, 1862-12-27
Dates to Dec. IL.


Fredricksblug Burned -FederaIs Crossing the
Riuer-G Great BatLLe Progressing at Different
Points.
Washington, Dec 11th.-At 6 o'clock this NOR
ming, l43 Federal guns opened on Fredricks-
burg. Up to latest information the fire continued
uninterrupted. The destruction of the city is
certain. The enemy opened fire at o'clock,
which, thus far, has been Of no serious damage.
Franklin's division is crossing three miles below
the city, having constructed bridges, with but
slight opposition. Our gunboats are sheling the
enemy fifteen miles down the river.
Dispatches from headquarters of Potomac say
there has been considerable change in the position
of several of the army corps within the past few
days. 1t is stated that the enemy had 1S0 guns
in position on the south side of the Rappahan-
mock.
The steamer Eagle with Havana dates to the
9th, has arrived The position of the French at
Vera Cruz and Orizabs is represented as very
critical They having no fodder for their cattle,
and no fresh feed for the troops, who suffer from
dysentery. The force at Jalapa is cut off from
supplies from Vera Cruz. The Mexicans are ac-
lively fortfying Puebla and the city OF Mexico,
and the roads between them, and they also in
tend flooding the valley, rendering the city mac
cessibe. 1ot
Washing on, Dec. 11.-In the House. yester-
day, the Senate bill for the admission of Western
Virginia into the Union, passed by 96 to So. 1t
provides for submitting constitution to the peo-
pie for ratification.
Nashville, Dec 9th.-Gov. Johnson has issued
proclamation, providing for the election of Rep
resentatives for the 9th and 10th Congressional
districts.
Headquarters Army of Potomac, Dec. IL, p.
M-Everything last night was confusion. To-day
was the time fixed for crossing the Rappahannock.
During the night pontoons were conveyed to the
river, and artillery placed in front of Fredrcks-
burg. At three o'clock this morning the con-
struction of three bridges commenced in front
of the city, and when they were completed the
enemy opened murderous infantry fire from
houses on the river bank, driving the engineers
from the bridges; several were killed and wound
ed At six O'Clock General Burnside ordered all
guns to open on the city.
The cannonading which was continued to the
present time is terrible. The city is on fire and
its destruction certain. At seven o'clock the en-
envy opened with their heavy guns from their
works, but no serious damage has been done yet.
Gen. Franklin's division crossed the river three
miles below.
The concentrated fire of our guns on the city,
has the effect of driving back the enemy from
their batteries, and the work on the bridges COM
menced again.
The troops are al under arms the river,
prepared to rush over as soon as the bridges are
completed. On an attempt being made to finish
the bridges tae rebel infantry again opened fire,
as also their artillery, which fred the bridge in
several places Burnside ordered the concentra-
ted fire of every gun upon the city, under cover
of which it is believed the bridges can be finished.
Our killed and wounded do not exceed fifty.
Philadelphia, Dec 1..-Nashville dispatches
] I L I l.. III
Forrest and Morgan, advanced and appeared in
front in great force. A battle is expected near
Harpeth, twenty miles southwest OF Nashville
Reinforcements are being hurried forward. Every
point will be strengthened. The recent rebel
victory at Hartville seems to have emboldenen
them.
Cairo, Dec. 11th-Gen. Grant is encamped at
Oxford. awaiting for a supply train from Holly
! Springs Reports are contradictory as to wheth-
er the rebels re-occupy Grenada or not.
St. Louis, Dec. 11.-Gen. Blunt telegraphs
that the rebels have crossed the Arkansas river.
The enemy's loss was 1000 among whom are five
Colones; our loss was 100
/ New York, 1.-THE pirate Alabama was al
Martinique Nov. l7th. The Federal gunboat
San Jacinto arrived there the same forenoon, and
went outside to wait for herr but she escaped the
next night.
Dates to Dec. IL.
New York, Dec 12th.-A special Washington
dispatch saws private advces received last night
from Fredericksburg the greatest portion o.
Franklin's division crossed safely throwing ou
pickets to those of Hooker's at Fredericksburg
! Although the city is on fire in several places, il
is thought most of the buildings will be saved
The enemy shirmished all day with Franklin
advance, but fell back gradually, their movements
being insignificant.
Gen. Park, telegraphed last night, that we art
in full possession of Fredericksburg. Our troops
are crossing rapidly the army will be over anC
ready to engage the enemy tomorrow.
The Times Washington special dispatch assert