The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1862-12-19
LAT Err.
UEADQ'Rs ARMY ToToMAc,
Dee. II p. NJ.

bec. - y. III.
At ten o'clock this morning, the fog
began to clear away, bat before ii o'clock
the air was again thick, which continued
until two O'Clock, wien il entirely disap-
peared.
At quarter past two, the rebels opened
with ali their guns posted on the first ridge
Iof hills. Their main fire was directed
upon the city, which was filed with our
troops. These guns which were posted on
the Iet: Of the ridge Were opened on the
large body Of troops which crossed on the
two lower bridges, and hal formed in line
of battle, and were moving down the river,
fronting the Massaponix Although sew
era! of their shells exploded over onr iro0ps
none were Injured.
Gen. Bayard's cavalry which crossed on
tie lower bridge had five men killed
while endeaVoring to ascertain the euemv's
position
The troops which crossed below ars
sleeping on their arms to>night the adj
vance being within three fourths Of mile
Of the Maosaponix Greek, their left resting
on the Rappahannock. The enemy occu-
pies the opposite side of the creek in force.
The guns posted on the bank this side o.
the river siIenced the enemy's artillery
after duel Of half an hour. This eDds
the fighting for the day.
The only damage done by the rebel
shells thrown into the city was TO add so
much to It's destruction. IS Of our men
were killed last night in the streets while
driving the rebels out
Na.,iy a,or,, bn.,-o - IL,
damaged more or less by tie firing Of the
past few days. Several splendid residences
have been completely ridclled, as also all
The churches The fire appeared to be d.
racted on the most prominent of the build.
ings
Several cases of wanton destruction Of
property occurred by our troops when they
entered; property which could be of no
use to the enemy. In many of The houses
the furniture all remained.
Some Of our troops mistook the British
flag for secesh and tore it from the resi-
dence OF the British consul. This A. NJ.
e the consul came over to recover it and it
was returned to him
The main body If the army is now over
the river, the balance bei,s in position to
cross At some time.
t There are Indications Of the enemy eva.
! cuating. If they remain a battle must
mediately ensuo.
: Washington, Dec T.
This morning Ilampton's rebe! cavalry
captured a town half way between Wash
{ ington aud Fredericksburg. They cut
wires, carried eff operators and parlrolled
numbers Of "thcer> Who happened to be
IN the place, for what purpose is no.
= known.
Later in the day. General S,einher. in
command Of Sgei's advance, attacked the
, tebeS.
, a fight ensued the precise result of
which is not known
In consequence of this occurrence there
vas no Geographic communication with
Burnside during the day ; hence the
. current rum"'s that our forces suffered
repuise Tie wileS. since restored. and
news Is received that the main par. Of
, Barnsidr> forces are over the river.
y d"Jhie line of earthworks on the high
ground beyond Tie city coufron,s the
Union army.
The rebels have developed no forces be
q hind them, and it Is be opinion Of many
Generals at Fredericksburg that the main
body have retired, and that no determined
stand viii be made near the city.
llEADQUAHTEHs Army OF TIE PoToMAc, J
In the field. December 10.
The battle long anticipated is now pro-
crossing
Eeyuod,' Corps, on the left, advanced
and engaged the enemy's infantry 8, 9I5.
Seven minutes afterwards, the rebels open
J ed heavy fire Of artillery, ard continued
SO far uuiaterrup;edly.
Our heavy guns are answering. bnt fl
ring at random, on accoun, of dense fog.
No results known, and but little infant
/ ~ has Ell become engaged
a portion OF the enemv's cavalry cross
cd at a ford above here, and Yesterday
were on our right and rear. A force Las
been sent to meet them,
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF PoroMAc,l
December l3-l1 F. NJ.
The fog began to disappear in he fore
noon, atiording an unobstructed view Of
'u' own dHd Tie Iebst poSltOhS.
, 1t being evident that the first ridge Of
! hills in the rear of the city, on which the
enemy had his guns posted behind works
which could not be carried except by
charge of infantry, Gen. Sumner assigned
that duty to Gen. French's DIVISION which
was supported by Gen. Howard.
The troops advanced to their works at
ten minute. before twelve ut a brisk run.
> the enemy's guns opening upon them o
/ very RAPID fire.
When within musket range, at the base
, Of the ridge, our troops were met by a ter
. rible fire from the rebel infantry which
| were posted behind a stone wall aud some
} houses on the right Of the line. This
, checked the aduance of our men and they
5 fell back to a small rayine but not out Of
5 musket range.
"a this time another body OF men moved
. to their assistance, notwithstanding large,