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the seventeenth, it was ascertained that Sumner's corps had marched from Catlett's Station, in the direction of Falmouth, and information was also received that, on the fifteenth, some Federal gunboats and transports had entered Acquia Creek. This looked as if Fredericksburgh was again to be occupied, and McLaws's and Ransom's divisions, accompanied by W. H. F. Lee's brigade of cavalry and Lane's battery, were ordered to proceed to that city. To ascertain more fully the movements of the enemy, General Stuart was directed to cross the Rappahannock. On the morning of the eighteenth he forced a passage at Warrenton Springs, in the face of a regiment of cavalry and three pieces of artillery, guarding the ford, and reached Warrenton soon after the last of the enemy's column had left. The information he obtained confirmed the previous reports, and it was clear that the whole Federal army, under Major-General Burnside, was moving toward Fredericksburgh. On the morning of the nineteenth, therefore, the remainder of Longstreet's corps was put in motion for that point. The advance of General Sumner reached Falmouth on the afternoon of the seventeenth, and ttempted to cross the Rappahannock, but was Iriven back by Colonel Ball, with the Fifteenth Virginia cavalry, four companies of Mississippi infantry, and Lewis's light battery.

On the twenty-first it became apparent that General Burnside was concentrating his whole army on the north side of the Rappahannock. On the same day, General Sumner summoned the corporate authorities of Fredericksburgh to surrender the place by five P.M., and threatened, in case of refusal, to bombard the city at nine o'clock, next morning. The weather had been tempestuous for two days, and a storm was raging at the time of the summons. It was impossible to prevent the execution of the threat to shell the city, as it was completely exposed to the batteries on the Stafford hills, which were beyond our reach. The city authorities were informed that while our forces would not use the place for military purposes, its occupation by the enemy would be resisted, and directions were given for the removal of the women and children as rapidly as possible. The threatened bombardment did not take place; but in view of the imminence of a collision between the two armies the inhabitants were advised to leave the city, and almost the entire population, without a murmur, abandoned their homes. History presents no instance of a people exhibiting a purer and more unselfish patriotism, or a higher spirit of fortitude and courage, than was evinced by the citizens of Fredericksburgh. They cheerfully incurred great hardships and privations, and surrendered their homes and property to destruction rather than yield them into the hands of the enemies of their country. General Burnside now commenced his preparations to force the passage of the Rappahannock and advance upon Richmond. When his army first began to move toward Fredericksburgh, General Jackson, in pursuance of instructions, crossed the Blue

Ridge, and placed his corps in the vicinity of Orange Court-House, to enable him more promptly to cooperate with Longstreet. About the twenty-sixth November he was directed to advance toward Fredericksburgh, and, as some Federal gunboats had appeared in the river, at Port Royal, and it was possible that an attempt might be made to cross in that vicinity, D. H. Hill's division was stationed near that place, and the rest of Jackson's corps so disposed, as to support Hill or Longstreet, as occasion might require. The fords of the Rappahannock above Fredericksburgh were closely guarded by our cavalry, and the brigade of General W. H. F. Lee was stationed near Port Royal to watch the river above and below. On the twenty-eighth, General Hampton, guarding the upper Rappahannock, crossed to make a reconnoissance on the enemy's right, and, proceeding as far as Dumfries and Occoquan, encountered and dispersed his cavalry, capturing two squadrons and a number of wagons. About the same time, some dismounted men of Beale's regiment, Lee's brigade, crossed in boats below Port Royal to observe the enemy's left, and took a number of prisoners. On the fifth December General D. H. Hill, with some of his field-guns, assisted by Major Pelham, of Stuart's horse artillery, attacked the gunboats at Port Royal, and caused them to retire. With these exceptions, no important movement took place, but it became evident that the advance of the enemy would not be long delayed. The interval was employed in strengthening our lines, extending from the river about a mile and a half above Fredericksburgh along the range of hills in the rear of the city to the Richmond Railroad. As these hills were commanded by the opposite heights, in possession of the enemy, earthworks were constructed upon their crest, at the most eligible positions for artillery. These positions were judiciously chosen and fortified under the direction of Brigadier-General Pendleton, Chief of Artillery, Colonel Cabell of McLaws's division, Colonel E. P. Alexander and Captain S. R. Johnson of the engineers. prevent gunboats from ascending the river a battery, protected by intrenchments, was placed on the bank, about four miles below the city, in an excellent position, selected by my aid-de-camp, Major Talcott. The plain of Fredericksburgh is so completely commanded by the Stafford heights that no effectual opposition could be made to the construction of bridges or the passage of the river, without exposing our troops to the destructive fire of the numerous batteries of the enemy. At the same time, the narrowness of the Rappahannock, its winding course and deep bed, prevented opportunities for laying down bridges at points secure from the fire of our artillery. Our position was, therefore, selected with a view to resist the enemy's advance after crossing, and the river was guarded only by a force sufficient to impede his movements until the army could be concentrated.

