maryland, and Peansyl vania. November 15, 1862January 25, 18(13 .. . . 11152 (v Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADDITIONS AND CORRY& TIONS TO SERIES IVOLUME XXI. (To be inserted in the volume. ]~or expi anation see G-eneral Index volume, Serial ~o. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHED UNDER THE I)IRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTH, CHIRP OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, A NI) MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 19Q2 Page A002 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS~ TEXT. Page 83. Halleck to Burnside, December i, 1862, insert [November] in date line after December. Page 480. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, Vol. 51, Part z, p. 172. Page 535. Newtons report, last paragraph, third line, for New York read Neze Jersey. Page 545. Foot-note, for p. 325 read p. 326. Page 704. For John F. Wool, signature, read Robt. C Schenek. Page 772. Wright to Cox, strike out XLI * et and rainy, also * foot-note. NoTE.XLI is cipher word for Wright. Page 835. Special Orders, for No. 360 read No. 380. Page 920. For Don,, Piatt, signature, read Win. 1). Whz7ple. Page 931. Second Division, First Brigade, for Gapt. T. 211. Anderson read Maj. Richard S. Smith ,* and add foot-note, ~5Also in command of the regiment, for Ma]. W. Williams read Capt. John D. 0 Gonnel4 Second Brigade, for z7th and s9th United States, Maj. G. L. Andrews, read z~th United States, ist Battalion, Gapt. John P. Wales, and s9th United States (s company), Gapt. Edmund L. Smith. Page 932. Fourth line, top, for 5th United States, Battery F, Lieut. H. L. Gansevoort, read ist United States, Batteries F and G, (apt. Alanson 21/. Randol. Page 1007. Halleck to Franklin, second line, insert * after Fredericksburg and add foot-note, * See Series I, Vol. 51, Part z, p. 1Q19. Page I 123. In running headline, for (onfederate read Union. Page 112S. For Walkers reginient rea(l Walkers battalion, for Letchers read Letcher; for (ook read (~ooke; for Morans read Maurin s. Page 1136. For Egdells read Edgells. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and corrections to the text should be consulted. Anderson, Thomas M., [931].* Andrews, George I,., [9311 * Anslin/z [Anshultz], Lee. Army Headquarters. correspondence with Schenck, Robert c., Wool, John E., [70.1] * Orders, Special, series 1862: No. 350 [360]. Ball, Alfred [A. M.]. Barrett, William F. [T.]. Briscoc, James [Joseph] c. Brodnax [Broadnax], William E. ~alioo [cahoc], James. caldwell, A. Harper [Telegraph Operator]. caldwell, Samuel, 415 [4-14]. cavada, Adolph F. [A.]. chapin, Frederick A. charlestown, XV. Va. Reconnaissances to, Dcc. 25, 1862. communi- cat)ons from 1?. C. Schenek [John B. Wool]. (lark [clarke], T. a. Clement [clements], Oscar H. De Bevoise [Bevoise], William H. [de]. Dessauer, Francis A. [F.]. Fisenbise [Fiseubice], B. W. H. Freeman, George W~ [Gausevoort, H. I,., 932.]* Gleason [Gleeson], John H. Greeuhalgh, J. B., 375 [372]. Ilanilin, A ngns/ns [H.] c. Harris, William N. [H.]. Hooper, I. [J.] harris. Howard, henry, jr. huff, George IV. finnIler [hiuntly], S. S. King, Josias [Jonas] R. Klelser, Alfred [Albert] von. Latrobe, Osmnn [Osman]. Lee, John Al. [(Lieutenant)]. Lee, Robert F,. correspondence with Pryor, Roger A., 1032 [io~i]. Leopold, Andrew T Liutou, John P., 8o6 [Linton, captain, Sofi]. McCrickett, M.J. [ ]. McGruder, Z. c. [correspondence with Samuel Magaw, 856.] McGruder, Z. S. Co, respondence wi/I, Samnel Magaw, 856. Mar/en [Martin], B. T. Page A003 3 ADDITIO1~TS AND CORRECTIONS. Max-ye, L. S. Megraw [Magraw], David W. OConnell, John D. Mentioned, 931 [Williams, W., 931]. * ONeil [ONeill], Joseph. Peil/z [Pieltz] Charles H. [N.]. Peirce, Luther H., 8~o [Peirce, John 0., 840]. Pendleton [Pendelton], James M. Pet-nfl, Walter [William] S. Pryor, Roger A. Correspondence with Lee, Robert E., 1032 [1031]. Rogers, Isaac [J.]. Samuels, H.J. [I.]. Scheuck, Robert C. Correspondence with Army Headquarters, 704.* Scofield, James K. [C.]. Smith, Edmund L., 931.* Smith, Joseph 5., 224 [Smith, J. C., 224]. Smith, Richard S., 931.* Smith, Walter W Stiles, Joseph [Mr.]. Stinson, HarryM. [H. N.]. Strang, Edward [Edwin] J. Summat, George J. [S.]. Tucker, J. G. Union Troops. Artillery, LightRegiments: ist (Batteries), E and C, 9?2.* 5th (Batteries), [E, 932] .* Wales, John P., 931.* Watkins, Thomas [XV.] H. West, Preston C. F., 72, 517, 766 [West, P. C. F., 72, 517, 766]. Willco~r [Wilcox], William H. Wool, John E. Correspondence with Army Headquarters, [704] .* Woo/ton [Wooten], F. Wright, Horatio 0. Mentioned, 772. Page A004 I.: Special Index Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER I Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, 1861... 1317 CHAPTER IL The secession of Georgia. January 326, 1861. 318325 CHAPTER IlL The secession of Alabamaand Mississippi. January 420, 1861 326330 CHAPTER IV. Op. ons in Florida. January 6-August 3 , 861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu. nary 9May 20, 1861 . 474-488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10 February 19, 1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1June 11, 1861 502636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Tern. tory, and Missouri. February 7-MayO, 1861 637891 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page. )erations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31,1861.. 11012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missourl, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10November 19, 1861.. 1749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XL Page. CHAPTER XLII. Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South. Arizona. June 11, 1861February 1, 1862. 1174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861Jaun- CHAPTER XIL ary 11, 1862 566-721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 175565 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West VirginIa. August 1,1861March 17, 1862. 11106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operations on the ooasts of SouthCarolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. August 21, 1861April 11, 1862 Page. CHAPTER XVI. - Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Al- abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou. 1433 isiana. September 1, 1861May 12, 1862. 436894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page~ __ rations in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabana, and S. W. yirginia. Nov. 19, 1861Mar. 4,1862. 1946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1851April 10, 1862. 1834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operationsin Southeastern Virginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and uary 11March 17, 1862 171 Arizona. February 1September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 . . - 481-730 Operations in North Carolina. January 11August 20, 1862 72480 I VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and 8oathwest Virginia. March 4Juno 10, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 1-1073 Pars IlReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTRR XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, ani Maryland. March 17-September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part lIReports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest, April 16-November 20, 1862 1981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVL Page~. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863 11025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Operations in West Florida, Southern AlabamaSouthern Mississippi (embracing all operations against Vicksbnrg, May 18-July 27, 1862), and Louisiana, May 12, 1862May 14, 1863; and oper. ations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, September2Q, 1862-May 14, 1863 1-113 Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. Ix VOLUME XVI. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-1168 Part INCorrespondence, etc . . .. . 1-1017 VOLUME XVII. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-807 Part NICorrespondence, etc 1-91& VOLUMEX VIII. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862-June 3,1863 11104 VOLUME XIX. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Novem.- ber 14, 1862. Page. Part IReports, September 320 11108 Part lIReports, September 20-November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3-No-rem. her 14 173w VOLUME XX. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. November 1, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1997 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 151 Page R010 Page 1 1 CHAPTER XXXIII. OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, WEST VIR GINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA. November 15, 1862January 25, 1863. SUMMAZR~Y OF TELE~ PRINCIPAL EYENTS.* Nov. 15, 1862.Action at Warrenton, or Sulphur Springs, Va. Skirmish on the Gnyandotte, W. Va. 16, 1862.Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Center Grand Division, Army of the Potomac.t Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Left Grand Division, Army of the Potomac. Maj. Gen. William F. Smith, U. S. Army, assnmes command of the. Sixth Army Corps. Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Fifth Army Corps. Affair at United States Ford, Va. Skirmish at Chester Gap, Va. 17, 1862.Skirmish at Falmouth, Va. 19, 1862.Skirmish at Philomont, Va. 20, 1~2.Brig. Gen. John II. Martindale, U. S. Army, assumes command as Military Governor of the District of Columbia. 21, 1862. Surrender of Fredericksburg, Va., demanded. 22, 1862.Skirmish near Ilalltown, W. Va. Skirmish near Winchester, Va. 24, 1862.Skirmish at Newtown, XV. Va. 2425, 1862.Expedition from Sharpsburg, Md., to Shepherdstown, W. Va., and skirmishes. 2430, 1862.Expedition from Summerville to Cold Knob Mountain, W. Va., and skirmish (26th) at Lewis Mill, ou Sinking Creek. 25, 1862.Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Traus-Alleghany, or Western, Department of Virginia. Raid on Poolesville, Md. 26. 1862.Reconnaissance from Eolivar Heights to Charlestown, XV. Va., and skirmish at Cockralls Mill. 28, 186~.Affair near Hartwood Church, Va. * Of some of the minor conflicts noted no circumstantial reports are on file. The Right, Center, and Left Grand Divisions were constituted November 14,1862, to be commanded by Sumner, Hooker, and Franklin. See Series I, Vol. XIX, Part II, p. 583. 1RRVOLXXI (1 Page 2 2 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LCIIAI. XXXJiI. Nov. 2830, l862.Reconnaissauce from Chantilly to Snickcr~ Ferry and Berryville, Va., and skirmishes. Dec. 1, l862.Reconnaissance to Grove Church, near Hartwood, Va. Skirmish at Romney, W. Va. 1 4, 1862.Expedition to Westmoreland County, Va. - 110, 1862.Expedition toward Logan Court-House, W. Va. 2, 1862.Skirmish at Leeds Ferry, Ilappahannock River, Va. Capture of Union pickets near Dumfries, Va. 2 6, l862.Reconnaissance from Bolivar Heights to Winchester, Va., and skir- mishes at Charlestown, Berryville, etc. 3, 1862.Skirmish at Moorefield, W. Va. 4, l862.Eugagement on the Rappahanuock River, Va. 9, 1862.Brig. Gen. Julius Stahel, U. S. Army, temporarily iii command of ]3Heveuth Army Corps. 10, 1862.Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, assumes conunand of the Western Department of Virginia. 11, 1862.Skirmish at Darkesyille, W. Va. 1115, 1862.Battle of Fredericksburg, Va. 12, l862.Reconnaissancc from North Mountain to Bunker Hill, W. Va. Skirmish between Harpers Ferry and Leesburg, Va. Skirmish at Dumfries, Va. 1220, 1862.Whites operations in Loudouu County, Va., and raid (December 14) on Poolesyille, Md. 13, 1862.Skirmish at Leesburg, Va. 14, 1862.Skirmish at Waterford, Va. 16, 1862.Skirmish at Wardensville, W. Va. 19, 1862.Skirmish on the Occoquan, Va. 20, 1862.Skirmish near Occoquan, Va. Skirmish near Hailtown, XV. Va. 2022, 1862.Skirmisbes at Kellys Ford, Va. 21, 1862.Skirmish at Strasburg, Va. 2122, l862.Reconnaissauce from Potomac Creek Bridge toward Warrenton, Va. 2123, l862.Recounaissance from Stafford Court-House to Kellysvi lIe, Va. Scout to Catlctts Station and Brentsville, Va. 2~2, 1862.Maj. Gen. Robert C. Scheuck, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. John E. Wool in command of the Middle Military Depart- ment. Skirmish at XVardensville, W. Va. 25, 1862.Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Fifth Army Corps. Reconnaissance from Martinsburg to Charlestown, XV. Va. Skirmish near Warrenton, Va. 26, 1862.Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gin. Darius N. Couch in command of the Second Army Corps. 2729, 1862.Raid on Dnmfries and Fairfax Station, Va., including action at Dumfries, and skirmishes at and near Occoquan, at Fairfax Coud- House, Chautilly, Frying Pan, etc. 3031, 1862.Expedition from Falmouth to Warrenton, Va. Expedition from Potomac Creek to Richards and Ellis Foid~, Va. Jan. 2, 1863.Brig. Gen. James S. Wadsworth, U. S. Army, temporarily in com- snand of the First Army Corps. 2 5, 1863.Expedition to Moorefield and Petersburg, W. Va Page 3 OlAF. XXXIII.] ACTION AT WARRENTON, OR SULPHUR SPRiNGS, VA. 3 Jan 3, 1863.Department of the East re-established. Skirmish at Moorefield, W. Va. 4, 1863.Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds, U. S. Army, resumes command of the First Army Corps. 5, 1863.Skirmish at Cub Run, Va. Skirmish near Moorefield, NIT. Va. 810, 1863.Reconnaissances to Catletts and Rappahaunock Stations, Va., in- cluding skirmishes at Brentsville, Elk Run, etc. 9, 1863.Skirmish at Fairfax Court-House, Va. 10, 1863.Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Reserve Grand Division, Army of the Potomac. 12, 1863.Maj. Gen. John E. Wool, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the East. 16, 1863.Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Willcox in command of the Ninth Army Corps. 17, 1863.Skirmish near Newtown, W. Va. 19, 1863.Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Eleventh Army Corps. 2024, 1863.The Mud March. 22, 1863.Skirmish in Pocahontas County, W. Va. 2426, 1863.Scouts in Fauquier County, Va. 2~i, 1863.Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, ordered to relieve Major-Gen- eral Burnside in command of the Army of the Potomac, and Major-Generals Sumner and Franklin relieved from duty in that army. NOVEMBER 15, 1862.Action at Warrenton, or Sulphur Springs, Va. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Willeox, commanding Ninth Army Corps. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps. No. 3.Capt. George W. Durell, Battery D, Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 1. R~port of Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Willeox, commanding Ninth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Toward Fayetteville, one mile beyond Warrenton Springs, November 15, 18623.30 p. in. GENERAL: I have thc~ honor to report that my lines extend from Fayetteville to Warrenton Springs. The enemy opened upon General Sturgis train, as he was leaving the Springs, with two 20-pounder rifled and one gun of lighter caliber, sup- ported by a regiment of cavalry and two of infantry. General Sturgis protected his train with his batteries, but they were light compared with those of the enemy. A brisk cannonading ensued. On General Gettys coming up with his division, the enemy were seen moving their cavalry and skirmishers up the river toward the ford above Sulphur Springs. The general threw out Hawkins brigade to cover our right, and opened upon the enemy with Benjamins battery. Th Page 4 4 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIIL enemy withdrew his light gun and continued to fire for about half an hour with the 20-pounders, when we drove them off. When the enemy withdrew his forces, General Sturgis rear guard and battery proceeded to join his column. General Sturgis division is near Fayetteville, with a regiment on l)icket at Foxs Ford the intersection of the roads from Sulphur Springs, Jefferson, Fayetteville, and Bealeton. General Gettys position strikes along Great Run from Foxs Ford to within 1 mile of Sulphur Springs. General Burns division is in position on both sides of the pike at - Sulphur Springs, picketing in both directions. The euemy~s force drove in our cavalry yesterday evening from Jeffer- son. They retired in that direction to-day. I regret to add that Lieutenant Mellvain, of the Second New Jersey Battery,* was badly wounded. Loss of the enemy unknown. Very respectfully, yours, [0. B. WILLUOX.] No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, commanding Second Brigade, Sec ond Division, Ninth Army Corps. NEAR FALMOIJTII, VA., December 2, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the engagement at Warrenton Springs on the morning of the 15th of November 1862. By General Sturgis orders, I broke up camp shortly after daylight, and took up line of march toward Fayetteville, following the First Brigade of the division. Shortly after my command had passed the bridge crossing the Rappahannock, near the Springs, several shells, from a battery planted by the enemy on the hills south of the river, burst in the midst of the wagon train following my brigade. One of my regiments (the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers) was immediately ordered back to protect the train. The Fifty-first New York Volunteers and Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers were placed in support of Captain Durells battery, one section of which was put in position on the left of the road, the other two sections on the right of the road. The fire from the enemys battery was very severe, nearly every shell ex- l)loding in the train or batteries. Lieut. Howard Mcllvain, of Captain IDurells battery, was killed, while firing one of his l)ieces, by the burst- ing of a 20-pounder shell directly in front of him. I have seldom seen artillery served with such precision as were the enemys guns during this short fight. After Captain IDurells battery had been placed in position, I was left, by General Sturgis orders, in command of the field. Captain IRoemers battery (L), Second New York Artillery, reported to me, and I placed his battery in position to the left of the road, masked in a dense growth of dwarf oaks. Both batteries replied actively to the fire of the three guns of the enemy, but these three guns were not silenced until Lieutenant Benjamins battery, 20-pounder Parrotts, opened on them. During the action the cavalry of the enemy charged on the bridge, but A mistake. Lieutenant Mellvain belonged to Battery D, Penuslyvania Light Artillery Page 5 CHAP. XXXHL] ACTION AT WARRENTON, OR SULPHUR SPRINGS, VA. 5 were repulsed by a volley from two companies of the Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers, stationed there to hold it. Shortly after the silencing of the enemy~s gnus, I was relieved by General Burns, who occupied with his division the position I had held, and I resumed the march to Fay- etteville. For two hours my troops were exposed to a terrible artillery fire. They deserve great praise for the courage and steadiness exhibited in their exposed position. Captains Durell and iRoemer and the officers of their batteries behaved with great coolness and bravery throughout the action. Captain McKibbin, assistant adjutant-general, is worthy of praise for his services on the field. I inclose Captain iDurells report of the engagement. Casualties: Lient. Howard Mellvain, killed; two privates IDurells battery, wounded; two privates Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, wounded. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, EDW. FERRERO, Brigadier- General. Capt. XV. C. RAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No.3. Report of Capt. George W. Durell, Battery D, Pennsylvania Light Ar tillery. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Second Independent Battery, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the action at Warrenton Springs, Va., on the 15th of November, 1862: In pursuance to orders from division headquarters, the battery moved from its park about daylight on the morning of the 15th day of Novem- ber, 1862, and moved down the road passing the Springs, which road crosses the IRappahannock a few hundred yards below the Springs. Near the river the road turns to the left at a sharp angle; over this road the battery moved, being in rear of the division and immediately in advance of the wagon train. A very short time after turning this angle our attention was directed to our cavalry skirmishing on the hills beyond the river, who retreated as soon as the division moved on. Their retreat was followed almost simultaneously with the bursting of a shell among the train, which was now passing around the angle of the road, followed by many more shells in quick succession. The left section of the bat- tery was ordered into position immediately, and very soon thereafter the remaining two sections were put in position. The battery was ex- I)osed to a very heavy fire for over an hour, holding their position until the train had passed, when, being relieved by Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, they rejoined the division. Oasualties.Early in the engagement Junior First Licut. Howard Mcllvain was wounded by a shell from a 20-pounder Parrott gun, and died from effects of wounds at 8 oclock same evening. Private Henry Ives, arm badly shattered by a shell; arm amputated on the ground. All which is respectfully submitted. GEORGE W. DURELL, Captain, Commanding Battery. Brig. Gen. E. FERRERO, Commanding Second Brigdde Page 6 6 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. NOVEMBER 16, 1862.Affair at United States Ford, Va. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. George D. Bayard, U. S. Army. No. 2.Maj. Otto Harhaus, Second New York Cavalry. No. 3.Lient. Col. William Irvine, Tenth New York Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. George D. Bayard, U. S. Army. IRAPPAHANNOCK STATION, November 16, 1862. GENERAL: The rebel cavalry from Falmouth surprised Captain Peck and his company, who were sent to picket Richards and United States Fords. A sergeant and 4 men have returned. The captain also es- caped. I will arrest him for gross carelessness when he comes in. The river is fordable all along toward Falmouth. Probably some 18 or 20 men were capti~ired, with their arms and everything. I will send you Major ilarhans report of this if you wish. GEO. D. BAYARD, Major.General BURNSIDE. . Brigadier. General. No. 2. Report of Maj. Otto Harhaus, Second New York Cavalry. MORRISYILLE, November 16, [1862.] GENERAL: I have just received information that Captain Peck, of the Tenth New York, with the greater part of his command, has been surprised by the rebel cavalry coming in the direction from Falmouth, and that the captain and about 24 men of his company are missing. This command consisted of 29 meii, besides the captain, and only 5 men and 7 horses have returned. The force which attacked them is said to have been at least 100 strong. One of the sergeants who was with Cap- tain Peck is the bearer of this, and will furnish you all the information you may desire. I have strengthened the pickets at Ellis, Barnetts, and Kempers Falls Fords since the re-enforcements have arrived, and have picketed the road leading to Falmouth with one company and a lialf, and pick- eted also the road leading in the direction of Catletts Station. Captain Ordner has returned from his scout, and found nothing, but learned that the river was fordable at a good many places, which it would be impossible for us to guard. While writing this, 1 sergeant and 4 men of Captain Pecks com- mand have arrived an to-night. , d informed me that the captain would be here I have the honor, general, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, OTTO HARHAUS, Major, Harris Light Cavalry. General BAYARD Page 7 CHAP. XXX1II.] EXPEDITION TO SIIEPHERDSTOWN, W. VA., ETC. 7 No. 3. Report of Lieut. Col. Willia~n Irvine, Tenth New York Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS TENTH INEW YORK CAVALRY, Rappahannock, November 16, 18627 p. m. GENERAL: of ny (II), last Sergeant Reynolds, Captain Pecks compa sent to Morrisville, to report to Major ilarhaus for picket duty, has just come into camp, and reports that Captain Peck, with 14 men, posted at the United States Ford, 12 miles below Morrisville, better known as the Gold Mines, was attacked about 1 p. m. to-day by about 100 rebel cavalry from this side the river, who attacked Captain Pecks party in their rear. Captain Peck rallied his men, after being fired on, and made a stand, fired his carbines, then fell back a few rods, on the rebels advancing, and emptied his revolvers. By that time the party was nearly surrounded, the captains horse shot under him, and the party undertook to cut their way through the rebel lines to the rear. Five of the men succeeded in doing so, and brought away 7 horses. Cap- tain Peck escaped into the woods, and, the sergeant thinks, succeeded in escaping. The sergeant and 4 men were chased and fired on for 2 miles toward Morrisville, when the rebels gave up the chase. Nine men are missing, and 7 horses. Two horses were shot, including the captains. Whether any men were killed the sergeant cannot tell. He has no idea where the rebels came from, but knows they did not cross at that ford. Captain Pecks rear guard was but a little way off, and the attack was a surprise. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM IRVINE, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Tenth New York Cavalry. General BAYARD. NOVEMBER 2425, 1862.Expedition from Sharpsburgq Md., to Shep. herdstown, W. Va., and skirmishes. Report of Col. Silas Colgrove, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, command ing brigade. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, Sharpsburg, Md., November 25, 1862. Having been informed by Adjutant-General Scott that you desired, if possible, that the band of guerrillas, under the command of the noto- rious Burke, should be captured, on the 24th I planned an expedition tQ cross the river at night and surround the house (in Shepherdstown) where the band made their headquarters. Through Messrs. Chapline and Grant I had made myself thoroughly acquainted with the place. I detailed Captain Cogswell, of the Second Massachusetts, and 75 men for the expedition, who were accompanied by Adjutant General Scott and three trusty guides. The party crossed the river about 1 mile above Shepherdstown, in boats, at lOp. m. By a circuitous route they gained the rear of the town, and surrounded the house and captured the whole party, except one, who was absent. Burke himself undertook to make his escape, but was fired upon and killed. The two young Burkes, Leo- pold (who is a little less famous for his depredations than Bnrke him. self), OBrien, and Ilipslcy, 5 in number, were taken. Five horses, saddles and bridles, and their arms,~were also taken. Papers foun Page 8 8 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. xxxm. upon the person of Burke disclosed the fact that a man by the name of Wrench had been, and still is, engaged in purchasing cloth for the Con- federate Army. I sent over to-day and arrested him, and searched his premises, but found nothing. He is also held as a prisoner. I caused the town to be partially searched for arms, but nothing was found, ex- cept a few boxes of cartridges, which were brought over to this side. Last night I also sent Lieutenant Taylor, First Maine Cavalry, across the river at Mercervilie, 3 miles above here, with a small force of cav- alry. They succeeded in capturing a guerrilla by the name of King, a citizen of the District of Columbia, formerly of the Twelfth Virginia Regiment, but whose time expired in July, and since that time he has been acting as a scout for the rebels. These are his own admissions. Both expeditions were well conducted, and their object fully accom- plished without accident, which speaks well for the officers conducting them. There is general rejoicing by the loyal citizens here. Burke and his party had become a perfect terror to all law-abiding men. Leopold and llipsley both dispute the honor of having killed Cookus, at Dam No.4, last week. I would respectfully suggest the propriety of sending the l)risoners forward immediately. Inclosed will be found the report of Captain Scott, which will give the details of the expedition.* I~closed will also be found the statement of A. M. Indow a conscript, who deserted on the instant, and whom I sent to your headquarters on the 24th instant. I have information that the rebel cavalry stationed at Smithfield, Bunker Hill, and Leetown were moved away on Saturday last, which I believe to be true. Your obedient servant, S. COLGROVE, (lolonel C Major-General MORELL. , ommanding Third Brigade. P. S.J also send the parole of 18 prisoners, taken in the hospital (wounded). These men were paroled since the battle of Antietam, but since exchanged. Our party recaptured and paroled them the second time. NOVEMBER 2430, 1862.Expedition from Summerville to Cold Knob Mountain, W. Va., and skirmish (26th) at Lewis Mill, on Sinking Creek. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army. No. 2.Col. Philander P. Lane, Eleventh Ohio Infantry. No. 3.Col. John C. Paxton, Second West Virginia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS FIRST KANAWITA DIVISION, Charleston, December 13, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that on the 24th ultimo I sent the Eleventh Regiment Ohio ~ Not found Page 9 CHAP. XXXIII.] EXPEDITION TO COLD KNOB MOUNTAIN, W. VA., ETC. 9 Volunteer Infantry and the Second West Virginia Cavalry on an expedi- tion to Greenbrier County, West Virginia, via the Cold Knob road, iii- strncting Colonel Lane, commanding Eleventh Regiment, to march by Jobs Knob, thereby saving a distance of 10 miles, and to get between the enemys pickets and their camp on the morning of the 26th ultimo by 10 a. m. Colonel Paxtons orders were to meet the pickets in front at that time. The severe snow-storm they encountered prevented this arrangement from being carried out in the manner as directed. The object of the expedition was to surprise and capture the enemy, who were encamped in small bodies through this valley, and to push some cavalry to Covington via Colemans [Callaghans fl, and release Dr. IRucker, a Union prisoner, who was being tried there for his life. Colo- nel Lane turning back before meeting the main body of the enemy, the cavalry in turn were forced to return, being so much encumbered with prisoners after taking their first camp, only in part accomplishing the object of the expedition.. Too much praise cannot be given to Colonel Paxton and his regiment. For details, see accompanying reports of Colonels Paxton and Lane. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [GEORGE CROOK,] Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. G. M. BASCOM, Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Western Virginia. No. 2. Report of Gol. Philander P. Lane, Eleventh Ohio Infantry. IIDQRS. ELEVENTH REGT. OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, fummerville, Va., December 1, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your order, I left the post on the 24th ultimo with 500 iOen. We were delayed several hours in crossing Gauley River, and it was after noon when the march was resumed. We reached a point 17 miles from Summerville that night. We marched at 6 oclock on the morning of the 25th, and encamped that night near Cranberry road, on the top of Cold Knob. Our march was resumed at 6.30 oclock on the morning of the 26th, and we reached Cranberry road at 8 a. m. The storm and bad roads had delayed the cavalry, and they were three honm-s behind time. On their arrival, Colonel Paxton ordered me to take the advance and drive in the enemys pickets, and then to open ranks and allow the cavalry to pass us and dash into the camp, and from that l)Oint return to our camp at this place. We proceeded down the mountain several miles, and met a party of the enemys scouts. We fired upon them, and wounded 2; then opened ranks and allowed the cavalry to pass us, according to the previously arranged plan, after which we marched to the camp of the previous night, and on the morning of the 29th arrived in camp at this place. Rain coiimenced falling the morning of the second day, and continued until we reached the top of Cold Knob, where we found a furious snow- storm raging. Our clothing was completely wet through, and we had no opportunity of drying it. The snow continued to fall for the next thirty-six hours, and the cold to increase, and on the morning of the 26th we found our clothing frozen fast. In the rifles many of the hammers had collected ice between them and the lock-plates, so tha Page 10 10 OPERATiONS IN N. VA., W. VA.,~MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXIII. they could not be moved. The snow was from 6 to 8 inches deep; the cold was intense, and the men almost exhausted. Under these dis- couraging circumstances, a further prosecution of the expedition was abandoned. I omitted to state that I found it impossible to gain the rear of the enemys camp from the top of Cold Knob, as all the roads and paths came in above even their pickets. Respectfully submitted. P. P. LANE, Colonel, Commanding Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. [Brig. Gen. GEORGE CROOK.] No. 3. Report of Col. John C. Paxton, Second West Virginia Cavalry. UDQUS. SECOND WEST VIRGINIA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Ctmp Piatt, December 2, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order, I marched my command, consisting of Companies U, I, F, A, K, D, E, and H, Second West Virginia Volun- teer Cavalry (in all, 475 men, rank and file, in good order), on the morning of November 24, for Summerville, arriving there at 10 p. m. the same day, a distance of 53 miles. Left Summerville next morning at 7 oclock, and arrived at the Hinkle farm at 4 p. in., 35 miles, and, being able to obtain some hay there, re- mained until 4 a. m. the 26th, when we took np the line of march, in a blinding snow-storm, for Greenbrier, via Cold Knob Mountain, where we arrived at 10 a. m. the same day; distance, 20 miles. Met Colonel Lane, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who was to assist me in breaking up a camp of the rebels at the foot of the mountain; but, on account of the severity of the weather and hard marching, he wished to return to his camp at Summerville. I asked him to take the advance, until we met the enemys pickets, which he did, and, in about 1 mile, exchanged shots with 6 of the enemy, wounding 1. Colonel Lane at once opened his ranks, and gave us the road. We pushed rapidly into the enemys camp, a distance of some 5 miles, effecting a complete surprise, at 12 in., the enemy scattering in all directions. We killed 2, wounded 2, paroled 1, and captured 2 commissioned offi- cers (1 captain and I second lieutenant), 111 non-commissioned officers and privates, 106 horses, and 5 mules; burned and destroyed about 200 Enfield and Mississippi rifles and 50 sabers, with other accouterments, stores, and supplies, and their camp tents, & c. I had 2 horses killed in the enemys camp, and lost 10 on the march from fatigue and ex- haustion. The enemy was found 3 miles from the foot of Cold Knob Mountain, on Sinking Creek, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, at Lewis Mill, and consisted of a part of five companies of cavalry, viz, Rockbridge Cavalry, Braxton Dragoons, Churchville Cavalry, Valley Cavalry, and Nighthawk Rangers. They were men who had been in the service fif teen months, and were located at this point to guard the mountain pass, and to organize a part of A. U. Jenkins brigade. Our success was com- l)lete. We never lost a drop of blood. After securing the prisoners and horses and destroying the camp, & c., we marched at 4 p. in. (26th) for Summerville, where we arrived on the 27th at noon, making 120 miles for men and horses, without food or rest Page 11 CnAP. XXXIII.] kAIt ON POOLESVILLE, MD. 11 except one feed of hay for horses, over the most rugged and mountain- ous part of Western Virginia. Remained in Summerville until the 29th. Left for Camp Piatt, and arrived in camp on the 30th at noon. My men suffered severely from frost. I left 2 men in the hospital at Summer- yule, whose boots we cut from their feet. Others were more or less frozen. My horses were very much cut down. I cannot close this report without deservedly complimenting the offi- cers and men; but, where all behaved so gallantly, it is impossible to particularize. But all honor is due Major Powell, who led the charge, and Company G, Captain McMahan, who led the column. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. C. PAXTON, Colonel, Comdg. Second West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry. Capt. B. P. KENNEDY, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Dept. of the Kanawha. NOVEMBER 25, 1862.Raid on Poolesville, Md. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division. No. 2.Brig. Gen. William E. Jones, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade. No. 3.Maj. E. V. White, Thirty-fifth Virginia Cavalry Battalion. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. J. B. B. Stuart, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division. HDQRS. CAY. Div., ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, March 3, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward reports of scouts and skir- mishes which took place in November last in the valley. These reports were very long reaching me, and then got accidentally mislaid until now~ I concur in the commendations bestowed by Brigadier General [XV. E.] Jones upon Major [E. V.] White, Major [Thomas B.] Massie, and Lieutenant [E. C.] Randolph, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. The last-named officer, now that a vacancy has occurred, is a meritorious case for pro- motion, for valor and skill, as major Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, rice Massie, promoted lieutenant-colonel, vice [R. II.] Burks, resigned. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. B. STUART, Major- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. B. II. CrnLToN ActiiIj Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. William B. Jones, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. HEADQUARTERS JONES BRIGADE, Bartonsville, Va., December 7, 1862. GENERAL: Please find inclosed the report of Maj. E. V. White relative to an expedition into Maryland by one of his companies. The darin Page 12 12 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. and enterprise evinced in this instance is characteristic of this battalion. Also the reports of Colonel [11. II.] Burks and Major [E. V.] White rela- tive to General [J.] Stahels expedition from Chantilly to Berryville.* In this case Major White suffered the penalty of a surprise. The prompt actiQn of a portion of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, nnder Major Massie, led off by the conspicuous gallantry of Lieutenant Randolph, saved Whites battalion from pursuit beyond Berryville and inspired the enemy with a wholesome dread of our arms. This is another instance showing the very soul of cavalry is in prompt and vigorous action. One hundred men, flushed from their camp by 800 in the very flood-tide of victory, met them and turned them in confusion to their distant quar- ters, whence they came in quest of information. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. E. JONES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART, Gommanding Cavalry. No. 3. Report of Afaj. E V. iVhite, Thirty fifth Virginia Cavalry Battalion~ NOVEMBER 28, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to send you an account of the scout I sent to Maryland. Capt. George W. Chiswell, Company B, left my camp on the evening of the 24th instant, 7 p. in., with 46 men, proceeded direct to Conrads Ferry, 4 miles below Leesburg, and sent an advance guard across the Potomac, who reported none of the enemy near. The main body then crossed and started direct for Poolesville; when within 2~ miles from the town caught 4 of the enemy, who were guarding some storesprin- cipally medical stores. They reported some 16 of the enemy in the town guarding the stores left there. Arrived at the town about 6 a. in. and charged it; captured 16 of the enemy, together with the telegraph oper- ator, all of whom were paroled; captured stores of all kinds, consisting of guns, tents, clothing, medicines, & c., all of which were destroyed, with the exception of what the men could carry away on their horses. They remained in the town about three hours; sent scouts around through the country in various directions. The company is from that immediate neighborhood and knew the country well. Some of the men were near Frederick City, and report about 200 cavalry in the town, together with some 200 convalescent infantry. The company recrossed the river at Whites Ferry without encountering any of the enemys scouts. Among the various articles captured was the telegraph opera- tors battery and a very large and handsome silk bag, both of which I send you. The company arrived in camp about 8 p. in. on the evening [of the] 25th, thus making the trip of 70 miles in about twenty-six hours, with- out the loss of a man. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, B. V. WHITE, Major, Commanding Cavalry. Brig. Gen. W. B - JONES, Commanding Post at Winchester, Pa. * See November 2830, 1862, Reconnaissance from Chantilly to Snickers Ferry, etc., p. 17 Page 13 CHAP. XXXIII.] AFFAIR NEAR LIARTWOOD CHURCH, VA. 13 NOVEMBER 28, 1862.Affair near Hartwood Church, Va. REPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Gen. William IV. Averell, U. S. Army, and General Orders, Headquarters Army of the Potomac. No. 3.General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army. No. 4.Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Camp near Potomac Greek, Va., November 30, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac, the report of Brigadier-General Averell, commanding brigade of cavalry, of the surprise and capture of a picket of his command on the morning of the 28th instant. Under the circumstances, I have felt it to be my duty to call for a court of inquiry, in order that a full and thorough investiga- tion be made of that disgraceful affair, with a view to fasten the respon- sibility of it upon the culpable, and having them brought to trial and punishment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Gommanding Center Grand Division. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U. S. Army, and General Orders, Headquarters Army of the Potomac. HDQRS. FIRST CAY. BRIG., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, November 29, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the cavalry pickets from this brigade, under the command of Captain Johnson, Third Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, near llartwood, were attacked yesterday morning about sunrise by a cavalry force of the enemy, 700 or 800 strong, and 1 regret to add that 5 officers and 77 men, with their horses and equipments, were captured and carried off, and 4 wounded left on the ground. Upon receiving the report of this deplorable affair yesterday morning, I immediately sent an officer to overtake two squadrons, which had left this camp at daylight, destined to relieve the pickets at Hartwood, with orders to push on rapidly to the assistance of the pickets, and proceede Page 14 14 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXiIi. myself, after a short consultation with the major-general commanding, with Colonel McIntoshs regiment (Third Pennsylvania Cavalry), to the point of attack. The instructions to the officer commanding the pickets had been to l)ost his reserve at or near llartwood, and to keep it entirely screened from observation; to picket all the roads approaching our army between the iRappahannock River and Poplar road, connecting on the left with the pickets of the Second Cavalry Brigade, and on the right with the pickets extending to Aquia Creek. The greatest vigilance and careful- ness were enjoined npon him; patrols were frequently to examine the country in front, and his reserve was to stand to horse from one hour before sunrise until one hour after, every morning. On the evening of the 26th instant, an officer was sent to visit the pickets, who remained with them until the morning of the 27th. He was directed to warn them of an expected demonstration on the part of our enemy; to direct the officer in command to keep his reserve con- stantly saddled and ready for action; to increase the vigilance of the l)atrols and pickets, and guard against the attack, which he must soon expect. He was told to expect the attack in the morning. It appears that the enemy avoided all pickets and roads, making their way through the woods directly to the reserve, which they first attacked and sur- prised; then, turning back, took up the pickets in the Marsh road, re- crossing the IRappahannock at Ellis Ford. After the most careful and comprehensive instructions, and with a timely warning fresh in his mem- ory, Captain Johnson permitted his command to be surprised and a great portion of it captured, bringing disgrace and shame upon his regi- ment and the brigade to which it belonged, and our cavalry service into disrepute. I have the honor to request that the name of Capt. George Johnson, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, be dropped from the rolls, or, if an oppor- tunity shall occur to bring him to trial, that it may be done. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Lient. Col. Jos. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Center Grand Division. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 190. f Camp near Faimoutir, Va., December 2, 1862. Capt. George Johnson, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, while in charge of a cavalry picket on the 28th of November, having, by his negligence, continued after repeated warnings from his commanding officer, per- mitted his party to be surprised by the enemy, and himself and a num- ber of his officers and men to be captured, is, subject to the approval of the President of the United States, dismissed the service for disgraceful and unofficerlike conduct. The commanding general hopes and believes that a lack of discipline in the regiment and brigade to which this officer belonged did not war- rant him in so gross a neglect of duty. By command of Major-General Buruside: LEW~IS RICIIMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 15 CHA]. XXXIII.] AFFAIR NEAR HARTWOOD CHURCH, VA. 15 No. 3. Reports of General Rx~bcrt F. The, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTHERN VIRGiNIA, November 30, 1862. GENERAL: I have received and read with pleasure the report of Brig. Gen. Wade Hampton of the OI)eratious of a part of his command on the 28th instant. The arrangements made by General Hampton, and the manner in which he carried them into execution, reflect credit npon himself and his command. I especially commend the judgment and skill displayed by him in so disposing his forces and conducting his move- ments as to accomplish the results he has attained without any loss on his part. Be pleased, general, to communicate to General Hampton my appreciation of the service he has rendered, an~ of the energy and good conduct that characterized the entire movement. I am, very respeetfudly, your obedient servant, H. E. LEE, General. Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART, Commanding Cavalry Division. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, December 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to send to you two guidons, taken by Brig. Gen. Wade Hampton on the occasion of his late expedition within the enemys lines, when he captured a squadron of cavalry. General Hamptons re- l)ort of this handsome affair has been forwarded to the Adjutant and Inspector General. The manner in which it was conducted, and the energy and courage displayed by General Hampton and the officers and men under his command, in my opinion, are deserving of high commen- dations. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, R.E. LEE, General. The Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va. No. 4. Report of Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, November 28, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, with 50 men from the First North Carolina Regiment, the same number from the Cobb Legion, 40 from the Jeff. Davis Legion, 34 from the Phillips Legion, and the same number from the Second South Carolina Regiment, I crossed the Rappa- hannock at Kellys Mill yesterday morning, and proceeded, through Mor- risville, across the country toward the White Ridge road. Before reach- ing this point I learned that a regiment of the enemy was stationed at the Yellow Chapel, 8 miles from hr~Q1ttb, with their pickets extend Page 16 16 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA [CnAP. XXX1t~ ing to Deep Run, on the Marsh road, and on the White Ridge road in the direction of Warrenton. Finding that I could not reach them before night, I halted within 2 niiles of the chapel, and moved off at ~ a. m. this morning. Striking through the woods between the two roads, I came out on the Marsh road half a mile from the chapel. A charge was immediately made by the Jeff. Davis Legion and First North Caro- lina, under Major [J. H.] Whitaker, who had command of the combined detachments which were engaged inthe expedition, and my men dashed into the camp of the enemy before he conld form. The other detach- ment& followed in quick succession, and in a few moments we had cap- tured every man who was at this camp. One squadron was here, and another was on picket on the two roads already mentioned. Having taken the reserve squadron, I sent the detachment from the Cobb Le- gion to take the pickets on the White Ridge road, which was success- fully performed, as they returned in a short time with 17 of the enemy all who were on that road. Sending off the prisoners (about 70 in nuni- ber), except 4 who were too severely wonuded to be moved, I immediately turned up the Marsh road to sweep off the line of pickets there. This was soon done, as there were but 20 men, under a lieutenant, and I reached Deep Run about 8 a. in., having taken 87 privates and non- commissioned officers, 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, 2 colors, about 100 horses, and the same number of carbines. Of the pickets on the two roads, but 5, I think, escaped, and they succeeded in doing this by leav. ing their horses and fleeing to the woods. I am happy to say that there was no casualty on my side. A part of my plan was to have cut off the force at Richards Ferry, but though I had got completely in their rear, I found my numbers so reduced by the necessary guards to the prisoners that I was forced reluctantly to aban- don my design. The Sixth Regiment Regulars was on post there, and I had to leave them for another time. I take pleasure in commending the conduct of officers and men, as it was all I could desire. Major Whitaker, First North Carolina, com- manded the details, and he behaved in a most soldierly manner. My aide-de-camp, Lient. T. P. Hampton, will deliver the colors to you, and I beg to refer you to him for more particular details. Captain [T. G.] Barker, assistant adjutant-general, accompanied me and displayed the gallantry which always marks his conduct. The note which accompa- nies this will tell of the disposition of the prisoners. Hoping that this affair will meet the approval of the major-general commanding, I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, WADE HAMPTOI~4, Major- General. Major [NORMAN R.] FITZIIUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Jindorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, November 29, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. General Hampton and his gallant command deserve the highest praise for this handsome affair, and are warmly com- mended to the notice of the commanding general. The colors are sent herewith. J. E. B. STUART, Major-General, Commanding Page 17 CHAP. XXXIII.] RECONNAISSANCE TO SNICKERS FERRY, ETC. 17 NOVEMBER 2830, 1862.Reconnaissance from Chantilly to Snickers Ferry and Berryville, Va., and skirmishes. REPQI~TS.* No. l.Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army. No. 2.Col. Louis P. Di Cesnola, Fourth New York Cavalry. No. 3.Lieut. Col. R. H. Burke, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, of skirmish at i3erryville, November 29. No. 4.Maj. E. V. White, Thirty.fifth Virginia Cavalry Bat*alion, of skirmish at Berryville, November 29. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Franz & gel, U. S. Army. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., November 29, 1862. Night before last a reconnoitering party from Chantilly, composed of one brigade of infantry and our main force of cavalry (the whole under General Stahel, the infantry under Colonel Von Gilsa), occupied Aldie. Yesterday morning the cavalry, under Brigadier-General Stahel and Colonel Wyndham, advanced to Middleburg, White Plains, Salem, Rec- tortown, and Ashbys Gap. They found 400 of Whites cavalry at Ash- bys Gap, and chased them through the gap. General Stahel reports no forces of the enemy between Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains. He further says that he learned that one part of Jacksons troops marched, by way of the gap, to Culpeper, but that his main force, with those of the two fills, marched up the valley, and were at New Market last Wednesday. Our troops sent out wilJ return to-night to Chantilly. F. SIGEIIJ, Major-General, Commanding. Major-General BuRNSIDE. CHANTILLY, VA., November 30, 18626 p. m. The infantry under Von Gilsa returned from Aldie last night. The cavalry under Brigadier-General Stahel advanced from Middleburg to Snickersville and Berryville, and achieved a complete victory over a strong force of the enemys cavalry, routing them, breaking up their camps, taking their colors and many prisoners, and commissary and ordnance stores. General Stahel pursued the enemy to within 4 miles of Winchester, and would have followed him farther if his horses had not been too much worn out. A full report will follow as soon as Gen- eral Stahel has returned. F. SJGE1IJ~ Major-General, Commanding. Major-General J3UI~NSIPJII. CHANTILLY, VA., November 30, 1862~..7 p. m. Brigadier-General Stahel has just returned. He attacked the enemy at Snic]~ers Ferry, and followed them with 300 cavalry into their camps, * See also Stuarts and Jones ~eports, pp. 11, 12. 2 i~ IlVOL NX Page 18 18 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. on the other side of the river and near Berryville. Our men charged splendidly whenever they met the enemy. Whites cavalry was driven in all directions, nearly all their officers captured, and their colors taken. White himself fled, and hid himself at a house in Berryville. The Third, Seventh, and Twelfth Virginia Cavalry were also attacked and routed. Forty of their men, with horses, were taken prisoners, 50 killed and wounded, and 2 colors taken. One wagon load of pistols and carbines was picked up on the road, thrown away by the fleeing enemy. Eighty cattle and SO horses were also brought in. Our loss in killed and wounded is about 15. General Stahel reports that his officers and men behaved excellently, and used only their swordsno fire-arms. He also reports that there is a brigade, under General Jones, at Winchester, but that ~J acksons main force was at New Market last Wednesday, as reported previously. F. SIGEL, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General BURNSIDE. No. 2. Report of Gol. Louis P. Di Cesnola, Fourth New York Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Chantilly, December 1, 1862. GENERAL: 1 have the honor of transmitting the following report of t he reconnaissance in which my brigad~e took part: The first day my brigade was in advance, with 150 men as advance nard under command of Major Knox, Ninth New York Cavalry, who 1)roceeded to Upperville, rather as a scouting than a reconnoitering l)arty, and l)erformed his duty well. The second day my brigade was in the or(ler of march in the rear, and such it remained until we reached Snickers Ferry. During that march, small camps found in the woods, and fires whose ashes were still warm, cautioned me that the enemy was, I)erhal)s, not far distant, so I redoubled my vigilance, sending out on my rear scouts to the right and left, and arrested several civilians, whom I questioned. By threatening to send them under escort to Fairfax Court-House, I obtained some useful information as to the whereabouts of the enemy, their strength, and where last seen. Some had seen them that very morning. Being in the rear, I did not consider it necessary to communicate these facts, as Colonel Wyndham, in the advance, had, doubtless, possessed himself of the same information. In crossing the Shenandoah IRiver, I took the main road, and continued to advance carefully, leaving at short distances small pickets, whose duty it was to keep communications open with the strong picket I had left at Snickers Ferry, to be informed immediately if the enemy were to make his ap. pearance at any point between the ferry and my command. Thinking that my chance for this time was not that of fighting, but only to act as a support, I detailed several small detachments, mostly taken from the First [West] Virginia and the balance of the Sixth Ohio, to act as flankers, and other small ones to scour the road and search all the houses within a mile on both flanks. Then escorts arrived, bringing me orders from you to take charge of prisoners and send them to the rear~ I then detailed Lieutenant Wight, of the Fourth New York Cavalry, my acting assist Page 19 CHAP. XXXIII.J RECONNAISSANCE TO SNICKERS FERRY, ETC. 19 ant adjutant-general, and ordered him at once to take charge of the prisoners, to take from them their papers, arms, and horses, if any, and gave him sufficient force to keep in check the prisoners, who were be- coming every moment more numerous. Lieutenant Wight acted very wisely in making his headquarters on the other side of the Shenandoah River, and I have been quite satisfied with the manner in which he car- ried out and even anticipated my orders. With my command, which, by detachments, was decimated so much as to represent scarcely 100 men, I met you, who ordered me to take the town of Berryville by assault, and, with yourself at our head, we charged through the main street of BerryvilJe, scattering in every di- i~ection whatever we met with. When arrived at the outskirts of the town, I formed line of battle, and then yourself took command of a l)ortion of the Ninth New York Cavalry and charged toward the right side of the wood, and I, with the balance of my command, charged to the left, on the road which leads to Winchester. I met three squadrons of the enemy drawn up in line of battle, covering a large building contain- ing commissary stores, as if awaiting my arrival. I did not give them [an opportunity] to see the difference in numbers, but charged upon them. They broke and ran, not liking our sabers. I pursued the enemy to within 5 miles of Winchester, but the horses gave way, and I was obliged to leave them behind, so when I returned to Berryville I had with me but 1 officer and 9 men. When I charged on the left, I passed through a small camp, and dis- covered a large building containing commissary stores. I succeeded in capturing it, but the small force I had did not permit me to detail any more men from it, so I continued to charge on the fiy~ig squadrons. Seeing that the enemy did not want to have a hand-to-hand fight with us, and, having better horses than ours, I would not be able to capture them, I contented myself with firing at them, dismounting about a dozeii of them, wounding some, and the balance keeping the open field. Halt- ing my command, I immediately detached a squad of men, under Capt. B. J. Coffin, to take possession of the commissary stores. During the halt, to give my horses a short rest, orders came from yourself to reform at once, as my rear was menaced. I beg leave to state that all the officers and men of the different regi- ments under my command have proved themselves zealous in the dis- charge of their duty, and Ihave no word of reproach to address to anybody. The Ninth New York Cavalry fought with bravery, and, if they had had more drill and discipline, the men would have certainly been worthy of the name of veteran soldiers. I recommend Capt. B. J. Coffin, of the Ninth New York Cavalry, as a good and brave officer, and also Lieutenant ilerrick for his bravery. More knowledge of the art of war would make him a splendid officer. I have a word of praise also for Major Knox, who commanded the Ninth New York Cavalry. He has done as much as could be done by a citizen soldier. On the third day of the expedition, by the strategical march through Leesburg, instead of Aldie, my command arrived safely in camp at Chantilly. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. DI CESNOLA, Colonel Fourth N. If. Cavalry, ~Jorndg. First Cavalry Brigade. Brigadier-General STAHEL, Commanding First Division, Eleventh Army Corys Page 20 20 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXIII. No. 3. Re~port of Lieut. Gol. R. II. Burks, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, of skirmish at Berryville, November 29. DECEMBER 6, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, on the 29th ultimo, the enemy suddenly made their appearance at Berryville, coming by way of Snickers Ferry, having surprised Major Whites pickets at that point. My camp was situated less than 2 miles from Berryville, and I was not apprised of the approach of the enemy until they had reached the town. I immediately turned out -what men I had in camp (amounting to about 100 men), under the charge of Major Massie. At the same time I hur- ned off my train toward Summit Point. Lieutenant Randolph [Corn. pany II], commanding Company F, turned out his company first, and charged the enemy, followed by Captain ~E.1 Sipe and Lieutenants [S.] Hammon and [W. II.] Myers, commanding Companies II, K, and C. They succeeded in dividing the enemys column, but in turn were coni- pelled to give back before superior numbers. The enemy came within sight of my encampment, then retired, follo~ved by Lieutenant Randolph to Snickers Ferry. We saved everything belonging to the regiment. The regiment captured a lieutenant belonging to the Ninth New York Cavalry, one or two other prisoners and their equipments, and four horses. We had 7 meu captured, and 3 woumided, one of whom has since died. Three of the captured were not in the fight, but were takeu near Berryville. The enemy officially admit a loss in killed and wounded of over 15, and say they met three regiments at Berryville. More than thdt number were unhorsed. The prisoners we captured gave the information that their force consisted of the Second Pennsyl- vania, First [West] Virginia, First New York, Eighth Illinois, and Ninth New York Cavalry, under the command of Brigadier-General Stahel. Very respectfully, II II. BURKS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Twelfth Virginia ~Javalry. General W. E. JONES, Commanding Jones Brigade. No. 4. Report of Maj. E. V. White, Thirty-fifth Virginia Cavalry Battalion, of skirmish at Berryville, November 29. DECEMBER 4, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report to you that, in the skirmish on Saturday, the 29th ultimo, my loss was as follows: Taken prisoner, Captain [R. B.] Grubb, Company C; Lieutenant [W. F.] Barrett, Coma pany A.; privates that have not yet reported, 12; wounded, l;1 four- horse wagon and horses, and 1 two-horse wagon. We took 1 l)rlsoner. We had about 40 men, more than half of whom were either sick or had no arms. From the report ~f Dr. [E.] Wooten, surgeon of my battalion (whom they captured and carried as far as Leesburg), the enemy had omi this side of the river 800 men. Very respectfully, E. V. WHITE, Major, Commanding, [l~er] J. R. CROWN, .~4djutant. Brigadier-General [W. E.] JONES Page 21 CHAP. ~XXIil.] RECONNAiSSANCE TO GROVE CHURCH, VA. 21 DECEMBER 1, 1862.Reconnaissance to Grove Church, near Hartwood, Va. Bqort of Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U. ~. Army. NEAR HARTWOOD, December 1, 18626 p. in. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instruc. tions received from the major-general commanding, this morning I proceeded with two regiments of cavalry to this 1)lace, where I arrived at 10.20. Sending a party of 1 officer and 20 men from Hartwood Church, along the Marsh road, to the crossing of Deep Run, in order to attract the attention of the enemy to that point, I started with my main body up the Warrenton road toward Spotted Tavern. After going 3 miles, turned to the left, taking an obscure road, which led to the Marsh road near Grove Church. This by-road is about 3~- miles long. When about half way across, we came upon a scouting party of 3 mcii, well mounted, who were pursued at full speed by the advanced guard, the column follow- ing rapidly, expecting to come upon a camp of the enemy. The Marsh road was soon reached, at a point half a mile this side (east~. One of the scouts, a very intelligent man, named Stone, was captured, and we pushed on a.t once to Grove Church and beyond, toward Morrisville, without hearing anything or discovering any traces of the enemy. There is no camp at Grove Church, and has not been recently. General Hamp- ton encamped this side of there last Thursday night, but has since re- crossed the Rappahannock. I was above Ellis Ford, and one of my offi- cers and some of my men, who had been there, described the crossing as deep and uncertain. Barnetts Ford, more commonly known, I think, as Skinners, is also a bad crossing; but Kellys, 9 miles above, is said to be excellent. The prisoner states that there is nothing this side of the river, as far up as Kellys Mill Ford, except small scouting parties like his. He says that there is an impression among the rebels that our army is about to cross the Rappahannock above Ellis Ford. He belongs to a company of confidential scouts; knows all the generals of the rebels; is a sharp fellow, of some Mexican war experience. He says he was sent out to ascertain if our infantry were in motion in that direction. It is not im- probable that General Hampton will take a look at us to-morrow morn- ing. I shall wait to give him a chance, and then return to camp if the general has not further orders for me. This prisoner says that they have a system of signals, established by men on horseback, so that in- formation is.conveyed very rapidly. I shall organize something similar to that in this vicinity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. AVERELIJ, Brigadier- General, Volunteers. Lientenant.Colonel DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Center Grand Division Page 22 22 OPRRATIONS IN N. VA., ~V. VA., MD., AUD PA. [ChAP. XXXIII. DECEMBER 110, 1862.Expedition toward Logan Court-House, W. Va. Report of M~j. George H. Hildt, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry. finQus. THIRTIETH REGIMENT Onio VOL. INFANTRY, Camp Ruth Udeli, Va., December 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of a scout in the direction of Logan Court-House, Va., during the last ten days: After consulting with Major Schache, of the Twenty-eighth, both regi- inents (the Twenty-eighth and Thirtieth) moved, on November 2t~, on the Logan road to Coal River, where, after a short halt, both regiments moved on by separate routes. The Twenty-eighth, taking the lower route, could not have their train to follow them, and it accompanied the Thirtieth through Chapmanville to Logan Court-House, the junction to be made at Huffs Creek, a branch of the Guyandotte River putting in from the east north of Huffs Mountains, and distant from Logan Court.House 15 miles. The time fixed was Thursday evening or early Friday morning (Decem- ber 5), either party to apprise the other, in case of accident or of any important movement of the enemy, at the earliest opportnnity.* The evening we encamped at Chapmanville we were informed that Colonels Clarksons and Beckleys cavalry forces had occupied that point a week previous, on their way to the mouth of the Guyandotte River, and the informant supposed (if they failed in this) they would move over on the Sandy and form the advance guard of Floyds in- fantry, in Pike County, Kentucky. A company of Clarksons command had returned through Chapmanville the evening before, with prisoners, taken at some point down the river; and, not understanding the position of our forces in that direction, that road gave me some uneasiness, but I moved the regiment the next morning (preferring to fight our way out on our return rather than leave a few troops to be surrounded and cap- tured), reaching Logan Court-House about 2 p. m. December 4, having picked up 4 of Clarksons men (mounted) at two different points on the road, and moved on to the mill, about 2 miles below the town, meeting no enemy, except a few stragglers and soldiers on furlough, who were arrested. One (a paroled prisoner) who refused to come down the mountain, when ordered repeatedly, was shot, and died shortly after. His descriptive list is here inclosed. We again moved back to town, and scouted well tue three forks of the creek on the road toward the Sandy River, which route General Floyd took with his force a week be- ftre. The scouts returned late at night, with 1 prisoner and 4 guns, having heard of no enemy in force nearer than the Sandy River. I sent a messenger to Major Schache, at Huffs Creek, and received a reply that they were out of rations, and their train was sent forward, under guard, as soon as it was light the next morning. They caine for- ward, met it half way, and we moved to Chapnuanville, leaving a small cavalry force holding the town until they arrived. Soon after the Thirtieth Regiment left Logan, the cavalry was fired upon while return- ing from burning the mill below the towii; but they remained and re- l)orted to Major Schache, when he arrived a few hours after. The citizens also manifested great joy at tlie occurrence, and were much delighted when our cavalry moved through, after the firing. The Twenty-eighth encamped at Logan, and the Thirtieth at Chap- * See Cox to Peirpoint, December l5,~ p. ~57, and Floyd to Letcher, December 17, p. 1065 Page 23 cHAP. XXXIII.] SKIRMISH AT LEEDS FERRY, VA. 23 manville, on the night of December 5, stopping both routes, in case an attempt was made to cut us off, and moved to Newport the next morn- ing. The Twenty-eighth followed, occupied Chapmanville, and this style of company was continued during the return trip, in order to afford suffi- cient shelter for the men. A few more prisoners were captured by side expeditions, sent out during the return trip, which are mentioned in the regimental journal, herewith transmitted,* and all turned over, with the written history of each, as near as it could be learned, to Lieutenant-Colonel Bohlender, commanding the post at Brownstown. Mr. McLaughlin, a citizen of Logan, and his family returned with us. He is an alien, and was a partner of General Floyd in the steam saw- mill destroyed on December 5. He can give considerable information, and should appear before your headquarters before he is allowed perfect liberty of our camp. He remained at Brownstown. Early in the month of August, 1861, General Floyd erected a breast- work 14 miles this side of Logan, flanked by the river on the right and a bluff hill on the left, stretching across the narrow pass, through which the road runs. It still exists and is in a good state of preservation. The men came off of this trip well. Not one even had a frosted foot, but hundreds wore out their shoes, and marched on their return with their feet ~ the frozen ground. I have no casualties to report or no accident to the train during the entire march of 140 miles. A rough sketch of the snrronndiiigs of Chap- manville and Logan Court-House is also inclosed.* With much respect, I am, your obedient servant, GEORGE II. IIILDT, Major Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Capt. B. P. KENNEDY, Assistant Adjutant- General, First Kanawha Division. DECEMBER 2, 1862.Skirmish at Leeds Ferry, Rappahannock River, Va. REPOI~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Seth XVilliams, U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac. No. 3.Col. R. L. T. Beale, Ninth Virginia Cavalry, and congratulatory letter from General Lee. No. 1. Reyorts of Brig. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, December 2, 1862. COLONEL: Colonel Gregg, at King George Court-House, reports that a squadron of his regiment, detached and doing duty at Leeds Ferry, some 20 miles below the Court-House, was attacked this morning by about 200 of the enemy, who had crossed the river some distance above the ferry, and concealed themselves in the wood. ~Not found Page 24 24 OPERATIONS IN N VA., W. VA, MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. The colonel states resistance was made, but unsuccessfully; 1 officer and about 50 men were taken, and removed at once across the river. Upto the time of the colonels writing, 20 men had escaped, and he thinks his reconnoitering parties now out will bring in more. Leeds Ferry is a point on the iRappahannock at which the rebels have carried on their smuggling. It was at this point that a schooner and five boats used in this trade were destroyed several days ago. The rebels doubtless consider it too important to give up without an effort to hold it. The river at Leeds is three-fourths of a mile wide. Colonel Gregg reports the enemys force to be increasing in that direction, and thinks it not advisable to continue a force at Leeds unless it be occupied in force to hold it, as the distance renders it liable for a small force to be cut off at any time. Some of the troops on the rebel side were raised in King George County, and know the country, and it is difficult to say what they may next attempt. Colonel Gregg could not have kept a larger force at Leeds from his command, as the sul)port to the section of artillery at Port Royal re~ quired the main part of his command. The colonel further states, the captain and squadron at Leeds were the best of his regiment. I shall direct Colonel Gregg to draw in his detached parties to within supporting distance of his force at the Court-House, until other arrange- ments are made by the major-general commanding for the occupation of the lower part of the Peninsula. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. J. II. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Right Grand Division. [Indorsement.] DECEMBER 2,1862. General PARKE: I have directed General Pleasonton to take immediate measures for the security of his command, till the commanding general gives orders in the case. Respectfully, yours, E. Y. SUMNER, Brevet Major-General, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, December 3, 1862. GENERAL: Another detachment of some 15 men have returned from the squadron at Leeds, with Lieutenant Baker in charge. This party was on detached service yesterday when the attack was made. Twenty- five men came in last night, and, with this party, the number amounts to 40 men that have already returned. The whole squadron only numbered 60 men, so that 20 at the outside will cover our loss, and~Colonel Gregg thinks some of these will yet return. The attack was made by dismounted cavalry, having some of the citizens of Leeds in their ranks. The men who have returned report seeing 3 dead rebels on the field and 1 badly wounded in a house. The main party hastily returned to th6 other side of the river Page 25 CHAP. ~kXIfl.] SRThMISH AT ~ FERRY, VA. It is evident the rebels are determined to have that line of smuggling kept up, unless we make it too warm for them. Lieutenant Baker cap- tured yesterday two barrels of rebel whisky, which he brought into the Court-House. As soon as I can get all the facts in this case I shall report. Very respectfully, A. PLEASONTOX, Brigadier- General. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, December 4, 1862. GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date received. In answer, I beg to inform you that I sent the Eighth New York and Third Indiana Cav- alry (the latter six companies strong) to re-enforce Colonel Gregg. This force is from 700 to 800 strong. I have also directed Colonel Gregg to withdraw all parties in any danger of being cut off, and to be vigi lant by patrolling the country. I have further directed him, iu case the gunboats remove down the river, to draw in his artillery to his main body at the Court-House. Colonel Gregg reported he had received orders from the provost-marshal-general to place guards at certain houses, which, in the colonels opinion, would expose them to capture. I told the colonel to do nothing which would risk his men; that the pro- vost-marshal-generals orders to him in such cases could only be con- ditional. I have also sent out patrols from my camps here, in the direc- tion of the Court-House and vicinj~ty. The straggling is pretty much stopped. Citizens or somebody else fire at individuals on the roads down the Peninsula nowadays. Very respectfully, A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj6r-General PARKE, Chief of Staff. P. S.I shall send Colonel Gregg additional instructions on your dis- patch. Iwo. 2. Re~port of Brig. Gen. Seth Williams, U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 3, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your in- structions, I this day proceeded to the headquarters of Colonel Gregg, Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, near King George Court-House, to ex- amine into the circumstances attending the capture of a detachment of that regiment by the enemy, at the town of Leeds, Va., on the morning of the 2d instant. The following appears to be substantially the facts in the case: Captain Wilson, Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was sent by Colonel Gregg, in compliance with the orders Qf General Pleasonton, command- ing cavalry of right grand division, with a detachment of his regi 2 Page 26 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIfl ment, corn prising 73 officers and men, to the town of Leeds, for the pur- pose of breaking up an illicit trade between Baltimore and Richmond, which it was known had been carried on for some time past, and in the prosecution of which the ferry at Leeds was made to play an important part. The accompanying rough sketch indicates the position of Leeds, and the disposition Captain Wilson made of his troops on the occasion in question. At the point A, a sentinel was posted; in the town of Leeds, 8 men; at the point C, about a quarter of a mile below the town, ai~other sentinel, and at the point B, about one-half mile from the town, and some 30 yards from the river, was Captain Wilson, with his reserve, number- ing 38. Two sentinels were posted in front of this latter position. The remainder of the detachment (25) was upon picket duty at the point C, or employed in searching for and destroying contraband goods. With one of the latter parties Lieutenant Baker was serving, near the point ID. On the morning of December 2, a party of the enemy, estimated to number from 50 to 100 men, crossed the river between the points E and F, above the town, and, making a detour by the way of the row of cedars indicated upon the sketch, captured the sentinel at the point A, and, successively, the party in the town, the sentinel at the point C, and, with the exception of a private who escaped, the main body at the point B. The attack was made between 2 and 3 a. in., just before the setting of the moon. The private who escaped was asleep at the time of tJ~e attack, and can give no satisfactory information as to the manner of th~ approach of the enemy. He says he was fired at, but got off in th~ Diagram of position of party of Captain Wilsons Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, when captured by the rebels, December 2, 1862 Page 27 ChAP. XXXIII.] SI{LRMISII AT LEEDS FERRY, VA. 27 darkness of the night. The picket at the point C, as well as the parties engaged in making searches in the vicinity, escaped. Captain Wilson, with 46 of his men, fell into the hands of the enemy, and it is supposed were immediately taken across the river. As the whole party, with one exception, were made prisoners, I found it impossible to ascertain whether the usual precautions against a surprise were taken. Colonel Gregg and Lieutenant Baker think they must have been, as Captain Wilson is one of the best officers in his regiment, and has always hitherto proved himself faithful and vigilant in the discharge of his duties. His party was far from support, being some 20 miles from his regiment, the nearest troops, and he was in an unfrieiidly neighborhood, where, per- haps, without exception, the citizens closely watched the location of his command and its sentinels, and were eager to disclose the same to the enemy, and to do all in their power to bring about the capture of the party. It is believed some resistance must have been made to the attack, as one of the wounded of the enemy was discovered in Leeds the next day, by a detachment of our troops, and paroled. Colonel Gregg ex- pects to recover nearly all the carbines of the party, as he learns from some negroes that they were left secreted in Leeds by the enemy. The horses and pistols were, doubtless, carried off. The facts with reference to the disposition of Captain Wilsons com- mand I have gathered from Lieutenant Baker, who was with the captain until late in the evening of December 1. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General and Assista~tt Adjutant-General. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE. No. 3. Report of Col. R. L. T. Beale, Ninth Virginia Gavairy, and congratulatory letter from General Lee. DECEMBER 2, 1862. GENERAL: A detachment, under command of Major [T.] Wailer, con- sisting of about 90 men, was sent over the river last night. The artil- lery, escorted by a squadron under my command, took position on this side, to deter a~y boats from interfering. Major Wailer succeeded in crossing over 60 men only. The expedition was completely successful. The entire picket (49), including captain and lieutenant and 2 of Colo- nel [John] Critchers battalion, held as prisoners, were taken and safely brought to camp. About 50 horses were captured, but many lost in crossing. I have to regret the wounding of It. Byrd Lewis, private in Company C, by some of our own men, but am glad to add it is slight. Nothing new fi-oin Potomac. Several scouts now out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. L. T. BEALE, Colonel, Commanding. [Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART, Gommanding Cavalry Division. Page 28 28 o?ERAPIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (OHAP. XXXIII. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, December 5, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. Considering the perils attending such an expedition, the boldness of its inception was no less creditable to the parties concerned than was its brilliant execution. I commend Major Wallers command to the favorable notice of the general. The expedition was proposed and planned by Colonel Beale some days ago. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, December 5,1862. Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART, Commanding Cavalry: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the communication of General W. H. F. Lee of the attack of Major [John] Pelham upon the enemys gunboats in the Rappahannock, and inclosing the report of Col. R. L. T. Beale of the expedition of a portion of his regiment, under Major [T.] Waller, across that river.* The boldness of Colonel Beales plan was equaled by the success of its execution, and reflects great credit upon himself and the officers and men engaged. Major Pelham and his men deserve great credit for the manner in which they co-operated in the attack of General Hills battery upon the gunboats. I beg you to express to all the officers and men my gratification and appreciation of their services. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R.E. LEE, General. DECEMBER 2, 1862.Capture of Union pickets near Dumfries, Va. REPOI~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. George D. Bayard, commanding Cavalry Brigade. No. 2.Lieut. Col. Joseph Karg6, First New Jersey Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. George D. Bayard, commanding Cavalry Brigade. CAMP NEAR BROOKES STATION, December 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, on the evening of December 2, the picket post of Second Lient. Jacob H. Hoffman, First New Jersey Cav- alry, composed of 14 men, was surprised by a drunken party of the enemys cavalry. The loss, 6 men and Lieutenant Hoffman, 16 horses, 15 sabers, * See General Orders, No. 29, Headquarters Army of Northern Virolnia Feb 28, 1863, in Confederate Correspondence, etc., p. 1114. Page 29 CHAP. XXXIII.] CAPTURE OF UNION PICKETS NEAR DUMFRLES, VA. 29 14 pistols, and 13 carbines. Colonel Karg6 has ordered the arms of the men who have returned to be charged to them, which I have approved. I have the honor to ask that Second Lieut. Jacob H. HoffThan be at once dismissed the service for the disgraceful neglect of duty on an outpost, by which he ~ind his party were surprised. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant GEO. D. ~AYARD Brigadier- General, Commanding. Illent. Col. E. IL PLATT, Acting Assistant Adjutant. General. [Indor8ement.] HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, December 5, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. I have already recommended the dishonorable. dismissal of the officer implicated, believing that this summary punishment of officers is the only way of insuring the proper performance of guard duty outside of the camp guards. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General, Gommanding Left Wing. No. 2. Report of Lient. Col. Joseph Karg6, First New Jersey Cavalry. BROOKES STATION, VA., December 4, 1862. GENERAL: In relation to the recent surprise of my pickets, placed in the rear of the Army of the Potomac, on the road leading to Dumfries, or thereabouts, I have the honor to make the following report: On the 2d instant, Captain Lucas, in command of Company F, First New Jersey Cavalry, sent Lieutenant Hoffman with 14 men on the out- 1)ost, himself remaining with 10 men in the reserve. Lieutenant Hoffman, according to the statement of 5 escaped soldiers, who were under his im- mediate command, after having placed badly his vedettes, and allowed his men to lay aside their arms, went, at about 6 p. in., according to the custom of many of our patriotic officers, to provide for his belly, in a neighboring house, leaving his command to the care of Providence. ft is further stated that the inmate of this house is a young and attract- ive female, whose husband is a captain in the rebel army, and who was seen by one of our posts returning to her house omi horseback about 4 p. in., just about the time when our vedettes were relieving one another. As our vedettes and outposts were attacked both in front and rear at the same time, it is pretty evident that it was done through a premed- itated plan, the clew of which was furnished by the culpable negligence of the officer in command of the outpost. The result was, that of 14 men the whole were either captured or scattered without firing a shot. Among the former is the worthy lieutenant, who certainly has not neglected his duty as a gallant man, so far as the fair sex is concerned. Furthermoie, I beg leave to state that my orders and instructions in regard to outpost duties were explicit, and of the strictest kind; yet, in spite of this, I regret to say that this disgraceful incident has happened, causing Page 30 30 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. only discredit to the service, but serious calamities. Of the 14 men, 8 have since reported (1 serioi~ly wounded), all minus their horses and equipments. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, JOSEPH KA11GI~, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Brig. Gen. GEORGE D. BAYARD. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, December 5, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. Although the style and matter of Uiis report show that Colonel Karg6 himself is entirely unacquainted with his duty, so far as the duty of making reports of criminal neglect on the part of his subordinate offi- cers is concerned, the report is, nevertheless, transmitted, with the recommendation that Lieutenant Hoffman be dishonorably discharged from the service of the United States, to date from the day of his capture. W. B. FUANKLIN, Major-General, Commanding Left Wing. DECEMBER 26, 1862.Reconnaissance from Bolivar Heights to Winches ter, Va., and skirmishes at Charlestown, flerryville, etc. I~EPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, commanding Twelfth Army Corps. No. 2.Brig. Gen. John W. Geary, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Henry W. A3loeum, U. S. Army, commanding Twelfth Army ~Jorps. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Harpers Perry, Va., December 4, 1862. About 4,000 infantry and artillery, under General Geary, started on a reconnaissance Tuesday morning, with instructions to go to Winches- ter, if deemed prudent. I have not heard from General Geary since, but think he must have reached Winchester. I have no cavalry yet. H. W. SLOCUM, Major-General of Volunteers. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Harpers Ferry, [December] 5, [1862.] Four deserters from the enemy came in this morning at 12.40. They say the enemy left Winchester on Tuesday night; that the forces sent from here arrived at Winchester on Wednesday. I have heard nothing direct from General Geary, except this report. H. W. SLOCUM, ]Ifajor- General of Volunteers. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff Page 31 CHAP. XXXHLI RECONNAISSANCE TO WINCHESTER, VA., ETC. 31 DECEMBER 8, 1862. Major-General SLOCUM: Your dispatch of the 5th has been received, but no report has been received since. The commanding general is anxious to know the result of General Gearys reconnaissance, and desires me to request that you make daily reports to these headquarters. He hears from other sources that there is no force of the enemy at Winchester except provost guard. It is very important that the position of the enemy in that neighborhood should be determined. JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Harpers Ferry, December 8, 1862. GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date just received. On the 6th in- stant I telegraphed you as follows: General Geary has just returned from a reconnaissance. He visited Berryville, Win- chester, and Bunker Hill. He captured 125 prisoners, including 4 officers, killed 4 and wounded 20 of the enemy. We lost no men or property. Jackson~s Command passed through Thorntons Gap about the 1st instant, and moved toward Fredericks- burg. Both the Hills have also moved toward the same place. General Genry has information, that he thinks reliable, that the command of Jackson and both the Hills does not exceed 35,000. I have always telegraphed you the result of a reconnaissan~e imme- diately on receiving the report of the officer in command. All quiet today. II. W. SIJOCUM, Major- General of Volunteers. Major-General PARKE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 8, 1862. Major-General SLOCUM, Harpers Ferry: Your dispatch, detailing result of General Gearys reconnaissance to Winchester, just received. It is perfectly satisfactory, and the com- manding general is much pleased with your success. Your dispatch of the 6th, transmitting this intelligence, was not re- ceived at these headquarters. JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. John IV. Geary, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. IIDQRS. SECOND DIvISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Bolivar Heights, Va., December 6, 1862. COLONEL: In accordance with directions of the evening of December 1, from the commanding general, for me to take the available force of my division and make a reconnaissance onthe following morning in the direction of Winchester, for the purpose of ascertaining the force and location of the enemy in the valley, I started, with about 3,200 infan ti~y from the three brigades, and fonr guns each~ frsm Knaps, Hamptons Page 32 32 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. and McGilverys batteries, and about 50 of the First Battalion Maryland Cavalry, at about 6.30 a. in., the troops supplied with one days rations in haversacks and five days additional in wagons. We marched by the Harpers Ferry and Winchester turnpike to Charlestown, which we reached at about 8.30 a. in., coming suddenly upon two companies of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, who had taken I)osition iii vacant houses and in woods about three-fourths of a mile this side of the town. A skirmish here occurred between our advance and this body of the enemy, which latter prosecuted a constant firing for some fifteen minutes, resulting to them in the loss of 4 or 5 wounded and several horses killed, and in their rout. The column was at once pushed on through Charlestown, taking the Berryville road, upon which, from successively assumed positions, we drove another squad- ron of cavalry to within a mile of Berryville, where we discovered the Seventh and Twelfth Regiments of Virginia Cavalry upon a hill about 1 mile west of the town, who were dislodged by the prompt opening of Knaps Pennsylvania battery, in the advance, upon them, driving theni in the direction of Winchester. The ground which they ocQupied being most desirably prominent, I took possession of it by advancing my whole force, and driving them from it. This movement was at once succeeded by the advance of one regiment of infantry and two pieces of artillery, under cover of a skirt of woodland for about 1 mile farther, in the same direction, where I placed them in defensive position, and sent forward my cavalry force about a mile farther on the same road, when they encountered the enemy, the whole of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, several hundred strong, who charged impetuously upon them. My cavalry retired, pursued by three parallel columns, following closely, the charging regiment cheering vociferously at every step as they ad- vanced, firing upon them, until they came to within about 100 yards of the muzzles of the advanced guns of Knaps battery, which, in conjunc- tion with the Seventh Ohio Volunteers, opened fire upon them with fine effect, mortally wounding 4, and wounding about 20 others. Those mortally wounded died in the vicinity a short time after. Seven or eight of their horses were killed and mortally wounded, and the whole party of the enemy was dispersed in the greatest confusion and demor- alization. Being now about dusk, I did not deem it prudent to advance, and ordered a halt, for the double purpose of allowing the men to rest for the night and to gain information of the strength of the enemy before us, regarding whom great uncertainty prevailed. Our troops bivouacked in line of battle upon the site of the skirmish, felling trees as temporary barricades. On the following morning (Wednesday) rumors were rife that Gen- eral A. P. Hill was still in the valley, and also that rebel forces were in Millwood. I therefore concluded to thoroughly reconnoiter the coun- try, preparatory to moving my entire force. It was stated by citizens that rebel troops were at Millwood during the night, and also at New- town, south of Winchester. The bold front assumed by the enemys cavalry seemed to corroborate the rumors. Detaching about 1,000 infantry and four pieces of artillery, and per~ sonally taking commuandof them, I pushedonto Ojjiequon Creek, ourpass- age being occasionally disputed by desultory firing from cavaky secreted in woods. At Opequon we fonud the camp of General A. P. Hills troops, vacated three or four days previously. Hereupon I ordered up the balance of the com~nand, and pur whole force again bivouacked in Un~ of battle, this time upom~ the rebel hills recent can~p ground Page 33 CHAP. XXXIILJ RECONNAISSANCE TO WINCHESTER, VA., ETC. 33 Early on Thursday morning, 4th instant, we proceeded cautiously in the direction of Winchester, through Ash Hollow, having heavy bodies of flankers on each side of the dense pine woods surrounding it. De- tached parties of the enemys cavalry posted in it, in fear of being cap- tured, fled precipitately to Winchester. My whole force having gained the rising grounds immediately east of the city, 1 ordered the parking of wagons and ambulances and the infantry and artillery into order of battle. A number of persons at this place came to our lines to inform us they had heard that the infantry and artillery of the enemy had evacuatezl the city on the previous night; but, deeming the information unreliable, I held them as hostages, and sent the following message under flag of truce, borne by iDr. A. M. Ball, medical director of the division, accom- panied by Capt. It. C. Shannon, assistant adjutantgeneral of the Second Brigade, and one of his orderlies, to demand the surrender of the place: To the Hon. Mayor or chief officer of the city of Wincheste,-: SIR: I am credibly informed by a large number of citizens that your city has been recently evacuated by the military. Unwilling to shed blood or destroy property un- necessarily, I demand an instant and unconditional surrender of the city, pledging you, however, that the persons of non-combatants and private property shall be duly respected. If you decline to accept these terms, I will immediately move upon the city in full force. I have the honor to be, respectfully, JNO. XV. GEARY. To this I received the following response from Major Myers, of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, who, with other rebel officers, met the flag: NEAR WINcHEsrER, VA., December 4, 1862. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Federal Forces: GENERAL: The city of Winchester will be evacuated in an hours time by tlie mili- tary forces under my command, which time I would request for you to be pleased to observe, to give non-combatants desirous of leaving the town an opportunity to do so. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, SAML. B. MYERS, Major Seventh Virginia Cavalry. I peremptorily refused the demand of an hours time for non-combat- ants to depart. Our infantry deployed, and the whole line, with artil- lery in position, advanced, encircling the town on the north and east, and occupying without resistance the forts on the north of the city, constructed by General White, having taken advantage of the inequali- ties of the ground, until within about half a mile of the city, where I ascertained a large number of small-pox cases were in the city hospi. tals, and determining to preclude any possibility of contagion, I occu- pied the fortifications already alluded to. Immediately after taking pos- session of these, a body of cavalry was perceived watching and noting our movements, but it was quickly dispersed by an active cannollading from our position. The flag again returned, bearing a note from the mayor of the city, embodying ~n unconditional surrender, and of which the following is a transcript: WINCHESTER, VA, December 4, 1862. Brigadier-General GEARY: The military have all withdrawn from the town, and no resistance will be made, upon your assurance of protection to persons and property of the town. I have the honor to be, J. B. T. REED, Mayor of Winchester, Vs. 3 R UVOL XX Page 34 34 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL I then had the city searched by a party, which captured 118 rebel soldiers, including 4 commissioned officers (for list see Appendix A), to whom I had the usual parole administered, which was given with an alacrity of manifest willingness. We also captured 7 rebel soldiers, who were brought in with us (see Appendix B). Four Federal soldiers, who had been taken at Snickersville, and 2 who were taken at Antietam by General Lee, were recaptured. We here also appropriated to the use of our troops a quantity of flour, the property of rebels. The illustration of the great revulsion of sentiment in favor of the Union was highly gratifying, and I beg to remark that our reception by the women and children was satisfactorily demonstrative. The out- pouring of Union feeling was assisted with flags and other Unioii em- blems. Most of the men being absent, a partial indication of the feeling prevailing was furnished by some 400 or 500 youths, whose acclama- tions of pleasure, beyond doubt unfeigned, were freely given. This change of feeling is similar through the country, and is strongly indica- tive of the growing entertainment of Union sympathies. Another subject worthy of comment is the destruction of the Harpers Ferry and Winchester Railroad and of the property of the people, who have been bereft of nearly all the necessities of life. Devastation of a painful character is noticeable over all the section visited by the troops of Jackson and Hill. Cattle and hogs have nearly all been taken, and throughout a vast area there is not enough provender to maintain a troop of cavalry in any one neighborhood for a single week. Having remained in Winchester until about 3 p. in., and considering that the objects of the mission with which I have had the honor of being intrusted were fully accomplished, we took up the returning line of march by the Martinsburg turnpike, and encamped about 6 miles from Winchester. At this point during the night a number of rebel cavalry fired on my pickets without effect, and rapidly retired. On Friday we passed through Bunker Hill and Smithfield, and found the route in the same devastated condition as before mentioned. At Oakland about 75 cavalry fired upon and sought to harass my outposts; but, having placed two pieces of artillery at an eligible point, in ex- pectancy of them, we dispersed them by a few well-directed shots. The points of information gleaned upon the reconnaissance are summed up briefly, in effect that General D. H. Hill left with his divis- ion about November 17; Jackson, with his command, about the 26th, and A. P. Hill from the 27th to the 29th of the same month. I am also led to believe, from various sources, that the combined forces of the enemy / amounted to about 35,000 effective men and about sixty pieces of artil- lery. General George [H.] Steuart, of Maryland, and General Jones were in command of the troops that remained at Winchester until the day preceding the surrender. A part of these forces, 1 learned, were known as the Mary1land Line, consisting of about 2,000 infa~~try and artillery. The cavalry consisted of the Seventh and Twelfth and six companies of another Virginia regiment, the artillery of Chews (four guns), and a Maryland battery, of six other guns, all of which were in the reported evacuation. No troops are now remaining in the valley, except Ashbys cavalry. The forces driven from Winchester, when last heard from, were in full retreat beyond Strasburg. The two Hills and Jackson were last reported as marching directly toward Fredericksburg, and as within 20 miles of Lees army. After bivouacking two nights in the woods, and enduring, without shelter, a severe snow-storm, the column reached the division encamp- ment without a single casualty. The expedition was prosecuted unde Page 35 CILAP. XXXIII.] SKIRMISH AT MOOREFIELD, XV. VA. 35 circumstances the most disadvantageous, both as regards gathering in- formation (which was an arduous, and in many instances impossible, case, except through immediate reconnoitering investigation) and the inclemency of the weather. A still further most noticeable drawback was in the scarcity of a cavalry force, as I had but 50 of this arm, so essential to a vigorous persecution of the enemy, nuder the circumstances of their having so many mounted troops. Every movement required to be made slowly and with caution, supported by infantry. With a good regiment of cavalry, I might have captured the entire body of infantry and artillery opposing us, by cutting off their avenues of retreatin speedy maneuvering. It is with pleasure that I mention the spirit and alacrity displayed by our troops at all times during the expedition. Officers and men, with but few exceptions, conducted themselves gallantly, and with an utter abnegation of self comforts. My thanks for a hearty co-operation are due Brigadier-Generals Greene and Jackson, and Colonel Euger, bri- gade commanders. I take pleasure also in mentioning the name of Lient. L. R. Davis, aide-de-camp, on my staff; in connection with repeated manifestations of activity and courage. Hoping the results of the expedition are deserving of your approval, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. NY. GEARY, Brjgadier- Generctl, Commanding Division. Lient. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Iwe~fth Army Corps. -HnQns. SECOND DIVIsIoN, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Bolivar Heights, Va., December 7, 1862. I have the honor to report, as an addendum to the report of the recent reconnaissance to Winchester, that in the skirmish near Charlestown, among the rebel wounded were Lieutenant Baylor, who had his arm blown off, and Privates Isler and Timberlake, all of the cavalry. We have this morning taken 2 additional prisoners of war, viz: Pri- vate Raymond Eatman, Second North Carolina Infantry, and Jacob Robertson, Whites cavalry battalion. Ycry respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. DECEMBER 3, 1862.Skirmish at Noorefield, W. Va. Rc~jport of Lieut. Henry A. Myers, Ringgold Battalion Pennsylvania Cav alry. HEADQUARTERS, New 6~reeIc, Va., December 14, 1862. In accordance with your order, I proceeded to Moorefield, by way of Greenland Gap, with detachments of 20 men from the old Ringgold Cav- alry and the same number from Captains Works, Youngs, Barrs, and Mitcheners companies, making, in all, 100 men, with the mountain how Page 36 36 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. itzer. At 4p. m. we were on the march. After we had proceeded 8 miles on our way, we were joined by Captain Bowand, with his company of the First Virginia Cavalry. We reached the Widow Solomons, on Patter- sons Creek, at 7 a. in., where we stopped to feed and take breakfast. At 8 oclock we were again on the march for Moorefield, about 14 miles dis- tant. We had reliable information that the town was occupied by two companies of cavalry, nuder command of McDonald and Knykendall. When we came in sight of the town, a charge was ordered. The men behaved gallantly. The rebels were dispersed in all directions. We killed 2, wounded a number, and captured 10 prisoners and 12 horses. The only loss we sustained was 12 horses killed. Among the prisoners is the celebrated Ed. [II.] McDonald, captain of one of the companies. II. A. MYERS, First Lieutenant, Gomdg. Detachment of Ringgold Battalion. Capt. JOHN KEYS, Chief of Cavalry, Railroad Division. P. S.We started from camp December 2, at 4 p. in., and returned December 4, at 3 a. in., having traveled a distance of 95 miles in thirty- four hours, including rests. DECEMBER 4, 1862.Engagement on the Rappahannock River, Va. REP& RTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill, C. S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Gen. W. H. F. Lee, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. Daniel liii. Hill, C. S. Army. DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, December 5, 1802. I have the honor to report that the Yankee gunboats (fdur in number) have been run away from Port Royal, Va. Three of these were the no- torious pirates Pawnee, Anacostia, and Live Yankee. The fourth was unknown.* They carried twenty-one guns, and had a complement of some 500 men. Captain [It. A.] Hardaway opened upon them with his Whitworth gun at a distance of 3 miles. They replied promptly, but, finding their range short, attempted to approach him, but were promptly driven back under cover of the town by Captain [T. II.] Carter from the hills opposite it. Riflemen were placed to greet them a ove 1~ort Royal, so that they were afraid to go in that direction. And now was witnessed an instructive sight. These piratical cruisers, which have bombarded so many unoffending private residences, and have carried desolation to so many peaceTul hombs, shrank from the wager of battle and kept close under the shelter of town, so that the flank batteries could not fire upon them without endangering it. Hardaway still kept np his pelting in front until dark, when they fled down the river. And now two 3-inch * The steamers were the Anacostia, Co~ur de Lion, Currituck, and Jacob Bell. See report of Commodore Andrew A. Harwood, U. S. Navy, in Annual Report of the Secre- tary of the Navy, dated December 7, l~63. See also Gregg to Cohen, December 4, in Correspondence, etc., p. 826 Page 37 CHAr. XXXIII.] ENGAGEMENT ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER, VA. 37 rifles, under the gallant [John] Peihani, of Stuarts cavalry, placed near the waters edge, gave them a parting salute. I regret to add that he had 1 man severely and 1 slightly wounded. There were no casualties in the batteries of my command. This same gun of Hardaway, at Upperville, drove entirely off the field near Upperville a Yankee battery of artillery and a large force of cav- alry and infantry at a distance of ~A- miles. The restorers of the Union have made their trust so much in their long-range guns that, when they find themselves under the fire of a superior range, they be- come demoralized and will not fight. I make this report to call the attention of the War Department to the extraordinary merit of the Whitworth gun in the hands of such a mau as Hardawaythe best practical artillerist I have seen in service. He still remains a captain, while officers never engaged have been promoted over him. With great respect, D. H. HILL, Lieutenant-General JACKSON, Maior- General. Commanding Left Wing. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. W. ff~F. Lee, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS LEES CAVALRY BRIGADE, Morse Neck, Va., December ~, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward Colonel Beales report of an expedition sent into Westmoreland, which, as you know, was entirely successful.* On yesterday evening I heard that General Hill had ordered the Whit- worth gun to a position near Pratts house to open on the gunboats. I ordered Major Pelham to carry the two rifled guns of Moormans bat- tery, under Lieutenant [Charles H.] Phelps, to the position near Pratts house previously examined by him with yourself. After replying to the Whitworth gun for an hour, they steamed up and came down the river. Major Pelham waited until they were within 300 yards, and opened with deadly effect, putting two shot through and through one of the boats. They replied with grape, and one of the gunners had his leg carried off. I will forward the name of the man. He behaved with marked gallantry and coolness. Major Pelham superintended the guns in person. Very respectfully, W. H. F. LEE, [Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART, Brigadier-General. C~ommanding Cavalry Division.] [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, December 5, 1862. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding gen- eral, whose notice is respectfully called to the gallantry displayed by * See Lee to Stuart, p. 28 Page 38 38 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CnAP.~XxXm. Major Peiham and the officers and men under his command. The bri- gade of Brig. Gen. W. II. F. Lee is doing gallant service on the Lower Bappahannock, and no opportunity to strike the enemy will be allowed to pass. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, December 5, 1862. ZRespe~tfully forwarded to the Adjutant and Inspector General for the information of the Department. Four gunboats of the enemy had been lying for several days opposite Port Royal, and I desired to drive them out of the river without drawing their fire upon the town. A dis- tant point, therefore, had to be selected to dislodge them, on which ac- count I fear the boats did not suffer as much as I intended they should. ZR. E. LEE, General. DECEMBER 11, 1862.Skirmish at Darkesville, W. Va. Report of .Lieut. Richard G. Prendergast, First New York Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY PICKET, Hammonds House, lTa., December 11, 1862. SIR: I have to report that, in obedience to your orders, I proceeded this morning, with 15 men of Company M and 12 of Company B, to Martinsburg, which I found unoccupied, but learned there that the en- emys cavalry were picketing the road to Winchester, and that they might be easily surprised. I therefore advanced with my command on that road, and at about 4 miles distance from Martinsburg met the ad- vanced picket, who fell back on their reserve, consisting of three com- panies of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, which formed across the road and fired on my advance. I at once charged them, broke their array, wounded several, and captured 13 prisoners, with horses, arms, and equipments. The remainder fled to IDarkesville, firing as they retreated, and promptly pursued by my command. On the Winchester side of the town they rallied and again formed, when I again charged and dispersed them, recapturing one of my men, who had been taken in the first mel6e. I pursued them to the base of Bunker Hill, when, seeing that they were supported by the rest of that regiment, drawn up on the crest of the hill, I halted, and returned unpursued, by Martinsburg, here. My only casualty is the slight wounding of one horse. Two of the prisoners are wounded with the saber, one very seriously. The men, without a single exception, fought splendidly, and to Second Lieutenant Lewis,who accompanied me, Jam much indebted for valuable aid. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, ZR. G. PRENDERGAST, First Lieutenant Company 1W, First New York Gavalry. Capt. ZR. II. 0. IIERTZOG, Commanding Cavalry Picket Page 39 CnAr. XXXIil.J BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 39 DECEMBER 1115, 1862.Battle of Fredericksburg, Va. REPOI~TS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Henry XV. Halleck, U. S. Army, General-in-Chief. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. No. 2.Organization of the Union forces, December 1115. No. 3.Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Po- tomac, of operations November 9, 1~62-Jannary 25, 1863, with congratu- latory message from the President. No. 4.Return of Casualties in the Union forces. No. 5.Brig. Gen. Rufus Ingalls, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster, of operations November 9, 1862January 25, 1863. No. 6.Capt. Samuel T. Cashing, Second U. S. Infantry, Acting Chief Signal Officer. No. 7.Capt. Benjamin F. Fisher, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, Acting Signal Officer. No. 8.Lient. Samuel Adams, Sixty-sixth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 9.Capt. Frederick E. Beardslee, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Army, Acting Signal Officer. No. 10.Lient. Frederick Fuller, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 11.Lient. Joseph Gloskoski, Twenty-ninth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 12.Capt. James S. Hall, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 13.Lient. Edward C. Pierce, Third Maine Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 14.Lient. David Wonderly, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, Acting Signal Officer. No. 15.Lient. Cyrus B. Comstock, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer. No. 16.Lient. Charles E. Cross, U. S. Corps of Engineers, commanding Engineer Battalion. No. 17.Brig. Gen. Daniel P. Woodhury, U. S. Army, commanding Engineer Brigade. No. 18.Capt. Henry W. Bowers, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army. No. 19.Maj. James A. Magruder, Fifteenth New York Engineers. No. 20.Maj. Ira Spaulding, Fiftieth New York Engineers. No. 21.Lient. Michael H. McGrath, Fiftieth New York Engineers. No.22.Brig. Gen. Henry J. Hunt, U. S. Army, Chief of Artillery. No. 23.Col. Charles H. Tompkins, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, commanding Right Center Division. No. 24.Capt. Charles Kusserow, Battery D, First Battalion New York Light Artil- lery. No. 25.Lient. George W. Norton, Battery H, First Ohio Light Artillery. No. 26.Capt. Richard Waterman, Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. No. 27.Capt. William M. Graham, Battery K, First U. S. Artillery. No. 28.Lient. Francis W. Seeley, Battery K, Fourth U. S. Artillery. No. 29.Lient. David H. Kinzie, Battery K, Fifth U. S. Artillery. No. 30.Col. Robert 0. Tyler, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, commanding Left Center Division. No. 31.Maj. Thomas S. Trumbull, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery. No. 32.Capt. Otto Diederiebs, Battery A, First Battalion New York Light Artillery. No. 33.Capt. Adolph Voegelee, Battery B, First Battalion New York Light Artillery. No. 34.Lient. William A. Ham, Third New York Battery. No. 35.Capt. Jeremiah McCarthy, Battery C, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 36.Capt. Michael Hall, Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 37.Lieut. CoL William Hays, U. S. Army, additional aide-de-camp, commanding artillery on the right Page 40 40 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., ND., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. No. 38.Capt. Rufus D. Pettit, Battery B, First New York Light Artillery. No. 39.Capt. Jacob Roemer, Battery L, Second New York Light Artillery. No. 40.Capt. James E. Smith, Fourth New York Battery. No. 41.Capt. George XV. Durell, Battery D, Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 42.Capt. Charles D. Owen, Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. No. 43.Lient. Samuel N. Benjamin, Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery. No. 44.Capt. Horatio G. Gibson, Battery C, Third U. S. Artillery. No. 45.Lieut. Rufus King, jr., Battery A, Fourth U. S. Artillery. No. 46.Lieut. Charles E. Hazlett, Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery. No. 47.Capt. Gustavus A. De Russy, Fourth U. S. Artillery, commanding batteries on the left. No. 48.Capt. Andrew Cowan, First New York Battery. No. 49.Capt. Elijah D. Taft, Fifth New York Battery. No. 50.Lient. R. Bruce Ricketts, Battery F, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 51.Maj. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner, U. S. Army, commanding Right Grand Di- vision. No. 52.Brig. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division, Right Grand Division. No. 53.Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, U. S. Army, commanding Second Army Corps. No. 54.First Lieut. Edmund Kirby, Battery I, First U. S. Artillery. No. 55.Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 56.Lieut. Evan Thomas, Battery C, Fourth U. S. Artillery. No. 57.Brig. Gen. John C. Caldwell, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 58.Col: Edward E. Cross, Fifth New Hampshire Infantry. No. 59.Col. George W. Von Schack, Seventh New York Infantry. No. 60.Col. Nelson A. Miles, Sixty-first New York Infantry, commanding Sixty-first and Sixty-fourth New York Regiments. No. 61.Capt. William Wilson, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 62.Lieut. Col. David B. McCreary, One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 63.Brig. Gen. Thomas F. Meagher. U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 64.Col. Richard Byrnes, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 65.Lient. Col. Richard C. Bentley, Sixty-third New York Infantry. No. 66.Capt. Patrick J. Condon, Sixty-third New York Infantry. No. 67.Capt. James Saunders, Sixty-ninth New York Infantry. No. 68.Col. Patrick Kelly, Eighty-eighth New York Infantry. No. 69.Capt. John Teed, One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 70.Col. Samuel K. Zook, Fifty-seventh New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 71.Col. Richard S. Bostwick, Twenty-seventh Connecticut Infantry. No. 72.Capt. Peter McCullough, Second Delaware Infantry. No. 73.Col. Paul Frank, Fifty-second New York Infantry. No. 74.Capt. James W. Britt, Fifty-seventh New York Infantry. No. 75.Lieut. James G. Derrickson, Sixty-sixth New York Infantry. No. 76.Col. John R. Brooke, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 77.Brig. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 78.Capt. William A. Arnold, Battery A, First Rhode Island Artillery. No. 79.Capt. John G. Hazard, Battery B, First Rhode Island Artillery. No. 80.Brig. Gen. Alfred Sully, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 81.Col. Frederick D. Sewall, Nineteenth Maine Infantry. No. 82.Capt. Charles H. Watson, Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 83.Capt. William Plumer, First Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters. No. 84.Col. George N. Morgan, First Minnesota Infantry. No. 85.Col. James A. Suiter, Thirty-fourth New York Infantry. No. 86.Lieut. Col. James Huston, Eighty-second New York Infantry Page 41 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICI(SBtIRG, VA. 41 No. 87.Col. Joshua T. Owen, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 88.Col. Turner G. Moreliead, One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 89.Col. NormnnJ. Hall, Seventh Michigan Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 90.Lient. Col. William Northedge, Fifty-ninth New York Infantry. No. 91.Brig. Gen. William H. French, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 9~2.Capt. John D. Frank, Battery G, First New York Light Artillery. No. 93.Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 94.Col. John S. Mason, Fourth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 95.Maj. Elijah H. C. Cavins, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry. No. 96.Col. William B. Robertson, Twenty-fourth New Jersey Infantry. No. 97.Lieut. Col. E. A. L. Roberts, Twenty-eighth New Jersey Infantry. No. 98.Capt. Gordon A. Stewart, Fourth Ohio Infantry. No. 99.Lieut. Col. Franklin Sawyer, Eighth Ohio Infantry. No. 100.Lieut. Col Jonathan H. Lockwood, Seventh West Virginia Infantry. No. 101.Col. Oliver H. Palmer, One hundred and eighth New York Infantry, com- manding Second Brigade. No. 102.Capt. Samuel H. Davis, Fourteenth Connecticut Infantry. No. 103.Capt. William M. Porter, One hundred and thirtieth Pennsylvania Infahtry. No. 104.Col. John W. Andrews, First Delaware Infantry, commanding Third Bri- gade. No. 105.Lient. Col. John W. Marshall, Tenth New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 106.Maj. Thomas A. Smyth, First Delaware Infantry, No. 107.Lient. Col. William Jameson, Fourth New York Infantry. No. 108.Capt. George F. Hopper, Tenth New York Infantry. No. 109.Lient. Cd. Charles Albright, One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 110.Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Willeox, U. S. Army, commanding Ninth Army Corps. No. 111.Brig. Gen. William W. Burns, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 112.Lient. Col. Joseph Gerhardt, Forty-sixth New York Infantry, Second Bri- gade. No. 113.Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 114.Capt. William W. Buckley, Battery D, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. No. 115.Second Lieut. John Egan, First U. S. Artillery, commanding -Battery E, Fourth U. S. Artillery. No. 116.Brig. Gen. James Nagle, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 117.Col. Thomas B. Allard, Second Maryland Infantry. No. 115.Col. Simon G. Griffin, Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. No. 119.Lient. Col. John W. Babbitt, Ninth New Hampshire Infantry. No. 120.Col. Joshua K. Sigfri ed, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 121.Col. Zenas R. Bliss, Seventh Rhode Island Infantry. No. 122.Col. George H. Browne, Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry. No. 123.Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 124.Col. William S. Clark, Twenty-first Massachusetts Infantry. No. 125.Capt. Stephen H. Andrews, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 126.Col. Walter Harriman, Eleventh New Hampshire Infantry. No. 127.Col. Robert B. Potter, Fifty-first New York Infantry. No. 128.Brig. Gen. George W. Getty, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 129.Second Lieut. James Gilliss, Battery A, Fifth U. S. Artillery. No. 130.Col. Rush C. Hawkins, Ninth New York Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade. No. 131.Col. Michael T. Donohoe, Tenth New Hampshire Infantry. - No. 132.Col. Aaron F. Stevens, Thirteenth N9w Hampshire Infantry. No. 133.Col. Andrew Derrom, Twenty-fifth New Jersey Infantry Page 42 42 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. No. 134.Lient. Col. Edgar A. Kimball, Ninth New York Infantry. No. 135.Col. Harrison S. Fairchild, Eighty-ninth New York Infantry. No. 136~Maj. Benjamin Ringold, One hundred and third New York Infantry. No. 137.Col. Edward Harland, Eighth Connecticut Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 138.Capt. Henry M. Hoyt, Eighth Connecticut Infantry. No. 139.CoL Griffin A. Stedman,jr., Eleventh Connecticut Infantry. No. 140.Lient. Col. Samuel Tolles, Fifteenth Connecticut Infantry. No. 141.Capt. Charles L. Upham, Sixteenth Connecticut Infantry. No. 142.Col. Arthur H. Dutton, Twenty-first Connecticut Infantry. No. 143.Maj. Martin P. Buffum, Fourth Rhode Island Infantry. No. 144.Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding C enter Grand Division. No. 145.Brig. Gen. George Stoneman, U. S. Army, commanding Third Army Corps. No. 146.Brig. Gen. David B. Birney, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 147.Capt. George E. Randolph, Chief of Artillery, First Division. No. 148.Brig. Gen. John C. Robinson, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 149.Maj. John A. Danks, Sixty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 150.Brig. Gen. J. H. Hobart Ward, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 151.Col. Elijah Walker, Fourth Maine Infantry. No. 152.Lient. Col. William Birney, Thirty-eighth New York Infantry. No. 153.Brig. Gen. Hiram G. Berry, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 154.Maj. Moses B. Houghton, Third Michigan Infantry. No. 155.Brig. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 156.Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 157.Col. George B. Hall, Seventy-first New York Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 158.Col. William R. Brewster, Seventy-third Now York Infantry. No. 159.Licut. Col. William H. Lounsbury, Seventy-fourth New York Infantry. No. 160.Col. George H. Sharpe, One hundred and twentieth New York Infantry. No. 161.Brig. Gen. Joseph W. Revere, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 162.Col. William J. Sewell, Fifth New Jersey Infantry. No. 163.Col. Louis R. Francine, Seventh New Jersey Infantry. No. 164.Lient. Col. William A. Olmsted, Second New York Infantry, commanding One hundred and fifteenth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 165.Brig. Gen. Amid W. Whipple, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 166.Brig. Gen. A. Sanders Piatt, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 167.Col. Ern.Jen Franklin, One hundred and twenty-second Pennsylvania In- fantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 168.Col. Samuel S. Carroll, Eighth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 169.Col. Joseph H. Potter, Twelfth New Hampshire Infantry (unattached). No. 170.Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield, U. S. Army, commanding Fifth Army Corps. No. 171.Capt. Stephen II. Weed, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery. No. 172.Brig. Gen. Charles Griffin, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 173.Licut. Joseph C. Ayer, Eighteenth Massachusetts Infantry, Chief of Ambu- lance Corps, First Division. No. 174.Capt. Augustus P. Martin, Battery C, Massachusetts Light Artillery. No. 175.Capt. Charles A. Phillips, Battery E, Massachusetts Light Artillery. No. 176.Col. James Barnes, Eighteenth Massachusetts Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 177.Col. Jacob B. Sweitzer, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 178.Col. T. B. W. Stockton, Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 179.Col Strong Vincent, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 180.Lient. Col. Casper Trepp, First U. S. Sharpshooters Page 43 (~HAP. XXXIII.l BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 43 No. 181.Brig. Gen. George Sykes, U. S. Army, eommanding Second Division. No. 182.Lient. Malbone F. Watson, Fifth U. S. Artillery, commanding Division Artillery. No. 183.Lient. Frederick Dorries, Battery L, First Ohio Light Artillery. No. 184.Lient. Col. Robert C. Buchanan, Fourth U. S. Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 185.Capt. John D. Wilkins, Third U. S. Infantry. No. 186.Capt. Hiram Dryer, Fourth U. S. Infantry. No. 187.Capt. Matthew M. Blunt, Twelfth U. S. Infantry. No. 188.Capt. John D. OConnell, Fourteenth U. S~ Infantry. No. I 89.Maj. George L. Andrews, Seventeenth U. S. Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 190.Capt. Salem S. Marsh, Second U. S. Infantry, commanding battalion of First and Second Infantry. No. 191.Capt. henry E. Maynadier, battalion Tenth U. S. Infantry. No. 192.Capt. Charles S. Russell, battalion Eleventh U. S. Infantry. No. 193.Brig. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 194.Brig. Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 195.Capt. Alanson M. Randol, First U. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery. No. 196.Second Lient. William H. Phillips, Battery C, First New York Light Ar. tillery. No. 197.Brig. Gen. Erastus B. Tyler, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 198.CoL Edgar M. Gregory, Ninety-first Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 199.Lient. Col. David W. Rowe, One hundred and twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 200.Col. Jacob G. Frick, One hundred and twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 201.Lient. Col. Edward OBrien, One hundred and thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 202.Col. Peter H. Allabach, One hundred andthirty-firstPennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 203.Col. John B. Clark, One hundred and twenty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 204.Lient. Col. William B. Shaut, One hundred and thirty-first Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 205.Col. Franklin B. Spenkman, One hundred and thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 206.Col. Edwarif J. Allen, One hundred and fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 207.Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin, U. S. Army, commanding Left Grand Division. No. 208.Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds, U. S. Army, commanding First Army Corps. No. 209.Col. C. S. Wainwright, First New York Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery. No. 210.Brig. Gen. Abner Doubleday, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 211.Lient. Frederick NI. Edgell, First New Hampshire Light Battery. No. 212.Capt. John A. Reynolds, Battery L, First New York Light Artillery. No. 213.Second Lient. James Stewart, Battery B, Fourth U. S. Artillery. No. 214.Col. Walter Phelps, jr., Twenty-second New York Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 215.Col. James Gavin, Seventh Indiana Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 216.Lient. Col. J. William Hofmann, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 217.Col. William F. Rogers, Twenty-first New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 218.Lient. Col. Jacob B. Hardenbergh, Eightieth New York Infantry. No. 219.Brig. Gen. Solomon Meredith, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade. No. 220.Col. Lysander Cutler, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Fourth Bri. gade. No. 221.Col. Lucius Fairchild, Second Wisconsin Infantry Page 44 44 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL No. 222.Brig. Gen. John Gibbon, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 223.Capt. George F. Leppien, Fifth Maine Battery, Acting Chief of Division Artillery. No. 224.Capt. James A. Hall, Second Maine Battery. No. 225.Capt. James Thompson, Battery C, Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 226.Col. Adrian R. Root, Ninety-fourth New York Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 227.Lient. Col. Charles W. Tilden, Sixteenth Maine Infantry. No. 228.Maj. John A. Kress, Ninety-fourth New York Infantry. No. 229.Col. Gilbert G. Prey, One hundred and fourth New York Infantry. No. 230.Capt. Abraham Moore, One hundred and fifth New York Infantry. No. 231.Col. Thomas F. McCoy, One hundred and seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 232.Col. Peter Lyle, Ninetieth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 233.Col. James L. Bates, Twelfth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 234.Maj. Ezra F. Wetmore, Twenty sixth New York Infantry. No. 235.Lient. Col. William A. Leech, Ninetieth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 236.Col. Thomas M. Bayne, One hundred and thirty-sixth Pennsylvania In- fantry. No. 237.Brig. Gen. Nelson Taylor, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 238.Col. Samuel H. Leonard, Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 239.Capt. Joseph A. Moesch, Eighty-third New York Infantry. No. 240.Col. Charles Wheelock, Ninety-seventh New York Infantry. No. 241.Capt. Christian Kuhn, Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 242.Maj. David A. Griffith, Eighty-eighth iPeunsylvania Infantry. No. 243.Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 244.Lient. John G. Simpson, Battery A, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 245.Capt. James H. Cooper, Battery B, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 246.Capt. Frank P. Amsden, Battery G, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. No. 247.Capt. Dunbar R. Ransom, Third U. S. Artillery, commanding Battery C, Fifth U. S. Artillery. No. 248.Col. William MeCandless, Second Pennsylvania Reserves, commanding First Brigade. No. 249.Col. Chapman Biddle, One hundred and twenty-first Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 250.Col. Albert L. Magilton, Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves, commanding Second l~rigade. No. 251.Lient. Col. Robert Anderson, Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves, commanding Third Brigade. No. 252.Maj. Gen. William F. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Sixth Army Corps. No. 253.Capt. Romeyn B. Ayres, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery. No. 254.Brig. Gen. W. T. H. Brooks, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 255.Col. A. T. A. Torbert, First New Jersey Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade. No. 256.Brig. Gen. Albion P. Howe, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 257.Brig. Gen. Calvin E. Pratt, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 258.Col. Henry Whiting, Second Vermont Infantry, commanding Second Bri- gade. No. 259.Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Neill, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 260.Brig. Gen. John Newton, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 261.Brig. Gen. Charles Devens, jr., U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 262. Col. Oliver Edwards, Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry. ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. No. 263.Organization of the Army of Northern Virginia. No. 264.General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Virginia Page 45 CILAr. XXXIU.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 45 No. 265.Surg. Lafayette Guild, C. S. Army, Medical Director, with lists of killed and wounded. No. 266.Brig. Gen. William N. Pendleton, C. S. Army, Chief of Artillery, Army of Northern Virginia. No. 267.Lieut. Col. Briscoc G. Baldwin, Chief of Ordnance. No. 268.Lient. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding First Army Corps. No. 269.Col. J. B. Walton, commanding battalion Washington Artillery, of Louis- iana. No. 270.Lieut. Col. E. P. Alexander, commanding battalion Reserve Artillery. No. 271.Maj. Gen. Lafayette MeLaws, C. S. Army, commanding McLaws division. No. 272.Col. Henry Coalter Cabell, Chief of Artillery. No. 273.Capt. E. Taliaferro, Ordnance Officer, McLaws division. No. 274.Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Kershaw, C. S. Army, commanding Kershaws brigade. No. 275.Col. John D. Kennedy, Second South Carolina Infantry. No. 276.Col. James D. Nance, Third South Carolina Infantry. No. 277.Capt. John K. G. Nance, Third South Carolina Infantry. No. 278.Lient. Col. Elbert Bland, Seventh South Carolina Infantry. No. 279.Capt. E. T. Stackhonse, Eighth South Carolina Infantry. No. 280.Col. W. D. De Saussure, Fifteenth South Carolina Infantry. No. 281.Lient. Col. W. G. Rice, Third Battalion South Carolina Infantry. No. 282.Col. J. W. Carter, Thirteenth Mississippi Infantry, Barksdales brigade. No. 283.Lient. Col. John C. Fiser, Seventeenth Mississippi Infantry. No. 284.Capt. A. R. Govan, Seventeenth Mississippi Infantry. No. 285.Lient. Col. William H. Luse, Eighteenth Mississippi Infantry. No. 286.Col. Benjamin G. Humphreys, Twenty-first Mississippi Infantry. No. 287.Maj. D. N. Moody, Right Wing, Twenty-first Mississippi Infantry. No. 288.Brig. Gen. Paul J. Semmes, C. S. Army, commanding Semmes brigade. No. 289.Col. Robert MeMillan, Twenty-fourth Georgia, commanding Cobbs brigade. No. 290.Maj. Gen. Richard H. Anderson, C. S. Army, commanding Andersons di.. vision. No. 291.Brig. Gen. Cadmi~is M. Wilcox, C. S. Army, commanding Wilcoxs brigade. No. 292.Capt. John W. Lewis, commanding Lewis Light Artillery. No. 293.Brig. Gen. William Mahone, C. S. Army, commanding Mahones brigade. No. 294.Brig. Gen.W. S. Featherston, C. S. Army, commanding Featherstons brigade. No. 295.Brig. Gen. A. R. Wright, C. S. Army, commanding Wrights brigade. No. 296.Brig. Gen. E. A. Perry, C. S. Army, commanding Perrys brigade. No. 297.Capt. David Lang, Eighth Florida Infantry. No. 298.Capt. V. Maurin, Louisiana battery, Donaldsonville Artillery. No. 299.Maj. Gen. John B. Hood, C. S. Army, commanding Hoods division. No. 300.Brig. Gen. E. M. Law, C. S. Army, commanding Laws brigade. No. 301.Brig. Gen. Robert Ransom, jr., C. S. Army, commanding Ransoms division. No. 302.Col. Edward D. Hall, Forty-sixth North Carolina Infantry, commanding J. R. Cookes brigade. No. 303.Lient. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Second Army Corps. No. 304.Col. S. Crutchuleld, Chief of Artillery. No. 305.Col. J. Thompson Brown, First Virginia Artillery. No. 306.Maj. D. B. Bridgford, Chief Provost Marshal. No. 307.Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill, C. S. Army, commanding D. II. Hills division. No. 308.Maj. Gen. Ambrose P. Ilill, C. S. Army, commanding A. P. Hills division. No. 309.Lient. Col. R. L. Walker, commanding artillery. No. 310.Col. J. M. Brockenbrongh, Fortieth Virginia Infantry, commanding First (Fields) Brigade. No. 311Col. D. H. Hamilton, First South Carolina Infantry, commanding Second (Greggs) Brigade Page 46 46 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL No. 312.Brig. Gen. Edward L. Thomas, C. S. Army, commanding Third (Thomas) Brigade. No. 313.Brig. Gen. James H. Lane, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth (Lanes) Bri- gade. No. 314.Brig. Gen. James J. Archer, C. S. Army, commanding Fifth (Archers) Bri- gade. No. 315.Capt. S. D. Stewart, Fifth Alabama Infantry Battalion. No. 316.Lient. Col. Andrew J. Hutchins, Nineteenth Georgia Infantry. No. 317.Capt. H. J. Hawkins, First Tennessee Infantry (Provisional Army). No. 315.Col. John F. Goodner, Seventh Tennessee Infantry. No. 319.Lient. Col. James W. Lockert, Fourteenth Tennessee Infantry. No. 320.Brig. Gea. W. D. Pender, C. S. Army, commanding Sixth (Ponders) Bri- gade. No. 321.Brig. Gen. Jubal A. Early, C. S. Army, commanding Ewells division, with abstract from field return. No. 322.Capt. J. W. Latimer, Acting Chief of Artillery. No. 323.Col. Clement A. Evans, Thirty-first Georgia Infantry, commartding Law- tons brigade. No. 324.Brig. Gen. Robert F. Hoko, C. S. Army, commanding Trimbles brigade. No. 325.Col. James A. Walker, Thirteenth Virginia Infantry,confmanding Earlys brigade. No. 326.Brig. Gen. Harry T. Hays, C. S. Army, commanding Hays brigade. No. 327.Brig. Gen. William B. Taliaferro, C. S. Army, commanding Jacksons di- vision. No. 325.Brig. Gen. E. F. Paxton, C. S. Army, commanding First (Paxtons) Brigade. No. 329.Lient. George MeKendree, Carpenters battery. No. 330.Capt. J. Q. A. Nadenbousch, Second Virginia Infantry. No. 331.Maj. William Terry, Fonrth Virginia Infantry. No. 332.Lient. Col. H. J. Williams, Fifth Virginia Infantry. No. 333.Licut. Col. James K. Edmondson, Twenty-seventh Virginia Infantry. No. 334.Brig. Gen. John R. Jones, C. S. Army, commanding Second (Jones) Brigade. No. 335.Col. E. T. H. Warren, Tenth Virginia Infantry, commanding Third (Talia- ferros) Brigade. No. 336. Col. Edmund Pendieton, Fifteenth Louisiana Infantry, commanding Fourth (Starkes) Brigade. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, U. & Army, Generat -in- Chief HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. 0., November 15, 1863. Sm: In compliance with your orders, I submit the following summary of military operations since my last annual report: DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA AND ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. When General Burnside relieved General McClellan from his com- mand, on the 9th of November of last year, the Army of the Potomac was on the south side of the Potomac, under instructions to pursue Lee by a flank march on the interior line to Richmond, hugging closely to the Blue Ridge, so as to observe its passes and to give battle to the enemy whenever an opportunity occurred. On reaching Warrenton, however, General Burnside proposed to give up this pursuit of Lees army toward Richmond, and to mdve down the north side of the Rap Page 47 Cnip. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 47 pahannock to Falmouth, and establish a new base of supplies at Aquia Creek or Belle Plain. This proposed change of base was not approved by me, and in a personal interview at Warrenton I strongly urged him to retain his present base~ and continue his march toward Richmond in the manner pointed out in the Presidents letter of October 13 to General McClellan. General Burnside did not fully concur in the Presidents views, but finally consented to so modify his plan as to cross his army by the fords of the Upper Rappahannock, and then move down and seize the heights south of Fredericksburg, while a small force was to be sent north of the river to enable General ilaupt to reopen the railroad and to rebuild the bridges, the materials for which were nearly ready in Alexandria. J, however, refused to give any official approval of this deviation from the Presidents instructions until his assent was obtained. On my re- turn to Washington, on the 13th, I submitted to him this proposed change in the plan of campaign, and on its receiving his assent, rather than approval, I telegraphed, on the 14th, authority to General Burnside to adopt it. I here refer, not to General Burusides written plan to go to Falmouth, but to that of crossing the Rappahannock above its junc- tion with the Ilapidan. It has been inferred from the testimony of General Burnside before the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War, that his plan of marching his whole army on the north of the Rappahannock, from Warrenton to Falmouth, had been approved by the authorities in Wash- ington, and that lie expected, on his arrival there, to find supplies and pontoons, with gunboats to cover his crossing. In the first place, that plan was never approved, nor was he ever authorized to adopt it. In the second place, he could not possibly have expected supplies and pon- toons to be landed at points then occupied in force by the enemy. Again, he was repeatedly informed that gunboats could not, at that time, ascend the llappahannock to Fredericksburg. General Buruside did not commence his movement from Warreuton till the 15th, and then, instead of crossing the llappahannock by the fords, as he was expected to do, he marched his whole army down on the north bank of that river, his advance reaching Falmouth on the 20th. Lees army, in the mean time, moved down the south side of the river, but had not occupied Fredericksburg on the 21st. The river was at this time fordable a few miles above the town, and General Sumner asked permission to cross and occupy the heights, but it was refused, and no attempt was made to effect the passage till the 11th of IDecem- ber, by which time Lees army had been concentrated and strongly in- trenched. This passage, however, was effected without serious opposi- tion, by the right wing and center, nuder Sumner and Hooker, at Fred- ericksburg, and the left wing, nuder Franklin, on bridges established some miles below. It was intended that Franklins grand division, con- sisting of the corps of Reynolds and Smith, should attack the enemys right, and turn his position on the heights in rear of Fredericksburg, while Sumner and Hooker attacked him in front. But, by some alleged misunderstanding of orders, Franklins operations were limited to a mere reconnaissance, and the direct attacks of Sumner and Hooker were nn- supported. The contest on the right wing during the 13th was con- tinued till 5.30 p. in., when our men were forced to fall back, after suf- fering terrible losses. Both armies remained in position till the night of the 15th, when General Buruside withdrew his forces to the north side of the Rappahannock. General Burnside has been frequentl~r requested to make an officia Page 48 48 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXHI. report of these operations, but has furnished no information beyond that contained in his brief telegrams sent from the field, in one of which he uses the following language: The fact that I decided to move from Warrenton to this line, rather against the opinion of the Presidents the Secretary of War, and yonrself, and that you have left the whole movement in my hands without giving me orders, makes me the more re- sponsible. The loss of the rebels in this battle is not known. As they were shel- tered by their fortifications, it was, probably, less than ours, which, as officially reported, was 1,138 killed, 9,105 wounded, and 2,078 missing.~ Most of the missing, and many of the slightly wounded, soon rejoined their regiments and reported for duty. It was alleged at the time that the loss of this battle resulted from the neglect to order forward the pontoon train from Washington. This order was telegraphed by me from Warrenton to Brigadier-General Woodbury, then in Washington, on the 12th of November, and was promptly acted on by him. General Burnside had supposed that the pontoon train was then in Washington or Alexandria, while it was still on the Potomac, at Berlin and Harpers Ferry, General Burnsides order to send it to Washington not having been received by the officer left in charge there. General Burnside had only allowed time for transporting his pontoons from Alexandria, whereas they had first to be transported to that place from Berlin. The delay was, therefore, entirely unavoida- ble, and, on investigation of the matter by General Buruside, General Woodbury was exonerated from all blame. General Hooker relieved General Burnside from his command on the 25th of January. * * * * * * * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLEOK General-in-Chief. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 2. Organization of the Union forces at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 1115, 1862. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE. ESCORT, ETC. Oneida (New York) Cavalry, Capt. Daniel P. Mann. 1st U. S. Cavalry (detachment), Capt. Marcus A. Ileno. 4tli U. S. Cavalry, Companies A and E, Capt. James B. McIntyre. PROVOST GUARD. Brig. Gen. MARSENA II. PATRICK. McClellan (Illinois) Dragoons, Company A, Capt. George W. Shears. McClellan (Illinois) Dragoons, Company B, Capt. David C. Brown. 9th New York Infantry, Company G, Capt. Charles Child. 93d New York Infantry, Col. John S. Crocker. 2d U. S. Cavalry, Maj. Charles J. Whiting. 8th U. S. Infantry, Capt. Royal T. Frank. But see revised statement, pp. 129142 Page 49 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. VOLUNTEER ENGINEER BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. DANIEL P. WOODRURY. 15th New York, Maj. James A. Magruder. 50th New York, Maj. Ira Spaulding. BATTALION UNITED STATES ENGINEERS. Lient. ChARLES E. CROSS. ARTILLERY. Brig. Gen. HENRY J. hUNT. Artillery Be8erve. Lient. Col. WILLIAM HAYS. New York Light, 5th Battery, Capt. Elijah D. Taft. 1st Battalion New York Ligbt, Battery A, Capt. Otto Diedericlis. 1st Battalion New York Light, Battery B, Capt. Adolph Voegelee. 1st Battalion New York Light, Battery C, Lieut. Bernhard Wever. 1st Battalioa New York Light, Battery D, Capt. Charles Kusserow. 1st United States, Battery K, Capt. William M. Graham. 2d United States, Battery A, Capt. John C. Tidball. 4th United States, Battery G, Licut. Marcus P. Miller. 5th United States, Battery K, Lient. David H. Kinzie. 32d Massachusetts Infantry, Company C, Capt. Josiah C. Fuller. Unattached Artillery. Maj. THOMAS S. TRUMBULL. 1st Connecticut Heavy, Battery B, Capt. Albert F. Brooker. 1st Connecticut Heavy, Battery M, Capt. Franklia A. Pratt. RIGHT GRAND DIVISION.. Maj. Gen. EDWIN V. SUMNER. SECOND ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. DARIUS N. COUCH. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WINFIELD S. HANCOCK. Ftrst Brigade. Second Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen: JOHN C. CALDwELL. Brig. Cell. TnoMAs F. MEAGHER. (2.) Col. GEORGE W. VON SCHACK. 28th Massachusetts, Col. Riehd Byrnes. 5th New Hampshire: 63d New York: Col. Edward E. Cross. Lient. Col. Richard C. Bentley. Maj. E. E. Sturtevant. Capt. James E. Larkin. Maj. Jose~)h ONeill. Capt. Patrick J. Condon. Capt. Horace T. H. Pierce. 69th New York: 7th New York: Col. Robert Nugent. Col. George XV. von Schack. ___________ Capt. G. A. von Bransen. ___________* 61st New York, Col. Nelson A. Miles. Capt. James Saunders. 64th New York, Lieut. Col. Enos C. Brooks. 88th New York, Col. Patrick Kelly. 81st Pennsylvania: 116th Pennsylvania: Col. H. Boyd MeKeen. Col. Dennis Ileenan. ___________* Lient. Col. St. Clair A. Mulhol- __________* land. Capt. X~Tilliam Wilson. ____________* 145th Pennsylvania: Lieut. Francis T. Quinlan. Col. Hiram L. Brown. Lient. Col. David B. MeCreary. * Name not of record. See General Hancocks report, p. 226. 4 U HVOL XXI 4 Page 50 50 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND 1A. ~CIIAP. XXXIII. Third Brigade. Col. SAMUEL K. ZooK. 27th Connecticut, Col. Richard S. Bostwick. 2d Delaware: Col. William P. Baily. 52d New York, Col. Paul Frank. 57th New York: Lieut. Col. Alford B. Chapman. Maj. N. Garrow Throop. Capt. James W. Britt. 66th New York: Lieut. Col. James H. Bull. Capt. Julius Welile. Capt. John S. Hainmell. Lieut. James G. Derrickson. 53d Pennsylvania, Col. .John R. Brooke. Artillery. 1st New York Light, Battery B, Capt. Rufus D. Pettit. 4th United States, Battery C) Lieut. Evan Thomas. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. OLIVER 0. HOWARD. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALFRED SULLY. Col. JOSHUA T. OWEN. 19th Maine: 69th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Dennis Col. Frederick D..Sewall. OKane. Lieut. Col. Francis E. Heath. 71st Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. John 15th Massachusetts: Markoe. Maj. Chase Philhrick. 72d Pennsylvania, Col. DeWitt C. Bax~- Capt. John Murkland. ter. Capt. Charles H. Watson. 106th Pennsylvania, Col. Turner G. More~ Massachusetts Sharpshooters, 1st Coin- head. pany, Capt. William Plainer. 1st Minnesota, Col. George N. Morgan. Minnesota Sharpshooters, 2d Company, Capt. William F. Russell. 34th New York, Col. James A. Suiter. 8~d New York (2d Militia), Licut. Col. James Huston. Third Brigade. (1.) Col. NORMAN J. HALL. (2.) Col. WILLIAM R. LEE. 19th Massachusetts, Capt. H. G. 0. Weymouth. 20th Massachusetts, Capt. George N. Macy. 7th Michigan: Lieut. Col. Henry Baxter. Maj. Thomas H. Hunt. 42d New York, Licut. Col. George N. Bomford. 59th New York, Lieut. Col. William Northedge. 127th Pennsylvania,t Col. William W. Jennings. Artillery. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery A, Capt. William A. Arnold. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery B, Capt. John G. Hazard. * Name not of record. See General Hancocks report, p. 226. Temporarily attached to Second Brigade Page 51 ChAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERiCKSBURG, VA. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM H. FRENCH. Jiiir8t Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL. (2.) Col. JOIIN S. MASON. 14th Indiana, Maj. Elijah H. C. Cavins. 24th New Jersey, Col. Win. B. Robertson. 28th New Jersey: CoL M. N. Wisewell. Liout. Col. E. A. L. Roberts. 4th Ohio: Col. Yohn S. Mason. Lieut. Col. James H. Godinan. Capt. Gordon A. Stewart. 8th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Franklin Sawyer. 7th West Virginia: Col. Joseph Snider. Lient. Col. Jonathan H. Lockwood. Third Brigade. (1.) Col. JOHN W. ANDREWS.t (2.) Lient. Col. WILLIAM JAMESON. (3.) Lient. Col. JOHN W. MARSHALL. Second Brigade. Col. OLIVER H. PALMER. 14th Connecticut: Lient. Col. Sanford H. Perkins. Capt. Samuel H. Davis. 108th New York, Lient. Col. Charles J. Powers. 130th Pennsylvania: Col. Henry I. Zinn. Capt. William M. Porter. 1st Delaware, Maj. Thomas A. Smyth. 4th New York: Col. John D. MacGregor. Lieut. Col. William Jameson. Maj. Charles W. Kruger. 10th New York: Col. John E. Bendix. Capt. Salmon Winchester. Capt. George F. Hopper. 132d Pennsylvania,t Lient. Col. Charles Albright. Artillery. 1st New York Light, Battery G, Capt. John D. Frank. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery G, Capt. Charles D. Owen. ARTILLERY RESERVE. Capt. CHARLES H. MORGAN.~S 1st United States, Battery I, Lient. Edmund Kirby. 4th United States, Battery A, Lient. Rufus King, jr. NINTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. ORLANDO B. WILLCOX. ESCORT. 6th New York Cavalry, Company B, Capt. Hillman A. Hall. 6tli New York Cavalry, Company C, Capt. William L. Heermauce. * Wounded December 13. I Disabled. ~ Transferred from Second Bx~igade, December 13. ~ Chief of the corps artillery. 5 Page 52 52 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM W. BURNS. First Brigade. Col. ORLANDO M. POE. 2d Michigan, Lieut. CoL Louis Diliman. 17th Michigan, Co]. William H. Withing- ton. 20th Michigan, Col. Adoiphus W. Will- iams. 79th New York, Licut. Col. David Morri- son. Second Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN C. ChRIST. 29th Massachusetts, Licut. Col. Joseph H. Barnes. 8th Michigan, Maj. Ralph Ely. 27th New Jersey, Col. George W. Mindil. 46th New York, Licut. CoL Joseph Ger- hardt. 50th Pennsylvania, Licut. Col. Thomas S. Brenholtz. Third Brigade. Col. DANIEL LEANURE. 36th Massachusetts, Col. Henry Bowman. 45th Pennsylvania, CoL Thomas Welsh. 100th Pennsylvania, Licut. Col. David A. Leckey. Ar~iflery.* 1st New York Light, Battery D, Capt. Thomas W. Osborn. 3d United States, Batteries L and M, Licut. Horace J. Hayden. SECOND DlVISION. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL D. STURGIS. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES NAGLE. 2d Maryland, Col. Thomas B. Allard. 6th New Hampshire, CoL Simon G. Grif- fin. 9th New Hampshire, Lieut. Col. JohuW. Babbitt. 48th Pennsylvania, Col. Joshua K. Sig- Wfried 7th Rhode Island, Col. Zenas R. Bliss. 12th Rhode Island, Col. George II. Browne. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. EDWARD FERIIERO. 21st Massachusetts, Col. William S. Clark. 35th Massachusetts: Maj. Sidney Willard. Capt. Stephen H. Andrews. 11th New Hampshire, CoL Walter Harri- man. 51st New York, Col. Robert B. Potter. 51st Pennsylvania, Col. John F. Hart- rauft. Artillery. 2d New York Light, Battery L, Capt. Jacob Roemer. Pennsylvania Light, Battery D, Capt. George W. Durell. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery D, Capt. William W. Buckley. ~th United States, Battery E: Lieut. George Dickenson. Licut. John Egan. Capt. John Edwards, ir., chief of the corps artillery Page 53 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. GEfTY. Fir8t Brigade. Col. Rusn C. HAWKINS. 10th New Hampshire, Col. Michael T. Donohoe. 13th New Hampshire, Col. Aaron F. Ste- vens. 25th New Jersey, Col. Andrew Derrom. 9th New York, Lient. Col. Edgar A. Kimball. 89th New York, Col. Harrison S. Fair- child. 103d Ne-v York, Col. Benjamin Ringold. Second Brigade. Col. EDWARD HARLAND. 8th Connecticut: Maj. John E. Ward. Capt. Henry M. Hoyt. 11th Connecticut, Col. G. A. Stedman, jr. 15th Connecticut, Licut. Col. S. Tolles. 16th Connecticut, Capt. C. L. Upham. 21st Connecticut, Col. Arthur H. Dutton. 4th Rhode Island: Lient. Col. Joseph B. Curtis. Maj. Martin P. Buffum. Artillery. 2d United States, Battery E, Lient. S~muel N. Benjamin. 5th United States, Battery A, Lient. James Gilliss. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN F. FARNSWORTh. 8th Illinois, Col. William Gamble. 3d Indiana, Maj. George H. Chapman. 8th New York, Col. Benjamin F. Davis. CAVALRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALFRED PLEASONTON. Second Brigade. (1.) Col. DAVID McM. GREGG. (2.) Col. THOMAS C. DEVIN. 6th New York: Col. Thomas C. Devin. Lient. Col. Duncan MeVicar. 8th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Amos E. Griffiths. 6th United States, Capt. George C. Cram. Artillery. 2d United States, Battery M, Lient. Alexander C. M. Pennington, jr. CENTER GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JOSEPh HOOKER. THIRD ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAN. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DAVID B. BIRNEY. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN C. ROBINSON. 20th Indiana, Col. John Van Valkenbnrg. 63d Pennsylvania, Maj. John A. Danks. 68th Pennsylvania, Col. Andrew 11. Tip- pin. 105th Pennsylvania, Col. Amor A. Mc- Knight. 114th Pennsylvania, Col. Charles H. T. Collis. 141st Pennsylvania, Col. henry J. Madill. Second Briga4e. Brig. Gen. J. H. HOBART WARD. 3d Maine, Col. Moses B. Lakeman. 4th Maine, Col. Elijah Walker. 38th New York, Lient. Col. W. Birney. 40th New York, Lient. Col. N. A. Gesner. 55th New York, Col. Regis de Trobriand. 57th Pennsylvania: Col. Charles T. Campbell. Licut. Col. Peter Sides. 99th Pennsylvania: Col. Asher S. Leidy. Licut. Col. Edwin R. Biles. * Succeeded Brigadier-General Bayard in oommand of the Cavalry Brigade, Left Grand Division. 5 Page 54 64 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. HIRAM G. BERRY. 17th Maine, Col. Thomas A. Roberts. 3d Michigan, Maj. Moses B. Hongliton. 5th Michigan: Lieut. Col. John Gilluly. Maj. Edward T. Sherlock. 1st New York, Col. J. Frederick Pierson. 37th N.ew York, Col. Saniuci B. Hayman. 101st New York, Col. George F. Chester. Artillery.* Capt. GEO1tGE E. RANDOLPH. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery E, Lieut. Pardon S. Jastram. 3d United States, Batteries F and K, Licut. John G. Turnbnll. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DANIEL E. SIcKLES. Fir8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH B. CARE. 1st Massachusetts: Lieut. Col. Clark B. Baldwin. Col. Napoleon B. McLaugNen. 11th Massachusetts, Col. William Blais- dell. 16th Massachusetts, Col. Thomas R. Tan- natt. 2d New Hampshire, Col. Gilman Mars- ton. 11th New Jersey, Gol. Robert McAllister. 26th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Benjamin C. Tilghman. Second Brigade. Co]. GEORGE B. hALL. 70th New York, Col. J. Eghert Farnum. 71st New York, Maj. Thomas Rafferty. 72d New York, Col. William 0. Stevens. 73d New York, Col. William R. Brew- ster. 74th New York, Lient. Col. William H. Lounsbury. 120th New York, Col. George H. Sharpe. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH W. REVERE. 5th New Jersey, Col. William J. Sewell. 6th New Jersey, Col. George C. Burling. 7th New Jersey, Col. Louis R. Francine. 8th New Jersey, Col. Adolphus J. Johnson. 2d New York, Col. Sidney XV. Park. 115th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. William A. Olmsted. Artillery. Capt. JAMES E. SMITH. New Jersey Light, 2d Battcry, Capt. A. Judson Clark. New York Light, 4th Battery, Liout. Joseph E. Nairn. 1st United States, Battery If, Licut. Justin E. Dimick. 4th United States, Battery K, Licut. Francis W. Seeley. * Capt. La Rhett L. Livingston, chief of the corps artillery Page 55 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. AMIEL W. WIIIPPLE. Firet Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. A. SANDERS PIATT.* (2.) Col. EMLEN FRANKLIN. 86th New York, Lient. Col. Barna J. Chapin. 124th New York, Col. A. Van Home Ellis. 1224 Pennsylvania, Col. Emlen Franklin. Second Brigade. Col. SAMUEL S. CARROLL. 12th New Hampshire, Col. Joseph H. Potter. 163(1 New York, Maj. James J. Byrne. 84th Pennsylvania, Col. Samuel M. Bow- man. 110th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. James Crowther. Artillery. New York Light, 10th Battery, Capt. John T. Briien. New York Light, 11th Battery, Capt. Albert A. von Pnttkammer. 1st Ohio Light, Battery H, Lieut. George W. Norton. FIFTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. CHARLES GRIFFIN. Firet Brigade. Col. JAMES BARNES. 2d Maine: Lient. Col. George Varney. Maj. Daniel F. Sargent. Massachusetts Sharpshooters, 24 Com- pany, Capt. Lewis B. Wentworth. 18th Massachusetts, Lient. Col. Joseph Hayes. 22d Massachusetts, Lient. Col. William S. Tilton. 1st Michigan, Licut. Col. Ira C. Abbott. 13th New York: Col. Elisha G. Marshall. Lient. Col. Francis A. Schoeffel. 25th New York, Capt. Patrick Connelly. 118th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. James Gwyn. Second Brigade. Col. JACOB B. SWEITZER. 9th Massachusetts, Col. Patrick R. Guiney. 324 Massachusetts, Col. Francis J. Par- ker. 4th Michigan, Lient. Col. George W. Lumbard. 14th New York, Lient. Col. Thomas M. Davies. 62d Pennsylvania, Licut. Co]. JamesC. Hull. Third Brigade. Col. T. B. W. STOCKTON. 20th Maine, Col. Adelbert Ames. Michigan Sharpshooters, Bradys company, Lient. Jonas H. Titus, jr. 16th Michigan, Lient. Col. Norval B. Welch. 12th New York, Lieut. Col. Robert M. Richardson. 17th New York, Capt. John Vickers. 44th New York: Lient. Col. Freeman Conner. Maj. Edward B. Knox. 834 Pennsylvania, Col. Strong Vincent. * Disabled December 13. 5 Page 56 56 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. xxxm. Artill y. Massachusetts Light, 3d Battery (C), Capt. Augustus P. Martin. Massachusetts Light, 5th Battery (E), Capt. Charles A. Phillips. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery C, Capt. Richard Waterman. 5th United States, Battery D, Lient. Charles E. Hazlett. Sharpshooters. 1st United States, Lient. Col. Casper Trepp. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Ccii. GEOSIGE SYKES. First Brigade. Lieut. Col. ROBERT C. BUCHANAN. 3d United States, Capt. John D. Wilkins. 4th United States, Capt. Hiram Dryer. 12th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. N~atthew M. Blunt. 12th United States, 2d Battalion, Capt. Thomas M. Anderson. 14th United S.tates, 1st Battalion, Capt. John D. OConnell. 14th United States, 2d Battalion, Capt. Giles B. Overton. Second Brigade. (1.) Maj. GEORGE L. ANDREWS. (2.) Maj. CHARLES S. LOVELL. 1st and 2d United States (battalion), Capt. Salem S. Marsh. 6th United States, Capt. Levi C. Bootes. 7th United States (battalion), Capt. David P. Hancock. 10th United States, Capt. Henry E. May- nadier. 11th United States, Capt. Cbarles S. Rus- sell. 17th and 19th United States (battalion), Capt. John P. Wales. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. GOUVERNEUR K. WARREN. 5th New York, Col. Cleveland Winslow. 140th New York, Col. Patrick H. ORorke. 146th New York, Col. Kenner Garrard. Artillery. 1st Ohio Light, Battery L., Licut. Frederick Dorries. 5th United States, Battery I, Lient. Malbone F. Watson.t THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW A. IJUMPuTREYS. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. ERASTUS B. TYLER. Col. PETER II. ALLAIIACII. 91st Pennsylvania, Col. Edgar M. Greg- 123d Pennsylvania, Col. John B. Clark. ory. 131st Pennsylvania, Licut. Col. XVilliam 126th Pennsylvania: B. Shaut. Col. James G. Elder. 133d Pennsylvania, Col. Franklin B. Licut. Col. David W. Rowe. Speakman. 129th Pennsylvania, Col. Jacob G. Frick. 155th Pennsylvania, Col. Edward .J. Al- 134th Pennsylvania, Licut. Col. Edward len. OBrien. Artillery. 1st New York Light, Battery C, Lieut. William H. Phillips. 1st United States, Batteries E and G, Capt. Alanson M. Randol4 * Capt. Stephen H. Weed, chief of the corps artillery. t Chief of artillery, Second Division. ~ Chief of artillery, Third t)ivi~ion Page 57 Cair. XXXIII.] BATTLE OP FREDERICKSI3URG, VA. CAVALRY BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM W. AVERELL. 1st Massachusetts, Col. Horace B. Sargent. 3d Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Edward S. Jones. 4th Pennsylvania, Col. James K. Kerr. 5th United States, Capt. James E. Harrison. Artillery. 2d United States, Batteries B and L, Capt. James M. Robertson. LEFT GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN. ESCORT. 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. Richard TI. Rush. FIRST ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS. ESCORT. 1st Maine Cavalry, Company L, Capt. Constantine Taylor. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ABNER DOUBLIflDAY. Fir8t Brigade. Col. WALTER PHELPS, Jr. 22d New York, Lieut. Col. John MeKie,jr. 24th New York, Lieut. Col. Samuel R. Beardsley. 30th New York, Lient. Col. Morgan II. Chrysler. 84th New York (14th Militia), Lieut. Col. William H. de Bevoise. 2d U. S. Sharpshooters, Maj. Homer R. Stoughton. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES GAVIN. 7th Indiana, Lient. Col. John F. Cheek. 76th New York, Col. William P. Wain- wright. 95th New York, C ol. George H. Biddle. 56th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. J. William Hofmann. Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM F. ROGERS. 21st New York, Capt. George N. Layton. 23d New York, Col. Henry C. Hoffman. 35th New York, Col. Newton B. Lord. 80th New York (20th Militia), Lient. Col. Jacob B. Hardenbergh. Fourth Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. SOLOMON MEREDITH. (2.) Col. LYSANDER CUTLER. 19th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Samuel J. Will- iams. 24th Michigan, Col. Henry A. Morrow. 2d Wisconsin, Col. Lucius Fairchild. 6th Wisconsin: Col. Lysander Cutler. Lieut. Col. Edward S. Bragg. 7th Wisconsin, Col. William W. Robin- son. Artillery. * (1.) Capt. GEORGE A. GERRISH.t (2.) Capt. JOHN A. REYNOLDS. New Hampshire Light, 1st Battery, Lient. Frederick M. Edgell. 1st New York Light, Battery L, Capt. John A. Reynolds. 4th United States, Battery B, Lieut. James Stewart. * Col. Charles S. Wainwright, chief of the corps artillery. t Wounded. 5 Page 58 58 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXflI. First Brigade. Col. ADRIAN II. ROOT. 16th Maine, Lient. Col. Charles W. Til den. 94th New York, Maj. John A. Kress. 104th New York, Maj. Gilbert G. Prey. 105th New York: Maj. Daniel A. Sharp. Capt. Abraham Moore. 107th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas F. Mc- Coy. SECOND DIVISION. (1.) Brig. Gen. JOHN GIBBON.* (2.) Brig. Gen. NELSON TAYLOR. Second Brigade. Col. PETER LYLE. 12th Ma.ssachusetts, Col. James L. Bates. 26th New York: Lient. Col. Gilbert S. Jennings. Maj. Ezra F. Wetmore. 90th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. William A. Leech. 136th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas M. Bayne. Third Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. NELSON TAYLOR. (2.) CoL SAMUEL H. LEONARD. 13th Masgachnsetts: Col. Samuel H. Leonard. Lieut. Col. N. Waiter Batchelder. 53d New York (9th Militia): Capt. John Hendrickson. Capt. Joseph A. Moesch. Lient. Isaac E. Hoagland. Lient. Henry P. Claire. 97th New York, Col. Charles Wheeloek. 11th Pennsylvania: Col. Richard Conlter. Capt. Christian Kuhn. S8th Pennsylvania, Maj. David A. Griffith. Artillery. Capt. GEORGE F. LEPPIEN. Maine Light, 2d Battery, Capt. James A. Hall. Maine Light, 5th Battery, Capt. George F. Leppien. Pennsylvania Light, Battery C, Capt. James Thompson. 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery F, Lient. R. Bruce Ricketts. THIRD DIVISION. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE. Fir8t Brigade. (1.) Col. WILLIAM SINCLAIR.* (2.) Col. WILLIAM MCCANDLESS. 1st Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. Will- iam C. Talley. 2d Pennsylvania Reserves: Col. William MeCandless. Capt. Timothy Mealey. 6th Pennsylvania Reserves, Maj. Wel- lington H. Ent. 13th Pennsylvania Reserves (1st Rifles), Capt. Charles F. Taylor. 121st Pennsylvania, Col. Chapman Biddle~ Second Brigade. Col. ALBERT L. MAGILTON. 3d Pennsylvania Reserves, Col. Horatio G. Sickel. 4th Pennsylvania Reserves, Lieut. Col. Richard H. Woolworth. 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, Col. Henry C. Bolinger. 8th Pennsylvania Reserves M M. Baily. aj. Silas 142d Pennsylvania, Col. Robert P. Cum- mins. Wounded Page 59 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 59 Third Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. C. FEGER JACKSON.* (2.) Col. JOSEPH W. FISHER. (3.) Lieut. Col. ROBERT ANDERSON. 5th Pensylvania Reserves: Col. Joseph W. Fisher. Lieut. Col. George Dare. 9th Pennsylvania Reserves: Lieut. Col. Robert Anderson. Maj. James McK. Snodgrass. 10th Pennsylvania Reserves, Maj. James B. Knox. 11th Pennsylvania Reserves, Licut. Col. Samne] M. Jackson. 12th Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. Richard Gustin. Artillery. 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery A, Lieut. John G. Simpson. 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery B, Capt. James H. Cooper. 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery G, Capt. Frank P. Amsden. 5th United States, Battery C, Capt. Dunbar R. Ransom. SIXTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH. ESCORT. 10th New York Cavalry, Company L, Lient. George Vanderbilt. 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company I, Capt. James Starr. 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company K, Capt. Frederick C. Newhall. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. H. BRooKs. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. ALFRED T. A. TORBERT. Col. HENRY L. CAKE. 1st New Jersey, Lieut. Col. Mark W. 5th Maine, Col. Edward A. Scammon. Collet. 16th New York, Col. Joel J. Seaver. 2d New Jersey, Col. SamuelL Buck. 27th New York, Col. Alex. D. Adams. 3d New Jersey, Col. Henry W. Brown. 121st New York, Col. Emory Upton. 4th New Jersey: 96th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Peter A. Col. William B. Hatch. Filbert [?]. Lieut. Col. James N. Dnffy. 15th New Jersey, Licut. Col. Edward L. Campbell. 23d New Jersey, Col. Henry 0. Ryerson. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. DAVID A. RUSSELL. 18th New York, Col. George R. Myers. 31st New York, Lient. Col. Leopold C. Newman. 32d New York, Col. Francis E. Pinto. 95th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Elisha Hall. Artillery.t Maryland Light, Battery A, Capt. John W. Wolcott. Massachusetts Light, 1st Battery (A), Capt. William H. McCartney. New Jersey Light, 1st Battery, Capt. William Hexamer. 2d United States, Battery D, Lient. Edward B. Williston. * Killed. t Capt. Romeyn B. Ayres, chi~f of th~ corps artillery Page 60 OPERATiONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXIII. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALIHON P. HOWE. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. CALVIN E. PRATT. 6th Maine, Col. Hiram Buruham. 43d New York, Col. Benjamin F. Baker. 49th Pennsylvania,Col.William II. Irwin. 119th Pennsylvania, Col. Peter C. Eli- maker. 5th Wisconsin, Col. Amasa Cobb. Secocd Brigade. Col. hENRY WHITING. 26th New Jersey, Col. Andrew J. Morri- son. 2d Vermont, Lieut. Col. Charles II. Joyce. 341 Vermont, Col. Breed N. Hyde. 4th Vermont, Col. Charles B. Stoughton. 5th Vermont, Col. Lewis A. Grant. 6th Vermont, Col. Nathan Lord, jr. Third Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. FRANCIS L. VINTON.~ (2.) Col. ROBERT F. TAYLOR. (3.) Brig. Gen. TIIOMAS H. NEILL. 21st New Jersey, Col. Gilliam Van Houten. 20th New York, Col. Ernst von Vegesack. 33d New York, Col. Robert F. Taylor. 49th New York, Col. Daniel D. Bidwell. 77th New York, Lient. Col. Winsor B. French. Artillery. Maryland Light, Battery B, Capt. Alonzo Snow. New York Light, 1st Battery, Capt. Andrew Cowan. New York Light, 3d Battery, Lieut. William A. Ham. 5th United States, Battery F, Lient. Leonard Martin. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN COCHRANE. 65th New York, Col. Alexander Shaler. 67th New York, Col. Nelson Cross. 122d New York, Col. Silas Titus. 2341 Pennsylvania, Maj. Joha F. Glenn. 61st Pennsylvania, Col. George C. Spear. 82d Pennsylvania, Col. David II. Will- iams. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES DEVENS, Jr. 7th Massachusetts, Lient. Col. Franklin P. 1-Jarlow. 10th Massachusetts, Col. henry L. Eustis. 37th Massachusetts, Col. Oliver Edwards. 36th New York, Col. William 11. Browne. 2d Rhode Island: Col. Frank Wheaton. Lieut. Col. Nelsnn Viall. Third Brigade. (1.) Col. THOMAS A. ROWLEY. (2.) Brig. Gen. FRANK WHEATON. 6241 New York, Maj. Wilson Hubbell. 9341 Pennsylvania, Maj. John M. Mark. 98th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Adolph Mehier. 102d Pennsylvania, Lieiit. Col. Joseph M. Kinkead. 139th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. James D. Owens. Artillery. 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery C, Capt. Jeremiah McCarthy. 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery D, Capt. Michael Hall. 2d United States, Battery G, Lient. John H. Butler. Wounded. 6 Page 61 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 61 CAVALRY BRiGADE. (1.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE D. BAYARD.* (2.) Col. DAVID MCM. GREGG. District of Columbia, Independent Company, Lieut. William H. Orton. 1st Maine, Licut. Col. Calvin S. Douty. 1st New Jersey, Lieut. Col. Joseph Karg6. 2d New York, Maj. Henry E. Davies. 10th New York, Lieut. Col. William Irvine. 1st Pennsylvania, Col. Owen Jones. Artillery. 3d United States, Battery C, Capt. Horatio G. Gibson. No. 3. Reports of Maj. Gen. Ambrose 12). Burnside, U. ~. Army, commanding Army of the Potomac, of operations November 9, 1862January 25, 1863, and congratulatory message from the President. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Deccmber 9, 18624.05 a. m. In accordance with your directions, I send you copies of orders issued, which I hope will be satisfactory. I will send you a more definite dis- I)atch after my interview with the commanders of grand divisions to-day. Our movements have been very much embarrassed by the cold weather, but we still hope for success. The gunboats will not be able to assist us, in consequence of the ice in the river; in fact, it is feared that they may now be frozen in at a point some 30 miles below here. The har- bor at Belle Plain was frozen over this morning. The men suffer very much from the cold, but the sick list is not very largely increasing. I hope to make the attempt to cross on Thursday morning at daybreak, with chances of success in our favor. A. E. BURNSIDE, ]Jliajor- General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in Chief, Washington. [Inelosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 9, 18623 a. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE W. MORELL, Comdg. Defenses of the Upper Potomac, Biagerstown, Md.: You will at once take steps to relieve the entire corps of General Sb- cum from duty on the Upper Potomac, with the exception of the detach- ments manning the permanent guns at Harpers Ferry. Accompanying this is a dispatch to General Sbocurn, givipg the details of the change. It may be well to place General Kenly at Harpers Ferry, and to throw General Milroy or General Kelley at Martinsburg or farther down. Your definite instructions as to the latter movement will be given after I have communicated more fully with the General-in-Chief. It is desirable that General Slocum should move at once, reaching Page 62 62 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AITD PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. ilulisborough, if possible, to-night. You will please send a small force of your cavalry with him as far as Leesburg, to look after his trains, and to remain at that place for a day or two after his rear has passed. A. E. BUIINSIDE, Major-General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. [Inclosuro No. 2i1 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 9,18623.45 a. m. Maj. Gen. FRANZ SIGEL, Fairfax Court-Blouse: By a copy of a dispatch to General Slocum, this moment forwarded to you, you will see that he is ordered to join you. You will, in the meah time, move the main body of the force now under your command to Wolf Run Shoals, keeping your cavalry well out in the direction of New Market and the gaps in the Bull Run Mountains. Have your com- mand ready to move at an hours notice, with five or six days rations of bread and small stores, with a good supply of beef cattle. Your cav- alry can communicate with those from these headquarters at iDumfries, or in the direction of Stafford Springs and Hartwood. One of your telegraph operators can establish a station at Dumfries at once, or un- mediately on your arrival at Wolf Run Shoals, from which point, or from Fairfax Station, you can communicate with me by telegraph. You will leave strong guards at Fairfax Station, Fairfax Court-House, and at Union Mills, until the arrival of General Slocum after wh5~h it is hoped that they can be replaced by troops from Washington. Captain Dahl- gren will leave to-morrow at 10.45 with special verbal instructions. Please acknowledge the receipt of this, with any suggestion you may have to make. Should you deem it advisable to concentrate your main force at Brents- ville instead of Wolf IRun Shoals, drawing your supplies from Manassas Junction, you are at liberty to do so. It is expected that your quarter- master and commissary will look out for supplies for your two corps until you join the main army. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major. General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 9, 18623 a. in. Maj. Gen. H. W. S~LOCUM, Commanding ~Jorps, ilarpers Ferry: You will move your corps at once to this place, by way of the pontoon bridge over the Shenandoah, through Hillsborough, Wheatland, Lees- burg, Centreville, Wolf Run Shoals, and IDuinfries. It would appear that the best road between Leesburg and Centreville is by way of Gum Spring. Upon arriving at Centreville, you will report by an aide-de- camp to General Sigel, who will be at or in the neighborhood of Wolf Run Shoals crossing of the Occoquan, under whose command you will remain, forming part of the grand reserve division of this army. The route ordered for you from Centreville or Wolf Run Shoals may be changed by General Sigel, in accordance with directions from these headquarters. General Morell has been ordered to replace the garrison at Harpers Ferry, and it is hoped you will be able to reach Hillsborough to-night, and Leesburg to-morrow night, and the neighborhood of Gum Spring on Page 63 CHAP. XXXHL] BATTLE OF FREDERICI~SBURG, VA. 63 the night of the 11th. You should carry from five to six days of bread and small rations in your wagons, driving a good supply of beef cattle, and carrying three days rations in haversacks. Should any small portion of your command be detached from you, you will nevertheless commence the movement at once, and order it to follow you. It does not seem nec- essary that the garrison which is to replace you at Harpers Ferry should arrive there before your departure, as there is no enemy near that place. The detachments manning the permanent batteries must not be disturbed. Please acknowledge the receipt of this. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major.Generat, Commanding Army of the Potomac. (Copy sent to Generals Halleck, Si gel, and 1~Jorell.) [Inclosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 9, 1862~-5 a. m. MEMORANDUM ORDERS. The three commanders of grand divisions will report at these head- quarters at 12 oclock to-day. In the mean time they will give the necessary orders to enable them to place their commands in position at daybreak on the morning of the 11th instant at such points as may be indicated by verbal instructions from the general commanding, not to exceed 8 miles from their present positions. The officers and men should be provided with three days cooked rations. Forty rounds of ammu- nition must be carried in cartridge-boxes, and 20 rounds in pockets. The ammunition wagons and batteries will be supplied with at least three days forage. Definite verbal instructions will be given as to the disposition to be made of the other trains of the command. The chief of artillery will detail such batteries as may be necessary to protect the crossing of the river, and, if the crossing is successful, the batteries will join their proper columns, if necessary. Definite verbal instructions will be given as to the dispositions of the cavalry of the different grand divisions. By command of Maj. Gen. A. E. Buruside: JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 9, 186210.15 a. m. GENERAL: You will notice that my orders of last night differed from the plan sent you before, in moving General Slocum by way of Centre- ville instead of Warrenton. I made this change because it seems to be the shortest way to join the rear of this army, where it will be used for keeping open communication, and because of the danger of his column being caught by bad weather on the road, short of supplies. On the present route he will all the time be where he can supply himself from some of the depots in Maryland or Washington, or by the railroad. Soon after 12 oclock to-day I will send a messenger to you with defi- nite plan of operations. A. E. BURNS1DE, Miajor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-i~- Chief, Washington Page 64 64 OPERATIONS iN N. YA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CUAL. XXXIIL HEADQUARTERS AI~MY OF THE POTOMAC, December 9, 186211.30 p. m. GENERAL: All the orders have been issued to the several command- ers of grand divisions and heads of departments for an attempt to cross the river on Thursday morning. The plans of the movement are some- what modified by the movements of the enemy, who have been concen- trating in large force opposite the point at which we originally intended to crossa I think now that the enemy will be more surprised by a cross- ing immediately in onr front than in any other part of the river. The commanders of grand divisions coincide with me in this opinion, and I have accordingly ordered the movement, which will enable us to keep the force well concentrated, at the same time covering our communica- tions in the rear. I am convinced that a large force of the enemy is now concentrated in the vicinity of Port Royal, its left resting near Fredericksburg, which we hope to turn. We have an abundance of artillery, and have made very elaborate preparations to protect the crossings. The importance of the movement and the details of the plan seem to be well understood by the grand division commanders, and we hope to succeed. If the General-in. Chief desires it,J will send a minute statement by telegraph in cipher to-morrow morning. The movement is so impor- tant that I feel anxious to be fortified by his approval. Please answer.* A. E. BURNSIDE Major- General, Commanding. General G. W. CULLUM, Chief of & aff, Washington. WAu DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., December 10, 1862. Major-General BURNSIDE, Falmouth, Va.: I beg of you not to telegraph details of your plans, nor the times of your intended movements. No secret can be kept which passes through so many hands. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. DECEMBER 11, 18626.30 p. m. (Received 7.40 p. in.) GENERAL: Our troops now occupy Fredericksburg. We have three bridges opposite the town and two below, with a force on the opposite bank covering them. I expect to cross the rest of my command to- morrow. A. V. BURNSIDE, ]Jfajor- General. Major-General HALLECK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC December 11, 18627.45 [p. in.]. (Received 8.45 p. in.) GENERAL: I was mistaken in saying we had five bridges built. We have succeeded in building four, and hope to have the fifth over before morning. This dispatch, except the last two ~vords, was also sent to General Halleck Page 65 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 65 Fredericksburg is occupied by a division of our troops-, and I hope to have the main body of our force over early to-morrow. Our loss is very slight. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK. WASHINGTON, December 11, 1862. Major-General BURNSIDE: Permit me to suggest the importance of pushing re-enforcements across during the night, so as to be able to resist any attack during the morning. This seems to me of vital importance. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 12, 1862. (Received 4.45 p. in.) Our forces are crossing the river, and thus far without opposition. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. Major-General HALLECK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 14, 186212 p. m. (Received 12.50 a. in., 15th.) ho movements to-day. Will telegraph you in full in the morning. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major. General. General G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 14, 18624 a. m. (Received 4.30 a. in.) I have just returned from the field. Our troops are all over the river We hold the first ridge outside the town, and 3 miles below. We hope to carry the crest to-day. Our loss is heavysay, 5,000. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major. General. The PRESIDENT. (Copy to General Halleck.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF ThE POTOMAC, December 16, 18624 a. m. (Received 4.15 a. in.) I have thought it necessary to withdraw the army to this side of the river, and the movement has progressed satisfactorily thus far. A9 E. iIWRNSIDE, Major- General, Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, 5 U UVOL XX Page 66 66 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 16, 1862. Major-General BURNSIDE, Falmouth, Va.: The President desires that you report the reasons of your withdrawal as soon as possible. H. W HALLECK General-in- Chief HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 16, 18625.30 p. m. (IReceived6p.m.) Your dispatch is received. The army was withdrawn to this side of the river because I felt the positions in front could not be carried, and it was a military necessity either to attack or retire. A repulse would have been disastrous to us. I hope this explanation will be satisfactory to the President. The army was withdrawn at night, without the knowledge of the enemy, and without loss either of property or men. I have sent Colonel Aspinwall to you this afternoon, who can give you full accounts of the affairs at the present moment. I will send you a more full dispatch to-morrow. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 17, 1862. I have the honor to offer the following reasons for moving the Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock sooner than was anticipated by the President, Secretary, or yourself, and for crossing at a point dif- ferent from the one indicated to you at our last meeting at the Presi- dents: During my preparations for crossing at the place I had at first selected, I discovered that the enemy had thrown a large portion of his force down the river and elsewhere, thus weakening his defenses in front; and I also thought I discovered that he did not anticipate the crossing of our whole force at Fredericksburg; and I hoped, by rapidly throwing the whole command over at that place, to separate, by a vigorous attack, the forces of the enemy on the river below from the forces behind and on the crests in the rear of the town, in which case we should fight him with great advantages in our favor. To do this we had to gain a height on the extreme right of the crest, which height commanded a new road, lately built by the enemy for purposes of more rapid communication along his lines; which point gained, his positions along the crest would have been scarcely tenable, and he could have been driven from them easily by an attack on his front, in connection with a movement in rear of the crest. How near we came to accomplishing our object future reports will show. But for the fog and unexpected and unavoidable delay in build- lug the bridges, which gave the enemy twenty-four hours more to con- centrate his forces in his strong positions, we would almost certainly have-succeeded; in which case the battle would have been, in my opin- ion, far more decisive than if we had crossed at the places first selected. As it was, we came very near success. Failing in accomplishing the main object, we remained in order of battle two dayslong enough t Page 67 CHAP. xxxm.j BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 67 decide that the enemy would not come out of his strongholds and fight us with his infantry. After which we recrossed to this side of the river unmolested, and without the loss of men or property. As the day broke, our long lines of troops were seen marching to their different positions as if going on parade; not the least demorali- zation or disorganization existed. To the brave officers and soldiers who accomplished the feat of this recrossing in the face of the enemy I owe everything. For the failure in the attack I am responsible, as the extreme gallantry, courage, and endurance shown by them was never excelled, and would have carried the points, had it been possible. To the families and friends of the dead I can only offer my heartfelt sympathy, but for the wounded I can offer my earnest prayers for their comfort and final recovery. The fact that I decided to move from Warrenton onto this line rather against the opinion of the President, Secretary, and yourself, and that you have left the whole management in my hands, without giving me orders, makes me the more responsible. I will visit you very soon and give you more definite information, and finally will send you my detailed report, in which a special acknowledg- ment will be made of the services of the different grand divisions, corps, and my general and personal sfaff departments of the Army of the Po- tomac, to whom I am much indebted for their hearty support and co-operation. I will add here that the movement was made earlier than you cx- l)ected, and after the President, Secretary, and yourself requested me not to be in haste, for the reason that we were supplied much sooner by the different staff departments than was anticipated when I last saw you. Our killed amounted to 1,152; our wounded, about 9,000; our pris- oners, about 700, which have been paroled and exchanged for about the same number taken by ns.* The wounded were all removed to this side of the river before the evacuation, and are being well cared for, and the dead were all buried under a flag of truce. The surgeon reports a much larger proportion than usual of slight wounds, 1,630 only being treated in hospitals. I am glad to represent the army at the present time in good condi- tion. Thanking the Government for that entire support and confidence which I have always received from them, I remain, general, very re- spectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BUENSIDE, Miajor-General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C. ]Jllessage from President Iktcoln to the Army of the Potomac. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, December 22, 1862. To the Army of the Potomac: I have just read your commanding generals report of the battle of Fredericksburg. Although you were not successful, the attempt was But see revised statement, pp. 129142 Page 68 68 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. not an error, nor the failure other than accident. The courage with which you, in an open field, maintained the contest against an in- trenched foe, and the consummate skill and success with which you crossed and recrossed the river, in the face of the enemy, show that you possess all the qualities of a great army, which will yet give victory to the cause of the country and of popular government. Condoling with the mourners for the dead, and sympathizing with the severely wounded, I congratulate you that the number of both is comparatively so small. I tender to you, officers and soldiers, the thanks of the nation. A. LINCOLN. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 23, 1862. GENERAL: In my report to you of the 17th instant the number of our wounded was stated as about 9,000, and the number receiving hospital treatment as 1,630. Both of these amounts are wrong. On the au- thority of IDr. Letterman, our medical director, I learn that the whole number of wounded is between 6,000 and 7,000.* About one-half of these are receiving treatment in hospital. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major. General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 26, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington: I have the honor to acknowledge your kind letter of the 23d, together with the late order of the President. In the name of the Army of the Potomac, I beg leave to thank the President for his kind expressions of approbation and confidencein us. This assurance of support and appreciation by the Government of their labors is a source of great strength to the officers and men, and we hope, by our constant and unwearied efforts to sustain the cause for which we are laboring, ever to merit the esteem and confidence of the American people. The address will be published to all the troops, accompanied by a general order, a copy of which will be duly transmitted to you. I have the honor, & c., A. E. BURNSIDE, Major. General, 61ommanding. HEADQUARTERS ~ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 23, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose copies of the principal orders given, which will explain the operations of this army since the late movement was inaugurated. The detailed orders to the chiefs of my different staff departments are not essential to a general understanding of the events. In accordance with these orders, the pontoons, troops, and artillery * But see revised statement, pp. 129142 Page 69 (hTAV. XXXIII] I3AITLE OF FkUA~RICtCSI~uRG, VA. 69 were all started for their proper positions at the designated hours on the 20th instant, but the severe storm that set in at 8 oclock that night prevented their arrival at the appointed times. The pontoons and artillery were very much behind hand, the roads being so fearfully bad that it was almost impossible to move them. We, however, used every exertion during the day and night of the 21st, up to the morning of the 22d, to get them into proper positions. It was quite apparent dur- ing the forenoon of the 21st that the enemy bad discovered our move- ment, and had commenced their preparations to meet us. Could we have had the pontoons there, ready to have crossed early on the 21st, as was hoped, there is scarcely a doubt but that the crossing could have been effected, and the objects of the movement attained; but the deten- tion was unavoidable; the elements were against us. During the day and night of the 21st I had the positions of the enemy reconnoitered as thoroughly as was possible under the circumstances, and on the receipt of the final report of my chief engineer, at 4 a. m. on the 22d, I deter. mined to abandon the attempt to cross the river at that point, but, at the same time, determined not to move the troops from their positions until I had had a consultation with the General-in-Chief as to the future movements, knowing that, whatever they may be, the influence upon movements upon other armies, of which I knew so little, would be very great, either for good or evil. I accordingly ordered the commands to remain in their present positions, and telegraphed the General-in-Chief that I was very anxious to see him, asking him if he would come down, or if I should visit him for an howz. His reply made it necessary for me to voluntarily leave my command, in order to see him, which I could not do, eveii for so short a time. I have, therefore, in accordance with the best judgment I can form, ordered the troops into their original positions, which, I hope, will be satisfactory. The reasons for this are entirely of a local nature, and will be given more fully hereafter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HOOKER, December 8,1862. Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you will please have issued to each of the following-named battery commanders the accompanying order, and take the necessary steps to have it executed: Captain Waterman, Battery C, First Rhode Island Artillery, Griffins division; Captain Huntington, Battery LI, First Ohio Artillery, Birneys division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff. [Sub-inclosure. I The COMMANDING OFFICER, Battery SIR: You will leave your camp, with two days grain forage, at such an hour on Wednesday, the 10th instant, as to reach the open space be Page 70 70 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA.j- MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL tween the Phillips house (headquarters of Major-General Sumner) and the Falmouth and Belle Plain road at sunset. You will report to Colo- nel Tompkins, First Rhode Island Artillery. You will be careful not to approach the crest of the hill sufficiently to enable your guns to be seen from the south side of the IRappahannock. You will obey, until you are ordered to rejoin your division, such orders as you may receive from Colonel Tompkins, First Rhode Island Artillery, or from Brigadier- General Hunt, chief of artillery. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 8, 1802. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you will please have issued to each of the following-named battery commanders the accompanying order, and take the necessary steps to have it executed: Lieutenant Hazlett, Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Griffins division; Captain Smith, Fourth New York Battery, Sickles division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff~ [Sub-inclosure.] The COMMANDING OFFICER, Battery - SIR: You will report in person to Lieutenant-Colonel Hays, command- ing artillery, at the office of Brigadier-General Hunt, chief of artillery, at 10 a. m. on Wednesday, the 10th instant. You will obey, until you are ordered to rejoin your division, such orders as you may receive from Lieutenant-Colonel Hays or Brigadier-General Hunt, chief of ar- tillery. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS RIGHT GRAND DIVISION, December 12, 1862. GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that this grand division will continue the movement across the river this morn- ing at 7 oclock. The General-in-Chief desires this notice to be given to you, iu order that you may be prepared to follow the movement with your command. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, December 12, 1862. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE: * * * * * * Whipples division will bivouac between the Lacy house and the river, guarding the ford. The above extract, from orders received from headquarters grand division, is furnished for your ipformation and guidance. Headqua Page 71 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 71 ters Third Corps, and the other two divisions of this corps, will be in the vicinity of the bridges crossing the river, in rear of General Frank- lin. You will remain in the position indicated in the above extract until further orders. By command of Brigadier-General Stoneman: A. J. ALEXANDER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 5.1 HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, December 12, 18624.15 p. m. General WHIPPLE: In addition to the orders sent yon just now, the general command- ing corps directs me to say that in case any emergency arises, you will apply to Major-General Hooker (at the Phillips house) for instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXANDER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 13, 18625.55 a. m. Major-General FRANKLIN, Commanding Left Grand Division, Army of the Potomac: General Hardie will carry this dispatch to you, and remain with you during the day. The general commanding directs that you keep your whole command in position for a rapid movement down the old Rich- mond road, and you will send out at once a division at least to pass below Smithfield, to seize, if possible, the height near Captain Hamil- tons, on this side of the Massaponax, taking care to keep it well sup- ported and its line of retreat open. He has oraered another column of a division or more to be moved from General Sumners command up the Plank road to its intersection with the Telegraph road, where they will divide, with a view to seizing the heights on both of these roads. Hold- ing these two heights, with the heights near Captain Hamiltons, will, lie hopes, compel the enemy to evacuate the whole ridge between these points. He makes these moves by columns distant from each other, with a view of avoiding the possibility of a collision of our own forces, which might occur in a general movement during a fog. Two of General Hookers divisions are in your rear, at the bridges, and will remain there as supports. Copies of instructions given to Generals Sumner and Hooker will be forwarded to you by an orderly very soon. You will keep your whole command in readiness to move at once, as soon as the fog lifts. The watchword, which, if possible, should be given to every company, will be Scott. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of ~S~taff. [Inclosure No. 7.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, December 13, 18629 a. m. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE: GENERAL: The general commanding corps directs that you place your division in position to cross the three bridges opposite Fredericks Page 72 72 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAPs XXXIII. burg at once, to the support of General Sumner, in case he should need you. He also directs that you communicate the purport of this order to General Sumner. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXAYDER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. (Inclosure No. 8.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, December 13, 186211.20 a. m. General BIRNEY: By order of General Franklin, received per Captain Starr, you will move your division at once, and cross the lower bridge, as indicated by General Franklin, at the head of which bridge you will meet Captain West, of General Franklins staff, who will conduct the head of your column to its position. Captain West, it is presumed, has orders from General Franklin what disposition to make of your division. I am directed by General Franklin to report in person to him, at whose head- quarters you will find me. Very respectfully, & c., GEORGE STO~EMAN, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Coqs. [Inclosure No. 9.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, GENERAL WILLcoXS HEADQUARTERS, December 13, 18623.40 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: GENERAL: General Couch has sent in word that he has almost carried the heights in front of him. Reports from General Franklin at 2 p. m. that he was doing well, and gaining ground. Willcox has sent forward Sturgis to Couchs support, and, at his suggestion, I have directed Grif- fin to follow Sturgis, and support him. I have just now received word that Couch has carried the heights, and wants support. I sent Hum- phreys to re-enforce him (Couch) and push the advantage gained. Very respectfully, yours, BUTTERFiELD, Brigadier- General. [Thclosure No. 10.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 18624.10 p. m. General HOOKER: GENERAL: Have just sent Sykes orders Candler brought to me in front the Telegraph road. Griffin I have had to place to relieve Sturgis, and he is now engaged. In compliance with urgent reports from Gen- eral Couch, I have sent Humphreys to his support. My command is thus all placed in action. General Couch sent word that his command was falling back, and he must have help; therefore I sent Humphreys. Very respectfully, BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier-General Page 73 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OP FREDERICI(SI3tJRG, VA. 73 [Inclosure No. 11.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 18628 p. in. Major-General HOOKER: GENERAL: I shall soon have in full report of effective force for duty in ranks to-night. All here seem to agree that it will be one of the most difficult of operations to carry this crest in front, there being so many obstacles of natural and military strength. This is for your private information. Sturgis thinks if Franklin has pressed them hard on the left, they will evacuate. Griffin reports obstacles, such as rifle- fences, walls, & c., in the way. I send you this, not as official, but merely as the opinions expressed here. Please consider it private. Yours, B. [Inclosure No. 12.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 186210.40 p. in. Major-General HOOKER: GENERAL: Your dispatch, directing the relief of Couchs command l)y Sykes and Humphreys divisions, has been received and the proper directions given. With this is Colonel Hawkins, one of General Burn- sides old regimental commanders, who has a very clear idea of the position in our front, combined with a knowledge of the roads and coun- try. I bave requested General Getty to send him over, that he may explain fully to General Buruside and yourself what he has to me. Am I to renew the attack, or simply hold the position ~ Waiting further orders, I am, very respectfully, yours, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. [Inclosure No. 13.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 186211 p. in. Major-General HOOKER: GENERAL: Griffins division to-day relieved Sturgis, at the ni-gent request of Generals Sturgis and Willcox, and, by your order, I am now to relieve Conchs line with Sykes and Humphreys. General Wilicox states that Sturgis command has been in all day; his ammunition ex- hausted, and he cannot properly relieve Griffin. I am, therefore, fight- ing or holding to-morrow Conchs line and Sturgis portion of Willeoxs line, a longer line than I ought to fight, and almost without support oC my own. Of course, Couch and Willcox will, as soon as replenished with ammunition, be able to support or relieve me, but I do not think I should be placed in such a position. On our picket lines the enemy are heard talking; moving of wheels is heard, but 1 have no positive information as to what the nature of the movement is. I inclose a re- port received from General Humphreys. I am, very respectfully, yours, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General Page 74 74 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. (OnAP. xxxm. [Sub-incloMnre. 1 HEADQUARTERS TJnRD DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 1862. GENERAL: I find that my Second Brigade has fired a great deal of its ammunition; the First very little. Ten wagons will be required to replenish them, supposing all to have 60 rounds given to them. I should like to see you, to tell you why we did not carry the stone wall. We would have done it but for the presence of a mass of men lying be. hind a little hill, or embankment, who were firing when they came up, so, when I tried the other brigade, the mass of men lying behind this bank forced our two lines into a column, which reached to within 50 yards of the stone wall, or perhaps less. The details have been sent out to bring back the killed and wounded. We lost heavily. One.half of the Second Brigade retired from the crest across the plain (under my command) to the ravine (under orders from General Hooker or from yourself) slowly, in perfect order, and singing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Brigadier. General, Commanding Division. [Inclosure No. 14.) ON THE FIELD, December 13, 18622.30 p. m. General FRENCH: My line of skirmishers moved forward and drove the enemy over the crest of the first hill, where we were compelled to await re-enforcements. The regiments of Kimballs brigade came forward, and with us held the position. On moving to the right of our line, I learned that General Kimball was wounded, and I to take charge of his brigade. I at once designated Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer to take charge of the skirmishers, and on foot started to find General Kimballs stalL I dispatched Cap. tam Mason to report to you. The brigade was scattered all over the lineno regiment entire. I directed the Eighth Ohio to watch the right, and sent out to find our regiments. I have found the Eighth Ohio, Seventh [West] Virginia, and Twenty-fourth New Jersey entirely out of ammunition, and have directed them to form behind the hill, in rear of the main line, fix bayonets, and await ammunition and time to reform the brigade. Scattered as it is, it is of no service, but when rennited we may be enabled to do some service; but scattered as it now is, it only adds to the confusion. I will reform it as soon as possible, and hope for ammunition. I think our right needs more troops, as the enemy re- enforce from that flank. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MASON, Colonel Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. [Inclosure No. 15.] HEADQUARTERS FmTH ARMY CoRPS, December 14, 18629 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: GENERAL: General Humphreys informs me that his effective strength this morning is but about 2,000. He lost over 1,000, he thinks. Is get- ting in all stragglers that he can find. He has one brigade on left of road, about where they were last night. Sykes on the right and left of road, in advance of ditch. Griffin on Sykes left. The morning is very clear Page 75 BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. CHAP. XXXIII.] 75 and their position is well defined. Their troops line the stone wall and rifle-pits. What they have behind the crest on which their batteries are, the balloon ought to show. Ought not some general disposition of froops b~ made in houses to provide for a failure of the attacking column? I have none for this purpose, as all are in position, and those in position cannot be moved under the fire to which they will be ex- posed. They are very close to the enemys line, having been placed in position after dark. I nnderstood General Burnside that Wilicox, for his attacking column, would have Captain Weed, my chief of artillery, at his disposal, and all the artillery necessary. Very respectfully, yours, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inelosuro No. 16.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, December 15, 1862. 1st. Until further orders, no soldiers will be passed across the bridges to. Fredericksburg, unless their commands shall be upon that side of the river, or they be provided with passes from the grand division commanders, or from these headquarters. 2d. No stragglers or wounded men will be permitted to cross from Fredericksburg to the opposite side of the river who shall not be pro- vided with such passes, or who shall not be on duty. 3d. No property stolen from and belonging to inhabitants of Fred- ericksburg will be crossed over the bridges. By command of Brigadier-General Patrick, provost-marshal-general: W. W. BECKWITH, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp. [Thelosure No. 17.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., December 15, 1862. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: By direction of the commanding general, I have the honor to reply that your report of 11.30 was satisfactory, and that he will visit your headquarters in two or three hours. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosuro INo. 18.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va.., December 15, 1862. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: By direction of the general commanding, I have the honor to inform you that he disapproves of the proposition to send out a flag of truce, for the purpose of burying the dead between the picket lines of the two armies. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 76 76 Ot4~RMPIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., Mlix, ANI) PA. V~HA?. ~XXflI. linclosure No. 19.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 15, 1862. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that all the troops now occupying the right bank of the iRappahannock be withdrawn to-night, excepting General Butterfields corps, which will occupy and hold Fred- ericksburg. Major-General Sumner has given orders that his command be removed, under your directions. The two divisions of your command now on the left will be ordered to rejoin you as soon as they cross the river. Very respectfuUy, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of & affi [Inclo8nre No. 20.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 16, 186212.30 a. in. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: Upon my arrival here at onr old camp-ground, I find a brigade of General Sigels command encamped on a portion of General Sykes old ground. Hnmphreys and Griffins divisions are getting in pretty near to their old places. As General Sigel ranks me, I cannot give him orders. I would respectfully ask further instructions that will remedy the difficulty. I am, very respectfully, yours, I)ANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General, Connnanding Fifth Corps. [Inclosure No. 21.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 16, 186212.42 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: GENERAL: Since writing you, afew moments since, I learn that Gen. eral Sykes division has encamped on the ground near Falmouth where his troops were the day of the bombardment and of our movement on Fredericksburg. I have thought proper to advise you thus, as it may influence your decision or orders as to where I should assemble my corps. Will you please communicate instructions by bearer, and oblige, Very respectfully, yours, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 22.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 16, 1863. Major-General SUMNER: The commanding general directs that you furnish such batteries as may be required by Brigadier-General Hunt, chief of artillery; Briga- dier-General Hays; Colonel Tompkins, First Rhode Island Artillery, and Captain De Russy. These batteries are to cover the respective places of crossing, and they may be recalled to join their command Page 77 ChAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 77 after the passage is effected. The artillery ammunition train of the grand divisions will be assembled in the neighborhood of their respect- ive crossing places, and placed under the charge of an officer, who will report the locality to the commandant of artillery who covers the cross- ing. Captain De Russy at United States Ford; Colonel Tompkins at Banks Ford, and General Hays at Falmouth. The general requests that you will please reiterate the orders in reference to a careful ex- penditure of ammunition. No battery wagon or forge will cross the river with the troops. By command of Major-General Burnside: JNO. G. PARKE, (Same to Franklin and Hooker.) Chief of Staff. [Thclosure No. 23.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 19, 18632.30 p. m. Major.General STeEL, Stafford Court-Rouse: The commanding general directs that you order a division to be dis- tributed as follows, with its headquarters at Potomac Creek Station: One brigade, with artillery, to guard Potomac Run railroad bridge and Brookes Station bridge; one brigade at Aquia Creek Landing, for de- fense and to furnish details for fatigue duty; one brigade at Belle Plain, relieving, as early as possible to-morrow morning, the troops of General Franklin at the two landings. Order one division to extend from Maria Church to Hartwood Church, with its headquarters at the first-named point. Order General Slocum, who is now under orders to Dumfries, to bring all of his corps, except the garrison at Wolf Run Shoals and iDumfries, to Stafford Court-House; the garrison at Wolf Run Shoals to be brought down as soon as relieved by the troops of General Heintze]man. You will locate your headquarters as you may deem proper, and establish outposts of infantry and cavalry in the direction of Stafford Springs and Deep Run; at the same time send scouting parties as far as Brentsville, Catletts, Rappahannock Station, and the fords on the Rappahannock. We have information that Hamp- tons cavalry is between the Rapidan and the Rappahannock. The telegraph should be constructed to your headquarters as soon as pos- sible. Respectfully, yours, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staffi [Inclosui-o No. 24.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General FRANKLIN, January 19, 1863. Commanding Left Grand Division: GENERAL: I am directed by the commanding general to inform you that Major-General Sigel has been ordered to furnish details from his command to relieve your troops now on duty at Aquia Creek and Belle Plain, the two landings. They are expected to arrive early to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staf Page 78 78 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ECITAP. XXXIII. [Inclosure No. 25.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 20, 18631 a. m. Major-General SUMNER, Commanding Bight Grand Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to request you to hold your command in readiness to move at an early hour on the morn- ing of the 21st. Copies of orders given Major-Generals Franklin, Hooker, and Sigel will be given you to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE Chief of Staff [Inclosure No. 20.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 20, 186311.45 p. m. Maj. Gen. E. V. SUMNER, commanding Bight Grand Division: GENERAL: Inclosed please find instructions given to the generals commanding the other two grand divisions, all of which explain them- selves. The Ninth Army Corps will not be required to move at 4 oclock to-morrow morning, as designated by my previous orders, but will be in readiness to move as soon as orders are received. I will see you at your headquarters at a very early hour to-morrow morning. When the Ninth Corps moves, it should follow the road in rear of Conchs corps. Mr. Cushing, of your staff, is conversant with the roads. The probable time which it will be required to start will be 6.30 oclock. I have placed all the cavalry at these headquarters at the disposal of General Pleasonton, and have instructed him to keep his command in hand, ready to start at a moments notice, subject to your orders or my own. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, A. E. BUIRNSIDE, Major- General, Commanding. [Sab-inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN, Commanding Left Grand Division: GENERAL: Your place of crossing will be at a point just below Banks Ford, over the pontoon bridges to be constructed by General Woodbury. The commanding general directs that you will please have one division of your command ready to accompany an aide-de-camp of General Woodbury, who will report to you at 11 a. m. to-day, and will conduct it to a place of bivouac for the night. This division will assist in getting the pontoons down to the river, under the direction of an en- gineer officer, at an early hour to-morrow, and then will be thrown across the river in pontoons, with a view to holding the opposite bank while the two bridges are being built. The remainder of your command will please move in such manner as to have the head of your column at the place of crossing at 7.30 oclock to-morrow morning, and have them so concentrated as to have a continuous column crossing the bridge. If we succeed in crossing, you will please move your command with a- view to seizing the heights immediately above the crossing and holding the Fall Hill road, which leads from Fredericksburg, in front of Dr Page 79 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 79 Taylors house, to the Plank road. If this work should be accomplished, you will, immediately after connecting with General Hooker on your right, throw your right flank forward to a point on the other side of the Plank road, designated on the map as Guests, accomplishing which it is presumed the heights in front of the town will be evacuated by the enemy. General Hooker will be ordered to keep your right ~vell sup. ported, and General Sumner will be ordered to follow you immediately over the bridges. The plan spoken of last night is so far modified as to do away with the probability of the throwing of a bridge below your crossing for General Sumners command, and he will follow you in re- serve. I state this because engineers think that a bridge cannot be thrown at that place. An attempt will be made, and it is possible that Taylors Heights may be taken by Sumners infantry. You may be sure that everything will be done to accomplish it that can be. Many of the details of this plan were talked over last night, but if there are any other points on which you desire information, he will be glad to give it you. He takes it for granted your topographical engineers have been informed by Mr. Bowen of the route to be pursued by your columns. He will be in communication with you during the day, and will endeavor to give you such orders as the emergencies may require. I need not impress upon you the importance of a most vigorous attack. General Gregg will maintain his line of pickets below, and will hold himself in readiness in rear of your column, at such place as you may designafi~, to move at short notice in such direction as he may be re- quired. The general commanding is of the opinion that a point between your headquarters and his, in a sheltered position, will be a proper Place for him, as General Gregg can be reached by telegraph from head- quarters. If such is the disposition, please instruct him to have an orderly in waiting at the telegraph office. I have the honor to be, very respectfmilly, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PAI~KE, Chief of & aff. [Sub-inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HOOKER, January 20, 18631 a. m. Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: Your place of crossing will be at a point just above Banks Ford instead of United States Ford. The commanding general directs you will please have one division of your command ready to accompany an aide-de-cainp of General Woodbury, who will report to you at 11 a. m. to-day, and will conduct it to a place of bivouac for the night. This division will assist in getting the pontoons down to the river, nuder the direction of the engineer officer, and will then be thrown across the river in pontoons, with a view to holding the oppo- site bank while the bridges are being built. The remainder of your command you will please move in such manner as to have the head of your column at the place of crossing at 7.30 a. m. on the 21st. General Franklin crosses at a point a mile below you. The aide of General Woodbury will designate to you on the map your place of crossing: Definite written instructions will be given you to-morrow as to your movements when across the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of staff Page 80 80 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD.,~AND PA. (CnATh~XXXIIL [Sub.inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 20, 186310.45 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: In addition to the orders already given, you, the fol- lowing will be for your guidance, if you succeed in crossing your com- mand at the designated place: You will, if possible, seize the heights npon which Deckers house is situated, occupying at the same time the wooded ground above it. The bridge over Mott Run, near the foot of Deckers Hill, should be secured as early as possible, and held either under the guns of the battery or by an infantry force. You will readily see the importance of securing this bridge, as it will be the only rapid means of communication between yourself and General Franklin. These two points having been occupied, you will extend your com- mand as much to the right and front as possible, keeping your advanced line well supported. The Plank road is some 2~ miles from Deckers house, and it is very desirable to secure a position on that road at or in advance of Salem Church, which is about three-quarters of a mile from the intersection of the Fall Hill road with the PI,ank road. The Fall Hill road is the one that runs up the river from Fredericksburg until it reaches a point opposite Falmouth, when it bears to the left, and, passing Dr. Taylors house, intersects the Plank road at Morrisons. General Franklin is ordered, after crossing, to secure the heigl~ts above his crossing, and afterward Taylors lleighks, and, in case he is suc- cessful, to extend his right to the neighborhood of Guests house. You will please hold yourself in readiness to support his right, and, in case the enemy should vacate the heights in his front, it may be advisable to throw your force down the old Mine road to the Telegraph road. This road is wrongly laid down on the map; it is nearer Fredericks- burg than the map represents. It may be well to state that there is an infantry and cavalry force in the vicinity of the United States Ford that needs watching. I have attached to General Averell another regi- ment, 1,000 strong, and have relieved a portion of his pickets. He is subject to your order, having simply received orders from me to remain at Potomac Creek, ready to move at a moments notice, when ordered by you or myself. It having been reported by Captain Comstock that the crossing below General Franklins, ordered for General ~ command, is impracticable, I have ordered General Sumner to hold his two corps in readiness to follow you and General Franklin. I shall, however, attempt to throw a bridge at that l)lace for footmen, at least. These instructions may be materially modified by the events of to- morrow, during which day I hope to be in frequent personal communi- cation with you. 1 need not say to you that this attack upon the enemy should be a vigorous one. My headquarters will be at Wrotons house until 8 a. m. An aide will be sent to communicate with you. I will send you a guide before you commence your movement across the river to-morrow morning. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 27.] IInQRS. ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, January 20, 1863. Col. A. BUSOHEECK, Commandi~zg: You will make the following disposition of the troops in your division: One brigade to take position at once in support of the batteries on th Page 81 CHAP. XXXIIL] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 81 heights just south of the town, opposite the old crossing of General Franklin, and one brigade will take position just in rear of the Seddon house, some 4 or 5 miles below the crossing. The most able-bodied men will be detailed for this service, while those not able to march will be left in their camp as camp guards. This movement is intended simply as a demonstration, and the men will be placed in the wood in rear, as if trying to conceal themselves from the enemy, at the same time mak- ing it apparent that we have a force at these positions. Skillful officers should be detailed for this service. Captain Fearing will conduct the brigade that is to take position in rear of the batteries near the town, and Mr. Marvin will conduct the brigade that is to take position near the Seddon house. A battery will accompany this brigade. This bat- tery, as well as those just below the town, will open fire at 6 oclock to- morrow morning on the rifle-pits in their front, and continue it at inter- vals until an hour after daylight. Your remaining brigade will remain in its present position. You will keep in constant communication with the commanders of your brigades during the day by orderlies. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General and Chief of & ajj. [Inolosure No. 28.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. E. V. SUMNER, Commanding Right Grand Division: GENERAL: The commanding general requests that you will furnish Brigadier-General flays with such details as he may require in remov- ing the artillery he has in position, both that belonging to your com- mand and to the reserve artillery. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General and Chief of 8taff. [Inclosure No. 29.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 22, 1863. Brigadier-General WOODBURY, Commanding Engineer Brigade: I am directed by the commanding general to inform you that orders have been issued to Major-Generals Hooker and Franklin to withdraw their commands, and also that General Franklin has been ordered to detail a division to remain as a guard to the pontoon trains. The gen- eral wishes that you have the pontoons collected and trains parked iii a good position, so that they can be withdrawn as soon as the condition of the roads will admit. You will please send an aide back with the orderly for such further verbal instructions as the general deems neces- sary, on receiving report of the condition of trains, & c. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General and Chief of ~tafl. 6 R RYOL XX Page 82 82 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII [Inclosure No. 30.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 22, 1863. Major-General FRANKLIN, Gommanding Left Grand Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that a strong division of your command be detailed to remain as a guard for the pontoons. The remainder of your command will return to their respective camps. The artillery belonging to the several divisions will be turned over to them. The division to remain with the ponto~ns will be relieved by one from General Sigels within a few days. The general also re- quests that you detail a sufficient force to assist Colonel Tompkins in bringing back the reserve artillery with him. As Major-General Hooker has also received orders to remove his command, the general requests that care be taken to prevent the two grand divisions occupy- ing the same road. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE Miajor- General and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 31.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 22, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you return with your command to its original position. The artillery in position belong- ing to your several divisions will be turned over to them before starting. The general also directs that you detail a force sufficient to assist Captain De Russy in bringing back the reserve artillery which he has with him. As Major-General Franklin has orders to remove his command, the gen- eral requests that care be taken to prevent the two grand divisions from occupying the same road. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General and Chief of Staff. NEW YORK, November 13, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to make the followiig report of the operatioiis of the Army of the Potomac during the time it ~vas under my command: On November 7, 1862, General Buckiughain arrived at my headquar- ters, at Orleans, Va., with the following order an(l letter: GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPARTMENT, ADi CrANT-GENERALS Omci~, No. 182. S Washington, D. C., November 5, J~ By direction of the President of the United States, it is ordered that Major-General McClellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and that Major- General Bnrnside take the command of that army. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, A88i8tant Adjutant-General Page 83 CHAP. XXX~.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 83 WAR DEPARTMENT, IJasbinglon City, November 5, 1862. Major-General BURNSLDE, Commanding, 4c.: GENERAL: Immediately on assuming command of the Army of the Potomac you will report the position of your troops and what you purpose doing with them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. After some consultation, it was decided that General Buckiugham and myself should proceed to the headquarters of General McClellan, then at Rectortown, where the order relieving General McClellan was de- livered to him; after which it was decided that the orders which had already been issued by General McClellan, directing the movement of the army for concentration near Warrenton, with a view to accumulat- ing supplies, and for other purposes, should be carried out, and that he should remain in command of the army until we reached Warrenton. It was understood that the army was then moving, as near as pos- sible, under certain general instructions contained in a letter from the President to General McClellan, a copy of which was sent to me under cover of the following letter, and is marked A in the appendix: HEADQUARTERS OF TIlE ARMY, Washington, D. C., December 11, 1862. Major-General BUENSIDE, t3immanding, 4~c.: GENERAL: Your dispatch of the 7th was received last evening at 9 oclock. I tele- graphed to you this morning to arrange a meeting for to-morrow. I hope to hear from you to-night. I inclose you herewith a copy of a letter from the President to General McClellan, dated the 13th of last month. I wishyou to carefully consider the Presidents views, as contained in that letter, so that we may talk it over understandingly to-morrow. General Meigs and General Haupt will accompany me. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. On the 9th day of November General McClellan issued an order re- linquishing thecommand of the army, after which an order was issued from my headquarters assuming command. The positions of the different corps of the army were as follows: The First, Second, and Fifth Corps near Warrenton; Sixth Corps at New Baltimore; Ninth Corps, with Stonemans and Whipples divisions, on both sides of the river, in the neighborhood of Waterloo; Eleventh Corps at Gainesville, New Baltimore, and the gaps; Pleasonton at Jefferson and Amissville, with advance on Hazel River; Bayard at Rappahannock Station and neighborhood; Slocum was still at Harpers Ferry and Fayetteville. There were no pontoons with the moving army at this time, and our supplies had run very low. It will be observed that directions were given in the order from General Halleck to me, dated November 5, to report at once a plan for the future operations of the army, which was done, and is marked B in the appendix. This plan had been fully matured, and was at the time understood to be in accordance with the views of most of the prominent general officers in the command. It had been written out and was sent to Washington by Maj. E. M. Neill on November 10, and delivered to General G. W. Cul- lum, chief of staff, the following day; after which General Halleck telegraphed me that he would meet me at Warrenton on the next day (the 12th), which he did, accompanied by Generals Meigs and Haupt. During that night and the next morning we had long consultations. General Halleck was strongly in favor of continuing the movement o Page 84 84 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cn& i-. XXXJIL the army in the direction of Culpeper and Gordotisville, and my own plan was as strongly adhered to by me. He declined to take the respon- sibility of issuing an order, but said that the whole matter would be left to the (lecision of the President, and, if the President approved my plan, I was to move the main army to Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg, and there cross the Rappahannock on pontoon bridges, which were to be sent from Washington. In my interview with General Halleck I represented to him that soon after commencing the movement in the direction of Fredericksburg my telegraphic communication with Washington would be broken, and that I relied upon him to see that such parts of my plan as required action in Washington would be carried out. He told me that every- thing required by me would receive his attention, and that he would at once order, by telegraph, the pontoon trains spoken of in my plan, and would, upon his return to Washington, see that they were promptly forwarded. After his return he sent me the following telegram: WAshINGToN, D. C., November 14, 1862. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BUENSIDE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: The President has just assented to your plan. He thinks it will succeed if you move rapidly; otherwise not. ~ ~ * H. W HALLECK, General-in-Chief. This dispatch was received at my headquarters, at Warrenton, at 11. oclock on the morning of the 14th, and I at once issued orders for the different commands to move in accordance with the above-mentioned plan. The remark in this dispatch, indicating the great necessity for the speedy movement of the troops, was entirely in accordance with my own views, as the season was so far advanced that I looked for but little time in which to move the army effectively. General Sumners grand division started at daylight on the morning of the 15th, and the grand divisions of Generals Franklin and Hooker, together with the cavalry, started on the 16th. General Sumners advance reached Falmouth on the 17th. General Franklin concentrated his command at Stafford Court-House, and Gen- eral Hooker his in the vicinity of Hartwood. The cavalry was in the rear, and covering the fords of the iRappahannock. The plan submitted by me on November 9 (see Appendix B) will explain fully the reasons for these movements. It contemplated, however, the prompt starting of pontoons from Washington. I supposed this would be attended to; but, feeling anxious to know something definite in regard to them before telegraphic communication with Washington should be interrupted, I directed Lieutenant Comstock, my chief engineer, on the morning of the 14th, to ask General Woodbury, by telegraph, if the pontoons were ready to move. Not receiving an immediate reply, I directed him to telegraph to General Woodbury a second time, urging him to forward the trains promptly. To this second dispatch he received the following answer on the morning of the 15th: WAShINGTON, D - C., November 14, 1862. Lieutenant COMSTOCK: I have received your two telegrams to-day. Captain Spaulding has arrived, and thirty-six pontoons have arrived. Forty more are expected in the morning. Captain Spaulding received Captain Duanes order of the 6th on the afternoon of the 12th. One pontoon train can be got ready to s1~urt on Snnd~y or Monday morning, Novem- ber 16 or 17, depending somewhat upon the Quartermasters Department.. Genera Page 85 CHAP.- XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 85 Halleck is not inclined to send another train by land, but will allow it, probably, if General Burnside insists. A second train can be sent by water to Aqula Creek, and from thence transported by the teams which carry the first. D. P. WOODBURY, Brigadier-General. This was my first information of delay; but the statement that thirty- six pontoons had arrived, and forty more were expected next morning, connected with the statement that the first train (which would have been ample for our purposes) would start on the 16th or 17th, was deemed sufficient to authorize me in continuing the movement of the troops, as the pontoons would have arrived in very good time had they started as promised, although not so soon as I had expected. After telegraphic communication between my headquarters and Washington was broken, General Woodhury sent me the following dispatches, which reached me by orderlies, after my arrival at Fal. mouth: HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Washington, D. C., November 17, 18627 p. m. Lieutenant COMSTOCK, Engineer, General Burusides Headquarters, Army of the Potomac: Major Spaulding has not been able to get off to-day. He expects to start at 10 a. m. to-morrow. I will telegraph when he leaves. H. W. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Washington, D. C., November 18, 1862. Lieutenant COMSTOCK, or, in his absence, CHIEF OF GENERAL BURNSIDES STAFF: Major Spaulding has been delayed in obtaining harness, teamsters, & c., for 270 new horses. He expects to start to-night. D. P. WOODBURY, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. On the 19th, General Hookers grand division was at llartwood, and a portion of the cavalry occupied positions above him, opposite the fords, where they could cross, upon the receipt of the necessary orders. It was my intention, and I so informed General ilalleck, to cross some of the cavalry, and possibly a small force of light infantry and artillery, over the fords of the iRappahannock and iRapidan, with a view to mov- ing rapidly upon Fredericksburg, and holding the south bank of the river while bridges were being laid; but the above telegrams, announc- ing still further delay in the arrival of means to cross the main army, decided me in the already half-formed determination not to risk sending a l)ortion of the command on the opposite side of the river until I had the means for crossing the main body. Subsequent events proved the wisdom of this course, by showing that none of these fords are reliable for the passage of large bodies of troops without the use of temporary bridges, and the pontoons did not arrive until the 25th. It is possible that the cavalry, with some light infantry1 could have crossed both rivers and moved down to Fredericksburg on the south side; but before the pontoons arrived, enabling the entire army to cross, this force would have been called upon to resist an attack from the greater portion of General Lees army. General Sumner, on arriving at Falmouth on the 17th, suggested cross- ing a portion of his force over the fords at that place, with a view to taking Fredericksburg; but, from information in my possession as to the condition of the ford, I decided that it was impracticable to cros Page 86 86 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. large bodies of troops at that place. It was afterward ascertained that they conid not have crossed. On my arrival at Falmouth, on the 19th, I dispatched to General ilallecks chief of staff the report in appendix, marked C, which explains the movement of troops up to that date, and also states the fhct of the non-arrival of the pontoon train. These pontoon trains and supplies, which were expected to meet us on our arrival at Falmouth, could have been readily moved overland in thue for our purposes in perfect safety, as they would have all the time been between our army and the Potomac River; and, had they started from Washington at the promised time, they would have certainly reached Stafford Court-House as soon as the advance of General Franklins grand division, and from that point they could have been forwarded by his teams to Falmouth, if the teams from W~ishington had needed rest. On the 22d, not hearing from these trains, I sent to General ilalleck the report in appendix marked ID. It appeared afterward that no supplies had been started oMerland, as suggested in my plan of opera- tions, and the pontoon train did not leave Washington until the after- noon of the 19th, two days after the arrival of the advance of the army at Falmoutli, and five days after the arrival of the pontoons in Wash- ington from the Upper Potomac. From the report of Colonel Spaulding, who had charge of the pon- toons, and from other sources of information, I learned that the order of November 6, from Captain Duane, of the staff of General McClellan, to move from Berlin to Washington with his train, was not received by Colonel Spaulding until the 12th instant; that he then at once gave the necessary directions for carrying out this order; after which he proceeded to Washington, arriving there at 10.30 p. m. on the 13th, and reported to General Woodbury, at his residence in the city, the same night, and was requested to call at the generals office the next morning, the 14th. Colonel Spaulding called upon General Woodbury at the hour ap- pointed on the morning of the 14th, and was requested by the general to wait until he called upon General ilalleck. in about one hour Gen- eral Woodbury returned, and directed Colonel Spaniding to put his pontoon material in depot at the brigade shops, on the Anacostia River, near Washington, as thst as it arrived from Berlin, and go into camp there with his men. The colonel considered this as countermanding his order to make up the overland pontoon train, and, knowing that Gen- eral McClellan had been relieved after the order had been issued, in- ferred that the plan for the campaign had been changed with the change of commanders, and that the land train was not required. He visited General Woodbnrys office again on the morning of the 15th, and did not find him in, but was informed that he had gone to see General Halleck; but, while waiting for his return, was told that a dis- patch had been received from Lieutenant Comnstock, my chief engineer, wishing to know if he (Colonel Spaulding), with his pontoon train, had been heard from. After some time, General Woodhury came in, and, in the course of conversation, repeated the order to put the pontoon trains in depot as fast as they arrived. It should be remembered that this was on the 15th, one pontoon train, which would have been sufficient for our purposes, having arrived in Washington on the evening of the 14th. The second train arrived the day after this interview. Later on this day (the 15th), or the day after, General Woodbury directed Colonel Spaulding to make up two trains in rafts to go by water, and to organ- ize the necessary transportation fom~ forty pontoons by land. Due diligence was no doubt used by Colonel Spaulding in prosecutin Page 87 CHAP. XXXIII] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 87 his work, but he was not impressed with the importance of speed, neither was he empowered with any special authority that would 1ia~ten the issuing of the necessary transportation. The pontoons which started for Belle Plain on raft arrived there on the 18th, but no wagons for their transportation from that place were sent with them, nor was any intimation given to Colonel Spaulding that any would be needed; neither to his knowledge had any information of that kind been given to General Woodbury. Had this information been given to Colonel Spaulding, the necessary wagons could have been placed on the rafts and floated to Belle Plain, from which point the pon- toons could have been hauled to Falmouth by teams from the army be- fore the enemy had accumulated sufficient force to resist the crossing. This was not, however, the method by which it was expected the pon- toons would arrive, in time to cross the river before the enemy could concentrate to prevent it. After arranging for these trains to go by water, Colonel Spaulding proceeded at once to make up the overland train, but was not enabled to start with it until the afternoon of the 19th. On this day it com- menced raining, in consequence of which the roads became very bad. Great exertions were made by Colonel Spaulding to push his train for- ward, but before his arrival at the Occoquan he decided to raft his boats when he reached that river, and have them towed to Belle Plain, for which purpose he sent an officer back for a steamer to meet him at the mouth of the river. The animals were sent overland. He arrived at Belle Plain with his pontoons on the 24th, and by the night of the 25th he was encamped near general headquarters. By this time the enemy had concentrated a large force on the oppo- site side of the river, so that it became necessary to make arrangements to cross in the face of a vigilant and formidable foe. These arrangements were not completed until about December 10. In the mean time the troops were stationed with a view to accumulating supplies and getting in readiness for the movement. I omitted to say that on the 19th instant I received, through Colonel Richmond, my assistant adjutant-general, a communication from Gen- eral Hooker, suggesting the crossing of a force at the fords above Fal- moutL This letter appears in his (General Hookers) report, and my reply thereto in the appendix, marked E. I determined to make preparations to cross the river at Skinkers Neck, about 14 miles below Fredericksburg, and, if the movements of the enemy favored the crossing at that point, to avail myself of such preparations; otherwise, to adopt such a course as his movements ren- dered necessary. The ground at this point was favorable for crossing, but our preparations attracted the attention of the enemy, after which he made formidable arrangements to meet us at that place. The necessary orders, both written and verbal, had been given for the troops to be in readiness to move, with the requisite amount of ammu- nition and supplies. Before issuing final orders, I concluded that the enemy would be more surprised by a crossing at or near Fredericks- burg, where we were making no preparations, than by crossing at Skin- kers Neck, and I determined to make the attempt at the former place. It was decided to throw four or five pontoon bridges across the river~ two at a point near the Lacy house, opposite the upper part of the town, one near the steamboat landing, at the lower part of the town, one about a mile below, and, if there were pontoons sufficient, two at the latter point. Final orders were now given to the commanders of the three gran Page 88 88 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. divisions to concentrate their troops near the places for the proposed bridges; to the chief engineer, to make arrangements to throw the bridges; to the chief quartermaster, to have the trains of the army in such position as not to impede the movement of the troops, und at the same time to be in readiness, in case of snccess, to follow their separate commands with supplies of subsistence stores, forage, and ammunition; to the chief of artillery, to so post his batteries as to cover the work- ing parties while they were constructing the bridges and the army while crossing. The organizations of the three grand divisions will be found in the appendix, marked F, * and in speaking of the movements of the troops I shall, as nearly as possible, confine myself to the movements of the grand divisions, and must refer to the reports of the commanders for more detailed statements. The right grand division (General Sumners) was directed to concen- trate near the upper and middle bridges; the left grand division (Gen- eral Franklins) near the bridges, below the town; the center grand di- vision (General Hooker) near to and in rear of General Sumner. These arrangements were made with a view to throwing the bridges on the morning of December 11. The enemy held possession of the city of Fredericksburg and the crest or ridge running from a point on the river, .just above Falmouth, to the Massaponax, some 4 miles below. This ridge was in rear of the city, forming an angle with the Itappa- hannock. Between the ridge and the river there is a plain, narrow at the point, where Fredericksburg stands, but widening out as it ap. proaches the Massaponax. On the north side of the river the high bluffs gave us good opportunities for placing the batteries, which were to command the town and the plain upon which our troops were to move. For a full understanding of the position of the batteries and the general movement of the artillery, I beg to refer to the report of my chief of artillery, Brig. Gen. II. J. Hunt. Had it been determined to cross at Skinkers Neck, I should have endeavored, in case of success, to have moved in the direction of Guineys Station, with a view of interrupting the enemys communica- tions, and forcing him to fight outside his intrenchinents. When this intention was abandoned, in consequence of the heavy concentration of the enemy at or near Skinkers Neck, and it had been decided to cross at or near the town, I hoped to be able to seize some point on the enemys line near the Massaponax, and thereby separate his forces on the river below from those occupying the crest, or ridge, in rear of the town. Lu speaking of this crest, or ridge, I shall speak of it as occupied by the enemy, and shall call the point near the Massaponax the right of the crest, and that on the river, and in rear of and above the town, the left; and in speaking of our own forces it will be remembered that Gen- eral Sumners command was on our extreme right and General Frank- lins command was on the extreme left. I deem this remark necessary, because in some prominent quotations from my previous reports my meaning has been misinterpreted. During the night of the 10th the bridge material was taken to the - proper points on the river, and soon after 3 oclock on the morning of the 11th the working pai3ties commenced throwing the bridges, pro- tected by infantry, placed under cover of the banks, and by artillery, * Omitted. A revised statement of the organization, December 1115, 1862, appears on pp. 48-61 Page 89 CHAP. XXXflI.] J3ATTLE 01? F1U~DERICRS13U1~G, VA. 89 on the bluffs above. One of the lower bridges, for General Franklins command, was completed by 10.30 a. m. without serious trouble, and afterward a second bridge was constructed at the same point. The upper bridge, near the Lacy house, and the middle bridge, near the steamboat landing, were about two-thirds built at 6 a. in., when the enemy opened upon the working parties with musketry with such sever- ity as to cause them to leave the work. Our artillery was unable to silence this fire, the fog being so dense as to make accurate firing im- possible. Frequent attempts were made to continue the work, but to no purpose. About noon the fog cleared away, and we were able, with our artil- lery, to check the lire of the enemy. After consultation with Generals Hunt and Woodbury, I decided to resume the work on the bridges, and gave directions, in accordance with a suggestion of General Hunt, to send men over in pontoons to the other shore as rapidly as possible, to drive the enemy from his position on the opposite bank. This work was most gallantly performed by Colonel Halls brigadethe Seventh Michigan and Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusettsat the upper bridges, and by the Eighty-ninth New York at the middle bridge, and the enemy were soon driven from their position. The throwing of the bridges was resumed, and they were soon afterward finished. No more difficult feat has been performed during the war than the throwing of these bridges in the face of the enemy by these brave men; and I take pleasure in referring to the reports of General Woodbury and Lieutenant Comstock for a more detailed account of this gallant work. It was now near night-falr. One brigade of Franklins division crossed over to the south side ; drove the enemys pickets from the houses near the bridge head, and Howards division, together with a brigade from the Ninth Corps, both of General Sumners command, crossed over on the upper and middle bridges, and, after some sharp skirmishing, occu- pied the town before daylight on the morning of the 12th. During this day, the 12th, Sumners and Franklins commands crossed over and took position on the south bank, and General Hookers grand division was held in readiness to support either the right or left, or to press the enemy in case the other command succeeded in moving him. The line, as now established, was as follows: The Second Corps held the center and right of the town; the Ninth Corps was on the left of the Second Corps, and connected with General Franklins right, at Deep Run, the whole of this force being nearly parallel to the river; the Sixth Corps was formed on the left of the Ninth Corps, nearly parallel with the old Richmond road, and the First Corps on the left of the Sixth, nearly at right angles with it, its left resting on the river. Thee plain below the town is interrupted by hedges and ditches to a considerable extent, which gives good covering to an enemy, making it difficult to maneuver upon. The old Richmond road, spoken of above, runs from the town in a line nearly parallel with the river, to a point near the Massaponax, where it turns to the south, and passes near the right of the crest, or ridge, which runs in rear of the town, and was then occupied by the enemy in force. In order to pass down this road it was necessary to occupy the extreme right of this crest, which was designated on the map then in use by the army as Hamiltons. By the night of the 12th the troops were all in position, and I visited the different commands with a view to. determining as to future move- ments. The delay in laying the bridge~ had rendered some change i Page 90 90 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA, MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. the plan of attack necessary, and the orders already issued were to be snperseded by new ones. It was after midnight when I returned from visiting the different commands, and before daylight of the 13th I pre- pared the following orders :* HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 13, 18626 a. m. Maj. Gen. E. V. SUMNER, Commanding Right Grand Divi8ion, Army of the Potomac: The general commanding directs that you extend the left of your command to Deep Run, connecting with General Franklin, extending your right as far as your judg- ment may dictate. He also directs that you pnsh a column of a division or more along the Plank and Telegraph roads, with a view to seizing the heights in the rear of the town. The latter movement should be well covered by skirmishers, and supported so as to keep its line of retreat open. Copy of instructions given to General Franklin will be sent to you very soon. You will please await them at your present head- quarters, where he (the general commanding) will meet you. Great care should be taken to prevent a collision of our own forces during the fog. The watchword for the day will be Scott. The column for a movement np the Telegraph and Plank roads will be got in readiness to move, but will not move till the general commanding communicates with you. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 13, 18627 a. m. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Center Ii Grand] Divinion, Army of the Potomac: The general commanding directs that you place General Butterfields corps and Whipples division in position to cross, at a moments notice, at the three upper bridges, in support of the other troops over the rivet, and the two remaining divis- ions of General Stonemans corps in readiness to cross at the lower ford, in su pportof General Franklin. The general commanding will meet you at headquarters (Phillips house) very soon. Copies of instructions toGeneral Sumner and General Franklin will be sent to you. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE Chief of Staff. It should be mentioned that on the evening of the 12th I ordered General Stoneman, with two divisions of his corps, to a point near the lower bridges, as support for-General Franklin. The forces now under command of General Franklin consisted of about 60,000 men, as shown by the morning reports, and was composed as follows: Sixth Corps . 24,000 First Corps 18,500 Third Corps (two divisions) 10,000 Ninth Corps (Burns division) .. 4,000 Bayards cavalry 3,500 General Sumner had abont 27,000 men, comprising his own grand division, except Burns division of the Ninth Corps. General Hookers command was about 26,000 strong, two of General Stonemans divisions having reported to General Franklin. Positive information had reached me that the enemy had built a new road in rear of the ridge or crest, from near Hamiltons to the Telegraph road, along which road they communicated from one part of their line to the other. I decided to seize, if possible, a point on this road near Hamiltons which would not divide the enemys forces by breaking their line, bnt would place our forces in position to enable us to move in rear * See Parke to Franklin, December 13, 5.55 a. in., p. 71 Page 91 CHAP. XXXIfl.] BATTLE 013 FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 91 of the crest, and either force its evacuation or the capitulation of the forces occupying it. It was my intention, in case this point had been gained, to push Gen- erals Sumner and Hooker against the left of the crest, and prevent at least the removal of the artillery of the enemy, in case they attempted a retreat. The above orders were prepared in accordance with these views. It will be seen that General Franklin was directed to seize, if possible, the heights near Captain Hamiltons, arid to send at once a column of attack for that purpose, composed of a division at least, in the lead, well supported, and to keep his whole command in readiness to move down the old Richmond road. The object of this order is clear. It was necessary to seize this height in order to enable th~i remainder of his forces to move down the old Richmond road, with a view of getting in rear of the enemys line on the crest. He was ordered to seize these heights, if possible, and to do it at once. I sent him a copy of the order to General Sumner, in which it will be seen that I directed General Sumners column not to move until he received orders from me, whiJe he (General Franklin) was ordered to move at once. The movements were not intended to be simultaneous; in fact, I did not intend to move General Sumner until I learned that Franklin was about to gain the heights near Hamiltons, which I then supposed he was entirely able to do. I sent the order to General Franklin by General James A. Hardie, a member of my staff; it reached him at 7.30 a. m. I cannot possibly give a more intelligent account of the movements of General Franklins command that day than by copying into this report the dis- patches of General Hardie, which are as follows: DECEMBER 137.40 A. M. General Meades division is to make the movement from our left; butit is just re- ported that the enemys skirmishers are advancing, indicating an attack upon our position on the left. 9 A. M. General Mea~e jnst moved out. Doubleday supports him. Meades skirmishers, however, engaged at once with enemys skirmishers. Battery opening on Meade, probably from position on old Richmond road. 9.40 A. M. Two batteries playing upon Reynolds advance, in rear of his first line, cause him to desist the advance. They are on the Bowling Green road, near the river. They must be silenced before he can advance. Heavy firing in our front. 11 A. M. Meade advanced half a mile, and holds on. Infantry of enemy in wood in front of extreme left; also in front of Howe. No loss, so far, of great importance. General Vinton badly, hut not dangerously, wounded. LaterReynolds has been forced to develop his whole line. An attack of sonic force of enemys troops on our left seems probable, as far as can now be judged. Stoneman has been directed to cross one division to support our left. Report of cav- alry pickets from the other side of the river that enemys troops were moving down the river, on this side, during the latter part of the night. Howe~s pickets reported movement in their front, same direction; still, they have a strong force, well posted with batteries, here. 12 NoON. Birneys division is now getting into position. That done, Reynolds will order Meade to advance. Batteries over the river are to shell the enemys position in the wood in front of Reynolds left. He thinks the effect will be to promote Meades ad- vance. A column of the enemys infantry is passing along the crest of the hills from right to left, as we look at it. 12.0i ~. M. General Meades line is advancing in the directiou you prescribed this morning Page 92 92 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. 1 P. M. Enemy opened a battery on Reynolds, enfilading Meade. Reynolds has opened all his batteries on it. No report yet. Reynolds hotly engaged at this moment. Will report in a few moments again. 1.15 r~. au. Heavy engagement of infantry [enemy in force*] where battery is. Meade is as- saulting the hill. Will report again in a few moments. 1.25 r. iu. Mende is in the wood, in his front. Seems to be able to hold on. Reynolds will push Gibbon in, if necessary. The battery and wood referred to must be near Hamil- tons house. The infantry firing is prolonged and quite heavy. Things look well enough. Men in fine spirits. 1.40 p. M. Meade having carried a portion of the enemys position in the wood, we have 300 prisoners. Enemys batteries [battery *] on our extreme left retired. Tough work. Men fight well. Gibbon has advanced to Meades right. Men fight well. Driving the enemy. Meade has suffered severely; Doubleday, to Meades left, not engaged. 2.15 P. M. Gibbon and Meade driven back from the wood; Newton gone forward. Jacksons corps, of the enemy, attacks on the left. General Gibbon slightly wonnded. General Bayard mortally wounded by a shell. Things do not look so well on Reynolds front; still, we will have new troops.in soon. 2.25 i. M. Dispatch received. Franklin will do his best. New troops gone in. Will report soon again. 3 r~. ~i. Reynolds seems to be holding his own. Things look better, somewhat. 3.40 r. i~z. Gibbons and Meades divisions are badly used up, and I fear another advance on the enemy on our left cannot be made this afternoon. Doubledays division will replace Meades as soon as it can be collected, and, if it be done in time, of course another attack will be made. The enemy are in force in the wood on our left, toward Hamiltons, and are threatening the safety of that portion of our line. They seem to have detached a portion of their force to our front, where Howe and Brooks are now engaged. Brooks has some prisoners, and is down the railroad. Just as soon as the left is safe, our forces here will be prepared for a front attack; but it may be too late this afternoon. Indeed, we are engaged in front, anyhow. Notwithstanding the unpleasant items I relute, the morale of the troops generally is good. P. S.Engaged now heavily in front. 4.30 P. M. The enemy is still in force on our left and front. An attack on our batteries in front has been repulsed. A new attack has been opened on our left; but the left is safe, though it is too late to advance, either to the left or front. From these dispatches it will be seen that one of the smallest divisions of the command (General Meades) led the attack. At 9 oclock it moved out, with Doubledays division in support. At 11 oclock it had been moved half a mile and halted, without serious loss. One of Stonemans divisions ordered across. At 12 oclock this division was getting into position. At 12.05 p. m. General Meades line was advancing iu the direction I prescribed in my first order to General Franklin. At 1 p. m. the enemy opened a battery, enfilading Meade. At 1.15 p. m. infantry was heavily engaged, and Meade assaulted the hill. At 1.25 p. m. he carried the wood in his front, and seemed able to hold his ground, and Gibbon would support, if necessary. At 1.40 p. m. our men drove the enemy, and Gibbon advanced to Meades right. At 2.15 p. m. both Gibbon and Meade were driven back from the wood. At 2.25 p. m. * Words in brackets are in original dispatch Page 93 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 93 Franklin will do his best. At 3 p. m. things looked better, and at 3.40 p. m. Gibbons and Meades divisions are badly used up, and unimpor- tant fighting is going on in front of Howes and Brooks divisions. From General Meades report it seems that he had great difficulty in getting his command into position to assault the hill. The time occii- pied for that purpose was from 9 a. m. till 1.15 p. m. In consequence of the smallness of his division~ and the absence of immediate and available supports, he was forced to make freque~fi halts, for the pur- pose of protecting his flanks and silencing the enemys artillery; but, once in position, his division moved forward with the utmost gallantry. He broke the enemys line; captured many prisoners and colors; crossed the road that ran in the rear of the crest, and established himself at the desired point on the crest; and, had he been able to hold it, our forces would have had free passage to the rear of the enemys line along the crest. The supports which the order contemplated were not with him, and he found himself across the enemys line, with both flanks unpro. tected. He dispatched staff officers to Generals Gibbon and Birney, urging them to advance to his right and left, in snpport of his flanks; but before the arrival of these divisions he was forced to withdraw from his advanced position, with his lines broken. These two divisions met his division as it was retreating, and by their gallant fighting aided ma- terially in its safe withdrawal. An unsuccessful effort was made to reform the division, after which it was marched to the rear and held in reserve. General Meade and his troops deserve great credit for the skill and heroism displayed on this occasion. Their brave efforts deserved better success, which, doubtless, would have attended them had he been well supported. No further attempt was made to carry this point on the crest. Stone- mans two divisions (Birneys and Sickles) were conspicuous in their suc- cessful resistance of the enemy, when he endeavored to take advantage of the disorganization attending the retreat, from our extreme advance, of Meades division. I beg to refer to the report of General Stoneman for a correct under- standing of the movements of these two divisions. General Doubledays division performed good service in resisting the attack of the enemy on our extreme left. The accompanying report of General Reynolds will give more in detail the work of Generals Meades, Doubledays, and Gibbons troops. The Sixth Corps, the strongest and one of the most reliable in the army, commanded by General W. F. Smith, was not seriously engaged in any attack during the day, as is stated in his report. Neither was the division of General Burns, of the Ninth Corps, which was under the command of General Franklin at this time. - The report of General Franklin will give the movements of the left grand division more in detail, including the cavalry division of Briga- dier-General Bayard. it may be well to state that, at 10.30 a. in., I sent Capt. P. M. Lydig,* of my staff, to General Franklin, to ascertain the condition of affairs in his front, as I was anxiously expecting to hear that the hill near Hamil- tons had been carried. Captain Lydigs written statement is as follows: I found General Franklin in a grove of trees, in the center of his command, and, on (lelivering the message, I was informed by him that Meade was very hotly engaged, and that his men were by that time pretty generally engaged. He also added, I think, that Birney had orders to support them. I then inquired if any of General Smiths * See the statement in full of this officer, p. 127 Page 94 94 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA, MD., AND PA. Icuir. XXXIIL corps were engaged, and was told that they were not. I returned to headquarters, passing Captain Cutts, who arrived as I left General Franklin, and reported the in- forniation to General Burnside, who seemed at the time annoyed at the smallness of the force engaged, and expressed his surprise that none of General Smiths corps had been put into the fight. It was about 12.30 oclock when I arrived with my report at headquarters. P. M. LYDIG, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. I next sent Captain Cutts * with an order to General Franklin to ad- vance his right and front. Captain Cntts states in his note-book that he carried the order to General Franklin, and the general said to him that it was impossible to advance, upon which he returned to me, to show why General Franklin thought it was impossible to advance. When he communicated the reply to me, he says that my reply was: But he (General Franklin) must advance. I then sent Captain Goddard * to General Franklin with an order, which the following statement will explain: I was sent on the day of the battle of Fredericksburg to General Franklin, on the left, with tbis order from General Burnside: Tell General Franklin, with my com- pliments, that I wish him to make a vigorous attack with his whole force; our right is hard pressed. This order was given me about 1.30 oclock in the afternoon, and I delivered it to General Franklin in the presence of General Hardie before 2.30 oclock. R. H. I. GODDARD, Captaim and Aide-de-Camp. I had before this sent to General Franklin an order, by telegraph, directing him to make an attack upon the heights immediately in his front. General Sumners corps was held in position until after 11 oclock, in the hope that Franklin would make such an impression upon the enemy as would enable him (Sumner) to carry the enemys line near the Tele- graph and Plank roads. Feeling the importance of haste, I now directed General Sumner to commence his attack. He had already issued his orders, but had, in accordance with my instructions, directed his troops to be held in readiness for the attack, but not to move without further orders from him. The enemy was strongly posted along the crest in his front, covered by rifle-pits and batteries, which gave him a commanding sweep of the ground over which our troops had to pass. I supposed when I ordered General Sumner to attack that General Franklins attack on the left would have been made before General Sumners me~ would be engaged, and would have caused the enemy to weaken his forces in front of Sum- ner, and I therefore hoped to break through their lines at this point. It subsequently appeared that this attack had not been made at the time General Sumner moved, and, when it was finally made, proved to be in such small force as to have had rio permanent effect upon the enemys line. General Sumners order directed the troops of General Couchs corps to commence the attack. Frenchs division led, supported by Hancocks and finally by Howards. Two divisions of Wilicoxs corps (Sturgis and Gettys) participated in the attack. Never did men fight more per- sistently than this brave grand division of General Sumner. The offi- cers and meu seemed to be inspired with the lofty courage and deter- mined spirit of their noble commander, but the position was too strong for them. I beg to refer to the report of General Sumner for a more extended *Sce the statements in full of these two officers, p. 128 Page 95 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 95 account of the working of his command and the cavalry division under General Pleasonton. At 1.30 p. m. I ordered General Hooker to support General Sumner with his command. Soon after receiving this order, he (General Hooker) sent au aide-de-camp to me with the statement that he did not think the attack would be successful. I directed him to make the assault. ~3ome time afterward General Hooker came to me in person with the same statement. I reiterated my order, which he then proceeded to obey. The afternoon was now well advanced. General Franklin before this had been positively ordered to attack with his whole force, and I hoped be- fore sundown to have broken through the enemy~s line. This order was not carried out. At 4p. m. General Humphreys was directed to attack, General Sykes division moving in support of Humphreys right. All these men fought with determined courage, but without success. General Humphreys was conspicuous for his gallantry throughout the action. To the accompanying report of General Hooker I beg to refer for more detailed statement of his command, together with the cavalry division under General Averell. Our forces had been repulsed at all points, and it was necessary to look upon the days work as a failure. It is not pleasant to dwell upon these results, even at this distance of time, and I have, therefore, been thus brief in my statement of them. From the night of the 13th until the night of the 15th our men held their positions. Something was done in the way of in1~renching, and some angry skirmishing and annoying artillery firing was indulged in in the mean time. I directed preparations to be made for another attack on the morning of the 14th, but, for reasons not necessary to mention here, I counter- manded the order. On the night of the 15th, I decided to remove the army to the north side of the river, and the work was accomplished without loss of men or mat~riel. The reports of the grand division commanders give the details of this movement. My aide-de-camp, Maj. William Cutting, re- inained on the south side until the last of the troops passed over, and reported to inc at daylight that the bridges were being taken up. The grand divisions returned to their respective positions. On December 17, I made a report to General Halleck, which is marked G in the appendix.* I refer to this because it was understood by many that it was written at the suggestion of the President or Sec- retary of War. Such is not the fact. It was written at my headquar- ters, without consultation with any person outside of my own personal staff and is correct in all particulars. Immediately after the engagement on the 13th, I sent Maj. William Goddard with dispatches to Washington, and on the following morning forwarded others, by Col. Lloyd Aspinwall, requesting them both to give to the authorities at Washington verbal information of what had transpired. Preparations were at once commenced to refit the army, and I de- cided to make another movement against the enemy. On December 26, I ordered three days cooked rations, with ten days supply in the wagons, together with a supply of forage, beef-cattle, ammunition, and other stores, and for the entire army to be ready to move at twelve hours notice. It is not worth while to give the details of this intended * Sec irnder that date, p. 66 Page 96 96 OPERATIONS iN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. movement. It will be enough to say that the cavalry had already started upon it, and the necessary orders were prepared for all the forces, when I received from the President a dispatch in the following words: I have good reasons for saying tliat you must not make a general movement with- ont first letting me know of it. I at once countermanded the order, and proceeded to Washington, and was told by the President that some general officers of my command had represented to him that the army was not in condition to move, and he was induced by their statement to telegraph me as he did. Soon after this I made the fourth attempt, which was to cross at the fords above Falmouth, and moved the entire command for that purpose; but, owing to a severe storm, which rendered the roads almost impass- able, together with other obstacles, I was forced to return the army to its old position. Many difficulties had presented themselves to me in the exercise of the command of this army. I was the first officer to take charge of it after its first commander had been relieved. I had not been identified with it in the Peninsular campaign, and was unac- quainted with a large portion of its officers. The season was very far advanced, which rendered all military movements precarious. The army had not been paid for several months, which caused great dissat- isfaction among the soldiers and their friends at home, and increased the number of desertions to a fearful extent, and, in short, there was much gloom and despondency throughout the entire command. When to this is added the fact that there was a lack of confidence on the part of many of the officers in my ability to handle the army, it does not seem so strange that success did not attend my efforts. I made four distinct attempts, between November 9, 1862, and Jan- uary 25, 1863. The first failed for want of pontoons; the second was the battle of Fredericksburg; the third was stopped by the President, and the fourth was defeated by the elements and other causes. After the last attempt to move I was, on January 25, 1863, relieved of the command ,of the Army of the Potomac. I am not disposed to complain of my lack of success in the exercise of the command; and, in view of the glorious results which have since attended the movements of this gallant army, I am quite willing to believe that my removal was for the best. The courage and heroism displayed by the army. at the battle of Fredericksburg has not been excelled during the warq and the memories of the brave officers and men who fell on that field will ever be cherished an(l honored by a grateful country. To the staff officers at my h~adquarters, and to those gentlemen who so kindly volunteered their services for the day, I am indebted for their cheerful and hearty co-operation and assistance. The great numbers which necessarily composed the staff render it impossible to individu- alize, and, for fear of doing injustice by making improper distinctions, I must content myself by simply thanking them as a body. Accompanying this report I send the appendices referred to, and the reports of all the grand division corn mnanders and those of their subor- dinates; also the report of General II. J. hunt, chief of artillery, and his subordinates; General IRufus In galls, chief quartermaster; General Woodbury and Lieutenant Coinstock, chief of engineers, and Captain Cushing, chief signal officer. The list of casualties, as shown by the reports of the grand division commanders, were as given bel& w. I would state that a large propo Page 97 Ciiir. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. tion of the wounds were slight, not requiring hospital attention; and many reported as missing proved to be stragglers, and were returned to their respective commands: ,~ be Command. ~ 0 W RIGHT GRAND DIVISION. Second Corps 390 2, 903 540 Ninth Corps 101 1,030 197 Total 491 3, 933 737 LEFT GRAND DIVISION. First Corps 323 2,308 588 Sixth Corps 50 329 65 Total 373 ~697j 653 CENTER GRAND DIVISION. Fifth Corps 19~ 1, 684 564 Third Corps 124 714 191 Total. 316 2,398 755 RECAPITULATION. Right Grand Division 491 3, 933 737 Left Grand Division 373 2, 697 653 Center Grand Division - 316 2, 398 755 Total* 1,180 9,028 2,145 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BIITRNSIDE, Late Major. General. The ADJUTANT-GENERAL, U. S. A., Washington, D. C. [Appendix A.] EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, ft 0., October 13, 1862. Major-General MCCLELLAN: Mv DEAR SIR: You remember my speaking to. you of what I called your overcautiousness. Are you not overcautious when you assume that you cannot do what the enemy is constantly doing? Should you not claim to be at least his equal iu prowess, and act upon the claim? As I understand, you telegraphed General Halleck that you cannot subsist your army at Winchester, unless the railroad from Harpers Ferry to that point be put in working order. But the enemy does now subsist his army at Winchester, at a distance nearly twice as great from railroad transportation as you would have to do, without the railroad last named. He now wagons from (Julpeper Court-House, which is just about twice as far as you would have to do from Harpers Ferry. fle is certainly not more than half as ~vel1 prOvi(led with wagons as you are. I certainly should be pleased for you to have the advantage But see rOVise(l statement, pp. 129, 142. 7 R RVOL XXI 9 Page 98 98 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL of the railroad from Harpers Ferry to Winchester, but it wastes all the remainder of autumn to give it to you, and, iu fact, ignores the ques- tion of time, which cannot and must not be ignored. Again, one of the standard maxims of war, as you know, is to operate upon the enemys communications as much as possible, without exposing your own. You seem to act as if this applies against you, but cannot apply in your favor. Change positions with the enemy, and think you not he would break your communication with Richmond within the next twenty- four hours? You dread hi~ going into Pennsylvania, but if he does so in full force he gives up his communications to you absolutely, and you have nothing to do but to follow and ruin him; if he does so with less than full force, fall upon and beat what is left behind all the easier. Exclusive of the water-line, you are now nearer Richmond than the enemy is, by the route that you can and he must take. Why can you not reach there before him, unless you admit that he is more than your equal on a march? His route is the arc of a circle, while yours is the chord. The roads are as good on yours as on his. You know I desired, but did not order, you to cross the Potomac below instead of above the Shenandoah and Blue Ridge. My idea was that this would at once menace the enemys communications, which I would seize if he would permit. If he should move northward I would follow him closely, holding his communications. If he should prevent our seizing his communications and move toward Richmond, J~would press closely to him; fight him,if a favorable opportunity should present, and at least try to beat him to Richmond on the inside track. I say try; if we never try we shall never succeed. If he make a stand at Winchester, moving neither north nor ~outh, I would fight him there, on the idea that if we cannot beat him when he bears the wastage of coming to us, we never can when we bear the wastage of going to him. This proposition is a simple truth, and is too important to be lost sight of for a moment. In coming to us he tenders us an advantage which we should not waive. We should not so operate as to merely drive him away. As we must beat him some- whei-e, or fail finally, we can do it, if at all, easier near to us than far away. It we cannot beat the enemy where he now is, we never can, he again being within the intrenchments of Richmond. Recurring to the idea of going to Richmond on the inside track, the facility of supplying from the side away from the enemy is remarkable, as it were, by time different spokes of a wheel extending from the hub toward the rim, and this, whether you move directly by the chord or on the inside arc, hugging the Blue Ridge more closely. The chord line, as you see, carries you by Aldie, Hay Market, and Fredericks- burg; and you see how turnpikes, railroads, and, finally, the Potomac, by Aquia Creek, meet you at all points from Washington; the same, only the lines lengthened a little, if you press closer to the Blue Ridge part of the way. The gaps through the Blue Ridge I understand to be about the fol- lowing distances from Harpers Ferry, to wit: Vestals, 5 miles; Greg- orys, 13; Snickers, 18; Ashbys, 28; Manassas, 38; Chesters, 45, and Thorntons, 53. I should think it preferable to take the route nearest the enemy, disabling him to make an important move without your knowledge, and compelling him to keep his forces together for dread of you. The gaps would enable you to attack if you should wish. For a great part of the way you would be practically between the enemy and both Washington and Richmond,, enabling us to spare you the greatest number of troops from here. When at Length running for Richmon Page 99 Ciiir. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 99 ahead of him, enables him to move this way, if he does so, turn and attack him in the rear. Bat I think he should be engaged long before such point is reached. it is all easy if our troops march as well as the enemy, and it is unmanly to say they cannot do it. This letter is in no sense an order. Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN. [Appendix B.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIII~ POTOMAC, Warrenton, Va., November 9, 1862. GENERAL: In accordance with the order of the General-in-Chief of the 5th, I have the honor to make the following report of the move- ments proposed for this army: To concentrate all the forces near this place, and impress upon the enemy a belief that we are to attack Culpeper or Gordonsville, and at the same time accumulate a four or five days supply for the men and animals; then make a rapid move of the whole force to Fredericksburg, with a view to a movement upon iRichmond from that point. The following are my reasons for deciding upon this plan: If we move upon Culpeper and Gordonsville, with a fight there, or a general engagement, even with results in our favor, the enemy will have many lines of retreat for his defeated army, and will in all likelihood be able to reach Richmond with enough of his force to render it necessary to fight another battle at that place; and, should he leave even one corps, with cavalry, on our right flank, it would render the pursuit very pre- carious, owing to the great lack of supplies in this country, and the liability to an interruption of our communication with Washington. Should the enemy retreat in the direction of Richmond upon our approach to Culpeper and Gordonsville, we would simply follow a re- treating army, well supplied with provisionsat least, at depots in his rearwhile this army would have to rely upon a long line of commu- nication for its supplies; and, as in the other case, a small portion of the enemys force on our flank might tend to interrupt our communica- tion. It may be well to add her~, while on the subject of interrupted communication, that the enemys sources for gaining information are far superior to our own. The General-in-Chief will readily understand the reason. The difference is more than usual in their f~vor at present, from the fact that nearly all the negroes are being run south, and are kept under strict guard. Should the enemy retreat before us in the direction of Staunton and Lynchburg, the same difficulty would follow, with the certainty that he would also have a small portion of his force on our left flank. In moving by way of Fredericksburg, there is no loint, up to the time when we should reach that place, at which we will not be nearer to Washington than the enemy, and we will all the time be on the shortest road to Richmond; the taking of which, I think, should be the great object of the campaign, as the fall of that place would tend more to cripple the rebel cause than almost any other military event, except the absolute breaking up of their army. The presence of a large army on the Fredericksburg line would ren- der it almost impossible for the enemy to make a successful move upon Washington by any road on this side of the Potomac, and I take it that there are forces enough at Washington, and on the line of the Potomac, connected with the fortifications about Washington, to repulse any movement of the enemy on the capital, by way of the Upper Pot Page 100 100 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CIIAi-. XXXIIL mac, and it is hardly probable that he would attempt any serious inva- sion of Pennsylvania at this season of the year; and even should he make a successful lodgment in that State of any force that he can spare, the destruction of that force would be the result very soon after winter sets in, and the destruction of property by him would be small in comparison with the other expenses of the war. Could the army before Richmond be beaten and their capital taken, the loss of half a dozen of our towns and cities in the interior of Penn- sylvania could well be afforded. A movement of the enemy upon Balti- more I consider altogether improbable, as an attack on that place would render the destruction of the city certain. Jn connection with this movement in the direction of Fredericksburg, I would suggest that at least thirty canal-boats and barges be at once loaded with commissary stores and forage, and be towed to the neigh- borhood of Aquia Creek, from which place they can be brought to Belle Plain after the arrival of our forces in that vicinity. These should be followed at once by enough stores and forage to subsist the army for thirty days. A great portion of this, I thhuk, could be towed up the Rappahannock, under convoy of light-draught gunboats, but that is a matter for after-consideration. It will also be necessary to start at once from Washington or Alex- andria, by way of Dumfries, a quantity of beef-cattle and all the wagon trains that can be spared, filled with small rations, such as bread ,salt, coffee, sugar, soap, and candles. This train should be preceded by pontoon trains enough to span the Rappahannock with two tracks. But a small escort of cavalry for this train would be necessary, as we would be all the time between the enemy and the train. I will, howevcr, if notified of its departure by telegraph, see that it is protected by my cavalry. During these movements it would be well for General Sigel to remain with his force at Centreville and its neighborhood, holding Manassas Junction, Thoroughfare Gap, Aldie, and Leesburg with forces sufficient to protect them against any light attack, any one of which can fall back on the main body if attacked by too large force. The main portion of his cavalry can be kept in Loudoun County, where there is an abundance of subsistence and forage. Below Fredericksburg, between the Ilappahannock and the Potomac, there must be quite an amount of forage, which could be used for our broken-down animals after we reach Fredericksburg. We will need some fresh horses and mules on our arrival, which can be driven direct from Washington on this side of the Potomac, or direct from Baltimore to Smiths Point, opposite Aquia Creek, from which place they can be brought over in ferry-boats, several of which it would be advisable to send to us. An abn.ndance of horses can also be brought from New York and P hiladel- phia to a point near Belle Plain, where they can be thrown overboard, and swim ashore. I cannot impress too strongly upon the General-in- Chief the necessity of furnishing by all these means an abundant sup- ply of horses, mules, and beef cattle. These should be sent to Fred- ericksburg, even at the risk of arriving after we leave. After reaching Fredericksburg, our wagon trains can be organized and filled with at least twelve days provisions, when a rapid movement can be made direct upon Richmond by way of such roads as are open to us. As soon as the army arrives in front of the place, an attack should be made at once, with a strong hope of success. The detail of the move- ment from Fredericksburg 1 wilIgive you hereafter. A great reason for feeling that the Fredericksburg route is the bes Page 101 CHAP. XXXiII.] J3ATThE OF FREDERICRSB1JRG, VA. is, that if we are detained by the elements it would be much better for us to be on that route. I hope the General-in-Chief will impress upon the Secretary of War the necessity for sanctioning the changes which I now propose to make in this army. First. To divide it into three partsright wing, left wing, and cen- terunder command of the three ranking generals. Second. To do away with the very massive and elaborate adjutant- generals office at these headquarters, and require the different com- manders of these wings and corps to correspond directly with Wash- ington in reference to all such things as resignations, leaves of absence, discharges, recruiting service, & c., about which they necessarily know more than I do. I would have to be governed by their suggestions at any rate, and the attention to those matters in detail would surround me with a large number of additional staff officials, and embarrass me with a responsibility which I cannot assume. Third. To make General Seth Williams an inspector of the different staff departments of the command, by which means I will ascertain if these duties are properly performed by the persons to whom they are delegated. Fourth. To keep my own adjutant-general, Lient. Col. L. Richmond, at my headquarters, and to use, as far as possible, my own staff officers, with promotions necessary to their positions. I shall make as few changes as may be, but I am very anxious to keep my staff as small as possible, and to throw th~ labor and detail upon the officers immediately in command of the troops. With an approval of these suggestions, I will endeavor, with all my ability, to bring this campaign to a successful issue. If they are not ap- proved, I hope specific instructions will be given~ and the General-in- Chief may rely upon a cheerful and implicit obedience. The General-in-Chief will readily comprehend the embarrassments which surround me in taking command of this army at this place and at this season of the year. Had I been asked to take it, I should have declined; but, being ordered, I cheerfully obey. A telegram from you approving of my plans will put us to work at once. Capt. E. M. Neill, of my staff will bear these dispatches to you. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. General G. W. CULLUM, Chief of 8taff, Washington, D. C. [Appendix 0.1 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Palmouth, Va., November 19, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the receipt of the tele- gram ot the General-in-Chief, informing me that the President approved of the plan of operations on this line, arrangements for a move were com- menced by drawing in the extreme right to the neighborhood of War- renton, and, as soon as the whole command was supplied with three or four days commissary stores and a day or two of forage, the column was moved. General Sumner, with his two corps, took the road to Falmouth, ar 10 Page 102 102 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. riving there with his advance on the night of the 17th. General Frank- un, with his two corps, took the road to Stafford Court-House, arriving there last night, and General Hooker, with his two corps, and Stone- mans and Whipples divisions, brought up the rear on all the roads, and arrived at his designated place, within 6 miles of here, opposite the United States Ford, to-day. Pleasontons and Bayards cavalry are just beyond Hooker, at Deep Run, picketing all the fords of the Rappahan- nock, and Averell is at Spotted Tavern, picketing the roads in the direc- tion of Catletts, Brentsville, and Dumfries. I shall make different ar- rangements for the cavalry to-morrow, which will be reported to you, as so strong a force is not needed in that direction. On the approach of General Sumner to Falmouth, a battery on the opposite side of the town opened upon him, doing but little damage, and was soon silenced by Captain Pettits battery of 10-pounder Parrott guns. General Sumners two corps now occupy all the commanding positions opposite Fredericksburg, with a battery commanding the rail- road for 2 miles after leaving the city, which has the effect to stop the trains that were carrying off the grain and flour from this place. The pontoon trains have not yet arrived, and an examination of the ford here to-day demonstrated that the infantry and artillery cannot pass. By keeping the horses well separated, the cavalry can cross over. I have ordered a reconnaissance to-morrow morning at daylight of the United States Ford, when I hope to be able to cross some cavalry and infantry, with some light pieces of artillery. As soon as the pontoon trains arrive, the bridge will be built and the command moved over. The enemy do not seem to be in force on the opposite side, but their pickets extend down to the river. I learn that supplies are being landed with considerable rapidity at Belle Plain and Aquia Creek, and I have directed the different commands to commence supplying them- selves at once. The work on the railroad bridges and wharf, I understand, is progress- ing rapidly. I trust the new horses and mules will be hurried along, as we have suffered very much by losses within the last few days. Many of the animals have been without forage for two or three days, as it has been impossible to procure it, the whole country through which we have passed having been completely devastated. I hope to receive an abun- dant supply at Belle Plain, and when we cross the river it is probable that corn can be found more abundant in that section. In addition to the directions given to the main body of the command, I directed the different railroad stations this side of Manassas Junction to be vacated, and their guards to fall back on General Sickles, at Manassas Junction; and he was directed, after the removal of public property from that place, to fall back over Bull Run, keeping himself prepared to join this command at an hours notice, by way of Wolf Run Shoals and Dumiries. I sent him a small regiment of cavalry (the Sixth New York) to picket his front. General Sigel was directed to move the main body of his force to Cen- treville, leaving small outposts at Gainesville, Thoroughfare Gap, and Aldie, keeping his cavalry well out. I will report to you from time to time our progress. The delay in the arrival of the pontoon bridge, with the necessary time it will take to get our supplies, will enable the Gen- eral-in-Chief to visit this place for a day, which I should like very much, as I am very anxious to have a moic full consultation than we had at Warrenton. I omitted to mention in the body of the dispatch that General Pleas- onton had some skirmishing in the rear, but his loss was trifling Page 103 CE~P. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 103 killed and a few wounded. General Bayard lost 7 of his men, captured through the carelessness of an officer, who is now in arrest. All the wagons and public property have arrived. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfally, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- Genera 1, Commanding. General G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff. [Appendix Th] IIEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoioMAc, November 22, 1862. GEi~IEuAL: By reference to my plan of operations, submitted by order of the Commander-in-Chief, it will be found that one of the necessary parts of that plan was to have started from Washington at once I)ontoon trains sufficient tQ span the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg twice; and I was assured that at least one train would leave as soon as the General-in-Chief and General Meigs returned; and I proposed that if an escort was required, and I was informed of the departure of the train by telegraph, I would furnish it from my cavalry. Receiving no infor- mation of its departure, I ordered Lieutenant Comstock to telegraph in reference to it. It is very clAar that my object was to make the move to Fredericksburg very rapidly, and to throw a heavy force across the river before the enemy c6uld concentrate a force to oppose the crossing, and supposed the pontoon train would arrive at this place nearly simul- taneously with the head of the column. Had that been the case, the whole of General Sumners column33 ,000 strongwould have crossed into Fredericksburg at once over a pontoon bridge, in front of a city filled with families of rebel officers and sympathizers with the rebel canse, and garrisoned by a small squadron of cavalry and a battery of artillery which General Sumner silenced within an hour after his arrival. Had the pontoon bridge arrived even on the 19th or 20th, the army could have crossed with trifling opposition. But now the opposite side of the river is occupied by a large rebel force nuder General Longstreet, with batteries ready to be placed in position to operate against the working parties building the bridge and the troops in crossing. The pontoon train has not yet arrived, and tbe river is too high for the troops to cross at any of the fords. You can readily see that much delay may occur in the general move- ment, and I deem it my duty to lay these facts before you, and to say that I cannot make the promise of probable success with the faith that I did when I supposed that all the parts of the plan would be carried out. Another very material part of the proposition, which I under. stand to be approved as a whole, was that all the surplus wagons that were in Washington were to be loaded with bread and small commis- sary stores and sent to this place at once, which would probably have supplied our army with from five to ten days provisions. These trains could have moved with perfect safety, as they would have been protected by the movements of this army. I do not recall these facts in any captious spirit, but simply to impress upon the Gen- eral-in.Chief that he cannot expect me to do as much as if all the parts of the plan had been carried ouL In fact, a force can be arrayed against us at this place that would very materially retard us. The work of the quartermasters and commissary departments at Aqnia Creek, or Belle Plain, has been itiost completely accomplished, an Page 104 104 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. I am not prepared to say that every effort has not been made to carry out the other parts of the plan; but I must, in honesty and candor, say that I cannot feel that the move indicated in my plan of operations will be successful after two very important parts of the plan have not been carried out, no matter for what reason. The President said that the movement, in order to be successful, must be made quickly, and I thought the same. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSJDE. General G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. [Appendix E. I HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, November 20, 1862. Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: Your communication of the 19th instant is this moment received, and I am directed by the general commanding to say that, as an independent movement, the one proposed by you would be a very brilliant one, and possibly successful; but, taken in connection with the movements of the other grand division~, he is of the opinion that it would be a little premature. He has given that subject a great deal of thought, but he is, nevertheless, very much obliged to you, as he always will be, for any suggestions you may make. He would not think of making an importan t movement of this army without full consultation with his generals. The object of leaving you in your present position was to throw at least your infantry and cavalry force over one or more of the fords opposite you; and, with a view to that, he has ordered a careful reconnaissance of the United States Ford, that being the one nearest to you. The general will try to visit you to-day, when the sub- ject can be talked over. He will make a few suggestions for your con- sideration in the mean time. From your position to Saxtons Station, by way of United States Ford, is a distance of 36 miles. By way of Itichards Ford and Elys Ford, on the Rapidan, is a distance of 43 miles. By way of Barnetts Ford and Elys Ford, is a distance of 50 miles. The United States Ford is said not to be passable for artillery or wagons. Richards Ford is represented to be very poor, barely passable for artillery or wagons. By going over either of the upper fords, you will have to cross, in addi- tion, Elys Ford, which will give at least a days detention, whicJ~ taken together with the distance you would have to march at Saxtons Station, would leave you at that place without proVisions and beyond support- ing distance of the other columns, as the bridge is not yet constructed, and he has been informed that the heavy rains of last night have probably rendered the fords impassable. He is not positive in regard to this information, but will be able to let you know to-night. The same rea- sons will apply for not being able to furnish you with provisions from this point, even had a surplus arrived and been landed. The remainder of the commands are not as well supplied at this moment as yours. General Porters corps was stationed at a place on the Manassas Rail- road where they had fine opportunity for drawing stores, and General Stoneman sent his wagons direct to Alexandria. With reference to being supplied from Port Royal, the g~neral begs to say that he made a suggestion to the War Department to send a large portion of the sup- plies up the Rappahannock River, under convoy of light-draught gun Page 105 CHAP. XXXIII.] I3ATThE OF FREDERICkSBURG, VA. 105 boats, which, for good and sufficient reasons, no doubt, has not yet been done, but probably will be. He is desirous of moving the columns in as compact order as possible, and keeping them in easy supporting dis- tance of each other, taking with them, if possible, a sufficiency of small stores and beef cattle to last until a decisive blow can be struck. These are meie suggestions for your consideration until the general meets you, and he will be glad to receive any criticisms on them. Had the pontoon train arrived in time, the whole of General Sumners command would have been over the river by this time, in all prob- ability. This delay was no doubt unavoidable. He has just learned from the Quartermaster-General that a large number of pontoons are afloat at Aquia Creek, and wagons have been sent for a sufficient num- ber to build a bridge. The general hopes to inform you of the result of the reconnaissance of the United States Ford to-day. He desires me to say that he can readily understand your anxiety for quick movement, and thanks you for it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Statf. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 6, 186210.30 a. m. GENERAL: All the troops sent thus far to Liverpool Point will have crossed the river by to-night. One of the brigades was left on the rail- road to relieve an old brigade of General Reynolds corps; the other two will join General Sumners. I propose now to make an attempt to cross the river with the main body of the force at the place designated to you when I was in Washington, leaving a column to make a feint at the upper crossing, and, if found advisable, to make an actual crossing. We have nearly supplies enough to warrant us in beginning the move, and I hope by the time the snow is off the ground and the roads are settled that we will have an abundance of everything. The roads are now in a very bad condition, but if it should continue fair until Monday or Tuesday, I think we can attempt the crossing. Arrangements are nearly completed, and the troops are being placed in positions to render the approaches to the crossings as easy as pos- sible. I propose to order General Sigel to Wolf Run Shoals and its neighborhood, with outposts well in his front and on his right flank. I also propose to order all the available forces on the Upper Potomac to pr6ceed to join General Sigel, by the way of White Plains and New Baltimore, holding Warrenton, Rappahannock Station, and Kellys Ford for the present, with a view to following us in case of success on our part. A portion of the forces on the Upper Potomac, which will consist of Kenlys, Kelleys, and Milroys, should, I think, occupy Winchester, with a view to moving down in the direction of Staunton, if it should be found advisable. Should this correspond with your views, please indicate it by tele- graph, and I will issue the necessary orders. It may become necessary in the course of the movement to change the places of crossing, in which case 1 will indicate to you by telegraph. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General, Gornmanding Army of the Potomac. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Ck ief, Washington, D. C Page 106 .1.06 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CUAI~. XXXI1L ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF ~HE POTOMAC, December 11, 18624.20 a. m. Maj. Gen. E. V. SUMNER, Commanding Right Grand Division: In addition to the verbal orders already given you, I will add the fol- lowing: Your first corps, after crossing, should be protected by the town and the banks of the river as much as possible until the second corps is well closed up and in the act of crossing; after which you will move the first corps directly to the front, with a view to taking the heights that command the Plank road and the Telegraph road, supporting it by your other corps as soon as you can get it over the river. General Hooker will immediately follow in your support, and will see that your right flank is not troubled. General Franklin crosses below, as you are aware, thus protecting your left. The extent of your movement to the front beyond the heights will be indicated during the engagement. Please inform me if you propose to change your headquarters before the head of your column reaches the river, that I may send you guides for the roads. I send one with this. If you desire further instructions, please send word by the orderly. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 11, 18624.45 a. m. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Center Grand Division: General Sumner is ordered, after crossing the river, to move imme- diately to the front, with a view to taking the heights commanding the Plank and Telegraph roads. After crossing, you will hold yourself in readiness to support either his column or General Franklins, which crosses below Deep Run, and will move down the old Richmond road, in the direction of the railroad. Should we be so fortunate as to dislodge the enemy, you will hold your command in readiness to pursue by the two roads. My headquarters will be at the Phillips house, where, if you will send an aide at 8 oclock, guides will be furnished you to lead your column. I will be glad to see you at headquarters before the head of your column reaches the river. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, IlIajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 11, 18625.15 a. m. Major-General FRANKLIN, Commanding Left Grand Division: General Sumner will, after crossing J~he river, move immediately to the front, with a view to taking the heights which command the Plank an Page 107 BATTLE OP FREDERICKSBU1~G, VA. 107 Telegraph roads. I have ordered General Hooker to hold himself in readiness, as soon as he has crossed the river, to support either General Sumners column or your own. After your command has crossed, you will move down the old Richmond road, in the direction of the railroad, being governed by circumstances as to the extent of your movements. An aide will be sent to you during your movements. My headquarters will be at the Phillips house. I have the honor to be, general, very truly, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, ]llicijor- General of Volunteers. [I)ECEMBER 11, 1862.] Major-General FRANKLIN: General Buruside directs you to hold your present position. At 12 oclock all the batteries will open on the town. We will send you the result, and further orders. JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Stajf. DECEMBER 11, 1862. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE: Does the 12 oclock in the message in regard to shelling the town mean noon to-day, or some other time ~ FRANKLIN. DECEMBER 11, 1862. General BUENSIDE: The two bridges are finished, one for infantry, the other for artillery. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General. GENERAL FRANKLINS HEADQUARTERS, December 11, 1862. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Staff: It is understood there is bridge material enough to construct another additional infantry bridge at my point of crossing. The engineer troops here are entirely exhausted; but I beg of the general, if he has engineers to spare, that he will order the bridge be thrown across dur- ing the night. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General. DECEMBER 12, 1862. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE: Your dispatch received. The bridge I referred to was to be built with material here. The men, however, are too much exhausted to work to-night. Our pickets reported that a battery came down ver Page 108 108 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. close to them soon after (lark. It will be necessary to drive it away at daylight. A force of cavalry and infantry is also on our left. I shall be glad to see General Burnside, but (10 not wish to deprive him of rest. W. B. F1~ANKLIN, Major- General. [Indorsement.] I think the extra bridge ought to be built; that his command ought to cross, and, as soon as he and Sumner are over, attack simultaneously. [A. B. BUIRNSIDE,] Major. General. HEADQUARTERS Au~iv OF THE POTOMAC, General D. P. WOODBuRY, December 12, 1862. Gommanding Volunteer Engineer Brigade: I believe General Franklin has spoken to Major Magruder about a foot bridge or infantry bridge where his other bridges are, if there are pontoons enough. General Smith spoke to me about a foot bridge this evening, and, on referring it to General Burnside, he said he had told you to put it up at town, but now thinks it had much better be below, and wished me to tell you. Very respectfally, C. B. (JOMSTOCK, Lieutenant of Engineers and Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac. DECEMBER 12, 1862. (Received 6.07 a. in.) General J. G. PARKE: Yesterday the smoke entirely ol~structed the view of the other side of the river. It is probably the same this morning. The movement has been ordered to take place at daylight. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS FRANKLINS GRAND DIVISION, December 12, 18629.15 [a. in.]. (Received 12.45 p. in.) General BURNSIDE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: General Franklins grand division crossing well. Two divisions of Smiths corps already over. The third division about to cross. Bay. ards cavalry will cross first, to reconnoiter, and to communicate with Sumner. A battery is now crossing. Three batteries already over. A portion of the artillery on the bluffs in position might, it is thought, be advantageously taken over. Franklin needs some. Very respectfully, JAS. A. HARDIE, Brigadier- General of Volunteers and Assistant Inspector- General Page 109 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE 01 FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 109 HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIVISION, December 12, 186210.45 a. in. (Received 1 p. in.) General BUENSIDE: Smiths corps all over, except a few regiments; Reynolds crossing his First Division (Meades); Smiths right rests on the ravine at Deep Creek; Reynolds to be on the left of Smith, line occupying crest of hills beyond the bridges; General Bayard out with his cavalry. Enemy re- l)orted to be placing guns on Smiths right. Rifle battery sent for to meet it. Just learned that a free negro reports the enemy in position on the hills with abatis in their front. Ravines intervening imprac- ticable for troops. Troops must march by road.* [JAS. A. HARDIE.] [DECEMBER 12, 1862.] (Received 2.10 p. in.) General PARKE: General Bayard has just returned from a reconnaissance. He was fired upon by a large forcefive or six companies of infantry, he saysabout 500 yards from the railroad, directly in front of here. The rest of my line is across Deep Run. The infantry and cavalry have communicated with General Sumner. My right corps (Smiths) is in position. Rey. nolds will be in position in half an hour. Smiths front is more than a mile from the river. Reynolds goes from his left to the river, nearly at right angles to it. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRA~ID DIVISION, December 12, 18623.15 p. in. General BuRNS1DE: Reynolds in position. A lull in the firing. Enemy have been firing from batteries in the hills. No harm done. They exhibited twelve guns. On the left enemys pickets close by ours. Their pickets on Richmond road. Ground between us and batteries represented imprac- ticable; gullies intervene. Abatis visible. JAS. A. HARDIE, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. P. S.A new battery just opened. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 12, 186210 p. in. Brigadier-General HAnDlE, or Major-General FRANKLIN: General Franklin can have all the artillery he needs from that in position on the bluffs. A. P. BURNSJDE, Major- General, Gommanding. * Not sic~ncd; supposed to come from General Hardie Page 110 110 OPERATIONS iN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIVISION, December 12, 1862. Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, llidqrs. Army of the Potomac: Your dispatch, relative to a guard at the bridge, was received. It was answered by stating that a brigade had crossed, and a line of pickets was thrown out on the other side. W B. FRANKLIN Major- General, Commanding Center Grand Div~ision. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Phillips House, Va., December 12, 1862. Brig. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAN, Commanding Third Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you place two divisions of your corps in bivouac to-night, at the foot of the two bridges over which Major-General Franklin passed his command. These two divis- ions will be instructed to cross those bridges, if it should become neces- sary to defend them. Whipples division will bivouac between the Lacy house and river, to guard the ford. The general desires to receive a copy of your orders making these dispositions. Very respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 12, 18629.15 a. in. Brigadier-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: Designate to me the regiment you consider the best march- ing and fighting regiment (or one of the best) in your commandone to be designated fbr the duty of accompanying a light battery and forming portions of a light brigade, to march in advance and ascertain the force and position of the enemy. This brigade will be made up of regiments selected from Stonemans and the Fifth Corps. General Hooker wishes an excellent commander and a good marching regiment. Please reply by bearer. Yours, respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General. hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 12, 18622.15 p. in. Brigadier-General SYKES, Commanding Division: GENERAL: General Butterfield directs me to say that General Whip- ples command is now crossing; that, owing to the town being full of troops and no room, you will not cross until further orders. General Whipple goes over to relieve Hancocks outposts, guards, & c. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 111 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 111 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 12, 18622.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. CHARLES GRIFFIN, Commanding Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you do not move to cross the river without further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant J. KIRKLAND ]JIajor and Aide.de- Camp. TYLERS BATTERY, December 13, 18621.30 p. m. General BURNSIDE: One of our brigades has just fallen back to the outside edge of the town. One body of our troops did not budge. I think a battery has just gone to the front. It has just opened. Willeoxs corps is in motion. G. B. FEARING, Captain and Aide-de- Camp. DECEMBER 13, 18622.50 p. m. General BURNSIDE: The dispatch just sent from General Hardie tells much that I know. I am returning, by request of General Franklin, to giv9 intelligence from him. He thinks it impossible to advance on his right and front at this time. J. N. CLTTTS, Aide-de-Camp. DECEMBER 13, 18627.15 p. m. General BURNSIDE: GENERAL: There is nothing new here. Doubleday anticipates an attack on our left to-night, but I do not. The guns you hear from this direction are his. My left is very weak, on account of batteries of the enemy which enfilade us badly. Hardie can tell you all about us. Respectfully, W. B. FRANKLIN, Major. General. TYLERS BATTERY, [December 13], 18624 oclock. Major-General BURNSIDE: The enemy appear to have attacked Franklins right. There is quite heavy musketry. The right of army from here looks just as it did this morning. I think the enemy attempted to turn Franklins right. Have just opened all along Franklins front. G. R. FEARING, Captain and Aide-de-6amp. DECEMBER 13, 18624.50 p. m. General BURNSIDE: General Franklin is again hotly engaged along his whole front, or rather his left and center. On the right our troops do not seem to ge Page 112 112 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXm. beyond a certain point, just in front of the ridge, with the first row of gnus. They say General Bayard is killed. Tyler has just opened again on battery opposite. G. H. FEARING, Captain and Aide-de.Camp. TYLERS BATTERY, [December 13], 18622 p. m. General BURNSIDE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Our infantry is again advancing on the right. Colonel Tyler has ceased firing, to give the infantry a chance. Colonel Tyler thinks Franklin is advancing. The enemy appear to be massing infantry to our left. CHAS. GORDON HUTTON, Aide-dc-Camp. TYLERS BATTERY, December 13, 18622.30 p. m. General BUENSIDE: Colonel Tyler has opened on the enemys batteries, as you directed. General Hookers column is crossing. The firing from Franklin does not appear to be heavy. It has ceased on his (Franklins) right, and increases on his left. Res~pectfully, CHAS. GORDON HUTTON, Aide-dc- Camp. P. S.The enemy is moving infantry along the top of the first ridge to our right. TYLERS BATTERY, December 13, 18623 p.m. General BURNS1DE: Our infantry is advancing to the right and left. Franklins firing is very slack; his reserves appear to be marching to the front. The mus- ketry is heavy to the right. We do not seem to advance much. Respectfully, yours, CHAS. GORDON HUTTON, Aide-dc- Jamp. TYLERS BATTERY, December 13, 18624.30 p. m. General BIJRNSIDE: General Franklin has ceased firing. The fight on our right is very hot. Our men are in the ravine. We have brought up and opened on them with two batteries with some effect, but without being able to ad. vance. The musketry is very heavy. Our men stand their ground. Respectfully, CHAS. GORDON HUTTON, Aide-dc- Camp Page 113 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 113 HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Phillips House, December 13, 1862. Brig. Gen. W. W. AVERELL, Commanding Cavalry Brigade: The major-general commanding directs that you dispatch a cavalry force in the direction of Hartwood, and beyond, should you deem it necessary, to patrol tbe roads and observe and prevent any movements of the enemys cavalry in that direction. Our right flank is but weakly covered, and the major general commanding the Army of the Potomac desires to receive timely notice of any approach from that direction. The general desires that your pickets may be instructed to keep well on the alert. night and day. Please instruct your cavalry force to re- turn to-night, in case they should make no discovery to require their longer absence. Let the officer in charge be instructed to report as often as he has anything of importance to communicate. Very respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Phillips House, December 13, 1862. Brig. Gen. W. W. AVERELL, Commanding (Javairy Brigade: The major-general commanding directs me to request that you dis- patch no additional force in the direction of Hartwood, as ordered to- day, until further orders. General Pleasonton, with a heavy force, will move in that direction, to cross at the United States Ford, if practica- ble, and move np in rear of the enemy, on the south side of the iRappa- hannock. Very respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Phillips House, December 13, 1862. Brigadier-General STONEMAN, Commanding Third Corps: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding the cen- ter grand division to inform you that it has just been reported to him that Birneys division was lost last night in marching to the point it was directed to bivouac. This appears so extraordinary and unneces- sary, that the commanding general desires you will call on the briga- dier-general in command of that division to report the circumstances under which it happened, and also his reasons for not having ascer- tained in advance of his march the route over which his troops were to pass. A battle may be lost by the omission of officers to use the means in their power to be informed of the line over which their commands are to move. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. 8 R RVOL XX Page 114 114 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. XXXIIL [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, December 22, 1862. Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Birney, with request that he report on the within. Please return. By command of Brigadier-General Stoneman, commanding corps: A. J. ALEXANDER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, THIRD CORPS, Camp, December 22, 1862. The major-general commanding center grand division was misin- formed. My division did not lose the road. My orders were to follow Sickles division. The artillery of that division being in its rear, and progressing slowly, delayed my command, but it bivouacked at the point ordered, and as soon as the road was clbar of ~ artillery. My orders prevented me from passing or cutting Sickles column. Respectfully forwarded. D. B. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Phillips House, December 13, 1862. Brig. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAN Commanding Third Corps: I am directed by the major-general commanding to instruct you to support Major-General Franklin, in case that officer should call on you for support. Until that time, you will hold your command well in hand, in readiness to cross the river at a spring. The watchword for the da~ is Scott. To prevent any collision of our own troops in the fog, it should be given to every company. Very respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Phillips House, December 13, 1862. Brig. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAN Commanding Third Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you place your two divis- ions in position to cross at the lower ford, at a moments notice, in sup- port of Franklin, and Whipples division ready to cross at the three upper bridges, in support of Sumner. Very respectfully, JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 115 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 115 HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Phillips House, December 13, 1862. Brig. Gen. D. BUTTERFrELD, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that yoa place your corps in position to cross at the three upper bridges, at a moments notice, in sup- port of the troops over the river. Very respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862. Brig. Gen. A. W. WHIPPLE, Commanding Division: I am directed by the major-general commanding Fredericksburg to say that he expects you to hold that part of the city which you are picketing, at all hazards. He has given directions to Brigadier-Gen. eral Carroll, on being relieved, to report to you with his brigade, and he requests that you post them in a manner to afford you the most assistance. The generals headquarters to-night will be on the corner of Hanover and Princess Anne streets. Very respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant-?leneral. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 1862i p. m. Brigadier-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: In compliance with orders from the major-general commanding the center grand division, the corps will march at once across the river to Fredericksburg by the right, left, and center bridges, as heretofore ordered. The march must be as rapid as possible without over-fatiguing the troops previous to engaging. General Sykes will keep to the right, to avoid any collision or stoppage of General Humphreys column. The troops must be cautioned to be sparing of their ammunition, fire low, and by volleys. Let the Fifth Corps to-day do its whole duty faithfully and fearlessly, and all will be well. This corps will move to the sup- port of General Sumners grand division or for reserve, as the case may be. The dispositions, unless otherwise directed, after leaving the town, will be as heretofore orderedSykes division the right, Griffins the left, Humphreys the center. If but two divisions are ordered forward, Griffins and Humphreys will advance, Sykes in reserve. If but one division, Griffin will lead. [DANL. BUTTERFIELD,] Brigadier- General Page 116 116 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIH. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Wilicoxs Headquarters, Aeember 13, 18623.12 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: GENERAL: in compliance with your permission, I have sent Griffin to support Sturgis. Let some one meet him on the street I left you in and conduct him. llumphreys, in compliance with orders from your engineer officers, has been sent six squares up, right and front, Hams, engineer, conducting him. Had I better cross Sykes or keep him on the other side until Humphreys is out of the way, and the streets more clear? Very respectfully, yours, BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 18623.35 p. m. General GRIFFIN: Tell Sturgis that Couch says he has carried the heights, and thinks Sturgis is firing without return. General Wilicox directs that he move right forward. You will follow up in support of Sturgis. Yours, BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Coups, December 13, 18623.50 p. m. Brigadier-General HUMPHREY S Commanding Division GENERAL: General Couch has sent in word that he has carried the heights at the extreme right, and wants support. Find General Couch, and, if he desires your division, move it to his support, pushing any advantage gained. The bearer will inform you where General Couch is to be found. Yours, respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Corps. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH AnMY CORPS, December 13, 18624 p.m. General SYKES: GENERAL: Major-General Hooker directs that your division be placed on the road in froiit of the Telegraph road. Your aide, Captain Ryan, has an orderly with him who knows the road. Yours, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTPRS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 18629 p.m. General IIUMPHREYS, Gommanding Division: GENERAL: Your command must be supplied with animunition to- night. You are to relieve or assist General Sykes in relieving the ad Page 117 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 117 vance line of General Couch. If you will report in person or by a staff officer at General Couchs headquarters, or mine, will inform you as to position. General Sykes will be on the right of the road, you on the left. Yours, very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WILLCOXS HEADQUARTERS, Fredericksburg, December 13, 18626.30 p. m. Major.General HOOKER: GENERAL: Sykes brigade in position behind the creek or race; one brigade on the right of the road, where we were; one on the left; one in reserve, behind the left brigade. Ammunition on hand. Humphreys, as directed, in rear of Sykes; no report yet of his condi- tion. Griffins division, First Brigade, ammunition exhausted; heavy loss. Second Brigade, ditto; not as long as the First. Third Brigade ammunition not entirely exhausted. First Brigade in position on the left of where llumphreys was; ammunition exhausted. Will try and send you further reports as I get them. Very respectfully, yours, DANL. BUTTERFIELD. What orders for the night or the morning? HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 18627.10 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Phillips House: General Couch requests that Sykes be sent to-night on that road to relieve Howards division, out of ammunition. Your order was for him to hold that position. Shall I comply? BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 18629 p. m. Brigadier-General SYKES: GENERAL: You will relieve the advance line now ocenpied by Gen- eral Couch. General Hnmphreys will be placed on your left. Ammu- nition for artillery and infantry must be filled up to-night. Artillery ammunition can be obtained on application to General Hunt, chief of artillery. Au aide of General Howard, at Couchs headquarters, will conduct you to the position on the right of the road. BUTTERFIELD Brigadier- General, Commanding. FREDERICKSBURG SIGNAL STATION, December 13, 18621.30 p. m. General BURNSIDE: I am losing. Send two rifle batteries. COUCH, General Page 118 118 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. FRANKLINS HEADQUARTERS, December 13, 1862. General J. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff: I have received nothing from you during the night. Have you sent any dispatches? W. B. FRANKLIN, Major. General. [DECEMBER 13, 1862.] (Received 1.15 oclock.) General PARKE, Chief of Staff: I have directed General Bayard to make a reconnaissance with his whole force, and communicate with General Sumner. Will send a bri. gade to act with Bayard when he returns. Please to inform Comstock that I do not care for a t~te-deyont. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General. DECEMBER 13, 18623 p. m. Colonel tRICHMOND]: I have the honor to forward the inclosed dispatches from General Franklin and General Burns. Have not made any additional change. Respeotfully, WILLCOX. [P. S.]Sturgis sustains himself, but is much injured by artillery fire. Carroll is now moving up to support Sturgis, the rest of Whipples division to support Couch. [Inclosures.] DECEMBER 1~, 18621.45 p.m. Brigadier-General BURNS, Commanding Division: GENERAL: I have withdrawn General Newtons division from my right at the bridges. Have replaced it by General Sickles, but may withdraw him. Please send your division by the bridge, to await orders there. I think I shall need it. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major. General. DECEMBER 13, 18623 p. m. General WILLCOX: GENERAL: I have replied to General Franklin that I would comply with his request. W. W. BURNS, Brigadier- General, Comdg. First Division, Ninth Army Corys. DECEMBER 13, 18622.40 p. m. (Received 3.15 p. in.) General BTJRNSIDE: My left has been very badly handled. All of my troops are in action at that point, and the result is so doubtful that any movement to m Page 119 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 119 front is impossible at present. 1 have Stonemans two divisions in action, and Burns is the only division in reserve. The truth is, my left is in danger of being turned. What hope is there of getting re- enforcements * across the river ~ W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Fairfax Court-House, December 13, [1862.1 (Received 2 p. in.) Col. T. A. MEYSENBURG Assistant Adjutant- General, Dumfries, Va.: One of my divisions has arrived at this place. The others encamp to-night at Chantilly. I can move forward to-morrow if desired. If practicable, however, I would like to remain here one day to have artil. lery and cavalry horses shod. H. W. SLOCUM, Major- General of Volunteers. DECEMBER 13, 186212 m. [Colonel RICHMOND:] COLONEL: The pickets are strongly supported, and hold their front undisturbed. General Burns division is between Deep Run and Hazel Run, with a battery in position across Hazel Run. Franklins own pickets cover Burns front. Burns is throwing a bridge for infantry across Deep Run. Artillery would have to cross Deep 1~un higher up, by a road said to be the Bowling Green road, which is picketed by Franklins troops. Getty and Sturgis remain as reported in my last dispatch, guarding the space between Couch and Franklin. Whipple will probably soon have some troops at the lower bridge, with a view to cross if needed here. There is no further advance of the enemys troops down Hazel Run ravine. Very respectfully, WILLCOX. LEFT SIGNAL STATION, December 13, 18624.25 p. m. General BURNSIDE: General Couch reports that he has carried the crest of the hill, and 1 have ordered Sturgis to advance. Humphreys is ordered to support Couch. General Griffin is relieving Sturgis, who is holding on, in spite of all, until he is relieved. WILLCOX. PHILLIPS HOUSE, December 13, 18629.30 a. m. General SUMNER: The enemy have constructed parallels along the entire ridge, connect- ing their first line of works. He has also rifle-pits extending along the base of the hill to his right of the first line of works; also pits con- fronting a part of Franklins forces. HALL AND TAYLOR, Signal Officers. Instead of re-enforcements, one copy reads, Sigel or Slocum Page 120 120 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXX1II. TYLERS SIGNAL STATION, December 13, 18623.35 p. m. A division has succeeded in re-enforcing Sumners left, where the fight is hottest. ADAMS AND JEROME, Lieutenants. FREDERICKSBURG SIGNAL STATION, De~~ember 13, 18623.45 p. m. Captain CUSHING: Our troops have gained no ground in the last half hour. GLOSKOSK[ AND OWEN, Lieutenants and ~Signal Officers. PHILLIPS HOUSE SIGNAL STATION, December 13, 18626 p. m. Captain CUSHING: The fighting is about ox-er for to-night; only ati occasional gnu is heard. No communication with Fredericksburg yet. The middle bridge will be completed in one and a half hours. JAS. S. HALL, Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DiVISION, December 14, 186210.10 a. m. Major-General BUENSIDE, Phillips House: Several new batteries of the enemy appear to have been placed on our front and the left. An attack of the enemy seems to be expected soon. JAS. A. HAIIDIE, Brigadier. General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS [LEFT GRAND DIVISIoNJ, December 14, 186212 m. (Received 12.30 p. in.) General BURNSIDE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Nothing new; awaiting attack from the enemy every moment. They are placing two new batteries in our front. Constant and annoying skirmish fire. Enemy endeavoring to pick off gunners and horses of our batteries. Franklin maintains a skirmish fire to keep them oIL JAS. A. HARDIE, Brigadier. General of i7olunteers. HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIViSIoN, December 14, 186212.40 p. m. (Received II~35 p. in.) Major-General BUENSIDE: No development yet of enemy. Skirmishers of enemy very spiteful. Battery of enemy on river enfilades our left. De Pussy to play on it Page 121 CHAP. x~XXIII.] BATTLE OP FREDERICRSBtJRG, VA. 121 All agree that the indications are threatening of an attack of massed troops soon, on our left and front, probably. Enemy digging rifle-pits, however. Must have a development soon of enemys design. Frank- lin wants to hear from you. It is very important to know of the move- ments of the Ninth Corps, for Franklin wants to assist by a demonstra- tion, if not attacked before long. JAS. A. HARDIE, Brigadier.General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIvISIoN, December 14, 18622 p. m. General BURNSIDE: Nothing new as yet. What news from the right i JAS. A. HARDIE, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. FREDERICKSBURG, December 14, 1862. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: COLONEL: I desire to call the attention of the major general com- manding the Army of the Potomac to the great number of troops and batteries in this city, and to the danger to which they are exposed. Should the enemy be disposed to shell it, the consequences of this would necessarily cause loss of life and destruction of property. I re- spectfully suggest that all the troops be transferred to the opposite side of the river, except two divisions, that number being all that will he required to hold the city. The troops will be much more comfortable and mnch less likely to demoralizing influences in their camps than here. I also recommend that instructions be giVen the provost-marshal-general to have every house in town searched, and all soldiers found in them sent to their regiments. I make these suggestions on the presumption that no immediate ad- vance is contemplated from this point. Everything is quiet here to-night. My headquarters are at the corner of Hanover and Princess Anne streets. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. - HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Brigadier.General COUCH, Fredericksburg, Va., December 14, 1862. Commanding Corps; The major-general commanding Fredericksburg requests that you will relieve two brigades of General Sykes division to~night, and that you will give directions, in case of an alarm, for your troops in the city to stand to their arms. The general is of the opinion that the advanced line of pickets is un- necessarily large, and he requests that it be considerably reduced. Please give instructions to the officerin command of your relievin Page 122 122 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. party to confer with General Sykes before proceeding to relieve his troops. Headquarters to-night will be at the corner of Hanover and Princess Anne streets. Very respectfully, & c., ~ DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAsHINGTON, December 15, [1862]9.15 p. m. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE: Saw General Halleck about 6 oclock. He decidedly disapproved of recrossing the river. I inferred that he favored your plan of operations. He asked whether you did not think it advisable to make some use of the spade. Said he would telegraph you to-night. WM. GODDARD, Major and Aide-de-Camp. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15, 1862. Major-General BURNSIDE, Falmouth, Va.: I have seen your aide, Major Goddard. You will be fully sustained in any measures you may adopt in regard to unreliable officers. In re- gard to movements we cannot judge here; you are the best judge. Any- thing you may want will be supplied as soon as possible. General Dix will assist by diversions. We have every confidence in your judgment and ultimate success. H. W. HALLECK, General-in.Chief. HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIVISION, Monday, December 15, 18628.48 a. m. General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE: On the extreme left the enemy have advanced their skirmishers, and Reynolds has sent word to advance his to meet them. Enemy digging and chopping, and now have on a hill a parapet of logs perpendicular to Reynolds line. Firing this morning from Dc Russys batteries across the river. Enemy seem to be strengthening their force in this direction. Respectfally, JAS. A. HARDIE, Brigadicr.General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIVISION, Deccmber 15, 186210 a. m. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding, d?~c.: GENERAL: Although most of our wounded are now in our possession, General Meade is certain that more than 100, perhaps 200 or 300, of our wounded from his division are within the enemys lines, but without care or attention, being near and both within and without the enemy Page 123 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 123 lines of picket sentinels. Why not ask for a flag of truce for a couple of hours in Reynolds front, to bring in the wounded ~ Franklin rec- ommends it. Please reply soon. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. HARDIE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Fredericksburg, Va., December 15, 1862. Lieutenant-Colonel RIOIIMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: Application has been made to me for authority to bury the dead which have been left on the field between the picket lines of the armies. As this can only be effected through a flag of truce, I have deemed proper to refer it to the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac, for his consideration. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Fredericksburg, Va., December 15, 1862. iNlajor-General Couch is assigned to the charge of the defense of Fred- ericksburg from Hanover street east, and Brigadier-General Butterfield from Hanover street to the IRappahannock, on the west. For this serv- ice Brigadier-General Whipples command is temporarily assigned to that of Brigadier-General Butterfield, and General Whipple will report accordingly. Generals Couch and Butterfield will make their dispositions for this service as soon as the change in the position of the troops can be made without unnecessary exposure of their respective commands. In posting the pickets, supports, and reserVes, these officers are en- joined to consider both the defense of the city and the security of those who are within it. They will hold their commands well in hand, and, if there are absentees, will send out patrols to search the streets and houses for them. It is necessary that every officer and soldier should be at his post. Generals Couch and Butterfield are also requested to have all of the streets of the city kept open for rapid communication, and also the bridges connecting the city with the opposite shore. By command of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker: JOS. DICKINSOX, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Fredericksburg, Va., December 15, 1862. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: I have the honor to state that I have nothing of importance to report this morning, except that the enemy appear to have been diligent dur- ing the night in connecting and strengthening their defenses in fron Page 124 124 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. of Hanover, and in digging rifle-pits a little in advance of their line of defense between Commerce and Hawk streets. For the purpose of security to our advanced pickets, I have also had some pits opened. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- Gencral. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Fredericksburg, Va., December 15, 18625.30 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: In the event it should be determined to withdraw the whole or a part of the forces in Fredericksburg, I request, in view of the great number of infantry and artillery, that tlie intentions of the major-general com- manding may be communicated to me as early as practicable. it is the opinion of the general officers here that not less than 15,000 men will be required to defend the city, in case it should be deemed expedient by the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac to hold it at all. An aide-de-camp awaits the orders of the major-general com- manding on this subject. As my command in Fredericksburg is com- posed of a portion of Major-General Sumners grand division and a por. tion of my own, I request that the major-general commanding will des- ignate the divisions to remain in the city, in case it should be his desire to have it held. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DiVISION, Fredericksburg, Va., December 15, 1862. Major-General COUCH, Commanding, & c.: The major-general commanding directs that you commence the with- drawal of your command from this side of the Rappahannock as soon as practicable, beginning with the troops nearest the river, and ending with the pickets and their supports, which will be the last to be with- drawn, and they will not be removed until regularly relieved by Gen- eral Butterfields corps. He directs that the movement be made with- out noise, and with the utmost dispatch. Have the batteries moved in silence. You can make use of all three bridges in crossing. You are especially requested to give your attention to having the roads on the other side kept clear. Very respectfully, & c., WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 15, 18627.30 a. m. Major-General BUENSIDE: M~ DEAR GENERAL: I fear I was misunderstood yesterday, as I have made use of the expression several times of turning by the left Page 125 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 125 What I meant, of course, was to move by our left and turn the enemy~5 right. I make this privately to you, that if I did make such an ~rror in expression I may be rightly understood. I did not understand the question to arise upoii abandoning this line of operations yesterday. I have always thought the James River route the most practicable one for Richmond, but this army in front, I suppose, is what we are after. My wounded in hospital have got up to about 900. We shall never get our stragglers in shape again until we get our troops out of the city and in open fields. I mention these matters privately, as I would if I saw you in person, knowing that you are at all times glad to hear from any of your officers. This mornings fog will probably conceal any move- ment we may make, if made under its cover. Yours, most sincerely and respectfully, [DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General.] CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Fredericksburg, Va., December 15, 186211 a. m. In compliance with inclosed circular from major-general commanding the forces, this corps will be assigned as follows: General Sykes divis- ion the left of the line, from Hanover street to the westward toward the river, his left connecting with General Couchs right at Hanover street, and his right extending to the right of the cemetery, Amelia street; General Humphreys, from the right of the cemetery, Amelia street, to Fauquier street; General Griffins, from Fauquier street to the junction of the canal and.Fall Hill road, and General Whipples, from General Griffins right to the river. The different division commanders will examine the roads and locali- ties named, and arrange for perfect and strong connection with their right and left. General Whipple will watch particularly the Fall Hill road and defend it. The picket lines that are now established will be maintained in a manner to comply with the instructions contained in the circular of the major-general commanding. The reserves and supports will be confined to the respective districts assigned to each command for defenses. All commanders will comply with the instructions iu regard to ab- sentees and patrols, and having every officer at his post. The districts assigned to division commanders will be bounded by the picket line in front, the river in the rear, and the streets on which their right or left rests. The streets within their districts will be kept open for the passage of artillery trains, ambulances, or mounted men, as may be required. Division commanders will be responsible for the order and condition of the town, and prevention of straggling in their respective districts. All houses will be searched for stragglers, and they will be turned over to the provost guard marshal of the corps, or to their division provost, as may be most convenient. The corps provost will be stationed at the left of the bridge heads, near ilouke street. He will prevent all passage across the bridge, or obstruction across them, except under proper authority. Captain Weed will direct the position of the artillery of the corps. The changes of positions and reliefs will commence immediately after dark, unless sooner ordered Page 126 126 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII Division commanders will make known their location and headquar- ters to corps headquarters. Roll-call will be made in the entire command three times each day, absentees punished, and a return sent in present for duty ~ (officers, non-commissioned, and soldiers) in each division at 12 m. each day. By command of Brig. Gen. ID. Butterfield: II. XV. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRcULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRps, Fredericksburg, Va., December 15, 18624.15 p. m. Division commanders will take measures at once to fortify the posi. tions assigned to them for defense. Captain Weed will designate the positions for artillery. General Warren will designate and point out the nature and character of the works to be made. These works will be for temporary use, and be constructed with a view to the number of tools in hand. The batteries to take position will be designated by Captain Weed. By order of Brigadier-General Butterfield: H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Gcneral. TYLERS BATTERY, December 15, 18629 a. m. (Received 10.30 a. in.) General BURNSIDE: A large number of new earthworks and rifle-pits have been built by the enemy during the night. The whole work which Sumners left en- gaged has been greatly strengthened. J. B. BROOKS, iS~ignal Officer. [DECEMBER 16], 18626.20 [a. in.]. General BURNSIDE: General Whipple is now crossing. Sykes alone remains. The pick- ets will be called in in thirty minutes. Two or three batteries were found in the streets, not belonging to the Fifth Corps, and sent over. After Griffin crossed, at the lower bridge, the bridge was torn up with- out orders. Whipple has finished crossing. The pickets are being called in. Sykes command has commenced crossing. The lower one of the two upper bridges has been floated off. CUTTING, Aide-dc- Camp. THE SEDDON HOUSE, December 16, 186212 m. Captain CUSHING: A column of the enemy is now passing in a southeasterly direction from a point in front of where General Franklins left was yesterday. Page 127 CHir. XXXflI.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 127 judge about 20,000 have passed through a field, and they are still com- ing. They are accompanied with some artillery, but I have only been able to see one batterylight artillery. Yours, & c., B. F. FISHER, Captain and Acting Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS RIGHT GRAND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 16, 18623.30 a. m. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: About two hours ago the Second Corps had crossed, and a part of the Ninth. I expect they are all over now. There has been no interruption in the movement. Respectfully, yours, E. V. SUMNER, Brevet Major- (Jcncral, U. S. Army, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 7. Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 20, 1863. The commanding general announces to the Army of the Potomac that they are about to meet the enemy once more. The late brilliant3 actions in North Carrolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas have divided and weakened the enemy on the Rappahannock, and the auspicious moment seems to have arrived to strike a great and mortal blow to the rebellion, and to gain that decisive victory which is due to the country. Let the gallant soldiers of so many brilliant battle-fields accomplish this achievement, and a fame the most glorious awaits them. The commandin ggeneral calls for the firm and united action of officers and men, and, under the providence of God, the Army of the Potomac will have taken a great step toward restoring peace to the country and the Government to its rightful authority. By command of Major-General Burnside: LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. Statement of Capt. P. M. Jydig, Aide-de- Camp. CINCINNATI, OHIo, March 31, 1803. On Saturday morning, about 10.30, I received orders from General Burnside to go to General Franklin, commanding the left grand division, and learn from him the disposition of the troops under his command, and what forces were then engaged. I found General Franklin in a grove of trees in the center of his com- mand, and, on delivering my mei~sage, I was informed by him that Meade was very hotly engaged; that Gibbon had just gone into th Page 128 128 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CTI& P. XXXIIL fight, and that his men were by that time pretty generally engaged. He also added, I think, that Birney had orders to support them. I then inquired if any of General Smiths corps were engaged, and was told they were not. I returned to headquarters, passing Captain Cutts, who arrived as I left General Franklin, and reported the information I had received to General Burnside, who seemed at the time annoyed at the smallness of the force engaged, and expressed his surprise that none of General Smiths troops had been put into the fight. It was ahout 12.30 when I arrived with my report at headquarters. This was the only order I delivered to General Franklin that day, to the best of my knowi. edge and belief. P. M. LYDIG, Captain and Aide-de-Gamp. Statement of Capt. J. M. Cutts, Aide-de- ~Jamp. CINCINNATI, OHIO, March 31, 1863. The following is an extract from notes made by me during the progress of the battle at Fredericksburg: General Meade advanced at 12.30 oclock. Batteries across the river commenced firing to cover that advance, shelling the enemys position in front of Reynolds left, as reported by General Franklin. Abont 2 oclock I carry order to Franklin to ad- vance his right and front, and immediately Teturn with information to show why Franklin thinks it impossible to advance. There was no advance. When I had com- municated this information to General Burnside, he immediately replied, But he must advance, and directed me to go back and give the order to General Franklin, but then, pausing, said, Wait, I will send some one else. ThTe above is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, a correct state- ment, all of. the same included within quotation marks being in words and figures an exact transcript from notes made by me at the time. J. M. CUTTS, Captain Eleventh Infantry, Aide-de-Camp. Statement of C~apt. R. IL I. Goddard, Aide de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Cincinnati, Ohio, April 3, 1863. I take the following from my notes, made a few days after the battle of Fredericksburg: I was sent on the day of the battle of Fredericksburg to General Franklin, on the left, with this order from General Buruside: Tell General Franklin, with my com- plirnents, that I wish him to make a vigorous attack with his whole force; our right is hard pressed. I delivered this order about 2 oclock in the afternoon to General Franklin, in the presence of General Hardie. Either General Franklin or General Hardie told me that all the forces were engaged except Burns division, which was guarding the bridge. Sickles division was just going into action. The left had been very seriously threatened, but that now the attack was changed to the front. It was impossible to remove troops from the left ~to the center at that time. As soon as an opportunity presents itself, a vigorous attack should be made along the lines, as Gen- eral Burnside wished. I stated also, just before leaving, that General Buruside was very explicit in giving this order to make a vigorous attack. H. II. I. GODDARD, Captain and Aide-de- Gamp Page 129 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. No. 4. Return of casualties in the Union forces commanded by Maj. Gen. Am- brose B. Burnside, IL S. Army, at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 1115, 1862. [Compiled from nominal list of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a ~ .5 a w .5 a a ~ a ~ a o .- .~ 0 ;2 l~ o r~ o r~ o r~i ~ VOLUNTEER ENGINEER BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. DANIEL P. WOODBURY. 15th New York 50th New York Total Volunteer Engineer Brigade Battalion United States Engineers ARTILLERY RESERVE. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HAYS. 1st Battalion New York Light, Battery D 5th United States, Battery K Total Artillery Reserve RIGHT GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. EDWIN V. SUMNER. SECOND ARMY Coars. Maj. Gen. DARIus N. CoucH. Staff FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WINFIELD S. HANCOCK. Staff Far8t Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. JOhN C. CALDWELL.* (2.) Col. GEORGE W. VON SCHACK. Staff 5th New Hampshire 7th New York 61st New York 64th New York 81st Pennsylvania 145th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. THoarAs F. MEAGHER. 28th Massachusetts ... 63d New York 69th New York 88th New York 116th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade 6 6 3 39 50 1 7 3 45 56 3 7 1 8 1 3 1 2 7 1 8 1. 3 3 3 5 15 12 142 19 193 7 19 9 175 1 32 243 9 1 26 36 4 2 66 72 1 14 11 130 20 176 4 30 9 143 43 229 17 91 47 682 1 114 952 3 11 5 119 20 158 1 1 6 32 4 44 1 9 15 80 23 128 4 13 8 89 13 127 16 11 58 14 88 1014045378...... 74 545 Wounded Decemiler 13, 9 R UVOL xxi 12 Page 130 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (Cui~. XX~ Return of casualties in the Union forces, ~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. Q u 8 8 4~ ~. ~ ~ .5 ~ ~ .~ ~ 0 ~1 0 ~ n ~ Third Brigade. Col. SAMUEL K. ZooK. 27th Connecticut 2d Delaware 52d New York 57th New York . 66th New York 53d Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Art illery. 4th United States, Battery C Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. OLIVER 0. HOWARD. Staff First Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALFRED SULLY. Staff 19th Maine 15th Massachusetts Massachusetts Sharpshooters (1st Company) 1st Minnesota. Minnesota Sharpshooters (2d Company) . 34th New York 82d New York Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JOsHUA T. OWEN. 69th Pennsylvania 71st Pennsylvania 72d Pennsylvania 106th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. (1.) Col. NORMAN J. HALL. (2.) CoL WILLIAM H. LEE. 19th Massachusetts 20th Massachusetts 7th Michiran. 42d New Vork 59th New York 127th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Artiflery. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery A 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery B Total artillery Total Second Division , 1 1 1 3 1 9 4 5 7 8 20 5 7 1 8 3 7 78 34 36 70 52 126 20 9 1 9 1 113 54 43 87 75 155 7 53 31 396 40 527 1 4 5 34 185 126 1,458 1 228 2, 032 1 1 1 1 2 8 7 17 3 23 2 82 1 1 2 10 2 14 1 1 8 1 11 18 33 7 14 2 23 1 13 9 68 31 122 13 5 41 6 65 3 3 20 18 44 6 5 60 71 5 9 60 4 78 27 22 181 28 258 1 13 8 75 8 105 2 23 6 132 163 1 6 2 24 2 35 2 17...... 8 22 4 35 2 10 7 107 20 146 7 56 29 390 33 515 2 2 16 16 18 18 8 96 61 657 92 914 13 Page 131 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. Return of casualties in the Union forces, 4c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. d Command. a S S a ~ ,~ 5) II 5) 5) 5) 5) -~ 5) a ~ ~ H ~ . a ~ S 0 r~i o ~ Q r~ THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM H. FRENCH. First Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL.* (2.) Cot JOHN S. MASON. Staff 14th Indiana 24th New Jersey 28th New Jersey 4th Ohio 8th Ohio 7th West Yir~inia Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. OLIVER H. PALMER. 14th Connecticut 108th New York . -. 130th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. (1.) Col. JOHN W. ANDREWS.t (2.) Lieut. Col. WILLIAM JAHESON. (3.) Lient. Cot JOHN W. MARSHALL. Stair 1st Delaware.. .~ 4th New York 10th New York 132d Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Artillery. 1st New York Light, Battery G 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery G Total-artillery 1 2 1 4 4 4 12 3 6 3 32 2 9 6 10 4 2 4 37 56 93 147 35 25 27 383 5 31 24 1 3 64 1 10 10 77 22 120 4 2 47 39 92 3 2 3 68 3 79 4 16 15 192 . 64 291 1. 1 1 9 6 68 9 93 6 6 56 6 74 2 7 7 47 4 67 1 6 6 74 20 107 4 28 26 245 39 342 1 5 6 1 1 1 6 7 Total Third Division 12 77 78 ARTILLERY RESERVE. 1st United States, Battery I 4th United States, Battery A Total Artillery Reserve Total Second Army Corps. NINTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. ORLAxDO B. WlLLcox. FIRST 1)IVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM W. Bulues. - First Brigade. Col. ORLANDO M. POE. 2d Michigan 17th Michigan * Wounded December 13. 826 1167 1,160 6 1 7 54 358 266 l,948 1 487 4,114 1 1 1 Disabled December 13. 131 2 75 136 193 44 33 37 520 6 1 7 2 Page 132 132 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. Return of casualties in the Union forces, 4~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a S S S . . a a a ii ~ ~ a n bit a ~ o ~i 0 t~ 0 r~ .~ First BrigadeContinued. 20th Michigan 79th New York Total First Brigade Secend Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN C. Cssuisr. 29th Massachusetts 27th New Jersey 46th New York. Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. DANIEL LEAsUSIE. 45th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Artillery. 1st New York Light, Battery D Total First Division SECOND DIvIsION. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL D. STuRcIs. Staff First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES NAGLE. 2d Maryland 6th New Hampshire 9th New Hampshire 48th Pennsylvania 7th Rhode Island 12th Rhode Island Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. EDWARD FERRERO. 21st Massachusetts. 15th Massachusetts 11th New Hampshire 51st New York. 51st Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Artillery. 1st Rhode Island Light. Battery D 4th United States, Battery E . Total artillery Total Second Division 1 7 2 1 1 11 13 . 1 1 2 1 . I 1 6 1 3. 3 2 1 3 1 2 22 2 27 1 1 . 9 12 21 4 4 67 2 77 1 3 1 65 12 84 6 2 43 1 52 1 10 6 126 15 158 1 5 4 92 6 108 3 28 19 402 48 500 8 56 5 69 2 5 1 49 6 63 19 3 148 25 195 10 5 56 2 73 1 15 3 72 91 3 57 12 381 . 38 491 2 2 1 2 10 13 1 2 12 15 7 87 32 795 86 1,007 2 3 Page 133 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. Return of casualties in the Union forces, J~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. 0 Q 0 ~ .3 . a 0 0 a, .3 ~ bO THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. GETrY. First Brigade. Col. RUSH C. HAWKINS. 10th New Hampshire 13th New Hampshire 25th New Jersey 9th New York 89th New York 1034 New York Total First Brigade Second B~ gade. Col. EDWARD HARLAND. 8th Connecticut 11th Connecticut 15th Connecticut 16th Connecticut 21st Connecticut 4th Rhode Island Total Second Brigade Total Third Division.. - Total Ninth Army Corps Total Right Grand Division CENTER GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER. THIRD ARMY Coins. Brig. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAX. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DAVID B. BIENEY. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN C. ROBINSON. Staff 20th Indiana 634 Pennsylvania 68th Pennsylvania 105th Pennsylvania 114th Pennsylvania 141st PeunsylvaDia Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. H. HOBART WARD. 3(1 Maine 4th Maine. 18th New York 40th New York 55th New York 57th Pennsylvania 99th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade 2 6 1 2 3 4 3 43 31 61 8 27 10 11 6 18 6 1 12 58 42 85 15 30 25 14 7 180 54 255 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 9 10 1 1 2 1 5 1 7 1 1 8 6 16 1 1 3 26 10 41 1 15 10 206 64 296 8 103 44 1,023 152 1,330 62 461 310 3,971 1 639 5,444 1 1 2 22 3 27 1 3 18 22 1 1 1 5 8 2 3 20 6 31 8 3 24 17 52 1 4 5 1 13 13 93 26 146 3 2 24 29 3 19 11 55 1 31 120 14 9 74 36 133 3 16 5 69 30 123 1 7 8 18 3 77 52 150 3 6 54 3 66 6 73 37 360 1 152 629 13 Page 134 134 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII Return of casualties in the Union forces, 4~c.Contiuucd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. 0 a ci ~ Sc a Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. HIRAM G. BERRY. 17th Maine 3d Michigan 5th Michigan 1st New York 37th New York 101st New York Total Third Brigade - Artillery. Capt. GEORGE B. RANDOLPH. 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery E 3d United States, Batteries F and R Total artillery Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DANIEL B. SlcKuis. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH B. CARE. 1st Massachusetts 11th Massachusetts 16th Massachusetts 2d New Hampshire 11th New Jersey . . 26th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade ,Second Brigade. Col. GEORGE B. HALL. 70th New York 71st New York 72d New York 120th New York Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH W. REVERE. 7th New Jersey 115th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Artillery. 4th United States, Battery K Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. AMIEL W. WnnPI.E. Staff 1 1 9 7 19 6 72 7 27 12 1 1 20 7 83 7 15 13 18 1 143 1 165 2 3 5 5 5 2 8 10 8 106 51 604 2 179 950 C 1 33 34 3 3 2 14 1 17 5 5 3 4 7 5 1 8 1 15 11 1 67 2 81 1 3 4 3 3 1 7 8 1 1 2 14 16 1 lcd 1 1 1 1 12 3 82 3 100 1.. 1-- 1 1 Page 135 BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. Return of casualties in the Union force8, 4~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a C Command. S S S .~ . ~r1 a a a ~ -~ a a ~ 0 a a 0 a a 0 F~ 0 ~ 0 ~ First Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gem. A. SANDERS PIATT.* (2.) Col. EMLEN FRANKLIN. 86th New York 124th New York 122d Pennsylvania Total First Brigade 3 1 4 1 3 1 5 Second Brigade. COL. SAMUEL S. CARROLL. Staff 12th New Hampshire 163d New York 84th Pennsylvania 110th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Artillery. 1st Ohio Light, Battery H Total Third Division Total Third Amy Corps Fwrn AR~rr CORPS. Brig. Gem. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD. Staff FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. CHARLES GRIFFIN. First Brigade. Col. JAMES BARNEs. 2d Maine Massachusetts Sharpshooters, 2d Company. 18th Massachusetts 22d Massachusetts 1st an 13th New York 25th New York 118th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Briivade. Col. JACOB B. SwEIrzEa~ 9th Massachusetts 32d Massachusetts 4th Michigan 14th New York 62d Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade 1 1 2 2 5 7 3 7 4 42 5 61 6 24 3 33 1 2 1 10 1 15 4 15 7 81 1 10 118 1? 1 4 15 7 85 3 15 12~ 12 133 61 771 5 197 1,179 1 1 2 1 10 17 4 52 1 6 7 2 7 8 82 26 125 1 1 4t 12 55 1 7 7 13 48 5 6 57 7 75 1 2 34 3 40 5 1 55 37 98 3 27 36 345 . 89 500 1...... 25 2 28 1 1 31 3 36 1 8 1 42 1 53 4 8 23 35 2 5 8 55 70 4 19 17 176 6 222 Disabled December 13. Ca& .p. XXXiiI1 135 4 4 1 Page 136 136 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL Return of casualties in the Union forces, 4c.Continucd. Krned. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a a S S a . a ~ -~ ~ a ~ a bC a 0 ~O 0 0 F~ 0 r~i .5j Third Brigade. Col. T. B. W. STOCKTON. 20th Maine Michigan Sharpshooters, Bradys company 16th Michigan 12th New York 17th New York 44th New York 83d Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade. Artillery. Massachusetts Light, 5th Battery (E) 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery C Total artillery Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE SYKES. F& rst Brigade. Lieut. CoL ROBERT C. BUCHANAN. 3d United States 4th United States 12th United States, 1st Battalion 12th United States, 2d Battalion 14th United States. 1st Battalion Total First Brigade ,Second Brigade. (1.) Maj. GEORGE L. ANDREWS. (2.) Maj. CHARLES S. LOVELL. 1st United States (battalion) 2d United States (battalion) 6th United States 7th United States (battalion) 10th United States 11th United States 17th United States 19th United States, Company G, 1st Battalion Total Second Brigade. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. GOUVERNEUR K. WARREN. 5th New York 140th New York 146th New York Total Third Brigade Artillery. 5th United States, Battery I 1 4 S 1 2 5 2 1 3 5 4 32 2 26 12 11 36 24 36 2 39 22 19 47 36 6 7 5 4 3 17 15 141 25 201 1 1. 2 1. 1 2 1 .... 3 8 65 68 665 . 120 926 I 14 15 3 2 13 1 19 1 5 1 7 4 2 6 4 4 5 2 40 4 51 S 5 5 15 4 19 5 1 21 1 28 2 26 9 37 1 4 5 1 2 18 21 2 19 22 3 3 11 3 111 14 140 2 3 5 3 10 13 1 17 18 6 30 36 1 1 Total Second Division .. .~ j 1 16 5 l58~ 48 22 Page 137 CHAP. XXXIH.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, ~& . Return of casualties in the Union forces, ~c.Continued. Captured Killed. Wounded. or missing. Command. 0 S S ,~ . ,~ cS ~ .~ ~ ~ be 1~ Q 0 IC a a be 0 ~ 0 F~1 0 ~3 THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW A. HDMPEREYS. Staff First Brigade. Brig. Gen. EIiAsTUs B. TYLER. 91st Pennsylvania. 126th Pennsylvania 129th Pennsylvania. 134th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. CoL PETER H. ALLABACH. Staff 123d Pennsylvania 131st Pennsylvania B3d Pennsylvania 155th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Total Third Division Total Fifth Army Corps... Cavalry. 4th Pennsylvania Total Center Grand Division LEFT GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN. FIRST ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS. ESCORT. 1st Maine Cavalry, Company L . -. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ABNER DOUBLEDAY. First Brigade. CoL WALTER PnELPs., Jr. 22d Now York 24th New York 36th New York 84th New York (14th Militia) 2d U. S. Sharpshooters Total First Brigade 3 8 1 8 3 43 20 75 1 11 7 59 14 92 1 16 8 92 22 139 2 12 10 99 25 148 5 47 28 293 81 454 1 .1 1 14 5 101 13 134 2 20 6 132 35 175 3 17 7 138 19 184 1 5 1 57 4 68 7 56 20 428 51 562 12 103 51 721 132 1,019 21 185 125 1,544 360 2,175 1 1 33 319 186 2, 315 5 497 3, 355 3 8 _ 2 2 2 6 1 1 2 2 14 16 1 4 5 1 1 3 2 22 3 30 13 Page 138 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXII1. Return of cadualrie8 in the Union force8, 4~c.Continued. Command. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES GAvin. S 7th Indiana 76th New York 95th New York Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM F. ROGERS. 21st New York 23d New York 35th New York 80th New York (20th Militia) Total Third Brigade Fourth Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. SOLOMON MEREDITH. (2.) CoL LYSA~DER CUTLER. 19th Indiana 24th Michigan 2d Wisconsin 6th Wisconsin 7th Wisconsin Total Fonrth Brigade Artillery. (1.) Capt. GEORGE A. GRRRISR.* (2.) Capt. JOHN A. REYNOLDS. New Hampshire Light, 1st Battery 1st New York, Battery L 4th United States, Battery B .. - Total artillery Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. (1.) Bag. Gen. JOHN GIHBoN.* (2.) Brig. Gen. NELSON TAYLOR. First Brigade. Col. ADRIAN R. ROOT. 16th Maine 94th New York 104th New York 105th New York 107th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. CoL PETER LYLE. 12th Massachnsetts 26th New York 5Wounded Deoemb~ 13. 4 1 20 26 1 3 3 7 2 16 18 6 17 23 1 2 16 19 10 2 52 3 67 3 4 7 6 3 13 9 32 1 10 11 3 3 1 1 7 3 12 8 4 36 16 65 2 1 11 14 4 4 2 6 8 4 1 21 26 2 29 10 151 22 214 1 1 2 25 8 162 34 231 2 5 44 7 5S 5 8 37 2 52 10 5 57 2 4 78 3 1 46 6 56 2 45 27 846 2 53 475 13 22 80 4 126, 11 104 170 138 1 5 6 1 2 1 12 16 1 3 Page 139 BATTLE OF FREDERI~KSBURG, VA. Return of casualties in the Union forces, 4c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or unss~ng. a a a Command. ~ ~ a a ~ a 0 ~ a a 0 ~ 0 FXI 0 ~1 ~1 Second BrigadeContinued. 90th Pennsylvania 1 136th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. NELSON TAYLOR. (2.) Col. SAMUEL H. LEONARD. Staff - 13th Massachusetts 83d New York (9th Militia) 97th New York lith Pennsylvania 88th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Artillery. Capt. GEORGE F. LEPPIEN. Maine Light, 2d Battery Pennsylvania Light, Battery C Total artillery Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Ma). Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE. First Brigade. (1.) Col. WILLIAM SINcLAIat.* (2.) Col. WILLIAM MCCANDLESS. 1st Pennsylvania Reserves 24 Pennsylvania Reserves 6th Pennsylvania Reserves 13th Pennsylvania Reserves (1st Riffes) 121st Pennsylvania. Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. ALHRET L. MAGILTON. 3d Pennsylvania Reserves 4th Pennsylvania Reserves 7th Pennsylvania Reserves..... 8th Pennsylvania Reserves 142d Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. C. FEGER JAIJEsON.t (2.) Col. JOSEPH W. FISHER. (3.) Lient. Col. ROBERT ANDERSON. Staff 5th Pennsylvania Reserves 9th Pennsylvania Reserves 10th Pennsylvania Reserves * Wounded December 13. 4 9 2 64 9 80 9 8 80 106 3 48 27 350 32 460 1 1 2 3 1 12 16 2 17 4 99 3 125 4 2 32 4 42 1 8 5 08 3 85 6 4 29 5 44 3 38 17 241 15 314 2 13 15 2 2 2 15 17 8 133 72 852 2 100 1,267 2 28 5 35 3 28 13 44 1 ii 4 95 1 19 132 1 38 4 109 1 28 161 2. 12 6 108 10 138 4 43 17 369 2 75 510 1 17 2 53 1 59 133 2 33 4 39 1 6 3 66 10 86 2 20 11 76 22 131 16 6 176 45 243 4 61 22 404 1 140 632 1 2 2 16 5 82 4 57 1 4 1 25 1 15 1 8 3 74 2 49 Killed December 13. 3 166 47 137 CHip. XXXflI.] 13 Page 140 140 OPERATIONS IN N. VA.~ W. VA., MD., AI~D PA. [CrIAP. XXXIII. Return of casualties in the Union forces, 4-c.Contiuuvd. Command. Killed. 9 11 10 Wound ed. Captured or missing. 0 a S 0 0 Third BrigadeContinued. 11th Pennsylvania Reserves 12th Pennsylvania Reserves Total Third Brigade 6 Artillery. 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery A 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery B 1st Pennsylvania Light, Battery G 5th United States, Battery C Total artillery Total Third Division 14 Total First Army Corps 24 SIXTH ARMY Coups. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH. FIRST DlVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. H. BROOKS. First Brigade. Col. ALFRED T. A. TOJIBELIT. 2d New Jersey 3d New Jersey 4th New Jersey 15th New Jersey 23d New Jersey Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. HENRY L. Ciux. 121st New York. . 96th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. DAVID A. RUSSELL. 18th New York 31st New York 32d New York 95Lh Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Artillery. Maryland Light, Battery A. Massachusetts Light, 1st Battery (A) 2d United States, Battery D - Total artillery Total First Division S 0 a a 1 144 54 211 5 66 2 31 117 19 191 9 206 681 5 1 6 12 1 4 5 1 1 4 8 5 5 7 1 18 4 30 161 59 1,182 12 425 1,853 323 141 2,288 14 547 3,337 1 1 2 2 8 2 33 16 80 4 2 18 5 29 4 2 34 9 50 2 16 6 88 50 162 4 12 16 1 1 4 13 17 - - 2 2 1 1 3 3 4 4 10 10 2. 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 f 6~ 8 2~ 22 6~i17~ 50 19 Page 141 - CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDRRICKSBURG, VA. Return of casualties in the Union forces, 4~c.Continued. Command. Killed. 0 141 Wounded. Captured or missing. a a C a a %~ -4~ a ~ C 0 r~i 0 d be SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALBION P. HowE. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. CALVIN B. PuAvr. 6th Maine 43d New York 49th Pennsylvania 119th Pennsylvania. 5th Wisconsin Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. HENRY WHITING. 26th New Jersey 2d Vermont 3d Vermont . 4th Vermont 5th Vermont 6th Vermont Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gem FRANCIS 1. VINTON.* (2.) Col. ROBERT F. TAYLOR. (3.) Brig. Gen. THOMAS H. NEILL. ~~New Jersey 33d New York 49th New i7th New York Total Third Brigade Artillery. 5th United States, Battery F Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. 1 1 ii 1 5 4 1 2 1 12 I 8 4 . 1 22 3 26 2 2 5 56 61 2 9 11 1 19 43 2 56 2 1 19 13 1 1 1 20 1 120. 2 144 1 1 I 1 2 2 3 6 9 1 1 2 1 4 10 15 1 I 1 21 6 153. 5 186 Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN COCHRAKE. 67th New York 122d New York. 23d Pennsylvania 61st Pennsylvania 82d Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Briqade. 1 1 2 Brig. Gen. CHARLES DEVENS, Jr. Staff . 7th Massachusetts 5Wounded December 13. 1 2 3 6 2 3 3 19 1 2 7 5 2 5 a 24 1 Page 142 142 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXIII. Return of casualties in. the Union forces, ~-c.Continsicd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. o Command. - .~ a ~ a +~ ;. -~ a 5~ a C~ -~ ~ -~ n ~ Q ~ Second BrigadeContinued. 10th Massachusetts . 1 1 37th Massachusetts 1 1 - - 2 36thNew York 1 1 1 3 2d Rhode Island . 7 Total Second Brigade I j 2 12 - - -- 17 Third Brigade. (1.) Col. THOMAS A. ]IOWLEY. (2.) Brig. Gen. F1Ls~n WIIEATON. 62d NewYork 2 2 91d Pennsylvania 1 3 4 139d Pennsylvania 3 3 6 Total Third Brigade 6 6 Artillery. 2d United States, Battery G 2 8 Total Third Division 7 2 45 9 63 Total SixthArmyCorps 3 50 14 315 64 440 Cavalry Bri~qade. (1.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE P. BAYARD.* (2.) Col. DAvin McM. GREGG. Staff 1. 1 1st Pennsylvania 3 3 Total Cavalry Brigade - .. - 1 3 4 171 1 Total Left Grand Division 28 51 2, 606 i4 Git 3, 787 __________________________________________ I I RECAI~JTULATION. Engineers. 1 46K..... 2 59 Artillery Reserve - 8 8 Right. Grand Ilivision G~ 4(1 UG 1, 971. 