The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-12-17
BembardmeRt of Fredericks,
,. barg- The City on Fire. ..
Head Quarters, Army Of the Posomac, !
December 11th, 9, A. NJ. a

Everything last night was hustle and
activity, as to day was tho day fixed for
crossing the river.
|. During the night the pontoons were
conveyed to the river, and the artillery
to the number 143 pieces, were placed in
position opposite the city.
At 5 this morning the rebels fred two
signal guns, and during the latter part of
the night rockets were frequently seen
within their lines. sAt.5 o'clock, the con-
struction of three bridges, in front of the
city, was commenced. When the bridges
were about half completed they opened a
murderous FIRE of infantry from the houses
on the river bank. Up to this time, not a
shot had been fired from our side
The Engineers were driven from the
bridges, and several killed and wounded.
p At 6 o'clock Gen. Burnside ordered all
the guns to be opened on the city. The
cannonade which has continued up to this
time, is terrible. The city is on fire and
its destruction appears certain.
The enemy about this morning opened
with their heavy guns from their works
but so far, have done no serious injury.
Gen. Franklin constructed his bridges
about miles below the city, meeting with
but slight opposition. His troops are
now crossing and the gunboats are she'll
ing the enemy, about Is miles down the
river, where they have been concentrating
their forces for the past few days.
The concentrated fire of our batteries
on tho city has had the effect of moving
back the enemies infantry and the work
on the bridges has been resumed.
; The troops are all under arms near the
+. river, prepared to rush over as soon as the
bridges are completed.
i II clock, M-An attempt being made
to finish the bridges In front of the city
the rebel infantry again opened their ire
The artillery in position again opened on
it., the result being that it was fred in
! several new places.
j The enemy has used very little artillery
4 up to. this time, as it would endanger then
own men, who are holding the river ir
front.
Gen. Burnside has just issued an order
to concentrate every available gun upon
the city, under the cover of the FIRE o.
! which it is believed the bridges can b.
finished.
The killed aad wounded do not amount
to more than 80 men.
Kv LATER.
Evening--But little firing took plac,
between one and three o clock, durins
which time all the available batteries were
placed in position. They numbered III
guns. At signal all opened on the city
The Gra WIG farr;hlo Int ~ ahol ,l -,
shooters could not be driven from theil
hiding places.
The shot and shell went through tn.
houses, in many cases setting them on FIRE
causing dense smoke, which together. will
the explosion of so large a quantity o.
, powder, almost hid the city from view.
soon. became evident that the bridges coult
not be built, except by bold dash. Vol
unteers were now called for to cross il
small boats. The order was no sooner
given than hundreds stepped forward, bu
. all could not 60; about 100 was selected
They were soon on their way, while tn,
artillery threw. perfect storm of iro,
hail on the opposite bank. They reached
the opposite shore, but not without loss
with fixed bayonets. They rushed upol
the enemy killing several and taking To-
prisoners; who were safe landed on thi
side. AT half past 4, two bridges wer,
finished opposite the city, when the troops
immediately began to cross over. Tn,
enemy were then very soon driven from
the city, back tostheir line of works. TIL,
two bridges in front of Gen. Franklin
were successfully laid early in the day
but his troops did not cross until the tw,
upper ones were ready. A sufficient fore,
is now on the opposite side to resist an,
attack that is likely to be made. Th'
rebels fred but few guns in the morning
and none in the afternoon, although thei
works were in easy range during the fore
noon. The rebels burned the railroad
bridge outside of the city. Between 81
and 40 houses were burned, mostly in th'
business part of the city. During the da,
between right and nine thousand rounds
fred by our artillery. Everything i
quie4 tonight. The indications are tha
battle will be fought tomorrow.
Later Our Forces Cross