To

Before dawn, on the eleventh December, our signal guns announced that the enemy was in

His ar

tillery was distributed along his line in the most eligible positions so as to command the open ground in front. General Stuart, with two brigades of cavalry and his horse artillery, occupied the plain on Jackson's right, extending to Massaponax creek.

motion. About two A.M., he commenced prepara- brigade was stationed behind the interval between tions to throw two bridges over the Rappahan- Lane and Pender, and Gregg's in rear of that, benock, opposite Fredericksburgh, and one about a tween Lane and Archer. These two brigades, with mile and a quarter below, near the mouth of the Forty-seventh Virginia regiment and TwentyDeep Run. Two regiments of Barksdale's bri- second Virginia battalion, of Field's brigade, congade, McLaws's division, the Seventeenth and stituted General Hill's reserve. Early's and TaEighteenth Mississippi, guarded these points, the liaferro's divisions composed Jackson's second former, assisted by the Eighth Florida, of Ander-line-D. H. Hill's division his reserve. son's division, being at the upper. The rest of the brigade, with the Third Georgia regiment, also of Anderson's division, was held in reserve in the city. From daybreak until four P.M. the troops, sheltered behind the houses on the river bank, repelled the repeated efforts of the enemy to lay his bridges opposite the town, driving back his working parties and their supports, with great slaughter. At the lower point where there was no such protection, the enemy was successfully resisted until nearly noon, when, being greatly exposed to the fire of the batteries on the opposite heights, and a superior force of infantry on the river banks, our troops were withdrawn, and about one P.M. the bridge was completed. Soon afterward one hundred and fifty pieces of artillery opened a furious fire upon the city, causing our troops to retire from the river-bank about four P.M. The enemy then crossed in boats, and proceeded rapidly to lay down the bridges. His advance into the town was bravely resisted until dark, when our troops were recalled, the neces-ly turned upon him, but he sustained their heavy sary time for concentration having been gained.

On the morning of the thirteenth, the plain on which the Federal army lay was still enveloped in fog, making it impossible to discern its operations. At an early hour the batteries on the heights of Stafford began to play upon Longstreet's position. Shortly after nine A.M., the partial rising of the mist disclosed a large force moving in line of battle against Jackson. Dense masses appeared in front of A. P. Hill, stretching far up the river, in the direction of Fredericksburgh. As they advanced, Major Pelham, of Stuart's horse artillery, who was stationed near the Port Royal road with one section, opened a rapid and well-directed enfilade fire, which arrested their progress. Four batteries immediate

About one P.M., the main attack on the right began by a furious cannonade, under cover of which three compact lines of infantry advanced against Hill's front. They were received as before by our batteries, by whose fire they were momentarily checked, but soon recovering, they

