Posted on 12/15/2022 4:54:50 AM PST by Homer_J_Simpson
Saturday, Dec. 13, 1862.
IN THE FIELD -- 11 o'clock, A.M.
The great battle, so long anticipated between the two contending armies, is now progressing.
The morning opened with a dense fog, which has not entirely disappeared.
Gen. REYNOLDS' Corps, on the left, advanced at an early hour, and at 9:15 A.M., engaged the enemy's infantry. Seven minutes-afterward the rebels opened a heavy fire of artillery, which has continued so far without intermission.
Their artillery fire must be at random, as the fog obstructs all view of almost everything.
Our heavy guns are answering them rapidly.
At this writing, no results are known.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Saturday Dec. 13 -- 11 P.M.
The fog began to disappear early in the forenoon, affording an unobstructed view of our own and the rebel positions.
It being evident that the first ridge of hills, in the rear of the city, on which the enemy had their guns posted behind works could not be carried, except by a charge of infantry, Gen. SUMNER assigned that duty to Gen. FRENCH's Division, which was supported by Gen. HOWARD's.
The troops advanced to their work at ten minutes before 12 o'clock at a brisk run, the enemy's guns opening upon them a very rapid fire. When within musket range, at the base of the ridge, our troops were met by a terrible fire from the rebel infantry, who were posted behind a stone wall and some houses on the right of the line. This 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 troops moved to their assistance in splendid style, notwithstanding large gaps were made in their ranks by the rebel artillery.
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Important from Virginia: The Great Battle Fought on Saturday at Fredericksburgh – 2-5
Important from Washington: The Destination of the Banks Expedition – 5-6
Editorial: The Battle of Saturday – 6-7
Editorial: The Evil of Desertion – 7-8
The Fire in the Rear – 8
-Understatement of the Year for 1862...
Deo Vindice
Not only did Burnside give Lee plenty of time to get ready, he attacked exactly where Lee was most ready. Then he threw good money after bad with repeated attacks. At least McClellan wouldn’t have wasted his men like that.
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