1 619 5,444 Center Grand Division. - -. II .31 186 2, 315 5 497 3, 355 Left Grand Division 8 151 2, (306 14 611 3, 787 I Grand total Army of the Potomac - 14 1 1(30 654 8, 946 20 1 749 12 653 _____________ _________________ ___ I OFFICERS KILLED CONNECTICUT Lient. David E. Canfleld, 14th Infantry. Capt. Bernard E. Scliwerzer, 27th In- DELAWARE. Lient. Henry H. Darlington, 1st Infantry. INDIANA. Lient. Francis M. Kalley, 14th Infantry. * Wounded December li3, an(l (lieti December 14 Page 143 CHAP. xxxm.j BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. MAU~E. Maj. William L. Pitcher, 4th Infantry. Lieut. George F. Bourne, 4th Infantry. Lieut. Walter S. Goodale, 4th Infantry. Capt. Charles K. Hutchins, 16th Infantry. Lieut. Henry P. Herrick, 16th Infantry. MASSACHUSETTS. Lieut. Arthur Dehon, 12th Infantry. Surg. S. Foster Haven, jr., 15th Infantry. Capt. George C. Ruby, 18th Infantry. Ejeut. James B. Hancock, 18th Infantry. Lient. Thomas Claffey, 19th Infantry. Capt. Charles F. Cabot, 20th Infantry. Lient. Leander F. Alley, 20th Infantry. Lieut. Edwin J. Weller, 28th Infantry. Lient. John Sullivan, 28th Infantry. Lient. William Holland, 28th Infantry. Capt. Charles A. Dearborn, 32d Infantry. Maj. Sidney Willard, 35th Infantry. Lieut. William Hill, 35th Infantry. MICHIGAN. Capt. J. Benton Kennedy, 1st Infantry. Lieut. James Clark, 4th Infantry. Lient. Col. John Gilluly, 5th Infantry. Lient. Franklin Emery, 7th Infantry. Lieut. David Birrell, 24th Infantry. NEW HAMPSHIRE. Maj. Edward E. Sturtevant, 5th Infantry. Capt. John Murray, 5th Infantry. Capt. James B. Perry, 5th Infantry. Capt. William A. Moore, 5th Infantry. Lient. Charles 0. Ballon, 5th Infantry. Lient. John G. LewIs, 9th Infantry. NEW JERSEY. Col. William B. Hatch, 4th Infantry. Lient. John 0. Crowell, 24th Infantry. Capt. Joseph R. Ridgeway, 23d Infisntry. Lient. Alexander L. Robeson, 24th In- fantry. NEW YORK. Capt. Augustus S. Perkins, 50th Engi- neers. Capt. Edward H. Becker, 7th Infantry. Capt. Emil Faber Du Faur, 7th Infantry. Capt. Max Boettcher, 7th Infantry. Lieut. Carl Slevoight, 7th Infantry. Lieut. Frederick Jacobi, 7th Infantry. Lient. Andrew Winter, 7th Infantry. Licut. August von Apel, 7th Infantry. Capt. Salmon Winchester, 10th Infantry. Lient. James M. Yardley, 10th Infantry. Capt.William H. Hoagland, 12th Infantry. Lieit. William K. Bacon, 26th Infantry. Capt. John Horn, 40th Infantry. Capt. William 0. Sullivan, jr., 40th In- fantry. Lient. WilliamR. Stephens, 40th Infantry. Lient. Charles Laty, 52d Infantry. Lient. Paul M. Pon, 57th Infantry. Lient. Hannibal Seymour, 59th Infantry. Capt. John Sullivan, 63d Infantry. Lient. CoL James H. Bull, 66th Infantry. Capt. Julius Wehle, 66th Infantry. Capt. John P. Dodge, 66th Infantry. Lieut. Patrick Buckley, 69th Infantry. Lieut. Chauncey D. Crandall, 76th In.. fantry. Lient. Felix Hirt, 83d Infantry. Lieut. Thomas Layton, 83d Infantry. Maj. William Horgan, 88th Infantry. Lieut. Thomas Murphy, 88th Infantry. Lieut. Daniel McCarthy, 88th Infantry. Lieut. John R. Young, 88th Infantry. Capt. Theodore F. Brockalow, 163d In- fantry. Lieut. Frederick W. Behrens, 163d In- fantry. Lieut. John J. Byrne, 163d Infantry. OHIO. Lient. William Brighton, 4th Infantry. PENNSYLVANIA. Lieut. Jacob V. Shilling, 3d Reserves. Capt. Charles Wells, 5th Reserves. Lient. David Zentniyer, 5th Reserves. Lient. R. M. Pratt, 6th Reserves. Lient. George W. Comfort, 7th Reserves. I Lient. G. W. Miller, 8th Reserves. Lietit. 1. Lindsay I agraliani, 8th Reserves. LWnt. Reulen ri. Long, 9~ ii Reserves. y 14 Page 144 144 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA~, MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXTIL Capt. Daniel W. Mayes, 10th Reserves. Capt. William Stewart, 11th Reserves. Lient. William B. Jenkins, 13th Reserves. Lient. James W. Goodlin, 11th Infantry. Capt. Ferdinand W. Bell, 51st Infantry. Lieut. Isaac T. Cross, 53d Infantry. Lient. James E. Cunningham, 62d In- fantry. Limit. Stephen C. Potts, 62d Infantry. Lient. Joseph E. Davis, 68th Infantry. Lient. Clinton Swain, 81st Infantry. Lient. Charles W. Duke, 90th Infantry. Lient. George Murphey, 91st Infantry. Capt. John 7R.Kooker, 110th Infantry. Lieut. Christian Foltz, 116th Infantry. Limit. GeorgeW. Brickley, 121st Infantry. Lient. Clement M. W. Barclay, 121st In- fantry. Lient. James R. Coulter, 123d Infantry. Lieut. Harry C. Fortescue, l26thlnfantry. Capt. William Fox, 127th Infantry. Lient. Jas. S. Shoemaker, 127th Infantry. Lient. Jacob Parvin, jr.9 129th Infantry. Col. Henry I. Zinn, 130th Infantry. Capt. William Laughlin, 130th Infantry. Lient. Franklin G. Torbert, 130th In- fantry. Capt. George XV. Ryan, 131st Infantry. Lient. William A. Bruner, 131st Infantry. Lieut. Henry H. Hoagland, 132d Infantry. Capt. John M. Jones, 133d Infantry. Lieut. James C. Noon, 133d Infantry. Lieut. William A. Scott, 133d Infantry. Lient. Hugh Barnes, 134th Infantry. Lient. Zarah C. Quillen, 134th Infantry. Lieut. Fletcher Clay, 145th Infantry. Lient. Charles H. Riblet, 145th Infantry. Lient. Charles S. Carroll, 145th Infantry. Lient. Mayor R. Brown, 145th Infantry. Capt. Lee Anshultz, 155th Infantry. RHODE ISLAND. Lient. Col. Joseph B. Curtis, 4th Infantry. f Lient. Richard A. Briggs, 12th Infantry. Lient. Col. XV B. Sayles, 7th Infantry. I UNITED STATES REGULARS. Lieut. George Dickenson, Battery E, 4th Capt. Henry J. McLandbnrgh, 17th In Artillery. fantry. UNITED STATES VOLUNTEERS. I Brig. Gen. George D. Bayard. VERMONT. Capt. George W. Quimby, 4th Infantry. Brig. Gen. C. Feger Jackson. OFFIORRS MORTALLY WOUKDBD. CONNECTICUT. Capt. Elijah XV. Gibbons, 14th Infantry. Lieut. William A. Coomes, 14th Infantry. Lieut. Theodore A. Stanley, 14th Infantry. Ca t. Addison C. Taylor, 27th Infantry. DELAWARE. Lient. Albert S. Phillips, 1st Infantry. MAINE. Capt. John Ayer, 16th Infantry. MASSACHUSETTS. Capt. Joseph W. Colllngwood, 18th In- Capt. Ferdinand Dreher, 20th Infantry. fantry. Lieut. Robert S. Beckwith, 20th Infantry. Lieut. Edgar M. Newcomb, 19th Infantry. NEW HAMPSHIRE. Lieut. George F. Nettleton, 5th Infantry. Capt. Amos B. Shattuck, 11th Infantry. Lient. Samuel B. Little, 5th Infantry. Page 145 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 145 NEW YORK. Capt. Thomas XV. Cartwright, 5th In- Maj. N. Garrow Throop, 57th Infantry. fantry. Capt. Edward Reynolds, 59th Infantry. Capt. Oscar von Heringen, 7th Infantry. Lient. Frederick Parker, 64th Infantry. Lient. Bernhardt von Buchenhagen, 7th Lient. Andrew Birmingham, 69th In- Infantry. fantry. Licut. Francis A. Morrell, 10th Infantry. Lient. Andrew J. Andrews, 104th In- Lient. George S. Wilson, 17th Infantry. fantry. tient. Albert W. Ransom,34th Infantry. OHIO. Capt. Richard Allen, 8th Infantry. PENNSYLVANIA. Maj. Frank Zentmyer, 5th Reserves. Capt. Charles D. Schaffle, 5th Reserves. Lient. Israel K. Kinch, 5th Reserves. Capt. Jonathan P. Smith, 10th Reserves. Lieut. George S. Knee, 10th Reserves. Capt. Hugh P. Fulton, 63d Infantry. Mai. Thomas Hawkswortfl, 6~th Infantry. Lient. B. Frank llibbs, 71st Infantry. Lieut. Zadoc Aydelott, 81st Infantry. Maj. George XV. Todd, 91st Infantry. Capt. Thomas A. Deegan, 107th Infantry. Lieut.R. B. Montgomery, 116th Infantry. Capt. Daniel Boisol, 1~2;Sd Infantry. Capt. George J. Lawrence, 129th Infantry. Capt. Jonathan K. Taylor, 129th Infantry. Lient. Alfred G. Reed, 134th Infantry. Capt. Asa Chapman, 136th Infantry. Capt. S. S. Marchand, 136th Infantry. Maj. John Bradley, 142d Infantry. Capt. Washington Brown, 145th Infantry. Capt. Andrew J. Mason, 145th Infantry. Capt. William W. W. Wood, 145th In- fantry. Lient. John Hubbard, 145th Infantry. Lient. John W. Vincent, 145th Infantry. RHODE ISLAND. Maj. Jacob T. Babbitt, 7th Infantry. I Lieut. Charles F. Kellen, 7th Infantry. No. 5. Report of Brig. Gets. Rufus Ingalls, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster, of operations Yovember 9, 1862January 25, 1863. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 19, 1864. M~ DEAR GENERAL: Here is my report, such as it is, at your serv- ice. I send you also a memorandum about pontoons. I have Colonel Spauldings official report covering all the facts stated, but thought it best to put it as a memorandum; bnt you may rely on it. I think it conclusive for your purpose. Yours, truly, General BTJRNSIDE, Washington, D. C. RUFUS INGALLS. [Inclo8ures.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, Camp near Brandy Station, TTa., March 119, 1864. GENERAL: In compliance with your verbal request that I shall fur- nish you with a report of the operations of the quartermasters depart- ment of this army while you were in command, I have the honor to represent that I have render& d one to General McClellan to cover the l)eriod during which I was his chief quartermaster, from July 10 to November 9, 1862, and that I have also rendered an annual report to General Meigs, Quartermaster-General, for the fiscal year ending ,tune 10 R RYOL XX Page 146 146 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXITL 30, 1863.* I take great pleasure in submitting to you the substance of the reports referred to, so far as relates to the time you were in corn- mand. At the time you assumed command of this army, November 9, 1862, my records show that, exclusive of the force about Washington, there were present 3,911 army wagons, 907 ambulances, 7,139 artillery, 9,582 cavalry, 8,693 team horses, and 12,483 mules, making 37,897 animals. The army had recently crossed the Potomac at Berlin, marchin gby way of Salem and Rectortown. On the 9th the headquarters were at Warrenton. It was well sup- l)lied with means of transportation, clothing, and forage. Our supplies had been received during October by the canal, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the Cumberland Valley Railroad, while the army stretched from Williamsport to Berlin. On arriving at Warrenton our supplies were sent out on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and on the Manassas Gap and Warrenton branches. This road was in bad condition, and those best acquainted with its capacity, from actual experience and observation, as General ilaupt and Lieut. Col. F. Myers, reported that it could not be safely relied on to supply so large an army. A fter passing ov~ the road I was of the same opinion. It is proper to remark, however, that since then the road has been vastly improved. A large construction party has been constantly kept upon it for many months past. New ties and rails have been put in where necessary; new bridges have been built; the rolling-stock has been increased, and the road has been conducted by Col. J. II. Deve- reux, a most energetic, systematic, and skillful superintendent, so that to-day the road can supply an army of 150,000 men certainly as far as Culpeper. At that time the Third, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps were not serving immediately with the army. It is necessary to be reminded of this, in order to understand the comparatively small number of wagons, horses, and mules reported on hand when you assumed command. In my report to General McClellan I state that subsequently our trains were increased to near 6,000 wagons and 60,000 animals of all kinds. After the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps had joined, we could then haul ten days supply. The following is my recapitulation of the means of transportation present with the forces when you relinquished the command, January 26, 1863: .%3 ~j5 a Sn 0 5~ 0 Command. ~ 0 0 ,~ n ~ ~ -~ c~ a0 a a - 5 00 ~ 0 bli ~0 S~ ~ ,~ a a 5 ~.5 ~ a ,~ H 0 ~ H Headquarters Army of the Potomac and in 367 21 006 1, 675 1, 108 3, 389 depot. Right Grand Division (Sumners) 1, 294 320 2, 687 3, 836 2, 019 5, 116 13, 658 Left Grand Division (liranklins) 1, 426 406 3, 506 4, 357 2, 292 4, 880 15, 035 Center Grand Division (Hookers) 1, 250 361 2, 732 3, 336 2, 030 4, 990 13, 088 Eleventh Corps (Sigels) 549 117 1, 744 2, 647 894 1, 257 6, 542 Twelfth Corps (Slocisms) 470 125 1, 185 171 656 1,270 3,282 Artillery Reserve (De Russys) 367 12 462 1, 434 1, 039 2, 935 Kenlys hrigade 103 22 160 1, 512 339 309 2, 320 Detached cavalry (North Mountain) 41 2 157 1, 345 12 1, 514 Engineer Brignde (Woodhurys) 113 8 1, 146 284 1, 430 Grand total in Army of Potomac. - - - 5, 980 3, 403 14, 385 18, 879 9, 664 20, 265 63, 193 0 See Series I, Vol. XIX, Part I, PP. 99106 Page 147 CHAP. xxxm.~ BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 147 - It having been decided to move the army by way of Fredericksburg on the Aquja and Fredericksburg Railroad, I was directed by you, on November 13, to proceed to Washington, and thence to Aquia and Belle Plain, and to make all necessary and proper arrangements for the sup- ply of the army by that route. On the 16th, in company with Generals Woodbury and Haupt, I went to Aquia and Belle Plain on a reconnaissance. We found the old wharf and entire depot a mass of ruins, and the interior of the country still in the hands of the enemy. It was decided to erect temporary landings at both Aquia and Belle Plain, to land supplies and haul them to the army with wagons on its arrival, while permanent arrangements on a proper scale could be made. The plan was most successfully executed. I returned to Belle Plain about the 19th, and joined your headquar- ters, near Falmouth, where you had just arrived. Supplies of subsistence and forage were landed at Aqnia and Belle Plain, and were ready for delivery as soon as the wagons arrived. The wharves were constructed of barges and trestle work, and an- swered every purpose. Meantime the depot at Aquia was made as spacious and commodious as any one we have ever had. Large wharves were constructed and store-houses erected to accommodate all depart- ments. I Placed Capt. T. E. Hall, assistant quartermaster of volunteers, in charge, with several other officers to assist him. Captain Hall was finally succeeded by Lieut. Col. A. Thompson, assistant quartermaster and aide-de-camp, and afterward by Lieutenant-Colonel Painter. Fre- quent inspections were made by myself and Colonels Sawtelle and Myers. General Haupt placed Mr. W. W. Wright at Aqula as superintendent of the railroad. His management was vigorous and most business-like and efficient. Entrep~ts or stations were established along the line of the road at convenient points for the delivery of supplies, the principal one having been at Falmouth, nuder Capt L. H. Peirce, assistant quar- termaster of volunteers. His duties were very laborious and responsi- ble, and he performed them with signal credit. The depot at Belle Plain was kept up all winter, under Capt. P. P. Pitkin, assistant quartermaster of volunteers, who for more than two years past has exhibited remarkable energy, sagacity, and untiring zeal as a depot quartermaster. Most Qf the Eleventh Corps and a portion of the cavalry were supplied from a depot on Aquia Creek, at Hope Landing. This place was under Capt. J. G. C. Lee most of the time. Captain Lee proved himself to be a most excellent officer. It will be seen that to supply so large an army from these points re- quired not only a perfect system but also great labor. Take, for in- stance, the item of forage; the full allowance required the daily receipt, distribution, and issue of some 800 tons of grain and hay. In addition, were subsistence, ordnance, hospital, and quartermasters stores gen- erally. It was difficult to provide hay enough during early winter. The coutracts were ample, but contractors found it difficult to find trans- ports sufficient, besides the weather was unpropitious; but after the begi lining of February the full ration was furnished. I am aware of no time when there was suffering among the troops and animals for want of any supplies which I had the power to provide. The battle of Fredericksburg was fought on December 13, 1862. Be- fore the battle, arrangements had been made to send all surplus property to the rear, to free our depot, in order that they might be abandoned at once without loss, and to put all our m3cessary supplies of forage, sub Page 148 148 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL sistence, ammunition, and medical stores in our wagon trains, which were carefully packed and well guarded at selected points. These trains were not to cross the river with the army, but were to be held in readi- ness to move at the proper moment. In all our campaigns our trains, though large, have never impeded the progress of the army to my knowledge; nor need they, if proper dispo- sition be timely made in orders by the general in command, and the quartermasters perform their duties. In all the principal battles of this army our trains have been well guarded at a distance from the field, and no disasters have ever hap- pened to them. Situated as you were at Fredericksburg, the trains, in case of success, would have constituted your only magazines of supply for several days. The land transportation was considerably reorgan- ized while you were in command, but the amounts allowed for baggage and supplies have been gradually and constantly reduced to the present time. The allowances to-day are prescribed in General Orders, No. 100,~ copy herewith, marked A. The rule established in this order will be found useful if applied to our other armies. There would be, besides, the advantage of uniform system. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RUFUS JNGALLS, Brigadier- General, Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Potomac. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Memorandum for General Burnside. On the 12th of November, 1862, Colonel Spaulding was encamped with his detachment at Berlin, in charge of a pontoon bridge over the Poto- m~c at that place, one over the Potomac and one over the Shenandoah at Harpers Ferry, 56 boats in the canal ready for use, a land train of 20 boats and material mounted on wheels, and a large amount of land transportation. Many of the horses in his trains were in very bad con- dition, principally from disease of the hoof, nearly 100 having been condemned by the inspector, but they were not yet turned in. On the afternoon of that day he received an order from Capt. J. C. Duane, chief engineer Army of the Potomac, dated November 6, in substance as follows: The commanding general directs that you will take such steps as you deem advis- able to accomplish the following objects: Detail a competent officer and one company from your command to take charge of the pontoon bridges at Harpers Ferry. Send such additional boats and material to Harpers Ferry as may be necessary to secure the maintenance of these bridges and provide for contingencies. Send the balance of your bridge material to Washington. - Proceed to Washington with the balance of your command and make up a pontoon train on wheels as speedily as possible, witb the necessary transportation, and be prepared to march with the train at a moments notice. Have the bridge at Berlin dismantled and sent to Washington as soon as practi- cable. The above order was received at 2 oclock on the afternoon of the 12th, six days after it was written, it having passed by Rectortowwand Washington. At 6 p. m. his condemned horses had been turned in to the quarter~ Of November 5, 1863. See Series I, Vol. XXIX Page 149 CaAr. XX~IiI.j flATTLE OF FREDERIC~SflURG, VK 149 master at Harpers Ferry. The bridge at Berlin was dismantled in rafts and brought to the north shore, and a train of 36 boats and material was made up in rafts in the canal and on its way to Washington. At 10.30 the next morning a train of 40 more boats and all the re- maining bridge material, except the river bridge, had been loaded and was on its way to Washington, the boats ~nd most of the material by canal, and the wagons and a small amount of material by land, the whole accompanied by the remainder of his command. Leaving Captain McDonald, who was to take charge of the Harpers Ferry bridges, with his company to put the boats and material of the Berlin bridge into the canal and forward to Washington, Colonel Spaulding took the cars for Washington on the afternoon of the Dth, accompanied by Captain Brainerd, Lientenant Falley, quartermaster, and his assistant, where he arrived about 10.30 p. in., and proceeded to the brigade depot above the navy-yard. There he found that Gen- eral Woodbnry, commanding the Engineer Brigade, was living in the city, near the War Department. He proceeded immediately to his honse and showed him his orders. It was then abont midnight. General Woodbury desired him to call at his office the next morning at 9. When he called at his office, on the morning of the 14th, General Woodbury desired him to wait while he called on General Halleck. He was ab- sent about one hour. On his return he directed him to put his pontoon material in depot at the brigade shops, on the Anacostia, as fast as it arrived from Berlin, and go into camp with his men. The order to make np the land train being thus countermanded, and knowing that General McClellan had been relieved after the order was given, Colonel Spanld- ing inferred that the plan of campaign was changed with the change of commanders, and that the pontoon train was not required. He visited General Woodburys office again on the morning of the 15th. When he called, General Woodbury was not in, and he was told he had gone to see General Halleck. While waiting his return he was told a dispatch had been received from Lientenant Comstock, chief en- gineer Army of the Potomac, wishing to know if he had been heard from with his train. After some time General Woodbury came in. In the course of conversation, he repeated the order to put the train in depot as fast as they arrived. The first train from Berlin had arrived the previous evening. During the day the second train arrived, and soon after noon all the trains which he had started from Berlin were iii Washington, the bridge in depot, and the teams and men in camp. Subsequently General Woodbury directed Colonel Spaulding to make up two trains of 24 boats each, in rafts, to go by water, a train of 20 boats, with transportation for 40, to go by land; to draw the necessary number. of additional horses and harness required for the land train; to prepare it as soon as possible, and march his detachment with it to Fredericksburg. Whether this order was given him on the afternoon of the 15th or 16th, he is not able now to say, not having the papers with him. His impression is that it was given him late on the after- noon of the 15th. Before dark on the evening of the day that he re- ceived the order, he had made up the two trains that were to go by ~~ater, towed them below the bridge over the Anacostia, and made them fast to the steamer Hero, that was to tow them to Belle Plain. He thinks the steamer did not start until the next (lay, and that she was delayed on the passage by getting agronnd, not arriving at Belle Plain until November 18. No wagons were sent with these trains, nor was any intimation given Colonel Spauldi1~g that they were required for immediate use. Neither did he learn that any such intimation was give Page 150 150 OPERATIONS~ IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. xxxin to General Woodbury. Had this been done, the pontoon wagons could have been placed on the rafts, qnartermaster teams furnished at Belle Plain to haul the trains to Fredericksburg, where they might easily have been on the night of the 18th. After disposing of these trains to go by water, he proceeded to the city with Captain Strang, quarterm as- ter Engineer Brigade, and drew a large number of additjoual horses (lie thinks over 200) for the land train, and took them to his camp during the night. The harness was delivered during the next day in boxes. All this harness had to be put together and fitted to the horses. Many of the animals had apparently never been in harness before, and it was difficult to find leaders that could be guided by one line. Besides this labor, the bridge train had to be loaded, teamsters brought from Alexandria, and rations and forage drawn. It was only by the most incessant labor of his whole command that the train was prepared to move on the after- noon of the 19th. It passed through Alexandria that night and Caml)ed outside the city. It had commenced raining before the train left Wash- ington, and continued to do so with little intermission for three days. The roads got worse as it advanced. In many places the wagons could only be moved by the greatest exertions of the men, lifting them out while standing in deep water and mud. With all the strength of the worn-out animals, and the utmost exertions of both officers and men, who labored with a zeal and energy beyond all praise, from daylight to near midnight on the 21st, the train could be moved but about 5 miles. Find- ing that, even if time were no object, neither animals nor men could en- dure the labor necessary to move the trains to Fredericksburg over such roads, Colonel Spaulding determined, on the 22d, to send an officer back to Alexandria for a steamer to meet him at the mouth of the Occoquan, and there, if the roads were not much improved, to put his train into the water, tow it to Belle Plain, and let the animals go on by land. Captain Ferguson, quartermaster, very promptly forwarded the steamer, and it arrived off the mouth of the Occoquan on the morning of the 23d. On the afternoon of the 22d, the train reached the Occoquan. Colonel Spaulding built a pontoon bridge of 289 feet to take the train over the river, and camped on the other side that night. Early the next morn- ing, the 23d, this bridge was dismantled, made up in rafts, all the bridge material loaded on the rafts, and the animals sent by land. In order to be able to move the boats to Fredericksburg, in case his teams did not reach Belle Plain as soon as the trains, he also took the pontoon wagons apart and loaded them on the rafts. Although the Occoquan was some 12 feet deep where he bridged it, it was so shallow on the fiats near the mouth that his rafts got aground, and it was only by taking advan- tage of the highest tide, at 4 oclock on the morning of the 24th, that lie was enabled to pass out into the Potomac. He found the steamer wait- ing for him some distance below, and he rowed to it. The water in the harbor at Belle Plain was too shallow for the steamer to enter, and the party was towed in by a small tug, reaching the wharf just before dark. There he found quartermasters teams waiting for him, and he commenced immediately unloading the wagons, putting them together, and loading them with boats and with bridge material. At midnight the men were allowed to lie down for a, little rest. At 4 oclock the next morning, 25th, the work was resumed, and at 10 a. m. the train started for Falmouth, arriving near general headquarters about 3 p.m. Just before leaving Belle Plain with the trains, his teams arrived there. He directed the quartermaster to rest and feed the animals, load the army wagons with forage, and follow on to Falmouth Page 151 CHAP. xxxm.j BATTLE OF F1~EDERICKSl3LTRG, VA. 151 At Falmouth Colonel Spaulding learned that the train sent by water had been taken to general headquarters on the morning of the 24th. From that date the trains were at all times available for crossing the Rappahannock at short notice, but they were not actually used until the morning of December 11. No. 6. Report of Capt. Samuel T. Gushing, Second U. S. Infantry, Acting Chief Signal Officer. CAMP NEAR FALMOIJTH, VA., December 21, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of duties performed by the acting signal corps, Army of the Potomac, during the operations before Fredericksburg, commencing December 11 and end- ing December 16, 1862: The crossing of the river was to be effected under the cover of our batteries, stationed on the hills on this side of the river. It was de- sirable to place these batteries in communication with the troops, when crossing, with general headquarters, and with each other. With this object in view, the station at the Phillips house (General Sumners head- quarters) was continued in operation, and other stations communicating to it were establishedone upon a hill near Falmouth and near Colonel Hays headquarters; one npon the Corn Bluff, southeast of the Phillips house, and near Colonel Tylers headquarters, and another at the Lacy house, near Colonel Tompkins headquarters. These stations were di- rected to observe narrowly the country upon the other side of the river, and to report to the general commanding, and to the officers command- ing in the vicinity, the position of all troops and such other items of in- terest as might come within the range of vision. A station of observa- tion was also established south of the Corn Bluff, and near the batteries under the command of Captain De Hussy; toreporttohim and to the head- quarters station the results of their observations, and to open communi- cation with the left wing as soon as it should cross the river. Officers were also sent to each of the principal bridges, with instructions to cross with the advance guards of each grand division, and to select suitable l)ositions from which to i~ommunicate with the stations previously eirn- merated upon the hills on this side. On the 5th instant three officers had been sent with their flagmen and necessary equipments to the gunboats, then lying near Port Con- way, to enable them, if occasion required, to co-operate with the land forces in any crossing or other movement in which they might be em- ployed. The above was the general plan of the duties assigned to the officers upon these days. At daylight on the morning of December 11, the officers were stationed at the different points to which they had been ordered. A heavy mist having arisen during the night, prevented any communication being opened before 12 in., when it raised sufficiently to admit of signaling to the headquarters station at the Phillips house, worked by Lients. James S. Hall and P. A. Taylor, from Lieuts. F. Wilson and H. Dinsmore, at the Lacy house, and Lieuts. James A. Hebrew and William T. Barrett, at the Corn Bluff. About 5p. m. a portion of General Franklins troops crossed the river Page 152 152 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXIII. At this crossing Licuts. J. C. Wiggins and George J. Clarke, with their flagmen, preceded the other troops, and were the first to reach the shore and ascend the hill on the other side. Finding their advanced position untenable, from the severity of the enemys fire, they fell back to the line of our skirmishers, and moved forward again with them, opening communication with Lieut. F. Homer, stationed upon the Corn Bluft near Captain iDe Russys batteries. This communication was kept up until 10 p. in., when the officers were withdrawn by order of General Franklin. Lients. J. B. Brooks and C. F. Stone crossed with the ad. vance of General Conchs corps, but, owing to the lateness of the hour and the rapid rising of the fog and smoke, were unable to attain any satisfactory communication. On December 12, the dense fog and the smoke from the burning town precluded the possibility of any communication until about 2 p. in., when it was established between the headquarters station at the Phillips house and the station at the Lacy house, and upon the Corn Bluff; and also with Lieutenants Brooks and Stone, located in the steeple of the court-house, in Fredericksburg. Lines were also successfully worked from General Franklin, by Lieut. E. C. Pierce, to Lieutenants Wiggins and Clarke, with General Smith, and from General Smith to the station near Captain IDe Hussys batteries. .Ou the 13th instant, communication was successfully established be- tween all the before-mentioned points; five stations communicating to the headquarters station, which was under charge of Lieutenants Hall and Taylor. Lieuts. L. B. Norton, William S. Stryker, and T. iR. Clarke, when not engaged upon other duties, assisted in the labors at this point. General Couch being about to advance with his corps, Lieutenants Brooks and Stone were directed to accompany him, having been re- ]ieved by Lietits. F. E. Yates and F. Fuller, at the court-house steeple. This station was effectively worked by Lieutenant Fuller, assisted by but one flagman until night, Lieutenant Yates having refused to remain upon that post, which was much exposed. The station on the hill, near Colonel Hays batteries, having been one of but little importance, the officers (Lieuts. J. Gloskoski and F. W. Owen) were ordered to cross the river and to open communication with the headquarters station from a point near the left of the town, which was successfully accom- plished, although under the fire of the enemy. Lieutenants Hebrew and Barrett having been relieved by Lients. S. Adams and A. B. Jerome from duty upon the Corn Bluff the former took position with General Willeox, while Lieutenant Barrett ascended the court.house steeple, from which point he conveyed, through Lieutenant Hebrew, to General Willcox the results of their observations. The communication on the left was continually kept up. During December 14, the stations enumerated continued in success- ful operation. A new line was established by Lients. W. H. Hill and C. H. Cary, communicating from General Franklins headquarters, through the station on the Corn Bluff, to the Phillips house. Captain IDe Hussys batteries having been moved to a point farther south, a station was established at Seddons house by Lieutenants Wiggins and Homer, communicating with Lieuts. F. C. Pierce and G. J. Clarke, at General Franklins headquarters. The station on the left of the towim was this day removed, by request of the surgeons, to a point in the vicinity from which the flags would not be visible to the enemy, their previous position having drawn the fire of the rebel batteries and en- dangered the wounded, then lying in the hospitals near by. Capt. C. S. Kendall and Lient. L. H. Fortescue were sent to the court-hous Page 153 CHAP. XXXHI.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 153 steeple, to keep open the communication so successfully maintained on the day previous. On December 15, the fire of the enemy, which had been for the two days preceding directed at the court-house steeple, became more accu- rate, striking it several times, and rendering that position wholly un- tenable as a signal station. It was abandoned at night, when no more important communications were likely to be sent, and the officers in- structed to locate themselves in another steeple close at hand, and from which their movements would be less exposed to the sight and conse- - quent fire of the enemy. No new stations were this day established, but those which were in communication on the previous day were retaimid in good working order. IDuring the night our forces were withdrawn to this side of the river, the signal officers who were on the other side returning with the rear of the troops. On the morning of the 16th all the stations were withdrawn, with the excel)tioIl of that at the Phillips house (which was continued as be- ftre the commencement of the above operations) and the station on the Corn Bluff, both acting as stations of observation and report. Lieu- tenants Hebrew and Barrett were posted at the Lacy house, to observe and report the movements of the enemy in town. THE SIGNAL TELEGRAPH. It is claimed for the signal corps of the Army of the Potomac that it was the first to introduce on this continent, as a medium of commnni- cation upon the field of battle, the magnetic telegraph. At 3 a. m. of the 11th instant, communication was successfully opened by it from the Phillips house which station was nuder charge of Capt. Frederick E. Beardslee, to a point on the extreme left of our line, where Lient. A. M. Wright had established his station. When General Frank- lins advance reached this point, the position of the instrument was re- ported to him, and the line was used by him during the succeeding days. As the forces crossed the river, the wire was extended and the station worked, with but few interruptions, until the recrossing, when the wire was rolled up and the station re-established in its former posi- tion, near this end of the bridge. On December 12, the wire was extended to the Lacy house occa- pied by General Sumner as his headquarters, and remained in good working order, under charge of Lieut. D. Wonderly, with but few break- ages, until the 16th instant, when this line was taken up. From the Lacy House the wire had been extended across the bridge near that place, and into the town, ready at any moment for use; but as it was the wish of General Sumner, made known to me hy Colonel Taylor, his assistant adjutant-general, that the station should not be removed from the Lacy house, an(l as there were not instruments enough at my dis- posal to establish an independent line, the wire was unused. It is proper to remark that a number of the operators engaged upon these lines were instructed as to the construction of the line and the working of the instruments (luring the movements. With what would, under ordi- nary circumstances, have been but sufficientto work three stations, lines were operated from Belle Plain to general headquarters; from general headquarters to the Phillips house, and from the Phillips house to General Franklins headquarters, and to the Lacy house. The stations at General Franklins headquarters and the Lacy house were exposed at times to an artillery fire. Such were the duties performed by the corps during the operation Page 154 154 QPE1~ATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD, AND PA. (CHAP. XXXIII. before Fredericksburg. The officers at their stations were unceasing in their efforts, with but one exception, to open and maintain communi- cation. Many reports were made, and many messages passed, which were promptly submitted to the general commanding, or to his chief of staff, of the importance of which they can best judge. Besides these, many messages and reports were transmitted to the different subordi- nate generals on the field. During the battle of the 13th instant, probably the earliest reports of the progress of the battle on the right from General Couch, as also on the left from General Franklin, were received by the exertions of this corps. Capt. B. F. Fisher, commanding the reserve detachment, was untiring in his efforts to promote the efficiency of the different stations, and freely exposed himself to the fire of the enemy at various times in the dis- charge of his duties. All the officers previously named are well deserving of especial men- tion for the prompt and efficient manner in which their duties were per- formed. They were ably seconded in their effoi4s by their fiaginen, to whom, also, great credit is due. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL T. CUSHING-, Captain, A cting Chief & gnal Officer, Army of the Potomac. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RIcHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac. No. 7. Report of Capt. Benjamin F. Fisher, Third Pennsylvania Rcserves, Act ing signal Officer. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 18, 1862. CAPTAIN: In answer to your circular of December 16, 1862 ,Ihave the honor to submit the following report: In accordance with your instructions, I reported with the reserve signal detachmeht, equipped for field duty, at the Phillips honse about (laylight of Wednesday, December 11, 1862. The fog being very dense, l)recluded, for the time being, the possibility of working signals with success. In the mean time, by your order, I proi~eeded to our extreme left; placed Lieutenant Wright, with his signal telegraph traip, in coin- munication with Captain De R ussy, in charge of the line of batteries, in l)osition to cover the crossing of the river by General Franklins grand division,~ and stationed Lieutenant Homer on an elevation, to keep open communication between the troops about to advance, and, through. the signal telegraph train, with general headquarters. Upon returning to the Phillips house, the fog having somewhat dis- persed, I ordered, according to previous instructions, Lieutenants Wil- son and Dinsmore to the Lacy house, near the upper bridge, and Lieutenants Adams and Jerome to a point near the middle bridge, each set being instructed to open communication with any troops that might cross the river, and also to report to the headquarters station near the Phillips house. In the afternoon, by your directions, I visited the point opposite the lower end of Fredericksburg known as the Corn Bluff and place Page 155 Cur. XXXm.J BATTLE OP FREDERICRSfl1JRG~ VA. 155 Lieutenants Hebrew and Barrett in communication with headquarters station. Upon visiting the station near the npper bridge later in the day, I found that we had gained possession of the opposite bank of the Rappa- hannock, and that the bridge was being rapidly finished; whereupon I immediately sent a message to you, asking for several officers to ac- company the column, then ready to take possession of Fredericksburg; but shortly afterward, meeting Lieutenants Brooks and Stone, made arrangements with tl~em to cross with General Conch and open com- munication from the court-house steeple with the officers near the Lacy house, or with Lieutenants Hall and Taylor at the headquarters station. Soon atter, night, bringing with it a heavy mist, set in, and knowing that no signaling could be done before the morrows sun arid wind had dispelled the fog, I gave Lieutenants Wilson and Dinsmore permission to return to camp, they being instructed to be at their post in good time the next day. Friday, December 12, joined you at the Phillips house. Accompanied Lieutenants Wilson and Diusmore to the Lacy house. Crossed the river into Fredericksburg to ascertain what had become of Lieutenants Brooks and Stone. Found them at the appointed place, the court- house steeple; had them open communication with the officers at the Lacy house, the fog being too dense to distinguish the station at the Phillips house. Reported the locality of station to General Couch. Sent Lieutenant Stone to a point near General Couchs position to open communication directly to the Lacy house. By your directions, sent Lieutenants Adams and Jerome to a point at the extreme right of the town. These officers were afterward drawn in by yourself and stationed at the Corn Bluff. I would here mention that I found them occupying a good point and waiting for the disappearance of the mist preparatory to opening communication with the headquarters station. Very little of interest save the crossing of the troops into Fredericks- burg transpiring, we sent but few messages. The officers occupied their respective stations that night. Saturday, December 13, I was early in Fredericksburg. Was informed by General Couch that he was about to advance to take the enemys works. Sent a message asking for several officers to relieve Lieutenants Brooks and Stone and occupy the steeple. Directed the two latter officers to accompany General Couch. The troops failing to dislodge the enemy, General Couch took up his position in front of the court-house building, and Lieutenants Brooks and Stone reported to him from the court-house steeple. At times the general would ascend and relieve the officers, by taking their place at the glass, and viewing for himself the field of operations. Lieutenants Yates and Fuller having reported to me, were stationed in the steeple to transmit messages to the headquarters station. Ascertaining that the messages could not be transmitted as rapidly as they came, I galloped over to the Phillips house and requested two more officers with them. Lieu- tenants Gloskoski and Owen established a station near General Will- coxs headquarters. Afterward, seeing General Hooker in the city, I rode out to the mill above the city, called in Captain Kendall and Lieutenant Fortescue, and directed them, provided General Hooker remained in town, to report to him, and opened communication with headquarters station. The next morning, finding that Lieutenant Fuller had returned to the Phillips house, I placed Captain Kendall and Lieutenant Fortescue in the steeple, to transmit messages to headquarters, and ordered Lieuten- ant Yates to report to you at the Phillips house. This day I visited Page 156 156 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. by your direction, the signal detachment with General Franklin, and suggested the establishment of a station at the Seddon house, from whence all movements of the enemy upon the right and left could be observed. The suggestion having been reported to General Franklin by Lieutenant Pierce, it was at once ordered to be carried into effect. iLeft Lieutenant Pierces officers all on duty, and returned to Freder- icksburg. On Monday, by your directions, I ordered Set G and Set B to ex- change stations. This was afterward countermamjed by yourself. Our officers occupied the several stations until the troops were withdrawn to this side of the river, when they again reported to camp, except Set G, which still occupied the position upon the Corn Bhiff. I would here take occasion to mention that Lieutenant Barrett was sent by General Wilicox to occupy the court-house steeple, and report, through Hebrew, to the said general. It gives me pleasure to mention the courage displayed and the marked attentiQn given to duty, under the fire of the enemy, by Lieutenants Gloskoski, Brooks, Owen, Fuller, Barrett, and Stone. These officers, with one exception, were for three (lays constantly exposed to the fire of the enemys batteries and rues- sages were sent by them when their flags were the special mark of the enemys artillery. The station of Lieutenants Wilson and IDiusmore also received the gift of shell and solid shot from the enemy. The latter officer displayed much coolness. Accompanying I send you the several reports of the senior officers of Sets B, G,andL. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Capt. SAMUEL T. CUsH~G, Captain and Acting Signal Officer. Chief Signal Officer. No. 8. Report of Lieut. Samuel Adams, Sixty-sixth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. CORN HILL BLUFF, December 17, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, in l)nrsuance to order from the chief signal officer, Army of the Potomac, that at 4 a. m. on the 11th nlthno I proceeded to the Phillips house. At 10 a. in., by your verbal order, I proceeded to the central pontoon bridge. Finding the bridge deserted by the engineers, I retired a short distance, when, meeting the chief signal officer, Army of the Potomac, he ordered us to headquar- ters to await orders. At 6 p. in. we were again ordered to the bridge by the chief signal officer, Army of the Potomac. Part of the column moved early in the morning, an(I we accompanied them. At ii a. in., 12th instant, took station on a yellow house, after- ward occupied by Lieutenants Gloskoski arid Owen. Waited for the fog to lift at that point for some hours. Captain Fisher then gave orders for the set to proceed to the right of the towim. Before reaching sai(l place, we received a verbal order to report to the Phillips house. At 6 p. m. we were ordered to relieve Lieutenants Hebrew and Barrett; but Captain Brooker, informing us that they were no longer there, he commanding the battery, we remained until the morning, when, pro Page 157 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 157 ceeding to resume the station, we found that said officers had not left. Relieviiig them, we removed nearer to the river, and opened cominuni- cation with the left through Lieutenant Hill, and Major-General Burn- side through Captain Halls station. The fight of the 13th instant was witnessed, and such movements as the enemy made were, as far as seen, reported. The attack on General Sumners left was noticed andre- ~)ortedthrongh a glass, however, and consequently with composure. We would respectfully claim for Set G that Lient. A. B. Jerome no- ticed the movement of the enemy on the 13th instant to the left and rel)orted the same in advance of any others. I respectfully submit a copy of messages sent. By order of Samuel Adams, captain and acting signal officer, Set G, Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers: I am, sir, your obedient servant, A. B. JEROME, Lieut. and Acting Signal Officer, First New Jersey Vols., Set G. Capt. B. F. FISHER, Commanding ~ignal Reserve Party. No. 9. Report of Capt. Frederick B. Beardslee, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Army, Acting Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL TELEGRAPH, December 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report: On the afternoon of the 10th of December, Lieut. A. M. Wright ran out the wire from General Sumners headquarters to the road, on the extreme right of batteries commanded by Colonel Tyler, and, leaving the instrument in charge of the colonel of the Thirty-fifth Massachu- setts, I returned to camp. At 12 p. m. that night I started with him and his men to open communication from General ~ headquar- ters to the terminus of the line run out that afternoon. I remained at General Sumners, and Lieutenant Wright proceeded to take charge of the other end of the line. Communication was opened about 3 a. m. the morning of the 11th. I then broke up the station at General Sum- ner s headquarters to the general headquarters for a short time, to work with Lieutenant Wright, there being but one instrument at General Sumners. I then broke up the line from headquarters to White Oak Chalel about 6 a in., and caused the instrument to be carried on horse- back to the Phillips house, General Sumners headquarters, to work time line to headquarters, making the lines to Lieutenant Wright and to Ii eadquarters each an independent line. I also directed that the line from headquarters to White Oak Chapel should be reeled up and taken to the Phillips house, which was done, ar- riving at the Phillips house about 2 p. m. On arriving there myself early that morning, I found that the instrument had been taken out of the house and placed under a tree iii the rear by your orders, and Lieut. William H. Hill in charge. The lines all worked well that day. At 7 ]). in. a detail of cavalry, composed of 10 meii from the Third Indiana, iu charge of Corpl. B. S. Bledsoe, and 10 men from the Eighth Illinois, in charge of Corpi. E. Wayne, reported, to me to act as a patrol over the various lines. They one and all were of great service to me, rehie Page 158 158 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXIIL ing my men from repairing the wire when broken, and keeping the lines in good order. During the evening I received an order from you directing me to run a wire from the Phillips house to the Lacy house by daylight, but, owing to the order being read to me when I was very tired, having been up three nights in succession, I did not fully understand the order until late, when Lieutenant Wright telegraphed for more wire to cross the river, saying that General Franklin wished him to do so. I immedi- ately telegraphed to you asking whether Lieutenant Wright should cross the river, and whether I should run the wire to the Lacy house, as you wished. I meant to have asked the distance to the Lacy house, which I omitted, thinking that I would not have wire enough to extend one line across the river and to run out the other. On receiving your answer referring me to the dispatch from Lieutenant Wright, stating the wishes of General Franklin, which I had not seen before, I consid- ered that it was best to extend the line to Franklin, across the river, and, ifl had wire enough, to return and run out to the Lacy house, cal. culating to have time enough to do it all before daylight. The men I sent out with the wire to Lieutenant Wright lost their way, owing to a dense smoke; and returned to me. I then concluded it best to go with them myself, and thought I would have time enough to return before daylight, but, I regret to say, I did not; but immediately on my return the wire to the Lacy house was started, and up ready for use within an hour. Meantime I telegraphed to Lieutenant Wonderly, as you directed, to come up to the Phillips house, which he did. I immediately placed him in charge of the station at the Lacy house, sending the instrument there on horseback. For the particulars of the working of the station at the Lacy house and at Franklins headquarters, I respectfully refer you to the accom- panying reports of Lient. A. M. Wright * and Lient. D. Wonderly. To work the lines properly, I took the instrument at headquarters that was used on the White Oak Chapel line to the Phillips house, and used it on the line to the Lacy house, making it an independent line. During the day, while the commanding general was at the Phillips house, the sta- tion at Franklins headquarters only communicated to that place; but when the general returned to his headquarters, and while there, the Franklin station worked through to headqi~arters, making three sta- tionsone at Franklins headquarters, one at the Phillips house, and the other at headquarters. In doing so, I had to disconnect from Belle Plain, so as not to interfere with important messages going to and com- ing from headquarters. All day during the battle of the 13th we were kept busy sending and receiving messages, many of them very impor- tant, apd I think that, considering the little practice the operators at the various stations had on lines of more than one station, that everything worked remarkably well. At 4 a. in., the morning of the 14th December, 1862, I sent wire, lances, and men to Lieutenant Wonderly, to run a wire across the river, to be ready for use if we wished to move the station across the river. This wire was not used at all, but taken up on the night of the 15th of December, 1862. The wire across the river at Franklins headquarters, after doing good service, was also taken up on the night of the 15th, or rather the morn- ing of the 16th, Lieutenant Wright and party being about the last ones to cross. On the 18th of December, 1862, the line to the Lacy house was taken Not found Page 159 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 159 up. I omitted to state above that this line was entirely run out by means of the hand-bearers. All of the wire, & c., was brought into camp, and communication again opened with Belle Plain; also with the Phil- lips house, as before. Too much credit cannot be given to Lient. A. M. Wright for the able manner in which he managed the laying of thewire from the Phillips house to the left grand division, and in moving his station while there across the river and back, and keeping open communication with the general headquarters while under fire. Lieutenant Wonderly also deserves creditable notice for keeping open communication with the general headquarters all the time, although several times under fire. Among others of my party, I wili particularly notice Operators liough and Levy for the good service they have done for the last week; also the operators at headquartersCorrigan, Presley, and Pal toii. The ineii composing my l)arty were Sergeant Booth, Privates Mabie, Fishback, Clawson, ilenginer, Chantillier, and French. They all cheer- hilly did all that was required of them. The only loss sustained by my party was a few feet of wire and ont horse, which broke loose during the engagement of the 13th of Decem- ber, 1862. I send with this the original dispatches received at my station; also the reports of Lieutenants Wright and Wonderly, with the original dis- patches received by them at. this station. I am, sir, your obedient servant, F. E. BEARDSLEE, Capt. and Acting ASignal Officer, Corndg. Signal Telegraph Train. Capt. SAMUEL T. CUSHING, Chief Signal Officer. No. 10. Report of Lieut. Frederick Fuller, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. CAMP T~EAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 17, 1862. SIR: In accordance with orders from headquarters signal camp, Army of the Potomac, I have the honor to make the following report of serv- ices rendered during the engagement at Fredericksburg: Thursday morning, at 8 oclock, December 11, 1862,1 accompanied the party under command of Captain Pierce, attached to command of Gen- eral Hooker, to the front. Here I remained during the day, in readiness for action and awaiting orders. Receiving none, I returned with the ~arty to a point 2 miles back, and encamped for the night. Next morn- ing, December 12, I rode again to the front, when I was ordered, with Lieut. T. R. Clarke, to open a station at the Lacy house, to open corn- munication with the station at General Sumners headquarters, and to look for a station in Fredericksburg. This was immediately done, under a heavy fire from the rebels; but, according to a previous order, we were relieved in course of one and a half hours by Captain Fisher and his party, so we could be in readiness to advance with General Booker. Return- ing to General Sumners headquarters, there I remained till night, and, receiving no further order, returned again to camp Page 160 160 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL Saturday, December 13, at 10.30 a. in., I was ordered by you to the station in the top of the court-house steeple in Fredericksburg, corn. municating with the one at General Sumners headquarters, to relieve Lieutenants Brooks and Stone, who were to go forward with General Conch in case he advanced, and keep up communication with them. Lieutenant Yates at the same time was ordered to go forward with Gen. eral Couch and return to the charge of the station in the court-house steeple. When I arrived I found that General Conchs headquarters were still at the court-house. I immediately re]ieved Lieutenants Brooks and Stone, so they could be in readiness to go forward when needed. I at once proceeded to top of steeple, and opened communication. Gen- eral Couch being present, I reported the fact to him. At this time the fighting had become general and desperate, and, under a terrific fire of shot and shell, I sent- the following messages: 12 M. General SUMKER: The advance has started. D. N. COUCH. 12.45 P. M. General BuERsInE: Our infantry have advanced, and are hotly engaged. The enemy hold their own; they have about two batteries in action on a hill, and are playing into our infantry. B. F. 1P.M. General BIIRNSIDE: Our troops are under a severe cross-fire, but stand firm. B. F. 1.15 P. M. Lieutenant YATES: General Burnside directs that you keep that station at all hazards. TAYLOR. 1.20 P. M. General BUENSiDE: We are advancing; the enemy are still in their rifle-pits. FULLER. 1.30 i. ~. General BUENSiDE: Two of our divisions are now engaging the enemy. 1.35 ~. M. General BUIiNSIDE: Send the ammunition to the Lacy house~ Hancock and French are so hotly en- gaged, I need re- enforcements. D. N. COUCH. General BUENSIDE: General Couch desires you to clear the stragglers out of town with cavalry. General PATRICK: Every cellar in the town must be cleared at once. D. N. COUCH. General BURNSIDE: If you can send a good division, I think the left flank of the enemy can be turned; it will only he necessary now. I have not a division for the purpose. P. N. COUCH. General BUIINSIDE: Send two rifled batteries. D. N. COUCH Page 161 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 161 I think there were other messages sent, but I have not a copy of themone to General Hooker that General Howard was marching out, signed D. N. Couch, and another to General Sumner that General Couchs front line was falling back. General Couch seemed to depend much on the station, and most of his orders were given to me by himself verbally. Upou ordering over re-enforcements, in a few moments after, he wanted to know if I had got the message through, when, to his satisfaction, I told him I had, and that they were already crossing the river, which he could see by his own observation. After the station was opened, I, of course, expected Lieutenant Yates to take charge, and that I was to render all aid in my power; but, upon inquiring, no one could tell me where he was. I was obliged to make observations and send all messages unaided, and with only one flagman, the other being obliged to guard my horses. The messages were given to me rapidly, and often three or four at once. Upon receiving the order directed to Lieutenant Yates, from General Burnside, I again tried to find him, but could not. He came up once, when, by the greatest urging, I succeeded in getting him to send one message, after which he ignominously fled, and openly declared, in pres- ence of the men, that he would not stay there. My thanks are due to Lieutenant Barrett, who had been sent there by General Willcox to make observations, for kindly offering to take charge of the station while I could get a drink of water. I then found Lieutenant Yates in rear of the court-house, but could not prevail on him to go on the sta- tion. After six hours of tedious duty I was ordered to join Captain Pierce. I left the station a little after 5 p. m. This order was received through Lieutenant Yates, when all responsibility rested on him; yet he remained on the ground in rear of the buildiiig when I left. I am pleased to report that both of my flagmen, J. C. Kintner and Fayette McClure, behaved well, and displayed coolness and bravery under this terrific fire and during the entire engagement. Respectfully submitted. FREDERICK FULLER, Second Lient. Fifty-second Pa. Vols., and Actg. Signal Officer. Capt. SAMUEL T. CUSHING, Chief Signal Officer. No. 11. Report of Licut. Joseph Gloskoski, Twenty-ninth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. IN CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, December 18, 1862. CAPTAIN: On the 11th instant, at daybreak, we reported, agreeably to your orders, to Colonel Hays, commander of batteries at Falmouth, and, establishing station near his headquarters, opened communication with Phillips house, or General Sumner. On this as on the following days, dense fog allowed us but few hours for observations; for the same reason, also, we could not see any move- ments of our troops or of the enemy south of Fredericksburg. On the following day I reported to the chief signal officer that the 111 l~ RVOL XX Page 162 162 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXUL strongest force of the enemy must be south and southeast of Freder- icksburg. Their infantry from opposite us moved in that direction. On the 13th we were recalled from our station and ordered to Fred. ericksburg. There we established ourselves upon the roof of a house selected by you, for the purpose of communicating from General Will- cox to General Sumner. From that place we had good view of the en- emy south, southeast, and southwest of us, and we might have also communicated to Colonel Hays, and directed the shots of his guns, if signal station had remained there. I could not preserve all messages for that day, because there were so many of them, and often given few at once [sic], that I have had not time to note them all, except the following :* General SUMNER: General Butterfield is to sen(l Griffin, his right bower, to the assistance of Gen- eral Sturgis. WILLCOX. General SUMNER: General Sturgis reports that he is within 80 paces of the crest, but says, for Gods sake, send another division, as he has but one regiment in reserve. I have requested Butterfield to send a divisiun. WILLCOX, General. General SUMNER: General Griffin is relieving General Sturgis, who is holding on in spite of everything until he is relieved. WILLCOX. 6 P. M. To 333: From all appearances our troops have not gained an inch of ground since 4 this p. m. L. Colonel TAYLOR, Chief of Staff: General Conch reports that he has command of the crest of the hill, and I have or- dered Sturgis to advance. Humphreys is ordered to support Couch. WILLCOX. (This message was sent first of all.) Between 6 and 7 p. m. the shells of the enemy became very annoying. It seemed as if they directed several guns upon our station purposely to hit us, and there is not the least doubt that they were trying their best to do that. The roof under our feet, the trees over our heads, houses next to ours, everything near us was either broken, riddled by shells, or tumbled in ruins. The sentinel in front of our station was killed, several men in the house wounded, and in a neighboring hos- pital 15 wounded men killed by one shell. At last their range became so dangerous that the surgeons requested us, for Gods sake, to stop sig- naling, as it endangered, they supposed, the lives of wounded men in hospitals. We agreed to that request, as by that time the fate of the day was decided, and we had no more important messages to send. We remained on that station until the night, between 15th and 16th instant, when we learned that all our generals and all our troops had recrossed the river; then we also abandoned our position at 4 a. in., and reported in this camp. I have the pleasure to remark that Lieutenant Owen remained cool * Purely personal~dispatches are omitted Page 163 CIlAi-. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 163 in the hottest fire, and behaved at all times as became an officer and a soldier. The menprivatesin my set have performed their duty well. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. GLOSKOSKI, Ijeut. Twenty-ninth Regt. N. Y. Vols. and Sen. Sig. Officer, Set L. Capt. B. F. FISHER, Commanding Signal Reserve Party. No. 12. Report of Capt. James S. Hall, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. SIGNAL STATION SUMNERS HEADQUARTERS, December 18, 1862. SIR: 1 respectfully submit the following special report on the duty performed by my command during the engagement before Fredericks- burg: The 10th instant I received orders from you to have my command in readiness for active duty. I at once gave them the required orders. Six oclock p. m. of the same day I was ordered to report at headquarters in person, when I received instructions designating the position of my officers for the next day. Accordingly, I sent Set I to the corn-field, to report to Colonel Tyler, commanding siege guns; Set J were ordered to open communication from Falmouth. This they did not do, because General Couch had requested they should remain with him and cross the river with his advance. This fact being made known to you, Lieu- tenants Gloskosky and Owen were ordered to Falmouth, and Lieuten- ant Yates was assigned to my command for temporary duty. He estab- lished communication with Set L. It was found difficult to signal to Falmouth, and the station was discontinued. Lieutenants Brooks and Stone had, in the mean time, crossed the river and endeavored to open communication with Set B at the Lacy house, but failed. This was oii the 11th. Next morning Brooks entered the court-house steeple and opened with this station. Set B had opened communication from the Lacy house with this station. Set L, from a point in the lower part of the town, established communication with this station. Set I had also opened communication with this station. Set G opened communication with us from near the middle pontoon bridge. Thus we had five sta- tions communicating with us. Lieutenants Norton and Stryker were ordered to assist us at this point, which was done. After the discon- tinuing of the Falmouth station, Lieutenant Yates was ordered to re- lieve Lieutenants Brooks and Stone in the steeple. Afterward Lieuten- ant Fuller was ordered to the same duty. Set J continued making observations of the enemys position and reporting to General Couch, who remained on the station the greater part of the day. Set G, Lieu- tenants Adams and Jerome, were ordered, at 6 p. m. the 12th, to relieve Set I. From some unexplained cause, they failed to relieve said set till 10.30 oclock next day. At once Set I reported to camp, when they were ordered to report to General Willcox, which they obeyed. For the duty performed by them whilst there, see report of Set I. Set F was con- stantly engaged, assisted by Lieutenants Norton, Stryker, and Clarke Page 164 164 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. in making observations, reporting, receiving, and transmitting messages during the days of the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th instant. I here. with transmit the reports of Set I and Set J; also Lieutenant Barretts individual report. These reports will, I trust, make up any deficiency in my own. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Acting Signal Officer, CommandingDetachment. Capt. SAMUEL T. CusrnNG Chief Signal Officer. No. 13. Report of Licut. Edward C. Pierce, Third ilfainc infantry, Acting Signal Officer. CAMP NEAR WhITE llousn, VA., December 17, 1862. Su~: I herewith submit the following report of duty performed by the signal party under my charge and on duty at the headquarters left grand division: On the morning of the 11th instant, Lieuteuant Wiggins, by my order, reported to General Smith, commanding Sixth Corps, left grand divis- ion, and proceeded with him to a point on the north bank of the Rap- pahannock Itiver, where the pontoon bridge was being thrown across the river. We did nothing in the way of signaling until about 5 p. in., when, the troops of General Newtons division having been ordered to cross the bridge, I sent Lieutenants Wiggins and Clarke to accompany them, and open communication with Lieutenant Homer, stationed at the batteries on the bluffs, on the north bank of the river. Lieutenants Wiggins and Clarke, with their fiagmen, then crossed, preceding the in- fantry. They dashed up the line on the other side, but were driven back by the enemys skirmishers, who held the bluffs. One of Lieutenant Wiggins horses was shot by a rifle ball, and Lieutenant Clarkes horse received a ball in his leg. Waiting until the skirmishers of the Second Rhode Island Infantry came up, they advanced again, and received another volley of musketry; but they held their ground, and immediately opened communication with Lieutenant Homer. Communication was kept open until 10 p. in., when, by order of General Franklin, I ordered Lieutenants Wiggins and Clarke to withdraw and join me on this side of the river, which they did at once. On the morning of the 12th, at 9.30 oclock, General Smith and staff crossed the river, Lieutenants Wiggins and Clarke accompanying them, and communication was opened and kept open between General Frank- lin on the north bank of the river and General Smith on the south, until 3 p. in., when I informed General Franklin that the signal telegraph was working to General Smith, on the south bank of the river. General Franklin then immediately crossed and joined General Smith, and they established their headquarters at the house of Mr. Bernard. I opened communication immediately with Lieutenant Homer. On the 13th, line was running between Lieutenant Homer and General Franklins headquarters all day,. and about noon Lieutenants Hill and Caryjoiued me Page 165 CHAP~XXXflI.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 165 On the 14th, 2.25 p. in., Lieutenants Hill and Cary established a sta- tion at or near the telegraph station, in communication with Lieutenant Jerome, on the Corn Bluff, and through that station with headquarters of General Burnside. My reason for establishing this line was this, that in case any accident happened to the signal telegraph, we could be still in communication with headquarters. Lieutenants Homer and Clarke remained on this station until we evacuated the south bank of the river. On the 14th, I ordered Lieutenants Wiggins and Homer to report to Captain Be iRussy, commanding artillery, near the Seddon house, and establish a station of observation, and also as a means of communication with General Franklin. They remained with Captain Be Hussy until the night of the 15th, when, by my order, they returned to camp. On the night of the 15th, General Franklin returning to the north side of the river, I closed all stations and returned with him. To-day we moved to this point and established our headquarters. With reference to the enlisted men of my party, I would say that they were all exposed to severe artillery fire, and where all did so well it would be invidious to mention the names of any one in particular. With this I submit the reports of the officers under my charge. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. PIERCE, First Lieutenant and Signal Officer in Charge. Capt. SAMUEL T. CusHn~, Chief Signal Officer. No. 14. Report of Licut. David Wonderly, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, Acting Signal Officer. BELLE PLAIN, December 18, 1862. SIR: in accordance with your instructions, I inclose you a report of the work done by the United States army telegraph during the four days fight at Fredericksburg. On Thursday evening I received orders to report at headquarters by daylight on Friday morning. This I complied with at once. While there, I was ordered to open a line with the Lacy house, opposite Fred- ericksburg, Va. I found the wire partially laid, and in one hours time from leaving General Sui~ners headquarters the line was in full com- munication with general headquarters. The following are the most important messages that were sent and received during the action, to wit :* General SUMNER: The advance has started on. COUCH- * * * * * * * General SUMNER: I am losing a great many men, being so much exposed. The enemy are covered in their rifle-pits. Send me two rifled batteries immediately; I have none. General COUCH. * Those printed elsewhere are here omitted Page 166 166 OPERATIONS iN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. General SUMNER: If you have a good division, send it, if it can be done. It is oniy necessary now. I have no troops for the purpose. Major-General COUCh. * * * ft * * Maj. Gen. E. V. SUMNEIi: General Burns has moved two brigades across Deep Run, to support General Frank- un. XViII Cox [you] send the remaining brigade? He requires it. He regrets leav- ing unguarded the position between Deep Run and Hazel Run. 0.B. WILLCOX, Major- General. Sent. General SUMNER: The enemy have thrown up new works 60 degrees west of north from Fredericks- burg court-house, I think for artillery. BROOKS. General HOOKER: Loss in one of Humphreys brigades abont 1,000. BUTTERFIELD. LACY hOUSE SIGNAL STATION. Captain CLJSIIING: General Whipples division is now crossing the bridge. The enemy have opened fire upon them, and our batteries are replying. WILSON. - HEADQUARTERS SECOND Coups. A negro, just in from the enemys lines, states that those in front fell back last night, and that there are but a few men left; that Jackson went to Port Royal. This negro belongs to Dr. Garland, father of Captain Garland, ambulance corps. The doctor is here, and believes what he says is true. General Kimball gave the alarm. D. N. COUCH, Major-General. FALMOUTII, VA., December 16. Col. L. C. BAKER, Provost-Marshal, Washington, D. C.: Bill was lost, and I sent him back. I might say I have lost one, and am still piping the other. For Steele. SMITH. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH Coups, Near Palmouth, December 16, 1862. Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding Twelfth Corps, Dumfries: By direction of the general commanding, you will remain in your present position between Dumfries and Wolf Run Shoals, and awtit further orders. Order. pro- visions and forage to Fairfax Station. Keep your cavalry well out to the right, and send Colonel Nazer with his cavalry, who is at Dumfries, and belonging to this corps, forward to join me. If you have sent a part of your baggage by rail to Alexandria, to be shipped to Aquia Creek, stop the same at Alexandria. Please acknowledge receipt. F. SIGEL, Major- General. There are other miscellaneons dispatches, relating simply to hospital affairs, ambulance corps, & c., which I considered of minor importance, and have not transcribed. Teamsters and soldiers in general have occasioned much trouble and inconvenience, in order to satisfy an idle curiosity, by cutting and carrying off the wire,. This, however, has been remedied to a great extent, and communication is now carried on with brighter anticipations Page 167 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 167 On Saturday, December 13, I received an order to lay the wire across the river. In less than twenty minutes from the time I received the order, the wire was laid and ready for operation at any moment. On Monday evening, perceiving the troops recrossing, I succeeded, after a great amount of difficulty, in reeling my wire off the pontoon bridge, and am happy to inform you that during the engagement and in reeling up to headquarters I did not lose a foot of wire. Messrs. Colton, of the One hundred and thirty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Creigh, of the One hundred and twenty- sixth, operators, acquitted themselves with great honor, manifesting a spirit of genuine bravery during the engagement. Messrs. Jones, of the One hundred and thirty-third Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and Henginer, of the One hundred and fifty-fifth, line men, though exposed to great danger, performed their part heroic- ally, and deserve much praise for the skillful and acute manner in which they guarded the wire. In my monthly report I will speak more fully of the working of the instrument. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, DAVID WONDEIRLY, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. Capt. SAMUEL T. CusurNo, Chief Signal Officer. No. 15. Report of Lieut. Cyrus B. Comstock, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Faimouth, Va., December 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit an account of throwing pontoon bridges across the iRappahannock on the 11th instant, at Fredericks- burg: The following was the programme, which was in it~ main features carried out: Two bridges to be thrown at npper end of Fredericks- burg, one at lower end, and two a mile below, making the distance be- tween the extreme bridges nearly 2 miles. Lieutenant Cross, with Engineer Battalion, to throw the lowest bridge of all. General Wood- burys Volunteer Engineer Brigade to throw the others. Each bridge to be covered by artillery and a regiment of infantry. Heads of bridge trains to arrive at bank of river at 3 a. in.; material to be unloaded and boats in the water by daylight, and bridges to be then finished in two or three hours, if not interrupted by the enemy. On the left bank of the river, in the vicinity of the bridges, the ground rises rapidly from the river to a plateau half a mile wide, and from 30 to 50 feet above the river; back of this the ground rises again from 30 to 100 feet more, either into a ridge or a second plateau. This latter high ground com- mands the city of Fredericksburg and the ground behind it, and lower down the river, for from 1 to 2 miles from the right bank; there being on the left bank a plateau, some 30 feet above the river, but varying on the right bank in width from 1 to 2~ miles. Along the highest ground on the left bank already spoken of, and along the edge of the plateau near the river~ one hundred and seventy-nine guns were put in positio Page 168 168 OPERATIONS IN N. VA, XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIi. (luring the night to cover the crossing. The river being sunk 30 feet below the plateau on its two sides, the bridges were covered from artil- lery fire; the artillery officers believed that they could at once silence any musketry fire from the town, or from the bank opposite the lower bridges. The heads of bridge trains arrived on the bank of the river about 3 a. in., as proposed. At the bridge thrown by Lieutenant Cross, the ma- terial was unloaded, and then moved by hand about 200 yards to the bank of the river. At the bridge just above, the material was unloaded on the bank of the river, 250 yards above the place of the bridge, and floated down. At 8.15 a. in. this bridge was practicable for infantry, and that of Lieutenant Cross half over, when the parties were fired on by two companies of the enemy, who were, however, soon driven away by the fire of the artillery and infantry covering the bridges. Lieutenant Cross bridge, including approaches, was ready for all arms at 11 a. in.; the other at 9 a. in. One man of Lieutenant Cross com- mand was wounded and 2 taken prisoners. Meanwhile, at Fredericksburg, nearly all the material had been un- loaded (a part on the edge of the river and a part on the plateau above, 100 yards from it), and one bridge at the upper and one at the lower end of town were half way across, when, at 6 a. in., a sharp musketry fire was opened on them from houses and other cover in the city, driving the men from the bridges. Our artillery at once opened on the town, and during the morning several unsuccessful attempts were made to go on with the bridges. There had been a thick haze all the morning, often making distinct vision impossible at distances greater than 400or 500 yards. This lifted before 3 p. in., rendering effective artillery pos- sible. At that time a heavy fire was concentrated on the houses around the bridge heads, and un(ler its cover men were thrown across in pontoons, the enemys sharpshooters captured or driven away, and the bridges completed. It is believed that if it had not been for the haze this might have been effected iu the morning. General Woodbnrys Volunteer Engineer Brigade lost 1 officer and 0 privates killed and 2 officers and 41 l)rivates wounded. Many of the pontoons were riddled with musket balls, without, how- ever, seriously injuring them. The throwing of the bridges was delayed by the ice, which, at the lower ones, was in places nearly half an inch in thickness, and nearly closed the river. On the night of the 11th, another bridge was thrown at the upper end of town, and on the 12th another, a mile below town, making six bridges in all, varying from 400 to 440 feet in length; five of them practicable for all arms. No resistance was made to the debouch of our army from these bridges, General Lee deeming the ground too well covered by our artillery. (See his report.) After the army had recrossed, these bridges were removed without loss o~ material or interuption from the enemy. The data for this account are derived from personal observation, and from General NXToodbury~s official report. A sketch will be sent here- after. Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, lieutenant of Engineers, and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac. General JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief of Engineers, U. AS. Army Page 169 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDEELCICSBUflG, VA. 169 No. 16. Report of Lient. 9harles E. Cross, U. S. Corps of Enginecrs, commanding Engineer Battalion. CAMP OF ENGINEER BATTALION, December 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the affair of the 11th, when the Engineer Battalion threw a pontoon bridge across the iRappahannock about a mile below Fredericksburg; also a report of the dismantling of the same bridge on the 16th: The battalion, with a train of 30 boats, arrived near the bank of the river about 3 a. m. On account of the difficulty of approach, I was un- able to bring the train close to the waters edge, as was intended, but was obliged to unload the boats 200 yards from the site of the bridge, and to transport all the material to the water by hand. This occasioned an unexpected delay of two hours. By 7 a. m. all the material was delivered at the edge of the water, and the bridge begun. The bridge was completed at 10.30 a in., and the approaches at 11 a. m. At this time I reported to General Franklin that the bridge was all ready for the passage of artillery and infantry. 1 think, in justice to the battalion, it should be mentioned that our progress was much retarded by ice on the river. About 9 a. m. a line of the enemys skirmishers appeared on the op- posite bank and began firing at ns. One man was wouiidedJames Savage, Company C. At this time a party was at work on the ap- proaches on the south shore. Two of this party, Privates Allen Mc. Donald and J. A. Curtis, were taken prisoners. The enemy was soon forced to retire by the fire of our snpports. On the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th, the bridge was in constant use. It required no repair during that time. On the night of the 15th, I received an order from you to dismantle the bridge as soon as General Franklins command had crossed. His rear guard passed over at 4.30 a. m. on the 16th. Immediately after I began dismantling the bridge. This was accomplished by 5.30 a. m. By 3 p. m. all the bridge material was loaded, and by dark the whole train was parked in the vicinity of headquarters, and turned over to General ID. P. Woodbury in good order and ready for service. This labor was performed by the battalion with cheerfulness and alacrity. I was assisted in my duty by Lient. George L. Gillespie, Corps of En- gineers. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES E. CROSS, First Lieutenant, Commanding Battalion of Engineers. Lieut. C. B. COMSTOCK Chief Engineer, Arny of the Potomac. No. 17. Report of Brig. Gen. Daniel P. Woodbury, U. S. Army, commanding Engineer Brigade. HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BIIIGADE, Near Fredericksburg, Va., December 12, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the operations of the Engineer Brigade in throwing bridges over the Ra~pahannock on the 11th instant~ In obedience to the orders of the commanding general, four bridg Page 170 170 OPERATIONS IN ~ VA., W. VA., MDI, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. trains were taken to the banks of the liver at 3 oclock oji the morning of that day, preparatory to the construction of two bridges at the rope ferry, above the center of the town; one bridge opposite the lower end of the town; one bridge abont 1 mile below the town. All these bridges were commenced soon after 3 oclock, supported each by a regiment of infantry, placed under the cover of the adjacent low banks, and by numerous batteries of light and heavy guns, planted upon the crests, near the river. The low bridge, under Major INJagruder, Fifteenth Regiment New York Yolunteers, was completed, all but the last lay, at 8.15 a. in., when a volley from the enemy wounded 5 of the men, and caused for the time a suspension of the work. The enemy, having no shelter, was soon dis. persed by our artillery. The bridge was resumed and finished at 9 a. in., under the immediate superintendence of Lieizitenant Slosson. The Fifteenth Regiment afterward assisted in completing the other bridges. The lower town bridge and one of the upper ones, under Major Spauld- ing, Fiftieth Regiment New York Yolunteers, were about two-thirds built at Ga. in., when the enemy, availing himself of every possible cover, commenced a strong fire of musketry upon the pontoniers and the infantry supports. Captain Perkins, a fine officer of the Fiftieth Regiment, was instantly killed. Captains Brainerd and McDonald, both excellent officers, and many privates, were soon afterward wounded and disabled. Our artillery tried in vain to silence this fire, a dense fog making it impossible to distinguish objects on the opposite shore. The work was resumed several times during the morning, without mak- ing much further progress. About 10 oclock, I led 80 volunteers from the Eighth Connecticut, under Captain Marsh, Lieutenant Ford, and Lieutenant Morgan, to the scene of operations, placing one-half of them under cover as a reserve. Before the other half touched the bridge, several of them were shot down, nnd the remainder refused to work. The fog clearing up soon after noon, our artillery fire upon the opposite banks became very effective, and the fire of the enemy was greatly diminished. About 3 oclock, preparations were made for sending over men in pon- toons, in accordance with the advice of General Hunt. After another heavy cannonading, about 120 men of the Seventh Michigan, Halls brigade, crossed over at the upper bridge in six pon- toons, rowed each by three men of the Fiftieth, Lieutenant Robbins steering the leading boat to the point indicated. One of the oarsmen in this boat was shot down, and the boat was, for a short time, arrested. A few other casualties occurred while the men were passing over. As soon as they reached the opposite bank, they formed, and gallantly rushed to the buildings occupied by the enemy, and took some prison. ers. Other parties rapidly followed, and the bridges were finished with- out further opposition. Soon afterward, 100 men of the Eighty-ninth New York crossed at the lower town bridge in four pontoons provided by Major Magruder, with crews from the Fifteenth New York. Others fol- lowed, and the sharpshooters of the enemy who still remained were immediately captured. The bridge was soon afterward finished. I was greatly mortified in the morning to find that the pontoniers under my command would not continue at work until actually shot down. The officers and some of the men showed a willingness to do so, but the majority seemed to think their task a hopeless one. Per- haps I was unreasonable. It is generally considered a braye feat to cross a bridge of any length under fire, although the time of danger may not last more than a minut Page 171 CHAP. xxxm.j BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 171 or two. How much more difficult to build a bridge exposed for hours to the same murderous fire, the danger increasing as the bridge is ex- tended. I found a loop-holed block-house, uninjured by our artillery, directly opposite our upper bridges, and only a few yards from their southern abutment. I also found in the neighborhood a rifle-pit behind a stone wall, some 200 feet long, and cellars inclosed by heavy walls, where the enemy could load and fire in almost perfect safety. There were many other secure shelters. During the night of the 10th and 11th, between sunset and 2 oclock, a corduroy road 1,000 feet long was laid by the Fourth Maine, under the superintendence of Lieutenant Van Brocklin, Fiftieth New York, at a point on the river about 14 miles below town. This ruse seems to have been very effective in deceiving the enemy. The officers of my staff, Capt. II. W. Bowers, Lieutenants Cassin and Hassler and Captain line, Fiftieth New York, a volunteer aide for the time, were untiring during the night and day, going wherever duty called them, regardless of danger. I inclose the reports of Major Magruder, commanding the Fifteenth New York, and of Major Spaulding, commanding a detachment of six companies of the Fiftieth New York. These highly efficient officers dis- charged their duties with great energy. They give more detailed accounts of the operations. From personal observation, I am able to confirm Major Spaulding in praising the conduct of Captains Brainerd and Ford, and Lieutenants Robbins, Folley, and Palmer. Captain McDonald and Lieutenants McGrath and Dexter are also deservedly praised. Besides the bridges above mentioned, one was built by the regular Sappers and Miners, under Lieutenant Cross, on the 11th instant, and another has since been built by the Fifteenth New York, a mile below the town, so that six bridges in good order now span the river. The three opposite the town are each 400 feet long. One of those below the town is also 400 feet long; one 420 feet, and one 440 feet. In conclusion, I take pleasure in acknowledging the assistance of Lieutenant Comstock, chief engineer. He came upon the ground at a critical moment, when the first detachment of infantry had embarked to cross over, and gave a strong helping hand in urging and inducing others to follow. I send herewith the official reports of the killed and wounded of the Engineer Brigade in the action of the 11th instant, amounting to 50 in all.* Very respectfully, D. ~. WOODBURY, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE - Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac. [Addonda.l KEY WEST, December 21, 1863. MY DEAR GENERAL: I have read your interesting report of military operations during the past year, and I wish to thank you for all you have said incidentally relative to myself in connection with Burusides operations at Fr~dericksburg. * But see revised statement, p. 129 Page 172 172 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. I could not fully exculpate myself without demonstrating that my commanding officer, General Burnside, was in fault. The narrative of facts proved this, but some of my friends did not understand the matter and have never been satisfied with my record. Your clear and explicit statement removes all obscurity and doubt, and I am naturally much gratified. My vindication at your hands is the more gratifying because my own testimony before the Congressional committee was construed in some of the newspapers as imputing fault to you. When I first met Buruside at Fredericksburg, and was asked to explain why pontoons were not at hand when the army arrived, I told him that he commenced his movement before he was ready; that be ought to have remained at Warrenton some five days longer; and I added, to show that the idea was not new to me, I told ilalleck so. It never occurred to me to say anything about this conversation to the committee, nor did I do so, or even think of it, until one of them drew it out by a direct question. I then seemed, to a careless reader of the record, to desire to throw some blame upon you. Changing the subject, it seems to me that the rebels have not made, during the past season, all the use of their interior lines which they might have made. In June they undertook two principal operations: First, to iuvade Maryland and Pennsylvania; second, to oppose Rose- crans with an army nearly equal to his own. Had the army of Bragg been added to that of Lee, the latter might, perhaps, have g~lined the battle of Gettysburg, and that would have compelled us to withdraw the army of iRosecrans for the decense of Washington. On the other hand, had the army of Lee been added to that of Bragg, Ilosecrans might, perhaps, have been overwhelmed far from his base. Too late they at- tempted the right thing. After losing the use of the railroad connect- ing Virginia with Chattanooga, after IRosecrans had secured an impreg- nable position (Chattanooga) to fall back upon in case of defeat, they began to re-enforce Bragg by the very circuitous route of Atlanta, and then gained a battle with very little advantage to themselves. if the enerny has sometimes been superior in tactics, I think he has been beaten in strategy throughout the year, and it will be hard to rob the General-in-Chief of a principal share of the credit. Truly, yours, D. P. WOODBURY. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C. No. 18. Report of Capt. Henry W. Bowers, Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Near Fredericksburg, Va., December 17, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, on the morning of the 16th instant, an order having been received from Headquarters Army of the Potomac, at 3A5 a. in., to dismantle and remove the pontoon bridges oppo- site Fredericksburg when all the troops had recrossed the river, in com- pany with yourself, I visited the middle pontoon bridge at 4.30 a. m After an examination by yourself of the river bank on this side for more than half a mile below the bridg% it was decided impracticable to land the pontoonssuccessfully below the locality of the bridge, unless at th Page 173 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 173 lower bridges. The pontoons which had been brought up from below were accordingly ordered back. Eight or ten, however, had been already landed and drawn up on shore. By your direction, I remained at the middle bridge, with instructions to dismantle it when all the troops had crossed over. Owing to a misunderstanding of your orders on the part of one of the officers of the pontoniers, the dismantling of the bridge was commenced about 6 oclock. As soon as I discovered the error, I directed the chesses to be replaced. The interruption to travel over the bridge was not more than ten minutes in duration but as the same officer had sent one of his men into the town to turn the troops to the upper bridge, a brigade was turned back that otherwise would have crossed at this place. As I was not able to put myself in communication with the officer commanding the rear guard, I could have no certain information when the town was entirely evacuated. I therefore directed a few chesses to be taken up, the lashings loosened over every fourth boat, and every preparation made to float the bridge off in sections at a moments notice. About 8 a. m. a half regiment passed over the bridge, the officer in com- mand stating that they formed the rear picket, and that all our troops had evacuated the town. As the tide was running out rapidly, and a heavy northwest wind blowing, I saw that it would be exceedingly diffi- cult to take the boats up the stream with the small force at my command, and directed the lashings to be refastened, the connection with the shore loosened at each end, a cable made fast to the extremity of the bridge next the town, and then fastened down the stream to the shore on this side. The boats were also all connected by a cable, a half hitch being made around each stanchion; all but three of the anchors were weighed, and the bridge held by spring lines to these. At 9 a. m. Captain Sterling, of General Butterfields staff, came upon the ground and stated that the town had been entirely evacuated. I accordingly directed the bridge to be swung round, leaving four boats with crews to bring over stragglers. The few balks and chesses connecting the farther extremity of the bridge with the shore fell off into the water, the bridge swung easily round, was drawn in and made fast to the shore on this side, the whole process occupying less than five minutes. There are at this point, including those on shore, thirty-four boats. Very respectfully, II. ~. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- Generat. Brig. Gen. D. P. WooDBURY, Commanding Engineer Brigade. INo. 19. Reports of Maj. James A. Magruder, Fifteenth iYew York Engineers. CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 12, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report as follows: December 10, at 8 p. in., i marched seven companies of my command to the pontoon park, and at ten minutes before 1 a. m. of the 11th fell in line of march with my train in rear of regulars train. At 5 a. in., just before the signal guns heard higher up the river, the train was in position at the appointed place, and at once unloaded. At 7 a. in. the abutment was begun, and the bridge was nearly finished without interruption fro Page 174 174 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. the enemy. One of his picket stations, on the opposite shore, lay behind a collection of houses and barns. The hostile pickets kept their stations during the time occupied in laying the bridge, but did not molest us until 8.15 a. m, when the balks of the last bay were in the act of being laid; they then rapidly ran forward 20 paces, peered over the bank, and ascertaining the position of our landing, hastily retired behind the houses. Immediately a considerable body, perhaps two companies of men, doubtless the picket reserve, appeared on the brow of the hill, de- ployed as skirmishers, and, from their commanding position, poured a volley upon the workmen on the bridge. Six men were wounded by the discharge, and the boats pierced in many places. The firing was returned with promptness and great spirit by the re- serve companies, whose conduct under this their first fire is deserving of much credit. The artillery instantly opened on the enemy, and dispersed them in confusion. Twice afterward, in much larger numbers, they attempted to rally, but were each time scattered in ludicrous confusion by the accurate fire of the batteries. The bridge after this delay was com- pleted at 9 a. in., under the superintendence of Lieutenant Slosson. At 1.30 p. in., agreeably to orders, I took with me Companies B, C, I, E, and A, and marched to the incomplete pontoon bridge below the railroad. Dividing Company E into crews to man four pontoon boats, beside the reserve of bridge layers, I embarked 25 men of the Eighty- ninth New York Volunteers in each boat, and landed them on the other side, under cover of a well-directed fire of artillery and sharpshooters. The rebel musketeers, who had so seriously annoyed the bridge-builders during the day, seeing resistance now hopeless, surrendered themselves to the number of about 100. The work upon the bridge was then rapidly pressed forward and completed by dusk. In the ferrying across of the infantry and building the bridge, the coolness and skill of Company E is deserving of special praise. Company A also rendered signal assist- ance. Meantime a similar service was rendered by Companies C and B at the upper pontoon bridge, infantry being conveyed across under the covering fire of artillery, and four bays of the bridge built; when Major Spauldiug, of the Fiftieth, arrived and assumed command. These com- panies, however, continued to render assistance until the bridge was completed, and afforded passage to the troops ordered to garrison the captured city. The whole command, with the exception of Company K, which guards the lower, and Company II, the upper (railroad) bridge, then returned to camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. MAGRUDER Major, Commanding. General D. P. WOODEURY, Commanding Engineer Brigade. CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., [December 17, 1862.] GENERAL: I have the honor to report that immediately on receiving your order to take up the bridges, on the nigbt of the 15th, at about midnight, I left the camp with Companies E and K, the former com- manded by Lieutenant ~1osson, and the latter by Captain Sergeant Page 175 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 175 Companies II, A, F, and G were on duty at the bridges. At the time of my arrival troops were crossing the three bridges. At 3 a. in., the 16th instant, I ordered Companies E and K to com- mence dismantling the first bridge, which was done in about an hour; and as troops were still crossing the two remaining bridges, they were not disturbed until after daylight. Immediately upon the passage of all the troops which were to cross at this point, the work of dismantling the middle bridge was commenced by Companies E and K, Companies II, A, G, and F assisting in loading chesses, balks, & c. As soon as the bridge was completely dismantled, the boats were sent up the river, with crews from the different companies, but were soon brought back to their original position, Companies E and K remaining at the lower bridge opposite Fredericksburg and aid- ing to bring it to this side of the river. Soon after daylight, Companies A, G, and II xvere relieved by Com- panies B, C, and I. The boats were unloaded, drawn out npon the bot- tom land, loaded on the wagons, and, as fast as teams could be procared, drawn away. The work of getting the boats and material in a safe place was continued until about 2 p. m. without interruption from the enemy, when, the batteries which had been placed on the hill above to protect us having been withdrawn, we were fired upon by a party of the enemy stationed in the houses and barns opposite. Our men and a detachment of the Seventy-seventh New York (who were on the ground) returned the fire. My men continued the work until 3 p. in., when all the prop- erty having been moved to a place of safety, we returned to camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. MAGRUDER, Major, Commanding. General D. P. WOODBTJRY, Commanding Engineer Brigade. No. 20. Reports of Maj. Ira Spaulding, Fiftieth New York Engineers. WHITE OAK CHURCH, VA., December 12, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with your orders, I moved three pontoon bridge trains to the Rappahannock on the night of the 10th instant, and at about 3 oclock on the morning of the 11th we commenced laying the three bridges at the points desig- nated opposite Fredericksburg, one being located opposite the docks, near the lower end of the town, and two at the rope ferry, about oppo- site the center of the town. The lower bridge was under the immediate superintendence of Captain McDonald, and the two upper bridges under Captains Brainerd and Ford, respectively. At about 6 a. in., when one of the upper bridges and the lower bridge were two-thirds completed, and the other about one-fourth built, the enemy opened a galling fire upon us at the upper bridges, from the houses near the shore and from behind walls and fences, killing 1 captain and 2 men, and wounding several others. One bridge had approached so near the south shore that the men at work upon it were within 80 yards of the enemy, who were under cover, while the infantry supporting us on the flanks were at long range, and could do littl Page 176 176 OPERATIONS IN N. VA.~ W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXJ7IT. damage to the enemy. My men were working without arms; had no means of returning the enemys fire, and were driven from the work. We made two more unsuccessful attempts to complete this bridge, and were each time driven back with considerable loss in killed and wounded. At the first attempt, Captain Brainerd was severely wounded and removed to the hospital. During one of the intermissions between these several attempts to complete the bridge, a detachment of 80 men, volunteers, as I understood, from infantry regiments, came down to as- sist us in completing the bridge, but upon their arrival near the shore they could not be induced to enter the boats or go out on the bridge. At about 3 p. in., it having been determined to throw a force of infantry across the river, to dislodge the enemy, I detailed men to set them across the river in pontoon boats, and Lieutenant Robbins, of Company A, by your orders, took command of the first boat. As soon as a sufficient number of troops had landed on the opposite shore, they formed under cover of the bank, attacked the enemy, and, in a few minutes, drove them from their positions. When the attack commenced, we resumed the construction of the bridge, and, with the assistance of a detachment from the Fifteenth Regiment New York State Volunteer Engineers, in about forty minutes the bridge was completed to the opposite shore, and troops commenced crossing. While all this was being done at the upper bridge, similar operations were going on at the lower. In the early part of the morning, I had divided my time between the upper and lower bridges; but, after the attack commenced at the npper crossing, I could not leave it, and Cap- tain McDonald remained in command at the lower bridge, until he was wounded and conveyed to the hospital, when Lieutenant McGrath assumed command. Soon after the enemy commenced the attack upon us at the upper crossing, they also opened fire upon our men at the lower bridge, with results similar to those at the upper bridge. Here we also lost heavily in killed and wounded. After four unsuccessful attempts to complete this bridge, a detach- ment of the Fifteenth New York State Volunteer Engineers, and of a regiment of infantry, as I am informed, were sent across the river in pontoon boats, where they formed, drove the enemy from his position, and took quite a number of prisoners. A detachment from the Fif- teenth New York State Volunteer Engineers also assisted Lieutenant McGrath to complete this bridge. Our loss is as follows: Commissioned officers killed, 1; wounded,2; total, 3. Non-commissioned officers and privates killed, 6; wounded, 27; total, 33. Total,killed and wounded,36. Official report of the killed and wounded shall be forwarded as soon as received. The bearing of all the officers whose conduct came under my notice, was deserving of commendation. To Captains Brainerd, Ford, and Mc- Donald I am much indebted for the efficient manner in which they pre- pared their trains, conducted them to their positions, and performed their work; and also for their cool and resolute bearing under the fire of the enemy. I desire particularly to commend Lieutenant Robbins for his zeal and daring, for his coolness in conducting the first detach- niment of troops to the opposite shore, and for his judgment in carrying out your orders for posting them until they formed for the attack. My acting quartermaster, Lieutenant Falley, notwithstanding the fact that he is at present necessarily relieved from duty in his company, and not- withstanding the large amount of labor he is required to perform in hi Page 177 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 177 department, was most pressing in his request to be allowed to join his company for duty upon this occasion, to which I assented, and he ren- dered most excellent service. Lieutenant Palmer also was very cool and efficient in the discharge of his duties. Captain Perkins was a brave and an efficient officer, and the service suffers a great loss in his death. Some of the non-commissioned officers and privates showed the effects which are usually produced upon unarmed men placed for the first time under a heavy fire, and without the means of repelling the attack. They were panic-stricken, and it was difficult to make them join in the re- peated attempts to complete the bridges; the conduct and bearing of many of them, however, was deserving of especial praise. Some of the privates deserve to occupy the places now held by unworthy men as non-commissioned officers, and when I receive the official reports of com- mandants of companies, I shall be happy to bring the names of these men to your favorable notice. I am under many obligations to the offi- cers and men of the Fifteenth Regiment New York State Volunteer Engineers, for the able and timely services rendered us in completing the bridges at both crossings. I have not yet received Lieutenant McGraths official report of opera- tions at the lower bridges. As soon as it is received I will forward it. He speaks in high terms of the conduct of Lieutenants Dexter and Van Rensselaer, and also of many of his men; others were panic-stricken, and by their conduct rendered themselves worse than useless. After the attack commenced at the upper crossing, all our efforts were directed toward the completion of the second bridge at this crossing. All of my spare pontoons then in the river had been left on the lower side of the bridge first built, and I therefore deemed it best to build the second bridge on the lower instead of the upper side, where it had been origi- nally commenced. At 3 oclock the next morning we commenced its construction, and at 6.30 oclock it was ready for the passage of troops of either arm of the service. Many of the boats were so much damaged by the shot of the enemy that it was difficult to keep them afloat, but they have all been repaired or replaced, so that the bridges are now in good condition. I. SPAULDLNG, General D. ~. WOODEURY, Major, Commanding Detachment. Commanding Engineer Brigade. NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 17, 1862. GENERAL: In pursuance of orders received from you on the morning of the 16th instant, I detailed one company of my detachment, under command of Lieutenant Van Rensselaer, to proceed to the pontoon bridge below and near the railway crossing, for the purpose of removing the bridge when the troops had all crossed, and my instructions to Lieu- tenant Van Rensselaer were that he would receive his orders from you, and that he should do nothing toward dismantling the bridge until he should receive your orders to do so. Beyond this, I had nothing to do with dismantling the lower bridge. This company left camp, I think, about 4 oclock in the morning. About the same time 1 left camp with the balance of my available force, and proceeded to the two upper pon- toon bridges at the ferry, crossing opposite Fredericksburg, to carry out your instructions for dismantling those bridges. My instructions from 12 R IlVOL XX Page 178 178 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. XXXIII. you were, that after most of the army had crossed to this side, and when it was evident that the numbers still to cross could be sufficiently accom- modated by one bridge, I was to dismantle the lower one of these two bridges, and take it down in rafts to the north shore behind the island, leaving the npper bridge until the rear guard had passed, then dismantle that, and take it to the same point, bringing the stragglers over in pontoon boats, and that I would receive no orders to dismantle these bridges, but must depend upon my own judgment. In compliance with these instructions, I waited until I ascertained from artillery officers that the last battery had crossed, and I was assured by them that there were but a few regiments of infantry on the other side. As I had been informed by Captain Bowers that you would be at the Lacy house, and that I could communicate with you there, I sent Sergeant Pieltz to say to you that the artillery had all crossed to this side; that the num- bers of infantry then crossing were very small, probably not more than 50 to 100 being on the bridges at one time, and not one-quarter as many as could be accommodated by one bridge ; but that, as I still had no means of knowing how many troops were on the other side, I did not like to take the responsibility of taking up one of the bridges without orders, and asked for instructions. Sergeant Pielty returned with the information that he could not find you at the Lacy house. I waited about half an hour longer, and I then sent Lieutenant Bobbins to the Lacy house with a message similar to the one sent by Sergeant Pielty, and he returned with the same answerthat he could not find you. Finding the number of troops crossing still continued to be small, I then gave orders to dismantle the lower bridge. In a few minutes it was separated in five rafts, and four of them started down the river, the fifth raft being delayed by the boats near the north shore resting on the ground. About ten minutes after the rafts had started down the river, an aide of General Butter. field rode up, saying that General Hooker was very much dissatisfied with the removal of the bridge, and that he ordered it to be immediately replaced. I stated to him that I feared it would take an hour and a half or two hours to rebuild the bridge; but, as he said that General Hookers order was imperative, I gave the order for the return of the rafts and reconstruction of the bridge, sending, at the same time, a message to General Hooker, stating the length of time I thought it would require to rebuild the bridge. The rafts were brought back much sooner than I snpl)osed they could be, and, placing an additional boat near the north shore, the operations were so much facilitated that in twenty-five minutes from the time I received General Bookers order the bridge was again ready for use. Just as it was completed, Lieutenant Van Brocklin returned with a message from General Hooker, to the effect that, if it would take an hour and a half to restore the bridge, I need not go on with it. I sent him immediately back to General Hooker, to notify him that the bridge was already replaced, ready for use. During the time there was but one bridge for the passage of troops. There was, for about ten or fifteen minutes, some delay on the bridge, owing to the slowness of the men in marching up the bank; but at no time was the column on the other side any larger than one bridge could accommodate, if they had passed off at the north end as rapidly as they crossed the bridge. At about 8.45 a. m. you gave the order to Captain Ford to turn the column across the upper bridge and dismantle the lower one, and in ten minutes the rafts were passing down the stream. About twenty minutes after this, I received fromh you the order to dismantle the uppe Page 179 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 179 bridge. This I did by detaching it from the south shore, and swinging the south end down stream, to avoid the rocks, then separating it in the center, and taking it down the river in two rafts and two single boats, dismantled on the north end, on acconnt of their being aground. The rafts were taken to the north shore, near the old suspension bridge piers, dismantled, all the materials carried on shore, and the boats hauled out of the water. There the pontoons and other bridge materials were left, in accordance with your instructions, and, at 10 a. in., I sent my men to camp. There are still left on the bank of the river, near the north approach of these bridges, two army wagons loaded with chests, one tool wagon, and a small quantity of bridge material on the ground. The lower bridge, in charge of Lieutenant Vau Rensselaer, was dis- connected at the south end and swung around the north shore, but was not dismantled. Very respectfully, I. SPAULDING, Major Fiftieth New York Engineers, Commanding Detachment. General D. P. WOODEURY, Commanding Engineer Brigade. No. 21. Report of Lieut. Michael II. McGrath, Fiftieth New York Engineers. CAi~u WHITE OAK CHURCH, December 13, 1862. SIR: In compliance with your orders, Company K and Company F, Fiftieth New York Engineers, under command of Captain McDonald, proceeded to the point designated by you, on the left bank of the Rap- pahannock River, and arrived about 3 oclock on the morning of the 11th of December, unloaded the bridge material, and proceeded to lay the bridge. All went on quietly until we got within about 80 feet of the dock in Fredericksburg, when we were opened npon by a body of in- fantry lying concealed oii the opposite shore. We had 2 privates wounded this first fire. Our artillery on the left bank opened fire on the points where the enemy were concealed, which, in about thirty min- utes, silenced their fire. We went on the bridge again, and commenced work, but, as soon as we were collected together, the enemy poured a very heavy fire on us, which wounded Captain McDonald, 1 sergeant, and 3 privates. The range being so short and the fire so heavy, it was impossible for the men to work; they accordingly went under cover. Captain McDonald being wounded, I assumed command. Our artillery gave them round shot and shell for another half hour, when their fire slackened, and fiuially entirely ceased. I then collected my men together, and made another attempt to finish the bridge, but, as soon as I got fairly at work, we were fired upon, the fire being much heavier than either of the others. We lost by this fire 2 men killed and 9 wounded. It was then determined to make another attempt to lay the bridge, and to throw a body of infantry across the river in boats, to dislodge the enemy, which was accordingly done. At this time, having many o Page 180 180 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. my men disabled, and some of my men being absent on hospital duty, I could not collect sufficient force to man the boats conveying the in- fantry and at the same time proceed with the building of the bridge. I gave it up to a detachment of the Fifteenth Regiment New York Engi- neers, by order of Captain Bowers, assistant adjutant-general of the Engineer Brigade. * * * * * * * Yours, truly, M. H. McGRATH, Lieut., Gomdg. Company F, Fiftieth New York Volunteer Engineers. Maj. IRA SPAULDING, Jiieut., Comdg. Detachment of Fiftieth New York Engineers. No. 22. Reports of Brig. Gen. Henry J. Hunt, U. S. Army, Chief of Artillery. ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 10, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the general operations of the artillery of this army from December 10 to 16, 1862. It having been determined to cross the Rappahannock and attack the enemy in his position, I received orders from Major-General Burn- side to make the necessary disposition of the artillery, to protect the construction of the bridges and to cover the passage of the army. It was determined to construct at least five bridgestwo at the upper part of the town of Fredericksburg; one at the lower part, and two more about 14 miles below the second crossing place, the distance between the upper and lower bridges being 2 miles. The enemy occupied the town and a ridge of hills extending from above the Falmouth ford to Massaponax River, 5 miles below. This ridge forms an angle with the river, passes behind the town, and is itself overlooked by another ridge behind it. Between the ridge and the river extends the plain on which the town of Fredericksburg stands; narrow at this point, but spreading out toward the Massaponax and the front of the lower bridges. This ridge is, from Falmouth down to where it touches the Massaponax, about 6 miles long. On the north of the river the prolongation of the ridge, which crosses the river at Falmouth dam, forms a high and broken country at and near Falmonth. Bordering the river a narrow plain and broken ground extend to near the position selected for the middle bridges, whence a high ridge or bluff commences, and stretches in nearly a straight line to a point below the position of the lower bridges. This high ridge is about 2,500 yards long; is broken near the center by a deep and heavily wooded ravine, and is terminated by another ravine, perpendicular to its general direction. Beyond this ravine plains extend for about 800 yards, where a lower ridge, some 900 yards in length, and curving toward the river, terminates at Pollocks Mill, near the mouth of White Oak Run. The course of the river forms a curve, opening from the upper point of this bluff; and terminating near Pollocks Mill, thus lea Page 181 CRAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 181 lug a low plain, the extension of that on the south side, varying in width from the river to the hills from 350 to 1,100 yards. Along the base of the ridge runs the main or river road, crossing White Oak Run by a ford at Pollocks DISTEIBUTLON OF THE ARTILLERY. Mill, about 5~- miles. The Right. In order to control the enemys movements o 20-pdrs., E, 2d U. 5., Lieutenant on the plain; to reply to and silence his bat- Benjamin. teries along the crest of his ridge; to command 63-inch, A, 4th U. S., Lient. King. 6 3-inch, G, 1st R. I., Capt. Owen. the town; to cover and protect the throwing of 4 3-i~h, L, 2d N. Y., Captain the bridges and the crossing of the troops, and 6 10-pd d Pa. Batty., Captain to protect the left flank of the army from at- 6 IJurell. tacks in the direction of the Massaponax River, 10-~drs~ B, 1st N. Y~, Captain it was necessary to cover the entire length with 6 10-pdrs~ D, 5th U. S., Lieuten- ant Hazlett. artillery, posted in such positions as were favor- able for these purposes. The Artillery Reserve The Right Genter. had been so much reduced by the assignment 6 10-pdrs., 4th N. Y. Batty., Cap of batteries to the cavalry brigades and in- 6 l2-pdrs~K,1st U. 5., Captain fantry divisions, that all the division artillery, ~ Graham 12-pdrs., 0-, 4th U. 5., Lienten except one battery for each, was withdrawn ant Miller. from the troops and temporarily attached to the ~ 12-pdrs,K,Sth U. 5., Lienten- reserve, which was arranged in four large di- 63-inch, D, 1st N. Y. Battn., Cap-. visions. 03-inch, K~iss~w~ I., Captain The right, under command of Lieutenant- 6 Waterman. Colonel Hays, aide-de-camp (now brigadier- 3-inchH,lst Ohio, Captain general), extending from Falmouth dam to a The Left Center. deep, long ravine, about 500 yards below Fal- 4& inch, B, 1st Conn., Captain mouth, consisted of forty rifled gnns, of which ~ Brooker. six were 20-pounder Parrotts, and the remaiii- 3 4~-iuch, M, 1st Conn., Captain der light rifled guns. 4 20-pdrs., A, 1st N. Y. Battn., The right center, under the command of Cob- ~ Captain Diederichs. 20-pdrs., B, 1st N. Y. Batto.. nel Tompkins, First Rhode Island Artillery, ex- Captain Voegelee. 4 10-pdrs., 3d N. Y. Batty., Lieu- tended from the ravine to near the point as- tenant Ham. signed for the middle bridge, and consisted of 4 10-~lrs~C, 1st Pa., Captain thirty-eight gunstwenty-four light rifles and ~ 10-pdrs., D, 1st Pa., Capt. Hall. fourteen light 12-pounders. The left center, under command of Col. (uow The Left: Brig. Gen.) R. 0. Tyler, First Connecticut Ar- ~ 20-pdrs~5th N. Y. Batty., Cap- tillery, consisting of twenty-seven rifled guns, 420- drs., C, 1st N. Y. Battn., of which seven were 4A-inch siege guns, eight 6 Jhentenan t Wever. 3-inch, A, lstMd., Capt. Wolcott. 20-pounder Parrotts, and twelve light rifles, 63-inch, 2d Maine, Captain Hall. 6 3-inch, 1st N. Y. Batty., Captain occupied the crest of the high ridge, commeuc- Cowan. ing near the middle bridge, and extending to ~ 3.iy~%~51st N. Y., Captain the wooded ravine, near the center of the 43-inch, 4th Pa. Batty., Captain Thompson. ridge. 4 3-inch, F, 1st Pa., Lieutenant The left, nuder the command of Capt. G. A. Ricketts. 4 3-inch, G, 1st Pa., Lieutenant De Russy, Fourth U. S. Artillery, consisting of Amsden. eight 20-pounder Parrotts and thirty-four 3-inch rifles, occupied the remainder of the crest of this high ridge, and the whole of the low ridge, terminating at Polbocks Mill. The right division was charged with the duty of clearing the hills on the south side of the river in front of them, and their slopes down as far as the town; to engage the enemys batteries of position on the crests, and to sweep the plain from below the ford to the hills, so as to clear it of the enemy, and thus aid the advance of Sumners grand divisiou in the assault, which, in the original plan of battle, was in- tended to be made on the enemys extreme left. The right cente Page 182 182 OPERATIONS IN N. VA, XV.. VA., MD., AND PA. [CnAP. XXXIII. was directed to protect the throwing of the bridges and to cover the pontoons and workmen, by subduing the fire of the enemys troops from the houses and cover opposite the points selected; to sweep the streets of all columns of re-enforcements, and to destroy any gnus that ipight be placed in position to bear on the bridges. The left center com- manded the ground between Sumners left and Franklins right, from Hazel Run to Deep Run, and was specially directed to prevent the enemy from re-enforcing either.of his flauks from the other, except by the circuitous route in rear of his position; to sweep the valley of Hazel Run, and to control the railroad bridge across it. The left division was directed to cover the ground below the lower bridges; to protect the left flank of the army; to assist in covering the workmeii employed in throwing the bridges, and to move its light batteries down the river as occasion required, so as to prevent the enemy crossing the Massaponax River and annoying our left. The left center and left divisions were directed to unite their efforts in keeping clear the plain in front of the lower bridge, and in covering the passage of the troops. Orders were given for all the batteries, first, to concentrate their fire on such of the enemy~s works or guns as should open on our masses as they approached the crossing places; second, to turn their fire npon such bodies of the enemys troops as should offer to oppose the passage; third, to cover the deployment of the troops when across, by checking any advance of the enemy; fourth, after the deployment not to fire over the heads of our own troops, except in case of absolute necessity, and, lastly, to aid their advance, when possible to do so, by sweeping the ground in front of them with their fire. These instructions having been carefully communicated, the batteries of the four divisions were ordered to rendezvous, the right at a point about a mile behind Falmouth; the right center on the plateau in the rear of the Phillips house; the left center in the open ground near general headquarters camp, aboyLt 2 miles from the river; the left at White Oak Church, all being out of view of the enemy. At these points the divisions were met by their commanders, who conducted the batteries to their respective positions. The move- ment commenced at dusk, and by 11 oclock all were properly posted, without confusion or any noise by Which the enemy could learn that a movement had taken place. On the morning of the 11th (December), the construction of the bridges commenced before day. Soon after daylight, the upper and middle bridges being about half constructed, a heavy fire of musketry was opened upon them from the opposite bank, which, after considerable loss, drove the engineer troops from their work at both places, notwithstanding the fire from their infantry supports. The batteries were then opened, and partially silenced the fire of the enemy. As the fog was dense and the batteries at a distance, and those on the bluff could not be used safely on the immediate banks of the river, six light 12-pounder batteries (thir- ty-six gnus) were drawn from the divisions and 1, 1st U. 5., Lieutenant Kirby. l)osted on the banks, four near the upper an(l Fand K, 3d U. 5., Lient. Turubull K, 4th U. 5., Lieutenant Seeley. two near the middle bridges, all beimig attached A, 5th U. 5., Lieutenant Gifliss. to the command of Colonel Tompkins. in this G, 1st N. Y., Captain Frank. 13, 1st R. I., Captain Hazard. first cannonade no less than five stock-trails of the 12-pounders were broken by the shock of firing. They were defective, and, it is almost needless to say, contract work, the contractors being Wood Brothers, of New York. A severe cannonade was now opened upon the cover which protected the enemys sharpshooters, and after this fire was silenced another attempt was made to throw the bridges, but the enem?s skirmishers soon opened again, and, in addition, a column of infantry moved down the principal street towar Page 183 CHAr. XXX~.