The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-12-16
lIATDST NTRLLIGENCR.


HEAD.uARrEhs AeMY or THE PbToMAo(
Friday, Dec. IA, ll30 A. M.
There is no fog to-day, the sun shin
ing brightly, with strong breeze.
lt daylight this morning there was
hehvy fire oil artillery and infantry in
front of the first line Of works, where
Gems. Sumner and Hooker we're engaged
yesterday. The Gre Stacked about an
hour afterward and was heard only 1T
intervals, until now the same occurred in
front Of Gen, Franklin's division, down
the river. The object Of both parties
was, evidently, to foil the other.
During last night aud this forenoon
the rebels have considerably extended
their works and strengthened their posi-
tons. Large bodies Of troops are now
to be seen where but few were 10 be
found yesterday.
Those killed yesterday while charging
the enemy's works, remain where they
fell. When attempting their removal,
last night, the rebels opened fire with in
family. The wounded have all been re-
moved from the field, and all the dead
obtained thus far are now being buried.
The indications are that no decisive bat
tie will be fought to-day unless the eEe-
my should bring on the engagement
which they will not probably do.
[Herdid's Special
FREDERIcKsBURG, Dec. 13, A. Mt is
ascertained beyond doubt that the rebel
force is nearly 100000. Jackson com
mands the rebel right, extending from
Gerris' station 10 Port Royal. Long
street has the centre, extending from
Gerris station to the Telyh road, and
Lee and Stewart on the left.
The HeraH's dispatch, dated Head
quarter, last night, says Gen. Franklin's
line moved forward at sunrise with his
right resting on the river, three miles be-
low. Skirmishing commenced on the left
about daylight and soon after rebel
battery opened on our lines and the 9th
| New York militia was ordered 10 charge,
but after a fierce struggle, were com
PEELED TO retire. asiaE 8na
The remainder of the brigade, under
General Tyler, then charged the enemy's
guns, when the fight became general on
the extreme left The divisions of Gen.
erals Mead and Gibbons encountered
the right of General A. p. Hills COM
mand. The connoDading was terri fic
though our troops suffered but little from
the enemy's artillery. Gradually the
fight extended around 10 the right
General - division then went in, and
then Brooks division. About ten o'clock
General Sumner engaged the enemy back
of the city, since which the battle has
ragged furiously along the whole line.
The enemy who occupied the woods
and hills, had much more advantage
GUS position, but early in the day were
driven back mile and half on their
right. About noon General Gibbons as
relieved by General Doubleday and Gen.
Mead by General Stevenson. After
wards General Newton's division moved
to the support OF the left when the firing
ceased for short time and broke out
with greater fierceness in thecentre, where
our troops were exposed TO a raking fire
from the enemy's earthworhs. Along the
whole line the battle has been fierce all
day, with great loss to both sides.
Tonight each army holds its first po-
sition, excepta htadvance Of our left
Cannonading is still going on, and musk
etry breaks out at intervals quite fiercely
General Bayard was hitin the hip by
a solid shot while conyersing with General
Franklin. ann
Several hundred prisoners were taken
who report that Lees whole army is in
the vicinity. L ,NT9fs
Hills troops started down the river this
morning but returned. 80
General Franklin tonight is opposed
TO Stonewall jackson. b ssgao
II is impossible to form an accurate
idea of the loss on either side.
The city suffered terribly from the
enemy's artillery, and is crowded with
our troops, the front extending but q short
distance beyond. The Fight will proba-
bly, be renewed tomorrow. A balloon
has been up all day. About dark our
forces carried the right crest of the hill
occupied by The rebels, driving them from
the position with great slaughter.
This evening therebels have been shell
ng Fredericksburg, endeavoring to drive
our troops out but without success.
General Burnsides is in the city per-
sonaliy directing operations.
AdVices from the army state that Gen.
Meredith commands division, and Col.
Cutler, of Michigan, his late brigade.
Adjutant Dodd reported killed is I'M
injured,
FoRTREss AosRoE, Dec. 13.--Tbe Rich
mohd Enquirer Of the 18th has the fol-
lowing; Heavy firing is going on at Fred
ericksburg. Longstreefs troops are en-
gagged The cannonading is severe.
On Thursday last our batteries, sta
toned above and below the town, opened
fire upon the gupboaIs anchored in the
sirs am, consisting Of the Freeb0rn, Ana
costa, Live Yankee, and Resolute. The