Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Iowa) 1861-1864, 1862-12-18

troops advanced to their work at ten
minutes before II, at brisk run the
cnemy's guns opening upon them
very rapid fire, when within musket
range. At the base of the ridge our
troops were met by a terrible fire
from the rebel infantry, which were
posted behind stone wall, and some
houses on the right of the line. This
checked the advance of our men, and
they fell back to a small ravine, but
not out of musket range.
At this time another body of men
came to their assistance in splendid
style, Notwithstanding large gaps
were made in their ranks by the reb-
ell artillery. When our troops arrived
at the first line of the rebel defences,
they double-quickcd, and with fixed
bayonets, endeavored TO dslodge the
rebels from their hiding place. The
concentrated fire of the rebel artillery
and infantry which our men were fore
ed to face, was too much for them
and the center gave way in disorder,
but afterwards they were rallied, and
fought back. From that time the fire
was spiritedly carried on, and never
closed until after dark.
Gen. Franklin, who commanded the
attack on the left, met with better sue
cesses. He succeeded, after a hard
days fight, in driving the rebels about
one mile. At one time the rebels ad-
vanccd to meet him, but were hand
somely rcpulsed with terrible slaugh-
ter, and loss of between 400 and
500 prisoners, belonging to General
A. p. Hill.
Gen. Frapklin's movement was d.
rected down the river, and his troops
are encamped tonight not far from
the Massaponax creek. Our troops sleep
tonight where they fought to-day,
The dead and wounded are being car.
ried from The field. The position OF
the rebels was as follows:
Gen. Longstreet was on the left and
holding the main works. Gen. A. p
Hill and Stonewall Jackson were ir
front of Gen. Franklin, with Jack
sons right resting on the Rappahan,
mock, and Hills forces acting as re-
serve.
On the l4th, at daylight there was
heavy fire of artillery and infantr,
y in front Of the first line of works wher'
!. Sumner and Hooker were engaged
yesterday. The fire lasted about al
I hour, and then was only heard at in
tervals. Both sides were endeavor
oring to feel the position of the other
but no decisive fighting took plac
> during the day.
s On the 18th, there was not mnc
c firing by either side. The enemy al
N busy Strengthening their works. Ov'
q, 700 prisoners have been taken sint
70 our army crossed the river.
~ 1t is believed that the rebel force
&c consist of full 100000 men. Bur
&c side thinks he has men enough and
U "nsi5dR.t sf corps;S rfow engaged lu u
. fight numbers over $4,000, viii
:, Franklin is coming up on the left, an
= Sumner on the right, each with a
7" equal number, Sigel has $4,000 and
" advancing on the center, and Slocun
with 5000, is executing flank move
ment on the left wing of the Cohfedcl
y ates. These, with the 500 pieces o
artillery which Burnside has, max,
! him impregnable. Against thes,
combined forces the rebels oppose tn,
flower of their army. Our forces arr
well organized and equipped, ant
have been eager for an attack. w,
cannot see that the slightest uneasi
ness need be experienced as to thu
final result of the battle.