, 1863-01-03

LATEST EASTERN NEWS.
Dates to Dec ID.

from tne seat OF war; last nlgnI states Indt Oh Vic
18th, Wade Hampton's cavalry captured Dunn
fries, on the Occoquan, half way between Wash
ington and Fredericksburg, and to-day cut the
telegraph wires and captured number of opera
tors This caused the interruption of news.
Communication is now restored aud Sigel's corps
is trying to cut off Hampton's retreat, though
with doubtful prospect of success.
Headquarters Army of Potomac, Dec. 19.-
The battle, long anticipated is now progressing.
Reynolds corps, on the left, advanced and en-
gagged the enemy at o'clock. A few minutes
afterwards the rebels opened heavy siege of ar
tllery, which still continues. Our heavy guns are
answering; but the fire on both sides is at ran
dom, on account of the dense fog. No results
are as yet known, and but little of the infantry
have been engaged. A portion of the enemy's
cavalry crossed the ford above here yesterday,
and are on our right. The rear of the Federal
force has been sent against them.
Washington, Dec. 13.-A dispatch from Fal-
mouth, last night, says that the main body of
our army is now over the river, the balance be-
The Navy Department has advices from the
Gulf squadron to Nov. 26th, which gives an ac-
count of the capture of the British schooner
Maria, and the rebel schooner Carrie, while at
tempting to run the blockade of Sabine Pass.
Hampton's cavalry captured number of Off
GERS at Dumfries yesterday but paroled them.
Later in the day Gen. Stenwehr, with COM
mand of Sige's, met the rebels and fight en-
sued. The precise locality or extent CT which is
not yet known.
The gallant act of first crossing the river at
Fredericksburg, was performed by two compa-
MES of the 18th Michigan regiment. drum
mer boy ten years old was in the first boat.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Dec.
13th--11 P. M.-The fog began to disappear
early in the forenoon, ahordng unobstructed
view of our own and the rebels position. 1t was
evident that on the first ridge of hills in the rear
of the city the enemy had guns posted behind
works which could not be carried except by in
fantry. Gen. Frenchs DIVISION which was sup
ported by Gen. Howards troops, advanced to
their work at l1.4O on a brisk run. The enc
mys guns opened upoh them with very rapid
fire, when within mhsket range, at the base oi
the ridge. The rebel infantry, who we're posted
behind stone walls and some houses on the right
of the line checked the advance Of our men, and
they fell back to a small ravine, but not out of
musket range. At this time another body of
men moved to their assistance in splendid style,
Notwithstanding large gaps were made in their
ranks by the rebel artillery. When our troops
arrived at the first line of rebel defenses they
"double-qucked, and with fixed bayonets endeav-
ored to disodge the rebels from their hiding
place; but the concentrated fire Of the rebel ar
tillery and infantry was too much for them. The
centre gave way in disorder, but was afterwards
rallied and brought back. From that time the
fire was spiritedly carried on and never ceased
until dark
Gen. Franklin, on our left, met with better sue
cess. He succeeded after hard days fight in
driving the rebels about one mile. At one time
they advanced to attack him, but were handsome
y repDlsed with terrible slaughter and loss Of four
or five hundred prisoners, belonging to Gen.
Hills division. Gen. Franklin's movements
were directed down the river, and his troops en-
camped not far from Massafonax creek.
Our troops sleep tonight where they fought
to-day. The dead and wounded are being car
ried from the field Among the officers killed or
wounded, are, Gen. Jackson, Penn. Reserves,
killed Gen. Bayard died from wound in thigh
Gen. Vienton wounded Gen. Gibbons wounded;
Gen. Kimtall, wounded Gen. Caldwell, wound
ed Col. Sinclair, seriously woundedi Capt Hen
erickson, woundedi Col. Cross, N. H. 9th,
wounded Maj. and Adjutant of same regiment
killed.
The musketry firing ceased about 6 o'clock, bat
the rebels continued to throw shells into the city
until night.
The rebel position is as follows: Longstreet
on the left, holding main works. Gen. A. P.
Hill and Stonewall Jackson in front of Frank
lin. Jacksons right resting on the Rappahan-
mock, with Hills force as a reserve Burnside will
renew the battle at daylight. Our troops are in
good spirits. t..eI
Headquarters of Army, Dec 14.-There is no
fog to-day. The sun is shining brightly, with
strong breeze at daylight this morning There
was heavy fire of artillery and infantry in front
of the first Federal line of works where Gen. Sum-
ner and Hooker we're engaged yesterday The
fire Stacked about an hour afterwards, and was
heard only at intervals until now. The same oc-
Cured in front of Gen. Franklns division The
object of both parties is evidently to feel the 9TH
er All the dead obtained are now being buried.
Washington, Dec. 14th.- Gentlemen in high
position repeat the assertion as coming from
Burnside, that he has men enough, and desires
no more reihforcements 1t is thought here that
about 10000 of our troops were enhaged in yes
terday's battle. Gen. Meagher was wounded in
the leg, in yesterdays battle.
New York, Dec 14th-A dispatch from head
quarters, last night, to the Herald says that
Gen. Franklin's line moved forward at sunrise
Shortly afterwards rebel battery opened on our
line, and the 9th N. Y. militia were ordered to
charge but after fierce struggle were compelled
to retire. The remainder of that brigade, under
Gen. Tyler then charged on the battery, and the
fight became general.
About ten o'clock Gen. Summers troops en-.
gagged the enemy back of the city. The battle
ragged furiously until dark the enemy occupying
the woods and hills, had the most advantageous
position, but were driven back on their right
mile and half Early in the day, several hun