Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-17
The Great Battle !!
CAPTURE OF FREDERICKSBURG /!
ADVANCE OF GEN. BURNSIDE :.
The Rebels Driven Back-Capture of
400 to 500 Rebel Prisoners.

sides crossed the Rappahannock and captur-
| afternoon I76 cannons we're placed in position,
and opened fire on the city.
The fire was terrible, but the rebel sharp
shooters could not be driven from their hi
ding place. The shot and shell went crashing
| through the houses, in many cases setting
them on fire, causing dense smoke, together
with the explosion of SO large quantity of
powder, almost hid the city from view. 1t
| soon became evident that the bridges could
not be built except by bold dash.
| Volunteers were called for to cross in small
boats. The order was no sooner given than
hundreds of braves stepped forward, but all
could not go.
About one hundred we're selected they
| were soon on their way, while the artillery
threw perfect storm of iron hail on the op-
| posite bank. They reached the opposite shore,
they rushed upon the enemy, killing several
and taking hundred and one prisoners, who
were safely landed on this side.
At half past, four, two bridges were finished
opposite the city, when the troops immediate
ly began to cross over. The enemy were soon
driven from the city back to their line of
| works. The two bridges in front OF General
Franklin were successfully laid early in the
day, but his troops lid not cross until the two
| upper ones were ready.
The rebels burnt the railroad bridge just out
side OF the city. Between thirty and forty
heuses were burnt, mostly in the business part
of the city.
On Friday no fighting took place. Troops,
however, were moved across the River in as
great force possible.
On Saturday morning at 10 O'Clock the fog
| began TO rise, affording unobstructive view
of our own and the cnemy's position.
1t being evident that the first ridge of hills
| in the rear of the city, on which the enemy
had his guns posted behind earthworks. could
not be carried except by charge of infantry.
Gen. Sumner assigned that duty to Gen.
French's division. supported by Gen. How
| ards. The troops advanced to the works at
run. The enemy's guns opened rapid fire
| upon them. When within mnsket range of
the base of the ridge they were met by ter
| rible fire from the rebel infantry, who were
| posted behind a stone wall aud some houses
on the right of the line. This checked their
advance, and they fell back to small ravine,
but not out of musket range.
! At this time another body of troops moved
| to their assistance IN splendid style, notwith-
| standing the gaps made in their ranks by fhe
| fire of the rebel artillery. When they arrived
| at the first line they advanced on double quick
| time, and with command of fixed bayonets
| endeavored to dislodge the the rebels from
their hiding places.
The concentrated fire Of artillery and infan-
try which they were forced to face was too
much, and the centre gave way in disorder,
but were afterwards rallied and brought back.
From this time the firing was spirtedly con
| timed, and never ceased until sometime afrer
darkness set in tLis evening.
Gen. Franklin who commanded the attack
on the left, met with better success. He sue.
ceeded after hard days fighting in driving
the enemy about one mile.
At one time the rebels advanced to attack,
but they were handsomely repulsed with terri.
BILE slaughter, and loss of between four and
five hundred prisoners belonging to Gen A. p
Hills command. General FrankIin's move
ment was directed down the river, and his
troops are encamped tonight not far from the
Massaponax creek. Our troops sleep to- night
where they fought to-day. The dead and
wounded are being carried from the field of
battle tonight.
The following is list Of officers killed and |
wounded as known: General Jackso OF the |
Pennsylvania Reserves, was killed. General
Bayard was struck in the thigh by shell and |
afterwards died. General Winton was wounded |
ih the side but not seriously. Gen Gibbons |
was wounded in the hand. Gen Caldwell was |
wounded in two places, but not seriously. Col. |
Sinclair, of Pennsylvania, was dangerously