fire with the unflinching courage that ever dis During the night and the succeeding day the tinguished him. Upon his withdrawal, the eneenemy crossed in large numbers at and below my extended his left down the Port Royal road, the town, secured from material interruption by and his numerous batteries opened with vigor a dense fog. Our artillery could only be used upon Jackson's line. Eliciting no response, his with effect when the occasional clearing of the infantry moved forward to seize the position ocmist rendered his columns visible. His batteries, cupied by Lieutenant-Colonel Walker. The laton the Stafford heights, fired at intervals upon ter reserving his fire until their line had approachour position. Longstreet's corps constituted oured within less than eight hundred yards, opened left, with Anderson's division resting upon the upon it with such destructive effect as to cause it river, and those of McLaws, Pickett, and Hood to waver and soon to retreat in confusion. extending to the right, in the order named. Ransom's division supported the batteries on Marye's and Willis's hills, at the foot of which Cobb's brigade, of McLaws's division, and the Twentyfourth North-Carolina, of Ransom's brigade, were stationed, protected by a stone wall. The immediate care of this point was committed to Gen-pressed forward, until coming within range of our eral Ransom. The Washington artillery, under infantry the contest became fierce and bloody. Colonel Walton, occupied the redoubts on the Archer and Lane repulsed those portions of the crest of Marye's hill, and those on the heights to line immediately in front of them; but before the the right and left, were held by part of the re- interval between these commands could be closed serve artillery, Colonel E. P. Alexander's bat- the enemy pressed through in overwhelming talion, and the division batteries of Anderson, numbers, and turned the left of Archer and the Ransom, and McLaws. A. P. Hill, of Jackson's right of Lane. Attacked in front and flank, two corps, was posted between Hood's right and Ham- regiments of the former and the brigade of the ilton's Crossing, on the railroad. His front line, latter, after a brave and obstinate resistance, gave consisting of the brigades of Pender, Lane, and way. Archer held his line with the First TenArcher, occupied the edge of a wood. Lieuten- nessee, and with the Fifth Alabama battalion, ant-Colonel Walker, with fourteen pieces of artil-assisted by the Forty-seventh Virginia regiment lery, was posted near the right, supported by the and the Twenty-second Virginia battallion, conFortieth and Thirty-fifth Virginia regiments, of Field's brigade, commanded by Colonel Brockenbrough. Lane's brigade, thrown forward in advance of the general line, held the woods, which here projected into the open ground. Thomas's

tinued the struggle until the arrival of reenforcements. Thomas came gallantly to the relief of Lane, and joined by the Seventh and part of the Eighteenth North-Carolina, of that brigade, repulsed the column that had broken Lane's line,

cannonade, our batteries poured a rapid and destructive fire into the dense lines of the enemy as they advanced to the attack, frequently breaking their ranks, and forcing them to retreat to the shelter of the houses. Six times did the enemy, notwithstanding the havoc caused by our batteries, press on with great determination, to within one hundred yards of the foot of the hill; but here encountering the deadly fire of our infantry, his columns were broken and fled in confusion to the town. In the third assault, the brave and lamented Brigadier-General Thomas R. R. Cobb fell at the head of his gallant troops, and almost at the same moment Brigadier-General Cook was borne from the field, severely wounded. Fearing that Cobb's brigade might exhaust its ammunition, General Longstreet had directed General Kershaw to take two regiments to its support. Arriving after the fall of General Cobb, he assumed command, his troops taking position on the crest and at the foot of the hill, to which point General Ransom also advanced three other regiments. The Washington artillery, which had sustained the heavy fire of artillery and infantry with unshaken steadiness, and contributed much to the repulse of the enemy, having exhausted its ammunition, was relieved about four P.M. by Colonel Alexander's battalion. The latter occu

