The Portland daily press., 1862-12-24

We are permitted to publish the following
extracts from private letter, written on the
battlefield OF Fredericksburg, by an officer of
the Maine 10th.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA, Dec. 10, 1862
On the morning of the 18th our brigade,
with the rest Of the division, was ordered into
the battle. There was good deal of delay in
crossing the river, for we had but one pontoon
bridge on the left, and one on the right. We
halted near the fight for an hour before we
could cross. Here l saw the most thrilling
sight, thus far of the war to me. The enemy
had an almost impregnable position in front,
with several batteries raking the streets lead
ing out of the town. On line nearly parallel
with the river, our infantry were posted, ex-
posed to heavy cross fire Of artillery and
musketry. The firing was terrific, the enc
my's shells exploding in the very streets
through which we were TO march.
Soon the forward" sounded and, on we
Went We had not crossed the bridge before
we got il at once. held my breath and set
my teeth together, determined not to show
lear II cond, by will, keep it down. We
went through several streets, crossed rail-
road track, then tiled to the right along rail
lence which was the first position assumed by
our forces. The sight was horrid men diving
before our eyes, and fragments OF bodies mri.
uiated by shells lying about. The musketry
and artillery firing was heavy here, and we
had TO lie close, but We could not get cover sui-
hclent to save some hi our number from being
hit. A few moments of surpense, and then
the Colonel ordered Inc to have the men load
and fix bayonets. We dismounted then and
sent our horses back, otherwise we could not
have escaped. Ten minutes longer, which
seemed an hour, We waited, the men standing
in line; then the Colonel sprang into the open
field in front, and shouted, Forwards 1
gave myself into Gods hands, and rushed up
little rise of ground and by an old brickyard,
and then we were in Tor it, Words are made
qlate to describe the scene or sound, The
men fell in squads, but we could not STOP |
remember that the sun was setting, nothing
else, except that was runnngup and downthe
line urging the men on. At last we reached a
little garden, passed it and dropped down on
our faces behind a little slope comparatively
safe. just at dusk our regiment took position
in advance of the brigade on the east of the
hill. This position we held until last night at
o'clock. That night We slept on the field
the dead and dying about us, touching us in
fact. 1t was dismal, terrible night.
Sunday morning dawned beautiful. As
soon as light the enemy begin again.
sudden interruption makes me close alb
ruptly. The enemy are sheliDg the town and
our regiment goes into line. 1t is reported
that our Division is to hold the town.
Another delay gives me time to write little
more. All day esterday-Sunday-w held
our position. 1t was impossible to send into
town, or to receive any help, Tor between us
aud the city was broad plateau to cross
which was certain death. At about II, the
enemy got some skirmishers in ON our flank
and killed and wounded some of our men,
The Colonel had breastwork put up of logs
de behaved splendidly, SO did Lieut.. Colonel
Chamberlain
AT night we were relieved and came into
town. II was sight worthy of the Fronch
Revolution. Bvouacs in the street, artillery
moving up and down, and all the noise and
confusion of an army. As near as we can
judge our loss is is killed, % wounded, miss.
Ing, probably dead. None of the officers were
hurt