The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-01-09
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH Va, Dec 20. 1862.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH Va, Dec 20. 1862.
My VERY DEAR SISTER: Several days
have now elapsed since the battle of Freder-
cannot shake off its depressing
effects on my mind. Nine days ago we broke
camp at o'clock A. NJ. The whole army
was in motion, and general forward move
ment was evidently intended. Marching
mile or two brought US to the cover of wood,
where we rested several hours, where the
terrific bombardment of the city of Freder-
cksburg was going on. Toward night the
roar of cannon ceased, and we were ordered
forward. 1t was splendid sight to view,as
the long columns of the I'd corps came forth
from every road and ravine into the open
plain opposite the city. The blood red sun,
just sinking behind the epemy's works s,shone
on the long lines of glis:ening steel which
steadily moved towards the river Dense
columns of smoke arose from the doomed city,
making confagration seem imminent,-al-
together just that moment, thus imperfectly
described, was one of thlse pictures in the
course of the war, that only the pen of an
Abbot or Headley could paint with words.
Apparently we were TO attempt to cross the
river at once, but suddenly the flash of gun
from distant battery of the rebels which
stood out in plain outline against the sky,re-
minded US that We We're not unmatched and
at the signal,a battery of some ten guns,much
nearer than the signal gun,opened on us.and
sent its shells shriekiug over our heads, and
bursting in our ranks. 1t was Clear now if
not before that the whole plain was command
ed by the enemy, and such mass of troops
must not be kept exposed. And soon the
order to countermarch was given, and the
crossing postponed. Our brigade bivouack-
ed under the shelter of hill. Having Teen
on our feet in the mud all day, and expecting
hard work on the morrow, we made our beds
of brush-wood, built large fires to keep US
partially warm, and slept as best we might.
But you know there are other thoughts be
side hard beds and the cold, to make one
wakeful on the night before the battle.
At daylight our coffee was prepared and
! drank, ard all hands ready for orders, which
soon came. Again We moved towards the
river, ex, Getting desperate struggle before
we couiu get over. But it turned out tina,
during the night, the pontoon bridges had
been successfully laid, and one or two regi.
ments had entered tLe city. Soon the whole
corps was over, and occupied the streets and
houses of Fredericksburg. How shall l des
cribe the scene Of destruction and desolatior
that met our eyes? This was a new thing
in the war. The bombardment and sackine
of a city old, rich land refined like this. Ever!
building-churches, man 'ions, stores s,cottase'
-erery thing shattered with cannon shot
Elegant residences turned inside out. Th'
costly furniture, bedding. books, paintings
family relics and keepsakes-aU ransacke'
and taken or destroyed. Tobacco in larg
quantities and some whiskey was found-thi
most delighted the soldiers. 1t was grea
sport for the boys; and such ludicrous scene
we're never before enacted. The officers coul
aot-at least did not prevent the plunder Q