The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-12-20

1O1 prisoners VINO were safely landed on
this side
At balf-past four two bridges were FIN
ished opposite the city. when the troops
Immediately began to cross over. The en-
emy were driven from the city back to their
line of works.
The two bridges in front Of Gen. Frank
lin were successfully laid early in the day.
but his troops did not cross until the two
upper ones were ready.
The rebels fred but two guns in the
morning, and none in the afternoon, al
though their works were in easy range.
During the forenoon. the rebels burnt
a railroad bridge outside the city.
Between thirty and forty houses were
burnt in the business part of the city.
During the day. between 5000 and
5000 rounds of ammunition were fred by
our artillery.
Everything is quiet tonight, but the in
dications are that battle will be fought
tomorrow.
THE BATTLE.
The 18th was occupied in crossing the
river, and with some unimportant skirmish-
es.
| HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC,l
Dec. 13-4P. N.
The fog began to disappear early in the
forenoon affording an unobstructed view of
our own and the rebel position. 1t being
evident that the first ridge of hills in the rear
of the city in which the enemy had guns
posted behind the works which could not be
carried except by an infantry charge, Gen.
Sumner assigned that duty to Gen. French's
division, which, supported by Gen Towards
troops advanced to their work at ten minutes
past twelve, at a brisk run; the enemy's
guns opened on them a very rapid fire. When
within musket range at the base of the ridge
our troops were met by terrible fire from
the rebel infantry which we're posted behind
stone wall and some houses on the right
of our line.
This checked the advance of our men, and
they fell back to small ravine, but not out
of musket range. At this time another
body of men went to their assistance in
splendid style.
Notwithstanding large gaps were made in
their ranks by rebel artillery, when our
troops arrived at the first line Of rebel de-
lenses, they double-quicked, and with fixed
bayonets endeavored to dislodge the reb-
els from their hiding places.
|
and infantry which our men were forced to
face was too much for them, and they gave
way in disorder, but afterwards were rallied
and brought back. From that time. the
firing was carried on, and never ceased I'M
til after dark.
Gen. Franklin, who commanded the at
tack on the left, met with better scucess. He
succeeded after hard days fight, in driving
the rebels about one mile. At one time, the
rebels advanced to attack him, but were
handsomely repulsed with terrible slaughter,
and loss of four or FIVE hundred prisoners,
belonging to Gen. A. p. Hill's division.
Gen. Franklin's movement was directed
down the river, and his troops are eneamped
tonight not far from Massaponax Greek.
Our troops sleep tonight where they
fought to-day. The dead and wounded are
being carried from the field
Among the officers killed and wounded
are the following
Gen. Jackson, of the Pennsylvania Re
serves, killed.
Gen. Bayard. struck 10 tie thigh with a
piece of shell; afterwards died.
Gen. Vihton, wounded in the side; not
seriously.
Gen. Gibbon, wounded in the hand
Gen. Kimball, wounded in the thigh.
Gen. Caldwell, wounded in two places;
not seriously.
Col. Sinclair. Pennsylvania Reserves,
wounded seriously.
Capt. Hendrickson, commanding the 9th
New York, wounded.
Col. Cross of the 9th New Hampshire,
wounded. The Major and Adiutanl of the
same regiment were killed.
Musketrv firing ceased about 6 O'Clock,
but the rebels continued throwing shell into
the city until eight. The rebel position was
as follows:
Longstreet on their left, holding the main
works. Gen. A. P. Hill and Stonewall
Jackson in front of General Frank in-Jack-
sons right resting on the Rappahannock,
with HILLS forces acting as reserve.
Burnside viii renew the battle at daylight
In the morning. Our troops are in good
spirits.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF PoToMAc,l
December IA.
There is no fog to-day. the sun shining
brightly, with a strong breeze.
At daylight this morning there was a
heavy fire OF artillery and infantry in front
Of the first line of works, where Gems. Sum
! Her anu hooker were engaged yesterday.
| The fire stopped an hour afterward, and was
heard only at intervals until now. Some
occurred in front of Gen. Franklin's divis-
ion down the river. The object of both par
ties was evidently to feel the other. During
last night and this forenoon the rebels have
considerably extended their works and
strengthened their positions, and large bodies
of troops are to be seen now where but few
were to be seen yesterday. The killed yes
terday, while charging the enemy's works,
remain where they fell. When attempting
their removal, last night, the rebels opened