1862
 

 1862 Calendar
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MAP ROOM (November 19th Fredericksburg)

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Dec 07 1862 (Sunday)

John Hunt Morgan, leading 1,400 horsemen, crosses the icy Cumberland River by starlight and heads for the Union outpost at Hartsfield. "There was no time to be lost; day was breaking, and the enemy might expect re-enforcements from Castalian Springs [9 miles away] should my arrival be known." The Illinois brigade of Absolom B. Moore is caught by surprise as "the advance guard of the rebels were dressed in the Federal Uniform, and succeeded in deceiving [the] vedettes and capturing them without firing a gun." In less than two hours of fighting, Morgan captures "1,762 prisoners and a wagon train heavily loaded with captured equipment and supplies."

MORGAN'S HEADQUARTERS, Cross-Roads, near Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 9, 1862. - Colonel [GEORGE WILLIAM] BRENT, Chief of Staff. SIR: In one hour and a half the troops under my command...defeated and captured three well-disciplined and well-formed regiments of infantry, with a regiment of cavalry, and took two rifled cannon--the whole encamped on their own ground and in a very strong position--taking about 1,800 prisoners, 1,800 stand of arms, a quantity of ammunition, clothing, quartermaster's stores, and 16 wagons....Three Federal regimental standards and five cavalry guidons fluttered over my brave column on their return from this expedition. With such troops, victory is enchained to our banners, and the issue of a contest with our Northern opponents, even when they are double our force, no longer doubtful! I have the honor to be, sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant, JOHN H. MORGAN, Brigadier-General.

William Rosecrans is apoplectic at the news of the surrender at Hartsfield. He is even more upset to learn that "there were...no picket guard, and...no camp guard; [and]...the first notice in camp of the presence of the enemy was given by an orderly or servant."

NASHVILLE, December 7, 1862. - Major-General THOMAS, Gallatin: Do I understand that they have captured an entire brigade of our troops without our knowing it, or a good fight? W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-general. P. S.--Answer quick.

With James Blunt's 7,000 man division remaining in its exposed position twenty miles southwest of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Thomas Hindman advances with his 11,000 man force to destroy it. However, upon approaching the Union position, he learns that Blunt is about to be reinforced by James Herron's two divisions. Hindman decides to march between the two Union forces and "defeat first Herron and then Blunt." Colonel J.C. Monroe's cavalry is left to screen the Rebel advance to Prairie Grove.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, Camp near Fort Smith, Ark. - Lieut. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Trans-Mississippi Department. - COLONEL: My intention was to attack Brigadier-General Blunt, on Cane Hill....The several commanders of divisions were assembled...to receive final instructions, when I learned a further re-enforcement of from 4,000 to 6,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, with 30 cannon, under Brigadier-General Herron, was then at Fayetteville, on the way to Cane Hill, making forced marches....I determined to risk an engagement....Monroe remaining in position on the crest of the mountain, [was] instructed to dismount and skirmish as infantry at daylight, so as to deceive the enemy and detain him...as long as possible....Respectfully, T. G. HINDMAN, Major-general, Commanding.

At 3 a.m. Joe Shelby's cavalry brigade, in the van of Hindman's army, begins the march. Under a full moon in the "cold, keen" December air, Hindman's ruse works. Worried that he will be attacked at dawn, Blunt orders his troops to pull back to a more defensible position.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF HE FRONTIER, Rhea's Mills, Ark. - Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. - GENERAL: I received a note...that General Herron...had arrived at Illinois Creek, 8 miles north of Cane Hill...and that his horses and men were so tired that he did not think he could move farther until Monday....Whether his regard for the Sabbath or the fear of getting into a fight prompted him to make such a report to me, I am unable to say; but, judging from his movements that he was not a man upon whom to place much reliance on the battle-field....I proceeded to the front. On arriving there, I learned that the enemy were still in considerable force upon the mountain....I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

At 9:30 a.m. the battle opens at Prairie Grove. Herron's troops are deployed on the north side of the Illinois River; Hindman's men are on a horseshoe shaped hill covered with dense woods on the opposite side. Noting the exhaustion of his men, who had already marched fifteen miles, "many, overcome with fatigue," Hindman eschews an attack and takes up a defensive position. "The interval of time in which I might have attacked Herron was past."

HDQRS. 2D AND 3D DIVS., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Battlefield, Prairie Grove, December 9, 1862. - Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Saint Louis, Mo. - [SIR:] General Marmaduke opened on my advance...with a heavy cavalry force, but I forced them back to Illinois Creek....At this point they took a strong position with infantry and artillery, and tried to prevent my crossing; but, by cutting roads through the woods, I got the batteries into position, and...opened on them with eighteen guns, bringing forward my infantry, crossing the creek, and getting them into position under cover of my artillery. From this hour...the fighting was furious....F. J. HERRON, Brigadier-General, Commanding Second and Third Divisions.

Shortly before noon, James Blunt realizes that he has been deceived. With the sounds of battle ringing in his ears, Blunt quickly sends his men to Herron's relief. Reaching the battlefield at 1:45 p.m., Blunt launches his men into the fray. As the afternoon wears on both sides continue to "send waves of men against each other...without conclusive results." Adding to the confusion are fires set by exploding artillery shells which ignite "huge ricks of straw" being used by wounded men for shelter. "Human bodies lay half consumed in one vast sepulcher, and in every position of mutilated and horrible contortion, while a large drove of hogs, attracted...by the scent of roasting flesh....gorged themselves on the unholy banquet. Intestines, heads, arms, feet, and even hearts [are] dragged over the ground and devoured." The fighting slackens at dusk after one final unsuccessful Union charge. With the ensuing darkness, the twelve hours of bitter fighting comes to an end.

