The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1862-12-26
General Lees Official Report OF the
Crossing ofthe Rappahannock and
tho RaffIa

General Lees Official Report Of the
Crossing ofthe Rappahannock and
the Battle.
The following repor. Of the operations
of the army was received Tuesday at the
War Department.
HEADo'Rs Army NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 18th, 1862.
Tie Honorable Secretary Of War, Richmond,
Vrgmia:
SIR-0n the night of the 10th inst, the
enemy commenced to throw three Bird ges
over the Rappahannock-two at Freder,
icksburg and the third about mile and
a quarter below, near the mouth OF Deep
Run.
The plain ON which Fredericksburg
stands is so completely commanded by
the hills of Stafford, in possession of tho
! enemy, that no effectual opposition could
be offered 10 the construction OF the bridg-
es or the passage of the river. without cz-
posing our troops TO the destructive fire
ofhis numerous batteries. Positions were,
therefore, selected to oppose his advance
after crossing. The narrowress OF the
Rappahannock, its winding course, and
deep bed, afforded opportunity for the
construction of bridges beyond the reach
of our artillery, and the banks had to be
watched by skirmishers. The latter shell
tering themselves behind the houses,
drove back the working parties ot the en-
envy at the bridges opposite the city; but
at the lowest point of crossing, where no
shelter could be had, our sharpshooters
were themselves driven of, and the COM
pletion of the bridge was effected about
noon on the llth.
In the afternoon Of that day the ene-
my's batteries opened upon the city, and
by dark had so demolished the houses on
the river bank as to deprive our skirmish.
guns, he effected lodgment in the town.
The troops which had so galantly held
their position in the city, under the Sc
we're cannonade during the day, resisting
the advance of the enemy at every step
were withdrawn during the night, as were
also those who with equal tenacity, had
maintained their post at the lowest bridge
Under cover of darkness and dense fog
on the 18th. large force passed the riv-
er and took position on the right bank.
protected by their heavy guns on the
left.
The morning of the 18th. his arrange
men,s for attack being completed, about
Q 0o'clock k-the movement yelled by a fog
he advanced boldly in large force
against our right wing. Gen. Jackson's
corps occupied The right of our line, which
rested on the railroad; Gen Longstreet's
the left. extending along the heights to
the Rappahanrock, above Fredericks-
burg. Gen. Stuart with two brigades oi
cavalry, was posted in the extensive plain
on our extreme right.
As soon as the advance of the enemy
was discovered through the fog Gen. Stu.
art, with his accustomed promptness,
moved up a section of his horse artillery,
which opened with effect upon his flank,
aud drew upon the gallant Pelham "a
heavy fire, which he sustained untiinch-
ingly for about two hours. In the mean
time the enemy was fiercely encountered
by Gen. A. p. Hills division, forming
Gen. JLckson's right, and after an obstin
ate combat repulsed. During this attack,
which was protracted and holly contest
ed, two of General Hills brigades were
driven back upon our second line.
Gen. Early, with part of his division.
being ordered to his support, drove the
enemy back from the point of woods he
had seized and pursued him into the
plain, until arrested by his artillery
The right of the enemy's column extend
my beyond Hills front, encountered the
right OF Gen. Hood, OF Longstreet's corps
The enemy took possession Of a small
copse in front of Hood, but were quickly |
and repulsed with loss.
During the attack Oh our right the en-
emy was crossing troops over his bridges |
nt Fredericksburg and massing them in |
front Of Longstreet's line. Soon after |
bis repulse on our right he commenced
series of attacks on our left with view
of obtaining possession OF the heights
overlooking the town. These
repeated attacks we're repulsed in gallant
,tyle by the Washington Artillery. under
Col. Walton, and a portion of McLaws'
division. which occupied these heights.
The last assault was made after dark,
when Col. Alexander's Battalion had re-
ieved the Washington Artillery, Whose
ammunition had been exhausted) and
,nded the contest for the day. The enc
ny was supported in his attacks by the
ire OF strong batteries of artillery on the
light bank Of the river, as well as by his
numerous heavy batteries on the Stafford
heights.
Our loss during the operations, since
he movements of the enemy began,
mounts to about 1900 killed and wound
ID. Among the former regret to report
be death of the patriotic soldier and
statesman, Brig. ..GenQ Thos. r. r. Cobb,
Who fell upon our left; and among the
after that brave soldier and accomplish
d gentleman, Brig. .Gen'i Maxey Gregg.
Who was very seriously, ana it is feared
mortality, wounded during the attack on
,ur right.
The enemy to-day has been apparently
in caring for his wounded and
,urying his dead. His troops are visible
n their first position in line of battle,
,ut, with the exception OF some desulto
y cannonading and firing between skir-
nishers. he has not attempted to renew
he attack About five hundred and fifty
prisoners we're taken during the engage
nent. but the full extent of his loss is
Unknown.
| have the honor to be, very respectful
y, your obedient servant.
[OHcial II. f. LEE General.
,HAs. MARSHALL. Major and A. d. C.
From Richmond.
RICHMOND, Dec. l7.-Accounts from
or;,L shttr, ranresant that the A bO- !