Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-12-13

HEADQU ARrERs ARMY ., THE PoroMAC,2
Opposite Fredericksburg, Dec. ~.

Opposite Fredericksburg, Dec. ~.
Between four and five O'Clock this morning the
pontoon train in charge ofthe 18th and 50th New
York Engineers, under command of Gen. Wood.
proceeded to the river bank, where, with infantry
supports, an attempt was made To throw three
bridges across the river A dull haze 80 obscured
the movement that for a time it was not discov
cred by the rebel pickets. The pontooners had
succeeded in partially constructing the bridges.
when the rebels suddenly opened a brisk and
deadly fire of musketry from along the banks OF
the river and from the windows ot houses, com
polling Il cessation of the work. Our men, retir.
ing 10 the cover of the surrounding hills, again
formed; and, about four o'clock, thoroughly
aroused, and with reintorcemerts OF sharp
shooters, swarmed on the opposite river bank.
Nothing daunted by the hot fire which they
poured in at the temperance OF troops. the
pontooners went CALAMITY % work, but in rain
storm OF bullets, which enyelOpei them Pianks
and boats were needed by rybOdy. Our troops
we're once more compelled to withdraw, and fell
back 10 the cover of the ridge of bills running
parallel with the river
Ii is evident the rebels determined TO use the
houses of the city for defense. contrary to an
implied agreement in correspondence, which re-
Gently passed by a flag of truce.
After three Intellectual attempts of the enei
neers to cross party of 90 men of the 9Th Con
nectcut under Capt Marsh. volunteered to assist
in this end, avOr to finish the bridge, and
once more the column, with this reinforcement
started. under the direction OF Gen. Bradbury
They seized the plank and carried out some dozen
10 the strong boats and placed part OF them
and were then compelled to retire under a very
Calling lire from the rebel sharpshOoters who
we're ensconsed ecurely in rife pits below the
range of our guns. and within $50 or 300 yards
of the waters edge.
The Engir GERS suffered severely. The move
ment having been thus interrupted, the whole
party were ordered back 10 their original po.
sition.
AT III o'clock il was discovered that one of the
houses was on fire. The flames, which com
menced in westerly part of the city, soon
spread. and Fredericksburg is now enveloped in
fire and smoke.
An in6Iqdng fire has been opened on the rebel
rifle pits up the river. Ii has been unsuccessful
so far in driving the sharp shooters from the vi
cinity of the Railroad Depot.
Our Engineers now constructing bridge
across the river.
The rebels still maintain their ground opposite
the upper bridges.
Cavalry are now passing Summers headquar
tiers en- route to make charge across the river
at one of the iords.
Orders were given to our artillerymen TO open
fire upon the CITY. Accordingly Beujamin's, Ed
wards Muhlenburg's amt other batteries of the
9Th corps together with the batteries OF the corps
TO the right aud left. commenced an almost stimuli
taneous bombardment. The fog was so dense
that il was impossible 70 see but short distance
beyond the edge of the river. Houses, however,
in which the rebel sharpshOoiers had ensconsed
themselves. were plainly visible and at them the
fire was particularly directed The effect was
their partial demolition. Ina short time after the
! fire they became untenable by the rebel riiemen.
who retired to the rear of the town, where they
took shelter tehiud as vet unframed buildings.
! By seven O'Clock the bombardment becsm gene
raj, and from that time I'LL one O'Clock artillery
! firing VAS incessant. The batteries of the 9th
raked the streets with shell. shrapne and grape.
though the fog. which still continued TO obscure
in a measure the result OF the discharges. The
rebels with the greatest stubbornness still kept
within the city, aud at times parties OF them
could he seen going from one point 70 another At
double quick time The slaughter cannot but be
fearful among them. 1t was somewhat singular
that the rebel batteries did not return the fire of
the guns; up to the present time they have not
opened. About ten o clock the engineers formed.