Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-12-25

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VA,
18th December, 1862.
| The Honorable Secretary of War, Richmond, Va
Sir On the night of the 10th inst the enemy COM
menced throw three bridges the RappahaDnock
two at Fredericksburg and the third about mile
and quarter below, near the mouth of Deep Run.
The plain on which Fredericksburg stands is COM
petey commanded by the hills of Stafford, in posses
sion OF the enemy that efectual opposition could be
offered to the construction of the bridges or the passage
of tie river without exposing troops TO the des-
tructive FIRE of his batteries. Positions were,
therefore, selected to oppose his advance after crossing
The narrowRess Of the Rappahannock, its winding
course and deep bed afforded opportunity for the
structon OF bridges at points beyond the reach of our
artillery and the banks had to be watched ~ skirms
The natter sheltering themselves behi The houses
drove back the working parties of the enemy at the
bridges opposite the city but at the lowest point of
crossing, where no seier could be had our sharp
shooters themselves driven of aud the completion
of the bridge was effected about noon On the 18th.
10 the AFTERNOON of that day the enemys batteries
opened upon the city, and by dark bad demolished
the houses on the river bank to deprive Skin
mishers OF Sutherland, under cover of his gu g. he
effected Judgment in the town
The troops which had so CALAMITY held their position
10 the city under the cannonade during the day.
resisting the advance of the enemy at every step, were
withdrawn during the night, were also those who
with equal enacity had maintained their pest at the
lowest bridge. Under Of darkness and of dense
fog, the 18TH large force passed the river and took
position the right bank, protected by their heavy
guns the left.
The morning of the 18th, his arrangements for attack
being completed, about, oclOck-the movement yelled
by tog-he advanced boldly in large force against our
right wing. Gen. Jacksons corps occupied the right
of our ine which rested on the railroad Gen. Long
streets the elt extending along the heights the Rap
pahannOck above Fredericksburg. Gen. Stuart, with
two brigades of cavalry posted in the extensive
plain On our extreme right
As soon as the advance Of the enemy was discovered
through the fog, Gen. Stuart, with bis accustomed
promp ness moved up section of his horse artillery
which opened with effect upon bis flank and drew upon
the gallant Pelham, heavy fire, which he sustained
uDGnchngly for about two hours. In TIE meantime
the enemy fercely encountered by Gen. 4. 2
Hills Division, forming Gen. JacksOn's right, and, af-
ter obstinate combat, reE used During this attack,
which protracted ard holly contested, two of Gen.
Hills brl3ades were driven back upon our second
lin
Gen. Early, with part OF bis division being ordered
to his support drove the enemy back from the point of
woods he had seized and pursued h into the plain un
Ill arrested by his artillery. The right of the enemy
cOlumn extending beyond Fl ills front encountered the
right OF Gen Hood, of Longstreets corps The enemy
took possession Of small cope in front of Hood but
were quickly dispossessed and repulsed with loss.
During the attack our right the enemy cross
ing troops his bridges at Fredericksburg and mass
ing them in front Of L0ngstreets line Soon after bis
repulse On our right he commenced series Ct attacks
our left with view OF obtaining possession of the
heights Immediately overlooking the town. these re-
peated attacks were repuIsed in gallant style by the
Washington Artillery, under Col. w alton, and a: per-
ton OF McEaws division, which occupied these heights
The las assault made after dark, when Colonel
Alexanders Battalion had relieved the Washington
Artillery (whose ammunition bad been exhaustedl and
ended the contest for the day. The enemy was support
ed in bis attacks by the fire of strong batteries of arti
ery on the right bank Of the river, we'll as by bis
numerous heavy batteries the Stafford heights.
Our oss during the operations since the movements
OF the enemy began amounts to about eighteen hun.
dred killed and wounded. Among the former 1 regret
report the death of the patriotic soldier and states
man, Brigadier General Thomas r. r. Cobb, who fell
upon left and among the latter tibet brave soldier
and accomplished gentleman, Brigadier General Maxcy
Gregg, who very seriously and it is feared NOR
tally wounded during the attack on our right.
The eneuy to-day, has been apparently engaged in
caring for bis wounded and burying his dead. His
troops visible in their first position in line of BATTLE
but with the exception of desultory cannonadipg
and firing between skirmishers be has not attempted to
the attack. About five hundred and fifty prison
ers were taken during the engagement but the full ex
tent of his loss ia unknown.
| have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Your Ob't servant,
R. f. LEE, General
M,pc Moi nd A ~