New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-12-12
Our GunbOatS Smelling the Rebels Fifteen
Miles Below.
PREPARATlONS FOR THE GREAT BATTLE.
iht Rebels Remain Close Behind their Guns.
for the Amuek-The Attack

sy.tik Dispatch TO The n. Y. Tribune.
WASHINGTON Thursday, Dec. II, 1862.
Tie following dispatches have been received from
your special correspondent with Burnsides army:
PoKr CONWAY, Wednesday Dec. 10. 1902
Two brigsdes Of Rebel infantry aud the 9Th Vir-
gnis Cavalry are now encamped back Of the village
Of Por, Royal, Oh the opposite side Of the Run.
Rebel pekes also extend az far up as the hop-ysrd
q Col Tsyloes, and are intently watching the river
81 that point, in anticipation Of d movement on our
part to cross.
10 the gunbOat engagement a, Port Royal lss
Thursday two Rebel batteries, divided into four Sec
tons. were in action and after an hours constan.
frng were compelled to abandon their positions TO
the rapid and accurate shots from the Jacob Bell
and the Anacostia. Some shells passed through
the principal mansion on the Rebel side Of the
nver, but il is believed no lives were lost in
consequence. The inhabitants had all received orders
10 cave before the batteries opened upon the gnu
beats
d.. VIM. Writ, son Of the eminent lawyer WIN.
Wit, was arrested several days since by Col Gregg
q tie 9Th Pennsylvania Cavalry, upon the charge OF
hsYisg been engaged in aiding the capture of T.
rusdron Of the sth Pennsylvania Cavalry, near
Leedstown. He denied having been party to the
,., BOT acknowledged himself Rebel, and az hav-
iug been surgeon in the Rebel service. Dat Of
respect to the eminent services Of bic father, he was
taken TO the headquarters Of Gen. Burnside, who,
Upon careful examination Of the charges released
Tin upon his parole, not to communicate with she
,Demy or pass beyond the lines Of the National
Amy. DR.. Writ resides in Westn.oreland County,
snd bic plantation edlons that upon which Wash
Hgon was born.
Scouting parties continue TO find large quantities
q grain, in Confederate bags, upon the plantations
Lear Totago Bay, on the Rappahannock. The wheat
asken to the mill in the neigbborhood and ground
Ae eour-the corn il given to the horses.
HEApeUARTgEs RIeHr GRAND DIVISION
Opposite Fredericksburg Dec. iO-midnight.j
On the eve of battle at last. The most hazardous
venture Of war, Of crossing river in the face Of
9s full force Of the enemy, is about being attempted
RE lbe SUI will rise again the first act Of the grand
martial drama that has been preparing these many
'eess will be performed. In less than twenty
''0rs The whole loyal North will he excited with
'eWs Of success or failure.
bright, clear day has been followed by glorious
usei. Since sunset the rumbling OF artillery is
wing neaio from all directions. The long, ponder.
%pontoon trains are slowly rolling over the roads
"'e Hver' Long columns Of troops are every
Where in motion. At o'clock tn. epOjpeers will
Nsn their work, aud with dayligh, i've bridges
VII be laid. Every hill commanding the onposite
ed' crowned with artillery, aud every shelterinO
'Nne pear the river crammed full with infantry.
a. soon &c the fog will have sufficiently cleared
way in the morning TO give aim to our artillery.
~'uoops will commence moving over the bridges,
'ih Gen. Summers command in the advance. Woe
"''ederieksburg woe 10 the enemy If an attempt
"'Oid b made 10 dispute the passage of the river.
''''e hundred guns will be in position to sweep
wy every obstruction with hurricane Of shot and
"" such as never before resounded on this CONT
tht
Improbable that the lighting tomorrow will be
s'epaly done BY artillery. Our guns 90 com.
r'N'y and powerfully cover every approach to the
'" from the other side, that the enemy will hard |
~'r ~ crossing VIII iassauy. \ general