New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-12-17
The Condition OF the Army Of the Potomac
Amer Saturdays Hattie.
from Our spcol.l Correspondent

From Our specisl Correspondent
FKKpERIcgsBURG Dee. H. i862-ll 2. N.
I,is no pleasant task to cool ardent hopes-dissp-
point high expectatons-prcdic the unfulhllment u
fond wishes. Yet stern realities never be re-
cognized too soon in order 10 enable Ms 70 prepare
for their possible consequences; and hence, trust,
will not DO blamed for the revelation Of the dis
couaging facts pertaining to the condition In which
tho Army Of tie Potomac on this morning after
Yesterday sanguinsry, all but fruitess struggle
Undertakings Of any Mind are measured by the
power employed TO carry them ont and the result
realized by it. This rule applied to yesterday
bloody work Of our arms one cannot help coming to
tie conclusion that they came short Of success. The
main object Of their efforts the disodgement Of
the Rebels from their nuenched position on the
hights the posass-on Of which gave them control Of
all the roads lending southwark from the Rappahan
mock. But, although every means Of which the
character Of the task admitted, was used neither
the whole nor any portion Of tho limo occupied by
the enemy at the opening Of the battle is to-day in
our hands.
Tie causes Of our failure are 20 plain that they
canno, be mistaken by even the most unproiessional
Of observers. We had for the attack superiority Of
numbers aud armament The former was net only
more than balanced by the strength Of the
enemy's position, but also as available to
ts full extent Of momentum, owing to
the unfayorabe ground from which we
moved to the attack. An individual, however
strong in muscle, cannot successfully contend with
an adversary, il confined to space narrow as TO
prevent the free use Of his Our right although
sufficiently powerful In point Of numbers for tie
work aesigned 10 IL, was precluded from full and
Simultaneous display Of liz strength by being cram
med into the streets Of Fredericksburg l doubt
whether the history Of affords another instance
Of an army attempting TO combat from within a
town with another enjoying the full freedom Of mo-
ton given by abundance Of space. The Fix diyi-
sions Of the right Grand Division were crowded into
three streets, thicy, that during Saturday night
these troops had hardly sleeping room. The corps
Of the center Grand Division acting os their reserve
was separated from them soon after the battle Lad
opened by the Rappahannock- remarkable
circumstance bearing obsIructingly upon tho opera
tions Of the day.
As 10 our prepondorance in artillery, the impracti-
cability Of making it toll upon tho fortunes OF the
day deprived almost wholly OF the benefit of it
on the right. During the entire struggle on that
portion OF the lines all but of the batteries
taohed 10 the Right Grand Division and Buterlelds
corps stood unemployed the lower streets Of the
town. Our batteries on the nights on the right bank
Of the river could also render no protection TO our
infantry, 40 thoir fire would have done as much
damage to own troops as TO the enemy aiter the
former had moved othe attack.
Our left did not suffer like the right, from the
drawba Of want of space, as it Unanswered on a
high place and bottom Yet both wings labored under
The disadvantage Of fighting from low against the
enemy on high ground.
The distractions of the scene Of the action on
right in the form Of walls, fences and houses una
voidably confined tho movements OF our troops as
they successfully advanced to the 'front.' to the Streets
which were so constantly and completely blocked up
during the afternoon, that il impossible for the
ammunition-trains to reach the Divisions Of French
aud Hancock, after thoy relieved by others, and
supply them with cartridges. They were thereby
virtually placed hOrs de combat, greatly weakening
the force Of our attacks.
Whatever the result of the battle may be termed
check or repulseit Is certain that the failure TO nc
complish what we attempted is not the only evil
fruit Of yesterday. have spent several hours this
morning in Visiting tho field and the positions held
by our troops, and found the most unmistakabe
evidence everywhere that the expenditure Of
strength has beep 90 great ~ 10 produce exhaustion