Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-12-15
TELECRAPHlC.
PORTED EXPRESSLY rop rHs DAnr STATE sxsr1srL.
Broom Fredericissburg.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAc.l
December IL, 9 A. NJ.


city. They fired on our men 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 it is practically cleared away
The troops commenced moving at IN early
hour, Maj. Gen. Summers grand division leading
the way over in front of the city. to be followed
by Maj. Gen Rockers grand division. General
Franklin's grand division, which crosses nearly
three miles below the city, is nearly over.
At quarter PAS the first gun was fired. The
engagement lasted about half an hour. the rebels
not making very spirited reply. 1t is thought
the troops will all he over at noon.
Information received during The night and this
morning from deserters AID prisoners shows that
the rebels have two strong lines of batteries in
the of the city, the first one being one mile
back, and the second mile from the first.
The whole army is IN rapid motion. The men
are in excellent spirits and anxious to be led on
the enemy's works. The enemy has cOncen-
trated his forces and it is believed will give bat
tie. Much will depend on the result of to day
All feel sanguine of success.
Ten O'CLOCK, p M-This morning the fog
began to clear away, but before ii O'Clock the
air was again thick. which continued until 2
o'clock, when it entirely disappeared. At quar-
ter past two the rebels opened with all their guns
pOSleu vi lne uISt Tlu-e VI uliS. L nelT 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 large
body of troops which crossed on the lower bridges
and had formed in line of battle and were moving
OblQuely down the river.
Although several of their shells exploded over
our troops, none were injured. Gen. Bayard's
cavalry, which crossed on the lower bridge. had
five men killed while endeavOring to ascertain
the enemy's position. The troops which crossed
below are sleeping on their arms TO night-the
advance being within three quarters of a mile of
the Massapaina Creek, their left resting on the
Rapahanock. The army occupies the opposite
side OF the creek in force. The guns posted on
the bank this side of the river silenced the enc
my's after an artillery duel of half an hour.
This ended the firing for the day.
The only damage done by the rebel shells
thrown into the city was to add much to its
destruction. Twenty five of our men were killed
last night on the streets while driving the rebels
out. Nearly every house in the city has been
damaged more OF less by the firing of the past
few days. Several splendid residences huve been
completely rdded, as also all the churches. The
fire seemed TO be directed on the most prominent
of the eiifces. Several cases OF wantOn deslruc-
ton of property occurred by our troops, where
they entered houses which could have been of no
use To the enemy. In many houses the furniture
all remained
Some of our troops mistook the British flag
Tor IA secesh Ing and tore it from the residence
OF the British Consul This morning the owner
came over to recover it. and it was restored to
him.
The main body of the army is DOW over the
river, the balance being in position to cross at
any time. There is no indication of the enemy
evacuating. If they remain a battle must inn
medately ensue
HEADQUARTERS, rREDERIcKsBURG. Dec. H. A
Mt is ascertaned beyond doubt that the rebel
force is nearly O,00O Jackson commands the
rebel right. extending from Gerris Station to
Front Royal Longstreet has the center, extend
ing from Gerris Station to the telegraph road,
Lee and Stuart have the left.
The Herald's special dated Headquarters, last
night, SAYS Gen. Franklin moved forward at sun
rise, with his right resting on the river three
miles below. Skirmshing commenced on the
left about daylight, and soon after rebel bat
terg opened on our lines. The 9th New York
Militia ordered to charge. but, after fierce
struggle. was compelled to retire.
The remainder of the brigade, under General
Tyler, then charged the enemy's guns, when the
fight became general on the extreme left. Gen
erals Meads and Gibbons divisions encountered
the right of General o p. Hills command The
connOnadng was terrific, though troops suf
lered but little from the enemy artillery. Grad
ually the fight extended around the right Gen.
Harris division then went in and then Brooks
division. About 10 O'Clock General Summers
troops engaged the enemy back of the city. since
which the battle has ragged furiously along the
whole line.
The enemy. occupying woods and hills, had
much more advantageous positions, but were
driven back on their right mile and half, early
in the day About noon Gen. Gibbons was re-
leved by Doubleday, and Gen. Mead by Stone
wall Afterwards Gen. Newtons division moved
to the support of the left, when the firing ceased
for short time, and broke out with greater
ferceneSS in the center, where our troops were
exposed to a plunging FIRE from the enemy's
earthworks on the hill. Along the whole line
the battle has been fierce all day, with great loss
to both sides Tonight each army holds its first
position, except a slight advance of our left
Cannonadng is still going on, and musketry
breaks out ut intervals quite fnrously.
Gen. Bayard was hit in the hip by a solid shot
while cOnversing Nth Gen. Franklin.
Several hundred prisoners were taken, who re-
port Lees whole army is in the vicinity Hills
troops started down the river this morning, but
returned.
Gen. Franklin tonight is opposed to Stonewall
Jackson
1t is impossible TO form an accurate idea of the
loss on either side The city suffered terribly
our troops, the front extending but short dis
lance beyond
The fight will probably be renewed to morrow.
A balloon has been up all day. About dark our
forces carried the right crest of the hill occupied
by the rebels, driving them from the position
witt great slaughter.
This evening the rebels have been sheling
Fredericksburg, endeavoring to drive our troops
out, but without success. Gen. Burnside is in
the city, personally directing operations.
Advices from the army state that Gen. Mere
dth commands division, and Col. Cutter, of
Michigan, his late brigade.
Adjutant Dodd, reported killed, is uninjured.
DECEMBER, l4-Il:OO A M-There is no fog
to day. The sun is shining brightly with a
strong breeze.
At daylight this morning there was heavy
fire of artillery and infantry in front of the first
line of works where Gems. Sumner and Hooker
we're engaged yesterday. The fire slackened
about an hour aiterward and was heard only at
intervals. Franklin's division is down the river.
The object of both parties was evidently to feel
the other during last night and this forenoon.
The rebels have considerably extended their
works and strengthened their position. Large
bodies of troops are now to be seen where but few
were to be found yesterday. Those killed yester-
day while charging the enemy's works remain
where they fell While attempting their re.
moval, last night, the rebels opened fire with in
fantry, but the wounded have all been removed
from the field, and all the dead obtained are now
being buried
The indications are that no battle will be fought
to-day, unless the enemy brings on the engage.
ment, which they will not probably do.
from Fortress Monroe.
FoRTREss Monroe, December l3-The Rich
mond Enquirer of the 18th has the following:
Heavy firing is going on at Fredericksburg.