The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-08-07
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
An Account of the Action by Surg. Thompson to
NntItpr

| An Account of the Action by Surg. Thompson to
Ills Mother.
The following letter, written by Asst Surg.
J. w. Thompson, dist Pa, to his mother i'm
mediatey after the battle of Fredericksburg,
Va, will doubtless be Of interest to many old
veterans. Surg. Thompson contracted camp
fever sometime after the BATTLE Of which he
died. The letter is sent us by his brothor @.
J.. Thompson, who was member of the 153d
Ohio.
FALMOUTH, VA, Dec 81, 1862.
DEAR MOTHER: Your letter came to hand a
day or two ago, and will endeavor to answer
it to-day, the first opportunity have had. On
the 18th inst. our batteries opened on the enemy
across the river and during the day we effected
crossing above and below and finally into
fredericksburg Here the crossing was hoty
contested, our first bridge being torn to pieces
by the enemy's shells aud a number of our men
killed. Another bridge, however, was soon
constructed Ia pontoOn), and before night we
had possession of the town. About one-third
of tho town was burned in tho bombardment,
as tho enemy used the houses ms screens for
their sharpshooters, tho inhabitants having
evacuated some days before.
On Saturday moro troops passed over, our
division being among them, and that afternoon
n general advance was begun, when our brigade
at doublo-quick through the mud for nearly
womilcs. Here they met our limo being driven
back, and ono of our batteries in danger of
falling into the enemy's hands, when the order
was given to charge, and with wild whoOp our
boys went for them in such style that they
fled to their carthworks.
Here they were safe, and our boys, being ex-
posed to calling fire, returned to tho vicinity
of our batteries, which were posted on the
ground from which tho robs were driven in the
morning. The front ranks of the two armies
were still within short rfe-range, aud the
firing on each side continued until dark.
During the battle ] was detailed as Field
Surgeon, and followed the regiment to the field
where tho fight was going on, when one Of our
men was knocked down by cannon-shot just
in front of me. ! dismountcd attended to him,
and sent him back to the hospital, then gal
Hoped after tho regiment, which found in the
midst of whisting shot and she'll posted in
support of battery ! remained here few
moments consulting with the Colonel as to my
location, which VIC decided to make behind a
bank ut the rear Of the field. | then directed
the carrying back of some who had already
fallen, aud rode off 10 prepare my quarters.
found the place ono of moderate security, the
bank protecting us from everything except
shells bursting over us. This occurred but
seldom, and fortunately with no serious results,
although at every opening of tho onemy's bat
teries perfect storm OF missiles would whistle
over our heads.
Sunday and Monday We occupied the samo
position, with occasional throwing of shot aud
she'll from tho batteries Monday night our
whole army was successfully Withdrawn to the
other side of tho river; the rcbs never suspect
ing such move until daybreak next morning.
Our removal was wonderfully successful when
We consider how close the armies were together
The night was dark and the wind in our favor,
or it could not have been done. The cause OF
the removal has not been committed TO our
keeping, bat suppose our exposed position was
considered untenabe against general attack,
which was looked for next day. i hated to
sec the rctrograde movement, and would rather
have run the risks of tho next day than to fall
back in the face of the enemy.
We are now encamped near our previous
location, preparing our Winter quarters The
weather was fuo while we were over tho river,
but now 1t would do credit to Winter on the
lakes.
Hoping this mny find all we'll at home, re-
main, your loving son, J. w. THOMPSON,
Assistant Surgeon I4ist Pa