Posted on 12/13/2017 4:12:08 AM PST by Bull Snipe
Major General Ambrose Burnside orders two Corps of his Army of the Potomac to attack General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia troops at the foot of Marye's Heights in Fredericksburg VA. Defending a low wall at the foot of Marye's Heights is about 3000 Confederate troops, more troops are stationed at the crest of the heights. During the course of the action 7 Union divisions launch 14 separate charges against the Height's defenders. When the action is finally called off, between 6 and 8 thousand Union soldiers are killed, wounded or missing. Confederate losses number about 1200 men.
Irish fought Irish...
Burnside should have been hanged.
Burnside was on the other side of the Rappahannock river, he and Sumner never reconnoitered the Confederate positions at Marye’s Heights before ordering the assault.
One of the very worst generals on the side of the Union. Also his ineffective behavior at Antietam
Not a good army commander, passable as a Corp Commander.
Except for his ridiculous stunt at Petersburg and the Crater massacre. Got sent home after that one.
It was Meade, with Grant’s assent, that changed the assault force assignment at the Crater attack. Burnside wanted to use his 4th division for the attack.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.