Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-01-08
ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
From the Fifth Regiment-fhe Part it
Took in the Battle of Fredericksburg.

From the Fifth Regiment-The Part it
Took in the Battle of Fredericksburg.
CAMP NEAR WHITE OAK CHURCH, Va
December 23d, 1862.
Messrs. Editors The battle of Freder-
icksburg has been fought, the results have
been canvassed, and, by this time, the
people of the North have learned how
much we won-how much we lost. You,
doubtless, have learned from your ex
changes that this was very big, and
very hard fight. The 9th Wisconsin did
not play so conspicuous a part as some
others. We are in Gen. Howe's Division.
and as you must have learned, held part of
the center while the fighting was going Oh
to the ri ht and the left. But We were
under fire most of the time from Friday
noon, Dec u, until the firing from the
skirmshers ceased in our front, and we
withdrew across the river Monday night.
Immediately after crossing the Rappahau-
mock, our regiment was ordered to the
front, but luckily we did not advance, the
object being to support the sklrmishers.
BY some acknowledgement we got in front
of the pickets, and while getting into po-
sition were fired upon by rebel skirmish-
ers, woundiug two men IN Go. H., one Sc
riously. John Dunken was struck in the
lip by rife ball, and Corp. Amos W.
Miller hit on the breast plate. Both are
il the hospital at Washington. On San
day VIM. Lyon, Go. D, was hit by piece
of the enemy's she'll His recovery is
very doubtful. These are all the casual
ties of a severe nature that happened to
the 9Th. 1t is a remark of many, show
fortunate were the 9TH" We all wonder
at our small number of wounded. Some
of the time during the fight perfect tor.
| naco of shot and shell went over our
heads. And the little wicked buzzing of
leaden hail flew thick and fast. There is
peculiar sound that accompanies the rifle
ball, little like bees and little not
like it; you invariably dodge, but the ball
has passed when you make your motion.
All soldiers know this, but then it Is some
relief to dodge occasionally. All day Sat
urday-wkat a murderous Saturday too
we lay close to the ground and listened to
the terrible fight. We could see it too
Upon the left we could see our brave men
advance right up to the lannon's mouth,
waving their colors al the time, and when
the enemy's artillery opened upon them,
whole winro rs would be piled up. Then
we could hear the officers shout: "Rally
men p Firm there!" Stand by your
coiors!" and such words of cheer. Poor
fellows! they did stand up nobly, but
without avail. The rebels had the advac-
tage. Regiment alter regiment was sent
in, but all came out with teartully thinned
ranks. Once Or twice our men did gain
on the traitors, and then such cheering,
we all felt like jumping up and rushing in.
Soon we heard the rebels cheer too, then
our men came back. not az of them, for
many, very many, bit the dust. Some fell
inside the rebel works.
Our officers say this was the most holly
contested fight of the whole war. Such
deatening sounds of artillery such terrible
havoc among our men! All this time we
lay quietly waiting orders to move on.
Every few minutes Gen. Pratt, Che is our
Brigadier), or Gen. Howe, Che is our Di-
vision GeneraD would ride slowly around,
sometimes in front, sometimes in the rear,
and then sit upon their horses and look at
the fighting. We expected to go in at any
moment. Our nerves were all excited,
and at the word forward |" every man
would have been ready. Gen. Smith, who
commands the right OF Franklin's Division,
was on the ground, and ready. Gen.
Smith is a brave man. All have the
greatest confidence in him. We have seen
him under fire, and know he possesses the
coolest bravery.
A whole chapter of incidents might be
written as l saw them that day, but will
not trespass on your space allotted to cor
respondence. Saturday night We were in
the extreme front as skirmishers, but were
relieved at daylight and moved back near
the river, which we crossed near the head
Of the column on Monday at 9 p. IN. After
TWO days in camp upon the heights oppo-
site the battle ground, we moved back
near the camp we left Dec. 10th, to form
part of the advancing army. We are
about five miles from Fredericksburg and
three from Belle Plains.
Many have built "winter quarters -
not with the thought of staying, but to
make Us comfortable while we do stay. A
soldier builds him house in day, SO the
boys in the 5th commence rearing their
shantes as soon as we stop. The pleasure
Of sitting down inside OF your log cabin,
before good FIRE, repays you for all your
labor. My tent mate has just 6 fixed up'
beef steak, fried crackers, coffee and
boiled beans. Good bye, Mr.. Editor the
wants of the inner man must first be sat-
isfed. E. o. II.