CAMP BELOW VAN BUREN, ARK. - Brig. Gen. J. S. MARMADUKE, Commanding Cavalry Division. - GENERAL: The final struggle came when General Parsons met the shock of Blunt's entire command, this regiment formed with him, and fought with great effect and intrepidity, for the dead and wounded Federals, lying stretched out in their gory beds, "thick as autumnal leaves in Vallombrosa," can well attest the fury and courage with which the Missourians (fought] shoulder to shoulder and side by side....When the dark and weird shadows of night had closed over earth and sky and the dead and wounded, reports of a well-won and well-fought battle came cheerily up from all parts of the field....Night had closed the march of death, and the idle breeze now gave no murmur back to tell of what had been passing but a few brief moments before, when --Our bugles sang truce and the night cloud had lowered, And the sentinel stars kept their watch in the sky; When thousands had sunk to the earth overpowered, The weary to sleep and the wounded to die. -- I have, general, the honor to be, your obedient servant, JO. O. SHELBY, Colonel, Commanding Fourth Missouri Cavalry Brigade.

Casualties for the day: Union 1,251 Confederate 1,317.

General Officer Fatalities Resulting From Action On December 7, 1862.

Alexander Early Steen, Brigadier-General Missouri State Guard, Missouri (1827-1862).

Steen entered the United States Army in 1847, served in Winfield Scott's army in Mexico and in the 3rd Infantry after the war. He was commissioned as a captain in the Confederate Army and a general in the Missouri State Guard in 1861 and was part of Sterling Price's army at Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge. After being promoted to colonel in the CSA, Steen was killed with a bullet to the brain leading a charge by the 10th Missouri at Prairie Grove and died instantly on December 7, 1862.



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Dec 08 1862 (Monday)

"Considering the strength of my command, as compared with the enemy," Thomas Hindman decides to withdraw. Wrapping the wheels of his artillery with strips of blankets to muffle the sound and keeping all the campfires lit, Hindman's army departs in the wee hours of the morning, leaving General Marmaduke's cavalry to cover the retreat.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF HE FRONTIER, Rhea's Mills, Ark. - Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. - GENERAL: Everything was in readiness to renew the battle at the first dawn of day; but daylight revealed the fact that the enemy had availed themselves of the night to retreat across the Boston Mountains. Their transportation had been left south of the mountains, and their retreat thereby made unincumbered and stealthily....Just before daylight I received a note from General Hindman, under a flag of truce, requesting a personal interview, to make provision for caring for his dead and wounded. On meeting him, I soon became satisfied that no other force was there, except his staff and escort and a party left to take care of the wounded....On looking over the battle-field in the morning, it soon became evident that the enemy had been most roughly handled, and that our artillery had made fearful slaughter in their ranks. Though many had been already carried away, their dead lay strewn over its whole extent. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Learning that dozens of new regiments, recruited by John McClernand, are arriving at Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Grant alter his plant. Instead of driving toward Vicksburg along the path of the Mississippi Central Railroad, "Cump" Sherman is sent to Memphis to organize these new troops for a downriver expedition in tandem with Grant's overland invasion. If successful, John Pemberton's Rebel forces will be caught between these Federal pincers and destroyed.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Oxford, Miss., December 8, 1862. - Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Right Wing: You will proceed with as little delay as possible to Memphis, Tenn....On your arrival at Memphis you will assume command of all the troops there..., and organize them into brigades and divisions in your own way. As soon as possible move with them down the river to the vicinity of Vicksburg, and with the co-operation of the gunboat fleet under command of Flag-Officer Porter proceed to the reduction of that place, in such manner as circumstances as your own judgment may dictate....I will hold the forces here in readiness to co-operate with you in such manner as the movements of the enemy may make necessary....U.S. GRANT, Major-General.

Joe Johnston's tour of his new department reaches General Bragg's position at Murfreesborough. Johnston has seen nothing on his inspection trip that causes him to change his view of his new command; the job is thankless and the appointment "nominal and useless." Johnston, using his old code book, is also having difficulty communicating with Richmond, "Your dispatch..., in cipher, cannot be read; neither the President nor this office has the key."

MURFREESBOROUGH, December 8, 1862. General COOPER, Richmond: The cipher was given to me by the President, and used last spring. Revised edition abridged from N. Webster by W. G. Webster....J. E. JOHNSTON, General.

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]
Dec 09 1862 (Tuesday)

With U.S. Grant's advance halted temporarily, to stockpile supplies and rebuild the Mississippi Central Railroad, John Pemberton sends an optimistic message to Jefferson Davis: "Enemy's advance [has] fallen back....I am in position and fortifying [the] Yallabusha....The army in fine spirits and stragglers coming in." As he prepares for the next stage of his advance on Vicksburg, Grant understands that his plan is reliant upon Sherman departing from Memphis before John McClernand can claim his troops. Henry Halleck waffles when confronted with the problem, "The President may insist upon designating a separate commander; if not assign such officers as you deem best." With Sherman already heading to Memphis and Halleck's tepid support, Grant knows the race is on when he receives a letter from his old subordinate.

OXFORD, MISS., December 9, 1862-5 p.m. - Major-General HALLECK. A letter from General McClernand, just received, states that he expects to go forward in a few days. Sherman has already gone. The enterprise would be much safer in charge of the latter. U.S. GRANT, Major-General.

In the aftermath of the Prairie Grove battle, James Blunt moves his command back to Cane Hill. "The enemy did not stop in their flight until they had crossed the Boston Mountains....[They] have left their wounded on my hands, and most of the dead uncared for." As Thomas Hindman watches in frustration, much of his "conscript army" melts away in the retreat; despite his best efforts to 'claim' victory.

BATTLE-FIELD AT PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK., