New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-12-11

plantation, he expects all TO disappear. Patiently
and philosophicaiy he awaits tho coming. Of the
ns,s,idere. He has seen what has taken 6lace in
the vicinity of fredericksburg, and has prepared his
mind 10 wtness u similar desolation of his own
plantation.
In my las. predicted battle before the close of
the week. The week passed, and instead of battle
TO describe am compelled to fail back for material
for my letter upon the minor incidents of the cam
psign. When there viii be battle / shall not
again predict. Having failed twice, think should
throw the responsibility Of arousiDg public expecta-
ton upon some one else. Christmas is coming, aud
so hope is Richmond, and that is all shall now
say shout it,
Were q stranger TO visit the Army Of the Po-
tolnac, and remain but day two, he would re-
port upon bis return 10 civil circles that We were
all going into Winter quarters. And 80 1t appears
TO one who looks simply upon the surface OF things.
The woods from AoQuia Creek to Fredericksburg
for the pas, week have been ringing with the soand
Of Thousands OF axmen chopplag down trees. and
hewing ogs for comfortable butts. And not alone IN
the Gamma Of the common soldier, bnt around The
headquarters OF the commanding Generals the same
indications are seen. The Chiefs Of the Comrnissary
and QnartermsSters' Departments have mad brick
fire places aud chimneys erected IN their tents, as If
they, too, intended 10 make Themselves comfortable
for the Winter. A prominent officer however, told
me TO-DAY that whenever Gen. Ingalls, get is nasons
to work. it was a pretty sure Indication thai the
army room TO march.
fast that the Rebels are leaving their stronghold on
tbs opposite side of tue river, and falling back
upon Hanover Junction. Also, that they are making
an effort 10 flank on tie night and serve Gen.
Burnside as they did Gen. Pope. This much have
learned 10 be positively uue: The Rebel camp hires
have airno,t entirely disappeared Immediately IN
front Of Falmouth, and troops can be seen behind
many Of the Entertainments. few days ago vast
cloud OF smoke stretched from two miles above Fred
efckshurg TO five miles below ii. This morning an
lge nsl fra m can he WhrtlAr
they really falling back making ient 10
draw us over the river II is quite impossible TO tell
ss yet.
An intelligent lady who came over the river yes
lerday under flag Of truce represents the condition
Of the Rebel army TO be deplorable beyond descrp
ton, and says they cannot possibly retain their posi-
ton during the Winter. Quite one-third Of the
army, according to her statement, without
hoes, and hundreds are destitute OF clothing TO
er their uakedness Six hundred in regiment
raid TO be barefoot. Hard work upon the earth
works insufficient food, and scenty clothing are
sending regiment after regiment 10 the hospital IL
tbese statements true-snd of the most prom
inent Generals thinks they are-s few days further
delay in advancing cannot result very much 10 or
disadvantage.
The came authority also states that many Of the
citizens of Fredericksburg, men, women, and chill
dren. encamped IN the woods back Of the city,
and dare not return through fear OF beng sheiled
from their homes.
Although the indications are that Gen. Lee fall
ing back, the fords upon the river and al the nat
ursly weak points Of the line are still strongly
guarded. Our own picke,s extend TO fifteen miles
below PoIt Conway, and at every mansion on the
bsnk Of the Rsppshanuock from Falmouth 10 Leeds
town. guards are placed to protect property AID
watch the river. AS the MANSIONS are nearly mile
apart. and many Of them more, Of course there are
many oopbolos. Several planters have told tha,
their own troops have frequently, ri night, pene-
traed onr lines md Como almost Up to the headt
tiers Of some OF our leading Generals. That some Of
our own have Leen Within few rods Of Gen. Lees
headquarters l happen TO know to be true, and
when the proper time arrives will write an accoun,
Of Whist these brave aud .killful fellows saw, aud
In what way they accomplished their ono. Mp.