Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-12-13
From FrederiCksburg.
HEADQU ARrERs ARMY OF THE PoroMAcl
December II. 9 AN.

HEADQU ARrERs ARMY or THE PoToMAcl
December IL, 9 A. NJ
After occupying the river in front of the city
last ne ut, we lost about 100 men in killed and
wounded while driving the rebels through tn e
city. They fired on our men rs they advanced
through the streets, while secreted in and behind
houses Not much mercy was shown to those
who were caught.
This morning a dense fog hid everything from
view. but now il is practically cleared away.
The troops commenced moving at an early
hour, Maj Gen. Sunni ,rs grand division leading
the way over in front OF the city, TO be followed
nv Mi. Gen. Hooker's grand division. General
Franklin's grand division. which crosses nearly
three miles below the city, is nearly over.
At quarter as the first Gun was fired. The
engagement lasted about half an hour. the rebels
not making very spirited reply. Ii is thought
the troops will all he over at noon.
Information received during The night and this
morning from deserters AID prisoners shows that
the rebels have two strong lines of batteries in
the of the city, the first one being one mile
back, aud the second mile from the first.
The whole army is IN rapid motion The men
are in excellent spirits and anxious tn be led on
the enemys works The enemy has c0ncen-
trated his forces and it is believed will give bat
tie. Much will depend on the result OF to day.
All feel sanguine of success.
TN O'CLOCK. =. This morning the fog
began 10 clear away, blt before ii o'clock The
air was again thick which continued until ?
o'clock, when il entirely disappeared AT quar-
ter past two the rebel. opened with all their guns
posted the first ridge of hills Their main
fire was directed upon the city, witch was filled
with our troops Those guns which were posted
the left cot the ridge were opened on the large
BODY OF troops which crossed on the lower bridges
and had formed in line of battle and were moving
ObliQuely down the river.
Although several of their shells exploded over
our troops, none were injured. Gen. Bayard's
cavalry, which crossed on the lower bridge. had
five men killed while endeavorng To ascertain
the enemy's position. The troops which crossed
below are sleeping on their arms to night--the
advance being within three quarters of mile Of
the Massapana Greek, their left resting on the
Rapahanock The army occupies the opposite
side of the creek in force. The guns posted on
the bank this side of the river silenced the enc
mys after an artillery duell Of half an hour
This ended the firing for the day.
The only damage done by the rebel shells
thrown into the city was to add so much TO its
destruction. Twenty five of our men were killed
last night on the streets while driving the rebels
out Nearly every house in the city has been
damaged more or less by the firing of the past
few days. Several splendid residences hgve been
completely riddled, also all the churches. The
fire seemed to be directed on the most prominent
of the edifices. Several cases of wanton destruc
ton OF property occurred by our troops, where
they entered houses which could have besn CT no
use the enemy. In many houses the furniture
oil remained.
Some Of our troops mistoOk the British flag
for a secesh flag and tore il from the residence
of the British Consul. This morning the owner
came over to recover it, and il was restored TO
him.
The main body or the army is now over the
river. the balance being in position TO cross al
any time There is no indication of the euemy
evacuating- If they remain a battle must i'm
medistely ensue.