Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-12-19

dge Of the river, but the houses however
n which the rebel shtrpshooters exposed
themselves, we're plainly visible, and to them
'ur fire was for the time particularly directed.
Iy O'Clock the bombatdment had become
general, and from that time till 10 o'clock the
'oar Of artillery was inoessant, while shot
md shell fell fast and thick into the doomed
hty About 10 o'clock the engineers we're
ormed for a third time to construct bridge.
After the previous Intellectual attempt on the
iart Of the engineers 10 ctoss, party Of so
nen from tina, regiment under Capt. Marsh,
volunteered to assist in the endeayot to finish
aging the bridges Once more the column
started down to the river, under the direction
Ji Gen. Woodbury.. They seized the planks
and carried out some dozen or so to the end
Of the string Of boats. Part Of them were
compelled to retire under the very CALLING
ire from the rebel sharpshooters, who were
however onsconsed securely in rifle pits below
the range OF artillery, and within fifteen or
twenty feet of the rivers edge. The pom
TONERS suffered severely. The movement
having been thus interrupted, the whole par
ty were ordered back to their original position.
At eleven o'clock it was discovered that
one of the houses was on FIRE. The flames
soon spread and Fredericksburg was nov
.i.iat IA =" ".' a'u '"o~o hai
rifle pits from our batteries up the river hau
been successful. so far iu driving the sharp
shooters from the vicinity OF the railroad de-
poo.;, a. ,soV's s''l' .',a,.'''r 'uo.
now passing Gen Summers headquarters
,,,, ~ 49, 81 "a. c., ,t,, ias, 80,
0 " '.'L no'l ". 49,. 'o's aa
,D1' ! 'a'' A''i u'''''o" ua' ''O''0u '"o i''''
''.O"
Ih'elgence rom 'ho Hoh' 'o-n'gut states
that our FORCES have crossed the river ana arc
IN possession oil fIedericksourg. an enhiau-
ing hre IN the night from our batteries sue
eeeded 10 driving the rebels rom theit rihe
pits on the river euBe' thereby permitting an
Easy ana rapid construction OF inc pon'oor
bridges.
HY,not-,prrns Apvv nun poro,t,o !,
Decen,her 10 IN
rs
ni'el uPy'nS 'ue i'Ne' IN l'ou' Vi ~, .r,'
/ oy l"s' n'su' we 'Os' Soou' w "'e" I" Nii',
eWu ca anu Wouuueu "n"e irving 'ue euun'y
as they advanced 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 1t is partially passing
away The troops commenced moving at an
early hour, Gen. Summers grand division
leading the way over IN front OF the city TO
be followed by Maj. Gen. Hooker's grand di-
vision. Gen. tranklins grand division which
crosses nearly miles below the city, is near
T lx A.rar
! At quarter past the first gun was fired,
the engagement lasting ABOUT halt an hour'
the reoeis not making very spirited reply
IL Is thought the troops wiIl all be over oy
noon. Information received during the
! night and this morning from deserters and
prisoners show that the rebels have two
strong lines OF batteries IN the rear OF the city
/ the first one being mile back, and the sec
ond mile from the first. The whole army
is in rapid motion and well concentrated
! The troops are IN excellent condition, and
/ spirited and anxious to be led upon the works
! The enemy have concentrated their forcei
and it Is believed will give battle. Muet
"lll uepenu upon 'no result OF 'o-uay' Al
eeI sahgulne oi success
HgApoUAKrERs. Dec. 12-eyening.
/ ,hi. ,,o.,,;.,. ,t, c,,, ,.,,..., o, =,
40. h. Lac.ra ~ -, ~ NO., 80,
49, ,;I ,..i ~.
- ,.1, 80 Wy
5 1I'" pJ -, an - -; pa'o
Wv 70 i.,i" ~, 60
- e. '' 49,, 'i01 81 So - u'n o., 80
eiiol aa;,t S',. ,. rL ,',' ".'u'
which ycro nosted ON the lcft Of the ,idg,
were openod on the larger body of troop,
l.l , - "a -. -