Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-12-19
WHOLE NO. 2931.


december l3
The fog began to disappear early in the
morning, afordng an unobstructed view Of
our own and the rebel positions II being
evident that the first ridge of hills in the rear
Of the city, on which the enemy had their
guns posted behind works, could not be
carried except by charge Of infantry
Gen, Sumner assigned that duty to General
French's division which was supported by
Gen. Howard's.
The troops advanced to their work at 10
minutes before o'clock at brisk run, the
enemy's guns opening upon them very rap
I'd IRE when, within musket range, at the base
OF the ridge, our troops were met by terri
ble fire from the rebel infantry. who were
behind a stone wall and some houses on the
right Of the line. .t
This checked the advance of our men, and
they fell back to a small rayine, but not out
Of musket range.
At this time another body Of troops moved
to their assistance in splendid style, no.with-
standing large gaps were made in their ranks
by the rebel artillery. When our troops ar
rived at the FIRST line Of tho rebel deienees,
they started on the double-quck, and with
fixed bayonets endeavored to dislodge the
rebels from their hiding-plaess. All. .s
The concentrated fire Of the rebel artillery
and infantry which our men we're forced to
face was too much for them, and the centre
gave way in disorder, but afterwards they
were rallied aud brought back.
From that time the fire was spiritedly car
red on and never ceased till after dark.
Gen. Franklin's movement was directed
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 speing
carried from the field.
The following is list of officers killed and
wounded as far as known:
Gen. Jackson, of the Pennsy ylvAnia Re-
serves, killed.
Gen. Baysrd, struck in the thigh by she'll.
and afterwards died.
Gen. Vinton, wounded in the side. no, Sc
riously.
Gen. Gibbins, wounded in hand.
Gen. Kimbau, wounded in thigh.
Gen Caldwell, wounded in two place, but
not seriously.
Col. Sinclair of Pennsylvania Reserves,
wounded seriously.
Capt. Hendrckson, commanding 9th New
York State Militia, wounded seriously.
The following is the loss OF the officers in
the OH N. H.:
Col. Cross, wounded in abodmen:
Maj. Surtevant, killed.
Adjutant Dodd, killed.
Captain Murrey, killed.
Captain Perry, killed
The firing of infantry ceased at about six
o clock this evening. but the rebels continued
throwing shell into the city until 8 clock
The position Of the rebels was as follows:
Gen. Longstreet on the left and holding
the main works Gen. A. p. Hill and Stone
wall Jackson were in front of Gen. Franklin
with right resting on the Rappahannock, and
Hills force acting as a reserve.
Gen. Burnside will renew the battle at day
light in the morning. The troops are in
good spirits and not the least dsheartened.
HEADoUARTBRs Army OF THE PoToMAo, I
December l4-Il.30, a. m.
There is no fog to-day. The sun is shining
brightly to-day, with strong breeze. At
daylight this morning, there was a heavy fire
of artillery and infantry in front of the first
line Of the works, where Gems. Sumner and
Hooker were engaged yesterday. The fire
slackoned about an hour afterwards. and was
heard only at intervals until now. The same
occurred in front of Gen. FranlSlins division
down the river.
The object of both parties was evidently o
feel each other. During last night and this
forenoon the rebels have considerably ex-
tended their works and strengthened their
positions.
Our dead, which were killed yesterday
while charging in front of the enemy's works
still remain where they fell. When attempt
ing their removal last night the rebels would
open 6re with infantry but the wounded have
all been removed from the field and all the
dead obtained are now being buried.
The Indications are that no decisive battle
will be fought to-day, unless the rebels should
bring on an engagement, which they will not
probably do. j.