and drove it back to the railroad. In the mean time, a large force had penetrated the wood as far as Hill's reserve, and encountered Gregg's brigade. The attack was so sudden and unexpected that Orr's rifles, mistaking the enemy for our own troops retiring, were thrown into confusion. While in the act of rallying them, that brave soldier and true patriot, Brigadier-General Maxcy Gregg fell, mortally wounded. Colonel Hamilton, upon whom the command devolved, with the four remaining regiments of the brigade and one company of the rifles, met the enemy firmly and checked his further progress. The second line was advancing to the support of the first. Lawton's brigade, of Early's division, under Colonel Atkinson, first encountered the enemy, quickly followed on the right and left by the brigades of Trimble, under Colonel Hoke, and Early, under Colonel Walker. Taliaferro's division moved forward at the same time on Early's left, and his right regiment, the Second Virginia, belonging to Paxton's brigade, joined in the attack. The contest in the woods was short and decisive. The enemy was quickly routed and driven out with loss, and, though largely reënforced, he was forced back and pursued to the shelter of the railroad embankment. Here he was gallantly charged by the brigades of Hoke and Atkinson, and driven across the plain to his batteries. At-pied the position during the rest of the engagekinson, continuing the pursuit too far, his flank ment, and by its well-directed fire, rendered great became exposed, and, at the same time, a heavy assistance in repelling the assaults made in the heavy fire of musketry and artillery was directed afternoon, the last of which occurred shortly against his front. Its ammunition becoming ex- before dark. This effort met the fate of those hausted, and Colonel Atkinson being severely, that preceded it, and when night closed in, the and Captain Lawton, adjutant-general, mortally shattered masses of the enemy had disappeared wounded, the brigade was compelled to fall back in the town, leaving the field covered with dead to the main body, now occupying our original and wounded. Anderson's division supported line of battle, with detachments thrown forward the batteries on Longstreet's left, and though not to the railroad. The attack on Hill's left was re-engaged, was exposed throughout the day to a pulsed by the artillery on that part of the line, hot artillery fire, which it sustained with steady against which the enemy directed a hot fire from courage. twenty-four guns. One brigade advanced up Deep Run, sheltered by its banks from our batteries, but was charged and put to flight by the Sixteenth North-Carolina, of Pender's brigade, assisted by the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-seventh North-Carolina, of Law's brigade, Hood's division. The repulse of the enemy on our right was decisive, and the attack was not renewed, but his batteries kept up an active fire at intervals, and sharp-shooters skirmished along the front during the rest of the afternoon. While these events were transpiring on our right, the enemy, in formidable numbers, made repeated and desperate The attack on the thirteenth had been so easily assaults upon the left of our line. About eleven repulsed, and by so small a part of our army, A.M., having massed his troops, under cover of that it was not supposed the enemy would limit the houses of Fredericksburgh, he moved forward his efforts to one attempt, which, in view of the in strong columns to seize Marye's and Willis's magnitude of his preparations, and the extent of hills. General Ransom advanced Cook's bri- his force, seemed to be comparatively insignifigade to the top of the hill, and placed his own, cant. Believing, therefore, that he would attack with the exception of the Twenty-fourth North- us, it was not deemed expedient to lose the adCarolina, a short distance in the rear. All the vantages of our position, and expose the troops batteries on the Stafford heights directed their to the fire of his inaccessible batteries beyond fire upon the positions occupied by our artillery, the river, by advancing against him. But we with a view to silence it, and cover the movement were necessarily ignorant of the extent to which of the infantry. Without replying to this furious | he had suffered, and only became aware of it

During the night, our lines were strengthened by the construction of earth-works at exposed points, and preparations made to receive the enemy next day. The fourteenth, however, passed without a renewal of the attack. The enemy's batteries on both sides of the river played upon our lines at intervals, our own firing but little. The sharp-shooters on each side skirmished occasionally along the front.

On the fifteenth, the enemy still retained his position, apparently ready for battle; but the day passed as the preceding.

when, on the morning of the sixteenth, it was discovered that he had availed himself of the darkness of night, and the prevalence of a violent storm of wind and rain, to recross the river. The town was immediately reoccupied, and our positions on the river bank resumed.

In the engagement, more than nine hundred prisoners and nine thousand stand of arms were taken. A large quantity of ammunition was found in Fredericksburgh. The extent of our casualties will appear from the accompanying report of the Medical Director.

We have again to deplore the loss of valuable lives. In Brigadier-Generals Gregg and Cobb the Confederacy has lost two of its noblest citizens, and the army two of its bravest and most distinguished officers. The country consents to the sacrifice of such men as these, and the gallant soldiers who fell with them, only to secure the inestimable blessing they died to obtain. The troops displayed, at Fredericksburgh, in a high degree, the spirit and courage that distinguished them throughout the campaign; while the calmness and steadiness with which orders were obeyed, and manoeuvres executed, in the midst of battle, evinced the discipline of a veteran army. The artillery rendered efficient service on every part of the field, and greatly assisted in the defeat of the enemy. The batteries were exposed to an unusually heavy fire of artillery and infantry, which officers and men sustained with a coolness and courage worthy of the highest praise. Those on our right, being without defensive works, suffered more severely.

Among those who fell was Lieutenant-Colonel Coleman, First regiment Virginia artillery, who was mortally wounded while bravely discharging his duty.

gent, and determined manner in which they executed their several parts.

To the officers of the general staff, BrigadierGeneral R. H. Chilton, Adjutant and InspectorGeneral, assisted by Major Peyton; LieutenantColonel Corley, Chief Quartermaster; Lieutenant-Colonel Cole, Chief Commissary; Surgeon Guild, Medical Director, and Lieutenant-Colonel B. G. Baldwin, Chief of Ordnance, were committed the care of their respective departments, and the charge of supplying the demands upon each. They were always in the field, anticipating, as far as possible, the wants of the troops.

My personal staff were unremittingly engaged in conveying and bringing information from all parts of the field. Colonel Long was particularly useful before and during the battle, in posting and securing the artillery, in which he was untiringly aided by Captain S. R. Johnson, of the Provisional Engineers; Majors Talcott and Venable, in examining the ground and the approaches of the enemy; Majors Taylor and Marshall, in communicating orders and intelligence. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE,

General.

APPENDIX TO GENERAL LEE'S REPORT

OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
June 24, 1862.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 75.

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I. General Jackson's command will proceed to-morrow from Ashland toward the Slash Church, and encamp at some convenient point west of the Central Railroad. Branch's brigade, of A. P. Hill's division, will also, to-morrow evening, take position on the Chickahominy, near Half Sink. To the vigilance, boldness, and energy of Gen- At three o'clock Thursday morning, twenty-sixth eral Stuart and his cavalry is chiefly due the instant, General Jackson will advance on the road early and valuable information of the movements leading to Pale Green Church, communicating his of the enemy. His reconnoissances frequently march to General Branch, who will immediately extended within the Federal lines, resulting in cross the Chickahominy, and take the road leadskirmishes and engagements in which the cav-ing to Mechanicsville. As soon as the movealry was greatly distinguished. In the battle of ments of these columns are discovered, General Fredericksburgh, the cavalry effectually guarded A. P. Hill, with the rest of his division, will cross our right, annoying the enemy and embarrassing the Chickahominy near Meadow Bridge, and move his movements, by hanging on his frank and at- direct upon Mechanicsville. To aid his advance, tacking, when opportunity occurred. The na- the heavy batteries on the Chickahominy will, at ture of the ground and the relative positions of the proper time, open upon the batteries at Methe armies prevented them from doing more. chanicsville. The enemy being driven from MeTo Generals Longstreet and Jackson great chanicsville, and the passage across the bridge praise is due for the disposition and manage- opened, General Longstreet, with his division ment of their respective corps. Their quick per- and that of General D. H. Hill, will cross the ception enabled them to discover the projected Chickahominy at or near that point-General assaults upon their positions, and their ready D. H. Hill moving to the support of General skill to devise the best means to resist them. Jackson, and General Longstreet supporting Besides their services in the field, which every General A. P. Hill-the four divisions keeping battle of the campaign, from Richmond to Fred-in communication with each other, and moving ericksburgh, has served to illustrate, I am also indebted to them for valuable counsel, both as regards the general operations of the army, and the execution of the particular measures adopted. To division and brigade commanders I must also express my thanks for the prompt, intelli

in echelon on separate roads, if practicable; the left division in advance, with skirmishers and sharp-shooters extending in their front, will sweep down the Chickahominy and endeavor to drive the enemy from his position above New-Bridge; General Jackson, bearing well to his left, turning

Beaver Dam Creek, and taking the direction toward Cold Harbor. They will then press forward toward York River Railroad, closing upon the enemy's rear and forcing him down the Chick-rection, keeping on the left of General Longstreet. ahominy. Any advance of the enemy toward Richmond will be prevented by vigorously following his rear, and crippling and arresting his progress.

