Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1862-12-16
HsADoUARrERs ARMY or.TuE PoroMAc,
Ir.t... n. - So -+.t..t. NJ Z

Friday, Dec l2-IO O'Clock A. Nj
After occupying the river front of the city
last night, we lost about 100 men in killed and
wounded while driving the enemy through the
city. They fired on our men as they advanced
through tic streets, " bile seereted in and be-
hind houses. Not much mercy was shown TO
those who were caught.
This morninga dense fog Lid everything from
view, but now it is partially passing away.
The troops commenced moving at an early hour.
Gen Summer Grand Division leading the way
over in front Of tho city, TO ho followed by MAJ
Cen llookers Grand DIVISION.
Gen Franklin grand division, which cross
es nearly three miles below tic CITY il ue4rly
over. At ii past 9 the first gun was fired the
engagement lasting about hall an hour the reb
els not making very spirited reply. 1t Is
thought the troops will all DO over by ooon.
Information received during tho nght and
this morning from Gescrters and pris9nors shows
that the rebels have two strong lines Of bate.
rios in the rear Of the city; the FIRST one b.ils
one mile back and the second mho from tie
6rst
The whole army is in rapid motion nd " 7
concentrated. The troops are IN excellent con
dition and spirits, and anxious to be led upon
tho works The enemy have concentrated their
forces and i is believed will give battle. Much
will depend upon the result Of to-day, Al feel
sanguine Of success
HnDaUARTIRs. Dec. l2-Eyening Az 10
this morning the fog began to clear away, but
before | / tie air was again SLED, which con
tinuod until o'clock, when the iog entirely
disappeared.
All quarter past two the rebels opened with
all their guns posted on tie first ridge O.. hills.
Their main fire was directed upon the city,
which was filled with our troops Those guns
which were posted On the lef Of the ridge were
opened ON the larger body Of troops which
| crossed on the tao lower bridges, and had
formed in line Of battle. and were moving OBJ
liQuely down the river fronting the Massap0uax
tyer. Although several OF Their shells exploded
none Of our men were injured. Gen. Blyard s
cavalry which crossed or tie lower bridge had
, five men killed while enGJNUrng 20 ascertain
the eneny's position.
The troops which crossed below are sleeping
on their arms tonight, tbe advance beng With
10 three .ouIths Of o nil alassaponcS Geek,
their left rlsing on The Eapp1hanuock. The
nemy occupy the other si1e az the creek in
force The guns posted on the bank this side
Of the river ricuced the cn,my's artillery after
duel oil halt an hour, Tins ended the firing
ioF the day. The only damage done by the reb-
elsholls thrown into the city was to add so much
to It's destruction Twenty i've Of our men
were Killed las, hight while driving the enemy
cut.
| Nearly every house IN toe city has been dam
AGED moro OF less bv the firing Of tie past tive
dAw. Several splendid residences have been
completely riddle , as also ell the churches.
The FIRE appeared to b, directed to the most
/ PROMINENT edlhcss.
/ Several cases Of wanton destruction Of proper
ty, by our troops, occurred when they entered,
property which could be Of no use to the enemy
In many houses the furniture all remained,
showing that their occupants left in haste.
Some OF our troops mistook the British flag for
seeosh flag and tore it from Jhe residence oil
the British Consul. This morning the owner
came over 10 recover il and it was returned &c
him, Assassin.
The main body of the army snow over thu
river, the balance being IN position to cross at
any time. There are no indications Of the enc
mys eyacuatiog Ii no remains a battle mus
immediately eusue,
! n. 'a aF
4 WAsnlScToN, Doe. II. Tie weather contin
ues warm and loggy.
The Cabinet held prolonged session to day
The Mcdowell and Porter cases were resumal
without eliciting anything of great import
ance, aud adjourned TIL tomorrow
NEW YoRK, Dc. II. Additional forces o
Gen Banks expedition left to-day.
The Philadelphia Press announces that Gen