The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1862-12-18
From Prederieksburg.

headquarters Amy OF The Potomac,
Friday morning Dec. 1910 o'clock.l
After occupying the river front Of the
city last night, we lost about 100 men in
killed and wounded, while driving the
rebels through the city. They fred on
our men as they advanced through the
streets, while secreted in aud behind
houses. Not much mercy wOs shown
to those who were caught,
This morning dense fog hid every.
thing from view, but now it IL partially
cleared away. The troops commenced
moving at an early hour. Major Geuer
al Summers grand division leading the
way over in front of the city, To be fol-
lowed by Major General Hooker's grand
division which is crossed nearly three
miles below the city is nearly over Al
quarter past niue the first gun was FIR.
ed, the engagement lasting about half
an hour, the rebels not making a very
spirited reply Il is though. the troops
will all be over at noon. Information
received during the night and this NOR.
ming from deSerlers and prisoners shows
that the rebels have two strong lines Of
batteries in the rear of the city. The
arst one being one mile back, and the
second mile from the FIRST. The whole
army is in rapid motion aud well con-
cenrated. The troops are in cGcelant
spints and anxious to be led on the enc.
my's works. The enemy has concentra-
ted his forces, and it is believed will give
battle. Much will depend on the result
Of TO day. All feel sanguine Of success,
SECOND DISPATCH.
Headquarters "A rmy of the Potomac
December l9-Evsning.
Al ten O'Clock this morning the fog
began TO clear away, but before eleven
o'clock the air was ag.in thick, which
continued until two o'clock, when it en-
tirely disappeared. Al quarter past
two the rebels opened with all their pups
posted on tho first ridge of hills. Their
main FIRE waU directed upon the city,
which was filled with our troops. These
guns. which were posted on the left OF
tie ridge, were opened on the large 10
jy of troops which crossed on the Two
lower bridges and had formed in line Of
battle, and were moving obiquely down
the river fronting the Masseponix creek.
Although several ci their she'll exploded
ever oar troops none were injured. Gen.
Boysrd's Cavalry, which crossed oA the
lower bridge, had five men Killed while
endeavorng to ascertain the enemy's pc
siIion, The troops which crossed below
are sleeping on thir arms, tonight, the
advance being vithn thrse,qparters of a
mile Of the Gassapoui1 creek, their left
resting on the Rappahannock.
The enemy occupies tho opposite side
Of tile creek in force. The guns posted
on the bank this side OF the river silica
ced the enemy's artillery, after duel Of
half an hour. This ended the firing for
the day, The only damage done by the
rebel shells thrown into the city was 10
Sdd SO mnch to its destruction. Twenty
FIVE ofour men were killed last night in
the streets while driving the rebels out.
Neatly every house in tina; city has been
damaged more or less by the firing OF the
past low days. Several splendid resi-,
dsnces have beea completely riddlcd, ns
also all the churches. The fire appeared
to he directed on the most prominent Of
the edifces, Several cases OF wanlon de
s'ruetion Of property occurred by our
troops when they cntered-property
which could be of no use to the enemy
In many houses the furniture al remain
ed.
Some Of our troops mistook the British
Gag for a SeCesh, and tore il from the
residence OF the British Consul, This
morning the owner came over to re.
cover it, aud it was returned to him.
The main body Of the ormy is now
over the river, the balance being in pc.
sition to cross atany time. There is no
indication of the enemy evacualng, II
they remain, battle must Immediately
epSue.