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 183 the water. Millers battery (Irove these back, but their sharpshooters succeeded in stopping the work on the bridges, as it was impossible to open with our artillery ~so long as the pontoniers were at work and the enemys cover was proof against our infantry fire. All the batteries that could be brought to bear were now, by order of General Buruside, turned upon the town, and soon rendered it un- tenable by any considerable body. Again the fire of the enemys sharp- shooters was beaten down by the artillery; the work of throwing the bridges resumed by men who volunteered for the purpose, but with the same results. A few hundred sharpshooters, scattered among the cel- lars,in ditches, and behind stone walls, drove them from the bridges. About 2.30 oclock I proposed to fill the bateaux, not yet in their places in the bridges, with infantry, to make a dash to the opposite side, and, while the troops should land and attack the enemy in his cover, to row the pontoons to their places and complete the bridges. This plan was adopted. Major Doull, inspector of artillery, on my staff; took charge of all the operations at the middle bridge. The guns were again brought into operation at both bridges, and, under direction of Colonel Tompkins at the upper and Major Doull at the middle bridge, a furious cannonade completely suppressed the enemys fire, when the boats, at a given signalthe cessation of the firepushed across. The men (volunteers from the Seventh Michigan and Eighty-ninth New York) jumped out and dashed at the enemy, driving him from his cover and capturing over 80 prisoners. At the lower bridge less difficulty was experienced. Five batteries two withdra ~vn from the divisions waiting to cross, an(1 three from De Russy~s divisionwere 4 12-pdrs., C, 5th U. 5., Captain brought near the bridges, and soon drove oft the ~ Ransom. 12-pdrs., A, 1st Pa., Lieutenant enemys sharpshooters, who endeavored to pre- 6 Simpson. vent the cutting down of the banks, to foim a 3-i~~t N. Y. Batty., Captain practicable road for artillery. 43-iuch,F,lst Pa., Lieutenant When the troops commenced crossing, the 43-inch, (i, lstPa., Capt. Amsden. enemy opened on them from his batteries on the crests opposite the upper bridges, but without doing any damage. They were replied to by some of the batteries of the rio-ht r _ and left center divisions. b ight center, This day (Friday, December 12) was spent in crossing the troops and their batteries. The enemy occasionally fired upon the ti-oops during the passage, and were replied to by our rifle batteries in position. The light 12-pounders, which had been drawn from the divisions the Previous day, to cover the construction of the bridges, rejoined them as they crossed. At the upper bridges there passed the river, with Sumners gFand division, ten batteries, consisting of fourteen Wth ~ Gd rifles and forty-two 12 pounders; and with But- umners ran svsszon. terfields corps and Whipples division, of Stone. 63-inch, A, 1st II. L, Captain Ar- nold. * mans corps, nine batteries, consisting of twen. 4 lO-pdrs~ E, 4th U. 5., Lienten- ty-six light rifles and twenty-two light 12- ~ 1O-pdrs. pounders, making in all nineteen batteries, of 2 12-pdrs. how- Land M,3d U. 5., 6 itzers. Capt. Edwards. one hundred and four guns, which passed the 12-pdrs., B, 1st Ii. I., Captain river with the troops. 6 Hazard.* 12-pdrs., C, 4th U. 5., Lienten- The greater number of these could not be ant Thomas (1 55C.k). used, but were left in the streets of Fredericks. 6 12-pdrs, I, 1st U. S., Lientenant Kirby (1 sec.*). burg, and a portion was ordered back to the 612 pdrs.. A, 5th U. S., Lieuten- ant Gilliss. north side. Of the nineteen batteries which 6 12-pdrs., (1, 1st N. Y., Captain crossed, seven (marked *) were wholly or par. 6 Frank (2 sccs.*). 12-pdrs., B, 1st N. Y., Captain tially engaged. Osborn Page 184 OPERATIONS LN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CIJAP. XXXIII. 4 12-pdrs., ID, 1st 11. I., Captain Buckley. With Butterfields Corps and Whip- pies Division. 4 3-inch, I, 5th U. S., Capt. Weed. 4 3-inch, C, 1st N. Y., Capt. Barnes. 6 3-inch, E, 1st Mass., Captain Phillips.k 6 10pdrs., ID, 5th U. 5., Lieuten- ant Hazlett. 6 12-pdrs., C, 1st Mass., Captain Martin. 6 32-pdrs., L, 1st Ohio, Lieutenant Dorries. 4 12-pdrs., B and G, 1st U. S., Captain Itandol. 6 3-inch, 11th N. Y. Batty., Cap. tam Von Puttkammer. 6 12-pd? s., 10th N. V. Batty. Cap- tain Bruen. With Franklins G-and Division. 4 3-inch, L, 1st N. Y., Captain Reynolds. * 4 1-inch, A, 1st N. II., Captain Gerrish. 4 3-inch, 4th Pa, Batty., Captain Thom~,son,* 6 3-inch, ~il Maine, Capt. llall,* 4 3-inch, B, 1st Pa., Capt. Cooper. 4 3-inch, G, 1st Pa., Captain Ams- 6 3-inch, A, 1st Md., Captain Wol- cott. 4 3-inch, Ii, 1st Md., Capt. Snow. 6 3-inch, 1st N. J. Batty., Captain Hexamer. 4 10-pdrs. F, 5th U. S., Captain 2 12-pd~s.S Ayres. 6 12-pdrs., B, 4th U. S., Lieuten- ant Stewart. 4 12-pdrs., C, 5th U. S., Captain Ransom. 6 12-pdss., ID, 2(1 U. S., Lieutenant Williston. 6 12-pdrs.. G, 2d U. S., Lieutenant Butler. 6 12-pdrs., 5th Maine Batty., Cap- tain Leppion. 6 12-pdrs., A, 1st Mass,, Captain MeCartney. 4 12-pdrs., A, 1st Pa., Lieutenant Simpson. With Birneys end Sickles Divis- CoOS. 6 10-pdrs., B, 1st N. J., Lieutenant Clark. 6 12-pdrs., K, 4th U. S., Lieuten- ant Seeley. 6 12-pdrs.. II, 1st U. S., Lieuten- ant I)iniick. 6 12-pdrs., F and K, 3d U. S., Cap- tain Livingston. 6 12-pdi-s., F, tat It. I., Captain Randolph. On the left, seventeen batteries, consisting of forty-six light rifles and forty light 12-pound. ers, were crossed with Franklins grand divis- ion. To complete this number, five batteries of twenty-four rifles (marked *) were drawn from Captain IDe Russys command and ordered to rejoin their divisions. Franklin was re-enforced by Birneys and Sickles divisions, with which crossed five l)at- teries of six rifles and twenty-four light 12. pounders, making in all twenty-three batteries, of one hundred and sixteen guns, which crossed the river at the lower bridges. The develop- ment of the attack on this flank was such that all the batteries were in position, and rtll but one of them engaged, many of them very se- verely. - Sumners and Franklins attacks (Saturday, December 13) were entirely independent of each other. In Sumners the front of attack was limited by the Plank road on the right and Hazel Run on the left, and there was but little opportunity for the employmeiit of artillery to advantage until the enemys skirmishers and sharpshooters were driven off. The divisions accordingly moved out of the town without their batteries, but artillery was soon called for. Dickensons battery (four 10-pounders) of horse artillery and Arnolds (six 3-inch guns) were then placed in action upon the outer edge of the high ground on which Fredericksburg stands. The first (a horse) battery being very much exposed, within a short distance of the enemys works, Lieutenant Dickenson himself killed, and a number of his men killed and wounded, I sent, on the application of General Couch, two batteries, of six 3-inch guns each (Kusserows and Watermans), under command of Major Doull, Secoiid New York Artillery, inspector on my staft to replace it. Major Doull l)laced these guns on the right of the Plank road, about 800 yards from the enemys batteries, and at short musket range from their infantry, and, preparatory to each infantry at. tack, the fire was directed obliquely to the left, to take cn ecliarpe the enemys batteries, and, as far as possible, the stone wall at the foot of the hill, behind which their infantry lay. During this time Arnold had been engaged with the enemys batteries, but was, from his position, compelled to cease action when our infantry advanced, as at such time it masked his fire. The batteries under Major Doull were on these occasions turned on the enemys guns, and invariably silenced them. During the afternoon the enemy brought up a field battery to the as- sistance of his guns in l)Osition; but it was soon driven otT by Kusse- rows aild Watermans batteries, under the immediate direction of Major Doull. 18 Page 185 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 185 hi front of the crest occupied by these batteries was a second crest, separated from the first by a wide ditch. About 3.30 p. m. it was deter- mined by General Couch to risk a battery in this position. Captain Morgan, his chief of artillery, carefully examined the ground, and directed Captain Hazard to place his battery (six 12-pounders) at the point indi- cated. The order was executed with coolness and gallantry, the bat- tery being brought within 150 yards of the enemys position. In about fifteen minutes, 16 men and 15 horses, including those of the captain and his two lieutenants (Bloodgood and Milne) were placed hors de combat. Hazards battery was supported by four guns of Franks battery (12- pounders), which were taken into action in fine style a little to the left and rear of Hazards. Both batteries were handsomely served, and the retreat of a regiment, the men of which rushed l)ell-melL through them, produced no bad effect on the cannoneers. These batteries were withdrawn when the assault of Humphreys divis- ion failed. Hazards battery had been so much disabled that one gun had to be brought off by hand, and its limber, left temporarily on the field, was then brought off by Sergt. Anthony B. horton (First Rhode Island Artillery), who volunteered for the purpose. When these bat- teries were moved to the advanced ridge they were replaced on the first by Phillips battery (six 3-inch guns), the fire of which was very effective. When Lieutenent Dickenson was killed, the command of the battery devolved upon Lieutenant Egan, First U. S. Artillery, the only other officer with it, who was compelled to withdraw it from the superior fire of the enemy. First Sergeant Moran (Fourth U. S. Artillery), badly wounded in the face at the first fire, continued at his post, and, when his commanding officer was killed, took command of a section. Franklins attack on the left was made by his grand division, Smiths and Reynolds corps, re-enforced by Birneys and Sickles divisions, of Stonemans corps, and the deployment of the attack enabled him to bring all his division artillery into action. The right of the troops connected with Gettys division between Deep and Hazel Runs. On the right of Deep Run was placed Willistons bat- tery (six 12-pounders). On the left, Ayres (under command of Lieuten- ant Martin), Butlers, McCartneys, Clarks, and Snows batteries, in the order named, were in line parallel to and in front of the Bowling Green road, forming a large battery of twenty-eight guns, to protect the flank of the attack. In rear of Willistons battery was posted ilexamers (six lOpounders). This development of artillery was rendered necessary, first, to keep clear the spur on our right, from which our advancing line could be enfiladed; second, to prevent the enemy striking at our bridges and cut- ting our communication with them, an(l, third, to clear the hill in front of our line of battle, should the enemy attempt to prevent our deploy- ment. This line of artillery was prolonged to the left by Halls, Ran- soms and Coopers batteries, the last of which extended to the road which runs perpendicular to our front, and strikes the river at Smith- field. Our troops occupied this road, thus forming a crotchet at Coopers position. On the prolongation of the Bowling Green road, at its inter- section with another cross-road, the enemy had placed a battery, which could enfilade our left batteries. About 9 a. m. the enemys whole line opened on our front and left, and Simpsons battery (four 12-pounders) changed front to fire to the left, on the guns already mentioned as being on the Bowling Green road and enfilading our line. He was assisted in this duty by Wolcotts battery (six 3-inch guns), stationed at Smithfi~ld, where our extreme left struc Page 186 186 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD, AND PA. [CIIAP. XXXIII. the river. Froni this position the enemys battery was taken obliquely, one of their guns dismounted, and the rest driven oIL The enemy also opened fire from his advanced position on the spur near Hazel Run. Martins, Butlers, and McCartneys batteries immediately changed front, by order of Captain Ayres, chief of artillery, Sixth Corps, and, assisted by ilexamers battery, already in position, entirely snbdued the enemys fire by 12 in., and drove him from his position with the loss of a part of a battery, left disabled on the field. Amsdens battery (four 3-inch guns) now joined from the north side of the river, and was posted near Ran- soms. About 2 p. m. onr guns opened all along the front, to clear the woods for an infantry assault by Meades and Gibbons divisions. Simpsons battery changed front to its right to participate in the cannonade. The enemy replied with his artillery, but was silenced on the right by the dismounting of one of his gnus and the blowing up of two of his cais- sons. On the left the enemy replied by his batteries in our front, and also from six or eight guns to the front and left of his former enfilading position oii the Bowling Green road. Wolcotts battery of five guns (one having been disabled by the enemys shot) was brought up to the Bowling Green road and posted about half way between Simpsons bat- tery an(l the enemys former enfilading position. Three batteries (Gerrishs, Stewarts, and Reynolds, numbering in all fourteen guns) were placed in position at the point formerly occupied by the enemy. The batteries all opened, and in half an hour silenced those of the enemy, after blowing up four of his caissons. Our line had been steadily extending toward the left. This was safely done under protection of De Russys batteries, on the north side of the Rappahannock River, which he moved up and down the river, and so maneuvered as to defeat all the demoustra- 4 1O-pdrs., 5th N. Y. BattyCaptain tions of the enemy against our left flank. Oiie Taft. 4 10-pdrs., C, 1st N. Y. Battn., of his batteries (Tafts) was so placed as to jell enant Wever. 63-inch, 1st N. Y. Batty., Captain sweep the valley of the Massaponax for about Cowan. 4 miles from its mouth, and so command its 43-inch, F, 1st Pa., Lieutenant bridges that the enemy were unable to coin- iRicketts. municate across the creek, except by the head of it, and were thus prevented from extending toward the river on our left. As our line extended to the left, the openings were filled by Bir- heys and Sickles divisions, which brought Randolphs, Turubulls, and Seeleys batteries in position, giving a tQtal force of sixty-seven guns on this front. The assault of our infantry having been repulsed, they were closely followed by the enemy, who were driven back by the canister fire of Randolphs, Ransoms, Coopers, Turnbulls, and Ainsdens batteries, and charged by Robinsons brigade, which was acting as their support. Halls Maine battery (six 3-inch guns), having been moved forward with Gibbons division, was especially exposed to the attack of the enemy, and was ordered to retire. Five horses were killed at one piece in attempt- ing to limber it up, and he was compelled to leave it; but as soon as the rest of the battery was placed in its original position in line, he re- turned and brought off not only the piece, but the harness of the horses which had been killed. About sunset the enemy opened again for a short time, and there was some artillery fire on both sides until dark. The batteries which re- mained in position on the north side of the river opened fire upon the enemy whenever they could do so without damage to our own troops Page 187 ChAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 187 The siege guns of the First Connecticut Artillery, Major Trumbull commanding, dismounted one of the heavy position guns of the enemy in their works behind Fredericksburg. (Sunday and Monday, the 14th and 15th), the divisions and batteries which had been most engaged during the battle of Saturday were, when 1)ossibIe, relieved by others, more especially when the men could not stand to their guns, except during an engagement, when the smoke dis- turbed the aim of the enemys skirmishers. Whenever on our left the enemy brought his guns to bear, they were soon silenced. A Whit- worth gun, beyond the Massaponax, enfilading our lines at a range of 2,700 yards, was not silenced until three guns of Halls Maine battery had been concentrated upon it. The army recrossed on the night of the 15th, the rifle batteries which had crossed the river resuming the positions occupied by them on the night of the 10th. These positions they retained until the bridges were taken up and removed. The losses of the batteries engaged were, 1 officer (Lieut. George Dick- enson, Battery E, Fourth U. S. Artillery) and. 30 men killed; 2 officers (Capt. George A. Gerrish, Battery A, First New Hampshire Artillery, and Lieut. William Stitt, Battery A, First Pennsylvania Artillery, Simp- sons) and 127 men wounded; 2 men missing, and 168 horses killed and disabled. (See return of casualties, appended.)* Lieutenant iDickensons death is a loss to the service. When at An- tietam alL the officers of this battery were killed or wounded, he was selected to reorganize and prepare it for the field. Without any one to assist him, until at a comparatively recent period, he accepted the trnst, an4, although the labors and difficulties were enhanced by the fact that the battery was one of horse artillery, yet, by unwearied industry and vigilance, he brought it up to a high point of efficiency. Young, modest, and retiring in his disposition, he added to the qualities of a Christian o-entleman those of a brave and manly soldier, and his beariug in the action in which he lost his life was but a continuation of that he had before exhibited on the battle-fields of Missouri, of the Peninsula, and Maryland. My personal staff, Capt. Edward P. Brownson, additional aide-de-camp, U. S. Army; Lieut. W. S. Worth, Eighth Infantry, aide-de-camp; Capt. John N. Craig, assistant adjutant-general; Lient. Col. E. B. Warner, First New York Artillery, and Maj. Alexander Doull, Second New York Artillery, inspectors of artillery, performed the duties devolving upon them with alacrity and intelligence. Major Doull, charged with the direction of the operations when the middle bridge was successfully thrown, and in command of ~ and Watermans batteries on the 13th instant, is entitled to special commendation for the energy, conduct, and gallantry displayed on these occasions, and I respectfully call your attention to those services. Lieutenant-Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Hays, additional aide-dc- camp; Colonel Tompkins, First Rhode Island Artillery; Col. (now Brig. Gen.) 11. 0. Tyler, First Connecticut Artillery, and Capt. G. A. IDe Itussy, Fourth U. S. Artillery, commanding the divisions of artillery in I)osition, discharged their respective duties with skill, judgment, and efficiency. The duties of Colonel Tompkins were arduous, and required constant attention and exposnre, charged as he was with the protec- tion of the workmen at the two upper bridges, within close musket * Embodied in statement on p. 129 Page 188 188 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL range of the enemys sharpshooters. In addition to the duties of the batteries in position, Captain De liussy was charged with the protec- tion of the left flank of the army, with clearing the ground for onr de- ployment to the left, and with confining the enemy to the east bank of the Massaponax, so as to prevent his annoying our rear and threatening the bridges. These very important duties required him to keep his bat- teries in movement and almost constantly at work, and demanded un- ceasing watchfulness and vigilance on his part night and day. They were performed with excellent judgment, efficiently, and thoroughly, and Major-General Franklin has intimated to me their value. Captain IDe iRussy has thns added to the character he had already acquired on many fields for gallantry and skill. An old soldier, a captain of fifteen years standing, who wou that grade by leading a storming party at Chepultepec, and whose reputation was established by his whole record in the war with Mexico, the services he has rendered in this war in important positions have been neglected and unrewarded, and I avail myself of an occasion,.upou which his command and duties have been so far beyond the rank he holds, to bring his claims through you, who are well acquainted with them, specially to the notice of the Govern- men t. The chiefs of artillery of corps whose batteries were engaged were Col. C. S. Wainwright, First New York Artillery, First Corps; Capt. C. II. Morgan, Fourth Artillery, Second Corps; Capt. L. L. Livingston, Third Artillery, Third Corps; Capt. S. II. Weed, Fifth Artillery, Fifth Corps, and Capt. It. B. Ayres, Fifth Artillery, Sixth Corps. They per- formed these duties with their accustomed skill and gallantry, and I respectfally refer to their reports and those of their corps commanders for particulars. The artillery seems to have been managed by them with judgment. The expenditure of ammunition was notably reduced when compared with the effect l)roduced and former experience; and in all cases where the material was endangered, or from rednction in the num- ber of men and horses exposed to danger, proper measures were adopted to secure them. Not a gun nor a carriage was lost; repairs of damages were effected promptly, and the batteries were placed in as effective condition as circumstances would permit. The supply of artillery ammunition from the division trains was un- certain, and, until those trains are placed under the exclusive control of the chiefs of artillery, reliance cannot, in my opinion, be placed upon them. The ammunition~train of the Artillery Reserve, however, as has always been the case, under the very efficient management of Lieut. W. ID. Fuller, Third Artillery, assisted by Lieut. Elbert, Third Cavalry, supplied all deficiencies. All artillery, and I might add infantry, am- munition should be transported in caissons, under the direction of pro- l)erly organized companies. In this way only can supplies under all circumstances, on the field of battle as elsewhere, be certainly provided when wanted. Attention has been called in the course of these reports, and it is of sufficient importance to make it a subject of notice in connection with t he~reports of battles, to they absolute necessity of keeping up, especially in the light 12-pounder batteries, the number of men required for their efficient service. This should never be less than 150 for a six-gun battery. The service of guns on the field requires a great amount of physical power. Under all circumstances the work is exceedingly exhausting, and when the number of men is much reduced it becomes too great for endurance. IDetails of 20 and 30 men in several cases had to be fur Page 189 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 189 nished from the infantry. The men furnished were necessarily unac- quain ted with the duties and worked to disadvantage, while their serv- ices in the positions for which they had been trained were lost. I respectfully request that attention be called to this subject. It is one affectino- all batteries throughout the army, and can only be ad- equately provided for by some general regulations, rigidly enforced. Batteries, when too much reduced, have from necessity been broken up and the officers and men distributed to others. This works manifest injustice, and creates discontent, and the custom of temporarily traiis- ferring men from the infantry to the artillery is beset with difficulties of many descriptions. A special recruiting service for the artillery of each State~ with one or more depot batteries for their instruction, and to which sick and wounded men can be sent, with perhaps authority to enlist for volunteer batteries in the field, from the regiments of their own State, a limited number of men, as now permitted for regular bat- teries, would do much to relieve the service of the evils it suffers from this cause. Inclosed I transmit a sketch * of the field of operations, marked A, and the reports of Brigadier-Generals Hays (B) and Tyler (C), Colonel Tompkins (T)), and Capt. G. A. De Hussy (E), commanding artillery divisions, with the reports of the captains of the batteries nuder their command. Respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier-General and Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., December 21, 1S62. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the practice in the recent battle with the 20-pounder Parrott was in some respects very unsat- isfactory, from the imperfection of the projectiles, which, notwithstand- ing the pains which have been taken to procure reliableones, are nearly as dangerous to our own troops as to the enemy, if the former are in advauce of our lines. In addition, the guns themselves are unsafe. At Antietam two of the twenty-two, and on the 13th instant another, were disabled by the bursting of the gnu near the muzzle. The gun is too heavy for field 1)urposes, and can be used with advantage only as batteries of position. For the last purpose it is inferior to the 4k-inch siege-gun, which re- quires the same number of horaes and only half the number of drivers. I therefore respectfully propose that, as the allowance of artillery in this army is small, the 20-pounders be turned iu to the Ordnance De- partment as soon as they ~au be replaced by light field guns, and that a portion of the siege train (sixteen guns) be organized to accompany the force in the field for service in such positions as require heavy guns, and, in case of a siege, to form a part of the train. Seven such guns are now here. Twelve were asked for, and it is a misfortune they were not furnished. Two companies of the First Connecticut Artillery are serving with the guns now here. 1 propose that two other companies * See p. 1127 Page 190 190 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. of that regiment be detailed, each company be organized as a battery with four guns, the whole to be placed under the command of a field officer of the regiment, and attached to the Reserve Artillery. Respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General and Chief of Artillery. Maj. Gen. J. U. PARKE, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac. [Indorsements.] Approved. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 13, 1863. I submitted this paper on the 27th of December, in General Hallecks office, and in his presence, to his chief of staff, General Cullum. The paper was returned to me, with the remark that not a man nor a gnu should be spared from the works about Washington. No written answer, nor any other beyond an intimation that ordnance stores were to be drawn in the usual way from the Arsenal, was given me. I respectfully return this paper to general headquarters, Army of the Potomac. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier.Generat and Chief of Artillery. No. 23. Report of Col. Charles H. Tompkins, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, commanding Right Center Division. HDQRS. RIGHT CENTER DIVISION OF ARTILLERY, Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., December 21, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the batteries under my command during the late opera- tions before Fredericksburg, Va.: In accordance with instructions received from you, the batteries were placed in position on the banks of the Rappahannock, opposite Freder- icksburg, during the night of the 10th tustant, in the following order: Battery K, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Kinzie commanding, on the bluff; about 300 yards to the right of the Lacy house; Battery K, First U. S. Artillery, Captain Graham, on the bluff; immediately to the right of the Lacy house; Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery, Lieuten- ant Miller commandiug, on the bluff, to the left of the Lacy house; Battery K, Third U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Turubull commanding, on the bluff, near the ruined house and immediately to the right of the rail- road; Battery D, First Battalion New York Artillery, Captain Kusse- row, on the bluff, to the left of the railroad; Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Captain Waterman, on the bluff; to the left o Page 191 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERiCKSBURG, VA. 191 and adjoining Kusserows battery; Battery K, Fourth U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Seeley commanding, on the bluff, to the left of Watermans battery, with his right resting on the road leading to the center bridge, and Battery II, First Ohio, Lieutenant Norton commanding, on the left of Seeleys battery. At 6 a. in., the 11th instant, the enemy opened fire upoii the engineers engaged in throwing across the upper pontoon bridge from infantry occupying the houses on the south bank of the river. In accordance with instructions previously given, Kinzies, Grahams, Millers, and Turubulls batteries opened a rapid fire for a few moments; then ceased, to enable the engineers to continue their work. The enemys fire pre. venting the engineers at the upper and center bridges from remaining at woi~k, the batteries covering both bridges continued to fire at inter- vals until 8 a. m. At 9 a. m. Battery 1, First U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Kirby corn- manding; Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Captain Haz- ard, and Battery G, First New York, Captain Frank, reported to me, and were placed on the bluff; to the right of the Lacy house, Grahams battery meanwhile having been moved to a position on the right of Kinzies. The fire of the enemy having increased, all the batteries uii- der my command opened upon the houses occupied by the rebel sharp. shooters, the 12-pounder batteries using solid shot and a few shell, and the rifled batteries using percussion shell. As some of the shells from the 12-pounder guns burst short, thereby endangering our troops on the banks of the river, orders were given these batteries to confine them- selves to the use of solid shot. At 10 a. m. ceased firing, to enable the engineers to make another attempt to finish the bridge. Lieutenant Kinzie having reported that the stocks of two of his gun-carriages had broken, thereby rendering the guns unserviceable, I ordered him to withdraw his battery and join Millers battery with the two serviceable guns. Battery A, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Gilliss commanding, having reported to me, was ordered to occupy the position vacated by Kiuzies battery. At 11 a. in., the engineers having again been driven from the bridges, a rapid fire was opened from all the batteries of my command, which continued for about thirty minutes. At 12.30 I received orders from you to open a rapid fire along the whole line, with the object of burning the town. I continued firing solid shot and shell till 2.30 p. in., at which time several buildings could be seen burning. At 3 p. m. a very rapid fire, of some thirty minutes duration, was opened to cover the crossing of the Seventh Michigan Regiment at the upper and the Eighty-ninth New York Regiment at the center bridges. The infantry having driven the enemy from the houses they occupied, the engineers were enabled to finish the bridges, and our troops im- mediately com]nenced crossing, but were fired upon by the enemys batteries on the hills beyond the city. I at once ordered the rifled bat- teries to reply, firing slowly, and to continue until the enemys fire ceased. At 7 p. m. Lieutenants Kirby and (hiliss and Captains Frank and Hazard were ordered to report with their batteries to their division corn- manders. At 10 a. in., the 12th instant, the enemy opened fire from their works upon our troops who were crossing at.the upper and center bridges. Page 192 192 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. ordered the rifled batteries to reply slowly, and to continue firing until the enemy ceased, which he did at 10.30 oclock, but continued to fire at intervals during that day whenever our troops were exposed to view. flis fire was replied to by these rifled batteries. About 1 p. m. Lieutenants Seeley and Turubull were ordered to report with their batteries to their division commanders. Battery II, First Ohio Artillery, being exposed to danger from the guns on the crest of the hill in its rear, was removed at 5 p. in., and placed on the hill to the right of and adjoining the siege guns of Tylers division ; and, being within the lines of that division, I ordered Lieutenant Norton, on the morning of the 13th, to report to Colonel Tyler. On the morning of the 13th, Major Tompkins, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, reported to me for duty. At 10 a. m. I ordered Captains Waterman and Kusserow to open fire upon the enemys batteries, which were firing upon our troops in the town. They continued a slow fire until our columns of attack had de- bouched beyond the town, when, by your direction, they ceased firing. At 2 p. m. Major Doull, of your staff; took Waterrnai~s and Kusserows batteries across the river, in accordance with your orders. Captain Kusserow reported back to me on the morning of the 14th, and Captain Waterman on the morning of the 15th. The batteries of~ my command were in position to cover the with- drawal of our troops from the city on the morning of the 16th instant; but, as the enemy did not open fire, were not engaged. The casualties sustained are: Private W. H. II. Knight, Battery K, Fifth U. S. Artillery, wounded; Private Benway, Battery K, Fourth U. S. Artillery, missing. The casualties sustained by Kusserows and Watermans batteries occurred during the time they were detached from my command. For report of loss of rnctt6riel and ammunition expended, I refer you to the return, herewith inclosed.* I also respectfully refer you to the reports of the battery commanders, which accompany this, for more particular details. I would respectfully call your attention to the Thet that no reliance can be placed upon the Bormaun fuse. Many of them burst imme- diately after leaving the gun. I would suggest that an immediate in- spection of all ammunition using this fuse be ordered, that it may be ascertained whether the fault is in the construction of the fuse or in the manner in which it is placed in the projectile. 1 would also call your attention to the remarks of Lieutenant Kinzie in regard to his gun carriages. Other instances of defective work by these contractors have come to my knowledge in previous engagements. Also to that part of the report of Captain Waterman in which he speaks of the ordnance ammunition. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. II. TOMPKINS, Cot. First Reyt. Rhode Island Lt. Arty., Comdg. Right Center Division of Artillery, opposite Fredericksburg, Va. Brig. Gen. HENRY J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac. * Not found Page 193 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 193 No. 24. Report of Capt. Charles Kusserow, Battery D, First Battalion New York Light Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, December 20, 1862. COLONEL: The following is the report about the action of my battery (D, First New York Artillery Battalion Volunteers) in the recent engage- ments of the Army of the Potomac, which I have the honor to submit to you: On the evening of the 10th instant, I was posted opposite the lower part of Fredericksburg, Va., for the purpose of protecting the bridge building across the iRappahannock River. During the day of the 11th, 1 shelled the lower part of the town, in which the enemys infantry was placed, prohibiting our engineers from finishing the bridge. This day no casualties occurred in the battery. J fired 298 shells. On the 12th, during the first crossing of our troops, I remained with the battery in the same position, and fired 36 shells at the enemys bat- teries placed on the heights beyond Fredericksburg. On the 13th, at 1.30 p. in., I received orders to cro~s the river and to take such a position as Major Doull would indicate to me. I was placed on the other side, and near the center of the town, on a little ridge, and on the right of Captain Wateimans battery. The action began imnme- diately, and lasted until after dark. The fire was directed against two little breastworks, wherefrom the enemy fired at our infantry, at the dis- tance of 1,000 to 1,100 yards. The firing of the battery was slow, and of good effect. The enemys artillery in said two works was silenced twice for over an hours time. The battery fired 013 rounds. The battery was relieved by Lieutenant Kings battery at 11.30 oclock, and returned to its former position. Every officer and man behaved, without any exception, very well. 1~articularly I am obliged to mention the services rendered by Private Osias Beck, who, right on the battle-field, not only dressed the wounded of our own battery, but Thirty-first Infantry men beside. Casualties.Seven men wounded * 1 horse killed. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CII. KUSSElIOW, Captain, Commanding Battery D. Col. C. II. TOMPKINS, First Rhode Island Artillery. No. 25. Report of Lient. George W. Norton, Battery II, First Ohio Light Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 20, 1862. COLONEL: In compliance with your order of this morning, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by Battery II, Nominal list oniitted. 13 R EVOL XX Page 194 194 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CIIAL. XXXIII First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Artillery, under my command, in the late engagement at Fredericksburg, Va.: In obedience to orders from General Burnside, I left camp at 5 p. in., December 10, and reported to you for duty. By your order, the battery was placed in position, at 11 p. in., on the extreme left of your command, and opposite the lower part of Fredericksburg. About 6 a. m. on the 11th instant, the sharpshooters of the enemy opened a destructive fire from the houses on the opposite bank of the Ral)pahannock upon the men employed in laying the pontoon brido-e and I immediately opened fire upon them, continuing to fire upon them at intervals during the day until 3 p. in., when I received from you the order to join in the general bombardment of the city, which took place at that hour. At 12 m. the 12th instant, I received orders to change my position, as the battery was exposed to accident from the fire of the heavy guns directly in my rear. I accordingly placed the battery on the summit of the hill, about 300 yards in rear of our original position, and fired 50 rounds at the enemys works from that place. At 11 a. m. on the 14th, I received orders to report to you on the l)lain directly in rear of the Lacy house, and moved the battery to that point, and remained there until 9p. m. on the 15th, when I received your order to report to. Colonel Hays, commanding the artillery on the right, imear Falmouth, and, in accordance therewith, moved the battery to the earthworks immediately northeast of Falmouth, remaining there until 8 a. in. the 16th, when I received orders from Colonel Hays to return to my present camp. The battery has expended 650 rounds of ammunition, chiefly percus- sion shell has met with no casualties whatever, and now has 1,300 rounds of ammunition on hand. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. NORTON Lieut., Conzdg. Battery II, First Regiment Ohio Vol. Artillery. Col. C. H. TOMPKINS, Commanding Reserve Artillery. No. 26. Report of Capt. Richard Waterman, Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. NEAR POTOMAC CREEK, December 21, 1862. COLONEL: 1 have the honor to submit the following report of opera. tions of Battery C, Rhode Island Artillery, while under your command: On Wednesday, 10th instant, by command of Nllajor-General Hooker, the battery reported to you at sunset, and, shortly after dark, took position on the bank of the Itappahannock, commanding the lower part of Fredericksburg. During the first attempt to throw across a pontoon bridge, at a point opposite the position of the battery, at about daylight on the 11th, the battery fired at the houses sheltering the ene~ny~s sharpshooters, firing, 1)y command, from 3 to 6 rounds l)er gun, rapidly, and pausing after each l)eriod of firing to notice the effect of the shots. The battery fired at ranges not to exceed 1,000 yards, using percussion shells and soli Page 195 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 195 shot, or shrapnel, with fuses of from 5 to 10 seconds length. Occasional - shots were fired during the afternoon, not more than 15 or 20, and at sunset the battery bivouacked in position. At daylight on the l2th* the firing was resumed, while the engineer corps was employed upon the bridge, until, at 10 to 11 a in., the battery was ordered to fire upon the town, and, if possible, to fire the buildings. For this purpose percussion and fuse shells were used. The firing was continued, each gun being fired once in twelve minutes, until quite late in the afternoon, when another and successful attempt to complete the bridge being commenced, the battery concentrated a very rapid fire upon the buildings and terraces sheltering the enemys riflemen. Shortly afterward the battery, by command, bivouacked in position. During the firing of the 11th, one gun was disabled by the breaking of an axle-tree, and sent to the rear. I attribute the accident to the excessive recoil of the 3-inch gun, which, when checked in clayey and partially softened ground, I have noticed to be subject to many such fractures. In the firing of the 11th and 12th instant, about 800 rounds of am- munition were expended. At the commencement of the action of the 13th, the battery co-oper- ated as far as possible with our advancing lines, by firing on the enemys artillery and skirmishers until our lines approached s~ nearly those of the enemy that continued firing became dangerous to our infantry, when firing was discontinued. At about 1 p. in., by command of General Hunt, the battery was conducted across the river and placed in position, under command of General Couch, by Major Doull. Up to this time about 300 rounds of ammunition were expended. At 7 oclock on Sun- day evening, the 14th, the battery recrossed the river, by command of General Couch, and reported to you at about 8 p. m. The battery bivouacked for the night, and at 8 a. m. of the 15th moved to a position in rear of the Lacy house, and bivouacked until the morning of the 16th, when it was placed in position in rear of the plain commanding the lower l)art of Fredericksburg, in readiness to repel an attack on the engineer force detailed for the removal of the pontoon bridge. The battery re- inained in position until 10 oclock of the 20th, when, by your command, it returned to its former camp, reporting to chief of artillery, Griffins division. It may be proper to state that, from the experience of the last nine days, as well as from ten months active service with the 3-inch gun, I consider it inferior at ranges of from 900 to 1,500 yards to the 10-pounder Parrott gun. The Schenkl percussion and the Hotchkiss fuse shells worked to entire satisfaction. The ordnance ammunition with metallic packing failed in almost every instance to ignite the fuse, and I consider it worthless when explosion constitutes the chief value of a projectile. As solid shot, the ordnance shrapnel was serviceable in the cannonade of Fredericksburg. All of which is respectfully submitted. IIICIID WATERMAN, captain First Rhode Island Artillery, Oorndg. Battery 0. Col. C. H. ToMPKINs, First Rhode Island Artillery. * Captain Waterman is in error as regards this date. The firing spoken of oecnrred on the 11th, and not on the 12th of DecemberC, Ii. TOMPKINS, Colonel Rhode Island Artillery Page 196 196 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAr. xxxm. No. 27. Report of Gapt. William Al. Graham, Battery K, First U. S. Artillery. DECEMBER 21, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that my battery (K, First U. S. Artil. lery) was engaged in the bombardment of the city of Fredericksburg, Va., on the 13th instant. Inclosed is a return of the loss of mat6riel * sustained by the battery. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. M. GRAHAM, Gaptain First Artillery, Commanding Battery. Col. C. H. TOMPKINS, First Rhode Island Artillery. No. 28. Report of J3ieut. Francis lV. Seeley, Battery K, Fourth U. S. Artillery. NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 20, 1862. COLONEL: In compliance with your request of this date, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of Battery K, Fourth Artillery, while attached to your command: The battery, under your direction, went into position about 12 oclock on the night of December 10, opposite the city of Fredericksburg, to cover the building of a pontoon bridge, known as the middle bridge. At 5 oclock a. m. December 11, the enemys sharpshooters, from the houses on the south bank of the river, opened a vigorous fire on our engineers engaged in constructing the bridge, and compelled them to abandon their work. In compliance with your instructions, I immediately opened fire on the buildings, as did several others, and, after firing some 25 rounds of solid shot, succeeded in quelling temporarily the fire of the sharpshoot- ers, but found it quite impossible to drive them from the buildings, as the cellars underneath afforded a secure refuge from our shots. About 12 m. I received orders from you to keep up a constant fire on the city, with which I complied, firing one round every five minutes, until 5 p. in., when, in compliance with orders from Major Doull, of General Hunts staff, I opened a rapid fire, to protect the crossing of a small party of our own infantry, sent over to clear the cellars of the enemys riflemen, which I continued about teu minutes, when, our in- Tantry having reached the opposite bank, I ceased firing, having ex- pended during the day 130 rounds of shrapnel and solid shot. I remained in position, without firing, however, until 4 p. in. on the 12th, when, in compliance with orders received from you, I reported to my division commander, General Sickles. On the 11th, my battery was exposed almost constantly to the fire of the enemys riflemen, who were only some 350 or 400 yards in front; but as I took the precaution, shortly after going into position, of send- ing all my horses to the rear, as well as the men not actually required to work the guns, their fire did not take effect, and I have no casualties *~ot found Page 197 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 197 to report other than I private (Benway) missing, who probably crossed the bridge, without authority, before our troops had taken entire pos- session of the town, and was taken by some straggling party of the enemy. The men of the battery all conducted themselves in their usual sol- dier-like manner. My lieutenants, Bancroft and Arnold, by their close attention to duty assisted greatly to render the fire of the battery effective. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W. SEELEY, First Lieutenant Fourth U. S. Artillery, Comdg. Battery K. Col. C. II. To~rKn~s, Commanding Artillery. No. 29. Repott of Lieut. David IL Kiuzie, Battery K, Fifth U. S. Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the move- ments of my battery from the 10th to the 16th of December, 1862: Battery K, Fifth Artillery (four-gun battery), belonging to the Artil- lery Reserve, and under my command, took up its position at 8 p. m. on the 10th instant, about 300 yards on the right of the Lacy house, and on the bank of the Rappahannock, pursuant to orders received from you. About 5 a. m. on the 11th instant, the enemys sharpshooters opened fire on the regiment constructing the bridge. I immediately fired at them, and, in accordance with instructions received the night previous, firing a few shots, then ceasing, t& give the infantry an opportunity to finish the bridge. Seeing that my fire had not the desired effect, I immediately opened again, firing at the houses which the enemy occu- pied. While firing, I broke two stocks of the gun carriages. The am- munition used was mostly solid shot, and case used as solid. About 8 a. m. I was relieved by Lieutenant Gilliss battery, and joined my remaining section to Lieutenant Millers. While marching to my new position, on the left of the Lacy house, I had 1 man wounded by a piece of shell. After firing about half an hour in my second position,Iliad another stock broken. I am happy to say that the breaking of the stocks was not on account of the great elevation used, for during all the firing 2~ degrees was the highest. I remained with Lieutenant Millers battery till the morning of the 14th, when I was ordered by General Hunt to give my remaining piece to Lieutenant Miller, and proceed to the camp of the Artillery Reserve, to take a battery of four 3-inch guns that was there. On the afternoon of the 14th, I reported to you with this battery, and went into park near the railroad depot. I remained there till the morning of the 16th, when I was ordered by General Hooker to take position immediately above the upper pontoon bridge. I remained in position about half an hour; then returned to my old place near the railroad Page 198 198 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXIIT. Upon examining the broken ~toeks, I found that they were made out of very bad material, part of the wood being completely rotten. The carriages were manufactured by Wood & Bros., of New York. I also noticed that the stocks were made out of one piece of wood ~n two parts, according to the Ordnance Manual. d not in The ammunition expended, from the 11th to the 16th, was about 1,000 rounds. My commissioned and non-commissioned officers did their duty well. The casualties in the battery on the 11th instant were as follows: Private William II. II. Knight, wounded by a fragment of shell. Very respectfully, yours, & c., DAVID H. KJNZIE, First Lieutenant Fifth Artillery. Col. C. H. TOMPKINS, First Rhode Island Artillery. No. 30. Report of Got. Robert 0. fiZyler, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, com manding Left Center Division. IIDQRS. LEFT CENTER DIVIsIoN OF ARTILLERY, Falmouth, Va., January 15, 1863. GENERAL: I was assigned by you to the command of the left center batteries in front of Fredericksburg, as follows, viz: Seven 4A-inch siege rifles, Major Trumbull, First Connecticut Artillery; four 20-pounder Par. rotts (rifles), Captain Diederichs, First Battalion New York Artillery; four 20-pounder Parrotts (rifles), Captain Voegelee, First Battalion New York Artillery; four 10-pounder Parrotts (rifles), Captain Hall, FiEst Pennsylvania Light Artillery; four 10.pounder Parrotts (rifles), Captain McCarthy, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery; four 10-pounder Par- rotts (rifles), Lieutenant Ham, Third New York Independent Battery. Captain Voegelees battery was already established. The remainder left the rendezvous at dark, and were in position by 10 oclock, except the siege guns (4k-inch), which required constant labor until nearly day. light to unload ammunition and prepare platforms, magazines, & c. On the 12th, I directed the fire of my guns upon the town, the enemys troops which resisted the throwing of the bridges, and their position batteries. The result of the firing cannot be accurately stated, on ac- count of the long range and density of the fog and smoke covering the field, though accounts since the battle show that much damage was done to the opposing troops and batteries. Although every precaution was taken, the ammunition generally behaved badly; the time fuses did not fit; the projectiles often upset, and the percussion shells bursting in the air. Upon the 13th and 14th, the clearness of the air enabled us to make more satisfactory practice, and at no time did the enemy dare to show themselves in force on the plain in front of my position. My entire ex- penditure was 975 rounds, an amount which I deem moderate, consid- ering the number of guns engaged and days occupied. I avoided as far as possible firing over troops, and only did so under direct orders - from superior authority. I have the honor to acknowledge the valuable services of Major Doull Page 199 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 199 Second New York Artillery, in placing the guns inposition on the night of the 11th, and of Lieutenant Brownson, Battery C, Third Artillery, who was on duty with the German batteries. I inclose herewith the reports of battery commanders. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., your obedient servant, It. 0. TYLER, Cot. First Connecticut Arty., Comdg. Left Center Div. Artillery. Brig. Gen. HENRY J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac. No. 31. Report of MaJ. Thomas ~. Trumbull, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery. OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, December 19, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with orders received, I moved at dusk on the evening of the 10th, with the batteries under my charge, consisting of Companies B and M, of the First Coii- necticut Artillery, the former of four and the latter of three 44.inch rifled guns. By 10 oclock I had succeeded in bringing up my ammu- nition and in planting my guns in the position assigned, being a high bluff opposite the left of the town, and could at that time have opened fire had it been necessary. On Thursday morning at daybreak, in accordance with orders received, I directed my batteries to open on the town, which, from my position, was not visible until nearly 12 oclock. I am satisfied that our shells, thrown into the town, burst with considerable effect, although that great desideratum .which should accompany every artillery engagement, viz, the ability to see the object fired at, as well as the effect of the fire, was in this case wanting. I therefore ordered that in no case should the fire be more rapid than one round in from ten to fifteen minutes, until about noon, when the rising of the fog and smoke gave a better target and more satisfactory results. On Friday morning I received, through you, a request from General Franklin to silence, if possible, a battery which his picket informed him had been throwii forward during the night in front of his position. I was unable, owing to the dense fog and mist, to make out the precise point indicated, but paid my attention to the batteries skirting the woods and crowning the hills in front of his position. Although the firing was exceedingly accurate, I directed but few shots to be fired, since I was satisfied that firing at long ranges, and more es- pecially at batteries of position, was productive of little effect. Early Saturday morning I directed tbe batteries under my command to fire with great caution, which I found to be necessary from the fact that some of our prqjectiles failed to take the grooves, thereby endan- gering the safety of the troops composing our advanced line. In firing at the six.gun battery directly in our front, and at the troops in the sunken road defending it, I found the precaution somewhat unneces- sary. At this point, therefore, of the enemys line, as well as at the bat- teries in front of Franklins right, I directed my fire with considerable efficiency, many of my shells bursting both in their batteries and amon Page 200 200 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. their troops, and one of their batteries, which had been struck several times in succession, failed to open fire again until nightfall of the same day. The main attack on Saturday having failed, and it being evident that it would not be immediately repeated, I directed my batteries to save their ammunition, except in cases of extreme necessity, or where the damage done would amply warrant the expenditure of the same. Act- ing under these instructions, therefore, my battery commanders reserved their fire until the day after our troops had recrossed the river. Several large bodies of the enemy at that time making their appearance on the plain in our front, I opened fire upon them with such effect that one brigade, at the extreme distance of over 2 miles, broke ranks in great disorder, while several other bodies moved off at double-quick. 1 con- sider this not only as an instance of remarkable accuracy of fire, but also as showing that the enemy, when unprotected by breastworks, are unable to equal in steadiness our own troops. After this, and until the truce, I held the field in my front under fire, so that large bodies were thenceforward unable to move across it or approach in any considerable numbers the pontoons on our left. I with. held my fire from the extreme right, where our dead were being stripped, in accordance with instructions from you that there might be burying parties among the enemy there congregated. I am happy to state that in the late engagement I suffered no loss either of men or animals. i~Iy whole expenditure of ammunition was 357 rounds, 44 in Schenkl shell, with metallic casing. I consider these defective on two accounts; first, that at least one in every five fails to take the grooves, and, sec- ondly, that many of those thus failing explode in the air. The first defect seems to arise partially, though not wholly, from the metallic casing, which has been latterly adopted to prevent the swelling of the papier-mach~ This casing I consider should be made less thick, so as not to interfere with the papier-mach~, or of material much tougher than zinc, so as to aid the projectile in taking the grooves. The second defect seems to arise from the fact that the centrifugal force, operating on the plungers oi~ those shells which fail to take the grooves, caused the explosion of the caps in air. Any remedy for the first defect will, of course remedy the second. With the present projectile I do not feel justified in firing over troops, which batteries of position, like those under my command, are always liable to do. I would, therefore, re- spectfully suggest, in order to remedy this defect, that, during the few days of inactivity which will doubtless follow the late contest, I be allowed to experiment with some other projectile, as, for example, the Hotchkiss shell. While I do not underrate the efficiency of fire of the batteries under my command during the late contest, I cannot fail in conclusion to l)oint out the disadvantage to which they were subjected, viz, of firing at troops protected by covers and sunken roads, and the advantages in such cases of using vertical fire. With the highest appreciation of the zeal and efficiency of both the officers and men of my command, I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, THOS. S. TRUMBULL, illiajor First Gonnecticut Yoi. Arty., Gomdg. Batt. Coun. Arty. Col. 11. 0. TYLER, Commanding Reserve Artil(ery Page 201 CHAr. XXXIII.J BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBITRG, VA. 201 No. 32. Report of Capt. Otto Diedcrichs, Battery A, Firgt Battalion New York Light Artillery. POSITIoN HuNT, December 19, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to bring the following report of the late engagement opposite Fredericksburg under your notice: My battery consisted of four 20-pounder Parrott rifle guns. I received on the 10th instant, in the morning, the order from Colonel Hays to report to you. The battery moved on the same night on the hills oppo- site Fredericksburg, hostilities commencing on the 11th instant, in the early part of the day, and I received the order to shell the city. I fired, on the mo ruing of the 11th, 50 rounds, with 4 degrees and 6 seconds time, by very dark weather, and on the afternoon 53 rounds, with 3~- degrees and 5 seconds time, by fine weather. On the next day I re- ceived the order to shell the enemys front and left batteries, and I fired 22 rounds the whole day over, 9 shells in rear of the front bat- tery, with 10~ degrees and 16 seconds time, and 13 in rear of the left, in the woods, with 7~ degrees and 12 seconds time. Two of the last rounds exploded in very short distance, one right straight for the muzzle, and the other one about 100 yards far away. On the 13th instant, I was ordered to shell the same batteries of the enemy again, and I fired through the whole day 63 rounds; 19 shot of the front batteries, with 10A degrees and 16 seconds time; 17 shot to the left, with 10~ degrees and 16 seconds time, and 27 to the left again, with 9~ degrees and 12 seconds time. One of Schenkl percussion shells exploded but 20 yards in front of the muzzle. On the 14th instant, the battery only fired 4 rounds to the same (lirec- tion. Altogether, from the 11th to include the 14th instant, my battery fired 192 rounds, the most of the shots being effective, in the whole engagement I lost no men nor horses. The battery is in the same position at present. I find it necessary to inform you herewith, colonel, that the most of the ammunition in gen- eral is very bad, particularly fuses and friction primers. The most of the fuses are too small for the use of 20-pounder Parrott guns, and I was forced to put hemp and paper on nearly every single one. Many of the friction primers are too large size, and many of the shells have holes, which, 1 believe, make the soon explosions. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. PLEDETtICIIS, 6~aptain, 6~omdg. Battery A, First New York Art. Battalion. Col. 11. 0. TYLER, 6ommanding Artillery. No. 33. Report of 6apt. Adolph Voegelee, Battery B, First Battalion New York Light Artillery. POSITION HUNT, December 19, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to bring the following report of the late engagement near Fredericksburg under your notice: My battery, consisting of four 20-pounder Parrotts, bad been ordere Page 202 202 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. (cuAr. XXXIII. by Colonel Hays to take L)ositioII opposite Fredericksburg. I arrived here on the 20th of h~st month; brought my guns on the assigned hills; protected these (the guns) by throwing up earthworks. Hostilities commenced on the 12th instant, in the early part of the day, have been occasioned to fire on the enemys batteries, which were annoying the operations of our troops. About noon I received the order to shell the city of Fredericksburg, the most of the shots being effective. During my observations toward the enemys batteries and forces, I fired when- ever I cons~(lered it expedient to do so, and I am happy to state that the efficacy of the firing has been most splendid. I deem it necessary to add here the faulty state of the ammunition in general, particularly the fuses. If it had not been for these defects, still greater success would have been obtained. During the whole engagement I fired 156 shots. I sustained no loss whatsoever, either in men or mat6riel. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, A. VOEGELEE, (aptain, Gomdg. Battery B, First New York Arty. Battalion. Col. H. 0. TYLER, Commanding Artillery. No. 34. Report of Licut. William A. Ham, Third New York Battery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTIT, VA., December 19, 1862. SIR: Agreeably to instructiOns, I have the honor to report as follows: The battery took position upon the heights overlooking Fredericks- burg on the evening of Thursday, 11th instant. Opened fire upon enemys infantry, opposite us, at about ii a. in. of Friday, the 12th, firing 11 rounds at bodies of troops upon the bank and 43 rounds at their line formed along the road, in front of our position. Fired 6 rounds at enemys batteries in rear of the town during the engagement of Sat- urday, but ceased for fear of injuring our own troops. Opened fire again, npon the morning of the 16th, upon small parties of the enemy, thereby covering the operations of the engineers while removing the pontoons. Hounds fired, 21. Total ammunition expended in all, Si rounds. it is to be regretted that such is the quality of the paper fuses that they frequently fail to ignite, or burst so irregularly that no depend- ence can be placed upon them. This cannot iii any way be attributed to any carelessness upon the part of those preparing the ammunition for firing, for, to all appearances, the ammunition is in perfi~ct order. - 1 am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. A. HAHN, 1st Licut. 1st N. Y. Arty, 6omdg. 3d N. Y. Independent Battery. Major TRUMBULL, First Connecticut Artillery Page 203 CIAP. XXXIU.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 203 No. 85. Report of Capt. Jeremiah McOarthy, Battery C, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 19, 1802. SIR: The following is my report of the operations of my battery dur- ing the late engagements: The battery was placed upon a commanding elevation, opposite a small stream, called Deep Run, on the night of December 10, with instructions to fire upon any person or body of men who should interfere or obstruct the throwing across of pontoon bridges, and to protect the passage of our troops across them. Just before the completion of the bridges, the enemy, numbering about 300, appeared in a ravine on the opposite side, firing occasional shots among those who were constructing the bridges. A few shots from my battery, in connection with several other batteries, caused them to re- tire. The distance from my battery being about 1,300 yards, the pro- jectiles used were case shot and percussion shells, the effect being very satisfactory. Friday, December 12, according to instructions, opened on the enemys batteries on the opposite hills, the distance being about 2~ miles. The projectiles used were percussion shell and case shot, only a few of which reached the desired point. During Saturday, Sunday, and Monday I fired occasional shots. The following is the number of rounds fired in the above engagements: Spherical case shot, 52 rounds; percussion shell, 20 rounds; total, 72. During the firing I noticed that about S rounds of the case shot did not explode. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, JEREMIAH McCARTHY, Captain, Commanding Battery. Major TRUMBULL, Commanding Left Center Batteries. No. 36. Report of Capt. Michael Hall, Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artil lery. OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my battery in the late engagement of the 12th to the 15th instant: The battery was in position on a commanding eminence, with orders to fire on any body of troops that made their appearance on the opposite side. We fired principally spherical case, at a distance of 1,200 yards, and during the crossing -of the troops kept up a steady fire. We fired several rounds at long range, which failed to explode. The amount of ammunition expended was 103 case shot and 14 rounds of percussion shell. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MICHAEL HALL, Captain, Commanding Battery D. Major TRUMBULL, Commanding Lft Center Batteries Page 204 204 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAr. XXXIII. No. 37. Report of Jijeut. Gol. William Hays, U. ~. Army, additional aide-de-camp, commanding Artillery on the Right. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY RESERVE, Falmouth, Va., December 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the batteries under my command in the battle of Fredericksburg: Between 8 and 11 oclock on the night of the 10th instant, the batteries were all placed in their positions on the bank of the river, in the fol- lowing order, from right to left: Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Benjamin; Battery A, Fourth U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant King; Battery C-, Rhode Island Artillery, Captaiu Owen; Battery L, Second New York Artillery, Captain Roemer; Battery B, First New York Artillery, Captaiu Pettit; Second independent Pennsylvania Bat- tery, Captain Durell; Battery ID, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant llazlett, and Fourth New York independent Battery, Captain Smith. On the morning of the 11th, I received orders for all the batteries to fire on the city; but, owing to the dense fog which obscured the city almost entirely, the batteries fired but little, and with what effect it was impossible to judge. On the afternoon of the 11th, after our troops had crossed, the enemy opened on the city. Our batteries immediately opened on theirs, causing them in a few minutes to cease firing. On the 12th, our batteries fired more or less at the enemys batteries whenever they opened on the city or our troops, and in every case the enemy would cease firing in a few minutes after our batteries commenced firing. On the 13th, fired pretty much in the same way, and with the same effect as on the 12th. Not knowing the exact position of our troops or the enemys, and fearing we might injure our troops, the batteries did not fire during the attack on the 12th, except at the enemys batteries. On the 14th and 15th, fired more or less at the enemys batteries whenever they opened on our troops or the city, with a view to induce them to cease firing, which was always the result of our firing at their batteries. The batteries belonging to the Artillery Reserve being under the orders of other commanders during the operations, I do not deem it proper to make any report of them, only to state that they were all engaged during the entire operations. For a more detailed account of the services of the batteries under my coin mand, I refer you to the reports of the commanders of batteries, here- with transmitted, and fully indorse what they say with regard to the conduct of their officers and men. All my own staff; consisting of Licut. II. F. l3rownson, Third Artillery, acting assistant adjutant-general, acting during the engagement as aide to Colonel Tyler; Lieut. F. S. French, First Artillery, acting aide-de- camp; Capt. N. J. Sappington, commissary of subsistence, who during the operations performed the duties of aide-de-camp; Capts. S. P. Sny- dam and S. B. Bean, assistant quartermasters, and Dr. C. B. White, medical director, performed their respective duties with energy and ability. Lient. -W. ID. Fuller, Third Artillery, in charge of the ammunition train, volunteered for and had the command of a section of Lieutenant llazletts battery until ordered to relieve Lieutenant Elbert, Third Cav- alry, on account of illness, who had been left in charge of the train Page 205 CHAP. XXXIII.I BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 205 The important duty of supplying the batteries during the battle with ammunition was well performed by Lients. W. D. Fuller and Elbert. Li8t of ammunition expended. Rounds. Lieutenant Benjamin 817 Lieutenant Hazlett 390 Captain Owen 230 Captain Pettit . 1,330 Lieutenant King 140 Captain Smith .. 1,600 Captain Roemer 195 Captain Durell 192 Total 4,894 WILLIAM HAYS, Lieutenant- Colonel. General HENRY J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery. No. 38. Report of Capt. Rufus D. Pettit, Battery B, First New York Light Artil- lery. BATTERY PETTIT, Falmouth, Va., December 17, 1862. COLONEL: 1 have the honor to report that on Wednesday, the 10th instant, I was notified that I would receive orders from you, and, in com- l)liance with such orders, the following day, as soon as the fog cleared away, I opened fire upon the enemys batteries that were shelling the bridge, firing during the day 130 rounds. Friday, I opeued upon the same objects, and fired 350 rounds. On Saturday, I was ordered to direct my fire wherever I could see the enemys infantry, or npon their batteries. I did so with apparent good effect, firing during the day 700 rounds. Sunday, I fired 100 rounds at the enemys batteries that ~vere shelling the city. On Monday, I fired 50 rounds at the same objects. On Tuesday, 1 was ordered by General Sumner to open upon the enemys infantry whenever they showed themselves. I discovered them strip- ping our dead, and fired 12 rounds at them, when I received orders to cease firing until further orders. No casualties to report on our side. I have the honor to remain, yours, & c., ~ D. PETTIT, Captain, Commanding Battery B, First New York Artillery. Licut. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, 61ommanding Reserve Artillery. No. 39. Report of Capt. Jacob Roemer, Brrttery L, Second New York Light Artillery. FALMOUTH, December 18, 1862. COLONEL: I have to report the part my battery took in the late en- gagement with the e~iemy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 11th, 12th ,and 13th of this month. On the 10th, my position was assigned me by yourself on the farm of Mr. OBrien, above Falmouth, on the hank of the Ilappahannock, on th Page 206 206 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL right of our line. The battery arrived at this place at 11 p. m. on the 10th; came in park and remained till daybreak. Battery was ready for action, when I received orders to be ready for any emergency, and, if the position I then occupied was found not suitable to the enemys fire, I was to move in front of Mr. OBriens house, where I had better access to the enemys works and also to the town, the position being on the crest of a hill and on the bank of the river. About 9 oclock the enemy opened on our trool)s in front, in the rear of the town, and my special order from you was to enfilade the enemys fire on our troops, which, in combination with Captain Owen, was done by moving our batteries to the front. Here I spent about 20 rounds of ammunition, when the enemy ceased their fire. At that time I received orders to place the battery in the peach orchard on the left of the house, as the enemy had opened fire on the battery to the left of me. Here about 25 shots were exchanged. From this position I fell back to the former, the fire of the enemy having changed more to the right. This move enabled me to silence the enemys fire on our troops. Toward night received orders to place one section in the former position, to the left of the house close to the bank of the river, where several shots were ex- changed. This section remained here during the night, the other section retaining its original position. Ordered at the same time to erect four embrasures, which was done during the night. On the 11th, expended about 74 ronnds of ammunition. On the 12th, received orders to withdraw the section from the bank into the embrasures, and to watch the enemy, and to fire only when they opened on our troops or my own battery. About 7 a. m. the enemy opened from their works, and such as Icould reach with my battery. Atter several return shots, the enemy ceased. About 9 oclock the dense fog obscured everything. As soon as it had cleared off, found the enemy had again opened on our troops, bnt I could not well reach them from the embrasures, especially my right section. On this account moved it to the left, on the bank of the river, and opened with the battery, which the enemy soon observed, and silenced their fire. Nothing of importance occurred till about 4 oclock, when, time battery being in the emnbrasures, the enemy opened a brisk cross-fire from the woods and hills, which was briskly returned by myself, Owens, Kings, and Benjamins batteries, and silenced their twelve or fifteen pieces. Expended 67 rounds of am- munition. I remained in the embrasure the whole night of the 12th. The 13th, opened fire about 7 a. in.; fog came on between S and 9, when orders came to be cautious with our fire, as the cavalry pickets were advanc- ing; fired at intervals during the whole of the day, changing position according to the changes of the enemy. Expended 128 rounds of am- munition. About 3 oclock ordered to report immediately, with the bat. tery, to General Sumner, at the Lacy house, which was bbeyed. About 5 p. m. received instructions to have the battery in readiness for any emergency during the night. On the 14th, lay in readiness for orders the whole day and night, till, between 3 and 4 p. m. of the 15th, received orders from yourself, per- sonally, to occupy the redoubt I am still holding, formerly Benjamins. Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery. I have the honor to be, colonel, your most obedient servant, JACOB ROEMEIR, Captain, (Jowdy. Battery L, Second New York Artillery. bent. Col. WILLIAM HAYs, Commanding Reserve Artillery Page 207 UIIAI. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 207 No. 40. Report of Capt. James B. Smith, Fourth New York Battery. CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, December 17, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the participation of the Fourth New York Battery, under my command in the late bombardment of Fredericksburg: In obedience to orders from headquarters center grand division, dated December 10, I reported to you, and was by you ordered to take command of the Fourth New York Battery, which had been nuder the executive command of First Lieut. Joseph E. Nairn since November 4, I at that time assuming command of the division artillery, in compliance with orders from headquarters Sickles division, of that date. Position was assigned me by you on the north bank of the river, about 500 yards of the Lacy house, with instructions to obey all orders from General Hunt, Colonel Tompkins, and yourself. 1 placed my guns~ in battery about 8.30 oclock on the evening of the 11th, and set my men at work throwing up small breastworks around each gun, as a protection against the enemys sharpshooters. About 3 a. m. on the morning of the 12th, General Hunt ordered me to fire upon the town, when the battery adjoining my left (K, First U. S. Artillery, Captain Graham) opened. In obedience to this order, I opened fire about 5 a. m. (or soon after the enemys sharpshooters opened fire upon the engineers who were constructing pontoon bridges). I kept up a rapid fire during the forenoon, damaging the vents of five of my gups, which became enlarged. On the 13th, the enemys batteries opened on the town and our men. I undertook to draw their fire by replying from my battery, and several times during the day succeeded in checking the fire from some of their batteries on our right and in front of my position. During the 11th and 15th, my orders were to fire upon the batteries in front whenever they opened upon our re-enforcements or the town, which order I obeyed, until ordered by General Hunt not to fire under any circumstances. Again, during the night of the 15th, I received orders from Colonel Tompkins to be on the alert to cover the retreat of our army; but as the enemy made no attempt to interfere, I had no occasion to fire. The ammunition furnished me by Captain Young, ordnance officer of Sickles division, was of an inferior quality. The concussion projectiles (Parrott) were used as solid shot; the case shot worked poorly. About ~ne in twelve exploded, although care was taken to prepare and fit the fuses. The cartridges were composed of different kinds of powder or of various quantities, which made accuracy almost impossible. During the five days firing I expended, all told, about 1,600 rounds of case shot and shell. I have no casualties to report. The non-commissioned officers and privates of the battery conducted themselves admirably, obeying all orders with promptness. Lieutenants Nairn, Scott, McLean, and Smith, by their attention to duty, contributed greatly to render the fire of the battery effective. Lieu- tenant Nairn made several splendid shots, sighting the pie& es himself. The officers have my warmest thanks. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. SMiTh, Capt~ffu Fourth New York Battery. Licut. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, Commanding Reserve Artillery Page 208 208 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAr. XXXIII. No. 41. Report of Capt. George IV. Durell, Battery D, Pennsylvania Light Ar. tillery. [DECEMBER , 1862.] COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Second Independent Pennsylvania Battery during the recent action: The battery left their camp at 8p.m. on the 10th day of December, 1862, and came into position on the river bank to the left of Falmouth. Commenced firing at 8.30 a. m. on the 11th day of December, 1862. After firing an hour, ceased firing, having received orders to that effect. A few shots fired at 4.30 p. m. of same day. At 9 a. m. of the 12th, commenced firing, which continued about twenty minutes. At 10 oclock of same day, were ordered to place the battery in the earthworks in rear of Falmouth, adjoining those occupied by Captain Pettit. At a few minutes before 3 p. m. commenced firing on the rebel works, firing continuing until after sunset. At 11.30 a. m. of the 13th of December, opened fire on the rebel bat- teries and earthworks. Soon ceased firing, by orders. At 1.45 p. m. reopened fire on the rebel batteries. On the 14th day of December, 1862, changed position from the earth- works to the river banks above Falmouth, near to the position occupied by Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery. Opened fire at 4.30 p. m. of same day. On the 15th day of December, fired a few rounds at meridian; also a few rounds at sunset of same day. On the 16th day of December, the battery moved into park in the woods, in rear of Lieutenant Benjamin. The battery expended the following ammunition: 125 time shells, 60 percussion shells, 7 case shot, and 1 condemned shot. The battery was furnished with 190 time shells, 110 percussion shells, and 40 case shot by Lieutenant Fuller. Casualties, none. All of which is respectfully submitted. GEO. W DUJIELL, Captain, Commanding Battery. Lient. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, 6ommanding Reserve Artillery. No. 42. Report of Capt. Okarles D. Owen, Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. FALNOUTLI, VA., December 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the opera- tions of my battery during the battle of Fredericksburg: During the evening of the 10th instant, I placed my battery near the extreme right of our line, just to the left of Kings battery, and received instructions from Colonel Hays, commanding the batteries at that point, to fire at the enemys artillery in case they opened, and, should their infantry appear, to fire at them. I got into position about 10 p. in., an Page 209 CHAP. XXXIfl.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 209 remained in harness throughout the night. The morning of the 11th dawned thick and hazy, and remained so until about 10 a. in., when it lighted up a little, and orders came to shell Fredericksburg, and I fired a few shot at the town; but, our ranges being very imperfect, and not being able to see the effect of the shot, owing to the foggy atmosphere, I ceased firing at that point. We remained quiet during the rest of the day until about 4 p. in., when some rebel batteries, directly opposite us, and about 1,500 yards distant, opened upon us, and fired very accurately and rapidly for about twenty minutes, but a concentrated fire of the guns there in position soon silenced them. About 5 p. m. of the 11th, orders came from Colonel Hays to put up earthworks, and during the night I constructed six separate barbette works, which afforded excellent protection for my cannoneers, but none for my horses. We laid quiet Friday and Saturday, occasionally firing at the enemy as they appeared in considerable numbers, either as work. ing parties or on their breastworks. Sunday morning I received orders from Colonel flays to report to Colonel Tompkins, at the Lacy house, as soon as possible, and, accord- ingly, I arrived at the Lacy house with my battery about 6.30 a. and received further orders to replenish ammunition and report to Cap- tain Morgan at Fredericksburg. I reported to Captain Morgan, and he placed me in position on the right of the line, and just in the rear of the Gordon house, where I was well sheltered from the enemys artillery and sharpshooters by two banks. My orders when taking this position were to engage the enemys batteries should they open on our infantry, but not to return their artillery fire should they open on the battery. Throughout the entire day, Sunday, the 14th, we remained quiet, and did not unmask our position, there being only a little picket firing dur- ing the day. Toward night three companies of infantry reported to me for picket duty, and at dusk I instructed the officer in command where I wished them stationed; but, upon going out some two hours afterward to see if they were at their posts, I found them only about 50 yards from the battery, and more than half had come in. Some new ones were soon stationed, but, being new troops, they were useless as pickets for night duty. About 11 p. m. I was aroused by the heavy l)icket firing directly in our front, and very near. Anticipating that our pickets would move in, I hastened out, and found nearly all the picket line had come in, and the rebels were very close. I ordered up the reserves at once, and obtained a separate company for the picket duty during the remainder of the night; but we had no further trouble. On the 15th, about 11 a. in., the enemy commenced firing on our in- fantry from their artillery, and we replied, making some excellent shots, which drew their fire on us; when, according to previous orders, we ceased. At 6 p. m. we were relieved in our position by Weeds bat- tery, and a short time after we recrossed the river and returned to the old camp near Falmoutli. The casualties of my command were 1 man slightly wounded and 1 horse killed. During the five days, I expended about 230 rounds of ammunition. The Hotchkiss shell and case shot is the only variety of ammunition upon which I can rely. The Dyer ammunition generally misses the groove, and the llotchkiss percussion bursts in the piece. I cannot say too much of the conduct of my officers and men. Dur- ing the most trying circumstances they were perfectly calm and collected, 14 u nVOL xx Page 210 210 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. and attended to the business of the battery as thoroughly as if we were on drill. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES D. OWEN, Ca1ptain First Rhode Island Artillery, Oomdg. Battery G. Lent. Col. WILLIA~~I HAYS, Commanding Reserve Artillery. No. 43. Report of Lieut. Samuel N. Benjamin, Battery B, Second U. S. Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 18, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of Battery E, Second Artillery, during the late action near Fredericksburg: In obedience to your instructions, the battery left its camp at 7 p. in. on the 10th instant, and proceeded to its position. Three guns were immediately placed in position on the knoll to the right of Kings bat- tery, and the other three were placed in position before daybreak on the slope of the corn-field, to the right and front of the other three. The ground and its surroundings you are familiar with, so they need no description. In the morning the fog hid the city from sight, save occa- sional glimpses of the steeples. At 9 a. m. I received orders to open fire on the city. I fired slowly and carefully, the fog preventing me from seeing the effect of the shot. I fired well to the right, to avoid injuring the batteries opposite the town. My right gun burst at the second shot. A little after 10 a. in. I placed the two right guns on a ridge between the corn-field and the knoll on which the three guns were placed, in order to be able to fire across the river on the batteries masked in the woods opposite our position. During the day we fired a few shot to determine ranges, and into the city. About sunset the rebel bat- teries in rear of the city opened fire on it, our troops having then taken the place. Captains iRoemers, Durells, Kings, and my own guns were immediately turned upon them. We fired but a few minutes, when the enemys guns, masked in the woods opposite, opened a brisk fire on us. We returned the fire, and, in about ten minutes, silenced them. On the 12th instant at 10 a m some of the rebel batteries opened on the city. The battery opened on them, and they soon ceased firing. Later in the morning we fired at some of the enemy~s infantry, who at once sheltered themselves in a gulley. Several times we opened on the enemys batteries, to check them from shelling the suburbs of the city. December 13. The morning very foggy. About 12 m. the attack com- menced on the city. The battery silenced two or three of the enemys nearest guns. An order came from General Burnside to silence the guns which were firing on our troops. We fired steadily and carefully for an hour upon them, but the distance (about 3,300 yards), and the fact of the rebel guns being in thick earthworks, made it impossible for us to do them much injury. The guns in the works nearest to us would soon cease firing when we fired oii them. Those close by the battle-ground, for the reasons above given, I could not silence. We fired at their guns at intervals during the whole afternoon Page 211 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 211 On Sunday, the 14th instant, we fired several times on the works nearest to us, silencing them when they opened, and shelled some of. their infantry out of a small breastwork. December 15, we fired but little. Twice we fired for a few minutes on the enemys batteries, to check them from firing on the town, ceasing to fire when they did. On the 16th instant, about 11 a. in., we received your order to shell the stone wall and road on the battle-ground, which we did for some fifteen minutes, and then, receiving an order to continue the fire with a little lower elevation, we opened again. After many of the shots we could see small squads of men run out from the covers. When we could no longer see any of their men, we ceased firing. During the action on Saturday, the 13th instant, we fired 452 rounds. During the six days we fired in all 817 rounds. We threw 53 rounds of shell and shrapnel into a brook, they being unfit for use, having large flaws in their butts. 1 would respectfully call attention to the miserable quality of the ammunition I was supplied with. The time fuses (paper fuses) in the majority of cases did not ignite. Many of the Schenki percussion shell upset, and some broke in the gun, while many of them failed to burst in striking. Many of the Parrott shells and shrapnel broke in the guns or exploded near the muzzles. The shortest range at which we fired was 1,200 yards; the longest was near 6,800 yards. At the latter range we fired a few shots, to test the range of the guns. The distance was determined by counting the time between the flash and the report of the enemy~s guns. The battery is still in the position it occupied during the engagement. One horse was killed in the battery. The officers and men behaved very well. Sergeants Kaiser and Eidle- man made some very fine shots. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL N. BENJAMIN, First Lieutenant Second Artillery, Commanding Battery B. Lieut. Col. Wu~LrAM HAYs, Commanding Artillery Reserve. No. 44. Report of Capt. Horatio G. Gibson, Battery C, Third U. S. Artillery. CAMP BAYARD, VA., December 28, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera- tions of my battery since the advance of the Army of the Potomac into Virginia and during the battle of Fredericksburg: On November 4,1 received orders to report to General Bayard, on the Alexandria and Winchester turnpike, and accordingly, after a march of 30 miles, joined him near Upperville the evening of the same day. From there the command moved, via Salem and Warrenton, to Rappahannock Station. The last days march (November 7) was made in a severe snow- storm, and the battery reached the bridge near that place after night- fall. Lieutenant Lancasters section, in the advance, with the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, shelled the enemys camp on the opposite bank of the river, and on the arrival of the rest of the battery a few shots wer Page 212 212 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. fired by Lieutenant Meinells section. The enemy hastily fled from their camp, near the bridge, leaving everything behind them. The next morning the enemy opened fire upon us with two or three pieces of artillery, and was replied to by the battery. The firing lasted over two hours. in the evening the cavalry and the battery. except one section left to guard the bridge, were relieved by General Taylors brigade of infantry. On the 18th, the battery moved with the cavalry toward Brookes Station, arriving there on the 22d. On December 6, the battery accompanied the cavalry on an expedition toward Dumfries and Wolf Run Shoals r on the 9th. , eturning to Brookes Station Moving from there on the 10th, the battery crossed the river on the 12th, just after Smiths corps, and took up a position about 300 yards from the crossing. By direction of General Bayard, Meinells section was sent, with one or two regiments of cavalry, to ascertain the position and force of the enemy in our immediate front. Finding him in force, and our advance exposed to his infantry fire, the cavalry and the sec- tion of my battery were ordered to withdraw. When the fog lifted in the afternoon, the battery came under the fire of the enemys artillery, and remained so exposed during the engagement of the next day (13th). I am happy, however, to be able to report no casualties in officers, men, or horses. The battery recrossed the river on the night of the 15th instant, and on the 17th rejoined the cavalry division, from which it had been tern. porarily detached by General Franklin. I deem it proper to add that I have expended, since crossing the Po- toinac on November 3 last, 50, and not 5,000, rounds of ammunition, as has been reported, I understand, to the chief of artillery; and also that my total expenditure of ammunition on the Peninsula, in Maryland, and since leaving it, does not exceed 800 rounds. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. G. GIBSON Captain Third Artillery, Commanding Batte;y C. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac. No. 45. Report of Jijeut. Rufus King, Jr., Battery A, Fourth U. iS~. Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOIJTH, VA., December 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the battery left camp on Wed- nesday, the 10th instant, at 7 p. in., to take a position on the right of our line. The battery arrived in position at 12 p. in., and was located on the left of Lieutenant Benjamins battery and on the right of Cap- tain Owens, about midway between each. On Thursday, the 11th instant, the battery was in position all day without firing a shot until after sunset, when the enemy opened with a battery from their right upon us, and we quickly replied, expending about 30 rounds of ammunition. The enemys fire was discontinued. On Friday, the 12th instant, we opened upon the enemys batter Page 213 ChAP. XXXRIJ BATTLE OF FREI)EUICKSBURG, VA. 213 that had fired upon us the previous day; conmienced firing at 8 a. in., expending 40 rounds of ammunition; elicited no reply. We also directed our fire during the day upon the enemys works farther to our left and opposite Fredericksburg, expending 20 rounds of ammunition. On Saturday, the 13th instant, the battery was ordered from its posi- tion on our right to proceed to the Lacy house, and go into park and await further orders. Two caissons were immediately sent over to Fredericksburg to report to Lieutenant Kusserow, and returned about 8 p. m. One caisson only was emptied. About 9 p. m. received orkrs to cross over into Fredericksburg and report to Captain Morgan, chief of artillery, Couchs corps, the battery having previously been under the command of Colonel flays, commanding Artillery Reserve. Reported to Captain Morgan at 10 p. in., and was ordered into position to relieve Captain Kusserow. Took position in an open field upon the left of Mr. Harrisons dwelling, which is located upon the right and edge of the town. Arrived in position about 10.30 p. in. Sent one caisson over the river for ammunition, which had been emptied by Lieutenant Kusserow. On Sunday, the 14th instant, the enemy opened upon us from their works opposite us, and on our right and left, firing fuse shell, solid shot, and spherical case, using rifle and smooth-bore guns. We replied, ex- pending about 50 rounds of ammunition. The enemys fire was discon. tinned. On. Monday, the 15th instant, there was no firing from the battery. We were relieved from our position by Captain Weed at dark, and the battery returned to the rear of Fredericksburg and went into park. Received orders at 7 p. m. to cross the river. Crossed at 8 p. in., break- ing one pole, upsetting a caisson, and breaking the stock. Arrived in camp, without further injury, at 11 p. m. It is unnecessary for me to add that officers and men behaved well.* * * * * * * * I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RUFUS KING, Jn., First Lieutenant Fourth U. S. Artillery, Comdg. Battery A. Lient. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, Commanding Reserve Artillery. No. 46. Report of Lieut. Charles F. Hiazlett, Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery. BATTERY D, FIFTh ARTILLERY, December 20, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report the following facts with regard to the action of this battery in the battle before Fredericksburg: It was placed in position on the north bank of the Rappahannock River, near Falmouth, by Lieutenant-Colonel Hays, at 11 p. m. on the night of the 10th instant, and opened fire on the city the following morning at about 9 a. in., firing very slowly. As soon as the enemy on the * Statement, omitted, shows ammunition expended; 140 rounds; casualties, 1 man aiid 3 horses wounded Page 214 214 OPERATIONS IN N. VA,, XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CITAP. XXXLIL heights opposite opeiicd, which occurred about 3 oclock on the after- noon of same day, the battery replied, expending about 330 rounds (luring the engagemeut. Next day the battery fired about 60 rounds making 390 in all. No casualty happened during the action, as the fire of the enemy was almost entirely directed against that portion of our forces which occupied Fredericksburg. The battery remained in posi. tion till the evening of the 20th instant, when, on receiving an order to that effect, it occupied its former position, near Potomac Creek. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant. CUAS. E. HAZLETT, First Lieutenant Fifth U. S. Art Ulery, Co,;~man1ing Battery. Lieut. Col. WILLIA1~I HAYS, Commanding Reserve Artillery. No. 47. Report of (apt. Gustavus A. DeBussy, Fourth U. S. Artillery, commanding Batteries on the Left. NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Wednesday evening, De- cember 10, in obedience to orders from Headquarters Army of the Potomac, I assumed command of nine batteries, intended to cover the crossing of Major-General Franklins grand division at the lower bridge, and to operate for the protection of the left of the Army of the Potomac, when it should cross the IRappahannock. These batteries were as fol lows: Captain Hall, Second Maine, six 3-inch; Captain Wolcott, Batter~~ A, First Maryland Artillery, six 3-inch; Lientenant Wever, Battery C, First Battalion New York Artillery, four 20-pounders; Captain Taft, Fifth New York Artillery, four 20-pounders; Captain Reynolds, Bat- tery L, First New York Artillery, four 3-inch; Captain Amsden, Bat- tery G, First Pennsylvania Artillery, four 3-inch; Lieutenant Jlicketts, Battery F, First Pennsylvania Artillery, four 3-inch; Captain Thomp- son, Fourth Independent Pennsylvania Battery, four 3-inch; Captaii~ Cowan, First Independent New York Battery, six 3-inch. Total, forty. two guns. By 12 oclock that night these batteries were in position, occupying the bluffs and other commanding ground designated by Brig. Gen. H. J. Hunt, chief of artillery of the Army. Thursday (11th), on requisition from General Franklin and Captaiu Comstock, U. S. Engineer Corps, three battcries (Cowans, Amsdens, and lAicketts), were disposed along the river bank to protect the bridge working parties, and, subsequently, the crossing of the columns. These batteries kept up a lively fire during the day, clearing the op- l)OSmte shore of the enemys sharpshooters, and effectually opening the road for the advance of the troops. By order of General Franklin, Hall, Wolcott, and Reynolds were ordered to join their divisions when they had crossed. Friday (12th), Cowans, Amsdens, and IRicketts returned to their positions. The former, having broken three iron axles, was ordered t Page 215 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF F1~EDERICRSBURG, VA. 215 a secure place, where repairs might be prosecuted. The remaining batteries fired occasional shots during the day, whenever the enemy showed himself in front of our troops. Thompson and Amsden were sent to join their divisions, by direction of General Franklin. Saturday (13th), Captain Cowan reported his battery ready for service, and was ordered to a position below Pollocks Mill, where Wever, Taft, and Ricketts had been posted, by order of General Franklin. The bat- teries shelled the opposite woods, which sheltered the enemys cavalry, and drove it from the position. During the day the batteries were moved as occasion required or opportunity offered. Their fire was deliberate and effective. Whenever the enemy showed himself, those guns which could reach were turned on him, silencing his fire, blowing up one caisson, and, in every instance, forcing his withdrawal. Sunday (14th), I directed the batteries to take up new positions, more to the left, and near the mansion on Gray~s farm. They now took in flank a strong position of the enemy, and enfiladed the Massa- ponax Creek for about 1~ miles. The day was passed closely watching the enemy, and checking every demonstration made against the flank of our army. By order of General Franklin, one section of IRicketts battery was detached to the cavalry command of Colonel Gregg. Monday (15th), the batteries occupied the same ground as Sunday; shelled the woods in their front, and though the effect could not well be seen, I would mention the fact that they were not again occupied by rebel troops. About 9 p. in., having been informed, through the chief of staff of General Franklin, of the contemplated withdrawal of the army from the south side of the IRappahannock, I directed Captain Taft, reserve artillery, to proceed at once to occupy the ground assigned him the first day. The following morning, about 7 oclock, I followed up the movement with the remaining batteries, which severally regained their original stations. The army had crossed and the bridges were taken up. Until to-day I have remained in occupation of these positions, in command of all the batteries originally assigned to me. In obedience to your orders, those batteries are now en route for their respective com- mands, and I have reported myself to the chief of artillery. I desire to call special attention to the energy and vigilance displayed by Captain Cowan, First New York Battery. His practice was very annoying to the enemy, and the subject of admiration to all of us. Captain Taft, reserve artillery, was of great assistance, commanding his battery with great judgment, and accomplishing the best results. Lieutenant Wever was anxious to distinguish his battery. The second shot, fired by him Saturday afternoon, exploded one of the enemys cais- sons at very long range. I mention the incident to indicate the gen- eral accuracy of his fire. His battery belongs to the Reserve Artillery. Lieutenant Ricketts (F), First Pennsylvania Artillery, vied with his brother officers in efforts to be useful. He was constantly on the alert, and his guns made their mark whenever the opportunity offered. I have the honor to call attention to the reports of captains of those batteries which served with me during these days for information and comments upon the success or failure of different styles of projectiles. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. A. DE HUSSY, Gaptain Fourth Artillery. Brig. Gen. HENRY J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of tkc~ Potomac Page 216 216 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LCnA1~. XXXIII. No. 48. Report of Capt. Andrew Gowan, Pir8t New York Battery. ON THE RAPPAHANNOOX, December 19, 1862. Siu: I have the honor to report that, with the other batteries under your command, I took position at 12 p. in., December 10, on the high ground overlooking the river above Pollocks Mill. At 7 oclock the following morning, in accordance with your orders, I changed my posi- tion to the river bank, near the pontoon bridges, and opened fire upon some buildings on the opposite side, from which the enemys sharp- shooters were firing upon our engineer party. The sharpshooters ceased firing, and the bridges were completed without further hinderance. Dur- ing the remainder of the day I fired several shots at parties of the ene- mys troops, with, as far as I could judge, very good effect. The ground was very heavy, and before night three of my pieces were disabled, the recoil having broken the axles. At sunset I threw a few shells into the buildings, and immediately after our troops commenced to cross. At early daylight on the following morning (December 12), I had my men at their posts, by order of Major-General Smith, it being re- ported that the enemy had moved several of their batteries down near our picket line, bat we heard nothing from them. At 11 a. in., by yonr orders, I returned to camp for repairs, and proceeded in persou, as you directed, to General Hunts headquarters, to request him to send to Washington for new axles; but, finding that he was at the front with all his staff, I returned to camp, determined to make the attempt to repair the old axles, and at 6 p. m. I reported to you as ready for action with my whole battery (six pieces). At 8 oclock Saturday morning, I moved to Pollocks Mill, and after- ward took position a half mile to the left of that point, and drove a party of the enemys cavalry from a~piece of woods on the opposite side of the river. When our skirmishers advanced, and the line of battle had becii formed in our front, I limbered up and moved 100 yards to the rear. The enemys shell reached us, but failed to do any damage. At dark, returned to camp, and at 6 a. m. Sund~iy took position on this side of the river, beyond the extreme left of our line, on the opposite side; kept n.p a fire, as from time to time any considerable body of the enemy came in sight, and with good effect. Remained in this position during the night, and on Monday performed the same duty as on the day previous. At lOp. m. had my men at their posts, where they remained till morning. At 7 a. m. Tuesday, received orders from you to withdraw to the posi- tion occupied on the night of December 10, which I did, and there I still remain. .1 found the shell of the llotchkiss pattern excellent, but very many of the spherical case failed to explode, as also the percussion. I ex- amined several case shot, and found one without any powder filling, and another filled with, apparently, iron filings or rust. I fired, in alJ, 319 rounds. We lost neither men nor horses. I regretted being detached from my division while itwas engaged on the opposite side of the river, but endeavored to perform my duty while under your command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ANDREW COWAN, C~aptain First New York Independent Battery. Capt. G. A. DE Russy, Commanding Batteries Page 217 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 217 No. 49. Report of Capt. ElUah D. Taft, Fifth New York Battery. CAMP OPPOSITE FRANKLINS BRIDGE, December 19, 1862. SIR: In compliance with General Orders, No. , the undersigned would respectfully report that the battery under his command left the camp of the Artillery Reserve at Op. m. on the 10th instant, and marched to and took position on the high ground opposite Franklins bridge, on the morning of the 11th instant, at 2 oclock; remained in the same posi- tion until 3 p. in. oC the 12th instant, when I moved the battery three- quarters of a mile to the left, and came into position. At 8 a. in., on the 13th instant, changed position to 1~ miles to the left, and came into position on the road, and near the river; and soomi after engaged a battery on the enemys right, which soon after ceased firing, and I continued to annoy the enemys right at intervals during the day, or when an opportunity offered. On the morning of the 14th instan~ took position on the Gray farm, opposite the Massaponax Creek, and annoyed and checked the advance of the enemy from that point during the 14th and 15th instant; and on the night of the 15th instant, at 10 oclock, marched from Grays farm, and took my original position opposite Franklins bridge. From the 12th to the 15th instant, inclusive, I fired from my battery 122 shrapnel, 53 fuse shells, and 46 concussion shells, making a total of 221 rounds of ammunition. All of which is respectfully submitted. E. IX TAFT, Captain Fifth New York Independent Battery. Capt. G. A. DE Russ~, Commanding Batteries. [P. S.]Your attention is also called to the following casualties: One wheel, one piutle-hook, and two spare poles broken on the march. No. 50. Reports of ]ieut. R. Bruce Ricketts, Battery F, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 18, 1862. SIR: In obedience to an order from headquarters left grand division, dated December 9,1862, I reported to Captain De Bussy, U. S. Army, on the 10th of December, and was placed in position on the bluffs below Falmouth. On Thursday, the 11th, Saturday, the 13th, Sunday, the 14th, and Monday, the 15th of December, I was engaged in shelling the enemys batteries and troops on our left, from the north bank of the Rappahan- nock Page 218 218 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. I have no casualties to report. 1 have expended 201 rounds of am- munition. I have not yet been ordered to rejoin my division. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. BRUCE RICKETTS, Lieut., Comdg. Battery F, First Pennsylvania Artillery. Capt. GEORGE F. LEPPIEN, Chief of Artillerji, Second Division, First Corps. CAMP BELOW FALMOUTH, VA., December 19, 1862. SIR: In obedience to an order from headquarters left grand divis- ion, dated December 9, 1862, I reported to you on the morning of 10th of December, and the same night, by your order, took a position on the bluffs above Pollocks Mill. On Thursday, December 11,1 assisted in covering the crossing of the left grand division at the lower pontoon bridges. On Saturday, December 13, Sunday, December 14, and Monday, De- cember 15, the battery under my c2mmaud was engaged in shelling the enemys batteries and troops on General Franklins left, from the north bank of the Eappahannock. I have no casualties to report. I have expended 201 rounds of am- munition. I am, captain, very respectfufly, your obedient servant, R. BRUCE RICKETTS, Lieut., Comdg. Battery F, First Pennsylvania Artillery. Captain DE Russ~, Commanding Artillery on the Left. No. 51. Report of Maj. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner, U. S. Army, commanding Right Grand Division. HEADQUARTERS RIGHT GRAND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 14, 1863. Sn~: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of my command during the actions at and near Fredericksburg: It was intended that my grand division should cross on two pontoon bridgesthe upper one to be thrown at the Lacy house, and the other at the old steamboat landing. The work of the bridge-builders com- menced at daylight on the morning of December 11, covered by guns, under charge of the chief of artillery, Army of the Potomac, crowning the crest on the left bank of the river, and supported by infantry lying under the crest. The pontoniers were annoyed during the day by the fire of the enemys sharpshooters, secreted in the houses near the pro- posed landing of the bridges, whom the artillery fire, directed upon the houses, failed to drive. The Engineer Brigade failing to accomplish its assigned work under the fire it met, troops crossed the river, at the two points selected for the bridges, in boats, and carried handsomely the houses and shelters occupied by the enemy, and suffering sharply, but inflicting severe loss on the enemy in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The Seventh Michigan and Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusett Page 219 CHAP~ XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 219 Regiments crossed at the upper bridge, the Seventh Michigan leading, and the Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers at the lower. Under the cover of these gallant men, the bridges were completed,, and Howards division crossed near the Lacy house, occupying at first the streets of the town nearest and parallel to the river. The upper portion of the town was held by the enemy, who opened a sharp and effective fire upon the heads of Howards columns as they showed themselves in the streets perpendicular to the Rappahannock. Howard made judicious disposi- tions, advanced, and, after sharp fighting, drove the enemy, so that at daylight on the morning of the 12th, in conjunction with Hawkins bri- gade, of the Ninth Corps, he occupied the entire town of Fredericks- burg. During this day the remaining troops of the Second and Ninth lJorp8 dArm6e crossed the river. The Second Corps held the center and right of the town, and the Ninth Corps, reaching to the left, connected with Franklins right. Franklin having crossed the Rappahaunock about 3 miles below the city, Hookers grand division was massed in readiness to move to the support of the attack proposed for my grand division. The enemy held the successive crests and wooded slopes which encircle the town, his infantry covered by breastworks and rifle-pits, his guns protected by earthworks, and mostly in embrasure, the general disposi- tions of his lines being such as to give front and enfilading fires on any troops who might debouch from the city with the intention of crossing the gradual slope which swells from the town to the crest. He had also concentrated many guns on the bridges necessarily to be crossed by the troops after leaving the cover of the houses before reaching the open plain. The enemy was quiet during the day and night. On the morning of the 13th, I was directed by the commanding gen- eral to attack with a division, supported closely by a second, the direc- tion of the attack to be indicated by the Plank and Telegraph roads, and its object the possession of the heights immediately in the rear of the town. Frenchs division (Couchs corps) Was selected as the leading column. General French made his dispositions promptly. The move- ment of his command was partially covered by a heavy fog. Hancocks division was formed in proper supporting distance and order. At 11 a. m. the advance division moved in three columns of battalions by brigades, with front and flank covered by a heavy line of skirmish- ers. The orders given to this storming column were that it should ad- vance steadily, and, driving the pickets of the enemy before it, should follow them closely and go into their works with them. A handsome attempt was made to carry these orders into execution, but failed. Hancock threw his division in with spirit and decision, and was followed subsequently by Howard. These three divisions lost many gallant officers and men in repeated and fruitless attempts to carry positions of great natural strength, made stronger by the unremitted labor of weeks, and held by an enemy in strong force, who fought under cover, aided by a tremendous fire of artillery, while such was the nature of the ground that we could derive little support from our own guns. Willcox held his corps in hand to support Couch, and at the proper moment threw in Sturgis division, which showed the same gallantry and met the same ill-fortune as that shown and experienced by the divisions of the Second Corps. Subsequently Gettys division was pre- cipitated against the works of the enemy, but recoiled before the volume of fire it met. Burns division, on the left, was pushed across Hazel Run, holdin Page 220 220 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W; VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. the couimunication with Franklin, and shared with the other five divis- ions of the grand division the perils and disappointments of the day. There was sharp picket firing during the night along the line held by our troops, at some points within a hundred yards of the enemys posi- tion. The next day, the 14th, the troops held the gronnd they had occupied when their advance was checked on the previous day. During the 15th there was continuous picket firing, and the enemy was more active than on the preceding day with his artillery. On the night of this day orders were received to withdraw the command to the left bank of the iRappahannock. The order was executed qnietly and promptly, without loss or confusion, and the grand division marched to the bivouac now occupied by it. Where all behave so gallantly it is impossible to discriminate. I adopt and indorse all the subordinate reports of my command, and I would respectfully commend to the Government the corps commanders, Gen- erals Couch and Willeox, for skill and gallantry in handling their troops. The following officers of my personal staff were all zealous and prompt in the discharge of their duties: Lieut. Col. J. II. Taylor, assistant ad- jutant-general and chief of staff; Lient. Col. C. G. Sawtelle, chief quar- termaster; Lieut. Col. W. W. Teall, chief commissary; Maj. Lawrence Rip, aide-dc-camp; Capt. W. G. Jones, acting aide-de-camp; Capt. J. C. Audenried, aide-de-camp; Capt. S. S. Sumner, aide-de-camp; Lieut. A. II. Cushing, topographical engineer, and Lient. 11. 5. Mackenzie, topo- graphical engineer. I would also recommend Surg. A. N. Dougherty, medical director of the right grand division; also Capt. J. M. Garland, the master of am- bulances, and Maj. J. E. Mallon, provost-marshal. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. V. SUMNER, Brevet Major-General, U. S. Army, commanding. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac. No. 52. R~port of Brig. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Cav- alry Division, Right Grand Division. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISIoN, January 12, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the disposition of the troops composing this command during the operations of the Army of the Potomac on December 11. 12, 13, and 14, in its attack on Fredericks- l)uro- (iii December 11, agreeably to the orders of the major-general com- manding the right grand division, this division, consisting of the First Brigade, nuder Brig. Gen. J. F. Farnsworth; Second Brigade, nuder Col. D. MeM. Gregg, Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Penningtons battery (M), Second U. S. Artillery, were massed in columns of squadrons in rear of the ridge commanding the approaches to the upper bridges. This position was heldby the command until the army had recrossed the ilappahannock Page 221 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 221 During this time, the Eighth Regiment of New York Cavalry, under Col. B. F. Davis, picketed the river in the vicinity of King George Court-House, as well as the country between the Potomac and Rappa- hannock Rivers, covering our left flank. The Sixth Regiment of iNew York Cavalry, under Colonel Devin, picketed the fords above Falmouth aiid the couiitry in the direction of Hartwood. On December 12, two squadrons of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, under Major Beveridge, crossed the river and made a reconnaissance above Fredericksburg, and found the enemys pickets strongly posted at the bridge over the canal. This command remained in observation at this point until relieved by two squadrons, under Major Clendenin, who continued at this duty until the withdrawal of the army. The Sixth Regular Cavalry, nnder Captain Cram, on December 13 was I)osted above and to the rear of Falmouth, in support of batteries. On the death of General Bayard, from a mortal wound received in the action of the left grand division, Col. D. McM. Gregg, of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was assigned to the command of Bayards divis- ion, and Colonel Devin took command of the Second Brigade. I avail myself of this occasion to commend to the major-general coum- imianding the right grand division the fidelity with which the officers and men of this division discharged the duties required of them on these occasions. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Right Grand Division. No. 53. Report of Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, U. S. Army, commanding Second Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Camp near Palmouth, Va., January , 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Second Army Corps between December 10 and 16: During the night of December 10, General Hancock was directed to send two regiments from Colonel Zooks brigade to protect the working parties who were throwing bridges over the Rappahannock, opposite the city of Fredericksburg, and where this corps was to cross. At 8 a. m. on the 11th, the command was massed under cover in rear of where the bridges were being constructed, and was held in readiness for crossing, in obedience to orders from Major-General Sumner, corn - nianding right grand division. At the same time I received directions from the major-general commanding right grand division to send a bri- gade to report to Brigadier-General Woodbury, of the engineers. The brigade commanded by Col. N. J. Hall, of howards division, was de- tailed for this purpose. Nothwithstauding the heavy artillery fire on the town, the enemy were not dislodged. It was then decided to send over the troops in boats. Lieutenant- Colonel Baxter, Seventh Michigan Regiment, followed by the Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts, crossed the river in the pontoon boats, seize(l the buildings occupied by the enemys sharpshooters, took a num Page 222 222 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXX1II. ber of prisoners, and advanced into the town. This was a gallant affair. It should be stated that the engineer troops, who were to use the oars in crossing the troops, could not be made to do their duty. The bridges were rapidly completed, but the lateness of the hour (4.30 ~ in.) pre- vented the crossing of more than Howards division before dark. Gen- eral Howard commanded in Fredericksburg that night. At sunrise on the 12th, Frenchs and Hancocks divisions were crossed and assigned positions in the streets running parallel to the river. The Ninth Corps occupied the left of the city; scarcely an inhabitant was found remaining; very little property was maliciously destroyed, the troops taking tobacco, flour, and other eatables, wherever found; order and discipline reigned. The enemy fired a few shot and shell at inter- vals, but without serious damage. In rear of the town the ground is a broken plain, traversed about mid- way by a canal or ditch, running from right to left. Across this plain, some 600 yards from the outer edge of town, commences the first rise of hills on which the enemy had erected his batteries. Two roads cut the plain nearly at right angles with the canalthe one a plank road, lead- ing to Culpeper, to the right; the other, to the left, the Telegraph road leading to Richmond. At 8.15 on the morning of the 13th, the following order was received: HEADQUARTERS RIGHT GRAND DIvIsION, Near Faimouth, Twa., December 12, 1862. Major-General Coucu, Commanding Second Corps d Arm Je: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say to you that General Wilicox has been ordered to extend to the left, so as to connect with Franklins right. You will extend yonr right so far as to prevent the possibility of the enemy oceupying the npper part of the town. You xviii then form a column of a division for the pnr- pose of pushing in the direetion of the Plank and Telegraph roads, for the purpose of seizing the heights in rear of the town. This column will advance in three lines, wit.h such intervals as you may judge proper, this movement to be covered by a heavy line of skirmishers in front and on both flanks. You will hold another division in readiness to advance in snpport of this movement, to be formed in the same manner as the leading division. Particular care and precaution must be taken to prevent collision with our own troops in the fog. The movement will not commence until you receive orders. The watchword will be Scott. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Stan and Assistant Adjrtant-General. P. S.The major-general commanding thinks that, as Howards division led into the town, it is proper that one of the others take the advance. General French was at once directed to prepare his division for the advance, and General Hancock to follow with his division in the same order of attack. The distance between the successive lines was to be about 200 yards. The divisions were sent into action as came their turn in order of march. At 9.50 a. m. General French reported that he had made his disposi- tions, and General Sumner was signaled that all was ready. The fog that covered the town and heights commenced lifting. French com- menced his movement by throwing out a strong body of skirmishers, under command of Col. (now Brig. Gen.) J. S. Mason, Fourth Ohio. The division moved out of the city by two parallel streets, running into the Plank and Telegraph roads, and at 12.10 p. m. became en- gaged. General Kimballs brigade was in front, and by its subsequent conduct showed itself worthy to lead. It was followed in succession by the brigades of Col. J. NV. Andrews, First Delaware, and Colonel Thdnier, One hundred and eighthNew York. As has been stated, th Page 223 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 223 troops debouched from the town by two streets leading into the Plank and Telegraph roads. The ditch or canal heretofore mentioned was impassable, except at the bridges. A little beyond it the ground rises, forming a cover, behind which the troops were able to deploy. The rise or crest is about half way between the outer edge of the city and the foot of the heights which were to be carried. The intermediate ground was obstructed here and there by houses and garden fences. This plain was swept by a converging artillery and musketry fire of the enemy. Over it Mason went with his skirmishers, followed by Kimball and the balance of Frenchs division, working nearly up to the stone wall at the foot of the heights, behind which the enemy sought shelter. To support his advance, General French had a section of Arnolds bat- tery, soon joined by the other two sections. Hancock followed with his division in the order of Zooks, Meaghers, and Caldwells brigades, and, pressing on, came up with the advance of French, and, joining it, pushed on with determination. At this moment (1 p. in.) I ordered Hancock and French to carry the enemys works by storm. Seeing shortly that this could not be done, the men falling by hundreds, Howard was directed to move his division to the right of the Telegraph road, and turn the enemys left, the ground presenting some favorable features for such an attack. Nearly at the same instant both Generals Hancock and French sent urgent requests for reenforcements, and Howard was recalled and ordered in on the Telegraph road, Colonel Owens brigade being pushed up to the front, followed by Halls brigade, Sully being in support. Brigadier-General Willcox, commanding Ninth Corps, had now sent in Sturgis division on our left. About 2 p. m. Hooker came on the ground with Butterfields corps, Whipples division relieving Howards, on the latter being ordered to the front, in the duty of holding the right of the town. The following dispatch was received from General Sumner about 3 p.m.: HEADQUARTERS RIGHT GRAND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 13, 18622.40 p. m. General Coucn: Hooker has been ordered to put in everything. You must hold on until he comes in. By command of Brevet Major-General Sumner: XV. G. JONES, Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp, 4-c. The Second Corps held its ground, many of the regiments out of am- munition, relying upon the bayonet. Our batteries on the left bank of the river aided our efforts. About 4p.m., in the absence of General Hooker, I directed General Humphreys, who, I presumed, had orders to co-operate, to move forward his division. He twice led his men forward with great gallantry, but was unsuccessful in elThcting a lodgment, and retired. At 4.15, Hazard, with his battery of light 12-pounders, was ordered forward to within 300 yards of the enemys line, for the purpose of break- ing up that part of the line which was delivering so destructive a fire on the Ninth Corps. The duty was bravely done. Captain Frank, First New York Artillery, was soon after effectively sent in on Hazards left by Major-General Hooker, who came up. Lieutenant Thomas battery (C), Fourth U. S. Artillery, was in action for a short time on the left, doing good service. Kirbys battery was held in readiness to act at a critical period, only one section being in action Page 224 224 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. XXXIII. Early in the afternoon, Major Doull, of General Hunts staff, brought over two rifled batteries, Watermans and Kusserows, and placed them in the position selected by Capt. C. II. Morgan, chief of artillery of the corps. Here the batteries did most excellent service. Pettits, Owens, and Kings batteries were in position on the left bank of the river. Night came on, leaving every part of the field taken by us during the day still in our possession. Although the Second Corps had failed in its object, it has never, from the glorious days of Fair Oaks to Antietam, shown such determined courage as in this days fight against stone wall, rifle-pits, and enfilading batteries. There were many that straggled away from the field, leaving their comrades to bear the brunt of battle. Of those who thus dishonored their names and country nothing more need be written. Too much, however, cannot be said in praise of those who did their duty so well, and whose unflinching bravery and determination have added new honor to the corps and to the army, and compelled the admiration of all brave men. General Butterfield commenced relieving my command at 8 p. in., some of the regiments not being withdrawn till 1 oclock on the follow- ing morning. The surgeons, aided by the ambulance corps, brought in the wounded, and established hospitals throughout the city. The divis. ions bivouacked in the streets, near the river. As on the preceding night, no fires were allowed. Much privation was endured by the troops without murfrmnring. My thanks are due to Brigadier-General Willcox, Brigadier-General Butterfield, then commanding the Fifth Corps, and BrIgadier-General Whipple, for their hearty co-operation in carrying out my wishes when in temporary command of the city. The desperate, stubborn fighting was done by Hancocks division and most of Frenchs. The former lost 2,000 men, the latter 1,200. Howard, coming up late, lost 700 men, besides 150 on the 11th. He did well the part assigned to him. These generals of divisions seconded my efforts, and gave me good counsel. Their soldierly reputations are too well established to require any commendation from me. I respectfully ask the attention of the general commanding to their elaborate reports, together with those of the brigade and regimental commanders, and that of the chief of artil- lery. These give the names of many brave men who laid down their lives for the honor of their country, and also record the names and serv- ices of some of those living, who deserve a soldiers reward for their valor and devotion. Lieutenant Cushing, topographical engineers, staff of Major-General Sumner, was with me throughout the battle, and acted with his well- known gallantry. Capt. C. II. Morgan, Fourth Artillery, chief of artil- lery, rendered invaluable service. Maj. F. A. Walker, assistant adju- tant-general, and Lieutenant Burt, aide-de-camp, served me, as in former battles, with ability and bravery. Lient. J. N. Potter, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Wetmore, Sixth New York Volunteer Cavalry, served cour- ageously and to my satisfaction in this their first battle with me. Lieut. J. S. Schultz, corps quartermaster (slightly wounded), and Capt. J. C. Smith, commissary, were untiring in their labors. Dr. J. H. Taylor, medical director of the corps, was unceasing in his devotion to the wonuded. His department was well organized, and the surgeons of the corps generally labored zealously. The ambulance corps was efficient. Lieutenant Parker, a brave young officer, of General Hancocks staff, was severely wonAded while carrying a message for me Page 225 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 225 On the 14th and 15th we remained in the city inactive, but exposed to the shell of the enemy, which, however, did but little harm. On the night of the 15th, having received orders from Major-General Sumner to recross the river, the Second and Ninth Corps were with- drawn from the town, and, with the exception of the pickets, were on the left bank of the river at 1 a. m. on the 16th. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. COUCH, Major- General, Commanding Second Corps. Lient. Col. J. II. TAYLOR Chief of Statf and Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 54. Report of First Lieut. Edmund Kirby, Battery I, First U. S. Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTII, VA., December 16, 1862. Lu accordance with orders received on the morning of December 11, I reported, with Light Company I, First U. S. Artillery, at the Lacy house. I was plaeed in position by Col. C. II. Tompkins, Rhode Island LightArtillery, near this place and on the left bank of the Rappahannock, with instructions to fire into the buildings on the opposite bank, where the enemys sharpshooters were posted, and who were interfering with the construction of the bateau bridge. We fired solid shot most of the day, as the fuses furnished for light 12-pounder guns are very defective, and not to be trusted when firing over our own troops. The enemy kept up a fire from their sharpshooters upon the cannoneers, and wounded 1 man. Toward evening they opened with two or three batteries, posted on the opposite heights, but did no damage. I fired at this point about 600 rounds of ammunition, and was withdrawn after dark, by Capt. C. H. Morgan, chief of artillery, Second Corps. On December 12, we crossed the river, and remained in the streets, without taking a position. On the 13th, while oar infantry was engaged, I was ordered to the front, by Capt. C. H. Morgan; but, as no position could be found for these gnus, 1 was (lirected to place sections in the streets. Toward evening, Major-General Hooker ordered the right section, under command of Lieutenant Woodruff, First Artillery, to the front, and placed him in position near the right, which order was confirmed by Major-General Couch, with instructions to burst shell at a point where we were endeavoring to concentrate our artillery fire. The fuses were defective. He was compelled to fire solid shot. After dark this section, as well as the two posted on the streets, was withdrawi to the lower part of the town, where I remained until I re- crossed the river. The casualties are 6 men wounded. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY, First Lient., U. S. Army, Comdg. Light L1ompany I, First Arty. Maj. FRA1~cJs A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps. 15 R RVOL XX Page 226 226 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII No. 55. Report of Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. HEADQUARTERS HANcocKs DIVISION, Palmouth, Va., December 25, 1862. MAJOR: During the evening of the 10th instant, I was instructed to send two regiments of infantry, the Fifty-seventh INew York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman commanding, and the Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Bull commanding, to the Lacy house, immediately opposite Fredericksburg, in order that they might serve as a protecting party to the engineers engaged in the construc- tion of the pontoon bridges, which were to be erected there in the course of the ensuing morning, and to march with the remainder of my division, at 6 a. in., to a point on the railroad near the bridge over which the division was to cross the Rappahanuock. These orders were complied with, the troops being massed by 8 a. m. on the 11th at the place designated, and the two regiments detached arriving at the Lacy house shortly after midnight. During the opera- tions of the 11th instant, Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, of the Fifty. seventh New York Volunteers, was severely wounded. Many valuable officers and men, in the aggr~gate 150, were killed and wounded in these two regiments while they were engaged in protecting the working parties. Late in the afternoon of the 11th instant, orders were received to cross the river at Fredericksburg, by the third bridge. The division moved to effect that object, but, finding that the bridge was not completed, the troops were ordered into bivouac. The next morning, the 12th instant, at daylight orders were received to march the entire division into Fredericksburg across the second bridge. At 8 a. m. the division had arrived at that bridge and commenced the passage, the troops of General Frenchs division crossing the upper bridge at the same time. My division was then formed in line of battle, on the street nearest the river, with the left resting on the third bridge, over which the Ninth Corps then commenced marching. Frenchs divis- ion formed the second line in my front, and Howards the first line, in a street nearer the enemy. At a later hour orders were received to march by the left flank across Hazel Run, thence down the Rappahannock, forming iu the rear of Gen- eral Franklins grand division, my division taking the lead, and each division of the corps marching in three parallel lines of brigades, the Ninth Corps marching parallel to us, and between our line and the river. To perform this maneuver it became necessary to erect bridges over Hazel Run. Three bridges were constructed. Subsequently it was determined to defer this movement until the next morning. About 8 a. m. on the 13th instant, I was notified by Major-General Couch, commanding Second Army Corps, that General Frenchs division would attack the enemy in front of the town, and that my division would support him. The formation for the attack was prescribed in the orders received: Brigade front, intervals between the brigades of 20t~ paces. I first relieved the pickets of General Frenchs division by two regiments of my own, instructing them, however, to reform and join in the assault after General Frenchs skirmishers had driven in the oppose ing pickets Page 227 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 227 At 12 m. General Frencli commenced the attack by a cloud of skir- inishers, followed by Kimballs brigade, and subsequently, at intervals, by hisother two brigades. My division followed that of General French, without intervals, so long as we moved by the flank. The difficulty of the movement consisted in the fact that we had to march for a consid- eral)le distance by the flank through the streets of the town, all the time under a heavy fire, before we were enabled to deploy; and then, owing to obstaclesamong them a mill-raceit was impossible to de- ploy, except by marching the whole length of each brigade by the flank in a line parallel to the enemys works, after we had crossed the mill. race by the bridge. The troops then advanced, each brigade in succession, under a most murderous fire of artillery and musketry, the artillery fire reaching the troops in a destructive manner iu~ the town, even before they had com- menced the movement. The distance to overcome by the way the troops were obliged to march before reaching the enemys works was probably 1,700 yards. It took an unusually long time to advance that distance, as the ~)lanking of one of the bridges was found to be partly taken up, requiring the men to cross on the stringers. Colonel Zooks brigade was the first in order. As soon as it had formed line, it advanced to the attack with spirit, passing the point at which the preceding troops had arrived, and being joined as it passed by the brave regiments of Kimballs brigade and some other regiments of Frenchs division. It failed, howe~er, to take the stone wall, behind which the enemy was posted, although our dead were left within 25 paces of iL These troops still held their line of battle in front of the enemy and within close musketry range. The Irish Brigade next advanced to the assault. The same gallantry was displayed, but with the same results. Caldwells brigade was next ordered into action, and, althongh it behaved with the utmost valor, failed to carry the enemys position. All the troops then formed one line of battle, extending from a point a little distance to the right of Hanover street, in a line nearly parallel to the enemy, with the left thrown back, the extreme left extending about the front of two regiments to the left of the railroad culvert. This line was held during the entire day and until it was relieved, some of the regiments not coming off the field until 10 oclock the following morning. This line was held for hours after the troops had exhausted their ammunition. and after the ammunition of the killed and wounded within reach had been expended. Shortly after the last of my brigades came into action, it appeared as if the front crest of the enemys hill might have been taken had there been other troops at hand, for the enemy were at that time running from their rifle-pits and works on the crest directly in front of our right. But by the time Howards troops were ready to attack, the enemy had repaired this, and making a strong attack at the same time toward oar left, it became necessary that a portion of that division should be de- tached toward that flank. After this hour it appeared to me, although reports were occasionally received that we were gaining ground, which led us to hope it might prove true, that, our object having failed, the only thing to be done was to maintain our front line by constantly sup- porth~g it until (larkness covered the scene. At oiie time, about 3 p. in., the enemy essayed an attack iu column down Hanover street, and advanced within 150 yards of our front line. The leader being killed, the column was dispersed. Several gallant at- tacks by Howard, Sturgis, Humphreys, Griffin, and others were after- ward made in support of these brave troops, who could not advanc Page 228 228 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII and would not retire. These subsequent attacks, although conducted with spirit, failed to produce any more serious impression upon thc enemy. Late in the evening three companies of Colonel Owens brigade re- lieved three companies of the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, of my division, which had exhausted their ammunition. No ground was held in advance of our line, nor did any soldiers fall nearer the enemy than those of the regiments of my division and those of Kimballs brigade, of Frenchs division. It seemed that the defenses of the enemy were too powerful to be taken by an assault of infantry. One serious difficulty in the advance was in the nature of the obstacles already referred to, and the fact that a number of substantial fences intervened, which were required to be pulled down before the troops could continue their advance. Each of these fences destroyed the unity of at least one brigade. These obstacles naturally caused brigades and regiments to lose somewhat their solidity of organization for an assault, for all these operations were conducted under a terrific fire. The bravery and devotion of the troops could not have been sur- I)assed, as an evidence of which it is but necessary to mention the losses incurred. Out of 5,006 men, the maximnm taken into action by me, the loss was 2,013 men, of whom 156 were commissioned officers. It will be observed that the losses in some of the regiments were of un- nsual severity, such as is seldom seen in any battle, no matter how l)ro- longed. These were veteran regiments, led by able and tried command- ers, and I regret to say that their places cannot soon be filled. Although the division failed to carry the enemys heights, it lost no honor, but held the ground it took, and, nuder the most discouraging obstacles, retained it until re~eved after the action was over. It will be impossible to mention in this report the names of all those who were distinonished. For those I refer to the reports of brigade and regi- mental commanders; still, it is due to their valor that I should mention those brigade and regimental commanders who performed the most important parts, and whose commands, in their heroic efforts, most severely suffered. Brig. Gen. T. F. Meagher, commanding Second Brigade, led his bri- gade to the field under a heavy fire; but, owing to a serious lameness, making it difficult for him to either ride or walk, he was unable to bear that prominently active part which is usual with him. Some time after the Irish Brigade had gone into action, its regiments having suffered very severely, and after having been replaced by General Ualdwells brigade, General Meagher was instructed to collect the remnants of his regiments and march them to the point of formation, in order that their cartridge-boxes might be refilled. General Meagher, toward evening, took the remnant of his brigade, with his wounded, across the river, out of range of the enemys fire. On learning this fact, I directed him to return with all the men who were not disabled iu his brigade. The general returned at once, and explained to me that he had understood that the transfer of the rem- nant of his brigade across the river was sanctioned by me. The next morning, before the hour at which we were ordered to sup- port the Ninth Corps in the meditated attack of that day upon the enemys works, the brigade returned, numb ering 240 men, all that could be collected up to that time. The circumstance of the retiring of this brigade across the river, after it had been withdrawn from the battle, ~vhich I very much regret- ted at the time, although in no wise affecting the conduct of the brigad Page 229 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 229 in action (it behaved with great spirit), is candidly and fully explained by General Meagher in his accompanying report. The strength of this brigade when the action commenced was 92 officers and 1,323 enlisted men. Its loss was 53 commissioned officers arid 488 men. Brig. Gen. J. C. Caidwell, commanding First Brigade, coridneted his brigade into action, and was wounded while gallantly performing his duty on the advance line. He had two staff officers wounded. When this brigade went into action, it had 116 commissioned officers and 1,871 enlisted men. Its loss was 62 commissioned officers an(l 932 enlisted men killed and wounded. Col. S. K. Zook, commanding Third Brigade, led his brigade with spirit, remaining on the field until the close of the fight. He had a horse shot under him during the contest. At the commencement of the engagement this brigade numbered 92 commissioned officers and 1,440 enlisted men. Its loss was 38 commissioned officers and 491. enlisted men killed and wounded. Col. J. 11. Brooke,-with his gallant regiment, the Fifty-third Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, from being unhurt, was enabled to perform the highest service to his country, and added to the laurels he and his regiment had already won on many fields. This regiment went iiito action with 14 commissioned officers and 300 enlisted men, of which it lost 8 officers and 147 enlisted men killed and wounded. Col. George W. Von Schack, who was slightly wounded, but kept the field, held the culvert over the railroad to the last, with his brave regi- mnent, the Seventh New York Volun~ers, and commanded the brigade after General Caldwell had been wounded. The strength of his regi- ment when the action commenced was 25 commissioned officers and 463 enlisted men. It lost 18 commissioned officers and 227 enlisted meu killed and wounded. Co]. Edward E. Cross, commanding the Fifth New Hampshire Vol- unteers, severely wounded, behaved iii the handsomest manner. The conduct of his regiment was heroic; refusing to yield any ground, his brave officers and men died where they stood. This regiment numbered 23 commissioned officers and 280 enlisted men when it went into action; 17 officers and 165 men were killed and wounded. This regiment had five commanders during the action, the first four having been killed or wounded. Col. Paul Frank, comma riding the Fifty.second New York Volunteers, occul)ied the extreme left with his regiment, and held his J)O5itiOn in a steady and soldierly manner. The regiment numbered 11 coin missioned officers and 149 enlisted men at time commencement of the action, of which it lost 2 officers and 43 enlisted men killed and wounded. Col. Robert Nugent, severely wounded, commanding the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, conducted his troops with his usual spirit, and was making a final effort to advance when he was shot. His regiment had 19 commissioned officers and 219 enlisted men when the attack wa~ made. Its loss was 16 officers wounded and 112 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing. This gallant regiment was marched off the field by its fourth commander that day, the three senior commanders having been wounded. Col. Patrick Kelly, commanding the Eighty-eighth New York Volun- teers, was active and resolute, as he always is, and, with his regiment, l)ertormfled their usual good service. The Eighty-eighth numbered 23 commissioned officers and 229 enlisted men whemi the assault commenced, of which it lost 12 officers and 115 enli~ted men killed and wounded Page 230 230 OPE9ATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. Col. Nelson A. Miles, severely wounded, commanding the Sixty-first and Sixty-fourti~ Regiments New York Volunteers, consolidated, con- ducted himsell in the most admirable and chivalrous manner. His battalion behaved with steadiness unsurpassed by any troops. The strength of his command was 27 commissioned officers and 408 enlisted men. Three officers were wounded an(I 105 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing. The third commander during this action marched the regiments off the field, the others being disabled. Cob II. L. Brown, of the One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, I regret to say, was severely wounded in several places. His presence was much needed, his regiment being large and inex- perienced iii such a fight. Owing to his absence, and the fact that many of his officers were disabled, and a great number of his men killed and wounded, a portion of his regiment, nuder a very heavy fire, was forced back. Many gallant spirits, however, particularly on the right and left of the regiment, maintained their position to the last. This regiment had 25 commissioned officers and 475 enlisted men when it went into action. Its loss was 12 commissioned officers and 212 enlisted men kifled and wounded. This regiment had two commanders during the engagement. Col. l)ennis ileenan, commanding the Gime hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was wounded severely. His regiment suP fered heavily, and, although comparatively young in the service, be- haved handsomely. This regiment marched on the field with 17 com- missione(l officers and 230 enlisted men. Its loss was 12 officers wounded and 77 men killed, wounded, and missing. The fourth officer in com- mand during the battle brought the regiment off the field, the others being disabled. Col. Richard Byrnes, a veteran soldier, command ing the Twenty- eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, displayed his excellent qualities in this action. His regiment entered the action with 16 officem s and 400 men, of whom 7 officers and 149 enlisted men were killed and wounded. Col. William P. Baily, commanding the Second Regiment Delaware Volunteers, was wounded. The strength of this regiment when it went into action was 19 commissioned officers and 225 enlisted men. The loss was 7 officers wounded and 47 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing. The Second Delaware had three commanders during the bat- tle, the first two having been wounded. Col. Richard S. Bostwick, commanding the Twenty-seventh Connec- ticnt Volunteers, bore himself worthily. his regiment had joined the division but a few days before the action, and on the day of the en- gagement had 270 men on picket who were not in the fight. His bat. talion behaved in a highly creditable manner. They took position in the front line, fighting under great discouragement, their arms being unreliable. The strength of this battalion at the commencement of the assault was 24 commissioned officers and 360 enlisted men. It lost 6 commissioned officers and 107 men in killed and wounded. Lieut. Col. II. Boyd McKeen (wounded), commanding tIme Eighty- first Pennsylvania Volunteers, behaved with extraordinary gallantry. The Eighty-first numbered 16 commissioned officers and 245 enlisted men when the action began. It lost 12 officers and 164 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment was marched off the field by the fourth officer, on whom the command had devolved during the fight, the first three having been wounded arid carried off the field. Maj. N. G. Throop, commanding. the Fifty-seventh New York Volun- teers, was very severely wounded ih the performance of his duty, Lieu Page 231 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 231 tenant-Colonel Chapman having been seriously wounded the day pre- vious. The Fifty-seventh numbered 11 commissioned officers and 181 enlisted men. Its loss was 9 commissioned officers and 78 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment had three commanders during the action, the first two having been disabled. Maj. Josel)h ONeill, a brave officer, commanding the Sixty-third New Y ork Volunteers, was wounded. His regiment nmnbered 17 officers and 145 enlisted men when the assault began. Its loss was 7 officers and 37 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment had two commanders during the day, the first having been wounded. Capt. Julius Wehie, a brave soldier, was killed while leading his regi- ment, the Sixty sixth New York Volunteers, Lient. Col. James II. Bull, commanding the same regiment, having been mortally wounded the day previous. This regiment iiumbered 13 commissioned officers and 225 enlisted men at the commencement of the action. Its loss was 6 officers and 78 enlisted men killed and wounded. This regiment had four com- manders during the engagement, the first three having been killed or wounded. In seventeen regiments, comprising my division in this action (six- teen battalions, two regiments having been for some time past consoli- dated in one), 25 commanding officers were killed or wounded and re- moved from the field during the engagement. Of the artillery of the division, Capt. R. ID. Pettits battery of rifled guns was detached from my command and placed in position on the heights overlooking Falmouth. His battery was constantly engaged during the action, but, as it was not under my command, I have had no report. The battery of 12-pounder brass guns (Company C, Fourth Artillery), nnder command of First Lient. Evan Thomas, of that regi- ment, crossed the river with the division, and on the day of the battle was placed near the railroad depot, where it continued unemployed, al- though under a severe fire until late in the afternoon, when this zealous young officer, receiving an order for another battery to proceed to the front, in its absence moved forward with his battery, and took a very advanced position upon the plain, opening with effect upon the enemy, using shrapnel. His position was thought to be too rar in advance, on account of the enemys musketry, and he was ordered to retire with his battery. This battery, for the time being, was under the orders of the commander of the corps, and was directed by the chief of artillery of the same. The valor .of the troops was so marked in the action that I can safely state that, had the enemy met ns in an open field, the contest would have been decided in our favor in a very short time. Scarcely any troops could have withstood the onset of our men. The following officers of my iiersonal staff (I have only selected those who were highly distinguished) deserve well of their country: First Lieut. W. G. Mitchell, aide-dc-camp; First Lieut. I. B. Parker, aide-de~ cam v First Lient. W. D. W. Miller, acting aide-de camp; Second Lient. J. M. Forty, ordnance officer and acting aide-dc-camp, and Second Lient. II. P. IRitzius, provost-marshal and acting aide-decamp. They were ex- posed to the fire of the enemy throughout the day, and behaved in the most gallant manner. As an evidence of their dangerous services, I may be permitted to mention that three of them were wounded and four of their horses shot. Surg. L. M. Knight, Fifth New Hampshire Vounteers, chief medical officer of the division, is entitled to commendation for his arduous and faithful services in his care of the wouiided. Capt. C. H. Hoyt, division quartermaster, reported to me on the field, and conducted himself wit Page 232 232 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CLIAL. XXXIII. spirit. Also the acting division commissary, Captain Balloch, is enti- tled to credit for his efficiency, and for his conduct in Fredericksburg during the occupation of that place. My personal orderlies having been much exposed during the engage- ment, I wish to mention them for their good cotiduct on the field. Their names are as follows: Corpl. Owen McKenzie, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private Thomas Watson, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private James Wells, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private John Harper. Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry. I have heretofore transmitted a nominal list of casualties an(l a tal)nlar statement of the same, and now transmit a rough sketch * of the field, together with the reports of brigade, regimental, and battery corn inand- ers. On the morning of the 14th, the division was (hirecled to support the Ninth Corps in a meditated assault upon the enemys works. That as- sault was, however, subsequently abandoned. Although shattered from the contest of the day previous, the troops were ready again to perform their duty. On the night of the i~tli, the division recrossed the river to Falmouth, and occupied its previous camps. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. Maj. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assi8tant Adjutant- General, Second Corps dA rude. No. 56. Report of Lieut. Evan Thomas, Battery C, Fourth U. S. Artillery. HANcocKs iDIViSION, December 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the movements of the battery under my command since the 11th instant. I crossed the river with the division on the 12th instant, and about dark parked for the night near the railroad depot. The next (lay an orderly came and inquired for Captain Tompkins, with orders from Captain Morgan, chief of artillery, Second Army Corps, for him to move out the first street he came to. Our troops were running in at the time. Thinking the orderly had made some mistake in the name, I moved my battery forward, and placed Lieutenant Field with his section near the depot, with orders to cover our retreat, should we be driven back; Lieutenant ODonohoe, who volunteered in the battery that day, on the railroad, and took one gun myself farther to the left. I fired several spherical case at the enemys line near the house on the lull, and was then ordered back by Captaiu Morgan. I then placed four guns in position near the depot, ready to cover any retreat, and remained there until I was ordered to recross and return to my camp-. I had 1 man killed and 4 wounded (not dangerously); also several hit with spent balls. My men, mostly recruits, behaved very well. Very resl)ectfally, your obedient servant, EMAN THOMAS, First Lieutenant Fourth Artillery, Commanding Battery C. Capt. JOHN HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Sketch not found; casualties embodied in revised statement, pp. 1~29, 130 Page 233 CHAr. XXXiii.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 233 No. 57. Report of Brig. Gem John C. Gaidwell, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS CALDWELLS BRIGADE, January 21, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13: My brigade constituted the third line of the division, and was formed in line of battle on the street parallel to the river and nearest to it. Three of my regimentsthe Sixty-first and Sixty-fourth New York and One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvaniahad, previous to the action, relieved the picket line of three regiments of General Frenchs com- mand, with orders as soon as the first line of attack had passed the pickets to assemble and join their brigade as it passed to the battle- field. The brigade marched to the field, by the right flank, in the fol- lowing order: The Fifth New Hampshire, commanded by Colonel Cross, on the right, followed by the Eighty-first Pennsylvania, under command of Lieuten- ant-Colonel McKeen. The Seventh New York, led by Colonel You Schack, was third in the line. The three regiments which had been on picket joined the column near the outer edge of the citythe One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania (Colonel Brown) following the Seventh New York, and the Sixty-first and Sixty-fourth New York, consolidated, under the command of Colonel Miles, of the Sixty-first, on the extreme left of my line. While marching through the streets to our position, we were exposed to a severe artillery fire, by which several of my men were killed. I formed niy men in line of battle behind the lrish Brigade, coming on right by file into line. While forming, there was heavy and continu- ous firing in front, and shells exploded continually over my line. The left of my brigade had not yet got into position when I was ordered by General Hancock to move immediately forward. Colonel Miles com- mand was at the same time ordered to the right, to guard against an apprehended attack on our right flank. The brigade advanced steadily in line until they caine to a line which was lying down and occasionally firing. Some of my men, especially on the left, were halted- and com- menced firing. 1 then passed along the entire length of my line, from right to left, not only to urge forward my men in person, but also to stop the men in our rear from firing on my line. The brigade was now exposed to a terrific and well-directed fire of musketry and artillery, by which its ranks were rapidly thinned. The regiments, however, all tinehaved with the greatest gallantry and fought with steadiness, except the One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania, which broke and fell back, its colonel being severely wounded. My regiments had now advanced to, and the Fifth New Hampshire and part of the Eighty-first Pennsylvania beyond, the brick house. The fire here was terrificthe hottest I have ever seen. The men fell by hundreds. Just at the right of the brick honse is the confluence of two roads, down both of which the enemy was firing incessantly. Here I met Colonel Miles, who wished to charge directly up the road. Had there been any support, I should not have hesitated to give him the order to do so; but, with the small force at my disposal, it seemed to me a wanton loss of brave men. I therefore formed him on the right of the road, to protect our right flank. I was here struck by a musket-ball i Page 234 234 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA, MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. the left side, but did iiot leave the field until struck a second time, iii the left shoulder. I then went down the road to direct one of the regi- ments of Colonel Owens command, which was now coming up, to our right; but the colonel said his orders were most positive to go to the left of the road. I went to a hospital near by to have my wounds dressed, and did not again return to the field. All my regiments, except the One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsyl- vania, fought with desperate courage under great disadvantages. ~f he enemy fought behind rifle-pits and stone walls, while our troops were entirely uncovered, and exposed to a murderous fire of artillery and musketry combined. They advanced bravely to within a few yards of the enemys line, when their ranks were so thinned and their numbers so reduced that it was impossible to go farther. The right of my line remained in position, and was not relieved until after dark. To mention individual officers worthy of particular praise is in the present instance a task of the greatest difficulty. With the exception before mentioned, men and officers never behaved with greater gallantry or devotion. I do not desire to lead braver men or be supported by better officers. Colonel Cross, at the time of time action, was suffering from an attack of chills and fever, which would have laid most men on their beds. He did not hesitate, however, to lead his noble regiment into battle, and was struck down, severely wounded, while at the head of his regiment, bravely leading his men forward. Colonel McKeen was also severely wounded while gallantly urging on his men. The same is true also of Colonel Brown. Colonel You Schack behaved, as he always does, with the greatest coolness and dar- ing, and, ~vlieu 1 was wounded, remained on the field in command of the brigade. Colonel Miles, who has always signally distinguished himself on the battle-field, displayed on this occasion the highest qual- ities of an officercoolness, judgment, and intrepidity. I am especially indebted to the officers of my staff fo~ the valuable services they rendered. Captain Caldwell was struck by rifle balls three times but fortunately only slightly wounded. Lieutenant Alvord was wounded by a fragment of a shellnot seriously. Lieutenant Scotts services were highly valuable. Lieutenant Cross was in every part of the field, fearless in the execution of his duty and ceaselessly active. He is (leserving of the highest praise and reward. Of the noble dea~d I fftay truly say that braver or better officers or firmer patriots never fought on a battle-field. Your obedient servant, JOHN C. CALDWELL Brigadier- General, Commanding Brigade. Captain HANcOcK Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 58. Report of Col. Edward B. Cross, E~fth New Hampshire Infantry. HOSPITAL NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, YA., December 15, 1862. CAPTAIN: In reference to the part taken by my regiment at the bat- tIe of Fredericksburg, on the 13th instant, I have the honor to report that my regiment formed the extreme right of CaIdwells brigade in the third line. It marched to its plac~ in the order of battle under a severe fire of round shot and shell; remained in line some moments, whe Page 235 CHAP. X~XXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 235 orders came to move forward to the attack. My regiment started slightly in advance of the rest of the brigade, and almost instantly en- countered a storm of shell, canister, and rifle balls. No man faltered or straggled. We were moving rapidly and steadily on, when I was un- fortunately disabled by the explosion of a shell directly in front of me. Major Sturtevant immediately took command, but soon fell, and is sup- I)oscd to be killed. By this time the regiment had reached a position as near the rifle-pits of the enemy as it was possible to get, owing to the squads and groups of troops (mostly new regiments) in very disorderly condition, who were firing wildly at the enemy. My officers endeavored to form line of battle in such manner as to move forward and carry the enemys rifle-pits; the rest of the brigade endeavored to accomplish the same result, bn t were unable to do so, owing to the confusion and the terrible fire of the enemy. My regiment advanced farther than any regiment of the division, and held its place as long as there was any organization left. When all my officers were disabled but 3, not more than 30 men for dnty, and they completely out of ammunition, orders came to withdraw. Capt. James E. Larkin brought off all that were left who were able to walk. The regiment went into action with 247 bayonets and 19 commissioned officers. Its loss was as follows: Commissioned officerskilled, 4; wounded, 12; missing, 1 (Maj. E. E. Sturtevant). Enlisted menkilled, 15; wounded, 142; missing, 12; making a total of 186 men killed, wounded, and missing.* Allow me to state here the reason why the loss of my regiment was so heavy was, the men held their ground and endeavored to whip the enemy, instead of skulking or shamefully leaving the field, as many of the new regiments did. In regard to Major Sturtevant, he was seen badly wounded; his body cannot be found. It is supposed that he died on the field. He was a brave and faithful officer, and his loss is greatly regrette(l by the regi- ment. Captains Mnrray, Perry, Mooie, and Lieutenant Ballon, who were killed while bravely encouraging their men, were among the best officers in the service. Captain Perry was shot with the colors of the regiment in his hand. Captain Murray fell dead in the front rank. Captain Moore was first shot in the arm, and soon afterward received a mortal wound. The other officers present were Captains Pier~, Larkin, Kel- ler, and Crafts; First Lieutenants Graves, Cummings, and Bean, and Second Lieutenants Goodwin. Liscom b, Sanborn, and Nettleton. All were wounded except Captains Pierce and Larkin and Lieutenant San- born, and all behaved with prudence and bravery. Justice to the dead, the wounded, and the few unscathed of my regiment con strains me to express the opinion that no soldiers on any battlefield ever exhibited greater bravery or devotion. At the time of writing this report I have 3 officers and 63 enlisted men for duty. They are in their places in line of battle, and I greatly regret that I am not able to be with them. I herewith inclose a list* of the killed, wounded, and missing of my regiment. Very respectfully, EDWARD E. CROSS, Colonel Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers. Capt. GEORGE II. CALDWELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. * But see revised statement, p. 129 Page 236 236 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD,, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. No. 59. Report of Cot. George W. Von Schack, Serenth New York INfantry. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the Seventh New York Volun- teers were formed during the afternoon of the 13th instant, the Eighty- first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers on our right and the One hun- dred and forty fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers on our left, and ordered to the battle-field at about 12.30. We found the third line in rear of the Irish Brigade. The regiment advanced spendidly, and when the order was given to charge the enemys l)atteries, the regiment advanced be- yond the second and first lines, fiuther than any other troops. Soon after this the troops then in rear of my men commenced to retire, and so my regiment followed. I remained with a part of my regiment, as well as with some other men belonging to different regiments of our brigade, behind an earthwork (about 1,000 yards from the battle-field, near the railroad), which probably had been occupied by the enemy the day previous. General Caldwell having been wounded, General Hancock ordered me to take command of the brigade; to stay where I was, and, in case our troops should advance, to support them with such men who were left from our brigade. I remained in this 1)OsitiOn until 6 p. in.; but our troops having had no advantages during the afternoon, and when they were withdrawn I marched the men back, at 6.30 p. in., to the place where the brigade left in the afternoon. Casualties during the engagement: Killedofficers, 5; enlisted men, 20. Woundedofficers, 12; enlisted mcii, 194. Missingenlisted men, 43. Total, 274.* Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, G. W. VON SCHACK Colonel, Commanding. Lient. D. K. CROSS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 60. Report of Cot. Nelson A. illiles, Sixty-first New York Infantry, command inq Sixty-first and Sixty fourth New York Regiments. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 14, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report: At 9 oclock on the morning of the 13th instant, I was ordered to take the two regiments under my command, the Sixty-first and Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers, and relieve two regiments of General Frenchs division, which were on picket on the edge of the town fronting the enemys works, with orders to draw them in as soon as General Frenchs lines had passed through. I remained here until 11 a. in., when the attacking column moved out; then assembled my regiments with the rest of the brigade. By this time the battle had comm enced, General Frenchs divisi on being engaged. I then received orders to follow the One hundred and forty-fifth Penn- * But see revis~d statement, P. 129 Page 237 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 237 sylvania Volunteers, as our brigade was now moving forward. We marched by the right flank out of the city at quick time, with arms at a right shoulder shift, and, although on coming into the field we were exposed to an enfilading fire of artillery, the men marched in good order and without excitement. On crossing the canal, I was ordered to form on the left of the bri- gade, which was lying under cover of a rise of ground, its right resting on the main road. Before I had reached the left of the brigade, I was ordered by General Hancock in person to conic into line and sup- port the other regiments. I again brought my command to a right shoulder shift, and moved up in line under a hot fire of musketry an1 artillery. The two regiments were as quiet and kept as good a line as though they were on parade. I found that the troops in front of me had halted in a most dangerous position, and were lying down in sonic I)laces in two lines, and many were behind houses, firing at random. I here received orders from Lieutenant Mitchell, of General Hancocks staff, to take my regiments and hold the right flank. I saw that there was no enemy advancing on the right, but they were firing from behind a stone wall and rifle-pit. We were then within 40 yards of the enemy, and it only needed a spirited charge with the bayonet to close in with him, an(l carry the works. I asked permission of General Caidwell to make the attempt, with my two regiments, to storm the hill, relying ou the other regiments of the brigade and Colonel Zooks brigade to sup- port me, but General Caldwell thought the other regiments too much re(lIice(l to be relied upon, and Colonel Zook could not ofibi- tue a man. 1 was advised by all my superior offiers there not to attempt it alone, and finally received orders to hold the right and prevent it from being Ii anked. I only regret I (lid not make the attempt alone to carry the hill, relying upon the fragments of regiments then lying upon the ground to follow and support me. I thought the carrying of those works would be of vital importance to our army, and would have better effect on our troops than any victory we have won. I soon, however, engaged the enemy on the right. A sharp contest ensued, the enemy firing from behind rifle-pits, and grape and shell from their batteries. With the Austrian rifles of the Sixty-fourth we were able, from our position, to pick off the caimnoneers at their guns, and drove them entirely for a time from the two sections of a battery sitnated on a bluff to the rear of the ride-pits. About this time 1 was struck by a rifle-ball in the throat, amid disabled and obliged to leave the field. The command of the two regiments then fell iiJ)Ofl Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks, of the Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers, who had thus far ably seconded me in mairtaining the spimit of the troops, and displayed adroit coolness and courage. On going from the field, I gave instructions that the groimud we had taken be maintained at all odds until further orders. I cannot speak in too high terms of the gallantry and coolmiess of the officers of both regiments. Every officer had his company perfectly in hand, and the men were as unconcerned and self-confident while umider one of the hottest fires as while on drill. Not a miman fired his rifle or brought it from a right shoulder shift while marching, without orders. Among the officers particularly deserving mention for their display of qualities to lead in battle, are Captains Kittle and Keech, and Lieu- tenants Elmore, Gordon, Stratton, and ilallenbeck, of the Sixty-first, and Lieutenants Darby, Fassett and Lewis an the Sixty-fourth New York. , d Adjutant Fuller o Page 238 238 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. I saw more fully proven in this engagement than in any other that nothing but the strictest discipline of both officers and men will enable any commanding officer to handle his troops while under fire. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, NELSON A. MILES, Colonel, Gomdg. Sixty-first and Sixty-fourth New York Vols. Capt. GEORGE II. CALDWELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 61. Report of Capt. William Wilson, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Infantry. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 15, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to ieport, in regard to the battle of the 13th instant, as follows: During the morning of the 13th instant, we were formed in Sophia street, our position being on the left of the Fifth Regiment New Ilamnp- shire Volunteers and on the right of the Seventh New York Volunteers. About 2 oclock we were moved oft to the right, and went into the field in rear of Meaghers (Irish) brigade. We advanced over the Irish Bri- gade, farther to the front than any of our troops had been up to that time, but the fire of the enemys batteries and their infantry from the sheltered position which they occupied made it impossible to advance any farther, and~ after sustaining a very heavy loss, our regiment retired in disorder. Accompanying this is a list* of the casualties during the engagement. Yours, respectfully, WM. WILSON, Capt. Company E, Comdg. Eighty-first Regt. Pennsyh~ania Vols. Colonel VON SCHACK, Commanding Brigade. No. 62. Report of Licut. Col. David B. ]IleCreary, One hundred and orty-flfth Pennsylvania Ii~fantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 20, 1862. Sin: In the absence of Colonel Brown, on account of severe wounds, I am nnable to furnish you with full details of the movements of the One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment in the battle at Fredericksburg, on Saturday, December 13, 1862. On the morning of that day we were ordered to move from our position near the river, aud take a position in a street near the center of the town. A l)ortion of the regiment was there detailed in squads, and sent to the outskirts of the town as pickets, to be withdrawn as soon as Frenchs division should move beyond the picket line in force, which was done accordingly. Embodied in revised statement, p. 129 Page 239 CHAP. XXXIfl.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 239 At noon on that day we were formed in line, with the Eighty-first Pennsylvania on our right and the Sixty-first New York on our left. and moved out of the town to the field, where the battle had just corn- menced. During the march from the place where the line was formed, as stated above, to the rising ground where the line of battle was formed, the regiment suffered terribly from an enfilading fire from the enemys batteries on our right and left, as well as from the front. On arriving near the rise of ground where the line of battle was formed, we were ordered to tile into line on the righta movement very difficult to execute with precision or regularity, owing to the muddy condition and uneven surface of the ground, as well as from the inces sant and destructive fire from the enemys batteries and musketry, con- cealed by intrenchments and rifle-pits. In executing this movement, the left of the regiment was thrown beyond a high and close board fence running at right angles to the line of battle. In the absence of Major Patton, who had been disabled for several weeks by sickness and a broken arm, I was directed by Colonel Brown to take a position on the left of thi regiment. After the left had gotten into position, and the men had been firing some time, I discovered troops on our right moving backward and to the right, but I was unable to determine whether they were the right of our regiment alone or not, from the fact that troops were constantly moving forward to relieve others in front and they in turn falling back. After remaining in this position about two hours, I succeeded in mak- ing an opening in the fence, and passed along the front to the right the distance of about four regiments; but, not being able to find the regi- merit, I returned to the position I had taken on the left. This portion of the regiment fired away all their ammunition, as well as a number of rounds taken from the dead and wounded around them. We remained in this positionwere much exposed to the fire of the enemytill dusk, at which time the firing had principally ceased, when we returned to the town and found the balance of the regiment, which had been withdrawn, as I then learned, in the afternoon. I found Colonel Brown dangerously wounded, having received a bullet in his right breast and one in his leg above the knee, whilst gal- lantly urging his men forward. I also found a large number of the line officers killed and wounded; also a large number of non-commis- sioned officers and privates. Two companies were left without a single commissioned officer, and others with bitt one or two. Our loss amounts to 224 killed, wounded, and missing, out of 505 that went into action. Twenty-three were killed or have since died; 150 were wonnd~d, and 51 are missing, all of whom are supposed to be dead or wounded.* Our State flag was pierced with eighteen bullets; our regimental flag with thirteen bullets and one large piece of railroad iron, whilst the flag-staff was shattered to pieces with a piece of shell. No words of mine are iiecessary to vindicate the bravery of the offi. cers and men in this their first and at the same time the most desperate battle of modern times; that is silently and triumphantly attested by the torn flags and shattered ranks now before me. Respectfully, I). B. MOCREALIY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Gommanding. Lient. GEORGE W. SCOTT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. * But see revised statement, P. 129 Page 240 240 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. No. 63. Report of Brig. Gem. Thomas F. Meagher, U. ~. Army, commanding & cond Brigade. HDQRS. IRISH BRIG. (SECOND BRIG.), HANCOCKS DIV., In Camp before Fredericksburg, Va., December 20, 1862. I have the honor to report through you to the bri~adier-geuerai coin- manding the division the part taken by the brigade I have the honor to comman(I in the action of Saturday, the 13th instant. On the Thursday morning previous, December 11, at 7 oclock pre- cisely, the brigade left the camp from which this report is dated, and proceeded toward the pontoon bridge over the Rappahannock, which it was arranged the division should cross. The brigade never was in finer spirits and condition. The arms and accouterments were in perfect order. The required amount of ammunition was on hand. Both officers and men were comfortably clad; and it would be difficult to say whether those who were to be led, or those who were to lead, were the better prepared or the more eager to discharge their duty. Arriving within a few hundred paces of the headquarters of Major-Gen- eral Sumner, commanding the right gran(l division of the Army of the Potomac, the brigade was halted, by order of Brigadier-General Han- cock, in a well-sheltered valley, where we stacked arms and bivouacked from 9 oclock until 4.30 p. m. The fire of our batteries and those of the enemy, incessant and terrible as it was, taught every man of the brigade to prepare himself equably and sternly for a desperate conflict. A few minutes after 4 oclock, word was conveyed to me that a body of daring volunteers had crossed the river in boats, and taken posses- sion of the city of Fredericksburg. The State of Michigan will fairly reserve to herself the largest measure of pride justified by this achieve- ment. Immediately after this word was brought to me, an order reached me from Brigadier General Hancock to march forward my brigade and take up and hold a position nearer the river. At 7 oclock the following morning the brigade was under arms, and in less than two hours the head of the brigade presented itself on the opposite bank of the river. The order of the advance of our division on this occasion was as follows: Colonel Zook, commanding Frenchs old brigade, led the way; the Irish Brigade came next, and Brigadier- General Caldwells brought up the rear. Passing along the south bank of the Itappahaunock to the lower crossing communicating with the city, the brigade halted, counter- marched, stacked arms, and in this position, ankle-deep in mud, and with little or nothing to contribute to their comfort, in complete sub- ordination and good heart a waited further orders. All this time, and until night came on, the batteries of the enemy contiimued their fire at one time, especially, so operating that an entire division, crossing immediately on our left flank, was compelled to fidi back and wait for the approaching night to conceal and protect its a(lvance. An order was issued by Major-General Couch, commanding the corps, that no fires shonid be lit after nightfall. This order was uncomplainingly and manfully obeyed by my brigade. Officers and men lay (lown and slept that night in the mud and frost, and, without a murmur, with heroic hearts composed themselves as best as they could for the eventualities of the coming day. I do not wish to introduce into an official report, where facts alone should be narrated, any expression of personal feeling; but it would b Page 241 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 241 doing an injustice to my brigade if I did not say that the fortitude and endurance with which the hardships of that night were borne were such as to affect me deeply. I shall also digress Irom the strict line of an official report, in vindication of the honor and humanity of the brigade, to state that during the occupation of the city of Fredericksburg, pre- vious to as well as after the advance of our forces on the batteries of the enemy, the Irish Brigade scrupulously abstained from any act of depredation. On the morning of Saturday, the 13th instant, we were ordered nuder arms. The order was delivered to me at 8 a. m. Having formed the brigade, I addressed to every regiment separately a few words, remind- ing them of their duty, and exhorting them to do it bravely and nobly. Immediately after, the column moved up the street, headed by Col. Rob- ert Nugent and his veteran regiment, being exposed during the march to a continuous fire of shot and shell, several men falling from the effects of each. Even while I was addressing the Sixty-ninth, which was on the right of the brigade, 3 men of the Sixty-third were knocked over, and before I had spoken the last word of encouragement the mangled re- mainsmere masses of blood aud ragswere borne along the line. Advancing up the street, at the front of which the right of the brigade iii line had rested, and worried by shell and shot and rifle balls every step we took, we crossed the mill-race immediately outside of the city, which water course may be described as the first defense of the enemy. The entire brigade, consisting of 1,200 men, at that moment had to cross a single bridge, and, passing to the right, deploy into line of battle. This movenient necessarily took some time to execute. The Sixty-niuth, l)eing on the right, was compelled to stand its ground until the rest of the brigade came up and formed. This ordeal it had to endure for fully half an hour. I myself, accompanied by Lieutenant Emmet, of the staff~, crossed over on foot from the head of the street through which the bri- gade had approached the battle-field. It was not, however, more thamin thirty minutes after tIme head of the column had reached the right of the line, 011 which the brigade was to form preparatory to its advance, that the other regiments of the brigade, unbroken and undismayed by the terrific fire which poured down upon them, dashingly came up. Reaching the head of my column, accompanied, as I have said, by Lieutenant Emmnet, and having crossed the mill-race with the assist- ance of two wounded soldiers, I found that Colonel Nugent had just halted his regiment. Remaining here ill conversation for a few miii- utes with the colonel, Lieutenant Miller, of Brigadier-General Han- cocks staff; late of Major-General Richardsons, rode up and delivered me further instructions, in obedience to which I directed Colonel Nu- gent to throw out two companies of his regiment as skirmishers on the right Ilauk. I had hardly done so before the Eighty-eighth, Sixty-third, Twenty-eighth, and One hundred and sixteenth, coming up, and deploy- ing themselves in line of battle, (lrCw down upon the brigade a still more terrific fire. The line, however, was beautifully and rapidly formed, and then boldly advanced, Colonel Nugent leading the Sixty-ninth on the right, Col. Patrick Kelly, commanding the Eighty-eighth, being next in position, and both displaying a courageous soldiership which I have no words, with all my partiality for them, adequately to describe. Maj. JO5e1)h ONeill, commanding the Sixty-third, was as true that day as he has ever been. His position was on the left of the center of the line. The center was assigned by me to the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, commanded by Col. It. Byrties (this regiment carrying the only green flag under which the Irish Brigade this day had the proud 16 U KVOL XX Page 242 242 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAr. XXXII1. privilege to do its duty, the old colors having been sent to New York several days before, and the new ones not having as yet arrived). The Twenty-eighth was originally destined for the brigade; it was raised specially for it. Its ranks were filled nuder the impression it wollI(l be one of the first regiments of the brigade. Under that impression hun- dreds of good and true men enrolled themselves in it, but, owing to some blunder, the Twenty-eighth was ordered to Port lioyal, and it was not until the other day that, through the friendly interposition of Geiwral Sumner, it renewed its associations with the Irish Brigade. Omi the left of the line was the One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, a new regiment; it had but very recently joined the brigade, but in its conduct from Bolivar Heights, where I had the satisfaction of welcom- ing it to our camp, down to the present moment, when its headlong gal- lantry is placed on record, it has proved itself worthy of the cause into which with so much enthusiasm it had thrown itself. Thus formed, under the unabatiug tempest of shot and shell, the Irish Brigade advanced at the double-quick against the rifie-pits~ the breast- works and batteries of the enemy. I myself ordered the advance, en- couraged the line, and urged it on; but, owing to a most painful ulcer in the knee-joint, which I had concealed and borne up against for days, I was compelled, with a view to be of any further service to the brigade that day, to return over the plowed field over which we had advanced from the mill-race. I did so to get my horse, which had been left at the head of the street from which our column had debouched, iu care of my orderlies, along with the other horses of the field and staff officers of Ihe brigade, Brigadier-General Hancock having suggested that it would be advisThle for all such officers to act on foot. On going for the horse on the left of the line, I met Ca;~tain Hart, the acting assistant adjutant- general of the brigade, who was moving up from the left to the right with the most perfect coolness and intelligent bravery, forming and steadying the men for the attack. Halting a moment on the left, 11 gave the word, and instantly saw the brigade impetuously advance. Passing down the slope, and through crowds of slain and wounded, I reached the spot where I had left my horse and mounted him. Having mounted, I started with one of the orderlies to rejoin the brigade on the right, and with that view took the street across which the two companies of the Sixty-ninth, nuder Capt. James Saunders, a staunch and fearless officer, had been deployed as skirmishers. I had not proceeded many paces up this street before I met the remnant of the Sixty-third, bearing the regimental colors, coming toward me, under the command of Captain Gleeson, one of the bravest and most reliable offi- cers of the brigade. With these few survivors of the Sixty-third were a portion of the Sixty-ninth. Fearing that the enemy might break through our lines, which had begun to waver under those torrents from the musketry and artillery of the enemy that seemed every instant to increase in fury, I hm~lted this handful of the brigade on the street parallel with the mill-race. Here I remained, by order of Brigadier-General Hancock, who per- sonally communicated with me at the time, gathering in the fragments of my brigade, until finally I was ordered by him, through one of his aides, to fall back and comicentrate on the street fi-om which we had commenced our approach to the battle-field. In this street the hospitals of the brigade had been established, and to it, consequently, all the offi- cers and men of the brigade instinctively returned. I was, therefore, en- abled, after three or four hours, to ascertain pretty accurately time avail- able force ~that remained of the brigade. But while the fragments o Page 243 CHAP. xxxii.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 243 the brigade were thus being concentrated, I had every reason to become convinced tliat the hospitals were dangerously, if not fatally, exposed; consequently I sent two of my aides, Captain Hart and Lieutenant Blake, of the Eighty-eighth, to Brigadier-General Hancock, to request of him that he would be so good as to authorize me to take what was left of the brigade across the river, the request for such authority being based on the fact that while there were not over 300 of the brigade, maimed and serviceable, who had reported themselves up to that time, the badly disabled were so numerous as to require the assistance of all those who were unhurt. Even while I was waiting for Captain Hart and Lieuten- ant Blake to return, several discharges of shells and rifle-balls broke through and over the hospitals of the Sixty-ninth, Sixty-third, and Eighty-eighth. All this time, however, the officers and men of the brigade obeyed my orders and conducted themselves with perfect calmness and cheer- fulness. Captain Hart, on his return, having given me to understand that I had a conditional authorization to remove the brigade from the city, under the circumstances mentioned, I assumed the responsibility of doing so. I did so under the impression that Brigadier-General Han- cock had given me such authorization for the purpose, which impression, a few hours later, I discovered was erroneous. I should not however, have brought over my command to the opposite side of the river, nor have dreamed of asking permission to do so, but for the horrible acci- dents to which the wounded of the brigade were exposed. That I my- self did not wish to retire out of range of the rifle-pits and batteries of the enemy; that I was solely actuated by an affectionate and intense con- cern for the wounded officers and soldiers of my command, it will suffice for me to refer to Brigadier-General Butterfield, who, on questioning me regarding the brigade the afternoon of the assault, at the headquarters of General Willcox, and in presence of other officers, was told by me that I feared the Irish Brigade was no more; that out of 1,200 men I had led into action that morning about 250 alone had reported to me under arms from the field, and added that, were I left without a command, it would gratify me to act as one of his aides. This I did at the time, not know- ing that Brigadier-General Hancock had been deprived of most of his stalL It was late in the afternoon when I learned that Lieutenant Miller, Lieutenant Parker, and Lieutenant iRorty, three of his active and gal- lant staff were wounded and disabled. Had I been sooner made aware of the loss he sustained in these intelligent and brave young officers, I should have cheerfully volunteered my services in the contingency I had mentioned to Brigadier-General Butterfieldmy services on the staff of a geiieral who so well deserves all the supp9rt he can i-eceive. Hav- ing placed, )vith the assistance of their more fortunate comrades, our wounded in the encampment we left the night before, I rode up to the quarters of Major-General Sumner to report myself and my action in the matter to him. He was not there; none of his staff were there; but General Burnside, coming in a few minutes after I had arrived, I com- municated to him what I have here stated. He did not appear at all dissatisfied with the course I had taken, and with marked cordiality inquired after the brigade. Shortly afterward Major-General Sumner entering with his staff; I repeated to him what I had stated to General Burnside, adding, however, that my principal object had been, after reporting to him and explaining the reason of my crossing the river, to procure rations and ammunition for my men. The rations had been flun Page 244 244 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. away as the brigade advanced to the assault. The ammunition had been exhausted in the field. Having seen my wounded and disabled men as comfortably encamped as it was possible for them to be under the circumstances, I recrossed the Happahannock, and between 11 and 12 oclock at night reported to Brigadier-General flancock. On the way, however, I stopped at the houses that had been taken as hospitals for the brigade that morning, and in them found many officers and privates who had been brought in from the field since I transferred the brigade to the opposite side of the river. Most of them were in great agony, not having had anything to sustain or soothe them since they received their wounds. Lieutenant Emmet, who accompanied me from where I had left the brigade, returned at once to bring our surgical and medical assistance. Dr. 1~owell promptly obeyed the order. Next day, a little after daybreak, every officer and private of the brigade able to again take the field, by order of Brigadier-General Hancock, recrossed the liappahannock and appeared upon the ground they occupied the day before, previons to their marching to the battle. field, all of them prepared and eager, notwithstanding their exhausted numbers and condition, to support the Ninth Corps iu the renewal of the assault of the previous day, that renewal having been determined on by the commander-in-chief commanding the Army of the Potomac. Two hundred and eighty men only appeared under arms to represent the Irish Brigade. This little band, nnswerved and undeterred, still full of heart, inspired by a bright sense of duty. sorrowful for their comrades, but prouder and still more emboldened that such men had fallen bravely as they did, awaited the word that was once again to precipitate them against the batteries and defenses of the enemy. I close this report by acknowledging the gallantm-y and practical ability and the confirmed steadiness of the officers of the brigade, aiid in mak- ing this acknowledgment have sincerely to deplore the loss of such men as- Major Horgan, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, than whom a better and braver soldier I have never known. Col. Robert Nugent, commanding the Sixty-ninth New York Volun. teers, acted with signal bravery, leading as he did the column into the field with a brilliancy of bearing worthy of the military reputation of his family name. His demeanor and the spirit lie displayed, his ~vords and looks, all were such as could not possibly fail, as they did not fail, to en- courage an(l incite his men that day. He bore from the field a wound which will long be an honorable testimony to his daring. Maj. James Cavanagh, also of the Sixty ninth, most ably and with utter fearless- ness supporting his colonel, fell severely wounded, but I trust not fa- tally, for never was there a truer heart; never was there a bolder arm; never was there a brighter brain. But it would be out of place in this rel)ort to enumerate, iu the terms of affectionate appreciation I desire the losses which the Im2ishl Brigade has incurred. Hereafter, should an opportunity be afforded me, I shall speak amid write of such men as Lieutenants Birmingham and Buckley, men who so worthily supplied the place of the officers who fell on the battle-field before Richmond and in the great repulse of the enemy at Antietam. Looking along the ranks of the Eighty-eighth, as I did, with a mournful pride the day after the assault, I missed others besides Maj. William Horgan. I missed Lieutenants Murphy, McCarthy, and Young, the in- telligent and diligent adjutant of the regiment. In the contemplation of these losses some consolation arises from the fact that men like Col. Patrick Kelly, Lient. Col. Quinlkn, Capt. Patrick K. Horgan, Capt Page 245 CHAP. XXXHI.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 245 John Smith, Captain Nagle, Captain Clarke, Lient. James B. Turner, and other intelligent arid brave officers like them are still to the good work. In the Sixty-third New York Volunteers I have lost, for some time at all events, the services of Maj. Joseph ONeill, services ever most promptly and liberally rendered wherever his military obligations or patriotism required them. Had I time it would be indeed a truly pleasing duty for me to speak, in connection with the Sixty-third, of such officers as Captain Gleeson, Captain Condon, Lieutenants Moore and Brady, and others whum it is now difficult to mention, not having the leisure to speak of them in terms of adequate commendation. Within the last two months two regiments were incorporated in the brigade. Pennsylvania contributed the One hundred and sixteenth Vol. unteer Regiment of that State; Massachusetts contributed the Twenty- eighth Volunteer Regiment of the old Commonwealth. The fact that Colonel ileenan arid Lieutenant-Colonel Mulholland, of the former regiment, were badly wounded, speaks sufficiently for the intrepidity and metal of the men of which it is composed. When there are such officers there must be staunch men. The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, as I have already men- tioned, was raised for the brigade, but, owing to some mistake, was kept aloof from it until, by a most fortunate vicissitude of the war, it was restored to us two weeks ago. It is a substantial and splendid acces- sion to the Irish Brigade. It has sinew; heart, and soul. It is com- manded by an officer (Col. R. Byrnes) than whom it would be difficult to find one of superior aptitude for such a command, combining as he does the practical experience and matured capacity of a soldier of some years standing with the natural qualities which enable one to figure successfully in military life. I have not a word, other than that of un- qualified commendation, to bestow on this well-regulated and admirably disciplined regiment. Major Caraher, one of the best of its excellent officers, was wounded in the head. The chaplains and surgeons of the brigade could not be excelled in their devotion to the wounded. Their services were unremitting and most zealously rendered. IDrs. Francis Reynolds, [J.] Pascal Smith, and Laurence Reynolds, with their assistant surgeons, behaved nobly. The first-named officer again vindicated the brilliant reputation lie brought with him from the Crimea, and his conduct is all the more deserving of eulogy and gratitude, as a day or two before the battle he had obtained leave of abseLice, but, greatly to his inconvenience, reinaimied with the brigade rather than be absent from his post at such a time. A correct return of the killed, wounded, and missing of the brigade has been forwarded to the headquarters of the division.* I close with especially recommending to the most favorable notice of the brigadier-general commanding the division every member of my staff. Capt. XV. G. Hart, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, the act- ing assistant adjutant-general of the brigade, was active, fearless, and indefatigable throughout the action. Lient. John J. Blake, oC the same regiment, was not less distinguished for his courage and his energy; but in displaying these jnahities on the day referred to, he disJ)layed the courage and the energy which distinguished him in every battle in which the brigade has been engaged. Lieut. Richard Emmnet, also of the Eighty-eighth, astonished all who were the witnesses of his conduct, Embodied in revised statement, p. 129 Page 246 246 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXflL by the bright intelligence and fearlessness which carried him through the thickest of the fight, with laurels which an older brow might proudly wear. In enumerating the members of my staff, I cannot omit Capt. Malachi Martin, the able and indefatigable quartermaster of the brigade, who has on several occasions stood the enemys fire with me, and rendered at every risk important services to me in gallant style. I have the honor to be, most faithfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE DiVIsIoN. P. S.For individual instances of courage and good conduct during the action in the enemys works, and for more minute details and inci-~ dents during the advance on the first line of the enemys works, I refer you to the reports of the commandants of the different regiments. No. 64. Report of Col. Richard Byrnes, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 21, 1862. SIR: In compliance with instructions from division headquarters, I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report of the opera- tions of this command during the late battle before Fredericksburg, Va.: The regiment broke up camp on the morning of the 11th instant, and proceeded with the brigade, by Stafford Court-House road, to the ravine in rear of General Sumners headquarters, where it formed in column of battalion, and rested behind its stacks during the day. At 5 p. m. it moved to a skirt of wood on a road to the right of Gen- eral Sumners headquarters, where it bivouacked for the night. At 8 a. m. on the 12th instant resumed the march, and crossed the iRappahannock by the right or upper pontoon bridge to Fredericksburg, and, effecting our crossing without loss, moved to the left along the road fronting the river until we arrived almost opposite the lQwer pontoon bridge, where the line halted and stacked arms in column of battalion, left in front. We remained in this l)osition until 12 m. on the 13th in- stant, when, with the remainder of the brigade, the line was formed, this regiment being in the center, and marched back in the direction of the upper pontoon bridge, halting at the railroad. Here we remained two hours, exposed to the fire from the enemys batteries, and losing 4 men, wounded by shells. The line was then moved through the streets to the plain opposite the enemys works, being all the time exposed to a heavy shot and shell fire, and suffering severely. Following the direction of the column, we crossed the canal by the flank (files undoubled), and reformed line of battle on opposite side, where we remained lying on the ground for ten minutes, when the order was given to advance in line, and we marched to the crest of the hill, directly in front of grape, cammister, and musketry. On arriving at the crest of the hill, the firing was so severe and con- centrated that the men were compelled to take shelter by lying down, and many endeavored to hold their positioi~ by piling wood, to form a barricade, in rear of a brick house on our right, behind which they di Page 247 CHAP. XXXiII.] 24? BATTLE OF FREDERICt(S~UI~G, VA. good exccutioi, until ordered to retire with remainder of the brigade, which we did in good order, and halted in our former position by the railroad, where we remained until dark, when we were ordered to recross the pontoon bridge and bring over all our wounded, which we accorn- pushed successfully, and encamped for the night on the ground occa- 1)ied by us on the night of the 11th instant. Ou the morning of the 14th instant, we recrossed the river by the lower pontoon bridge, and occupied the position held by us on the 12th instant. Here ammunition was distributed to the men sufficient to make up the original complement of 60 rounds per man. We remained in this place until the night of the 15th instant, when, with the remainder of the troops, we evacuated the city under cover of the darkness, crossing by the upper pontoon bridge, and marched directly to our camping grounds, near Falmouth, Va., occupied by us previous to the morning of the 11th instant. In justice to the brave men who have fallen, I cannot refrain from bearing testimony to their gallant conduct, and have also to express my gratification at the behavior of the whole regiment throughout the action. The number of casualties incurred by the regiment was as follows: Killed, 11; wounded, 116; missing, 30; total, 157.* I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, RICHARD BYRNES, Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. JOHN J. BLAKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 65. Report of Lieut. Cot. Richard C. Bentley, Sixty-third New York Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 21, 1862. In compliance with circular of this date, I have the honor to report that at midnight of the 10th instant I was called by a messenger, and, immediately waiting upon Brigadier-General Meagher, was directed to cause reveille to be sounded at 4 a. m. of the 11th, and be ready to move in light marching order, with three days rations, at 6.30 oclock. Accordingly my command was prepared as directed. I had not since my return from the North (whither I went wounded from the battle of Antietam) been able to mount or perform more than executive and ordinary camp duties. Reported the command at brigade headquarters, and, by the advice of my surgeon, myself as unable to accompany them, and, by (lirection, yielded the command to Maj. Joseph ONeill. Leaving camp, the regiment proceeded to the heights near Phillips house, remaining until evening; then, falling to the rear a short distance, l)ivonacked for the night. In the morning (Friday) resumed the position of the day before, and at about 9 a. in. proceeded to cross the Rappahannock, and, moving along the river bank to the lower end of the city of Fredericksburg, rested on arms until the morning, then taking position in an adjoining street within the town. Here line of battle was formed with 48 files But see revised statement, p. 129 Page 248 248 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. and color-guard and 18 commissioned officers; the Sixty-ninth and Eighty eighth New York and Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers upon the right and the One hnndred and sixteenth Pennsylvania on the left. Remained in this position some length of time, the enemy shelling briskly, wounding 3 men of the regiment seriously. Brigadier. General 1~Ieagher, commanding brigade, here directed the formation to be changed, placing the Sixty-third Regiment on the extreme left. At near 1 oclock moved by the flank up the street, and, filing to the left, came upon the narrow bridge crossing the mill-race under a severe and destructive fire from the enemys artillery. A portion of the regi- ment crossed the bridge, but with difficulty, and to save time (under so heavy a fire) a goodly part of the officers and men forded the race and clambered up the bank, and, lying, rested a few minutes to allow all to cross and come upon the line. Then advancing double-quick about 50 yards, came upon a line of troops lying upon the ground, co:i- siderably obstructing the advance, but moved forward over them at a run, encountering an unfinished and abandoned earthwork, dividing the right and left ~vings, which, however, after passing, reunited, the left moving by the flank, continuing the advance in line to and passing the advanced line of skirmishers near the crest of the slope, wlieii the infantry of the enemy appeared within short range, covered by a stone wall and earthworks. The line was halted, fired, and, lying down, con- tinued the fire until relieved by the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Voliin- teers. Dnring this time the regiment was constantly under a heavy fire from the enemys artillery, their sharpshooters from every cover within range, and the infantry in front. From reports from reliable officers, I am pleased to say the officers and men behaved with coolness and bravery under trying circumstances, and obeyed orders with promptness. While passing the abandoned work, or immediately thereafter, Maj. Joseph ONeill, then in command, received a serious wound Pt the right arm, and, leaving the field, the command devolved upon Capt. P. ~I. Condon, who conducted the regiment with skill. After being relieved regularly, the remnant of the regiment, with the colors, came off the field, halting, by order of General Meagher, at the heads of the streets of the city, where the brigade rallied and marched to the street from which it moved in the morning, near the hospitals of the brigade. During this march Capt. John Sullivan received a wound in the thigh from a round shot, from which he died on Monday night, the only officer killed. The loss in this regiment (a list * of which has been forwarded) was 1 officer and I enlisted man killed, 6 officers and 32 enlisted men wounded, and 4 enlisted men missing. One of the latter has since returned, having been taken prisoner and paroled. Unable as I was to be l)resent with the regiment (as I have ever before been with it. and wish always to be), my report may be meager; but, having submitted it to several officems, I am assured that in the main it is correct. To attempt to speak of and enumerate the officers would be fulsome, as they have all distinguished themselves on other fields in my presence and received honorable mention therefor. In Major ONeill I lose for a time the services of a brave and valuable assistant in the field. No braver or cooler heart and head could there be in so terrible a place. Capt. R. P. Moore, too, is one of our oldest an(l most valuable offl~ers; while in Lieutenant IVlcDonald, acting adjutant, I lose a good soldier, Embodied in revis~d statement, p. 129 Page 249 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERiCKSBURG, VA. 249 an(1 so well acquainted with the details of the office I scarce know how to replace him. My thanks are due to Captains Condon, Cartwright, and Gleeson and Lieutenant Dwyer, more fortunate than their comrades, for the con- spicuous part they performed in conducting the regiment through and out of so severe a contest. With much regard, I am, very respectfully, IR. C. BENTLEY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. JoHN J. BLAKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 66. Report of Capt. Patrick J. Condon, sixty-third New York Infantry. NEAR FALMOUTH, Vi., December 24, 1862. Sin: In compliance with a verbal request from division headquarters (Hancocks), I have the honor to report, as accurately as my memory and the very few notes I penciled at the time furnishes me, with the action of my regiment in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13. We leave camp at about 9 a. m. Thursday, December 11, under corn- mand of Maj. Joseph ONeill, Colonel Fowler being yet, I believe, in hospital, from the effects of a wound received at the battle of Antietam, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bentley, who was also wounded at Antietam, and recently returned, suffering from indisposition, remaining sick in camp. We bivouac for the night, with the other regiments of the bri- gade, oii a small hillock si the river. December , irrounded by trees, about 1 mile this side of Friday, 12, cross on pontoon bridge early this morning, without loss or accident, the regiments of the brigade in the follow- ing order, viz: Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, Sixty-third New York Volunteers, and the One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania Volun- teers. Arriving in Fredericksburg, the head of the column file to the left along the southern bank of the river, and form by battalion closed in mass on the dock, where we stack arms for the night, without fire. Saturday, December 13, all quiet, until 9.30 oclock this morning, when heavy cannonading is heard on our left. At 10 a. m. my regiment is ordered by General Meagher to exchange positions with the One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania, and bring up the left or rear of the brigade. This movement was effected while we were drawn up in line of battle on the first regular street next and parallel to the river, im- mediately after losing 2 men, where the center of our regiment halted on a cross street. Between 11 a. m. and noon the brigade is ordered into action. We are addressed by General Meagher, who informs us we are to support Frenchs division. A few minutes.after, the brigade moved by the left flank, filing to the right and left around half a dozen streets. until we top over the crest of a hill under a heavy cannonade from time enemy. The march, still by the right flank, is continued along the right-hand sidewalk to the mill-race or canal. The fire on us here is galling and destructive. I see General Hancock riding along on the left-hand sidewalk oppo- site me, hunting up stragglers (4 or 5), who were sheltering themselves by a house on the left. We cross the canal, some dashing through, u Page 250 250 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. to their hips in water, the three temporary planks thrown across it not affording sufficient accommodation under such a heavy fire as we ex- perienced. Immediately on the south side of the canal, and while yet on donble-quick,we formed into line of battle, and marched, I should think, about 50 yards, up another slope, and lay down behind a regiment of Frenchs division, to breath and collect the scattered. One minute or so sufficed, when we again took up the line of battle, marching over the recumbent bodies of the last regiment alluded to. The Sixty-third, after a few paces march, met with an obstacle which divided its center, causing the right wing to oblique to the right and the left wing to the left. The obstacle passed, I took charge of the left wing, and marched it by the right flank, or, more properly, a right ob- lique, in a rnn,to form in line with the right wing. Passed by General Meagher here, waving his sword and closing us in. By the time the junction was formed, we were in hot contest with the enemy, the skir- mishers, who were in advance, joining in our ranks. The firing and loading, as far as my eye could detect, was executed kneeling and lying along our line after the first volley. After being engag~d, I think, three-quarters of an hour, I saw Cald- wells brigade advancing to our relief in a perfect line of battle; the two regiments of his brigade on the left that struck my eye were a(lvancing - nobly in our rear, and, when arrived on our line, some few lay down amongst our thinned ranks and commenced firing over our heads, but were immediately ordered to cross over our line, which they did, only to fall back again in less than two minutes. I looked around and sa~v General Caldwell about 4 paces in my rear, ineffectually endeavoring to rally his brigade. A sergeant of the regiment pointed out to me our flag falling back. Two of my company were wounded alongside of me, one of whom I tucked under my arm and consigned the other to the care of another member of my company. With 7 men and these 2 wounded, I retired, meeting the colonel of the Twenty-eighth Massa- chusetts, with about 10 men of his regiment and one flag. We shook hands, he (Colonel Byrnes) remarking our brigade was gone, meaning cut up. I recrossed the mill-race, still bearing this wounded man with rue and followed by the other men of our regiment, under a fusilading fire from cannon and sharpshooters, and marched up the street on the sidewalk, then the right-hand one of the road we traveled, about 500 yards; and on a cross-road, to the right from the canal, we overtook our colors, in the hands of Sergeant Chambers, of Company 1. Captains Sullivan and Gleeson and Lieutenants Dwyer, Quirk, Higgins, Flynn, and l)aidy were there with 11 men. General Meagher was there on horseback, and said that this should be the rallying point of the bri- gade. In two or three minutes this place became too hot for us, so we marched down the street toward the position we occul)ied in the lower part of the city before going into action. On our march down, at the very place we had lost the 2 men in the morning, a solid shot came bounding over time hill and struck Captain Sullivan in the thigh (from the effects of whhlh he since died), throwimig me down, who was at his left elbow, marching a few paces at the head of the remnant of the regiment. Major ONeill was wounded, as near as I can learn, about the time I was rectifying the division of our regiment in the center, cause(l by tIme obstacle mentioned in my remarks, convenient to where we crossed Frenchs line. Of this I am not certain, as nobody told mue until we were relieved by Caldwells brigade and fallimmg back. Allow me to state that the los~ of our gallant major was felt by all, and by no one more so than myself, for, indeed, he was a gallant and intrepid soldier, ever prompt and brave, exacting, but kind and gen Page 251 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA~ 251 erous with all. The unavoidable absence of Colonel Fowler and Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bentley at such a time was, I am snre, as much regretted by them as by us, for they are and have proved themselves as true and valiant soldiers as we can desire. Poor Captain Sullivan is gone, but his name and deeds in connection with his regiment and brigade will live in history. Of the other officers and men of the regiment I will not speak, as they all have done their part and nobly, and even the hum- blest private may be styled a hero. One hour after returning to the dock the report of the regiinemit stood thus: Thirty muskets and 8 commissioned officers present; 1 commis- sioned officer killed and 7 wounded; 1 enlisted man killed and 32 wounded. I counted fifty files, including corporals, going into action. We crossed the pontoon bridge during the night with our wounded, biv- ouacking where we had spent the night of the 11th, on this side of the rwer. Sunday, December 14, 9 a. in., cross over to Fredericksburg again. Remain there until midnight, December 15, when we retreat over the bridge, and march to our former and present camp. December to, Lieutenant-Colonel Bentley came to camp, and I resigned the command to him. Very respectfully, ~. ~. CONDON, Captain Company U, Sixty-third New York Vols., Irish Brigade. No. 67. Report of Capt. James Saunders, Sixty-ninth New York Infantry. CIRcuLAR.] CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, December ~2, 1862. In compliance with general orders received December 21, I hereby certify that the Sixty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers entered the battle of Fredericksburg, on December 13, 1862, commanded by Col. Robert Nugent, and 18 commissioned officers and 210 rank and file, in which the above numbered regiment lost 16 commissioned officers and 160 rank and file, leaving Capt. James Saunders, Lieutenant Milliken, and Lient. L. Brennan to bring the remnant of the regiment off the battle-field. JAMES SAUNDERS, Captain, Comdg. Sixty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers. No. 68. Report of Col. Patrick Kelly, Eighty.eighth New York infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 20, 1862. CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from headquarters right grand division, Army of the Potomac, the Eighty-eighth New York Volun- teers left camp on the morning of the 11th, and proceeded toward the pon- toon bridge, arriving in the vicinity of General Sumners headquarters about 10 a. in., where they were halted, with the rest of Hancocks divis- ion, and remained there until about 4p. in., when, by order of General Meagher, they advanced about 1 mile; where they bivouacked for the night in a wood Page 252 252 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., ANI) PA. [CuAP. XXXIII. Early next morning we again resumed onr line of march toward the pontoon bridge, which we crossed, arriving in Fredericksburg without an accident, and took up a position in the street next the river, where we remained that day and night. At nightfall an order was received from General Couch that no fires should be lighted, which order was willingly an(l uncomplainingly complied with by my men. Again, on Saturdaymorning, the men were nuder arms, and marched about a half a mile to the right of the position they occupied the night previous, where they formed line of battle, in connection with the other regiments of the brigade, between the hours of 10 and 11 a. in., as near as I can judge. We marched by the right flank, crossing the mill-race on a single bridge, where we filed to the right and reformed line of battle under a terrific enfilading artillery fire from the enemy. We then ad- vanced in line of battle under a most galling and destructive infantry fire, crossed two fences, and proceeded as far as the third fence, where my men maintained their position until their ammunition was exhausted, and more than one-half of the regiment killed and wounded. At this fence Colonel Byrnes, of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, and myself agreed to go over the field and collect the remnants of our regiments, which we did, meeting in the valley near the mill-race. Marching from thence to the street from which we started, we reported with our regiments and colors to Brigadier-General Meagher. He (Gen- eral Meagher) being under the impression he had permission to remove his wounded to the other side of the river, so as to avoid the fire of the enemy, ordered those men of his brigade who were still unhurt to con- vey their wounded comrades over, which they did, and bivouacked there for the night. Early next morning, in accordance with orders from General Hancock, we recrossed the river and took up the position we occupied the night previous, holding the same until the night of December 15, wh enwe recrossed the river and proceeded to the camp which we left Thursday, December 11, where we now are. I cannot close this report without saying a few words with regard to the officers and men of my regiment. That the officers did their duty is fully evident from their loss, having 4 killed and 8 wounded. The gallantry and bravery of the men is too plainly visible in their now shattered and broken ranks, having lost on that day about 111 killed and wounded.* I am, colonel, most respectfully, yours, P. KELLY, Colonel Eighty-eighth New York Vois., Meaghers Irish Brigade. Capt. WILLIAM G. HART, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 69. Report of Capt. John Teed, One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania In. fantry. DECEMBER 21, 1862. SIR: In accordance with orders just received, I have the honor to report as follows the part this regiment took in the engagement at Fredericksburg: We left camp on the morning of the 11th, and marched to the imme * See revised statement, p. 129 Page 253 ChAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 253 diate rear of General Sumners headquarters. After remaining a few hours, the regiment advanced a few hundred yards. On the morning of the 12th, we crossed the Rappahannock River on a pontoon bridge, under cover of our artillery, and encamped on the ~iver bank. The regiment remained there during the night. On the morning of the 13th, about 7 oclock, we received orders to march to the battle-field. We moved with the brigade to support Frenchs division. About 12 m. we entered the battle-field, holding a l)osItion on the extreme left of the brigade, directly opposite one of the enemys batteries. After one hours hard fighting, during which the regiment received orders to charge the enemys works, which they did with the courage and bravery of veterans, they were withdrawn with the brigade from the field. The regiment then received orders from the conimanding general to take the wounded and recross the river, and encamped for the night in the rear of General Sumners headquarters. Oh Sunday morning the remnant of the regiment again marched to Fredericksburg, with the expectation of again attacking the enemy. We remained in the town till Monday night, when the regiment, with the brigade, m arched back to their old camps near Falmouth. The officers and men behaved with great gallantry and coolness dur- ing the whole of the action. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN TEED, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Col. P. KELLY, Commanding Brigade. No. 70. Report of Col. Samuel K. Zook, Pifty-8eventh Neu York Infantry, corn. manding Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, Palm outh, Va., December 20, 1862. (iAPTAlN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oJ)erations of my brigade from the 11th to the 16th instant, inclusive: Under orders received from General Couch, at General Sumners head- (lilarters, on the night of December 10, I detailed the Fifty-seventh and Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers to report to Major Spaulding, of the engineers, at the Lacy house, to assist in building bridges, and to pro- tect the work. The enemy opened lire upon them about 6 a. m. of the 11th. The Fifty-seventh New York was relieved about 8 a. m. by the Seventh Michi- gaii. It.s loss was Licut. Col. A. B. Chapman, Captains Mott and Bell, and Lieutenants Brewster an(l White, ~vounded, besides 2 men killed and 23 wounded. The Sixty-sixth New York was relieved about 3 p. in. by the . Its loss was Lient. Col. James II. Bull and Capt. John P. Dodge, killed, and Lieutenant Switzer seriously wounded; also several men won uded. At 7 a. in. of the 11th, the Fifty-third Pennsylvania, Second Delaware, and Fiftv-secomid New York having bee~i formed, with the Twenty- seventh Connecticut, near the camp ot the latter, on the Stafford Court- house road, took up the line of march about S a. in., iii rear of the Irish Brigade, for a point near the Phillips house, where they bivouacked Page 254 254 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXILL having been joined by the Fifty-seventh and Sixty-sixth New York (lur- ing the afternoon. About 8 a. m. on the 12th, the brigade resumed its march at the head of the division, and, having crossed the Rappahannock at the Lacy honse bridge, took position near the lower bridge, in Fredericksburg. The Fifty-third Pennsylvania was immediately deployed as skirmish- ers in rear of the town, and drove the rebel pickets some distance, with the loss of 1 man mortally wounded. The brigade bivouacked on the ground occupied by it in the morning, nothing else having been done worthy of note. The Fifty-third Regiment, having been relieved dur- ing the afternoon, bivouacked with the others. December 13, about 9 a. in., the Fifty-second New York and Second Delaware were sent on picket, but were soon after relieved, and formed on the left of the brigade, which had taken a position on Caroline street, right resting on the railroad. At 12 in., seeing General Frenchs last regiment filing out past the railroad depot, I directed the Fifty-third Pennsylvania and Twenty- seventh Connecticut to pass out by the same route. The Sixty-sixth and Fifty-seventh New York, conducted by Lieut. Charles II. II. Broome, aide-dc camp, moved out through the next street to the east- ward, and the Second Delaware and Fifty-second New York, conducted by Lieut. J. M. Faville, aide-dc-camp, marched by the street next that taken by Lieutenant Broome. All these commands filed to the right at the outskirts of the town, and formed line of battle, ~vith the Fifty-third Pennsylvania resting on Hanover street, and the Fifty-second New York on the railroad. The brigade then advanced rapidly over the crest of the hill nearest the enemys line, under a very heavy fire of artillery from the heights, and musketry from a stone wall, sunken road, and numerous rifle-pits, charging over the divisioii of its former commander (General French), and taking a ])osition which was not passed by any other line during the day, though some of Kimballs men reached it. The line was relieved about 4 p. m. (except the Fifty-third Pennsyl- vania, which held on until 7 p. in.) by a l)ortion of General Sykes divis- ion, and marched back to its former bivouac, near the river, where it rested that night and the two following days. On the night of the 15th, the brigade, with the addition of the Sixty- first and Sixty-fourth New York, from General Caldwells, relieved the pickets in rear of the town about 9 p. in., and was in turn relieved by a brigade of General Sykes command about 3 a. in., when it recrossed the river to the camp it occupied before the attack on Fredericksburg. The Sixty-first and Sixty-fourth New York also returned to their former camp. The regiments of the brigade fought in line, and were commanded as follows: The Fifty-third Pennsylvania, Col. John 11. Brooke; Twenty- seventh Connecticut, Col. Richard S. Bostwick; Sixty-sixth New York, Capt. Julius Wehle, killed; Fifty-seventh New York, Maj. N. G. Throop, wounded; Second l)elaware, Col. William P. Baily, slightly wounded, and Fifty-second New York, Col. Paul Frank. I am gratified to state that the conduct of both officers and men of the brigade was all that could be desired. The Twenty-seventh Connecti- cut, having never before been nuder fire, and being wretchedly armed, deserve much credit. Colonels Brooke and Frank and Captain Wehlc maintained the reputation for splendid courage and distinguished con- duct won by them at Fair Oaks, and so well sustained in subsequent battles Page 255 CHAP. Xxxiii.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 255 Chaplain J. NV. Leek, of the Twenty-seventh Connecticut, deserves special mention. He went fearlessly into the hottest fire, cheering the regiment on in the most gallant manner. To my staff I am under great obligations for valuable assistance; especially to Lieutenants Faville and Broome, for the handsome manner in which they aided in taking the brigade into action. The loss of the brigade in the action of the 13th was 7 commissioned officers killed and 31 wounded; 52 enlisted men killed, 395 wounded, and 42 missing. Total, 527.* I have the honor to be, captain, your very obedient servant, S. K. ZOOK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. JOHN HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 71. Report of Col. Richard S. I3ostwicl;, Twenty-seventh Connecticut Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 19, 1862. Sin: In compliance with instructions this day received, I proceed to furnish you a rel)Ort of the movements of my regiment from the 10th to the 15th instaut, inclusive: Agreeably to orders received at 2 a. m. on the morning of the 10th, my regiment was in line and ready to move at 6.30 a. m. When ordered, I joined the remainder of the brigade, and moved forward to a hollow, where the brigade remained until about 5 p. in., when it moved to a hill, beyond which it bivouacked for the night. Early next morning my command moved with the remainder of the brigade, and entered the city of Fredericksburg about 8 a. in., and halted at the place desig- nated by the commanding officer, and remained there during that day and until the morning of the 13th instant, when, agreeably to orders, I moved my command a short distant forward until ordered to halt, which point was in the city, and elevated from the ground my command l)re- viously occupied. here my regiment remained until about 12 in., when it was ordered forward, my instructions being to follow the Fifty-third IRegiment. This regiment moved at once toward the field of battle, by the flank, which I followed in the same manner until ordered to proceed in line of battle with the brigade to which my command was and is at present attached, until ordered to give the enemy battle, which order my command faithfully executed, and, in absence of any relief; remained in a very exposed position until dark, although lamentably deficient in arms, most of my command being provided with muskets unfit for active service. Late iii the evening of that (lay I collected my command, first caring br the wounded that could be found, and moved them to the point from which I moved in the morning. (in time morning of the 14th, I used every effort to gather in the miss- imig of muy command and those straggling, which effort, I am happy to say, was very successful. I remained with niy command at or near this point until the evemming of the 15th, when I was ordered to recross the * But see revised. statement, p. 130 Page 256 256 OPERATIONS IN N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CITAL. XXXIIL iRappahannock, which order I executed, and conducted my regiment to the camp from which I started on the morning of the 10th. My command suffered consi(lerably in this action, the loss in killed, woun(led, and missing being, as far as ascertained, about 120.* You ~vill, doubtless, recollect that 267 of my command were doing picket duty, which left me about 350 men for other service. All of which is respectfully slll)mitted. MCIID S. BOSTXVJCK, Colonel, Corn manding Twenty seventh Connectien t Volunteers. Lient. CHARLES P. HATCH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 72. Report of Capt. Peter McCullough, Second Delaware Infantry. NEAR FAL1~Ioum VA , ., December 19, 1862. SIR: In compliance with orders issued from brigade headquarters this date, I have the honor of submitting the following report: On the morning of the 13th instant, at about S a. in., this regiment, with others of this brigade, was ordered oti picket duty, during which we had 1 enlisted inaii seriously wounded. We remained on this duty about three hours, when we were relieved and formed in line of battle on one of tile l)rincil)al streets of Freder- icksburg. At about 12 in. of the same date, we were ordered into the engagement, and during that most terrific conflict all the officers and men of this command, without exception, behaved meritoriously, arid performed the duties assigned them cheerfully and with fearlessness. The following is a list of casualties to this regiment: Field officers wounded, 2 line officers wounded, 5; enlisted men wounded ,40; total,47. Enlisted men killed, 6; enlisted men missing, 4. Total killed, wounded, and missing, 57* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P ETER McCULLOUGH, Captain, Commanding Second Delaware Regiment. Lient. CHARLES P. HATcH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 73. Report qf Col. Paul Frank, Fifty-second New York Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., 1)ecember 20, 1862. SIR : In accordance with circular, I have the honor to report the fol- lowing movements of this regiment duiing the time from 1)eeember 10 until December 16: The regiment left its camp-ground near Falinouth Thursday inormiing But see reviseJ statement, p. 130 Page 257 ChAr. XXXIII.~ BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 257 at 6.30 oclock; joined the brigade about 1 mile in the rear, and followed the Second Delaware in an easterly direction, in the neighborhood of the Phillips house, where it was camped for the night. The following morning, about daybreak, it marched with the bri- gade across the Lacy house pontoon bridge toward the lower bridge, where it camped over night. The following morning, Saturday, December 13, the regiment was or- dered, about daybreak, together with the Second Dela~~are, to relieve the Tenth New hampshire Volunteers, on picket along the railroad south of Fredericksburg, from which duty it was ordered back about 10 a. in., and joined the brigade in Caroline street, forming its left. At 12.30 p. m. it received the order to follow the Second Delaware, in marching through one of the side streets, along the railroad, deploying into line of battle on the other side of the Telegraph road. It advanced in line, forming the left of the brigade, up to about 200 yards in front of a white house, near to the Telegraph road, where it relieved a coin- inand composed of several small portions of different regiments. In advancing, the regiment was exposed to a destructive shell fire, and sustained, before coming in position, heavy losses. The above-named ground was held by the regiment for four and one- half hours. After about three hours, all the ammunition had been ex- pended, even that of the killed and wounded on the ground. Just in time to keep up the fire, several small regiments arrived, and, to strengthen the position, I kept the rest of this regiment under arms, with fixed bayonet. About 4.30 oclock new troops arrived at the ground, and I ordered the men, by small squads (to avoid a concentration of fire), about 200 yards back, on the railroad track, from which place I detached Lieutenant Ehrichs, of this regiment, to find ammunition, in order to retake my place again in the front. Lieutenant Ehrichs, on his return, reported that one of the aides-de- camp of 1~Iajor-General Sumner informed him that the nearest place of getting ammunition was near the river, and that the regiment should march down and join the part of the brigade already there. Complying with this order, I marched to the named place, where I arrived at dark, and reported the regiment, had the arms cleaned, and new ammunition issued immediately. The regiment went into battle with 151 men and 15 officers, and lost, killed, 1 officer (Charles Laty, adjutant) and 5 men wounded, I officer (First Lient. E. L. M. Ehlers) and 36 enlisted men. The following days, Sunday and Monday, the regiment camped on its first camp-ground, and marched, together with the Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, the Sixty-sixth ~ew York Volunteers, and the Second Delaware Volunteers, to relieve the brigade of General Ferrero, on picket, at about 9 ~x in., from which position it was relieved at about 3 a. m. Tuesday, December 16, by one brigade of General Sykes, return- ing across the Lacy house bridge to its former camp-ground, near Fal- mouth. it gives me great satisfaction to state that men and officers showed themselves most gallant aiid brave, though being schooled in every battle since the battle of Fair Oaks. The standing of the regiment is fully worthy to be honorably mentioned. Second Lieutenant Ehrichs and Second Lieutenant Frank brought up the colors, with Sergeant IReinhard, after the color-bearer fell seriously wounded, and guarded the colors, utterly exposed to the fire of the enemy. Also I must mention the gallant conduct of Sergeant Huber, of Corn- 17 U UVOL XX Page 258 258 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. pany A. First Lieutenant Ehiers, who was seriously wounded three times, showed himself in the most gallant manner, and I wish that the case pending against him for absence without leave may be dropped. I remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant, PAUL FRANK, Colonel, Comdg. Fifty-second Regiment New York Volunteers. Lieut. CHARLES P. HATcH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 74. Report of Capt. James W. Britt, Fifty-seventh New York Infantry. FALNIOUTH, VA., December 19, 1S62. SiR: I have the honor to report that this regiment, in pursuance to orders, moved at 1 a. m. on the 11th instant to support the engineers in laying the bridge near the Lacy house, and opposite the city of Freder- icksburg. About 4 a. m. the enemys sharpshooters opened fire upou us from their concealment in the houses and behind the walls in the city. Being in an exposed place, and the mist adding to the security of the enemys position, our situation was a very disagreeable one, and our loss considerable. Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, commanding the regiment, was wounded soon after the fire of the enemy opened, and taken from the field. About 8 oclock, the enerny~s fire having been silenced, and having nearly ex- hausted our ammunition, we were relieved by the Seventh Regiment Michigan Volunteers, when we returned to our former camp. About 2 p. m. we were ordered to join the brigade then lying in the vicinity of the Phillips house, where we bivouacked for the night. After crossing the pontoon bridge at an early hour the next morning, we re- mained under arms on the river bank until sunset, and bivouacked in the same position. Forming with the remainder of the brigade on the morning of the 13th, we remained nuder arms from half an hour before daybreak until 12, when the regiment moved to the front, crossing the railroad by the right flank, under a heavy fire from infantry and artil- lery, until our right rested upon the left of the Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers, when we moved by the left flank in line of battle toward the enemys works, until we reached the crest of a small hill, and within 60 yards of the enemy, who were protected by a stone wall running parallel to our lines. The men were ordered to lie down and return the enemys fire. After lying in this position for three hours and a half under a most terrific fire of artillery and musketry, the regiment, being relieved, was withdrawn to the shelter of the town, reoccupying the original position on the bank of the river. Major Throop being severely wounded, the command of the regiment, reduced to 84 men present, devolved upon me. In this position we re- mained, constantly under arms, until the evening of the 15th, when, at 10 p. in., we relieved the pickets of the first line, and were in turn re- lieved by the Twelfth Regiment New York Volunteers at about 2 a. m. of the 1.6th; after which we crossed the pontoon bridge and returned to camp near Falmouth, vacated on the 11th instant. Our loss in the two engagements was 9 out of 17 officers, and more than one-third of the men present for duty.* * But see revised statement, p. 130 Page 259 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 259 During both engagements, I am happy to say the command fully 5118- tamed its previous reputation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES W. BIRJTT, Captain, Comdg. Fifty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers. Lient. CHARLES P. HATcH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 75. Report of Lieut. James G. Derrickson, Sixty-sixth New York Infantry. FALMOUTH, VA., December 16, 1862. SIR: The fortune of war has devolved upon me the task of forward- ing a report of the part which the Sixty-sixth Regiment New York Vol. unteers took in the recent battles at Fredericksburg, Va. December 11, the Sixty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, under command of Lieut. Col. James U. Bull, left the camp which we now occupy at 1.30 a. in., and at 2.30 a. m. took position on the north bank of the Rappahannock, on the right of the Lacy house. The Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers was on our immediate left, and to these two regiments the support of the engineers in the construc- tion of the upper pontoon bridge was intrusted. B& tween 5 and 6 a. in. the enemy opened a brisk fire of musketry upon the engineers and the regiments supporting them. The men were ordered by Lieutenant. Colonel Bull to reserve their fire until daylight, when they could fire with effect, which order was obeyed, although the regiment was sub- jected to a heavy fire. About 8 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel Bu.ll, while zealously and unflinch- ingly performing his duty, received a mortal wound. Capt. Julius Wehle then assumed command. The fire of the enemys riflemen had by this time ceased, with the exception of a few scattering shots, and our batteries on the hill above were vigorously shelling the town. During the bombardment numbers of our shell burst prematurely. Among the victims of this unfortunate occurrence were two brave and efficient officers, Capt. John P. Dodge and Lieut. James Switzer, Com- pany D, the former mortally and the latter severely wounded. Several enlisted men were also wounded from the same cause. About 3 p. m. the regiment was relieved, and took position in rear of a battery about one-fourth of a mile from the river. Finally we were marched to the woods on the right of General Sumners headquarters, where we bivouacked for the night. December 12, the regiment shortly after daylight crossed the river at the upper pontoon bridge, and remained in the city on the river bank near the lower bridge during the day and night. December 13, at 9 a. in., marched to the main street of the city, and stood under arms until 12 in., when we moved toward the enemy, de- boTiched from the town, and formed on the plain in line of battle. Here the regiment was halted, in order to form on the left of the Twenty- seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. Here a fearful fire of artil- lery, both direct and enfilading, thinned our ranks, and here, too, the regiment lost its commander, Captain Wehle, an officer who had proved himself a true soldier in many a previous fight. Capt. John S. Hammell iiow assumed command, and, in compliance with orders, the regimeu Page 260 260 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAP. XXXIII. took the place of the One hundred and eighth Regiment New York Yolunteers, and advanced to the rise of ground in front of the stone wall which sheltered the infantry of the enemy. During the advance the movements of the left wing were much impeded by a board fence which was very difficult to remove or scale. Here many casualties occurred. Capt. John F. Bartholf, while endeavoring to remedy the slightconfu- sion incident to the meeting of this obstacle, in the face of a murderous fire, was wounded. Capt. John S. Hammell, then commanding the regi- ment, while encouraging the men, also fell wounded. The command of the regiment now devolved upon me. The men, after expending their supply of ammunition (60 rounds), gradually retired and formed line in the town. The conduct of both officers and men is beyond all criticism. The gaps in our ranks, caused by the combined fire of the enemys artillery and infantry, were quietly aiid quickly closed up, and the regiment advanced steadily to its work, and only when out of ammunition did it retire. It were injustice, perhaps, to make comparisons as to the conduct of the brave officers and men engaged, but the conduct of First Lieut. John MeNeill merits special mention. His coolness and unflinching bravery under fire cannot be excelled. Among the enlisted men the conduct of Sergt. Maj. Daniel Banta and Principal Musician Daniel Barrett stand pre-cininent. The loss in the actions of December 11 and 13 was 75, and among these 6 commissioned officers, 5 of whom were the senior officers of the regi- iiment. In consequence of this severe loss in officers, I am unable to give a full report of the actions in which we were engaged, as I am unaware of the orders received by the several officers commanding the regiment. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JAMES (1. DERRICKSON, Adjutant, Comdg. Sixty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers. Lient. CHARLES P. HATcH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.As the above report was hurriedly made out, the name of First Lieut. George H. Ince, acting quartermaster of the regiment, was omit- ted amdug the names of officers mentioned for meritorious conduct. In the engagement of the 11th instant be acted well, and on the 13th in- stant fell in the ranks of the Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers, and fought with them until he found his regiment. No. 76. Ii~eports of Col. John B. Brooke, F~fty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. FALMOIJTH, VA., December 19, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report the following as the substance of the occurrences through which my regiment passed during the recent battle of Fredericksburg On the morning of the 11th of December, we moved out of Falmom!th before daylight, and, joiniiig the brigade, were marched to a position near the Phillips house, where we remained all night. Early next morn- ing we marched down to and over the bridge into Fredericksburg. Shortly after arriving at our assigned position in the town, the regi- ment was advanced as skirmi~hers, and, meeting the skirmishers of the enemy on the outskirts of the town, drove them back, losing 1 ma Page 261 CHAP. xxxm.j I3ATTLE OF rREDERICKSBIIRG, VA. 261 during the action. About 2 oclock, the regiment being relieved, was withdrawn, and joined the brigade on the river bank, where it remained all night. The following morning, December 13, we were drawn up in line in Main street. At 12.30 p. m. I received the order of Colonel Zook to march up the railroad, and upon reaching the outskirts of town to bear to the right and form in rear of General French~ last line, which being done in good order, the line advanced to the front, passed the junction of the roads, and moved steadily forward to within 60 yards of the enemys rifle-pits, the whole advance being made under a deadly shower of can- ister and musket balls. Finding it impossible to advance farther, I threw the right wing into and behind the houses, beyond the forks of the road; then gradually withdrawing the left, I threw the whole force remaining behind and into the houses referred to, keeping up an incessant fire upon the enemys lines, until the cartridges were all exhausted. iDur- ing the action the right was severely.assailed, and sending to the colo- nel commanding notice of the fact, I soon saw the gallant Colonel Miles, of General Caidwells brigade, coming to my support. I directed him to place his regiment on the right of the road, which lie immediately did, but not a moment too soon, as the enemy were evidently trying to turn our right. I sent several times for relief to the colonel command- ing, one officer being shot down while carrying the message. As none came, I did not retire, but, when all the ammnnition of living, dead, and wounded was exhausted, fixed bayonets, and stood fast, determined to hold the point to the last. After a time, I went in person to Colonel Owen, commanding a brigade iu General Howards division, and asked for men, to return the fire of the enemy~ which was harassing us greatly. The men were sent, and did good service. I cannot speak too highly o~the con duct of my officers and men. Cap~ tains Coulter and Eicholtz and Lieutenants (commanding companies) Shields, Potts, and Smith were badly wounded, while gallantly leading. on their men. Lieutenant Cross fell mortally wounded, while bravely cheering on the men. The wounded invariably threw their cartridge- boxes to their comrades before leaving the field, and would then retire alone. Of those who escaped unhurt I cannot speak too well. It is sufficient that they did their duty. I would respectfully request honorable men- tion of Lient. W. ID. W. Miller, aide-dc-camp, of General Hancocks staff; whose gallantry is beyond all praise. 1 would also add that the Twenty-seventh Connecticut Volunteers deserve all praise for the gal- lant manner in which they conducted themselves. The colonel com- manding knows well how hard the men fought, it being directly under his own eye. Lists of killed and wounded- have already been sent forward. I will only say that my loss was 155. I also found men of Kimballs brigade in the front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN H. BIIOOKE, Golonet Fifty-third Pennsylvania. Lieut. CHARLES P. HATCH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FAL~1oUTll, VA., December 19, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders from head- quarters right grand division, I proceeded, on the morning of Dece Page 262 262 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXJIT. ber 17, 1862, with a large detail of the different regiments of the corn- in and, to the battle-field in front of Fredericksburg, Va., where I found and buried 913 of our soldiers, and brought to this side of the river the bodies of 5 officers, making a total of 918. Nearly all the dead were stripped entirely naked by the enemy. I would also report that those bodies nearest the enemys works were recognized as belonging t& Kimballs brigade, of Frenchs division, and to the different regiments of Hancocks division. rf1~e burying occupied two days. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN li. BI100KE, Colonel Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. Licut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 77. R~ports of Brig. Gen. Oliver 0. iloward, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, Camp near Paimouth, Va., December 19, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of my division during the 11th 1 On the 11th, in accordance with 3th, and 14th instant: orders from General Couch, 1 marched from my l)resent camp at 6.30 a. in., iu order of brigades, as follows: Colonel Halls, Colonel Owens, and General Sully~s, an(l l)roceeded to vicinity of the Lacy house. The batteries were guided to the same point, and Hazards Rhode Island Battery sent to General Hunt, by whom it was placed in position on the bank of the river, and fired to cover the bridge-builders just south of the Lacy house. General Couch ordered me,at 8a.m., to detach a brigade to report to General Woodbury at the same house near the river; I did so at once. The Jrigade (Colonel Halls) was moved forward and established. The rest of the division was kept under cover from the enemys shell. There we wtiited for the completion of the bridge until about 3 p. in., when Colonel Hall, not waiting for the bridge, with the Seventh Michi- gan, under the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter, effected the crossing in boats. The Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts followed in boats, and drove the rebel infantry from behind their covers in rifle-pits and cellars, and took some 30 or 40 prisoners. These regiments cov- ered the bridge head while the engineers finished their work. About sunset the bridge was ready, the last of the Twentieth just having gained the opposite shore. Colonel Hall was ordered to throw the rest of his brigade into the city. Meanwhile General Couch had directed me to bring np the rest of my division. The crossing on the bridge commenced, and was kept up till, just at dark, the left of General Sullys brigade was placed in position. The enemy took up success- fully covers, from which he brought a sharp fire upon Colonel Halls troops, which he moved forward, seizing the streets to the right. Cob- nel Omen formed the Second Brigade on Colonel Halls left, and cleared his front by skirmishers. Just as soon as I got a firm hold on the town, I nade my dispositions for the night. Evei~y regiment ~vas under artillery fire, and H alls an Page 263 (ThAP. XXXIII.] I3ATTLE OF FREDERICRSI3URG, VA. 263 Owens exposed to musketry, during this affair. Our loss, as estimated, was about 40 killed and 160 wounded in the two leading brigades. Ou the morning of the 12th, 1 moved General Sully and Colonel Owen to the front, and took possession of the ridge near the town. Colonel Hawkins, of General Willeoxs command, had crossed the lower bridge with a brigade the night before, and, in conjunction with my division, held the entire town at daybreak of the 12th. During the day I con- centrated my command on the right, and placed them as much under cover as possible, and remained, picketing m~ front and right, till the 13th. During the forenoon of the 13th, General Whipple relieved a part of my pickets. One regiment and two companies of another were detained to strengthen him without my knowledge at the time. Before the engagement commenced, General Couch carefully instructed me to hold my command in hand, and wait his orders either to move to the support of General flancock or be sent elsewhere, as the exigencies of the day might demand. At about 12.55 p. m. I was ordered to move to the right of Hancock and attack the works there, debouching on the right of the Plank road, where I had already located a company of sharpshooters, of General Sullys command, to pick off the enemys cannoneers within range. This order was immediately countermanded by General Couch, and I was sent to support General Hancock. My command was moved out, Colonel Owens brigade in front. He was ordered by me to cross the bridge over the mill-race, which is just outside of the town, moving on Hanover street by the flank, left in front. As soon as he reached a plowed field on the left of the road, he was to deploy and move for- ward in line of battle. This he did in fine style. He moved, without breaking his line, to the vicinity of a small brick house where he halted, because mm supported, and, fearing he should lose ground, caused the men to lie down. He was now within 100 yards of the enemys first line. I sent him word to hold what he had got, and to push forward the first opportunity, and not to fire, except when lie had something to fire at. Colonel Hall, meanwhile, following Colonel Owen by the flank, was ordered by General Couch, both directly and through me, to deploy to the right of Hanover street, which lie did. lie made several bold atteml)ts to storm the enemys rifle-pits, but the concentrated fire of artillery and infantry was too much to carry men through. He kept what ground he got. I held General Sully in the outskirts of the town, ready to support or relieve either brigade. Colonel Hall sent for re- enforcements, stating that his ammunition was getting low. General Sully sent him two regiments, which prolonged his line to the right. Another of General Sullys was deployed on the left of the road, and afterward endeavored to re-enforce Colonel Owen. This, then, was the condition of things at 4 p. in.: Owen extending from the road which l)rolonged Hanover street to General Willcoxs command; Hall extending from the same road to the right. Now a brigade of General Humnphreys division formed in my rear. Hazards battery (Company B, Ithode Island Artillery) was sent forward across the mill-race, took position just in rear of Owens line, and fired briskly. Captain Hazards conduct was equal to anything I ever saw on a field of battle. With the loss of 16 men hors de combat, he drove up cowardly reluctants to help him move and serve his guns. General Humphreys desired him to cease firing, when the general gallantly led forward his men. They reached my line, a portion passed it a little, met a tre- mendous volley of musketry and grape, and fell back. One of myregi Page 264 264 OPERATiONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CUAP. XXXIII. ments, the One hundred and twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, went with him. All were rallied at the mill-race ravine. As soon as the battery ceased it was withdrawn, as also was Captain Franks New York BaU tery, which had followed Hazards, and did good service near the same advanced ground. After several ineffectual atteripts to carry the enemys works, dark- ness came on and the firing subsided. My division remained out to the front, and was not withdrawn until relieved by Generals Sykes, Hall, and Sully, about 12, and Owen reached his place in town abont 2 a. in. Again on the following night I was ordered to relieve General Sykes. I chose five regiments, and put them nuder command of Colonel Morgan, First Minnesota. In the night two companies of the Nineteenth Maine worked vigorously, and covered the regiments to the left of the road with rifle-pits for their skirmishers. About 1 p. in. on the 15th, the enemy opened a new battery on the right of the picket line, and drove some two or three regiments from their position. Nearly all communication with the town was cut off by sharpshooters, but brave men of the Eighty-second New York and First California reoccupied all the important points, and held them until relieved. I received orders from General Conch, on the night of the 15th, to commence some works to protect the troops against shells. A small party had broken the ground, iftider direction of General Sully, when, between 8 and 9 p. in., orders came to relieve my working party and move across the river. As soon as my picket regimel its had joined their brigades, they were moved to their old camp, near Falmouth. For gallantry, steadiness under fire, all(1 constancy, I commend my division. I honor the fallen and sympathize with time wounded. The officers have cordially co-operated with me an(l the men have done nobly. I will mention but few, leaving the rest to brigade commanders, whose commendations I heartily indorse. Colonel Hall, of the Seventh Michigan, commanding the Third Bil- gade, receives from me the most unqualified recommendation to the post of a general officer. For gallantry and good service he is not ex- celled. Colonel Owen, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, commanding the Second Brigade, has been warmly recommended by General Sedgwick and my- self Again let me show him as a man who cannot be outdone on the battle-field. His horse was killed under him. It is unnecessary to call attention to General Sully, al~vays cool, and especially so at the late battle, where lie received a slight wound. I call attention to Captain Arnold, who commanded Tompkins bat- tery (A), Rhode Island Artillery. He had a good position, near Han- over street, in the suburbs, and used his rifled guns effectively in silenc- ing different batteries of time enemy. My adjutant-general and aides did everything possible to assist. me, and neither shrank from exposure. Theim~ horses were wounded, but themselves unhurt, except Lieut. C. H. Howard. who had a slight wound in the leg. Lieuts. H. N. Stinson and A. T. Atwood are highly commended by the brigade commanders for their fearless conduct un(ler fire. Captain Whittlesey accompanied inc to time front to cheer each regi- ment just as the action closed on the evening of the 13th. Lieutenant Steele, ordnance officer, showed diligence in keeping the artillery and infantry supplied with ammunition during time action Page 265 CnAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF F1~EDIERICKSBURG, ~A. 265 Captain Batchelder, quartermaster, and Captain Smith, commissary of subsistence, promptly brought up supplies when required. The adjutant and aides of General Couch met me with clear and defi- nite orders from himself which I endeavored to fulfill. I met General French just before the action, and consulted with him and with General Hancock just as I pushed in my first and second brigades. His suggestions enabled me to take my position for his sup- port, and for the relief of his decimated command. Herewith I send a nominal list of the killed, wounded, and missing. Aggregate loss in the division: Officers killed, 8; enlisted men killed, 102; officers wounded, 56; enlisted men wounded, 634, and missing, 77. Total, 877.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. 0. HOWAItD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. Maj. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff, Second Corps. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, December 19, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to state that the Seventh Michigan passed over not far from 3 p. m. The Nineteenth Massachusetts followed im- mediately, at about 3.30 p. in., it having been necessary for the boats to cross twice with the Seventh Michigan. The boats crossed three times to carry over the Nineteenth. The bridge was commenced after the Nineteenth had crossed, and completed at sunset, about 4.30. The Twentieth followed the Nineteenth in boats before the bridge was com- pleted. No other regiments crossed in boats. A company of sharpshooters, Captain Plumers, from General Sullys command, covered the crossing from this bank. The Seventh Michigan lost 1 officer and 2 men killed and Lientenamit- Colonel Baxter and 13 men wounded. The Nineteenth Massachusetts having lost two regimental command- ers, it cannot be ascertained with certainty what its losses were in that affair separate from the battles following. Colonel Hall thinks there were about 10 killed and about 28 wounded. The Twentieth Massachusetts lost 1 officer and 19 men killed and 4 officers and 73 men wounded. Total loss, 2 officers and 31 men killed and 5 officers and 114 men wounded. The Fifty.ninth New York first crossed the bridge at sunset, and lost I officer killed and 3 wounded, and 3 men killed and 19 wounded. The latter regiment should be embraced with the others. It is un- possible to separate those killed and wounded in actual crossing front those killed and wounded in the fight on the shore. I embrace the whole affair on the evening of the 11th with reference to these regi- ments. It should be remembered that Colonel Owens brigade was also engaged in the fight on other streets on the left. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. 0. HOWARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. * But see revised statement, p. 130 Page 266 266 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. U~HAP. XXXIII. IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, December 19, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to recommend, for promotion to brigadier- generals of volunteers, Col. Norman J. Hall, Seventh Michigan, Col. J. T. Owen, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania and dred and sixth Pennsylvania. Col. T. G. Morehead One hun- These officers have been recommended before for the same positions. In the late battles near Fredericksbnrg they have fully snstained their record. I think the Seventh Michigan Regiment, as also the Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts, deserve honorable and public mention for gallantry in crossing the river and secnring a foot-hold in the town of Fredericksburg on the evening of the 11th instant. Very respectfully, 0. 0. HOWARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Dtv~ston. Maj. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of Staff. No. 78. Report of Capt. William A. Arnold, Battery A, First Rhode Island Ar tillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, V A., December 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor respectfully to report that I assumed com- mand of this battery on the morning of the 13th instant, in the streets of Fredericksburg. The first section, nnder the command of Lieutenant Dwight, was ordered to the front, and pnt in position about 1 p. in., with orders to direct the fire of his guns on the batteries of the enemy then enfilading on infantry with their fire. The section was put into position in the back part of the city, between two houses. About 2 p. m. I received orders to move up, with the rest of the battery I put in posi- tion, on the left of the first section, by order of the chief of artillery, with orders to fire upon the rifle-pits of~ the enemy, aiid snpport an attacking column of onr infantry, I think, under General Hancock. I opened with spherical case shot, and fired rapidly until our troops fell back. I then fired only at stated intervals at the rifle-pits, until about 4 p. in., when I saw a body of the enemys infantry on the hill behind the rifle-pits. I fired on them until they disappeared. Shortly after, the enemy opened fire upon me from a battery on the same hill, to which I replied, firing slowly and carefully until dark, when the firing ceased. Remained in position all night. On the morning of the 14th, did not fire until fired upon by the enemy with a 30-pounder Parrott gun, a solid shot from which struck a limber, smashing the ammunition box, hounds, one wheel, killing 2 horses, and wounding a driver. I replied, and, after firing a few rounds, the fire of the enemy ceased. I also ceased firing, and did not fire again during the day. Soon after discovered that the axle-tree of one of my gun carriages was broken. I sent the carriage back over the river to have it repaired. It was not repaired in time to join the battery on that side of the river. .Remain~d in position all night Page 267 CHAP. XXXIII.] I3ATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 267 On the 15th, did not fire a gun. Remained in position all day. Was not fired upon by the enemy. Received orders about 9 p. m. to cross the river and park near the Lacy house. I sent the caissons ahead, and followed soon after with the pieces. Just before the head of the column reached the bridge, the axle-tree of the leading piece broke, letting the gun fall upon the ground. The gun was at once slung under the limber and brought over, leaving the carriage until I could send for it. After parking the battery, a de- tachment of men was sent after the carriage, and it was brought over. On the morning of the 16th, marched back to old camp, occupied by the battery before the engagement. Officers and men behaved splendidly. Where all did so well, it is impossible to particularize. Below please find a list of loss of men, horses, and material; also of ammunition expended.* * * * * * * * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. ALBERT ARNOLD, Captain, Commanding Battery A, First Rhode Island Artillery. Capt. E. WHITTLESEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 79. Report of Capt. John G. Hazard, Battery B, First Rhode Island Artillery. NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 17, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on Wednesday, 10th in- stant, I received orders to put my battery in light marching order pre- paratory to removing early on the following day. At daybreak on the morning of the 11th instant, received orders froni Capt. C. H. Morgan, Fourth Artillery, chief of artillery, Second Corps, to move my command toward the Rappahannock, halting in rear of the Lacy house, under cover of a hill. At 9.30 a. m. was ordered to report to Col. C. II. Tompkins, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, and placed my battery in position on the bluff to the right of the Lacy house, overlooking the city of Fredericksburg. During the day I expended 384 rounds of solid shot upon the enemys sharpshooters, rifle-pits, and covers, lining the opposite bank of the river. At dark I withdrew my battery, by orders of Captain Morgan, about 1,000 yards, and went into park. On the morning of the 12th, at 6 oclock, I received orders from Cap- tain Morgan to cross the river with my battery and report to General Howard. Crossed the river at 7 a. in., and formed in column of sections on the bank near the river. I remained in this position until 10 a. m. of the 13th, when I moved out, by orders of General Howard, in column of pieces on Caroline street. At 3.45 I received orders from Captain Morgan to take my battery (with the guns to the front) on the double- quick and place them in position on an eminence some 150 or 200 yards in front of the enemys rifle-pits. I placed the center and left sections on the brow of the hill, and the right section in the road, about 30 yards * Nominal list, omitted, shows 2 enlisted men wounded~ 3 horses kilied; 1 wheel, 1 limber, and 1 gun carriage lost or destroyed 707 spherical case and 30 percussion 8hells expended Page 268 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIt. 268 in advance of the other sections, and opened on the enemy with solid shot from the center and left sections and shells from the right. I con- tinued firing with rapidity for forty-five minutes, when General Hum- phreys requested me to cease firing, that he mig4it charge through my battery with his brigade on the enemys work. After the infantry passed, I withdrew my battery, by order of Captain Morgan, to my 01(1 position in the city. Before getting in battery, and during the engage- ment, I sustained a loss of 16 men and 12 battery horses; also the horses of Lieutenants Bloodgood, Mime, and my own were shot. Owing to the loss of my horses, I was forced to leave one limber on the field, and withdrew the left piece of the left section by hand. After arriving in my old position, I asked if any sergeant would volunteer to go back and bring the limber from the field. Sergt. Anthony B. Horton was the first to reply, and said, I am your man, and succeeded in bringing it in. On the morning of the 14th, at 9 a. in., by order of Captain Morgam I recrossed the river and reported to General Hunt, and went into park in rear of the Lacy house. I remained in that position until 12 in. of the 15th, when I returned to my old camp, near Falmouth, by order of Cap- tam Morgan, and reported to General Howard.# * * * * * * * In conclusion, I would respectfully beg leave to allude to the bravery and endurance of my men, not a man quitting his post on the field. As to the couduc~ of my officers, Lieutenants Adams, Bloodgood, Perrin, and Mime. I will only say I am proud to have associated with me such gallant and self-possessed officers. I am, captain, your very obedient sI~rvant, JOHN G. HAZARD, Ccptain First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Comdg. Company B. Capt. E. WHITTLESEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 80. Report of Brig. (len. Alfred Sally, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, Camp near Falinouth, Va., December 18, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit time following report ~ the part takemm by my brigade in the recent action at Fredericksburg: Agreeably to orders from the division headquarters, I moved my bri- gade from camp, at about 6.30 a. m. on December 11, toward Freder- icksburg, in the following order: Thirty-fourth and Eighty-second New York Volunteers, Fifteenth Massachusetts Voluimtcers, Nineteenth Maine Volunteers, and First Minnesota Volunteers; in all, including officers, 2,211 strong. After marching about 2 miles, we were Imalted, by orders, under a hill in front of Fredericksburg. Two comupanies of the Nineteenth Maine were detached, under Major Cuniiinghain, to support a battery on this side of the river. We remained in our position until near sunset, wait- ing the placing of a pontoon bridge. Subsequently we crossed, under a fire of the enemy, and occul~ied the city. * Nominal list of casualties, omit ted, shows 16 enliste4 men wounded Page 269 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 269 The next morning early we moved to the outskirts of the city, on the right, beyond the position occupied by Colonel Halls brigade, which was in advance iu capturing the city, and I advanced companies of difThrent regiments as skirmishers (the enemys pickets retiring), and took possessioll of the heights near the city. The enemy disputed our movement by artillery fire, but with no serious loss on our part. Afterward it was necessary to send forward the Eighty-second to strengthen a crest we occupied. A detachment from this regiment, under Captain Cummings, was sent to a paper mill to draw off the water from a canal supplying the mill. This was executed under fire. This difficult position my brigade held until the morning of the 13th, when the attack against the enemys works commenced. My brigade was ordered out to the support. We moved out of the city under fire, and took a position on the right of our line of battle. Here the Fifteenth Massachusetts was ordered to the left, to join Colonel Owens brigade. Major Philbrick, commanding, being wounded, the command fell upon Captain Murkland, senior officer ])resent, Captaiu Watson having been taken sick; and here, also, Dr. Haven, their sur- geon, in his anxiety to be near his regiment, exposed himself unneces- sarily and was killed. I was stationed on the Plank road, exposed to the enemys batteries, but I managed to find good shelter for my brigade. A battery was stationed on the right of me, supported by part of my command. By order, I soon after deployed to the right, in order to charge; but, after having taken position, this order was countermanded, and I moved to the brigade engaged on my left. I here placed my men, with orders to lie down. I had detached- the First Minnesota to sul)port the battery on my right, as I found the enemys infantry was threatening it. The rest of the brigade I placed in as good a position as possible to be of service, and l)rotected at the same time from a murderous fire; but a brigade of another division was placed, closed en masse, in my rear, which drew a heavy fire of artillery, causing them to fall back and a heavy loss to my brigade. We held the position, no man falling back, till l~ oclock that night, when we were relieved by other troops. Here I should state that the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers found a color belonging to mione of my regiments, thrown away in a most cowardly manner by some regiment unknown. I would recommend that the Thirt h--fourth be allowed to keep this color. On the night of the 14th, the First Minnesota and Fifteenth Massa- chusetts were ordered on 1)icket in a dangerous position, which they held till relieved next night; though during the day of the 15th the enemys fire caused other regiments, on their right, not belonging to my l)rigade, to fall back. I was ordered, with the rest of the brigade, to the support. 1 placed the Nineteenth Maine on the right, nuder cover of houses; the Eighty-second in houses in front. Lieutenant Murphy, in command of two companies of this regiment, I sent down the road to occn~)y a house on the right of the First Minnesota ; this they did in gallant style, under a galling fire of the enemys sharpshooters. I am happy to state my loss is not so severe as iii many other brigades. It is as follows: Killedofficers, 1; enlisted men, 14; woundedoffi- cers, 5; enlisted men, 70; missing, enlisted men 14. Total, 104.* It would be impossible for me to make any distinction in the conduct of the regiments of the brigade; but it may, however, be my duty to ~ut see revised statement, p. 130 Page 270 270 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. especially notice the Nineteenth Regiment Maine Volunteers, who for the first time smelt gunpowder, and apparently did not dislike the smell of it. My thanks are due to Captain MeCallum, my acting assistant adju. taut-general, and my aide, Lieutenant King. The first was severely wounded in the action of the 12th. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier- General. Capt. E. WHITTLESEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 81. Report of Cot. Frederick D. Sewall, Nineteenth Maine Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of this regi- ment during the engagement in and near Fredericksburg since the 11th instant: In accordance with orders from brigade headquarters, Companies B and ID, under command of Major Cunningham, were detached to support a battery on the north bank of the river. The balance of the regiment moved with the brigade, and participated in the movements of the army under the direction and eye of the general. In the action of Saturday, the regimemit took position at 2.30 p. in., near the mill on the extreme right, and occupied this position until 12.30 a. m. of the 14th, when it was relieved by a battalion of United States infantry. The loss in my regiment was 110 wouimded and 7 umissin. I desire particularly to call the attention of the general to the con- duct of Lieutenant-Colonel Heath. lie commanded the regiment from Sunday morning until its return to camp, and during those an(l the previous days evinced a coolness and firmness worthy of especial com- mendation. I also commend Lieutenant ilaskell, my adjutant, for good conduct and bravery under fire. Mr. Palmer, my chaplain, deserves to be mentioned for assiduously attending the regiment and caring for the wounded. All the line offi- cers behaved well. Should I particularize, l)erbaps I might do injustice to some. Dr. Billings was detached for duty at the division hospital, but ren- dered valuable assistance in the regiment as opportunity offered. Dr. Levensaler, assistant surgeon, was prompt and efficient in his proper duties. The companies detached to support batteries have not yet been re- lieved, and no report has been received from the officer commanding that detachment. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. ID. SE WALL, Golonel Nineteenth Maine I Volunteers. Captain MCCALLTJM, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 271 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 271 No. 82. Report of Capt. Charles IlL Watson, P~fteenth Massachusetts Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTII, V A., December 16, 1862. Sin: In pursuance to orders received on the morning of the 11th, the regiment, under my command, left camp with 287 men and 16 officers, including sharpshooters, which were detached, the doings of which will be reported by their captain. We marched about 2 miles, when we halted. About sundown we took up our line of march in the rear of the Eighty-second New York, and crossed the Ilappahannock, where we formed a line of battle, our right resting upon the left of the bridge, our line extending along the bank of the river, covering the Thirty- fourth New York, which was in our advance. The next morning we received orders to march up the street, the First Minnesota leading. After advancing one square, we filed to the right and marched toward the outskirts of the town, where we formed a line of battle, covering the First Minnesota. Orders came to throw out a company of skirmishers. Company A, under command of Lieutenant Jorgenson, was detailed and duly posted. While taking their position, they captured 3 rebel prisoners, who were forwarded to the brigade commander. We then received orders from the general commanding to move. Here Major Philbrick assumed command. We moved one square to the left, and formed a line of battle on Princess Anne street, our right resting on the corner of Fauquier street. Company 13 was here detailed as a support to Company A. At dark, Companies C, II, and G were sent to relieve Companies A and B, under command of Capt. John Murkland, of Company G. These companies were relieved the next morning at 9 a. m. by two companies of the Nineteenth Maine. The remaining companies of the regiment were sent to the relief of the First Minnesota as pickets. These companies were soon called in, when the regimental line was formed on Fauquier street, the right resting on the corner of Princess Anne street. We were here ordered to relieve the pickets of Colonel Owen. On our march, which was a double-quick step, a shell from the enemy passed through our lines, killing Surg. S. F. Haven, jr., and wounding color- sergeant, color-corporal, and surgeons orderly. The regiment halted in the road near the fl-out, when the major commanding went in search of the pickets to relieve, and was at this time wounded by one of the enemys sharpshooters. Capt. John Murkland, of Company 0-, the senior captain present, took command, and finding the regiment was ex- posed to time enemys sharpshooters, they having already wounded many of our men, he moved the regiment to the left of the road, under cover of the bill. We were here ordered to remain by an aide of Colonel Owen, though exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy. While here Hazards battery took position on the crest of the hill, and, being in want of men to manage the pieces, they called on Captain Murkland for volunteers. This was quickly responded to by 10 privates, although the battery was under a heavy fire from the enemys sharpshooters and batteries. We were soon ordered by General Howard to the front. We went up the road and took our position on the left of the First Calilbrnia, Colonel Morehead, where we remained until 1 oclock the next morning, when we were relieved by a battalion of regulars. We re- tired to our old position on Princess Anne street, where we remained unti Page 272 272 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXITh 9 oclock the next morning. The brigade then took up its line of march, the Fifteenth leading, and halted, the right resting on the railroad, and there remained until 8 p. in., when we received orders to report to Colo- nel Morgan, of the First Minnesota. We marched to the front and relieved a battalion of regulars, our right resting on the left of the First Minnesota, all resting on the left of the road. During the night the regiment was occupied in throwing up rifle-pits, and all of the next d~y was kept close to the ground by the enemys sharpshooters and batteries, which wounded many of our men. We were not relieved from picket, but were ordered by the general com- manding the brigade to report back to our old camp. The regiment lost in killed, 5; wounded, 25; missing, 2. Among the wounded were Adjt. J. Harris looper and Lieutenant Bradley. This report includes the commands of Captain Watson, Major Phil- brick, and Captain Murkiand. All of which is respectfully submitted to brigade headquarters. CHARLES II. WATSON, Captain, Comdg. Pjftcenth Regiment ]jlassachnsetts Vol~tnteers. ASSISTANT ADJLTTANTGENERAL. No. 83. Report of Capt. William Plumer, First Company Massachusetts Sharp shooters. [DECEMBER , 1862.] The company was detached from the Fifteenth Regiment December 11, and or(lered to the front, to protect the engineer corps in laying the pontoon bridge. This service they attemnled to. On the ~)assage of the river they accOrnpanie(l the Fifteenth, an(l encaml)Cd with them at night. Next morning, at 4 oclock, was ordered to the extreme front on picket duty. The company was again detachcd from the Fifteenth about 11 oclock, and ordered on special duly, as sharpshooters, to pick oft the enemys artillerists, and kept up so continued and eftk~ctive a fire on the enemy as to engage nearly the entire attelitioli of one of his batteries during the afternoon. At night were ordered on picket duty again. Next morning (Sunday), OUV ainmunitioui being almost exhausted, were relieved from duty by General Sully. Monday morning, having rel)leluiSh e(l am in unition, a detachm cut of the company under my command was posted in front of the Gordon house, to support the Rhode Island battery, and remained there until evening. Not being able, after repeated inquiries, to thud General Sully, I rel)orted to General J-luumphreys as ready for any duty required, and was requested by him, unless otherwise ordered, to report at the Gordon house again the next morning. At 12 oclock received orders to cross the river. Did so, and returlw(l immediately to the former camp of the company. Every member of the company present and fit for duty lait hfully (lid his duty, especially Sergeant Clements, acting as orderly. Robert Wil- son was slightly wOuIi(led by a shell. James N. Archer is reported as inisshug. The above is all the loss the companY suffered. WiLLIAM PLUMER. Captain First Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters Page 273 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 273 No. 84. Report of Col. George N. Morgan, First Minnesota D~fantry. CA1~IP SEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 16, 1862. In accordance with Paragraph 742 of the Army Regulations, I have the honor of submitting a report of the l)art taken by my regiment in the occupation of the city of Fredericksburg and the actions following thereupon. At 2 oclock on the morning of Thursday, the 11th instant, I received orders from the general commanding brigade to have my command in readiness to march at 6.30 a. in., at which time the regiment marched from this camp and formed upon the left of the brigade, and, after a march of about 2~ miles, reached a covered position near the point in- tended for crossing the Ilappahannock Itiver, and there halted until 5 p. in., awaiting the completion of the pontoon bridge. The regiment then crossed upon the bridge into the city of Fredericksburg under a heavy fire from the enemy~s artillery and a dropping fire from his sharp- shooters, stationed in buildings in the city. Darkness coming on, the men bivouacked in the first street from the river, the enemy during the most of the night keeping up a scattering fire from adjacent buildings. At daybreak on the morning of the 12th, we resumed the advance into the city and occupied it without further opposition, the enemy having retired to his works upon the eminence to the rear of the town. During this (lay and the night following, this regiment performed picket duty, being a portion of the time under a heavy artillery fire, in which 2 men were wounded. On the morning of the 13th instant, they were relieved from picket, and were shortly afterward ordered to the front to take part in the action then progressing. Placed upon the right of the brigade, and marching by the right flank, the regiment took liosition in front and in support upon an ight of our of Kirbys battery, elevated rido-e at the r line of battle. In this position the regiment was, for several hours, ex- posed to it tremendous cannonade of the enemy, who apparently concen- trated their fire upon Kirby~s guns and this regiment. Fortunately we escaped serious loss, the only casualties being 1 officer and 6 enlisted men wounded. Night coming on, we were ordered to a position in the rear of and in support of the picket lines, and continued to act as such support until the evening of the 14th instant, when we were again put omi picket duty on a very exposed part of the battle-field near the ad- vanced works of the enemy. Owing to the darkness and want of acquaintance with the ground, the task of establishing the line of pickets was a difficult and delicate one. In this duty, as on all occasions, I was much indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel Colvill and Major Adams for their aid rendered in a careful reconnaissance of the enemys line of pickets in front. I regret here also to mention the loss of a brave and intelligent sol- dierCorporal Irvine, of Company D. He was sent, by my order, to ex- amine a point where the sound of intrenching tools could be heard, and which we afterward ascertained to be within the rebel lines. As he did not return, it is presumed he was captnred by the enemy. On account of the exposed condition of our lines, the precaution was taken during the night to dig slight trenches to protect the men from the artillery fire, and also that of the enemys sharpshooters, stationed in rifle-pits and buildings which o-verlookod our position. This preeau- 18 u RVOL XX Page 274 274 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII tion, doubtless, saved many men on the day following, when the enemy poured upon them a terrible fire, both from the front and enfilading from our right flank. This fire. at one time caine with such vigor and severity that three regiments upon our right fled froui their position, leaving the right flank of my command completely exposed. The conduct of my command at this trying moment is a matter of pride to me. The line officers behaved admirably, setting an example of coolness and courage which was scarcely needed by the men. Not a man showed any inclination to follow the example of those who fled. Atout 9 p. m. of the 15th instant, we were relieved from picket, and, after a rest of about one hour, marched across the river again, reaching this camp about midnight. The casualties sustained by my command during the above detailed operations were: Wounded, 2 commissioned officers an(L 110 enlisted men; missing, 2 enlisted men. Several others received slight wounds, but not such as to disable them for duty. The conduct of both officers and men upou all occasions was eminently praiseworthy. I omitted to state that on the 13th, while the regiment was support- ing Kirbys battery, one compaiiy (F) was detached from it, being on outpost duty still farther to the right. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C-. N. MORGAN, Colonel First Minnesota Volunteers. Capt. JOHN J. MCCALLIJM, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 85. Report of Cot. James A. Suiter, Thirty-fourth New York Infantry. NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 17, 1862. SIR: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, I would sub. mit the following report of the part taken by my command in the move- ments from the 11th to 16th instant: I received orders to march at 6.30 a. ni. on the 11th. We marched to within about three-quarters of a mile of Fredericksburg, where we halted in rear of a high point of land until about 5 p. in.; were then moved for- ward to the river, and immediately crossed over under a severe fire of shell from rebel batteries on the heights beyond the city, and from inns- ketry from rebel troops in the city. Having gained the opposite si(le, my regiment was moved to the right of the road on the river, protected by a high bank, the men lying down. Three of my companies were sent to picket the street at my right, with orders to closely watch the move- ments of the enemy. At daylight, I moved my regiment on the first street running parallel with the river; was halted here for a few hours; was then moved to a position on Princess Anne street, sending one company to picket at or near the house on the bluff at the extreme right of the city, the enemy occasionally shelling us from their position on the heights beyond the city. On the morning of the 13th, I was ordered to the front to support the troops then engaged with the enemy. I was ordered to put my regi- ment in positio~ near the graveyhrd, on the outskirts of the city. W Page 275 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 275 lay iu this position but a few minutes, when I was ordered to leave for another position. This was accomplished with the loss of but 1 man Lieutenant Ransom, mortally wounded by the explosion of a shell. We moved to the left until we gained the street leading to the battle-field. In moving down this street, I lost 1 man killed. Having gained a point, we moved by the right flank over the field on the right of the road, until we gained the hill, and took a position at the base at about 4 p. ni., my line being the third, the fighting at this tinie becoming severe in front and to the left of my line. About 5 p. m. General Tylers brigade came upon the field with loud cheers. This attracting the attention of the enemy, they open ed upon my line with shell, killing and wounding many of my command. Gen- eral Sully, coining upon the field at this time, caused this brigade to again move off, which they did, in great confusion, by command of General Sully. I now moved my regiment to a position in rear of the brick tannery, my right resting near the Plank road. When it became dark, I threw one of my companies ou the right of the ioad, forming a line of pickets in front of the rifle-pits of the enemy. At about 3 a. m. I was relieved by the Fourth Regular Infantry. I returned to the city and took a position on Princess Anne street at about 4 a. In., lying in this position until 9 a. ni. On the morning of the 14th, by order, I again moved my command to near the railroad. Lay here until about 1 p. in., when 1 was ordered to Fauquier street, and took position upon the west side of the street. Lay here until about 5 p. in., when I was ordered to my former position, iiear the railroad. At 7 p. m. detailed 75 men for fatigue duty to throw np earthworks. Being absent about one hour, they returned to the regiment, the work having been abandoned. At about 10 p. m. received an order to again Pill in and return to this camp, which was accomplished, arriving at about 2 a. in. on the 16th. My loss duribg this time was 3 killed, 12 wounded, and 18 missing. I take great pleasure in stating that my command behaved most gal- lantly during the whole time they were nuder the terrific fire fi-om the enemys batteries, not a man leaving the ranks. I would also state that some cowardly members of a regiment, un- known, abandoned their colors, which were recovered by Captain Northup, of my regiment, and saved the disgrace of falling into the hands of the enemy. All of which is respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, JAMES A. SUITER, Capt. J. H. PELL, Colonel, commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 86. Report of Lient. Col. James Huston, Eighty-second New York Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTII, VA., Dece)nber 17, 1862. Sin Th coml)liaiice with Special Orders, No. 291, this regiment re- j)orte(1 promptly to General Sully, at his headquarters, at 6 oclock o Page 276 276 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CIIAP. XXXITh the morning of the 11th instant, and marched with the division to within a short distance of the IRappahannock River, opposite Fredericksburg, where we remained in shelter of the rising ground until near sunset, when we passed over the pontoon bridge to that city, and took position with the brigade on the vacant ground near the river brink. Here we had 1 man slightly wounded by a riflebullet, a current of which the enemy were pouring from the houses on the advancing regiments as they passed the bridge and marched into the streets. At daybreak of Friday, the 12th instant, we were advanced and or- dered by our general to take possession of the elevated ground on which stands the unfinished monument to the mother of Washington. Under the personal supervision and special directions of our general, we accom- plished this without any casualties, and placed vedettes on a line as far forward as the monument, extending along the brow of the heights next the enemy, with a line of pickets and supports in their rear, and our reserve at the base of the height next the city. During the day the enemys intrenched artillery kept throwing shot and shell over and into our lines of pickets and reserves without any effect on us, except killing 1 and wounding 2 of our reserves by a shell that exploded over our heads. At about 12 m. General patrick came to our reserve, and inquired if it were possible for us to get to a paper mill, situated in the hollow ground on the right of where we were placed, to turn off the water from the upper canal, by raising the mill sluice. The enemys pickets were placed around this mill, but Capt. T. Cummings, with his company (II), drove them back and turned off the water. The coolness and I)rOmpti- tude with which this was done is, I think, very creditable to Captain Cummings and his command. At 8 p. m. we were relieved by the First Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, and retired to a street in the rear of this position. On Saturday afternoon we received orders to march to the lower end of the city, in the rear of which active firing had been going on for some time previous. We halted in a yard, and two of our companies (K and G) were detached and sent to support a battery near the house of Mrs. Hemingham Harrison. We Were then marched to the right of the field, where the action was going on, and took position without at- tracting the attention of the enemys artillery, until a brigade came on the ground in our rear in a rather noisy manner and making a good deal of display before they were in a position to doany service. This drew on us an enfilading fire from a battery of the enemy, intrenched, by which we lost 4 killed and 7 wounded. At about 1 a. m. of Sunday, we were relieved by the Fourth Regiment U. S. Infantry, and returned to our former position, at the right of our line, opposite the monument. Shortly after 10 oclock on Sunday morn- ing, we were marched to the railway, on Princess Anne street, where we remained until Monday afternoon, when we were ordered to march toward the village under the enemys works. Here we were posted under the personal supervision of General Sully, as follows: Our four right com- panies were placed in and around a house at the top of where the road descends to the village; our two left companies to support a battery on the next street toward our right, and the remaining two companies to take possession of and hold a house that had been deserted by those troops who had been ordered to occupy it previously. The enemy~s l)ickets were in close proximity to the house, and were firing on every one who crossed any of the avenues leading to it, but Lieutenants Murphy and Huggins (who have never failed in the execution of ait order), wit Page 277 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 277 5 men from Company I, took possession of the house, and were soon ~oiied by Company C, who held the house nutil they were relieved, at about 8 p. m. The ocenpying of this house was the most hazardous undertaking we had to l)elforln. The lieutenant-colonel commanding the regiment feels grateful to Lieutenants Murphy and iluggins for the accornl)lishment of it. At about 10 oclock on Monday night we recrossed the Thppahannock with the brigade, and, in accordance with orders, encamped at this point. Very respectfully, JAMES HUSTON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Corndg. Eighty-second New York Volunteers. Capt. JOHN J. MCCALLIJM, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 87. Report of Col. Joshua T. Owen, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, corn. manding Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, December 18, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to orders from division headquarters, I moved my brigade, at 6.30 a. m. on the 11th instant, in the direction of General Sumners headquarters. - After reaching a designated point, where my column would be cov- ered from the enemys fire, I halted antil 3 p. in. By orders from Gen- eral Howard, I moved my column in the rear of Colonel Halls, and crossed the river at about 4 p. in., under a heavy fire of artillery and musketry. Taking position upon the left of the bridge and prolonging my line of battle upon the banks of the river, I deployed skirmishers to the left and front, and moved forward to take possession of the towim simultaneously with Colonel Hall, who had taken position on the right of the bridge. The streets perpendicular to my line were eimflladed by squads of sharpshooters and the enemys batteries located upon the hill. The houses ~nd churches contiguous to my route were filled with sharp- shooters,which rendered great caution necessary. Much time was there- fore expended, and but little progress made, be fore darkness rendered further operations injudicious. After dislodging most of the sharpshooters, and advancing as far as Caroline street, I established my pickets and directed the regiment to sleep on their arms. Men and officers of the brigade deserve much credit for th~ gallantry with which they discharged their several duties, a~nd I desire to especially mention Capt. Charles H. Banes, Company E, Seventy-second Pennsyl- vania Volunteers; Lient. Robert Templeton, -Company E, Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers; Lient. Michael Duff~, Company I, Sixty- ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Capt. Paul J. Hallowell, Company B,O ne hundred and sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who commamided the skirmishers, for the judicious and successful management of their men, and the rapidity with which they dislodged the enemy. Twenty-one prisoners were captured, most of whom belonged to th Page 278 278 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA,, MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXX1I1 Twenty-first Mississippi Regiment. A number belonging to this and other regiments in Barksdales brigade were killed and wounded by our fire. On the morning of the 12th, pursuant to orders from General Howard, I took a position on the extreme right of the town, my brigade consti- tilting the second line of battle, and threw out the Seventy-first Penn. sylvania Volunteers as skirmishers to the front. During the day the command was subjected to a heavy fire of shot and shell; but, by keep- ing the meu well under cover, little execution was done. On the morning of the 13th, I was ordered by General Howard to hold my command in readiness to lead the attack upon the enemys left, and had assigned to me Captain Hazards First Rhode Island Battery. By 10 a. m. my men were in line, waiting for the signal to move for- ward, and Captain Hazard ready to take his position at a designated point on my right. At this juncture I received orders, through Lient. Charles Howard, on the generals staff, to move rapidly by the left flank toward the Plank road, in order to proceed to the front and support General Frenchs and Hancocks divisions, which were being hotly pressed by the enemy. At 12.20 p. m. I began to move my column, and proceeded out Han- over street in the direction of the Plank road. No sooner had the head of my column reached street than spherical case and shell were showered upon us from a battery which completely enfiladed the street. Kirbys battery at this moment galloped up the street to support my attack, and took position on the outer edge of the town, at a distance from the enemys works of about 1,000 yards. The support of this bat- tery highly elated the officers and men, and they moved forward with spirit and confidence, notwithstanding the terrible fire to which they were subjected. At 1.10 1 had deployed my column, and gave the word, Forward, double-quick, marchguide center. At this moment my horse was shot in the right.shoulder, and had to be abandoned. As quickly as l)ossible, after dismounting, I threw my- self in front of the line, and called upon the brigade to come on, which they instantly did, when, from behind a stone wall at the base of the steep declivity; from ride-pits on the face of the hill; from two batter- ies on either side of a large brick house at the top of a hill; from trav- erses on the right and left flanks of my line, and from a line of infantry drawn up on top of the hill, a most terrific fire was opened upon us. To my amazement, the two lines which I was told to support I found to have been almost entirely annihilated. I instantly ordered my men to halt and lie close to the ground. I dispatched Licut. Eneas Dough- erty, my aide-de-camp, to communicate to General Howard the immense strength of the works which I was ordered to take, and the impossibil- ity of my being successful without more artillery and infantry. Just after the departure of my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Stinson, of General Howards staff; brought me orders to hold the position I then had, and re-enforcements would speedily be sent forward. limniediately directed Lient. Robert S. Seabury, on my staff, to deploy three companies as skirmishers in the houses to my right and front, which enfiladed the stone wall and some of the rifle-pits on the face of the hill, which he did in gallant style. This disposition of my men materially checked the enemys fire, but gradually the fire of his artillery and infantry began to converge upon the position held by my brigade. About 3 p. m. a heavy column was sent to advance upon the railroad to my left, and, having deployed, marched gallantly toward the enemy Page 279 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 279 lines. I directed my men to rise and hold themselves in readiness to advance simultaneously with the line upon my left. But scarcely had we begun to move when this new line staggered, reeled, and fell back in confusion under the awful fire which was poured in upon it. Once it rallied, and moved again to the front, dismayed but not defeated. Again it gave way and fell back toward the town. I directed my men again to lie down, which they did, and my line remained unbroken. At this juncture Captain Hazards First Rhode Island Battery gal. loped to the front, came into battery about 150 yards in my rear, and opened an effective fire upon the enemy. Immediately after him came a column of infantry much stronger than the first, an(l a(lvance(l in line of battle, with its right considerably overlapping my left. Now the decisive hour had come; the enemy had relieved the regiments posted behind the stone wall and the men in the rifle-pits, and an additional battery had been brought to bear upon this position. His troops were being rapidly massed upon the top of the hill, and a more terrific fire than any before was opened upon our lines. Unfortunately that por- tion of the advancing line which overlapped my left began to fire con- fusedly over and at my men, still in a recumbent position. Under these circumstances it was impossible for me to get my men upon their feet as quickly as I desired, and before I was able to silence the fire in my rear, this line broke and fell back. Twice it was reformed by the per- sonal exertions of two general officers, whom I afterward learned to be Generals Hooker and Humphreys. Each time it was reformed it ad- vanced a little beyond where the other advance had been made, but each time the line was broken, and finally fell back to the town. Cap- tam Hazards battery, which had done good service in enabling me to hold my position, had suffered severely in men and horses, and retired also to the town. I still maintained my position, and continued a fire upon the enemy until night closed in, and both sides rested on their ai ins. I threw out my pickets to the front on a line in advance of any point to which troops had approached during the day. I remained with my brigade upon the ground until relieved by a brigade of regulars, under command of Colo- nel Buchanan. The Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Mar- koe commamiding, did not take part in the engagement, having been detailed on most important picket duty, which, I have reason to believe, was performed with the ability which has always distinguished this regimeimt. I regret to say that the One hundred and twenty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, which had been temporarily attached to my brigade fell back when the lines to my left were broken; and as Colo- nel Jennings, its commander, whom I understand was wounded, has made me no report, I can say nothing of their conduct, except that which came under my personal observationthat the officers and men acted well until the period of their retiring. On Sunday, the 14th, I detailed the Seventy-first and One hundred and twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers on picket dnty, agreeably to orders. On Monday, the 15th, pursuant to orders, 1 moved my brigade and took position on the right of Willeoxs corps, to support it in the con- templated attack on the left On that night, at about 8 oclock, I was ordered to recross the river, which I did, and returned to our former camp ground. I refer you to the reports of the regimental commanders for a list o Page 280 280 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXITL their officers who distinguished themselves, and will close my report by expressing my obligations to Colonels Baxter and Morehead and Lieu- tenant-Colonel OKane for their valuable assistance; to their field and staff officers and their line oflicers for the promptness with which all my orders were obeyed, and to my assistant adjutant-general, Lieutenant Ferdinand M. Pleis, and to my two aides-de-camp, Lient. Eiieas Dongli- erty and Robert S. Seabury, for their intelligent and prompt conveyance to different points of such orders as were issued. I desire also to speak of the coiiduct of this veteran brigade, which has borne a distinguished J)art in nine general engagements. lt is entitled to, and I trust will receive, that consideration which its long service and uniform good conduct merits. Permit me to speak in the highest terms of the First Rhode Island Battery, and to thank Captain Hazard, his officers, and men for their timely, bold, and efficient services in my support. I desire to return my thanks to Lieutenants Stinson and Atwood, on the generals staff; for their intelligent conveyance to me of General Howards orders under the most trying and l)eriloms circumstances. In conclusion, permit inc to express thankfulness to (3-0(1 for the com- paratively small loss of men aIl(l officers which I snfThred. The loss inthe brigade was 27 killed, 209 wounded, and 29 missing. Total, 265.* I remain, yours, respectfully, JOSHUA T. OWEN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. E. WHITTLESEY, Assistant A djutant- General. No. 88. Report of Got. Turner G. Morehead, One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania linfantry. IIDQRS. ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH PENNSYLVANIA REGT., SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, Camp near Falmoutli, Va., 1)ecenmber 18, 1862. SIR: In pursuance to orders, I marched, on the morning of the 11th instant, to a point near Fredericksburg, Va. At about 5.80 p. m. I crossed over the Ilappahannock under a heavy fire of artillery and inns- ketry. We immediately formed in line of battle on the left of the bridge. While forming the line we were considerably annoyed by sharpshooters on the left of us. Company B was detached to act as skirmishers, and clear the street to front and left. Shortly afterward Company G was detailed as a support to Company B. There was con- siderable firing for some time, but the compammies detached, in connec- tion with one company of the Seventy-second Regiment, finally suc- ceeded in clearing the streets. About 20 prisoners were taken, and ten rebel mail bags, which I immediately forwarded to your headquarters. The regiment bivouacked for the night upon the ground of their line. On the morning of the 12th instant, I marched my command to and formed in the second, or Caroline, street, where we remaimied under arms during the day. * But see revised statement, p. 130 Page 281 CHAP. XXXIII.] 281. I3ATTLE OF FREDERLCICSBURG, VA. The morning of the 13th instant found us again under arms. About 12.30, in pursuance of ordei s, we marched to the front, where the bat- tle was already raging. When within about 400 yards of the enemys works, our line of battle was formed, under a very heavy lire of mus- ketry and artillery, the Seventy-second Pennsylvania Regiment being on our left and the Sixty-ninth on our right. We then moved forward in line, and took possession of a slight elevation within about 80 yards of the first line of battle of the rebels. Their first line was at the base of the hill behind a stone wall; their second line was immediately above the first, on the crest of a very steep hill; consequently, we were cx- 1)osCd to the fire of their two lines. The proximity of our line to the hill sheltered us from the fire of the rebel artillery, as they could not depress their pieces sufficiently to bring them to bear upon us. Their musketry fire soomi told heavily upon us, and, unless woun(ied, not a man left his place in the line. We remained in this position until 11 oclock in the night, when we were relieved by the Second Regiment U. S. Infantry. The command was then immarehed to the quarters they occupied the night previous. At daybreak on the morning of the 14th instant, the regiment was again under arms, and remained so during the day. On Monday, the 15th instant, the regiment remained under arms until about 6 p. in., when it was detailed for fatigue duty, with orders to report to division headquarters. While engaged in throwing up a redoubt, the order was countermanded, and the regiment was marched to its quarters. Shortly afterward, pursuant to orders, we recrossed the Rappahannock, and arrived at camp about 2 a. m. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon officers and men of my command for their unwavering courage and gallant conduct during the whole of this trying period. They did their duty well, and what more can be said l 1 cannot but refer to the gallant equduct of my entire field and staff. My confidence in Lieutenant-Colonel Curry and Major Stover, by their cool and daring courage, and their unexceptionable deportment, is only increased, if possible. Asst. Surg. II. D. McLean, fully alive to the im- portance of his position, was always to be found alleviating the suffer- ings of the dying and wounded. I am also much indebted to acting adjutant, Lieut. J. C. Biggs, and Sergeant-Major ilagy for their invaliia- ble services. Below you will please find the number of the killed, wounded, and missing: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. G. MOREHEAD, Colonel, (Jomdg. One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania Regiment. Lient. F. N. PEElS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Officers Me Page 282 282 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. No. 89. Report of Col. Norman J. Hall, Serenth Mieliiyan Lfantry, commanding Third Brigade. IIEADQUNRTERS THIRD BRIGADE, Camp near Falmouth, Va., December 17, 186g. CAPTAIN In compliance with orders I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the brigade under my command during the late battle in and before Fredericksburg, Va.: On the evening of the 10th instant, my command was designated to take the advance of the army, as SOOR as the bridges should be built, on the following morning. On arriving at the point where the head of the column was to rest, I received orders to report with the brigade to Brigadier-General Woodbnry, commanding Engineer Brigade, at the Lacy house. The bridges were not being advanced on account of th deadly fire of the enemys sharpshooters, posted behind buildings and in cellars and rifle-pits along the opposite bank. Two regiments were deployed (the Seventh Michigan and Nineteenth Massachusetts Volun- teers) along the bank of the river to cover the bridge-builders by their fire as skirmishers, but afterward withdrew them, to enable the batteries to fire shell. After some hours of delay, Generals Hunt and Woodbury consulted with me upon the practicability of crossing troops in boats, and storming the strong points occupied by the enemy, so as to protect the heads of the pontoon bridges, of which but one had progressed to any extent. It was arranged that, under cover of a heavy artillery fire, the engineers should place boats at intervals along the bank, and pro- vide men to row and steer them. Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter, commanding Seventh Michigan Volun- teers, was informed of the plan, and his regiment volunteered to be crossed and storm the town as proposed. Captain Weymouth, of the Nineteenth Massachusetts, also volunteered to support the Seventh Michigan, if required, crossing in the same way. The first-named regiment was deployed, and took l)ost along the bank, while the latter lined the river as sharpshooters, together with Captain Plumers company of sharpshooters (independent), which was ordered to report to me for this object. At a signal, the batteries opened their fire, and continued with great rapidity for over half an hour, the engineer troops failing to perform their part, running away from the boats at the first fire from the enemy and seeking shelter. No prospect appearing of better conduct, I stated to Colonel Baxter that I saw no hopes of effecting the crossing, unless he could man the oars, place the boats, and push across unassisted. I confess I felt ap- prehensions of disaster in this attempt, as, without experience in the management of boats, the shore might not be reached promptly, if at all, and the party lost. Colonel Baxter promptly accepted the new condi- tions, and proceeded immediately to arrange the boats, some of which had to be carried to the water. Lieut. C. B. Comstock, chief engineer, Army of the Potomac, directed the embarkation personally, I believe. Before the number of boats fixed npon had been loaded, the signal to cease the artillery firing was made, and I thought best to push those now ready across, rather than to wait till all were filled, and to allow the enemy to come out of his concealment from the cannonade. The boats pushed gallantly across under a sharp fire. While in the boats, 1 man was killed and Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter and several men were wounded. The party which numbered from 60 to 70 men Page 283 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OP FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 283 formed nuder the bank and rushed upon the first street, attacked the enemy, and, in the space of a few ~ninutes, 31 prisoners were captured and a secure lodgment effected. Several men were here also wounded, and Lieutenant Emery and 1 man killed. The remainder of the regi- ment meanwhile crossed, and I directed the Nineteenth Massachusetts to follow and gaiu ground to the right, while the Seventh was ordered to push to the left. Seeing no preparations for advancing the bridge, which, according to the plan, was to have been under construction when the crossing was commenced, I went to the engineer battalion and asked the commanding officer to send down parties at once. lie re- plied that General Woodbury was in command, and was away. I en- treated that men should be instantly sent, nevertheless, but could obtain no satisfaction. The firing in the street had now become general and quite rapid, and, as I had been informed that a brigade of the enemy had been seen mov- ing toward the bridge head, I requested General Hunt to reopen fire upon the flanks and in advance of the party which had crossed. I afterward learned from prisoners taken that this brigade of the enemy was General Barksdales, composed of the Thirteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, and Twenty-first Mississippi Regiments. Several prisoners were taken belonging to the Eighth Florida Regiment, which was in the city. All firing upon the bridge had been now silenced, and the bridge was rapidly completed. I reported to General Buruside directly the con- (luct of the engineer troops. An order for the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers to move across the bridge the instant it was down was in- correctly transmitted, so as to cause Acting Major Macy, its comm and- ing officer, to throw it across in boats. This regiment was held in line along the bank to resist any attempts of the enemy to recover this point by an exposed movement, and the Seventh Michigan Volunteers and the Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers could hold against any ad- vance through buildings. The moment the bridge was ready, the Forty-second and Fifty-ninth New York Volunteers and the One hundred and twenty-seventh Penn- sylvania Volunteers moved across, and the Twentieth Massachusetts was formed in column in the street. The guide, a citizen, was killed at the head of the column. Upon attempting to cross the second street, it became evident that the enemy was in considerable force, and could only be dislodged by desperate fighting. It was fast growing dark, the troops were being crowded near the bridge head in a compact and un- manageable mass, and I was informed that the whole division was to cross to hold the city. It was impracticable, in my opinion, to attempt to relieve the press by throwing troops into the streets, where they could only be shot down, unable to return the fire. To give time to fight the enemy in his o~vn way, I sent urgent requests to the rear to have the column halted on the other side of the river, but was ordered to push ahead. The Seventh and Nineteenth had been brought to a stand, and I ordered Acting Major Macy, commanding the Twentieth Massachusetts, to clear the street leading from the bridge at all hazards. I cannot presume to express all that is due the officers and men of this regiment for the unflinchitig bravery and splendid discipline shown - - in the execution of the order. Platoon after platoon was swept away, but the head of the column did not falter. Ninety-seven officers and men were killed or wounded in the space of about 50 yards. When the edge of the town was reached, the Fifty-ninth New York was sent t Page 284 284 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. relieve the portion of the Twentieth engaged in the street leading to the left, and lost a number of officers and men. The Forty. second New York was ordered to advance by a street to the left, but, for fear of firing Ul)Ofl our own men, the order was countermanded. The One hundred and twenty-seventh Pennsylvania met some loss in crossing the bridge, but behaved in a very creditable manner. The positions occupied when the firing was ordered to cease were held till late in the night, when it was found that the enemy had retired from the buildings throughout the town. The brigade was relieved at light in the morning by the troops of General Sully. Nothing transpired necessary to state in this report till about midday on Satllr(lay, the 13t Ii, when I was directed to form a second line of battle behind Colonel Owens brigade, to snpport General Frenchs attack upon the enemy in his works before the town. The One hundred and tweiity- seventh Pennsylvania was temporarily assigned to Colonel Owens com- mand. On arriving at the outskirts of the city (on Hanover street, I believe), I halted to gain the distance ordered, and to clear room before me, so as to pass the hot fire on the road rapidly. While here I met Generals Couch and Hancock. The latter ordered me to charge the rifle-pits of the cuemy, in column, up the road. I formed as broad a column as the street would admit of, and advanced the com- mand, then less than 800 mcii, to execute the order. But, happily, Gent eral Couch changed the order after I had gone a short distance, and a line of battle was formed on the right of the road, with directions to charge upon the rifle-pits and wall in fiont of the enemy from that posi- tion. One of the regiments had countermarched, on starting, without my knowledge, and, in forming line, created some confusion at that point. The remainder of the line a(lvanced rapidly and with good order for some distance over the hill, in the face of a heavy and well-aimed fire of infantry in front, and a terrible one of artillery against the right flank. A I)o1tion of the Seventh Michigan, Forty-second and Fifty-ninth New York fell back, as did the Nineteenth Massachusetts a moment later. The T~ventieth Massachusetts stood firm and returned the fire of the enemy, till I had, with the assistance of my staff and other offi- cers, reformed the line and commenced a second advance. The firing having commenced in my line, it was impossible to restrain it, so that an efi~ctiMe charge was not expected. The advance was renewed in fine style by the whole line, but gave way from the left. The Nine. tecuth Massachusetts gained several houses near the enemy on the road and held thvm, losing 2 commanding officers9 officers in all, and many men. The Twemitieth Massachusetts showed the matchless courage and discipline evinced on the previous day. Further attempts to advance were hopeless. I reported that I could hold my position, and was or- dered to do so. The remainder of the day, till late at night, was spent under a fire of shell from our own guns as well as those of the enemy. Twenty or 30 men were wounded by shots from the former. After midnight the brigade was relieved by General Sykes division, and withdrew to the city. The Forty-second New York was detailed for picket duty next day. I know nothing of its operations while thus detached. On tIme 15th, Col. William It. Lee, Twentieth Massachusetts, arrived and assumed command of the brigade. Nothing is required to be said in praise of the conduct of the officer Page 285 CHAr. xxxm.~ BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 285 and men of this brigade, while under my command, in the late battles. Lieutenant Stinson, aide-de-camp to General Howard, was sent to me for staff duty, and fearlessly carried my orders during the thickest of the fight. To him and to the officers of this brigade staff, Capt. Will- iam B. Leach, assistant adjutant-general; Licut. William F. Milton, aide-decamp; Lieut. C. P. Abbott, aide-de-camp, and Cal)tain Crom- bargar, commissary of subsistence, I ~we both my thanks aiid the most honorable mention for the zealous performance of all their duties. I have the honor to inclose lists of killed, wounded, and missing, and a tabular statement.* Very respectfully, ~. ~. HALL, Colonel Seventh 3lichtgan, Cwnmanding Brigade. Capt. E. WHITTLESEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 90. Report of Lieut. Col. William Northedge, P~fty-ninth New York Infantry. NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: We left our camp, near Belle Plain, at 3 p. m. on Decem- ber 10, and bivouacked east of the Telegraph road. At dztwn the following morning we resumed our march, and SOOIl after joined the other regiments of the brigade. Taking place iii line as fourth regiment, we continued our march toward the river, uiitil we reached a point immediately in rear of the artillery opposite Freder- icksburg. Here we remained, disposed in column by regiments, until 3 oclock, when the pontoon bridge was completed. Just before night- Ml we crossed the river and relieved the Twentieth Regiment Massa- chuselts Volunteers, in the street running directly from the bridge to the enemys works. After a fight of an hour and three-quarters, we obtained possession of the first two blocks of the city from the river, takino the latter by two bayonet charges. Having accomplished our object, we discontinued our fire upon the enemy, who soon after, in this particular, imitated our example. Our loss in this engagement was 1 offi& er killed, 3 officers wounded; 3 enlisted men killed, and 19 enlisted men wounded. In this position we remained until the next morning, December 12, when we were relieved by the Fifteenth Maine [Massachusetts ~i] Volun- teei-s, and withdrawn to the bridge; but soon after we were again ad- vanced to this position to make room for other troops, then arriving fiorn the north side of the river. At 10 oclock that night we \vere ordered on reserve picket to the left of the Nineteenth Maine Volunteers. The i~ext morning, at 9 oclock, we were withdrawn again to the bridge, where we remained until 12.30 p. in. Thence we marched with the brig8de to the rear of the city, toward the enemys works. Line of battle was formed on the right of the highway, under cover of the crest of a hill. The third regiment in line, we advanced with the brigade to attack the enemy behind his intrenchments, and charged upon him twice. At the second charge we reached a point less than 100 yards * Embodied in revised statement, p. 130 Page 286 286 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA [CHAP. XXXHI. from his rifle-pits, but, for want of sufficient sustaining force, were un- able to dislodge him or carry his works. Our loss in these charges was I officer wounded, 1 enlisted man killed, and 16 wounded. On falling back the second time, we resumed our position behind the crest of the hill. Toward nightfall we threw out pickets 120 yards to- ward the enemy. At midnight we were relieved, and with the brigade, fourth in line, marched back to the city, where we remained until morn- ing on the ground we had occupied the night before as reserve picket. In the morning we were marched with the brigade to the third line of the division, our left resting on the railroad. In this position we re- inained until 7 p. m. on the 15th, when we were advanced one block. Here we remained until 10 p m. same day, when we marched with the brigade, and crossed on the pontoon bridge to the north side of the Rap- pahannock. Subsequently, with the brigade, we marched back to the former camping ground of the brigade, near Falmout~h, which we reached at about 1 oclock on the morning of the 16th. In conclusion, I wish to state that the officers and men under my com- mand. without an exception, behaved throughout with coolness, cour- age, and great gallantry, shrinking from no duty and complaining of no exposure and suffering. They returned to camp conscious of having done all that was in their power to achieve the overthrow of the enemy. Where all did so well, so nobly, indeed, it would be invidious to make distinctions. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, WILLIAM NOlITHEDGE, Lieutenant-Golonel Fifty-ninth New York Vols., Gomdg. Regiment. Capt. WILLIAM B. LEACH, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 91. Report of Brig. Gen. William H French, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. IIDQRS. FRENCHS (THIRD) Div., SECOND ARMY CoRPS, Falmouth, Va., December 18, 1862. MAJoR: I have the honor to report the operations of the Third Divis- ion, Second Army Corps, right grand division, Army of the Potomac, from the 10th to the 15th instant. On the morning of the 11th, my division left its camp, near Falmouth, and proceeded to the bridge opposite Fredericksburg, preparatory to crossing the iRappahannoek that night. The Second Division having precedence, on account of the lateness of the hour, that command was theonly one to cross, and mine returned to bivouac. At sunrise on the next morning the division crossed the river by the upper bridge, and took position between the First and Second Divisions, in the town. At 9.30 a. m. on the 13th instant, I received a circular order from the headquarters of the right grand division, through Second Army Corps headquarters, directing me to move with my division by the Tele- graph and Plank roads; drive the enemy back, and carry the batteries on the heights. The divisions were ordered to attack in column by bri- gades, covered by a strong line of skirmishers. Having made the iieces- sary preparations, at 11 a. m. I ~ent to the general commanding the corps to report that my division was in readiness Page 287 CHAP. XXXIfl.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 287 At 12 m. I received orders to attack, and the movement at once com- menced. The heights to be carried were about three-quarters of a mile outside of the town, crowned by batteries, with rifle-pits and walls beneath, forming a continuous line of defense. The skirmishers, under the command of Col. John S. Mason, Fourth Ohio, debouched from the town rapidly, the right wing deploying to the left and the left wing deploying to the right as soon as they crossed the bridges of the canal, at the railroad depot and beyond Hanover street. A heavy infantry and artillery fire was opened upon the line, which, however, spread itself out over the plain. Kimballs brigade, moving by the left flank, followed immediately, crossing by the depot bridge, and, when that was cleared, it faced to the right, marching directly toward the center of the enemys line, the left resting on the Telegraph road. The Third Brigade, under Col. J. W. Andrews, First Delaware, followed Kimball, and the Second Brigade, nuder Colonel Palmer, One hundred and eighth New York, followed that. The column of attack was now complete, the head of which had not ceased steadily to advance, until the First Brigade arrived in front of the enemys rifle-pits, at short musket range. The skirmishers, having driven the enemy to cover, were met with a terrible fire on the front and flanks, and compelled to lie down, slightly protected by the undulations of the plain. The brigades, shattered by the fire to which they were ex- posed, filled up the serried lines of the First Brigade, and poured their fire into every part where the enemy appeared. The length of time re- quired to cross the bridges, and the extent of the plain to be crossed under the fixed batteries and covered ways of the enemy, permitted the columns of attack to be so reduced as to be unable to make a serious impression upon the works to be carried. Still, the heads of the columns rushed on up to the very walls, melting away before superior numbers, in strong positions. My troops now covered themselves to the right and left of the front of attack, opening a cross-fire upon it, with such execution as to slacken its fire. Hancocks division, following mine in order, and contending against the same difficulties, steadily came up. At my request, he re-enforced the part of my line of skirmishers which was holding the houses to the right and farthest to the front. I had asked permission of the general commanding the corps, through Captain Morgan, his chief of artillery, to place a section of rifled guns in a commanding position at the head. of Prince George street. These were furnished by Arnolds Rhode Island Battery, and handled with judgment and precision, strengthening my right of attack at a moment when the enemy were massing a column for a charge. My division was on the field four hours, and retired only when relieved by fresh troops. It was most effectually supported by Hancock and Howard, commanding the First and Second Divisions. The major-gen- eral commanding the Second Corps, by his presence and direction, nuder a destructive fire, concentrated the efforts of these divisions to second my own. Brigadier-General Kimball was wounded while gallantly leading his troops to charge on the first line. The loss of this distinguished officer was severely felt by myself and the division during the remainder of the day. His brigade consisted of the Seventh West Virginia, Four- teenth Indiana, and Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey, the Fourth and Eighth Ohio being in the line of skirmishers. His staff, Capt. E. D. Mason, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieu- tenants Swigart and Burrill, were conspicuous for coolness and courage Page 288 288 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXI1L The line of skirmishers was composed of the Fourth and Eighth Ohio and First Delaware Regiments. Colonel Mason directed its opera- tions with great judgment and bravery. After General Kimball was wounded, Colonel Mason conducted the First Brigade. The Third Bri- gade (Max Webers), under commaiid of Colonel Andrews, First Dela- ware, was composed of the Fourth and Tent ii New York, with the One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania. rfhe Second Brigade, under the command of Col. 0. H. Palmer, consisted of the Fonrteentli Conuec- ticut, One hundred and eighth New York, and One hundred and -thir- tieth Pennsylvania. These brave comman(ls were put into action under a terrible fire, and moved forward iii the positions I had assigned to them. The battery of light 12-pounders, Company G, First New York Artillery, commanded by Capt. John D. Frank, and Battery G, First Rhode Island Artillery, commanded by Capt. Charles D. Owen, were more immediately under the command of corps chief of artillery, and performed most active an(l efficient service. I call to the special notice of the general commanding the gallant conduct of Col. H. I. Ziun, One hundred and thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. This officer, conspic~~ous for his valor at Antietam, was killed while carrying the colors of his regiment to the front, after the standard-bearer had fallen. Colonel Wisewell, Twenty-eighth New Jer- sey, was severely wounded, bravely leading his regiment; Colonel Mac- Gregor, Fourth New York, distinguished in prex-icus battles, was also wounded~ Lieutenant-Colonel Perkins and Maj or Clark, Fourteenth Connecticut, were both wounded while leading their men, and Colonel Bendix, Tenth New York, and Colonel Snider, Seventh [West] Virginia, were struck down while exhibiting an examl)le of intrepidity under a murderous fire. The list of killed aimd wounded of my division is the evidence of where it was. Officers and men nobly did their duty under circum- stances such as few battle-fields have ever presented. - ut. Joseph W. Plume, New Jersey, and My personal staff First Lie First Lieut. William H. French, jr, Rhode Island, aides-de-camp, com- municated my orders intelligently and calmly. Lieutenant Russell, Tenth New York, aide-de-camp, appointed on tIme field, I have to thank for the manner he performed that duty. Surgeon Grant organized his hospital with (listinguished ability, and was indefatigable in the (liseharge of his onerous duties. Under no circumstances have I noticed the wounded more skillfully or rapidly relieved. Captain Buntin, acting division quartermaster; Captain Queen, as- sistant commissary of subsistence, and Lieutenant Hale, Fourteenth Connecticut, ordnance officer, conducted their respective departments with energy and zeal. In the absence of Brigadier-General Kimball and Colonel Andrews, First Delaware, commanders of brigades, their reports cannot be sup- plied. Colonel Palmers report is inclosed, together with the reports of regimental commanders, to which I respectfully invite the attentiou of the general commanding. Lists of killed and wounded also accom- pany this report.# Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. II. FRENCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. Maj. FRANcIs A, WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- Gencrq.i, Hdqrs. Second Army Corps. * Embodied ill revised statemdilt, p. 131 Page 289 CHAP. XXXIII) BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 289 No. 92. Report ~f Capt. John D. Frank, Battery (A First New York Light Artillery. CAMP NEAR FAuuoum, VA., Decembr 16, 1862. SW: I have the honor to report that, during the action of the 13th instant, one section of my battery of six light 12-pounder guns, under command of First Lient. Nelson Ames, was posted at the head of a street in rear of the division, firing a few rounds, without any marked effect, its position being much lower than the one occupied by the enemys bat- teries, and within easy range of his rifled guns, consequently unneces- sarily exposed, it was, by order of the general commanding the division, withdrawn, and placed under cover in the adjoining street, but held in readiness for any emergency. The center and left sections, under com- mand of First Lieut. S. A. McClellan and Second Lieut. George F~ Mc- Knight, remained inactive until 4 p in., wheu 1 received an order from General Hooker to report to him with my battery. Being unable to acquaint my commanding general with this order, and fearing that he might possibly require the services of one section, I advanced my center and left sections to a position about 400 yards west of Fredericksburg, on a slight elevation, where, under a heavy fire of infamitry and artillery, my center section opened, with marked effect, on the enemys batteries with solid shot and shell, while the left section, using spherical case, greatly disconcerted the fire of the enemys line of infantry, about 600 yards in front of it. - During this action my battery sustained a loss of 1 man killed and 5 wounded, one of the latter mortally. The loss in horses consists of 3 killed and 3 wounded. I am under great obligations to my officers and mcmi for their cool- ness displayed while working their pieces under a heavy and concen- trated fire of musketry and artillery. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. FRANK, Captain First New York Light Artillery, (Jomdg. Company G. Lient. J. W. PLUME, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 93. - - my, commanding First Report ~ Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball U S 4r Brigade. WASHINGTON, B - C., December 22, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that, in obedien~ to your orders, I moved my command, on the morning of the 11th instant, at daybreak, from the camp of the division to the front, opposite Fredericksburg, and halted at 8 oclock in a ravine near the railroad, to the right of General Sumners headquarters. At 3 p. m. I moved to the bank of the river, near the Lacy house, ex- pecting to cross, but at sundown, being then under fire from the enemys batteries, I was ordered back, and bivouacked on the hill, about half a mile from the river, for the night. At sunrise on the morning of the 12th~ I was ordered forward again, 19 R HVOL XX Page 290 290 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. end, crossing the pontoon bridge, entered Fredericksburg and formed my brigade on Sophia street; my right at Hanover street, and my left on Princess Anne street. At 11 oclock, I moved forward and formed on Caroline street, oppo- site my first ppsition, where I remained during the afternoon and night, the troops sleeping on their arms. At 10 oclock on the morning of the 13th, I received the order to lead the advance in an attack on the enemys works in rear of the city. The First Regiment Delaware Volunteers having been ordered to report to me, I placed them on the center, the Eighth Ohio on the right, and the Fourth Ohio on the left, the whole under the command of Col. John S. Mason, of the Fourth Ohio, and sent them forward as skirmishers. The Eighth Ohio passed out Hanover street until it crossed the canal in rear of the town, when it deployed to the left, until it connected with the Fourth Ohio and First Delaware, which passed out Princess Anne street; crossed the canal near the depot buildings, and deployed to the right. This movement commenced at 11.30 oclock. At a few minutes before 12 oclock, I moved my brio-ade which had already been formed on Caroline street, with the Seventh [ West] Virginia on the right, the Fourteenth Indiana on the left, and the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey in the center, by the right flank, out Princess Anne street; crossed the open space near the depot buildings and the canal bridge near there; filed to the right, and formed line of battle under cover of the low bluff, on which my skirmishers had de- ployed, my right resting on Hanover street, and my left on the so-called Telegraph road. From the time my column came in sight at the depot buildings all these movements were executed under a most murderous fire from the enemys artillery, several shells bursting in the ranks and destroying a company at a time. Yet all the regiments, without an exception, moved steadily forward without confusion, those in the rear quickly closing up the gaps left by their fallen comrades. My skirmishers having already driven the enemys pickets from the plain in front of their position, I moved rapidly forward in line of battle. As soon as my line came in sight on the top of the small hill, under cover of which it was formed, it was met by a deadly fire from the enemys batteries in front and on each flank, but in the face of this it moved steadily forward with fixed bayonets, and without firing a gun, over rough and muddy ground, through fences and all other obstacles, until, reaching the enemys rifle-pits, it was met by his infantry, posted behind stone walls and earthworks, and in cover of a small ravine, in superior numbers, and by a fire so fierce as to compel it to halt and open fire upon him. The right of my line then occupied a small village at the forks of the Hanover road, and my left rested at the Telegraph road. A fourth of my command had fallen while crossing the plain, and those left with me were exhausted by the fatigue of clearing away fences and marching so far at double-quick over rough and muddy ground; and they were ex- l)osed to a most murderous fire of grape and musketry. The support had not then come up from under cover of the bluff. My command held its ground, but could advance no farther. At this moment I was severely wounded in the thigh, and was soon after carried from the field, after sending orders to Colonel Mason to take command of the brigade. I respectfully refer you to the report of this officer for the subsequent action of my brigade, and for lists of killed and wounded Page 291 CHAP. XXXIII.] 291 BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. My command, both officers and men, behaved with the most deter- mined bravery and coolness. I cannot speak too highly of the skill and gallantry with which Colo- nel Mason, of the Fourth Ohio, commanding the skirmishers; Colonel Snider, of the Seventh West Virginia; Colonel Wisewell, of the Twenty- eighth, and Colonel Robertson, of the Twenty-fourth New Jersey; Lieu- tenant-Colonels Godman, of the Fourth Ohio, Sawyer, of the Eighth Ohio, and Lock of the Seventh West Virginia, and Majors Cavins, commanding the Fourteenth Indiana, and Smyth, the First Delaware, managed their several commands. Colonels Snider and Wisewell, and Lieutenant-Colonel Godman, were dangerously wounded while leading their regiments. My staff, Capt. E. D. Mason, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieuts. J. R. Swigart and John 0-. Burrill, aides-de-camp, by my orders reported to Colonel Mason on the field when he took command, and remained with him until after the evacuation of Fredericksbnrg. I am deeply in- debted to them for the prompt and fearless manner in which they per- formed their perilous duties. Lieutenant Swigart was wounded while carrying dispatches to you. I desire to call your special attention to the conduct of Private i\I. A. Wixon, of Company B, Twenty-third New York Volunteers, whom you sent as gui(le, and who performed his duties with intelligence and skill faithfully bearing important information on the field, and bearing hini- self in a manner deserving distinguished notice. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General. Lieut. J. W PLUME, A ide- cle- Camp and Assistant Adjutant- GelLevel, Third Division. No. 94. Report of Col. John S. Mason, Fourth Ohio I~fan try, commanding First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, Camp near Falmouth, Va., December 17, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that on Saturday morning, Decem- ber 13, the Eighth Ohio Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer; the First Delaware Volunteers, Major Smyth, and the Fourth Ohio Volun- teers, Lieutenant-Colonel Godman, numbering about 700, were placed nuder my command, to form the line of skirmishers in the attack on the enemys works in front of the city of Fredericksburg. My orders were to throw out a cloud of skirmishers, to be well sup- ported, and to drive the enemys skirmishers before us, and enter their breastworks simultaneously with them; to take advantage of the ground; to cover our men, and to keep about 200 yards in front of the first line. My command rested on Princess Anne street, the right near Hanover street, and moved at about 12 oclock. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer to move his regiment, by the left dank, np Hanover street, cross the canal, and deploy as skirmishers to the left, joining his left with the right of the First Delaware. I took the First Delaware an Page 292 ~292 OPERATIONS IN N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. Fourth Ohio to the left, moving, right iii front, to the railroad depot, where I or(lered them to deploy to the right as skirmishers. Captain Grubb, Fourth Ohio, was detailed to go with the command of Lieuten- ant-Colonel Sawyer, and Captain Jones, Fotii~th Ohio, with the First Delaware, as these officers had previously made a reconnaissance of the ground. The movement was ordered as above, as there was a deep canal, about 15 feet wide, and from 4 to 6 fret in depth, on our front, which could only be crossed by bridges at the heads of different streets. As soon as our colmnn debouched from the streets, the enemy opened a very heavy cross-fire of artillery on our troops, doing very great execution. At the same time their line of skirmishers opened with a well-directed fire of small-arms. At this time Lieutenant-Colonel Godman, Captain Wallace, and 16 men of the Fourth Ohio and several of the First Delaware were wounded. The deployment was made under the most terrific fire, and the connec- tion made with the Eighth Ohio, when the line advanced, driving the enemys skirmishers before them until we reached a ridge, which par- tially sheltered our men, about 400 yards to the front, the-intervening ground being very muddy and obstructed in places by fences. Then they were ordered to lie dowit and hold the line. The ground beyond was a slope toward the front ; at its foot a ravine, lined with rebel in- fantry, posted under cover. To their rear the hill rose abrnptly; on its crest the enemys batteries were in full play, commanding the ground in front, an(l also the whole rear to the town, except the small slope under which our men were sheltered. The right of the line moved forward at the same time and took up their position, partially sheltered by some houses, in addition to the natural configuration of the groumid. I attach the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer, marked A. * General Kimballs brigade formed in good order, under a heavy enfi- lading fire, and moved briskly forward to our support. This re-enforce- ment enabled the line to be maintained, but did not warrant an advance or a charge. I regret to say that General Kimball was severely wounded in the right leg while gallantly leading his brigade forward. Upon the arrival of these troops, having to move at a double-quick for nearly a quarter of a mile under a fire of both artillery and infantry, and after having been formed in line under a heavy fire, they were so completely exhausted as to be unable to make a farther advance with- out resting, and useless without full support. This brigade remained on this line for some time unsupported, when a second, third, and fourth line advanced, but were unable to gain ground beyond our line. On moving to our right, I learned that General Kimball had been wounded. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer to take charge of the skirmishers, when I was joined by Lieutenant Swigart, Eighth Ohio, aide-de-camp to General Kimball, who informed me that I was to take command of the brigade, but not to advance until the order for a charge was given, and to look out for the right. The Seventh [West] Virginia had arrived and was supporting the Eighth Ohio. Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer was directed to watch the right with these two l)arts of regiments, and resist a charge at the point of the bayonet. As Kimballs brigade was the first to gain the line, its front was necessarily very much cx- ten(led to cover it; anti, as fresh troops arrived, they at once took position with those already on the line, lying down on the ground. As a conse- quence, it was almost iml)ossible to keep up regimental organization. I then moved to the right, and having found Captaimi Mason, adjutant- * See No. 99, p. 298 Page 293 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 293 general of the brigade, I directed him to go to General French, and report to him that, as new troops had c6me up and my brigade was out of ammunition, I would endeavor to reform it on the right under cover and await ammunition, and at the same time order bayonets fixed to resist a flank movement of the enemy. Later in the day I dispatched Lieutenant Swigart, aide-de-camp, with a report to General French. I regret to say that he received a painful, although not a severe, wound while executing this duty. Another brigade having taken a position on the right, such portions of our shattered regiments as had been collected were withdrawn to the suburbs of the town at abont 4.30 p. in., having remained on the field without ammunition for more than two hours. I then learned that the brigade had been ordered to reform near the hospital on the street, at which point the brigade bivouacked for the night. The whole command behaved nobly. Colonel Wisewell, Twenty- eighth New Jersey; Lieutenant. Colonels Sawyer, Eighth Ohio, Lock- wood, Seventh West Virginia, and Godman, Fourth Ohio; Major Wins- low, Eighth Ohio, and Captains Grubb and Jones, Fourth Ohio, came under my immediate notice, doing all that men could (10 in the dis- charoc of their respective duties. To Captain Mason, assistant adjti- taut-general, and Lientenant Swig~rt, aide-de-c~imp to General Kimball, and lieutenant Lester, Fourth Ohio, acting adjutant, I am indebted for their valuable assistance on the field. Lieutenant Lester was particu- larly conspicuous for his coolness and daring. Major Cavins, Four- teenth Indiana; Lient. John Burrill, aide-de-camp to General Kimball; Captain Stewart, Fourth Ohio, and Lieutenant Bailey, adjutant Four- teenth Indiana, did efficient service on the left of our line. A list of the killed and wounded has already been forwarded.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MASON, Colonel Fourth Ohio Vols., Corn dg. First Brig., Frenchs Dir. Lieut. J. W. PLUME, Aide-de Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant General. No. 95. Report of Maj. ElUak H. C. Cavins, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 19, 1862. Sw: I have Ihe honor to submit to you the following report of the b~ ~ ii the 10th to engagement w-ith the enemy at Fredericksbur Va froi the 15th instant: Pursuant to orders of General Nathan Kimball, on the 10th instant, I had the regiment under my command put in proper fighting trim and ready to move at a moments warning. I formed the regiment in line at 6 a. in. on the 11th instant, and at 630 a. in. took my place on the left of the brigade and marched toward Fredericksburg. The comm and was halted nuder cover of the hill northeast of Fredericksburg, and re- mained there until 3.30 ~. in., at which time we marched over the hill toward the upper pontoon bridge, across the Ilappahannock. At 4.30 Embodied 111 revisc(I statement. p. 131 Page 294 294 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., \V. VA., MD, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. p. m. I marched the regiment with the brigade back of the hill, near the point where we bad rested during the day, and bivouacked during the night. On the 12th instant, at 8 a. in., we took up our line of march by the left flank, marched over the said pontoon bridge, down the first street of the city of Fredericksburg, and at 11 a. m. of said day I formed my command in line of battle on the second street of said city, where we rerhained during the day and following night. On the 13th instant, at 10 a. in., I had the regiment under arms. At 12 oclock I was ordered to form my regiment on the left of the brigade, and at that hour I marched the regiment by the right flank out on the road by the depot, crossed the canal on the bridge near the depot, and filed to the right. I formed the regiment in line of battle on the left of the brigade, my left resting on what is called the Telegraph road, while under a severe and enfilading fire from the enemys artillery. The regiment marched in line of battle, under a heavy and destructive artillery fire, until we arrived on the crest of the hill, beyond the point where said Telegraph road emerges from a deep cut into an open valley; at which point we met the fire of the enemys infantry in force, in- trenched behind walls and hedges and in rifle-pits. The enemy were in my front and on m~ left flank. I therefore formed a short front on my left flank, to resist their approach from that direction. In this posi- tion we remained until all our ammunition was exhausted. Before any support came to my part of the line, our ammunition was exhausted, and we were using ammunition taken from the dead and wounded. I think the cause of this was that the second line did not cover the whole line of battle. The first support that reached us, on the immediate right of my regi- ment, gave away before they had been on our line five minutes. After our ammunition was entirely exhausted, and I could get no more of suitable caliber, I formed the remnant of my command a few paces in rear of our line of battle, to await and assist in repelling an expected charge of the enemy. After learning that the First Brigade had been ordered off the field at 4.30 p. in., I took my command off the field, and formed it in line on the first street of the city, where we bivouacked during the following night. On the 14th instant, by order of Colonel Mason, commanding First Brigade, I formed the regiment in line under the bank of the river, in the rear of the place on which we formed on the evening before, and re- mained there until the evening of the 15th instant; at which time, pur- suant to order of Colonel Mason, I marched the regiment over the said pontoon bridge and back to the old camp near Falmouth. In the engagement I captured 2 l)risoners. I took into the engage- ment 19 officers and 236 enlisted men; and lost, in killed, wounded, and missing, 10 officers and 69 enlisted men, a list of whom has heretofore been furnished. The officers and men under my command acted gallantly, and with honor to themselves and their country. Eab h officei is eminently ~vorthy of commendation. My adjutant, T. C. Bailey, was with me during the entire action, and, at a time when our support on our immediate right gave way, and after my color-bearer and all my color guards had fallen, seized our colors, and planted them in front of our line of battle. Lient. J. (I. Burrill, aide-de camp to General Kimball, was with me dimming the entire engagement, and rendered signal service in directing its move- ments Page 295 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 295 My chaplain, Rev. P. II. Sabin, is entitled to great credit for his ear- nest, energetic, and valuable services in snperintending, by the direc- tion of our brigade surgeon, one of the principal hospitals of the city and in removing the wounded over the river. Respectfully, E. ~. C. CAVINS, Major, Commanding Eon rteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer& . Capt. E. D. MASON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade. No. 96. Report of Col. William B. Robertson, twenty-fourth New Jersey Lfantry~. CAMP KNIGHT, VA., Deccmber 18, 1862. COLONEL: In accordance with circular of this date from headquar-- ters, I have the honor to report: That on Wednesday, the 10th instant, I received orders to have 60~ rounds of cartridges and three days cooked rations issued to all the mem and officers of my command, excepting the sick and hospital attendants,. and to have the command awakened at 4 oclock the next morning, and to be ready to march at 6.30 oclock. On Thursday, the 11th, being all ready at the time appointed, we marched to a point opposite Fredericksburg, where, under the shelter of the hill, we remained until evening, when we were marched to a wood near by, where we bivouacked for the night. On Friday, the 12th, we were marched across the pontooii bridge inte- Fredericksburg and remained under arms in Caroline street until dusk,. when we were ordered to quarter in the vacant buildings in the vicinity,. with orders to be ready to march at daybreak the following morning~ On this evening four companies of the regiment were detailed for picket duty. On Saturday, the 13th, we were formed ou Caroline street and re~- inained under arms until 11.40 a. in., when we were marched, follow- ing the Seventh [West] Virginia Regiment out of town to the base of a. hill just back of the town, and there halted, and the men ordered by Brigadier-General Kimball to disencumber themselves of their blankets- and shelter tents, and to place a guard over them. This being done~, we were marched to the top of the hill in line of battle, where a fence infervening and interrupting our farther progress, the men were ordered to lie down and shelter themselves from the galling fire of the enemy~ and where they continued firing until all their ammunition was ex- pended. A large portion remained there until dusk, when I gathered together what I could find of the regiment and marched them back inte the city. On Sunday, the 14th, we remained un(ler arms on the banks of the river. On Monday, the 15th, we were still on the banks of the river under arms, and received orders, at about 7.30 p. in., to recross the river, when we returned to our old encampment, which we reached during the night~ I regret to report the death, in the early part of the engagement, of First Lient. John 0. Crowell, of Corn pany I, a gallant young officer, wh Page 296 296 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL fell whilst rallying his men, and also the severely wounding of Capts. Aaron Ward, Company D, and William C Shinn Samuel Harris, Company F, Second , Company I. Capt. Lieut. William B. Pepper, Com- pany F, First Lieut. James J. Reeves, Company H, and Second Lient. James P. Butler, Company K, were also wounded. It is also with great regret that I report that First Lieut. Alexander L. Robeson, command- ing Company H,is still missing, and it is presumed that he fell whilst gallantly leading his men. A large number of the men of the reglinent have been injured (a re- port of which you have already received). Many of them are sick from exposure, having lost their blankets and shelter-tents in the field. Respectfully submitted. WM. B. ROBERTSOX, Col. JoHN S. MASON, Colonel, Commanding. Corn nianding First Brigade. No. 97. Report of Lient. Col. F. A. L. Roberts, Twenty-eight/i New Jersey In- fan try. - CAMP NEi~R FALMOUTH. VA., December 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the Twenty- eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers in its movements from the morning of the 11th of December to the 15th day of December: Whole number of commissioned officers 22 Whole number of non-commissioned officers and privates 643 Total 66~ Number of commissioned officers wounded 7 Number of non-commissioned officers and privates killed 16 Number of non-commissioned officers and privates wounded 136 Number of lion-commissioned officers and privates miSSing 31 Total *190 The above is a true statement of the condition of the Twenty-eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers before and after the engagement of December 13, 1862. MOVEMENTS. We were formed in regimental line of battle on the morning of De- cember 11, 1862, at 5 a. in., and marched to the front of Fredericksburg. We lay upon our arms during the day and night. At daylight of the morning of December 12, we crossed into the city of Fredericksburg, where we rested during the day and night. The next morning, December 13, at 9.30 oclock, we were formed III brigade line of battle, and at 10.30 oclock we moved upon the enemys works. We went into action under a most galling and deadly fire of * But see revise(l statelnel)t, p. 131 Page 297 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 297 shot and shell, and continued in action until near dark. Officers and men conducted themselves well. After the fight we gathered our regiment together iiear the river, where we lay Sunday and Monday, December 14 and 15, ai~d on Monday night, at 9 oclock, we recrossed the river and marched to our present encampment. E. A. L. ROBERTS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Twenty-eighth Reyt. iVew Jersey Vols. Col. JOHN S. MASON, Commanding First Brigade. No. 98. Report of Capt. Gordon A. ~Stewart, Eon rth Ohio I~fantry. DECEMBER 18, 1862. Sin: Iii compliance with circular from corps headquarters, this day received, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry from the 10th instant to the Thth: On the morning of the 11th of December, the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, ii uder command of Col. John S. Mason, marched from its camp With the brigade toward the river, where it remained all day under arms. On the morning of the 12th, it crossed the river into Fredericksburg, Va., and was stationed on the outskirts of the city as the picket from General Kimballs brigade. About 12 oclock on the 13th, the regiment, numbering 113 officers and men, nuder command of Lient. Col. James II. Godman, was ordered to form the left of the line of skirmishers that brought on the engagement in the late battle of Fredericksburg, Va. Lieutenant-Colonel Godman being severely wounded in the early part of the action, when the order was given to deploy, Captain Carpenter took command of the right wing of the regiment and I of the left. We moved forward and took the position that formed the line of battle during the day, where we remained until ordered off the field about sundown. We then marched to the bank of the river, and bivouacked for the night. The casualties in this regiment were 1 officer killed and 4 founded; 6 enlisted men killed, 27 wounded, and 1 missing. Total killed, wounded, and missing, 39* We remained in the same l)lace under arms from the night of the 13th to the evening of the 15th, when we were ordered with the brigade to recross the river, and return to the camp we had left on the morning of the 11th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. A. STEWART, Captain Fourth Ohio Volunteer Ii~fantry, Comdg. Regiment. Licut. J. F. SWIGART, Acting Assistant Adju tc(nt- Gearal, First Brigade. * But see revised statement, p. 131 Page 298 298 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXX~. No. 99. Report of Lieut. Col. Franklin Sawyer, Eighth Ohio Infantry. IN CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Eighth Ohio Volunteers in the battle near Fredericksburg on the 13th instant: Pursuant to orders from General Kimball, I reported to Col. John S. Mason, Fourth Ohio Volunteers, at 10.30 a. in., and was ordered by him to move up Hanover street by the left flank, nutil I should cross a deep ditch by a bridge on that street, when my regiment was to be deployed as skirmishers on the right of the line, the left forming a junction with the First Delaware, which, with the Fourth Ohio, were to pass to the front, farther to the left, on a street parallel with Hanover street. Captain Grubb, Fourth Ohio, was sent with me as a guide, but we had hardly moved a square when the enemys sharpshooters in considerable force opened a murderous fire upon our.frout, killing and wounding sev- eral. We moved forward at a double-quick, crossed the bridge, and formed the line of skirmishers under cover of the bank, and then, mov- ing briskly forward, drove the enemy out of a clump of houses, shops, & c., in our front, and formed a line under the cover of some feuces and buildings, in easy range of the enemys rifle-pits, and under an enfilad- ing fire of small-arms and artillery from the right. This position we maintained, without any support whatever, for near an hour and a half, when Lieutenant-Colonel Lock~ood, with the Seventh [West] Virginia, came to our relief. At this time, General Kimball having been wounded, Colonel Mason assumed command of the brigade, and ordered me to strengthen the right of my line, which was threatened by a heavy col- umn of the enemy. This I did, driving the enemy from ~is position at the foot of the hill. We maintained this position until after 4 p. in., when, being wholly out of ammunition, by Colonel Masons order I with- drew my lines. During the entire day we were subjected to a most murderous fire of both artillery and small-arms, which swept our position, and the whole interval from our line to the town of Fredericksburg. Our line was too weak to advance farther upon the enemys works, and our position was not passed by any troops up to the time of our withdrawal. My loss was 6 killed ,28 wounded, and 2 in issing.* Among the wounded I regret to mention Captain Allen, severely wounded, and Captain Pierce and Adjutant Lewis. Among the killed was Sergt. Maj. E. E. Henthorn, a most gallant and brave soldier. Full statement of our loss has been previously forwarded. My officers and men behaved with the utmost courage an(l bravery, and deserve the highest reward and esteem at the hands of their country. I have the honor, sir, to be your obedient servant, FRANKLIN SAWYER., Lieutenant- Colonel, Co~n(ig. Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Capt. E. D. MASON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fbst Brigade. * But see revised statement, p. 181 Page 299 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 299 No. 100. Report of Lient. Col. Jonc(than H. Lockwood, Serenth West Virginia I antry. CAMP T~EAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Seventh West Virginia Volunteers in the battle near Fredericksburg on the 13th instant: Near noon on the 13th, pursuant to orders from General Kimball, the Seventh Regiment was ordered to form on the right of the brigade (the Fourth and Eighth Ohio having been sent to the front as skirmishers), and to be in readiness to move forward to their support. The line thus formed consisted of the Seventh West Virginia, Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey, and Fourteenth Indiana. About 12 oclock the entire line was put in motion, moving by the right flank through the town. By order of Colonel Snider, of the Sev- enth West Virginia. I took command of the right wing, General Kim- ball having furnished me a guide to direct me at the head of the col- umn on the route contemplated, and as soon as we had crossed the canal I filed the head of the line to the right, carrying it sufficiently in that direction to cover the right of the skirmishers under Lieutenant- Colonel Sawyer, of the Eighth Ohio. Our line of battle being formed, we moved up briskly over a distance of some 80 rods, under a most galling fire from the enemys rifle-pits and batteries in front, and a most terrible enfilading fire from his bat- teries to the right. Colonel Snider having been wounded before the line of battle was formed, I assumed command, and brought my regi- ment in good order on the line of the skirmishers, when, being in easy range of heavy forces of the enemy, concealed under good cover, my men suffered severely, but returned the enemys fire promptly and with effect. A flank movement being attempted on our right, by order of Colonel Mason, Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer and I moved ourmen in that direc- tion, with orders to hold the ground at all hazards, which we did for a long time, when, our cartridges being exhausted, we stood for some time with fixed bayonets to dispute any charge or assault upon our position. We were also to hold ourselves in readiness to charge the enemy with bayonets so soon as a charge along the line commenced, or orders to that effect were received. Between 4 and 5 oclock we were withdrawn, by or(ler of Colonel Mason, reporting to him in the margin of Fredericksburg. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing was 5l,* a full repoit of which has previously been forwarded. Among the wounded, I regret to mention Colonel Snider, Captain Watson, Lieutenant Detrick, and Lieutenant Pritchett. My officers and men behaved with admirable coolness and bravery, and (leserve well of their country. I have the honor to be, your obcdieiit servant, J. 11. LOCKWOOD, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assista ut Adjutant- General, Kimballs Brigade. But see revised statefrient, p. 131 Page 300 300 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA MD, AND PA. [CHAv. XXXIII. No. 101. Report of Col. Oliver H. Palmer, One hundred and eighth New York in fantry, comm an ding Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Camp near Falmouth, Va., December 18, 1862. I have the honor to report that, pursuant to or(ler, my command was put nnder arms at 7 oclock on the morning of December 11, instant, and proceeded to a point on the railroad opposite the city of Fredericksburg, for the purpose of crossing the iRappahannock into Fredericksburg upon the completion of the pontoon bridges, then being laid for that object. By reason of the delay in the completion of the bridges the command did not cross that day, but bivouacked, as directed, near the place of crossing. On the morning of 1)ecember 12, the command was again nuder arms at about 7 oclock, and, pursuant to order, crossed the river at about 8 oclock in the morning into Fredericksburg. During the day the coin- - mand remained under arms in the streets of the city, and were cantoned in the vacanE houses and buildings during the night of the 12th. On the morning of the next day, the 13th, the command was again put under arms, and at about 10 oclock moved forward as directed, following the Third Brigade to the front, leaving the town by way of the railroad depot, and formed in line of battle in front of the enemys intrenchments, 150 yards in rear of the Third Brigade. After leaving the city, and npon filing to the right, to pass through the depot, the fire of the enemy was very severe. Their guns appeared to have the exact range of this passage, and the promptness and firm- ness of the troops in making this passage, and forming in order under such a fire in front, and also a severe cross-fire from the enemys guns on the right, was highly creditable to their firmness and bravery. After forming in line of battle, the command remained in position about twenty minutes, and was then ordered to advance in line of bat- tle upon the enemys works, and the advance was made in order at double-quick in the faceT of a terrific fire; but it was found impossible to dislodge the enemy from their position. In fact, the fire of our troops could not be made effective, but that of the enemy was terribly effective. After sustaining this fire until their ammunition was exhausted, and until other troops were ordered forward to their relief, they were or- tiered to fall back. Part of the command h till nearly dark. , owever, remained on the field The conduct of the officers and men was highly commendable. It pains me, however, to report that Col. Henry I. Zinn, of the One hun- dred and thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, a brave and gallant officer and a noble man, was killed early in the engagement by a musket-ball while fearlessly cheering on his men. I regret also to report that Lient. Col. Sanford II. Perkins, in coin- mand of the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers, a brave and fearless officer, was severely wounded in the Tieck by a musket-ball while nobly discharging his duty at the head of his regiment, and had to be carrie(i from the field. Maj. Cyrus C. Clark, of the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers, a brave officer, was also wounded in the si(le by a shell while making the passage to the field, but it is believed not seriously. In addition to the foregoing, 3 commissioned officers were killed and 13 wounded. Privates: Killed, 16. wounded 19~ mj whether killed or wounded, 64. , ~, ssiug, not know Page 301 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 301 On the night of the 13th, my command was again cantoned in the city, aiid, on the morning of December 14, was marched to the rear of the town, on the west side of the river, and remaine(l there under arms and in bivonac until 8 oclock on the evening of the 15th, at which time it was marched, as ordered, to its present camp, near Falmouth. All of which is rcspectfullv submitted. 0. II. PALMER, Lient. ~. W PLLTME, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Frenchs (Third) Dirision. No. 102. Report of Capt. Samuel if. Dens, Fourteenth Connecticut D~jantry. NEAR FAL3IOUTH, VA., December 18, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor, in accordance with orders to-day received, to submit the following report of the participation of the Fourteenth Regiment iii the events from the 10th to the 15th of the l)reseiit month: We received marching orders on the night of the 10th, and the next morning at 6 oclock marched to a position in froiit of Fredericksburg. Remained there under arms dnring the day; bivouacked at night, and, on the morning of the 12th, crossed the river and lay under the lire of the enemy that day iii one of the streets of the city. At about 10 a. in. on the 13th, the regiment was placed under arms, and, after some delays, moved at a double-quick out to the front as soon as l)racticable. We formed in line of battle, and lay down to wait for orders. We were exposed here to a very severe cross-fire of artillery, which proved very destructive. After two or three efforts, we finally succeeded in gaining the front of the fightthe men, cheered on by their officers, moving up in splendid style, and with the steadiness of veterans. We remained under a terribly hot fire of infantry and artil- lery until our division was relieved, when we marched oft the field, bring- ing oft most of our dead and wounded. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon our gallant lieutenant- colonel, who led us, standing in the very front of the fight till he fell severely wounded, and inspiring all with new courage and steadiness. The entire regiment, both officers and men, are worthy of all praise for their bearing in battle, and to single out special instances for encomium would be injustice to all. The report of the casualties in the command I have already forwarded. Respectfully, your obedient servaiit, S. II. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Fourteenth Conneceicu t Volunteers. Col. 0. II. PALMER, Corn mending econ(i Brigade. No. 10:3. Report oJ Capt. Willicun 11. Porter, One hundred and thirtieth Penusyl t-ania Infantry. DECEMBER 18, 1862. COLONEL: In compliance with your orders of this date, in reference to the operations of this regiment from the 10th to the 15th instant, Page 302 302 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. have the honor to rel)ort that on the uuight of the 10th instant the regi- ment, then under the command of the late Col. Henry I. Ziun, received orders to march. At 6 oclock on the morning of the 11th, the men were under arms, and the regiment moved shortly after daylight in the direction of Fred- ericksburg. Having reached within about a mile of the Rappahannock, this regiment, with the rest of the brigade, was halted, and remained inactive during the bombardment of the town by our batteries. About sundown the regiment [moved] forward to the Lacy house, where the men were encamped and parties detailed during the night for fatigue duty on the pontoon bridge. On the morning of the 12th, the regiment crossed the bridge and entered the town, where the troops bivouacked in the streets. On the morning of the 13th, the regiment was ordered under arms, and at about 1 p. in. reached the south side of the town, where it was placed in position in front of the rebel batteries, having reached this point under a terrific fire of shot and shell, in which the regiment suf- fered several casualties, the exact details of which will be found on referring to the list of killed and wounded. During the action Colonel Ziun fell, mortally wounded, and Major Lee having retired from the field in consequence of the stunning effects of a shell which had exploded near him, I assumed the command as senior officer present, and remained with the regiment until, finding that we had got within range of one of our batteries, I gave orders for the men to retire, which they did, bringing off the colors of the regiment with them. On Sunday, the 14th, I got a portion of the regiment together, and they were stationed on the bank of the river, in the lower part of the town, where they remained until the evening of the 15th, when, at about 7 p. in., we were ordered to march. We recrossed the pontoon bridge, and about 11 oclock reached our present camp, which we had left five days previously. Very respectfully, WM. M. PORTER, Captain, Corndg. One hundred and thirtieth Pennsylvania Vols. Col. 0. H. PALMER, Commanding & cond Brigade. No. 104. Report of Col. John W. Andrews, First Delaware Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. WILMINGTON, DEL., December 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by the Third Brigade, under my command, in the attack on the enemys works near Fredericksburg: On the morning of the 12th of December, at 7.30 oclock, the command, following General Kimballs brigade, and advancing by the left flank, crossed the pontoon bridge, and formed line of battle in the main street of Fredericksburg, the men keeping near their arms and the roll being called every hour. This evening the Fourth New York Volunteers per- formed picket duty Page 303 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERiCKSBURG, VA. 303 On the morning of the 13th, I received marching orders from division headquarters, and formed the brigade in the rear of Kimballs, in the following order, in a street running parallel with Main street: Tenth New York Volunteers, Colonel Bendix; One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Albright; Fourth New York Volunteers, Colonel MacGregor. The First Delaware Regiment being now detailed as skirmishers, in advance of Kimballs brigade, and the column formed right in front, I reported to Brigadier-General French as ready to move, and received my final instructions. The men seemed full of enthusiasm, and eager to meet the enemy. At this time Colonel Bendix received a shell wound, and Capt. Salmon Winchester assumed command of the Tenth New York Volunteers. At 12 m. the command forward was given. My instructions were to move by flank to a posi- tion indicated, face to the front, thus forming the brigade in line of bat- tle, and keeping 150 paces in the rear of Kimball, to support him. We accordingly advanced briskly under a heavy artillery fire until we reached the position indicated, then, facing to the front, marched steadily up the slope and took a position in Kimballs rear. We remained here a short time, until, fiuding that his ranks had become reduced, and that although he held his ground nobly, he was unable to improve his posi- tion, 1 ordered my men forward to support him. The commanders of regiments led on their men in a manner worthy of all praise, and remained engaged until relieved in turn by the next advancing brigade; they then retired and were reformed in the second street from the river, under their regimental commanders. Having myself become disabled during the action, I did not leave the held until after 4 oclock, and finding myself, on my return, unable to perform duty, I turned over the command to Lieutenant Colonel Mar- shall, Tenth New York Volunteers, who had been detailed on special duty on the other side of the river with the pioneers, and was not pres- ent in the action. In conclusion, I beg leave to state that the officers behaved with ex- emplary coolness and devotion, and the men with the steadiness and courage of veterans. I wish also particularly to mention the efficient services of Col. John D. MacGregor, Fourth New York Volunteers, wounded in the arm; Lient. Col. Charles Albright, One hundred and thirty-second Pennsyl- vania Volunteers; Lient. Col. William Jameson, Fourth New York Vol- unteers; Maj. Thomas A. Smyth, First Delaware Volunteers; Maj. Charles W. Kruger, Fourth New York Volunteers, and Capt. Salmon Winchester, an accomplished gentleman and a true soldier, who fell, mor- tally wounded, while commanding and leading on his regiment, the Tenth New York Volunteers. Also to the valuable aid afforded me by the gentlemen of my staffLient. W. P. Seville, acting assistant adjutant- general; Lieut. Theodore [II.] Rogers, aide-de-camp, severely wounded by my side while the command was under a heavy fire of musketry, and Lieut. W. C. Inhoft aide-de-camp. Having already testified to the good conduct of those under my immediate command, it becomes my duty also to state that the First Delaware Regiment, detached as skirmish- ers, were reported to me as having behaved with great courage and en- durance; that, after driving in the enemys skirmishers, they sustained alone their fire for a considerable time before the snpporting column arrived, and that, after expending all their ammunition, they retired in good order. Maj. T. A. Smyth, in command, is displayed much coolness and ability. represented as havin Page 304 304 OPERATIONS IN N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. The list of casualties will be reported by Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall, now in command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN W ANDREWS, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. Lient. J. W. PLUME, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. No. 105. Report of Lient. Col. John W. Marshall, Tenth New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, Camp near Palmouth, Va., December 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the move- ments and operations of my command from December 10 to 15, inclu- sive: On the evening of the 10th, an order was received to prepare to march at 6.30 a. m. on the 11th. In accordance with instructions from Brig- adier-General French, commanding the division, the brigade commenced moving from camp, following Colonel Palmers brigadethe Tenth Regiment New York Volunteers in front; the Fourth Regiment New York Volunteers second, and the First Regiment Delaware Volunteers in the rear, according to the rank of commanding officers. The march continued until 10 oclock, when the column was halted on the Aquia Creek road, where the command remained until 4 p. m. The line of march was then resumed, and, in obedience to an order from General French, my brigade followed immediately after General Kim- balls. Having arrived on the heights near the Lacy house, an order was received to move my brigade to the rear and bivouac under cover of a hill, about three-quarters of a mile to the right and rear of the position then occupied, where it arrived at dark, having moved to its position under a fire from the enemys batteries. At daylight on the morning of the 12th, the command moved in the direction of the pontoon bridges, in the rear of General Kimballs bri- gade; passed down a ravine on the right of the Lacy house; crossed the bridge at 7.03 a. in., and took position in the main street of Fredericks- burg, where it was ordered to remain in readiness to fall in under arms at a moments warning. This evening the Fourth Regiment New York Volunteers was detailed for picket duty. Orders were received from General French, through Capt. Joseph W. Plume, acting assistant ad- ~utant-general, to prepare to march immediately. The command was instantly under arms, and moved up to the next street after General Kimballs brigade, the men appearing in good spirits and marching in excellent order. Ihiring a short halt at this point, the One hundred and thirty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Lieu- tenant-Colonel Albright~ joined the brigade, and took its position on the left of the Tenth New York Volunteers. Col. John E. Bendix, Tenth New York Volunteers, was at this time wounded by the explosion of a shell, and the command devolved on Capt. Salmon Winchester. The First Regimeut Delaware Volunteers was here ordered to report to Brig- adier.General Kimball as skirmishers. The Fourth Regiment New York Volunteers reported at this place and joined the command Page 305 ChAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. Having been instructed by the general commanding to act in support of General Kimball, moving forward in line of battle, at 150 paces in the rear of his brigade, at 12 m. the command filed to the right through a street running at right angles with the one on which the troops were formed, and moved forward to the attack under a galling fire from the enemys works. Passing by the railroad depot in double.quick time, the brigade again filed to the right at the foot of the height, on the crest of which were the works of the enemy; all of which ground was swept by a very severe, steady, and continued fire of shot and shell. Having formed in order of battle the command moved rapidly forward with great vigor in support of General Kimballs brigade, to a point near the line of our skirmishers, where, after delivering a steady and well- directed fire, and being thrown into some temporary confusion, several of the more prominent officers having been wounded, the command was forced to withdraw, which it did in very good order beneath a severe fire. The brigade was reformed in the second street from the river, under command of Lieut. Col. William Jameson (Col. John W. Andrews hav- ing been disabled in the action and obliged to surrender the comihand), and was subsequently moved to the street next to the river, by order of General French, where I assumed command of the brigade. At 4 p. m our whole brigade having withdrawn from the assault, I dispatched patrols to scour the city, for the purpose of collecting the scattered men, and when evening approached had my command in readiness for any emergency, with the exception of being deficient in ammunition. During the night the ammunition train came up and sup. plied us. The brigade was kept by the stack of arms throughout the day of the 14th, parties having been sent to bring in the wounded. On the morning of the 15th, the Tenth Regiment New York Volunteers was detailed to move the wounded from the hospitals across the river. At 8 p. m. an order was received tomove across the river in silence and proceed to our former camp. The brigade arrived upon the ground at 12 midnight, and bivouacked till daylight, when it was moved, by order of General French, to a position farther to the right, where it is now encamped. In concluding my report, I cannot refrain from mentioning the cool. ness and ste~ness of the men of my command, who, under an inces- sant and mo~ destructive fire from an extended line of batteries, di. rected upon the enemy a terrible musketry fire, and obeyed every com- mand in good order. 1 also beg leave to testify to the general good behavior of the officers of my command, all of whom behaved with great gallantry. Col. John ID. MacGregor, Fourth New York Volunteers, who was severely wounded early in the assault; Lieut. Col. Charles Albright, One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers; Lieut. Col. William Jameson, Fourth New York Volunteers; Maj. Thomas A. Smyth, First Delaware Volunteers; IVlaj. C. W. Kruger, Fourth New York Volunteers, and Capt. Salmon Winchester, who commanded the Tenth New York Vol- unteers, and fell, mortally wounded, at the head of his men, behaved with distinguished bravery. I desire, moreover, to call your attention to the gentlemen of my staff: Lieut. William P. Seville, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. Theodore II. Rogers, who was badly wounded; Lient. William C. Inhoff, aide-de-camp, and Lieut. Harvey Y. Russell, aide-de.camp, who reported for duty from leave of absence, and was subsequently placed upon the 20 U UVOL XXI 30 Page 306 306 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIIL staff of the brigadier-general commanding the division. All these gen- tlemen are deserving of great credit, having carried my orders with l)romptness, and assisted me with remarkable zeal. The several regiments of my brigade stood up to their work nobly. The First Regiment Delaware Volunteers deserves particular mention for the manner in which, as skirmishers, it opened the engagement, and remained on the field until every cartridge was expended. The casualties in my comman(1 are as follows: One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, 7 killed, 80 wounded, and 20 missing; Fourth New York Volunteers, 4 killed, 63 wounded, and 28 missing; Tenth New York Volunteers, 9 killed, 54 wounded, and 11 missing; First Delaware Volunteers, 10 killed, 74 wounded, and 9 missing.* For more complete details I would respectfully refer to the list of casualties. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN W. MARSHALL, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. J. W. PLUME, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Frenchs Division. No. 106. Report of Maj. Thomas A. AS1rnyth, First Delaware Infantry. CAMP NEAR FXLMOUTII, VA., December 18, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the movements of the First Regiment of Delaware Volunteers, from the 10th to the 15th instant: Pursuant to general orders from corps headquarters, on the morning of the 11th, the regiment advanced with the division to General Sum- ners headquarters, where we bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 1~th, the regiment crossed the river and formed in line of battle with the brigade in the town of Fredericksburg, await- ing orders, in which position it remained till the next nning at 11.30 oclock, when I was ordered by Col. John XV. Andrews, coin manding the brigade, to report to Brigadier-General Kimball, commanding the First Brigade. He (General Kimball) ordered the regiment to the front as skirmishers, and informed me that Colonel Ma~on, who was general officer of the day, commanding the picket, would direct inc to my posi- tion. At 12 m. the regiment marched out the railroad, crossing the canal bridge under a severe fire, deploying to the right and forwarding, forcing back the enemys pickets to their rifle-pits, still under a heavy fire of shell, and took its position under the brow of the hill, this side of the stone wall, where we lay for one hour without being re-enforced, and which position our men held until 4 p. in., duriug which time they ex- pended all of their ammunition, receiving fresh supplies from the troops coming up. The arms becoming completely useless, the regiment fell back, and was ordered by Captain Plume, aide-de-camup and acting assistant adjutant-general, to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall, of But see revis6d statement, p. 131 Page 307 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 307 the Tenth Regiment New York Volunteers, commanding the brigade, which was then formed in the lower part of the town; in which position we remained till the night of the 15th, when we were ordered to recross the river, which we did, arriving at our old camp that night. TflOS. A. SMYTH, ]Ilajor, Commanding First Regiment Delaware Volunteers. Lient. WILLIAM P. SEVILLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. No. 107. Report of Lieut. Gol. William Jameson, Fourth New York Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Deeember 18, 1862. SIR: In compliance with instrnctions, I have to report that on the evening of the 10th of December orders were received to hold the regi- ment in readiness to move on the enemy the following morning, and, accordingly, at 7.30 a. m. on the 11th, the regiment marched with the brigade from the camp-ground near Falmouth to a point on the Rap- pahannock River opposite Fredericksburg, where it remained during the day, and bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 12th, the regiment crossed the river and entered the city of Fredericksburg,~where it remained during the day. In the evening the regiment was detailed for picket duty, which wa~ performed in the suburb of the city. On the morning of the 13th, the regiment was relieved, and ordered to join the brigade in the attack on the enemys batteries. The regi- ment ~vent into action between 12 m. and 1 p. in., and remained engaged until late in the afternoon. They gained a point within 200 yards of the enemys works, under a heavy tire of artillery. At this point the infantry of the enemy opened a severe fire of musketry from their rifle- pits and protected positions. Their fire was returned with spirit and effect until the ammnnition of the regiment was expended, when it was withdrawn from the field in good order. In the engagement the regiment lost 4 killed, 02 wounded, and 8 missing.* Among the wounded was Col. John D. MacGregor, who commanded the regiment until its withdrawal from the field. Several officers were slightly wounded; none seriously. The men who come under the head of missing are supposed to be killed, as no tidings have been heard from them, and some of them were seen on the field badly wounded. The regiment remained in the city, near the river bank; until the evening of the 15th, when orders were received to recross the river, and it proceeded with the brigade to the old camp-ground near Falmouth, where it encamped for the night. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. JAMESON, Lieutenant-Colonel Fourth New York Vols., Comdg. Regiment. Lient. WILLIAM P. SEvILLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. * But see revised statcrueut, p. 131 Page 308 308 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXX]IL No. 108. Report of Capt. George F. flopper, Tenth New York Irfantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOIJTU, VA., December 14, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, at 6.30 a. m. on Thursday, iDe- cember 11, 1862, in accordance with orders from division headquarters, the regiment took its line of march, under command of Col. John E. Bendix, and fell in its place in the column before 7 a. in. Thursday night we bivouacked almost opposite to Fredericksburg, in a woods, about 1~ miles from Falmouth, after making an attempt to cross the river, which was discontinued upon the rebel batteries commencing to shell the troops. Before sunrise ou the following day (Friday, December 12), we crossed the river, and took up position in line of battle in Caroline street, Fredericksburg, where we remained all that day and bivouacked that night. At 10 a. m. on Saturday, December 13, we got under arms, and, march- ing on the right of the brigade, passed through Princess Anne street, immediately after Kimballs brigade, which we were ordered to follow at a distance of 150 paces, and support as soon as it became weakened. While passing through Princess Anne street Colonel Bendix was wounded in the face by the explosion of a shell, and the command de- volved on Captain Winchester. We filed into the open country at 11.30 a. in., and were immediately greeted by shells from several rebel bat- teries. Advt~nciug to the front, a distance of nearly a quarter of a mile, we lost a number of men, wounded by the enemys incessant shelling. We took our position at a knoll, a short distance behind the front line, and sustained a heavy fire of shell and solid shot from all the rebel bat- teries. Captain Winchester was here mortally wounded, and the com- mand devolved on me. A short time after, I was ordered to the front with the rest of the brigade, to support Kimball, where the regiment remained until relieved and ordered back. We were upward of two hours under fire, and suffered severely. Out of 214 men taken into action, our losses amount to, killed, 9; wounded, 54; missing, 4; total, 67. Captain Winchester and Lieutenant Yardley were mortally wounded. Captains Newburgh and Chamberlain, Lieutenants Tait, Cunningham, Rogers, and Morrell were all wounded. We bivouacked the night of December 13 in front of the division hospital; remained there through December 14, and, on the morning of December 15, we were detailed to carry over the wounded of this divis- ion, by eommaud of General French. On the night of December 15, all of the regiment who were then in Fredericksburg were ordered to cross to this side of the river and return to this cam]). I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. HOPPER, Captain Tenth New York Volunteers, Commanding Regiment. Licut. WILLIAM P. SEVILLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. Page 309 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 3O~ No. 109. Report of Lient. Col. Charles Aibright, One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania Infantry. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 18, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part my regiment took in the late battle of Fredericksburg: At the time of leaving my camp near Falmouth, the One hundred arid thirty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers was attached to Colo- nel Morris brigade, commanded at the time by Colonel Palmer, of the One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers. On our march to Fred- ericksburg nothing occurred worthy of special notice. The spirit of the men was fine and enthusiastic. I left camp with abont 340 men, whom I considered in any fair fight equal to three times their number of rebels. On the morning of the 13th, 1 was ordered to report to Colonel Audrews, commanding Third Brigade, and I was glad, for my boys preferred fighting with and alongside of veterans. The command was meager in officers; neither the colonel nor major was present, and just as the regiment was moving off to the bloody struggle, Adjt. F. L. Hitch- cock, who had been absent on sick leave, came to my aid and assisted me greatly. He conducted himself with great gallantry and bravery; was wounded in two places, but is on duty now. His example, off and on the battle-field, is worthy of imitation. Some of the companies were commanded by non-commissioned officers, while others had but a single line officer with them; but in spite of this lack of officers, the men, with a few ignoble exceptions, went into the fight most nobly and heroically. They passed, doubtless, through the most bloody and trying battle of the war, but they followed in good style, and I have nothing but praise to bestow on the men of the regiment. I have the proud satisfaction of knowing, too, that our conduct was observed by the rebels, and called forth their admiration. In sending a flag of truce for a dead officer, my (letail was asked to what regiment they belonged, and when told the One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania, they were tol,d that the regiment came up in fine style and fought most bravely. The propor- tion of killed and wounded to the number that went into the engage- ment is quite heavy. All our color-bearers were killed or wounded. Five men arid 2 commissioned officers were shot down while bearing oft the colors. The two officers were Lieutenants McDougall, of Company C, and Hoagland, of Company II. The latter was mortally wounded whilst proudly bearing aloft the glorious stars and stripes. I cannot avoid mentioning an incident of valor. Private John Kistler, of Com- pany F, had his arm blown off at the elbow by a cannon ball as we en- tered the field, and when we fell back I met him still on the field, with his arm tied rip, eating a cracker. He came up to me, and said, Colo- nel, I hope we shall whip them yet. Although my command suffered severely, yet the boys are in good spirits, and would not object to meet the rebels upon a more equal field. I left the field in good order about 5 oclock, and the morning after the battle I had 200 men together and in good condition. Below I append a list * of my killed and wounded. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. ALBRIG-HT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lient. WILLIAM P. SEVILLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. * Embodied in revised st~itement, p. 131 Page 310 310 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. [Addenda.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, No. 7. February 5, 1863. As there seems to be some injustice done the One hundred and thirty- second Pennsylvania Regiment as to the loss of its flag after the battle of Fredericksburg, occasion is taken to publish, for the information of all concerned, the facts in the case. The One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania Regiment, part of General Kimballs brigade in the battle of Antietam, entered that fight with 700 men; behaved nobly and lost heavily. The regiment entered the battle of Fredericksburg with 250 men, and lost a little less than one-half their number, including 5 color-bearers. The last color-bearer, badly wounded, left his regiment after dark, and in the town entered a church used as a hospital, taking his colors with him. He was carried away from this l)lace, and the colors left behind. The very fidelity of the color-bearer, holding to his colors as long as he was conscious, was the reason of their loss to the regiment. Not only no fault should be ascribed to this regiment, but it should receive unqualified commendation. By command of Major-General Howard: [CHAS. H. HOWARD,] Aide-de-Gamp and Acting Assistant Adjutant- Gen~~ral. No. 110. Report of Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilicox, U. ~3. Army, commanding Ninth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., January 7, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to forward the reports of division, brigade, regimental, and battery commanders of the Ninth Corps dArm~e on the recent Fredericksburg operations. It will be seen that the Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, of General George W. Gettys division, furnished volunteers to the Engi- neer Brigade, constructing the bridges near the Lacy house, on Decem- ber 11, 1862; but, under the fire of the enemys sharpshooters, their efforts were of so little avail that Major Spaulding, of that brigade, withdrew them. The Eighty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, Col. H. S. Fairchild, of the same division, was more fortunate. This regiment covered the ineffectual work on the central pontoon, near the old steamboat landing, from 2 a. m. until 4 p. in., when Colonel Fair- child was ordered by General Burnside to send 100 men with 4 officers across in boats, and dislodge the enemy opposite. They crossed in four boats, an officer and 25 men in each, and performed their duty in the most dashing and successful style, capturing 4 officers and 60 soldiers of the rebels and dispersing the remainder. Colonel Fairchild crossed the rest of the regiment in Jike manner, and the bridge was then coin- pleted. The Forty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, Lieut. Col. Joseph Gerhardt, of General William W. Burns division, was the first to cross the bridge. Hawkins brigade, o~ Gettys division, also crossed th Page 311 CuAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 311 same evening, and, with Howards division, of the Second Gorjps dAr- mJe, occupied the town that night. The remainder of my corps, under orders from right grand division headquarters, crossed the next day (the 12th), immediately after the Second Corps. On the next morning (the 13th), I was ordered by Major-General Sumner to extend my left over Hazel Run to Deep Run, and to form the corps in three lines, with batteries in suitable positions, connecting on the right with the Second Corps (General Couch) and on the left with General Franklin. It will be thus seen that the troops of this command occupied the center, which I understood it my duty to hold, and at the same time to afford support to the attacks which Generals Franklin and Couch were to make. Accordingly, Brig. Gen. ~. D. Sturgis division was placed nearest to Couchs corps, Burns division nearest to Franklins, and between Deep and Hazel Runs, and Gettys division between Sturgis aiid Burns. Each division was in two lines. No good positions were found for the light batteries by Captain Edwards, chief of artillery, but several were brought into action afterward by other officers, and did some service. About noon of the 13th, I directed the Second Division to support General Couchs attack, then about to begin. General Sturgis promptly got his troops iii readiness, and selected a point near a brick-kiln for Dickensons horse artillery. A portion of Hookers grand division had now crossed the river, and was in the rear of Couchs troops. As soon as Couchs left began to break, General Sturgis advanced four regiments of Ferreros brigade, under cover of Dickensons battery, now in position. General Ferrero succeeded in checking the advance of the enemy ou the left of the Second Corps, and drove him back to his cover of stone wall and rifle-pits. But the gallant Dickenson fell gloriously at his post, and his battery suffered considerably in men ~nd horses, under a concentrated fire of artillery and some musketry. Maj. Sidney Willard, commanding Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, also fell, fighting firmly with his regiment. Ferreros brigade now encountered the full weight of the enemys metal, and Nagles brigade was ordered to its support. These devoted troops moved up with prompt alacrity, and finally the Fifty-first Regiment New York Volunteers, Col. R. B. Potter, which had been supporting Dickenson, was thrown forward. All these troops behaved well, and marched under a heavy fire across the broken plain, pressed up to the field at the foot of the enemys slop- ing crest, and maintained every inch of their ground with great obstinacy until after nightfall, but the position could not be carried. Lient. Col. W. B. Sayles, Seventh Rhode Island, was killed, and Major Babbitt, of the same regiment, was mortally wounded, in the gallant effort. They fell at the head of their troops. Meantime General Wimipple sent me Carrolls brigade, consisting of the Eighty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Bowman; One hundred and tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant- Colonel Crowther, and One hundred and sixty-third Regiment New York Volunteers, Major Byrne, which, together with some brigades of Gen- eral Griffins division, also sent to co-operate, all gallantly pushed up to the support of General Sturgis left, under a heavy fire, gaining also a certain point, but beyond this nothing could live. The attack was also supported by Phillips battery, belonging to Hookers grand division, for which Capt. S. H. Weed, Fifth U. S. Artillery, found a position. This battery was ably served, though with considerable exposure and loss, and much praise is due to its commander, as well as Captain Weed Page 312 312 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXIII. who belonged to another corps, but, with the professional zeal of a true soldier, was ready to serve in any part of the field. Capt. NV. W. Buck- leys Rhode Island battery was also brought into action toward evening, and kept up the fire with coolness and judgment, covering ~zie with- drawal of Sturgis division, which was finally relieved at 7.20 p. in. by troops belonging to General Griffin. General Burns crossed Deep Run, in support of General Franklins command, at 3 p. m. General Gettys division was held, both as a re- serve and as a corps of observation, to watch the communications of the center and guard the left of the town. But at 4 oclock (the contest still raging) I determined to advance this division, also hoping to draw off some portion of the enemys troops from our right, and, possibly, to find a weak point in his lines, an~effect a lodgment. It must be borne in mind that all the troops formed under fire. It was impossible to clear the shelter of the town otherwise than by marching each regiment, by a flank, to the open ground, and even this could not be done without confusion. Thus forming in two brigade lines, Gettys division marched gallantly over the broken field, crossed the railroad cutting, then an old canal ditch and some marshy ground, under an artillery fire which increased every moment, until he nearly reached the enemys works in his front, when a line of musketry opened, and his first brigade was forced back undOr a severe front and enfilading storm. The second line (Harlands brigade) likewise advanced, under a fire of shell and shrapnel, to the ridge bordering the railroad, and main- tained their ground with their pickets. Here Lieutenant-Colonel Cur- tis, commanding Fourth Rhode Island Volunteers, fell, cheering and leading on his men. The service lost in Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis a skillful and intrepid officer. In pursuance of orders from General Burnside, B urns division re- crossed Hazel Run next morning, and this corps was then selected to make the main attack. It was formed accordingly. Captain Weed had also selected positions for six batteries to support the movement, and placed several in position, when the order was suspended, and finally countermanded. On the 15th, the enemys pickets between Hazel and Deep Runs advanced in line of skirmishers, probably with a view of gaining the crest of the bank on Hazel Run, from which, by a sudden dash, they might obtain an enfilading fire upon our troops, as well as upon the horses of the two batteries, sheltered by the upper bank of the stream near the Bowling Green road. This movement was anticipated by Gen- eral Getty. and prevented by the troops of Generals Getty and Burns, together with 200 of Berdans Sharpshooters. During the night of the 15th, the corps recrossed the Rappahannock, the whole body numbering about 16,000 officers and men, with five bat- teries, except the pickets, which were withdrawn laterwere crossed over noiselessly in less than two hours. The most perfect order pre- vailed; no confusion in the ranks; no signs of alarm or demoralization, notwithstanding many hours of passive exposure to the enemys sharp- shooters and artillery. The ease with which this remarkable withdrawal was effected was due partly to the arrangements made by Major Crosby (Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers), provost-marshal, who, with a pioneer party at the bridge, and a cavalry patrol from the bridge to- ward the camp, paved the way smoothly and rapidly for the move- ments, and partly to the superior organization of the different depart Page 313 CHAP.~ XXXIII.] BATTLE OP FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 313 meutsquartermasters and commissary departments, medical and am- bulance corpsall of which performed their work so perfectly that sup- plies of every kind had been received, and the wounded removed so promptly that when the order came there was not a wagon of any description in the way. The heads of these departments deserve great credit. Concerning the batteries which took part in the preliminary opera- tions, as they were detached under the chief of artillery, Army of the Potomac, Brigadier-General Hunt, their reports belong more properly to him. I must beg leave here, however, to call attention to the ne- cessity of an artillery officer of higher rank in this and every other army corps. An officer who ranks as lieutenant, or at most as captain, whose time and attention are absorbed in the duties of his own battery, can- not select the positions and direct the operations of all the batteries of a corps. Such a command is equal to that of a colonel, and the impor- tance and responsibilities of the position render it indispensable, in my humble judgment, that this corps should have for chief of artillery an officer of commensurate rank and experience. I respectfully commend for good conduct Brig. Gen. S. ID. Sturgis, commanding Second Division; Brig. Gen. George W. Getty, command- ing Third Division, and Brig. Gen. W. W. Burns, commanding First Division. It is sufficient to say for these officers that by their prompt- ness, coolness, and good judgment the long line between General Couch, on our right, and General Franklin, on our left, was preserved intact; Ihat every support that could be rendered was afforded, and that not the least sign of demoralization appeared in the ranks of the Ninth Corps. But the troops themselves deserve no less credit; greater devo- tion and bravery could not be shown. They only wait a fairer field to prove themselves equal to victory. I must express my thanks to Gen- erals Griffin and Carroll and Captain Phillips for timely assistance. The reports of the different commanders, including that of General Carroll, mention many names for gallantry and meritorious services, to which I respectfully call the attention of the major-general commanding. The old troops all behaved well, and among the new regiments the Seventh Rhode Island, Colonel Bliss, and the Eleventh New Hamp- shire, Colonel harriman, greatly distinguished them selves. To Surgeon OConnell, medical director, the whole army is indebted for his timely preparations, which sheltered the wounded of all corps. Captain Marsh, chief of ambulance corps, proved the thoroughness of his excellent arrangements by the removal of some 1,300 wounded across the river. He also mentions Lieutenant Harris for his untiring devo- tion to the wounded. To Major Crosby, provost-marshal; Capt. H. A. Hutchins, assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. 0. M. Dearborn, chief of ordnance; Captain Shurtleff, acting inspector-general, and Lieuts. Levi C. Brackett and Charles A. McKnight, aides-dc-camp, I am under obligations for active assistance in distributing orders. To the officers and men of Companies B and C, of the Sixth New York Cavalry, serving on escort and orderly duties, which were faithfully dis- charged, my thanks are also due. Accompanied herewith is a hist* of the officers and men of the Eighty- ninth Regiment New York Volunteers who crossed the river in boats, before referred to. * Not found Page 314 314 OPERATIONS iN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXIII. The casualties are as follows: 9 0 p ~ 0 _______________________________________ _ ~ Commissioned officers 8 42 50 Enlisted men 93 988 197 1. 278 Total. 101 1,030 197 1,328 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLOOX, Brigadier- General, (Jomman ding. Lient. Col. J. II. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General, lid qrs. Right Grand Division. No. 111. R~port of Brig. Gen. William W. Burns, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. HEADQUARTERS BURNs DIVISION, Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., December 17, 1862. I have the honor to report the operations of my division on December 12, 13, 14, and 15. On the evening of the 11th, the Forty-sixth New York, Lieutenant- Colonel Gerhardt, crossed Bridge ~o. 3 as fast as the planks were laid down, and remained on picket duty in Fredericksburg during the night. I crossed the same brktge with the diyision about 9 oclock on the 12th. On the morning of the 13th, I was directed to move my division across Hazel Run, and connect my left with General Franklins right, at Deep IRan, and hold myself subject to the orders of General Franklin if called upon. About 3 oclock, I received an order from General Franklin to cross Deep Run and cover his bridges. I reported to General Franklin by authority of General WillcQx, and remained during the night. I received an order from General Franklin, on the morning of the 14th, to recross Deep Run and report to General Wilicox, who directed me to form my division on the left bank of Hazel Run, preparatory to moving on the enemy at 10 oclock. I recrossed the iRappahannock on the 15th. I inclose herewith a list of killed and wounded.I I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. BURNS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. ROBERT A. HuTCHINs, Assistant Adjutant- General. * But see revised statement, p. 133. Embodied in revised statement, pp. 131, 132 Page 315 ChAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 315 No. 112. Report of Lient. Gol. Joseph Gerhardt, Forty-sixth New York infantry, Second Brigade. CAMP OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 17, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report, to be forwarded for the inf~or- mation of the brigadier-general commanding division, the part taken by my regiment in the action of the 11th instant, at Fredericksburg, Va. The Forty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers marched at 2 a. m. of the 11th instant to the river opposite Fredericksbarg, near the old railroad bridge, in order to protect the engineers in the building of a bridge on this spot. The enemy began at daybreak to fire from houses near the river bank, and prevented the finishing of the bridge, which by this time had been laid to about three-fourths of its required length. The Forty-sixth Regiment New York Volnnteers and the Eighty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, who had taken position to our left, kept up for a while a musketry fire with the enemy without sustaining any material loss. The batteries on the hills behind us now tried to get range upon every house from which the rebels were firing. Thus the day passed, when, at 4 p. in., a part of the Eighty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers crossed in boats, and, under the protection of our artil- lery, succeeded in landing and in capturing of the rebel force about 70 men. After this, the bridge was soon finished, and the Forty-sixth New York Volunteers was the first to cross over the bridge and to occupy the city. Having posted pickets alongthe railroad and Main street, Jkeptmy command ready for any emergency, when, about 11 oclock at night, other troops marched into the town, extending the picket line. On the morn- ing of the 12th instant, about 9 oclock, the regiment was withdrawn under arms, by command of Brigadier-General Burns, to whom I deliv. ered a prisoner taken in the streets soon after arrival iii town. The casualties during the day were 4 men slightly wounded, who are under treatment in cami). Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH GERHARDT, Col. B. C. CHRIST, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding I?egiment. Commanding Brigade. No. 113. Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, NiNTH ARMY CORPS, Near Fredericksburg, Va., December 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my division in the late operations in, the vicinity of Fred- ericksburg: In accordance with orders from your headquarters, my troops were massed near the headquarters of Major-General Sumner at 8 a. m. on the 12th instant, preparatory to crossing over to Fredericksburg in rea Page 316 316 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP XXXIIT. of the Second Army Corps. The crossing was effected on the upper bridge by 11 a. in., and the division took position on the street next the river and parallel with it, where the troops remained throughout the day, and bivouacked for the night, the right resting near the bridge, and the left extending toward the right of General Getty. About noon on the 13th, 1 received orders from your headquarters to support General Couch, who had been ordered to assault the enemys works facing Fredericksburg. I moved my division at once to the npper portion of the city, toward the front, sheltering the troops as much as possible from the fire of the enemy under cover of the fences, houses, & c. Lieutenant Dickensons battery (E), Fourth U. S. Artil- lery, was held in readiness to take up a position on a bluff to the left and front of the brick-kiln, with a view to driving the enemy from be- hind a stone fence, used by his sharpshooters as a breastwork. Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery, was held in reserve. General Couch now commenced the attack, but the fire of the enemys artillery and musketry was so severe that his (Couchs) left was soon broken and rolled back in irregular masses toward the city. Observing this disaster, I ordered General Ferrero (12.30 p. in.) to advance with four regiments of his brigade, leaving the fifth (Colonel Potters Fifty-first New York) to support IDickensons battery, which was placed in position on the bluff before mentioned. Under cover of the battery, General Ferrero now moved forward very handsomely, com- pletely checking the advancing foe and forcing him back with heavy loss. As soon as Lieutenant Dickensons battery opened, the enemy concentrated a very heavy artillery fire upon it, and I was forced in less than a quarter of an hour to withdraw it, Lieutenant iDickenson and some 4 men and a number of horses having been killed and many others wounded. The fire of artillery and musketry which the enemy now concentrated upon the Second Brigade was terrific, but they stood manfully up to their work. To relieve them in some degree, however, I sent forward the First Brigade, under General Kagle, with orders to take his position on the left of Ferrero, and throw forward his own left a little, so as to open a & ross-fire in front of the Second Brigade. This General Nagle failed to execute, owing to the existence of deep and impassable ravines in his front. I then directed him to move by a flank to the direct sup- port of Ferrero, which was executed at a doable-quick, and with alac- rity and rapidity. The Fifty-first New York (Colonel Potter) was now also ordered forward, and moved up with that impetuosity which has characterized this gallant regiment on so many hard-fought fields. My entire division was now engaged, and every human effort was made that could be made to carry the rifle-pits and stoue fence of the enemy, but without success. Every man fought as if the fate of the day de- pended upon his own individual exertion. They fought, indeed, until every cartridge was expended, and even remaining upon the field long after their last cartridge was fired, and until regularly relieved at 7.20 p. m. by the division of General Griffin. I then withdrew my division from the field, under cover of Captain Buckleys battery (iD), First Rhode Island Artillery, which was placed in l)osition for that purpose on the bluff formerly occupied by Dicken- sons battery, this lattei having been ordered to another part of the field by Major-General Hooker. It would give me great pleasure to call your attention to a few of the many acts of individual courage and daring accomplished during this sanguinary action, but my space will not permit, and I can only ask your careful attention to the reports of brigade, regimental, an Page 317 CHAP. XXXIfl.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 317 battery commanders, herewith inclosed. How these troops fought will be rendered evident by the simple mention of the fact that a little over one-fifth of the total strength was now reported among the killed and wounded. It may not be improper to mention here the names of the regiments and their commanders composing my division. They are as follows: First Brigade, General James Nagle: Seventh Rhode Island, Col. Z. R. Bliss; Twelfth Rhode Island, Col. G. H. Browne; Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. J. K. Sigfricd; Sixth New Hampshire, Col. S. G. Griffin; Ninth New Hampshire, Licut. Col. J. W. Babbitt, and Second Maryland, Col. T. B. Allard Second Brigade, General E. Ferrero: Fifty-first New York Volunteers, Col. R. B. Potter; Eleventh New Hampshire Volunteers, Col. W. Harriman; Fifty-first Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, Col. J. F. Hartranft; Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. W. S. Clark, and Thirty-fifth Massachusetts, Capt. S. H. Andrews. Light Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery, Capt. W. W. Buckley, and Light Battery E, Fourth U. S. Artillery, Second Lient. John Egan, after Lieutenant IDickenson was killed. The Seventh and Twelfth Regiments Rhode Island Volunteers, and the Eleventb Regiment New Hampshire, being all new regiments, and never having been in battle before, are deserving of great praise for their steadfast gallantry throughout the whole conflict. Battery L, Second New York Artillery, Capt. J. Roemer, and Second Independent Battery Pennsylvania Artillery, Captain Durell, were temporarily de. tached from my division, and acted under the orders of Brigadier-General Hunt, chief of artillery. To the members of my staff I return my sincere thanks for the zeal and energy with which my orders were conveyed. For the valuable services rendered by Capt. W. C. Rawolle, aide-dc-camp, he is deserving of special commendation. Surg. A. T. Watson, medical staff, was untiring in his efforts to allevi- ate the sufferings of the wounded. I would also avail myself of this occasion to thank Mr. W. W. Hawley, volunteer aide-dc-camp, for valuable assistance. Capt. C. H. Hale, aide-de-camp, was slightly wounded. An accurate list of the killed and wounded has already been furnished your headquarters, adding up as follows, viz : Killed, 88; wounded, 807; missing, 133; total, 1,028.* I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division. Capt. ROBERT A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Headquarters Ninth Army Corps. No. 114. Report of Capt. William W. Buckley, Battery D, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 18, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report: Thursday, December 11, the battcry was in readiness to move at 8 a. m. * But see revised statement, p. 132 Page 318 318 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA~, MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. December 12, left camp at 8 a. m. and crossed upper pontoon bridge in rear of Second Division. Ninth Army Corps; remained standing in Caroline street until dark; then went into field and parked. Saturday, December 13, at S a. in., moved, in rear of First Brigad& , Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, down Water street, about one- quarter of a mile. At 3 p. in. moved on to Princess Anne street. At 5.15 p. in. moved and went into action at farther end of street which crosses Princess Anne street, and in front of enemys earthworks, at a distance of 900 yards from enemys guns; remained in action until 8.30 p. in., firing at intervals. At 8.30 p. in. withdrew, and went into park on Water street. Sunday, December 14, and Monday, December 15, remained in park. At 11 p. in., December 15, recrossed the river on npper pontoon bridge and returned to old camp. All these movements were made in compliance with orders received from Brigadier-General Sturgis, commanding Second 1)ivision, Ninth Army Corps, or from Captain iRawolle, assistant adjutant-general to General Sturgis. First Sergt. iR. II. Lee was wounded in hand; Private William Hav- ens wounded in side. Three horses were killed; one set harness and one set horse equipments were rendered unfit for service and abandoned. The following ammunition was expended: Thirty-six rounds case shot, 26 rounds shell, 11 rounds solid shot. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. BUCKLEY Captain, Comdg. Company D, Rhode Island Light Artihery. Capt. W. C. IRAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, & cond Division. No. 115. Report of & cond Lient. John Egan, First U. S. Artillery, commanding Battery F, Fourth U. S. Artillery. FALMOUTH, VA., December 19, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the action taken by Light Company E, Fourth U. S. Artillery, during the battle of Fredericksburg: About 12 oclock on the 13th, in obedience to your orders, Lieut. George Dickenson brought the battery into position on the crest of a hill near the left of General Couchs line of battle, an(l within about 1,200 yards of the earthworks of the enemy, Before the first piece was in position, the enemy opened fr6m his earthworks, and sharpshoot- ers from concealed places singled out the men of the battery. For the first ten minutes, seeing no infantry, we replied to their fire from the earthworks, but with no effect. After seeing a few skirmishers, we di- rected our fire upon them while the battery was in position. In the mean time the enemy changed his projectiles from solid to shell and case shot, which burst just at the point to make them most (lestructive, and continually their fragments and bullets hailed upon the battery. In less than twenty minutes the commanding officer and 12 of the cannoneers were killed or wounded. Twice all the cannoneers were driven fvom the pieces, seeing by remaining longer all my men woul Page 319 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 319 be destroyed, and that I was producing but little efihet upon the enemy, and certainly not enough to justify such destruction of life, after thirty minutes I retired the battery and reported the fact to you. Accord- ing to orders, I drew into the street. Just as I had my ammunition re- arranged, I received orders from General Hooker to go into position on the left of his line, and remained there until 12 oclock Monday night, when I withdrew, by your order. I expended about 30 rounds of ammu- nition to each piece. During the whole time my men behaved admirably. Though they were twice driven from their pieces, they rallied to their posts before I could command them to do so. To mention one without all would be injustice, but I cannot refrain from bringing to the notice of the divis- ion general First Sergeant Moran. At the first fire he received a severe wound in his cheek, but remained at his post, and after Lieutenant Dickenson was killed he performed the duties of an officer, and afforded me the greatest assistance. The following is the list of casualties, as shown by report dated Jan- uary 2, 1863KilLed: officers, 1; enlisted men, 2. Woundedenlisted men, 10. One horse killed and 4 wounded. Respectfully submitted. JOHN EGAK, Second Lieut. First Artillery, Comdg. Co. B, Fourth Artillery. Capt. XV. C. PAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Division. No. 116. Report of Brig. Gem. James Nagle, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, Near Falmouth, Va., December 16, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the recent operations against the enemy: On Friday morning, the 12th instant, in obedience to your order, I crossed the Rappahannock in the vicinity of the Lacy house with my brigade, and took l)osition under shelter on the opposite side of the river. I remained in this position until 4 p. in., when I moved my troops a short distance down the first street running parallel with the river, where they bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 13th, Ii moved farther down said street, left in front, until I caine up with the right of General Gettys troops. Here I remained until 12.30 p in., when I, by your order, advanced to the support of General Ferrero, who was already engaged. I moved, by the right of regiments, to the front to pass obstacles, niitil I got to the rear of the town where the regiments formed in line of battle. The Sixth New Hampshire, Colonel Griffin, and the Seventh Rhode Island, Colonel Bliss, advanced to the front, oii the right of the railroad, in good order, under a murderous fire from the enemys artillery. The Second Maryland, Colonel Allard, Twelfth Rhode Island, Colonel Browne, and Ninth New llampshire, Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt com- manding, being on the left of the railroad, were moved in order, under shelter as much as possible, to the railroad cut, and front there advance Page 320 320 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXHL to the front: The Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, Colonel Sigfried, was for a time held in reserve. At 2.30 p. m. the Forty-eighth Regiment was ordered to the front. The men marched under a most galling fire like true veterans. The whole of my brigade remained in the front, and did good service until after 60 rounds of ammunition had been expended, and until they were relieved at dusk by other troops, when, by your order, my command was withdrawn in good order to the position occupied on the previous night. The men were here supplied with ammunition, and then biv- ouacked for the night. My brigade remained in the same position until Monday evening, when I was again, by your order, moved to the front with instructions to hold the city at all hazards. I placed my troops in position on the left of the railroad, and commenced to strengthen and fortify my position by throwing np intrenchments and digging rifle- pits, & c. At 11.30 p. in., by your order, I withdrew my command across the river to our former camp. Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of my com- mand, especially to the Sixth New Hampshire, Seventh Rhode Island, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, and Ninth New Hampshire Regiments. it is unnecessary for me to speak of the Sixth New Hampshire and Forty- eighth Pennsylvania; they, as upon all other occasions, never flinched. The Seventh Rhode Island had never been under fire before, and much credit is due to Colonel Bliss for the able manner in which he maneu- vered his men, he having lost the assistance of his lieutenant-colonel major, and adjutant during the engagement. The Twelfth Rhode Island being an entire new regiment, some little difficulty was had in getting them into position, but they behaved well, and did more service than was expected from raw troops. Colonel Browne, who was the only field officer (Major Dyer having been disabled before going into action), is entitled to much praise for his personal conduct. In justice to my staff officers, I am pleased to say that they behaved well, and rendered me all the aid and assistance required. My brigade went into action with nearly 2,700 men, and my total loss amounts to 522. I herewith inclose a list* of the names of the killed, wounded, and missing. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES NAGLE, General STURGIS, Brigadier- General. Commanding Second Division, Ninth Army Corps. No. 117. Report of Cot. Thomas B. Allard, Second Maryland infantry. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the engage- ment of December 13: The regiment followed the brigade as far as the deep ravine on the side of the railroad, where we received a cross-fire from the enemys Embodied in revis~d statement, p. 132 Page 321 CHAr. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 321 guns. The regiment in part, with those that were lying there, were not able to find the other portion of the regiment.* * * * * * T. B. ALLARD, Colonel Second Maryland Volunteers. Brig. Gen. JAMES NAGLE, Commanding First Brigade. No. 118. Report of Col. Simon U. Griffin, Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 14,1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the Sixth New Hampshire Regiment, nnder my command, went into the action yesterday at this .place, on the right of the brigade to which it belongs, with 12 officers and 252 enlisted men. The loss in killed, wounded, and missing is as follows :* * * * * * * * Both officers and men behaved nobly, and fought with the utmost coolness and bravery. I have the honor to be, & c., S. G. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Comdg. Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. Capt. JOHN D. BERTOLETTE, Assistant Adjutant- General, First Brigade. No. 119. Report of Lient. Col. John TV. Babbitt, Ninth New Hampshire Infantry. SOPHIA STREET, FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a list of the loss of this regiment in the engagement of Saturday last near this city, which is as correct as can be made at this time. Some of those reported as miss- ing are expected soon to join the regiment, while it is feared that others of that number will prove to have been killed. The regiment was ordered to advance about 2 oclock from the bank of the river, each company moving in column through the streets, until arriving outside the city, near the scene of action, where it formed line of battle and awaited orders. It was then ordered to move by the right flank, forming line npon the railroad track, and was thus ordered to advance. After passing the railroad, while in a deep cut, the regi- ment received a galling enfilading fire from the enemys artillery, which was continued with great effect after passing beyond. Notwithstand- ing this repulse, the men, though in some considerable confusion, pushed forward and took a good position, where they remained until * Nominal list of casualties, here omitted, embodied in revised statement, p. 132. 21 R RVOL XX Page 322 322 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. dark, most of the companies having then exhausted their ammunition, and withdrew in good order, following the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers. The conduct of officers and men, considering the difficulty and ex- treme danger of the first advance, was most commendable. I regret to report the instant death of First Lieut. John ti-. Lewis, of Company II, an efficient and gallant officer, who was killed soon after passing the cut near the railroad. Sergeant Dinsmoor, of Company F, bearer of the national colors, fell early in the action, mortally wounded, and the colors were brought safely through by Second Lieutenant Copp, of Company C. Capt. John B. Cooper, of Company K, having been absent for months past, on account of wounds received at the battle of Antietam, joined his command only an hour before the order to advance, and did good service. Other officers were slightly wounded, most of whom will soon be able to resume their commands. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN W. BABBITT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Ninth New Hampshire Regiment. General JAMEs NAGLE, Commanding First Brigade. No. 120. Report of Gol. Joshua IL & gfried, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 14, 1862. Sin: In accordance with Circular Orders, Brigade Headquarters, December 14, 1862, I have the honor to make the following report of the movements of the regiment in the action of yesterday: We had bivouacked in the street on the right of the city the preced- ing night, and toward noon, yesterday, were ordered to the left, to sup- port the Second Brigade. At I p. m. we were ordered to the open fields in the rear of the city, where my regiment remained in reserve until 2.30 oclock, when I was ordered up to the front by General Sturgis, to assist in repelling a charge the enemy was making on our line. The reg- iment advanced in line in good order at double-quick un(ler a very gall- ing fire from the enemys batteries. When we arrived at the hill, I was requested by Colonel Clark, Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, to relieve his regiment, as their ammunition was expended. I did so, and my regiment remained on the crest of the hill until they had fired their 60 rounds per man, when we were relieved by Colonel Browne, Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers. At dusk the hill became crowded, and, seeing others still coming up, Colonel Clark, Twenty-first Massa- chusetts Volunteers, and myself concluded it was best to return to the city for ammunition, and to make room for the fresh regiments to get under the shelter of the hill. I accordingly marched the regiment in, in good order, and without incurring any loss while returning. Too much praise cannot be given to the men and, with but one excep- tion, o~cers for their gallantry and steadiness during the entire action. Their line was unbroken while advancing under the murderous shell Page 323 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 323 ing of the enemy, and their fire was deliberate, well aimed, and I have every reason to believe effective. Five or six of the best marksmen of each company were ordered to aim exclusively at the cannoneers. After the order had been given, we could observe the wounded being carried away from the guns. Our loss during the day was 5 killed, 45 wounded, and 1 missing.* We took into the action 311 men. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Colonel Cd Forty-eighth J. K. SIGFIRIED, om g. Regiment Pennsylvania Vols. Capt. JOHN D. BERTOLETTE, Assistant Adjutant. General, First Brigade. No. 121. Report of fJol. Zenas R. Bliss, Seventh Rhode Island Infantry. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 114, 1862. CAPTAIN: In obedience to instructions this day received, dated Head- quarters First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, December 14, 1862, I have the honor to report that the Seventh Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers went into action near this city at about 12 in. yester- day, and remained nuder a heavy fire until withdrawn, at 7.30 p. m. Both officers and men behaved splendidly, and to my entire satisfac- tion. Our loss was very heavy, owing to the ground over which we were obliged to pass being exposed to a very heavy fire from the enemys artillery and small-arms. Lient. Col. Welcome B. Sayles was struck by a shell and instantly killed soon after we left the city, and before we had advanced to the extreme front. He was at the head of the column, and behaved ~rith great coolness and bravery. The following officers were wonnded while on the crest in front of the enemys work: Major Babbitt, mortally; since died. Adjutant Page, in the forehead and lost left eye. Captain Remington, severely; nnder jaw broken. Captain Rodman, severely, by shell, in right breast. Cap- tain Leavens, slightly, by shell, in thigh. Lieutenant Kenyon, severely, by shell, in knee. Lieutenant Wilber, severely, rifle-ball through thigh. Sergeant-Major Manchester lost right arm, and slight wound in right thigh. Too much praise cannot be given the officers for their gallantry and soldierly conduct while exposed to a murderous fire, and within shovt i~ange of the enemys sharpshooters. The facts that the battle of Fredericksburg was the first general en- gagement this regiment had been in, the long time they remained under a very heavy fire without flinching, and the long list of killed and wounded,t herewith inclosed, are stronger proofs than any words of mine that the regiment has done its duty. Respectfully submitted. Z. R. BLISS, Colonel Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers. Capt. JOHN 111 BERTOLETTE, Assistant Adjutant- General, First Brigade. But see revised statement, p. 132. Embodied in revised statement, p. 132 Page 324 324 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. No. 122. Report of Cot. George H. Browne, Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry. CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, December 14,1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that your order of yesterday, to move my regiment through the city and against the enemy in line of battle, found it resting on Sophia street, near the lower pontoon bridge, from whence it moved by the front to the railroad track in good order. But there the left wing came up with the Second Maryland, and, your order directing us to follow them, it was waiting their movement when you personally ordered us forward. At this point my major (having no lieutenant-colonel), being iu charge of right wing, was disabled; but it moved forward in tolerably good order and reached the front early. The Second Maryland not being moved, the left wing had to march by the flank, and on reaching the exposed plain above was thrown into considerable disorder. Company E, however, and various portions of the other companies formed on the colors and bore them to the front, where they were joined by the companies already on the ground, and continued to deliver their fire till all their ammunition was expended. After that they remained some hours and till after dark; but, receiving no orders, under the advice of the senior colonel, and following his exam- ple, I withdrew my command in good order to the position it occupied the evening previous. The casualties in my commaRd cannot be fully stated at present, but 1 officer and4 men are positively known to have been killed; 77 are positively known to have been wounded, and 38 of those who marched out iu the morning are missing, but whether killed, wounded, or strag- gling is not positively known. Probably there are some of them in each of these classes.* (~f the companies entitled to commendation, A, F, E, and D are to be named. Of the officers, Captains Cheney and Hubbard; Lieuten- .iiits Briggs, Lawton, Hopkins, Abbot, Tabor, Alexander, Roberts, Bucklin, and Pendelton, Sergeauts Cole, Bacon, Pollard, Ballou. and Bingess, and Corporal Devolve. Lieutenant Taborq Lieutenant Abbot, and Sergeant-Major Potter merit especial notice for their cool gallantry under the terrible fire that raked the plain across which the battalion moved. A list of the names of the killed, wounded, and missing is hereto appended. All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant, G. H. BROWNE, Colonel. Brig. Gen. JAMES NAGLE, Commanding First Brigade. No. 123. Report of Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE,~ Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., December 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by my brigade in the action at Fredericksburg. * But see revised statement, p. 132 Page 325 CHAP. xxxm.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG,NA. 325 Pursuant to orders, on the morning of the 11th instant, I left camp with my command, of 1,930 rank and file, at 7 oclock, following Gen- eral Nagles brigade, and marched to the plateau in rear of General Sumners headquarters; there halted, waiting for the completion of the pontoon bridge over the Ilappahannock. At about 3.30 p. m. I went to the river to see the progress made towar(l completing the bridge. While there, four companies of the Seventh Michigan Volunteers offered themselves to cross the river in boats, in order to dislodge the enemys sharpshooters, stationed on the opposite bank, who had killed and wounded many of the engineers engaged on the bridge. The detachment crossed, drove the enemy from their posi- tion, and captured a number of prisoners. I immediately returned to report the fact, and met the commanding general riding toward the bridge, to whom I communicated the intelligence of the successful cross- ing. I then accompanied the general to the river, and there received orders to remain and see that the bridge was finished. Finding the work progressing rapidly, and thinking the troops on the opposite bank needed some one to direct them, I crossed, and made such dispositions as I deemed proper to secure the advantage already gained, remaining in command until Colonel Hall arrived with his brigade and took pos- session of the city, when I returned to my command, receiving orders to march with it to the old camp for the night. On the morning of the 12th, at 8 oclock, I a gain formed column, and crosse(l the river over the pontoon bridge, following the First Brigade. On arriving in Fredericksburg, I arranged my brigade in line of battle on the right and left of the road leading through the city, remaining there throughout the day and night. On the morning of the 13th, I formed line and marched my command, by the left flank, through the second street running parallel with the river, the First Brigade occupying the river street. On arriving op- posite General Wilicoxs headquarters, I halted the command, and there received orders to send a regiment to support the pickets on the front, then being driven in by the enemy. The Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers was detailed for this duty, and sent to the front to support General Gettys pickets. I also received orders to send a regiment to protect Lieutenant Dickensons battery (E), Fourth Artillery, then going into position on the left of the railroad, near the brick-kilus. The Fifty- first New York Volunteers were placed in rear of this battery. The re- mainder of my command was ordered to the outskirts of the city, to be ready to 5u1)pOrt General hancocks division in case of need. I ac- cordingly marched my command, with the ~xceptiou of the Fifty-first New York Volunteers (supporting the battery), to a I)oint near the rail- road depot. At 11.45 a. m. the left of Couchs command fell back, and I received orders to form and advance against the approaching enemy. I accord- ingly formed my brigade in two lines of battle, the left resting on the road parallel to the railroad, and advanced under a terrific lire of shell and musketry, never halting until we arrived in short range of the enemy, then pouring heavy volleys into their ranks, and driving theni from their advanced position. Finding that the works could not be carried by my brigade, after remaining with them some time, I reported to General Sturgis that it was necessary to have re-enforcements, hav- ing ~)reviously sent forward the Fifty-first New York Volunteers, re- lieved from the support of the battery by its withdrawal. This regiment, although totally unsupported, advanced in gallant style, led by Colone Page 326 326 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. Potter, over the plateau, swept iii every direction by the fire from bat- teries and rifle-pits, and joined the brigade, losing terribly while march- ing alone over this deadly plain. The First Brigade was also ordered forward, to my assistance. My brigade remained on the field until 6.30 p. in., having been under fire six and a half hours, and having expended all their ammunition, when they were relieved by troops of General Griffin, and were marched back to the position of the night before, and bivouacked. On the morning of the 14th, at 8 p. in., i was ordered to the front with my whole brigade to relieve the pickets of General Griffin, then occupy- ing the line on which we had been engaged the day before. During the night my pickets were not fired on, but at daylight a brisk fire was opened on them from the rifle-pits and batteries, only a short distance in front. The troops were protected from the fire by a slight ridge, only covering them while lying at fall length on the ground, and during the whole day my command lay here, unable to move without (Irawing fire from the enemy, yet not firing a shot in reply. The men this day dis- l)layed the greatest patience and endurance under such a trying ordeal. Only 1 man was wounded during the whole day. My command remained in position till nearly 12 oclock on the night of the 15th, when I was relieved by Colonel Zooks brigade, and, in ac- cordance with orders, marched my command across the liappahannock to our old camp, arriving there at 2 a. m. of the 16th. The command throughout the engagement of the 13th behaved with the greatest bravery. The a(lvance in line of battle in the face of the terrific fire from the enemys batteries and rifle-pits was magnificent; although the ranks were being thinned by bullets and torn with shells, every opening was closed as fast as made, and the line advanced with unflinching courage until close up with the enemy, aiid there remained for over six hours in position, until ordered to retire at dark. No comparisons can be drawn where every one behaved so nobly; but I must praise particularly the conduct of the Eleventh New Hamp-. shire Volunteers, commanded by Col. Walter Harrimana regiment but a month in the service, and never before under firethat marched up as bravely and fought as valiantly as the veterans of the brigade. The Fifty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Harti-auft; the Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Clark, and the Fifty- first New York Volunteers, Colonel Potter, acted with the steadiness and courage that they have always showim on the battle-field, and that has won them their high reputation. The Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers also behaved splendidly, and, altli on ghi losing their corn - manding officer, Maj Sidn~y Willard, early in the tight, still fought with unflinching firmness. The highest praise is due to Colonel Hartranft, the seniorcolonel of the brigade, for his gallant conduct and valuable services, as well as to Colonel Potter and Colonel Clark. Dr. Calvin Cutter, brigade surgeon, although injured on the 13th by a blow from a horse, was unremitting in his attentions to the w-ounded, and was of invaluable service. Capt. G. H. MeKibbin, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Tryon, aide-de-camp, and Lientena ut Walcott, aide-dc-camp, of my staff, acte(l with great gallantry, and deserve high praise for their conduct during the day. Private Frank Shuffle, orderly, was conspicuous for his bravery in carrying dispatches under the severest fire Page 327 CHAP. XXXIII.] 327 BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. For minute details of the action you are respectfully referred to the inclosed reports of regimental commanders. Casualties: Killed, 59; wounded, 394; missing, 36. Total loss, 489.* I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, EDW. FERREHO, Brigadier- General. Capt. W. C. IIAWOLLE Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 124. Report (~t Col. William 1S. Clark, Twenty-first Massachusetts Infantry. OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG~ VA., December 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the Twenty-first Massa- chusetts Volunteers crossed the iRappahannock, on the upper pontoon bridge, on Friday, the 12th instant, numbering 284 officers and enlisted men. We remained with the brigade near the bridge until the next morning about 10 oclock, when I was ordered to support the Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, who were thrown out as skirmishers in rear of the city. Our forces soon advanced on the right toward the formidable earthworks of the rebels on the heights overlooking the town, and were met by a terrible storm of shot and shell. Nothing daunted, they pressed forward until within range of the enemys infantry, posted be- hind stone walls, earthwo rks, and natural ridges. Seeing that to ad- vance farther was, apparently, impossible, and that their fire had little effect upon their opponents, while they, being entirely unprotected, were being rapidly cut to pieces, they began to fall back, some of them in considerable disorder. The Second Brigade was now ordered to the front, and, forming in double line of battle, most gallantly and steadily moved across the plain, swept by the destructive fire of the enemy. When about 60 rods from the city, Color-Sergeant Collins, of Company A, was shot, and fell to the ground. Plunkett, pany E, instantly seized the colors, Sergeant of Coin and carried them proudly forward to the farthest point reached by our troops during the battle. When the regiment had commenced the deliv- ery of its fire, about 40 rods from the position of the rebel infantry, a shell was thrown, with fatal accuracy, at the colors, which again brought them to the ground wet with the life-blood of the brave Plunkett, both of whose arms were carried away. Color-Corporal Gluey, of Company II, immediately raised the glorious flag, and defiantly bore it through the remainder of the day. Color-Corporal Barr, of Company C, who carried the State colors, was also shot, and his post of honor and danger quickly taken by Color-Corporal Wheeler, of Company I. Color-Cor- poral Miller was also wounded. The whole number of casualties is 69, viz, 8 killed, 56 wounded, and 5 missing, a list of which has been furnished. After expending our ammunition, the Twenty-first fell back into the line of supports, a~d remained until dark, when we returned to our posi- tion near the bridge, where the brigade passed the night and the next day. * But see revised stat~ment, p. 132 Page 328 328 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.XX~ About 8 oclock Sunday evening, the brigade was ordered out to the position gained on the previous day, and instructed to hold it at all hazards. This was a task of no little difficulty and danger, as the near- est supports were half a mile away, and the rebel sharpshooters from the roofs of the neighboring houses and the tops of trees fired at every one who ventured to expose himself in the least to view. By selecting a good position behind a low ridge, and by throwing up a small breast- work, we were enabled to hold our position with the loss of but 1 man. Dnring the night the rebels were digging rifle-pits so near that we could hear their conversation, and once they charged upon ns, as if to prevent us from shoveling, but a sharp fire soon convinced them that they would do beiter to let us work. At daylight every one was com- pelled to lie flat upon the ground, and remain in that position until dark. The rebels tried every means in their power to learn our strength, but in vain, as we were ordered to remain perfectly quiet, regardless of their conduct, unless they charged upon us. They exposed themselves to our view in large numbers, and tried to provoke us to fire by throw- ing bullets and shell at us very freely. At dark they began to approach us, and their skirmishers advanced on their hands and knees to within a few yards of our guards, but a volley from the rifles of two regiments satisfied them that they were going too far, and they retired. About 10 p. m. the brigade was relieved from their most wearisome and perilous duty, and ordered to return to camp across the river, where we arrived about 2 oclock the next morning. This being the eighth general engagement in which the Twentyfirst Massachusetts Volunteers has acted an important part during the past year, it is superfluous to state that both officers and men behaved like veterans, and it is but just to add that the reputation won by the Second Brigade, under the gallant and lamented Reno, was worthily sustained at the battle of Fredericksburg. I have the honor, captain, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. CLARK, Colonel Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers. Capt. G. II. MOKIBBIN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Brigade. No. 125. 1i~eport of Capt. Stephen H. Andrews, Thirty-fifth ]Jiassachusetts infantry. NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, December 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor of reporting the action of the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the battle of the 13th, at Fredericksburg, which is most respectfully submitted. At about 1 p. m. formed a line of battle, under comman(l of Mnj.. Sidney Willard, and marched to the front at double-quick, facing heavy firing from the enemys batteries and infantry. Taking our position on the right of the Eleventh New Hampshire Regiment, we engaged the foe until our ammunition ~vas exhausted; at which time gave way for re-enforcements to occupy onr position, taking shelter under the brow of an elevation of the ground, where we remained until about 7 oclock, when, on inq1~iry, we found the rest of our brigad Page 329 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 329 had retired. I then withdrew the regiment from the field, and quar- tered for the night in vacant houses, near the upper pontoon bridges. Our loss was 7 killed, including 1 regimental and 1 company coin- mander, 50 wounded, and 6 missing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN II. ANDLIEWS, Captain, Commanding Thirty-fifth 2lfassachusetts Regiment. Capt. G. II. MOKIBBIN, Assistant Adjutant- General, & cond Brigade. No. 126. Report of Col. Walter Harriman, Eleventh New Hampshire Infantry. FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 15, 1862. GENERAL: The following is the report of the killed, wounded, and missino of the Eleventh ltegiinent New Hampshire Volunteers iii the battle near Fredericksburg yesterday, as well as of the conduct and movements of the regiment during that engagement: The number of killed was 19; number of wounded, 151, and the num- ber of missing, 25. In accordance with orders, the regiment formed a line of battle at 8 oclock in the morning, marched to the lower part of the town, and rested on their arms till 11.30, when we were ordered to move back upon a street running at right angles with the river; and, on taking positiomi on that street, we rested on our arms till 12.30, under a moderate fire from the enemy, and then we were ordered to file right across the railroad and then move forward in line of battle to a position directly in front of the enemys center. This movement the regiment executed, under a most desperate are from the enemys strong fortifications, with heroic bravery and unflinching firmness. Arriving at this position in front, the regi- ment poured an unceasing fire into the enemys works, firing from 60 to 200 cartridges to a man. They fired with great deliberation and coolness, and stood at their posts in an unbroken line till ordered to retire after dark, and then retiring in good order, and carrying off their wounded men from the field. Both officers and men, without distinction, behaved with unrivaled gallantry and courage, showing no disposition for a moment, although under for that long period the most terrific shower of iron hail, to swerve a single hair. I have the honor to, be, your most obedient, WALTEII HARItIMAN, Colonel Eleventh New Hampshire Volunteers. Brig. Gen. E. FERRERO Commanding Second Brigade. No. 127. Report of C~ol. Robert B. Potter, Fifty-first New York Infantry. OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: I beg leave to submit the following report of the operation Page 330 330 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. of this regiment from the time of its departure from this camp, on the 11th instant, until its return this morning: On forming line, we marched to the plateau overlooking Fredericks- burg, where we rested until about 4 P. in., when I received an order, through Major Cutting, from General Burnside, to take my regiment to a point on the river to be indicated, to aid in the construction of a bridge. I got ready immediately; but, meanwhile, the river having been crossed and the bridge coml)leted, the order was countermanded. On the 12th, I crossed the river with the brigade and bivouacked in Fredericksburg. On the 13th, at about 11.30 a. in., I was detached in support of a bat- tery of the regular service, commanded by Lieutenant I)ickensou. The battery got into position oii the left of the railroad, in front of the brick- kilus, and opened fire about 1 p. in., but was compelled to abandou its position in about half an hour, its commanding officer and many of the men having been killed or wounded by the fire of the enemys sharp- shooters, concealed in a ravine in front. My loss was trifling. We held the positiou until ordered to support the rest of the brigade engaged in front of the enemys works in the plain to the right, in rear of the town. I moved across the railroad, by the right~ai~l~,to near the center of the plain, when I flanked to the left, and advanced in line under a terrific fire. On coming up with the brigade, 1 placed niy men in front of the Eleventh ~ew Hampshire Voluiiteers, my left covering a portion of the right of the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, these regiments being out of ammunition. About 4.30, re-enforcements began to arrive, and, as my ammunition was giving out, I received permission to withdraw, but deemed it advisable to wait until dark, when I withdrew with the rest of the brigade. At 8.30 p. in. on the 14th, we returned to the field with the brigade, holding the advance on the right of the railroad, where we remained until 1 a. in. this morning, when relieved. The conduct of the officers and men during all this period deserves the highest commendation. The regiment suffered none in its previous well-earned reputation for gallantry. Capts. 5. 11. Sims and D. F. Wright distinguished themselves for their coolness and bravery. Capt. John Stuart was conspicuous for his activity and daring, although suffering from a painful wound received early iu the action. First Lieutenants Buckley aiid Whitman and Second Lieutenants Butler, Schoonmaker, and Keen were all wounded, an(l deserve mention for their excellent conduct. I am particularly indebted to Maj. It. C. Mitchell and Capt. John G. Wright, my field officers, for their zealous and cheerful assist- ance, as well as for their skill and bravery. I took into action 16 officers and 280 enlisted mcii; 6 officers were wounded, 10 privates were killed, and 53 non-commissione(l officers and privates wounded 5 are missing, most of whom I fear should be reported among the list of casualties, as some of them were seen to fall. I sub- join a hist.* Very respectfully, your obediemit servant, ItOBElIT B. POTTEII, Colonel E~fty-ftrst New York Voluntecrs. Capt. G. H. McKJBBIN, Assistant A~jutant- General, Second Brigade. See revised statemeut, p. 132 Page 331 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 331 No. 128. Report of Brig. Gen. George IV. Getty, U. $. Army, commanding Third Division. llnQns. Thinn DIVISIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Ifalmouth, Va., December 28, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the move- ments of this division, in the engagements with the enemy, from Thurs- (lay mornino the 11th instant, till Tuesday morning, the 16th instant: At 2 oclock on the morning of the 11th instant, the Eighty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, Col. II. S. Fairchild commanding, was placed in position on the river bank, opposite the old steamboat land- ing, to cover the laying of the central pontoon bridge. The engineers met with no opposition at first, and had succeeded in laying two-thirds of the bridge when they were driven from the work by the enemys sharpshooters, who had occupied the buildings on the other side of the river bearing on the bridge. Four several attempts were made, but in each case the workmen were fepulsed with loss. At length Colonel Fairchild received orders from General Burnside to detail 4 officers and 100 men to cross the river in pontoon boats and take possession of the houses, driving out the sharpshooters. This order was most gallantly carried into efi~ct. Captains Hazley, S. L. Judd, F. Burt, and Lient. W. M. Lewis, each iii command of a (letach- mnent of 25 men, occupying each a boat, covered by the fire of the bat- teries and of regiments drawn up in line along the river bank, pnshed hastily across, jumped out, and the next instant were in possession of the disputed buildings. Sixty-four prisoners, among them 4 officers, fell into their hands. The remainder of the sharpshooters beat a hasty retreat. Colonel Fairchild immediately crossed over with the remainder of his gallant regiment in boats, and occupied the city in the vicinity of the bridge. This was accomplished by 4 p. mu., December 11, and the bridge was now soon completed. Equal or greater difficulty had been experienced in laying the bridge at the Lacy house. Nearly 100 men of the Eighth Regiment Connecti- cut Volunteers, under the command of Captain Marsh and Lieutenants Ford and Morgan, volunteered to assist the engineers, at the call of General Woodbury, and succeeded in laying one bay of the bridge, when, having two of their number wounded, they were ordered to retire by Major Spaulding, of the engineers. llawkin8 brigade crossed at the central bridge at 8 p. in., December 11, and occupied the lower part of Fredericksburg, connecting on the right with Howards division, Second Corps. One company from each regiment was thrown forward as a l)icket for the night. The next morim- ing the One hundred and third Regiment New York Volunteers was placed on picket. The right rested on the railroad, where it connected with the pickets of the Second Corps, and the line extended a short distance along the railroad to the first cut, and thence to the left, along the ridge immediately in rear of the railroad at Hazel Creek. Ar 5 p. in., December 12, ilarlands brigade crossed at the central bridge, and was formed in hue in Caroline street, the right resting on the railroa(l. Here arms were stacked, and during the night the troops occupied the houses and inclosures on the river side of the street, o Page 332 332 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXITI. east side. Hawkins brigade stacked arms ill line immediately in front of the Second Brigade in the same street, amid occupied the houses on the opposite side. The Ninth Regiment New York Volunteers and the Fourth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers were thrown forward as l)ickets, and relieved the One hundred and third Regiment New York Volunteers. Early on the morning of December 13 the division was moved to the extreme lower end of Fredericksburg, iear Hazel Creek, where it was massed under cover of the river bank, and remained until late in the afternoon. While in that position the troops suffered considerably by the prema- ture bursting of shells from one of our own batteries on the other side of the riverDiederichs battery, First New York Artillery Battalion. The Tenth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, afterward strength. ened by the Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers, was placed on picket, and relieved the regiments which went on the night before. When the action began on the right, the enemys line of pickets was observed falling back, whereupon Colonel Donohoe, of the Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, advanced his lim~ and occupied the railroad as far as across Hazel Creek and also a small block-house on the other side of the creek, near the railroad. This line was held henceforth until the evacnation of the town. At 5 p. m. orders were received from General Willcox, commanding Ninth Army Corps, to advance by brigade front and charge the enemy. The orders were immediately communicated to the brigade commanders. Colonel Hawkins, First Brigade, was to advance by the right of compa- nies, halt, and reform behind the railroad, and then advance in line to the attack. Colonel Harland, Second Brigade, was to follow in similar formations and support Colonel Hawkins. Just previous to the advance of the First Brigade, Captain Stevens, of my staff, was sent to communicate with the commander of a large body of men on the right front, who, under cover of a ravine, were holding this position close up to the enemys line, in order to inform him of this advance and to request his support. No general officer could be Cound. The men seemed to be broken detachments from many regiments; but finally Major Burns, or Byrnes, was found, who undertook to advance with the First Brigade. He failed to do this, however. Some (lisorder was necessarily occasioned by the irregularities of the ground; never- theless, the First Brigade reached the railroad without any accident, and, forming behind it, advanced to the attack in tolerable order. But it was now dark, and after advancing well up to the enemys line the First Brigade received a severe front and enfilade fire, was thrown into partial confusion, and was obliged to fall back under the cover afforded by a depression of ground and the bed of an old canal. From this posi- tion they were withdrawn and reformed behind the railroad, and fimmal]y stationed for the night in a position in front of the slaughter-house, paraller to Caroline street. The Ninth Regiment New York Volunteers did not participate at all in this attack, being directed by Colonel Hawkins, under some muisconception of orders, to support a battery near the brick-kilns. The Second Brigade advanced iii good order to a position immediately in rear of the line of I)ickets, and protected by the ridge bordering the railroad. In their advance they were exposed to a heavy fire of shell and shrapnel. Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis, Fourth Rhode Island Volunteers, while gall4ntly leading forward and encour- aging his men, was killed. Colonel Harland maintained his positio Page 333 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 333 until morning, when he was withdrawn to his original position in Caro- line street. The picket line was held by the One hundred and third New York Volunteers. On December 14, at 7 p. in., the Sixteenth Connecticut assumed the duty of picketing, and relieved the One hundred and third New York. On December 15, the line was strengthened by the Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers and by 200 Berdan Sharpshooters, who were sent across Hazel Creek to secure our flank. Soon after dark on the 15th, Harlands brigade ~xas moved up in position a little in front of Caroline street, in the lower part of the town, and the position to be occupied by the line of battle in case of an attack on the part of the enemy, indicated. Preparations were made for throwing up intrench- ments and loop-holing the houses for musketry. Soon after, the Sec- ond Brigade was moved across the river into their old camp, the Eighth and Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers being relieved by the Thirteenth New Hampshire Volunteers. The First Brigade followed immediately in rear of the Second, and by 4 a. in. every regiment of the Third Division, Ninth Army Corps, occii- pied its former camp. During these operations, Benjamins battery (E), Second IT. S. Artillery, was placed in battery on the spurs of the heights above Falmouth, where he had a good enfilade fire on the city and works immediately in rear of it. On the 11th, he received orders to fire on the city, which he did. Benjamin, from his position, succeeded in silencing the enemys guns on the right whenever they opened fire, but was unable to damage their works in the center, the distance being too great. On the 16th instant, he was directed by Colonel Hays to shell the stone wall, which was the enemys line of defense. After many of the shots, squads of men could be seen running out from behind it. One of his guns burst at the second discharge. The ammunition projectiles ftirnished were of a miserable quality. Lieutenant Gilliss battery (A), Fifth Artillery, was stationed on the morning of the 11th on the bank of the river to the right of the Lacy house, and, in compliance with orders from Brigadier-General Hunt, chief of artillery, shelled the houses occupied by sharpshooters during the day. The next day he crossed the river and parked in the lower part of Fredericksburg. His battery was not again brought into action, and he recrossed the river and returned to camp on the night of the 15th. The total loss of the division amounted to I officer killed (Lieutenant- Colonel Curtis, commanding Fourth Rhode Island Volunteers, at the head of his regiment), while advancing, by the bursting of a case-shot from one of the enemys batteries; 7 commissioned officers wounded; 12 enlisted men killed; 200 enlisted men wounded; 64 enlisted men missing. Total, 2S4.* Ample preparations for receiving and caring for the wounded were made under the direction of Surg. M. Storrs, medical directol~ of the division and his assistants. Capts. Hazard Stevens and Charles T. Gardner, both of my staff, de- serve especial mention for the prompt and cheerful manner in which, under fire, they communicated my orders to the different commanders. Inclosed herewith will be found the reports of brigade, regimental, and battery commanders. Also a list of the non-commissioned officers and * But see revis& l statement, p. 133 Page 334 334 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. xxxm. privates of the Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers, who gallantly crossed the river in the first boats and drove the enemy from the lower part of the city. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. W. GETTY, Brigadier- General, Corndg. Third Division, Ninth Army Corps. Capt. ROBERT A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 129. Report of & eond Lient. James Gilli8s, Battery A, E~fth U. 3. Artillery. CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG-, VA., December 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the participa. tion of Battery A, Fifth Artillery, in the recent engagement near Fred- ericksburg: Pursuant to orders from Brig. Gen. U. W. Getty, I placed my battery in position on the 11th instant, at 10 a. in., on the bank of the river to the right of the Lacy house, to cover the engineer troops building the bridge at that point. About 11 a. in., by order from Brigadier General Hunt, chief of artillery, I opened fire on the houses of the town occupied by the enemys sharp- shooters, and ceased firing about an hour before sunset. Total number of rounds fired: Shell, 100; solid shot, 96; spherical case, 196. During the latter part of the day the fire of my battery was directed diagonally across the city in the direction in which the enemy were sup- posed to be approaching. After I had ceased firing for the day, the enemy opened fire from several batteries on their line of works in front of me, and continued firing until dark, but, owing to the distance, the majority of their shell burst short. At 7.30 p. m. I left my position and returned to camp. December 12, remained in harness, waiting orders to cross the river. December 13, crossed the river at daylight by orders of Brigadier-U-en- eral Getty, and parked in Fredericksburg, Va., at lower end of town. December 14, in same position, awaiting orders. December 15, in same position, awaiting orders. December 16, recrossed at 11 p. in., and re- turned to division camp. My men were much exposed during the action of the 13th instant, in consequence of the shells fired by Captain Diederichs battery (First New York Artillery Battalion), stationed on the opposite side of the river, bursting s.hort. My only casualties were the wounding of 3 horses slightly, although the infantry near nie lost pretty severely from the cause mentioned above. During the firing of the 11th instant, three elevating screw boxes (brass) were broken. I thinli that it was caused by the straps placed from the cascabel to the elevating screw to preveiit the latter from turning too much at each discharge. None of my officers or men were killed or wounded Page 335 ChAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 335 I have 1)lcasure in remarking that the officers and nien of my com- mand behaved creditably, and in a manner highly satisfactory to me. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES GILLISS, Second Lieutenant Fifth. Artillery., Commanding Batter~/ A. Capt. ChARLES T. GARDNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third ~Division. No. 130. Report of (Jol. Rush C. Hawkins, Ninth New York Infantry, commanding First Brigade. IN CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 19, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honon to report that, on the evening of the 10th instant, I received orders to send a regiment to support the engi- neers, who were to commence laying the bridges across the river, oppo- site the town of Fredericksburg, early the next morning. The Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers was ordered for that duty. The regiment took up its position about 2 oclock oii the morning of the 11th instant, where it remained, receiving and returning the fire of the enemy from the opposite side of the river, until about 4 oclock that afternoon. At that time General Buruside gave orders for a detail of 100 men from the regiment to cross the river in bateaux, for the pur- pose of dislodging the enemy on the opposite side, who were in rifle- pits and houses. The detail was made and placed under the charge of Capts. J. Hazley, S. L. Judd, arid F. Burt, and Lient. W. 11. Lewis. The whole party immediately embarked in four bateaux, and, under a heavy fire of musketry, pushed across and landed upon the opposite. shore, where they captured 64 l)risoners, including 4 commissioned offi- cers. A short time after, the balance of the regiment was sent ~ross in the bateaux, when the two (letachnilents were joined together, and l)roceede(l to the main street of the city, threw out pickets, and biv- ouacked for the night. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the ofticer-s and men who so gallantly crossed the river. It was owing to this daring and bold- ness that our engineers were enabled to complete the i)ridge, which they had been at work upon since 3 a. in., and I trust that favorable mention will be made of this occurrence, so it may be known for all time to come who it was that performed one of the most daring exploits of the war. The brigade, after waiting all the day of the 11th instant under arms, expecting to cross the river, received the order about 5 p. m. to return to camp. We obeyed this order, and had been in camp about fifteen minutes when we received another order to cross the river. We accord- ingly got under arms, and about 9 p. in. had arrived in the city of Fred- ericksburg, taking possession of the lower part of the town, and then l)roceeded to throw out pickets, which connected with General Ilowards line on the right. Nothing of importance occurred, and no duty was performed other than that of picketing in front of our lines and doing guard and patrol duty in town, until about 5 p. m. of the 13th, when the whole brigade was ordered into action. My brigade ~as ordered to attack the righ Page 336 336 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. center of the enemys line of works. Joining on the left of General Couchs line, the brigade commenced to move toward the point of at- tack, and, when about a third of the way, a halt was made at tlie rail- road cut, where the brigade was formed, and a new start taken. By this time it had become quite dark; in fact, so much so that we could not see 100 yards before us. But still the order was given to move forward, when the whole brigade moved on, passing a deep, wide mud slough and a deep canal cut. When the brigade arrived at this cut it received an enfilading fire from the enemys artillery and infantry; but, notwithstanding, the plateau on the other side was gained, the left of the line advancing till within about 10 yards of a stone wall, behind which a heavy infantry force of the enemy was concealed, which opened an increased artillery and infantry fire, and, in addition to this, the bri- gade received the fire of the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers and Twentieth Maine Volunteers, who were on the left of General Couchs line, which our right had overlapped. This firing from all parties and from all directions, I should think, lasted about seven minutes, when I succeeded in stopping it, and then discovered that the greatest con- fusion existed. Everybody, from the smallest drummer boy vp, seemed to be shouting to the full extent of his capacity. After considera- ble exertion, comparative quiet and order were resi~ored~, and the com- mand reformed along the bank of the canal cut. I then reported to you for farther orders, and you ordered the com- mand withdrawn and placed in its former position iu the town, which was done. Owing to my misapprehension of your orders the Ninth New York Volunteers was ordered to the support of a battery, and did not participate in the advance made by the brigade. The brigade remained at Fredericksburg until the night of the 15th instant, when it returned to the former camps on this side of the river. Before closing my report, I think it my duty to say that the brigade did as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Even with experienced troops and well-concerted measures, there will be more or less confusion incident to an advance in the dark, and when the nature of the ground is taken into consideration, and likewise that two-thirds of the men had never been under fire, they are certainly deserving of commendation for having behaved as well as they did. Our loss in the brigade amounted to 12 killed, 177 wounded, and 54 missing. A complete list * is herewith inclosed. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, RUSH C. HAWKINS, Colonel Ninth New York T~oluntcers, Gomdg. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. GETTY, Commanding Third Division, Ninth Army Corps. No. 131. Report of Cot. ]Jfichael T. Donohoc, Tenth New Hampshire Infantry. OPPOsiTE FREDERICKSBURG VA., December 17, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken in the action of the 13th instant by this regiment: On Saturday morning, 13th, I was ordered to take my regiment to the * But see revised statement, p. 133 Page 337 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FIIEDERICKSBURG, VA. 337 front and relieve the Ninth New York Volunteers, who were then on picket on the left of our line, and directly opposite the burnt railroad bridge. This was done very quietly, and without the knowledge of the enemy, it being very foggy. I received orders about 9 oclock to return with the regiment to our place in the brigade, being relieved by the Second Delaware. Just as we were ready to march, another order arrived, which obliged me to place the regiment on picket again. During this time we had not fired a shot, though the enemys pickets kept up a constant fire, and 2 of our men were wounded. Colonel Stedman, Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers, reported to me with 500 men, and we strengthened our line of pickets. At about 10.15 oclock, firing was heard on our right, and soon I discovered the enemys pickets retiring. I ordered oar line to follow, which they did, and occupied the block- house on the crest of the opposite hill on our left, and the railroad on our right. In this position the regiment remained till nearly dark, when orders were received from you to prepare for a charge. The regiment did not move forward at the moment the balance of the brigade did on the left, owing to my waiting to have the Ninth New York take its place on the right. I soon moved, however, without the Ninth New York, and proceeded to the railroad grade, where a regiment was lying down. Some delay was caused by this; but as soon as they were crossed, the men moved on very well, though somewhat crowded from the left. Upon arriving at a little creek or ditch, the enemys fire was severe, and checked our progress and created confusion. After some minutes, I succeeded in forming a portion of the line again, and crossed a fence, and found a number of the Thirteenth New Hampshire and Twenty-fifth New Jersey there. I proposed to the commanders that we should move on, but a fire from troops in our rear caused me to change my mind, and, facing the regiment about, I marched back to where we started from, having had 29 men and 3 officers wounded and probably 6 men killed.* I cannot close this report without making a remark relative to the general conduct of the regiment. Under the circumstances, I feel that they did well, having never been under fire before, and being witness to many ineffectual attempts of both new and old troops to break the enemys lines, and seeing the immense destruction of men, which would naturally disconcert new troops. The officers, with a solitary exception, did very well. Hoping sincerely that the next time the Tenth is called upon they will profit by this their first experience, and, in common with the rest of our army, succeed in driving and routing the enemy, I subscribe myself your very obedient servant, MICHAEL T. DONOHOE, Colonel Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers. Col. B. C. HAWKINS, Commanding First Brigade. No. 132. Reports of Col. Aaron F. & evens, Thirteenth New Hampshire infantry. OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor t~ report that the regiment under my com- mand crossed the river, with the brigade, on the evening of Thursday, But see revised statement, p. 133. 22 R RVOL XX Page 338 338 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXIII. 11th instant, and rested on its arms during the night in street, Company B, Captain Dodge, and Company G, Lieutenant Forbush, being detailed for and acting as picket. Friday we remained inactive. Saturday morning we moved down to the bank of the river, to the left of the city, where we remained with the brigade until about sun- set, when we moved, under orders, to attack the batteries on the heights back of the city. My regiment followed the Twenty.fifth New Jersey across the railroad; but, in advancing along a morass, through which the left of the line was required to pass, the left wing of the Twenty. fifth New Jersey was by some means broken, and my left wing took the advance at that point, thus leaving my left in advance and my right in rear. In this manner the regiment moved to the attack, and proceeded (it being now quite dark) across an old ditch or rifle-pit. Just as we reached the plateau beyond the ditch, a severe fire of musketry, shot, and shell was opened from the enemy, at a distance of from 10 to 20 yards. The fire forced the troops in advance back upon those in the rear, and my line was forced back into the ditch, from which a fire was kept up upon the enemy until we retired and reformed our line in rear of the hill in excellent order. The rapidity of the advance from the city, the distance, darkness, the nature of the ground, and the crossing of the line of the Twenty-fifth New Jersey by my left wing produced some confusion, and necessarily cut my line; yet the men and officers advanced firmly and steadily to the charge, and retired only in the face of a fire which, during the whole day, had successfully repulsed the desperate bravery of veteran troops. Monday, the 15th, at dark, my regiment proceeded, under orders, to relieve the Eighth and Sixteenth Connecticut Regiments, doing picket duty along the Line of the railroad, and to the left of the block-house. We remained there until relieved the next morning about 2.30 oclock, when we formed and recrossed the river, reaching our former encampment about 4 a. m. I have had the honor to furnish you heretofore a list of casualties.* I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. STEVENS, Colonel, Comdg. Thirteenth Regiment New hampshire Vols. Col. B. C. HAWKINS, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Ninth Army Corps. OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, VA., December 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the operations of the regiment under my command since their departure from Camp Casey, near Fair- fax Seminary, Va., including the battle of Fredericksburg, on the 13th instant. My regiment moved from Camp Casey, on the 1st instant, with the First Brigade of Caseys division, consisting of the Fifteenth Connecticut, Thirteenth New Hampshire, Twelfth Rhode Island, and Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh New Jersey Volunteers, under command of the senior colonel, Dexter B. Wright, of the Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers. The first day we reached Uniontown, some 2 miles southerly from Washington City. We encamped the second day near Piscataway, and Embodied in revise.l 8t~temeut, j~. 133 Page 339 CHAP. XXXIII] BATTLE OF FREDERR~KSBURG, VA. 339 the third day, about 6 miles northerly from Port Tobacco. We passed Port Tobacco about noon of the fourth day, and encamped for the night some 6 miles west of that place. The fifth day, in the midst of a cold and violent snow-storm, we encamped about 1~ miles from Liverpool Point, or Bluebank, as it is sometimes called, a point on the Potomac nearly opposite Aquia Creek. Ou the morning of the sixth day we broke camp and marched to Bluebank, where we were detained some eight hours, awaiting transportation; the soldiers during that time being exposed to a keen, cold, and piercing wind, which swept down the river and across the plateau where they were halted. My regiment was ferried across the Potomac about 6 oclock Saturday evening. The weather was extremely cold, and the men suffered much from its severity. From Aquia Creek, where we landed, we marched about 2 miles, and encamped in a ravine well sheltered from the north. erly winds, but filled with snow. The baggage of the field and staff offi- cers, including their blankets, mess-chests, eatables, & c., was, through the inefficiency and neglect of the transportation officials, left on the Maryland side of the river, and, notwithstanding the faithful exertions of brigade and regimental quartermasters, was detained from us nearly two days. Consequently we were without blankets or shelter for two nights of int~nse cold weather. The result in my own case was an attack of illness, from which I have not yet recovered, though I have had the good fortune thus far to be able to be on duty. I was, however, only a sufferer in common with others. In this encampment we re- mained until the next Tuesday afternoon, when we moved to this point, reaching here Wednesday afternoon. Our brigade was then broken up, and my regiment was assigned to the First Brigade (Colonel Hawkins), Third Division (Brigadier-General Getty), Ninth Army Corps (Briga- dier-General Willcox), in Major-General Sumners right grand division. This brigade is composed of the Ninth (Hawkins Zouaves), Eighty- ninth and One hundred and third New York, Tenth and Thirteenth eNew Hampshire, and Twenty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers. On Wednesday evening, we received orders to be ready to move the next morning. Thursday, we were in line all day, ready and waiting orders to move, and listening silently to the he~ivy cannonading and sharp musketry, principally on our right, or watching the smoke rising from the burning buildings of Fredericksburg, directly in our front. Just after dark we moved to the river, and crossed without opposition the pontoon bridge near the lower end of the city. My regiment took up its position for the night in Caroline street, one of the principal streets of the city, and threw out two companies, Company B, Captain Dodge, and Company E, Captain Julian, as pickets, toward the enemy. This position we occupied until Saturday morning, the two companies on picket duty being relieved by Company C, Captain Bradley, and Company G, Lieutenant Forbush, commanding. At an early hour on Saturday morning, the eventful and disastrous day of the battle, we took up our position with the brigade, under the hill, on the bank of the river, just below the bridge, which we crossed on Thursday night. Here we remained under arms the entire day, our position being about a mile distant from the line of the enemys bat- teries. Occasionally during the day fragments of shell from his guns reached us or passed over us, falling in the river and beyond, and doing but little damage. One of our own guns, however, on the opposite bank of the river, which threw shells over us toward the enemy, was so un- fortunately handled as to 1411 2 men and wound several others in our brigade Page 340 340 OPERATIONS IN N. VA~, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXIII. After what Your Excellency has read and heard concerning the battle of Fredericksburg, I need not say to you that the fierceness of the fight during that long, bloody, and disastrous day exceeds any description of which my pen is capable. As yet all the accounts which I have seen or read from Union or rebel sources approach not in delineation the truthful and terrible panorama of that bloody day. Twice during the day I rode np Caroline street to the center of the city, toward the point where our brave legions were struggling against the terrible combinations of the enemys artillery and infantry, whose unremitting fire shook the earth and filled the plain in rear of the city with the deadly missiles of war. I saw the struggling hosts of freedom stretched along the plain, their ranks plowed by the merciless fire of the foe; I saw the dead and wounded, among them some of New Hampshires gallant sons, borne back on the shoulders of their comrades in battle and laid tenderly down in the hospitals pre- pared for their reception in the houses on either side of the street, as far as human habitations extended; I listened to the roar of lc~attle and groans of the wounded and dying; I saw in the crowded hospitals the desolation of war; but I heard from our brave soldiers no note of triumph, no word of encouragement, ho syllable of hope that for us a field was to be won. In the stubborn, unyielding resistance pf the enemy, I could see no point of pressure likely to yield to the repeated assaults of our brave soldiers, and so I returned to my command to wait pa- tiently for the hour when we might be called to share in the duty and danger of our brave brethren engaged in the contest. By stepping forward to the brow of the hill which covered us, a dis- tance of 10 yards, we were in full view of the rebel strongholdthe bat- teries along the crest of the ridge called Stansbury Hill, and skirting Hazel Run. For three-quarters of an hour before we were ordered into action, I stood in front of my regiment, on the brow of the hill, and watched the fire of the rebel batteries, as they poured shot and shell from sixteen different points upon our devoted men on the plains below. It. was a sight magnificently terrible. Every discharge of the enemys artillery and every explosion of his shells were visible in the dusky twi- light of that smoke-cxowned hill. There his direct and enfilading bat- teries, with the vividness, intensity, and almost the rapidity of lightning, hurled the messengers of death in the midst of our brave ranks, vainly struggling through the murderous fire to gain the hills and the guns of the enemy. Nor was it any straggling or ill-directed fire. The ar- rangement of the enemys guns was such that they could pour their concentrated and incessant fire upon any point occupied by our assail- ing troops, and all of them were plied with the greatest skill and ani- mation. During all this time the rattle of musketry was incessant. About sunset there was a pause in the cannonading and musketry, and orders came for our brigade to fall in. Silently, but unflinchingly, the men moved out from under their cover, and when they reached the ground quickened their pace to a run. As the head of the column came in sight of the enemy, at a distance of about three-quarters of a mile from their batteries, when close to the slaughter-house, it was saluted with a shower of shell from the enemys guns on the crest of the hill. It moved on by the flank, down the hill into the plain beyond, crossing a small stream which passes through the city and empties into Hazel Run, then over another hill to the line of railroad. We moved at so rapid a pace that many of the men relieved themselves of their blankets and haversacks, and, in some instances, their greatcoats, which, in most cases, were lost. By countermardi we extended our line along the rail Page 341 CHAP. XXXIII.] BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. 341 road, the right resting toward the city and the left near Hazel Run. In the formation of the column, the Twenty-fifth New Jersey had pre- ceded my regiment, and at this point their line covered my front. As we passed the brow of the hill, and moved down onto the line of the railroad, the enemy opened fire upon ns from his batteries with renewed vigor. At the same time our batteries, in the rear, were answering his, and the heavens were illuminated with exploding shells from front and. rear. Having extended our lines along the line of the railroad, the Twenty-fifth New Jersey took the shelter afforded by the right embank- ment of the railroad, and my men the partial cover afforded by the left em- bankment. It was for a moment only. The words,Forward, charge,~~ ran along the lines; the men sprang forward, and moved at a run; crossed the railroad, into a low muddy swamp on the left, which reaches down to Hazel Run, the right moving over higher and less muddy ground, all the time the batteries of the enemy concentrating their ter- rible fire, and pouring it upon the advancing lines. Suddenly the can- nonading and musketry of the enemy ceased; the shonts of our men also were hushed, and nothing was heard along the line save the com- mand, Forward, men, steady, close up. In this manner we continued to advance in the direction of the enemys batteries. I moved on the right of the regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Bowers in the center, and Major Storer on the left. Froffi some cause the left wing of the Twenty- fifth New Jersey separated from the right, and the left of my line passed forward and took the advance, the right of the Twenty-fifth still having the advance of my right. In this way we moved forward until within about 20 yards of the celebrated stone wall at the foot of the hill, on the crest of which, ac- cording to rebel accounts, was placed the well-known Washington bat- teries. I do not speak at random of our position; I verified it by sub- sequent observation, and by the report of a brave and intelligent sol- dier sent by myself on the Thursday following the battle with our burial party, and who assisted in performing the last rite npon some of our dead who lay there. I am proud to say that the regiment which I had the honor to com- mand,in connection with the right wing of the Twenty-fifth New Jer- sey, gained a point much nearer the stone wall and the rebel guns than any of our forces during that unfortunate day, and that the officers and men advanced firmly, though rapidly, to the attack, and were with- drawn only in the face of a fire which, during the whole day, had suc- cessfully repulsed the desperate bravery of chosen and veteran troops. Before we reached the point of which I have been speaking, we came to an irregular ravine or gully, into which, in the darkness of the night, the lines plunged, but immediately gained the opposite side, and were advancing along the level ground toward the stone wall. Behind that wall, and in rifle-pits on its flanks, were posted the enemys infantry, according to their statements four ranks deep, and on the hill, a few yards above, lay, in ominous silence, their death-dealing artillery. It was while we were moving steadily forward that, with one startling crash with one simultaneous sheet of fire and flamethey hurled on our advancing lines the whole terrible force of their infantry and artillery. The powder from their musketry burned in our very faces, and the breath of their artillery was hot upon our cheeks. The leaden rain and iron hail in an instant forced back the advancing lines upon those who were close to them in the rear, and, before the men could be rallied to renew the charge, the lines had been hurled back by the irresistible fire of the enemy to the cover of the ravine or gully which they had jus Page 342 342 OPERATIONS IN N. VK, W. VA., MD., AND PK [CHAP. XXXIII. passed. The enemy swept the ground with his guns, killing and wound- ing many, our men in the mean time keeping up a spirited fire upon the unseen foe. The firing at last gradually slackened, and, as no further orders came to us, I withdrew my regiment, with others, and reformed it deliber- ately some few rods in the rear, taking with us such of our wounded as we could find on the field. We remained some half hour, until we re- ceived orders to fall back to the town, which was quietly accomplished without further loss. On our return, we halted at the railroad, and found that our wounded, under the care of Assistant Surgeon Sullivan, assisted by Chaplain Jones and the members of the band, had been removed, and placed under the shelter of the hill, in rear of the railroad. They were, as soon as possible, removed to the hospitals in the city and properly cared for. In looking back and reviewing the scenes of that memorable day, I am happy to assure Your Excellency that I have no reason to feel otherwise than proud of the conduct of the officers and soldiers of my command. I know of no officer present on the field who did not come up manfully and bravely to the duty with which he was charged. The men, with one or two exceptions, behaved admirably, not one leaving the field, though stricken with a fire so terrible and sudden. I desire to refer particularly to Lieutenant-Colonel Bowers and Major Storer in terms of commendation for their intrepidity and coolness