Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-12-29


of the War, made a report relative TO the late
battle at Fredericksburg, which was ordered TO be
printed.
Mr. Collamer offered an amendment exempting
municipal corporations from that provision of the
bill Adopted.
Mr.. Collamer also offered an amendment to ex-
exempt literary and religious institutions.
Mr. Hale objected to exempting charitable in
situations, for he thought no such institutions
ought TO get 10 debt in order to give charity
The amendment was agreed to.
The Senate went into Executive session, and
subsequently, adjourned till January 5th.
BATTLE OF OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Official Report of the Rebel Conn
mander.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN ViRGINIAl
December IA. 1862
To Hon. Secretary of War, Richmond. Va:
SIR:-On the night of the 10Th instant the
enemy commenced to throw three bridges over
the Rappahannock-two at Fredericksburg, and
the third about mile and quarter below, near
the mouth of the Deep Run The plain on which
Fredericksburg stands is so completely com
manded by the hills of Stafford, in possession of
the enemy, that etfectual opposition could be
offered to the construction of the bridges OF the
passage of the river without exposing our troops
TO the destructive fire of his numerous batteries.
Positions were therefore selected to oppose his
advance AFTER crossing. lie nsffOWuecS Oh tue
Rappahannock, ITS winding course and deep bed,
afforded opportunity for the construction of
bridges at points beyond the reach of our ar
tlery, and the banks had To be watched by skir-
mishers. The latter, sheltering themselves be
hind the houses, drove back the working parties
of the enemy at the bridges opposite the city;
but at the lowest point of crossing, where
shelter could be had, our sharpshooters were
themselves driven off, and the completion of the
l,rid off tod ahn ho 4 th
In the afternoon of that day the enemy's bat
teries opened upon the city, and by dark had so
demolished the houses on the river bank as to
deprive skrmishers of shelter, and under
cover of his guns, he effected Judgment in the
town. The troops which had so gallantly held
their position in the city under the severe can
npnade during the day, resisting the advance of
the enemy at every step. were Withdrawn during
the night, as were also those who, with equal
tenacity, had maintained their post at the lowest
bridge.
Under cover of darkness and dense fog, on
the 18th, large force passed the river. sad took
position on the right bank protected by the heavy
guns the left
On the morning of the 18th, his arrangements
for attack being completed about O'Clock, the
movement yelled by fog. he advanced boldly
in large force against our right wing. General
Jackson's corps occupied the right of our line.
which rested on the railroad; General Long
streets the left, extending along the heights to
the Rappahannock. above Fredericksburg; Gen
eral Stuart, with two brigades of cavalry, was
posted in the extensive plain on our extreme
right. As soon as the advance OF the enemy was
discovered through the fog. General Stuart, with
his accustomed promptness. moved up section
of his horse artillery, which opened with effect
upon his flank, and drew upon the gallant Pelham
heavy fire, which he sustained unhinchingy tor
about two hours.
In the meantime the enemy was fercely EN-
countered by General A. p Hills DIVISION form
ing General JacksOns right, and after an ObSt-
nate combat repulsed During this attack which
was protracted and holly contested, two of Gen.
Hill brigades were driven back upon our second
line Gen. Early, with part Of his division, being
ordered to his support, drove the enemy back
from the point of woods he had SEIZED and pur-
sued hin. into the plain, until arrested by his ar
tillery.
The right of the enemy's column, extending
beyond Hills front. encountered the right of Gen.
Hood, of Longstreet's corps. The enemy took
possession of small copse in front of Hood, but
were quickly dspossessed and repulied with
loss.
During the attack our right the enemy was
crossing troops over his bridges at Fredercks-
burg, and massing them in front of Longsreet's
line Soon after his repulse on right he com
menced series of attacks on left, with
diately overlooking the town. These repeated
attacks were repulsed in gallant style by the
Washington ARTILLERY, under Colonel Walton,
and a portion of McLaw's division, which occu-
pied these nights.
The last assault was made after dark, when
Colonel Alexander's battalion had relieved the
Washington Artillery, who's ammunition had be
come exhausted, aud ended the contest for the
day.
The enemy was supported in his attacks by
the fire of strong batteries of artillery the
right bank Of the river, as well as bv the numer
Gus heavy batteries on the Stafford flights.
Our loss during the operations. since the move
ment of the enemy began, amounts TO about
| ,S00Akilled and wounded Among the former
| regret to report the death of the patriotic sol
der and statesman, Brig Gen. Thomas R. R.
Cobb who fell upon our left and among the
latter that brave soldier and accomplished gen
tleman. Brig Gen. NJ. Gregg, who is very seri-
ousy, and, tits feared, mortaIly wounded, during
the attack on our right
The enemy to day has been apparently burying
his dead. His troops are visible in their first
position in line of battle but with the exception
OF some desultory cannonadiDg and firing among
skirmishers, he has not attempted to renew the
attack
About $50 prisoners were taken during the
engagement, but the ful extent of his loss is
unknown
have the honor to be, very respectfully. your
Obedient servant, r. LEE,
General in Command.
HEADQUARTERS MAR FREDERIcKsBURG,l
December l6
as far as can be ascertaned this stormy morn
ing, the enemy has disappeared in our Immediate
front. aud has rectossed the Rappahannock.
presume he is meditatng passage at some other
+