Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1862-12-19
INDEPENDENT STANDARD.
IRASBURGH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1864
Fighting at Fredericksburg.

ly on Saturday, the Army of the Poto-
mac have had much fighting with the
rebel forces at Fredericksburg, which
has resulted in the occupation Of that
city by our troops. On the lltb, after
an Intellectual attempt to throw bridges
across the river by our troops, party
of so men, under Gen. Marsh volunteer
ed to assist in the attempt to finish lay
ing the bridges, and once more the col
umn started down under the direction of
Gen. Woodbury.. They now seized the
planks and carried out dozen or two to
the end of the string of boats. Part Of
them were compelled to retire under the
CALLING fire of the rebel sharpshooters.
The movement being thus interrupted,
they were ordered back.
About midnight, Q1th) a large part
of Gen. Franklin's grand division eros
sed the river in safety, and threw out
pickets to those of Gen. Hooker's divis-
ion at Fredericksburg.
A dispatch from the headquarters of
the Army, dated the 1th inst, says 1t
being evident that the first ridge of hills
in the rear of the city could not be car
ried except by charge of our infantry.
that duty was assigned to Gen. French's
division supported by Gen. Howard
The troops advanced to the work at 10
minutes before II o'clock, at a fast run,
the enemy's guns opening on them with
very brisk fire. And when within
musket range at the base of the ridge,
our troops were met by a terrible fire
from the rebel infantry, who were posted
behind a stone wall and some houses on
the right. This checked the advance of
our men, and they fell back to a rayine.
At this time another body of men march
ed to their assistance in splendid style,
Notwithstanding large gaps were made in
their ranks by the rebel artillery, and
when our troops arrived at the first line
of the rebel dclenses they 'double-quick-
ed and with fixed bayonets, endeavored /
to dislodge the rebels from their hiding
places. The concentrated fire of rebel |
artillery and infantry which our men had |
to face was too much for them, and their |
center gave way in disorder but soon al
ter were rallied and brought back. The |
fire from that time was spiritedly contin-
ued, and never ceased until dark
Gen. Franklin, who commanded the |
auack on the Ten, met with better sue
cess. He succeeded, after a hard days
fight, in driving the rebels about a mile.
AT one time the rebels advanced 10 at
tack him, but were repulsed with terri
bic slaughter, and with n loss Of about
500 prisoners. Franklin's movements
were directed down the river.
The fight on Saturday was a despo-
rate contest. The fight was SO variable
up TO half past o'clock, that it was not
known which side had advantage. This
state of things continued until dark, the
enemy who left their entertainments to
meet US, making the most desperate re-
sistance.
1t is estimated that about 10000 Of
our gallant army were engaged in the
work oftrying to take the first ridge Of
hills back of the city, which until late in
the day it seemed impossible TO debut
it is reported that the perseverance and
the unhinchiug courage ofour army at last
prevailed, although a. the expense of
much blood. just before darkaess put a
stop 10 the days battle, success crowned
their efforts. Thus they look the whole
ridge from in front of the city down to
Franklin's position, three miles below
They occupied it all night and at four
the next morning were eagerly making
to renew the fight.
On Sunday there was considerable
firing between the advanced troops of
The two armies. At one time the rebels
showed a disposition to move upon Gen. d.
Franklin's forces. Occasionally they
threw few shells among our troops to
remind US that they were still there-but
with these exceptions, everything was
quiet through the day. On Monday
there was some skirmishing, =
with considerable artillery firing.
An old army officer, who has scanned
he rebel works behind Frederick sburg
closely with a powerful glass, says that
here are no less than six lines of works. .
Rev. Arthur B. Fuller, chaplain of
he 10th Mass, who was one of the vol
lnteers who crossed to Fredericksburg
n boats TO dispense the rebel sharp
shooters, was shot. Gen. Bayard, who ;,
vas to be married last Wednesday, was
also killed.
Several of the Vermont Regiments