The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-12-19
Gbe 04ar.
The Battle at Fredericksburg.

Tho Battle at fredericksburg.
The preparations for the capture Of Fred.
ericksburg having been completed, the work
was commenced on the morning OF the llth
ult.
But little firing took place till all available
batteries were in position. They numbered
l76 guns. The signal was given. when oil
opened upon the fated city. The fire was
terrible, but the rebel Sharpshooters could not
be driven from their hiding places The
dispatch says. The shot and shell went
crashing through the houses In many cases
setting them on FIRE. causing dense smoke
which. together with the explosion Of so large
q quantity Of powder, almost hid the city
from view. II soon became evident that the
bridges could not be built except bya bold
.sh, and volunteers were called for to cross
the river in small boats. The order was no
sooner given than hundreds Of brave soldiers
STEPPED forward, but all could not 60. About
100 were selected, and they were soon on
their way, while the artillery threw perfect
storm OF iron hail on tho opposite bank.
They reached the opposite shore, but not
without some loss. With fixed bayonets they
marched upon the enemy. killing several and
taking l0l prisoners. who were safely landed
on this side. At half.past four two bridges
were finished opposite the city. when the
troops Immediately began to cross over. The
enemy were soon driven back to their line OF
forts. The two bridges in front OF Gen.
Franklin were successfully laid early in the
day, but his troops did not cross until the
upper ones were ready. The rebels burnt
the railroad bridge Just outside the city.
Between thirty and forty houses were burnt,
mostly inthe business part Of the city Dur
ing the day between 5000 and 5000 rounds
Of ammunition were fred by our artillery.
OCCUPATION OF THE cIrY.-Tho following
dispatch was received from the battlefield,
under date Of Dec. llth:
After occupying the river front ofthe city
last night we lost about 100 men in killed
and wounded while driving the enemy through
the city. They fired on our men as they ad-
vanced through the streets while secreted in
and behind houses. Not much mercy was
shown to those who were caught.
This morning dense fog hid everything from
view, but now II is partially passing away.
The troops commenced moving at an early
hour, Gen. Summers grand division leading
tho way over in front Of the city, to be fol.
lowed by Major Gen. Hooker's grand diyIs-
ion. Gen. Frankln's grand division, which
crosses nearly three miles below the city. is
nearly over.
At o quarter past nine the FIRST gun was
fred, the engagement lasting about hall an
hour, the rebels not making very spirited
reply.
It thought the troops will all be over by
noon.
At 10 o'clock this morning the fog began
to clear away. but before IL O'Clock the air
was again thick, which continued until 2,
when the fog entirely disappeared.
Att quarter past two the rebels opened
with all their guns posted on the first ridge
of hills. Their main FIRE was directed upon
the city, which was filled with our troops.
Those guns which were posted on the left
Of the ridge were opened on the larger body
of troops which crossed on tho two lower
bridges and had formed in line of battle and
were moving obliquely down tho river front.
Ing the Massaponax. Although several OF
their shells exploded, none Of our men were
injured.
Gen. Bayard's cavalry, which crossed on
the lower bridge, had five men killed while
endeayorins to ascertain the encmy's posi-.
ton.
The troops which crossed below are Sleep
ing on their arms tonight, tho advance being
within three quarters OF mile Of hIasapon.
AZ creek, their left resting on the Rappahan-
mock.
The enemy occupy the opposite side of the
creek in force
The guns posted on the bank this side Of
the river silenced the enemy's artillery after
a duel ofhalf an hour. This ended the firing
for tho 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 in the streets while driving the enemy
out.
Nearly every house in the city has been
damaged more or less by the firing of the
past two days. Several splendid residences
have been completely riddled, as also all the
The fire appeared to DO directed
to the most prominent ediices.