Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-01-02
vivid Description OF hattie work.

A correspondent of the Philadelphia Press
gives the following description of the charge of
French's division at Fredericksburg:
"The battle then began by the advance of
French's division on the enemy's left supported
Immediately DJ those of Hancock and Howard
the whole three composing the army corps of
Couch. The object was to take the first line of
batteries in their front. Steadily the brave fell
lows assembled the range of hills, two ranks deep,
under furiousfire of artillery, flashing death s
terrors under the most fearful form, aud gaily
they climbed the numerous fences in their way.
Men dropped, and broad gaps were made in their
ranks but the lines Immediately closed and
were compact as before. The wounded silently
fell. All bosh about the screams of the wound
ed, that we read in books On, on they went
until a blazing line of musketry stormed upon
them from the rifle pits hitherto invisible. and
induced halt. Firmly they stood up and re-
turned the fire. Up went the sword Of field Of
ficers, wildly cheering them on. Again they
advanced. Again they halted. Line officers
ran behind the men, picking up cartridge boxes
from the dead, and replenishing those of the
living. Back and forth they went in the rear OF
their companies, asking men if their ammun-
tion held out, indicating localities where shots
might be effective, and encouraging with hope
full words.
Steady, boys, steady; give 'em hi" "Smth
are you hurt2" ''Yes, sir; my arms broke. -
eco to the rear, my boy Another man falls.
Where are you struck, Robers2" "In the
thigh, sir; l can't move" "Lie still and keep
cool. They'll take you away SOON" Dennis,
what's the matter with your Why the ID
don't you fire faster?" "The balls banged the
top O. me muskit together sur, and broke me
baggonet." "Pitch It away; here's another.'-
Fire faster Jones. That's right, Robinsonl
Give it 'eml Give it 'eml Splendid boys,
splendid Down with you'll there's new battery
openingl" So it goes; encouragements and re-
proof by turns, in quantities varied by the indi-
uidual vitality of the officers interspersed with
constant orders to. lie down and avoid the fire of
batteries.
Terrible is the work of death2 The enemy
in rifle pits have an advantage three to our one
They pop their heads up. fire and down they go
to load. "Oh, blast It'll Captain we amt got no
chance against them fellers. We ought to have
reinforcenients.
"This cry extends along the lines Colonels,
in their visits to the companies hear it from the
line officers; it soon comes TO the knowledge of
the Generals, and after and hours hard fighting
an order to fall back is given, which is obeyed
with steady pace and but little Struggling to-
wards the city. Here they are Joined by the LIST
and Sd divisions of Wilcox's corps, commanded
by Generals Burns and Getty, and again advance.
They are soon followed by the I'd division, and
The line deliberately loads and fires in upexcep-
tionable order, supported by our blazing batter
les. Ammunition becomes exhausted, and they
again retire, when, after receiving cartridges,
they are lagain reinforced by the division of
Humphrey and Griffin on their left, from Butter
felds's corps and Hookers grand division. The
roar of cannon the wbirr and scream of shell,
the crack of musketry is unending. Poor fell
lowsl God help theml What will not the na-
tion owe to men who face these horrorsY The
day deepens, and lull takes place. Burnside
rushes over the river from his commanding po-
sition at the Phillips House followed by order
lies and aids. Presently his stirring presence
is betokened by furious charge-the darkening
hills fash with vivid light--the cracking of RI
ies is tremendous-cheer rises after cheer-a
range of rife-pits is won, and the night closes
with gain of half mile"