Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1863-06-12
Across the Rappahannock.
THE FIRST VERMONT BRIGADE AGAIN At
WORK.

Across the Rappahannock.
WORK.
Friday noon, very unexpectedly to every
body, the engineer brigade was ordered t,
the Rappalannock with pontoon bridge,
and orders to proceed with the construction
OF two bridges across the river at poin
known as Franklin's crossing, just below
the mouth of Deep Run, and one mile be-
low Fredericksburg. Batteries from The
9th corps, under the charge of Col. Temp
kins, were likewise ordered to cover the en-
gineers in their work, and Howes division
OF infantry was ordered to the spot to snp
port the engineers and push across as soor
as the bridges were laid. The only rebe
force visible upon the opposite side was
their double line of pickets, who lounsed
about very uncoveredly," watching our
operations closely, but seeming to have nc
idea that we would make an attempt 10
cross in open daylight. But about 5 o'clock
the engineers commenced unloading the
pontoons, whereupons the rebels Topped
into their rifle pits and commenced picking
Oft our men. Our artillery, 20 guns or
more, Immediately opened with shell, and
for two hours kept up vigorous cannon
ade, with little effect upon the sharpsboot-
ers, however. These kept in the bitches
closely, and picked off our men at eyery
chance.
1t became necessary to storm the rife
pits, and at half past six the 26th New Jer,
say, Col. Morrison, of Col. Grants Yer
mont brigade, was ordered into the boats.
They at once pushed across under a severe
fire, and landing on the opposite side, rush
ed upon the pits with cheers. The rebels
vacated, and ran with judgment. Our men
deployed as skirmishers, and liz
short time some sixty of the I'd Florida
were brought in prisoners. Other regi-
ments OF the Vermont brigade soon follow
ed in boats, and nearly the whole of two
brlgades were over. As soon as the firing
ceased, the engineers began work on the
bridges, and at 6 P. NJ. had one of them
and the remainder of Howes
division passed over. Our casualties were
i've killed, and about twenty five wounded.
Among the killed is Capt. Charles E. Cross,
an able and accomplished officer, belonging
to the regular engineer battalion. The
enemy's loss could not have been large. as
they were protected by their earthworks.
The captain commanding their picket was
killed, and several men were found dead in
the ditches-the effect of our shells
This movement surprised many Of our
own officers not less than the enemy. 1t is
properly a reconnaissance, by which the
Commanding general hopes to obtain some
positive information regarding the enemy's
intentions. Saturday morning enough was
iscertained TO locate the greater portion of
he enemy's forces. We took nearly 100
prisoners, including one major.
Our crossing took the enemy greatly by
urprise. During the night Lee marched
wo corps back from the vicinity of Salem
Church, TO position in front of our line.
Longstreet's corps reinforced the troops in
fredericksburg. and slept there Friday
q
hight. Saturday morning they moved in a
direction. By this bold move
nent we have demonstrated to certainty
what has become Of the enemy, besides d.
'ining his purposes. The men behaved in
he most gallant manner, and cheered As
hey crossed. for the third time, this historic
stream. The movement has thrilled the
army with excitement and Impotence.
The following Is list of the yermonters
wounded in this affair, as thus far reported
Levi Raymond, co. HI, 9th Vermont, arm.
slightly. |
Fl. G. Anthony, co. c, 9th Vermont,
high.
John Hines, CO. B, 9th Vermont, chest,
atal.
VIM. Meades, co. G, 9th Vermont, shoul-
le-, slightly.
Sergeant-Major W. G. Davenport, 9TH |
Vermont, heel. slightly.
Philo j. Cromwell, co. d, 9TH Vermont,
eff arm amputated.
AFRO Caswell, co. A, 9TH Vermont, face.