Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1862-12-26
HAEparARrERs ARMY oE THE Potomac,
FALMOUTH Dec. 10Th, {

at Fredericksburg.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY THE Potomac,
| FALMOUTH, Dec. 10th. I y
To MAJ. Zen. Halleeh, Generdtin- Chief:
GESERAL-I have the honor to offer the
following reasons for moving the army OF the
Potomac across the Rappahannock sooner
than was anticipated by the President, Sec
rotary of War, or yourself, and for crossing
at point different from the one indicated to
you at our last meeting at the Presidents:
During my preparations for crossing ut the
place had at first selected discovered that
the enemy had thrown 4 large portion of his
force down the river and elsewhere, thus
! weakening his defense in front, and also that
he did not anticipate the crossing of our whole
force at Fredericksburg, and hoped by rap
idly throwing the whole command over at
that place to separate by a vigorous attack
the forces of the enemy in the river below
from the forces behind and in the crest in the
rear of the town, in which case we could fight
him with great advantage in our favor. To
do this we had to gain height on the ex-
treme right of the crest, which height COM
manded the new road lately made by the en-
envy for the purpose Of more rapid communi
cation along his lines, which point gained,
his positions along the right crest would have
been scarcely tenable and he could have been
driven from them easily by an attack on his
front, in connection with movement on the
rear Of he crest. -...
How near we came to accomplishing our
object future reports will show.
But for the fault and unexpected and I'M
avoidablc delay in building the bridges which
gave the enemy "a hours more to concen-
lrate his forces in his strong positions we
would certainly have succeeded, in which
case the battle would have been in my opin-
ion far more decisive than if we had crossed
at the place first selected. AS it was it came
very near being success. - .... 90
Failing in accomplishing the main object,
we moved in order of battle two days-long
enough to eide that the enemy would TO-;
come out Of his stronghold to fight us with
his infantry which VIC crossed to this
side Of the river unmolcsted, without the loss
Of man or property.
AS the day broke our long lines Of troops
were seen marching to their different posi-
tons as if going on parade. Not the least
decentralization or DISCRIMINATION existed
TO the brave officers and soldiers who accom-
! plshed the feat of re-crossing the river in the
face OF the enemy owe everything. Forthe
failure am responsible, as the extreme gal
lantry, courage and endurance shown by
them was never cXcelled, and would have
! carried the points had it been possible. L,
the families and friends of the dead | car
only offer my heartfelt sympathy, but for tht
wounded can offer my earnest prayers fol
Their comfort and final recovery. The fac
that decided to move from Warrenton OF
to this line, rather against the opinion of tn,
President, Secretary Of War and yourself
and that you left the whole movement in my
hands, without giving INC orders, makes II,
responsible.
will see you very soon and give so,
more definite information, and probably viii
send you my detailed report III which spec
ial acknowlcdg cmcnt will be made Of the scr
vices of the different grand divisions, division
corps, and my general and staff department.
of the army of the Potomac to whom an
so much indebted for their support and hear
ty co operation.
I will here add that tho movement was mad
earlier than you expected, and after the Pres
idcnt, Secretary and yourself requested III
not to be in haste, for the reason that "
were supplied much sooner 10y the difFercn
staff departments than was anticipated whe
| saw you.
Our killed amounts to | ~, our Wounds
to about 8, geo, and our prisoners to abou
700, which last have been paroled and OK
changed for about the same nunb,r take
J bv us. The wounded were all renewed I
) this side of the river, and are being we'll ca,
ed for; and the dead were all buried undo
flag of trace. The surgeons rcporta muc
hrg proportion Of slight wounds than usua
t 1852 only being treated in hospitals.
. am glad to represent the army at tn
!, present time in good condition.
? Thanking the Government for that cntii
t support and confidence which have Away
, received from them.
/ remain Grueral,
, Very respectfully.
Your obc,ent servant.
} (Sfgnrd) A, T.. BU RNSIDE,
Major-G General Commanding.