New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-01-23

cross the river in the morning, victory Is ours. II
the bridges delayed and delays suffered, the
enemy, with their known rapidly, will meet us In
strength and render success doubtful We are imps-
tently and anxiously looking for the arrival OF tho
pontoons. 1t was the original intention that Hook
er's Grand Division should have crossed several
miles above at the United States Ford. We believe
the plan has been changed, and both Hooker and
Franklin ara to throw their Grand Divisions across
the river at Banks Ford.
The locality chosen for the construction Of the
bridges and the crossing Of the army 10 six miles
from Falmouth. The river makes horseshoe bend
at this place. and the poutoons to be built at the
heel Of the horseshoe below the ford. Que feature
offers serious obstacle to the success of the under
taking. From hill the Rebels with artillery can
sweep the bridge. Traverses have, however, been
constructed. and il is expected that the guns pro-
tected by them wlsence the batteries which the eDe-
my may post upon this commanding position. These
traverses are being constructed by the both N. Y.
", who are now toiling faithfully in the rain and
cold at midnight. Opposite the place for the bridges
is Rebel rhe-pit, which fortunately is but an ex.
tension Of the line OF the bridges and is exposed to
the fire of the battery which il posted upon lhs bank
of the river.
A brigade Of infantry, in command Of the Rebel
Gen. Wilcox, is guarding the passage Of the river
These forces we shall encounter upon the first effort
at crossing. The exciting and hazardous effor. Of
building the bridges will be assisted by the crossing
Of large number Of men in boats-tbe plan which
proved so successful at Fredericksburg 1t 10 under
stood that train Of 10 boats, filed with armed men,
aud rowed over by the bridge.builder, will clear
the Rebel rife pits and the opposite bank, and rem.
der the rapid construction Of the bridges more GER
tain.
Since writing the above IL is learned that tie head
Of the bridge train has arrived to within half mile
of the river. The storm lie raging with increasing
severity; Which, however intolerabe II may beto the
soldiers who are sitting aud sbyeriDg around their
bvousc fires will prove valuable cover for the
secresy Of the brdge-baidng. fear least the rain
may so soften the roads that the progress Of the
boats will be seriously mpeded.
The night 10 very dark, and the posting Of the
artillery in the places designsted will be tack Of
the greatest difficulty. Calcium lights are at Gen.
Burusde's dispossl, and the darkness may be made
light as day for the workmen. When all 10 ready a
few hours ought 20 finish the bridges. We are
waiting TO be warned by the noise Of the artillery
the rGemen that the work upon the bridges has
commenced Before closing this dispatch we hope
to cay that the work, il not completed, 10 well sd
vsnced.
Should Fortune smile favorably upon under.
king during the next twelve hours, we hope 10
have driven the enemy before us, and have gained
the rear Of Fredericksburg. Then it 10 expected
that Summers Grand Division will cross the Rappa.
hammock near Falmouth. Then will follow the
building OF the railroad bridge tho Rappahan-
mock. Timben are all ready, every beam and
plank, and they will be thrown together with the
greatest rnpid,y, and communication established by
rail with our supplies. TLs has been u considered
beforehand by Gen. Burnside, and every matter ar
ranged, ne il success were absolutely certain.
sigers Corps, one division Of which has been for
some time above Falmouth, upon the river, lie ex.
pected 10 act as rtserve, and follow up the Of
the army. The extreme right has been for some
weeks guarded by this corps, which, we regret TO
say is not expected to participate in tho FIRE, Of the
fighting tomorrow.
No demonstration has occurred upon the picket
1nes-now after midnight. All is ne quiet ~ usual
upon the other side Of the river. But while the
enemy can hardly have failed 10 observe the bivouac
free Of our forces which have appeared tonight in
,uch unusual numbers, the wind, which 10 blowing
strongly from their position, will carry no nOse Of
the ertillery wagons or the bridge train
BARTLETT