Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-12-22
General Lees ORicial Report of the Bnt-
tie of Fredericksburg.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December II 1862

HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December II, 1852
To the Hon. Secretary Of Var, Richmond:
SIR:-On the night Of the 10th inst. the
enemy commenced to throw two bridges
over the Rappahannock, above Fredericks-
burg, and the third about mile and quar-
ter below, near the mouth Of Deep Run. The
plain on which fredericksburg stands is
so completely commanded by the hills of
Stafford in possession Of the enemy, that no
effectual opposition could be offered to the
construction Of the bridges or the passage
Of the river without exposing our troops
to the destructive fire of his numerous bat
teries. Positions were, therefore, select
ed to oppose his advance after crossing
The narrowness Of the Rappahannock, its
winding course and deep bed, afforded op-
portunity for the construction Of bridges
at points beyond the reach of our artillery,
and the banks had to be watched by skir-
mishers. The latter5sheltering themselves
behind the houses, drove back the working
parties Of the enemy at the bridges oppo-
site the city, but at the lowest point Of
crossing, where no shelter could be had,
our sharpshooters were themselves driven
off, and the completion of the bridges was
effected about noon on the 11th.
On the afternoon ofthat day the enemy's
batteries opened on the city, and by dark
had so demolished the houses on the river
bank as to deprive our skirmishers Of
shelter, and under cover of his guns he ef-
fected lodgment in the town. The troops
which had so gallantly held the position
in the city under the severe cannonade
during the day, resisting the advance of
the enemy at every step, were Withdrawn
during the night, as we're also those who,
with equal tenacity, had maintained their
post at the lowest bridge.
Under cover of darkness and of q dense
fog on the 18th, large force passed the
river and took position on the right bank,
protected by their heavy guns on the left.
On the morning of the 18th, his arrange
ments for attack being completed, about
o'clock, the movement yelled by fog, he
advanced boldly in large force against our
right wing. Gen. Jsckson's corps oecu-
pied the right Of our line, which rested on
the railroad; Gen. Longstreets the left,
extending along the heights to the Rap
pahannock, above Fredericksburgh. Gen.
Stuart, with two brigades of cavalry was
posted on the extensive plain on our ex-
treme right. As soon as the advance of
trTe -eHeLuy WIS discovered through the fog,
Gen Stuart, with his accustomed prompt
ness, moved up q section of his horse ar
tillery which oponed with effect upon his
flank, and drew upon the gallant Pelham
heavy fire, which he sustained unfinch-
ingly for about two hours.
In the meantime the enemy was fercely
encountered by Gen A. P Hills Division,
forming Gen. Jackson's right, and after
an obstinate combat repulsed. During
this attack, which was protracted and hot
ly contested, two of Gen. Hills brigadiers
we're driven back upon our second line,
Gen. Early, with part Of his Division, |
being ordered to his support, drove the en-
emy back from the point of woods he had
seized, and pursued him into the plain IN
til arrested by his artillery. The right of
the enemy's column extending beyond
Hills front, encountered the right of Gen.
Hood, Of Longstreets Corps. The enemy
took possession of a small copse in front Of
Hood, but were quickly dispossessed and
repulsed with loss.
During the attack on our right the en-
emy was crossing troops over his bridges
at Fredericksburgh and massing them in
front Of Longstreets line. Soon after his
repulse on our right, he commenced q
series Of attacks on our left with view of
obtaining possession of the Heights i'm
mediatley overlooking the town. These
repeated attacks were repulsed in gallant
style by the Washington Artillery, under
Col. Walton, and a portion of McLaW's
Division, which occupied these heights
The last assault was made after dark
nh Gnl 4 A1ownnIa,.fu hoF bol
lieved the Washington Arti lery, whose
ammunition had been exhausted, and end
ed the contest for the day. The enemy
was supported in his attacks by the fire
Of strong batteries of artillery on the
right bank Of the river, as well as the
numerous heavy batteries On the Stafford
Heights.
Our loss during the operations since the
movements of the enemy began amounts
to about l, 800 killed and wounded. Among
the patriotic soldier and statesman, Brig.
our left; among the latter, that brave
soldier and accomplished gentleman, Brig.
General Maxoy Gregg, who was very seri-
ously, and, it is feared, mortally wound
ed during the attack on our right. The
enemy to-day has been apparently engag-
ed in caring for his wounded and burying
his dead.
His troops are visible in their first posi-
tion, in line of battle, but with the excep-
ton of some desultory cannonading and
firing between skirmishers, he has not at
tempted to renew the attack. About FIVE
hundred and fifty prisoners were taken
during the engagement, but the full extent
of his loss is unknown. have the honor
to be, very respectfully, your Obedient SER
want
(Signed,) R. E. LEE, General.
Ofieiai-C. MARSHALL, Major and Aid-de-Camp.