II. The divisions under Generals Huger and Magruder will hold their positions in front of the enemy against attack, and make such demonstrations, Thursday, as to discover his operations. Should opportunity offer, the feint will be converted into a real attack; and should an abandonment of his intrenchments by the enemy be discovered, he will be closely pursued.

of Culpeper Court-House. General Jackson's command, constituting the left wing, will cross at Summerville Ford, and move in the same diGeneral Anderson's division will cross at Summerville Ford, follow the route of General Jackson, and act in reserve. The battalion of light artillery, under Colonel S. D. Lee, will take the same route. The cavalry, under General Stuart, will cross at Morton's Ford, pursue the route by Stevensburgh to Rappahannock Station, destroy the railroad-bridge, cut the enemy's communica tions, telegraph line, and, operating toward Culpeper Court-House, will take position on General Longstreet's right.

II. The commanders of each wing will desig III. The Third Virginia cavalry will observe nate the reserve for their commands. Medical the Charles City road. The Fifth Virginia, the and ammunition wagons will alone follow the First North-Carolina, and the Hampton Legion troops across the Rapidan. The baggage and cavalry will observe the Darby town, Varina, and supply trains will be parked under their respectOsborne roads. Should a movement of the en-ive officers, in secure positions on the south side, emy, down the Chickahominy, be discovered, they will close upon his flank, and endeavor to arrest his march.

IV. General Stuart, with the First, Fourth, and Ninth Virginia cavalry, the cavalry of Cobb's Legion and the Jeff Davis Legion, will cross the Chickahominy, to-morrow, and take position to the left of General Jackson's line of march. The main body will be held in reserve, with scouts well extended to the front and left. General Stuart will keep General Jackson informed of the movements of the enemy on his left, and will cooperate with him in his advance. The Sixteenth Virginia cavalry, Colonel Davis, wilt remain on the Nine Mile road.

V. General Ransom's brigade, of General Holmes's command, will be placed in reserve on the Williamsburgh road, by General Huger, to whom he will report for orders.

VI. Commanders of divisions will cause their commands to be provided with three days' cooked rations. The necessary ambulances and ordnance-trains will be ready to accompany the divisions, and receive orders from their respective commanders. Officers in charge of all trains will invariably remain with them. Batteries and wagons will keep on the right of the road. The ChiefEngineer, Major Stevens, will assign engineer officers to each division, whose duty it will be to make provision for overcoming all difficulties to the progress of the troops. The staff-departments will give the necessary instructions to facilitate the movements herein directed. By command of General Lee,

Official:

T. M. R. TALCOTT,

Major and Aid-de-Camp.

R. H. CHILTON,

A. A. General.

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so as not to embarrass the different roads.

III. Cooked rations for three days will be carried in the haversacks of the men, and provision must be made for foraging the animals. Straggling from the ranks is strictly prohibited, and commanders will make arrangements to secure and punish the offenders.

IV. The movements herein directed will commence to-morrow, twentieth instant, at dawn of day. By command of General R. E. Lee.

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19, 1862.

When that is ac

General J. E. B. Stuart, Commanding Cavalry: HEADQUARTERS CRENSHAN'S FARM, } day, refresh your horses, prepare rations, and GENERAL: I desire you to rest your men toinformation you can of fords, roads, and position every thing for the march to-morrow. Get what of enemy, so that your march can be made understandingly and with vigor. I send to you Captain Mason, an experienced bridge-builder, etc., whom I think will be able to aid you in the destruction of the bridge, etc. complished, or when in train of execution, as circumstances permit, I wish you to operate back toward Culpeper Court-House, creating such confusion and consternation as you can, without unnecessarily exposing your men, till you feel Long. street's right. Take position there on his right, and hold yourself in reserve, and act as circumstances may require. I wish to know during the day how you proceed in your preparations. They will require the personal attention of all your offiThe last reports from the signal stations yesterday evening were, that the enemy was moving in direction of Culpeper Court-House. breaking up his principal encampments, and Very respectfully, etc., R. E. LEE, General

cers.

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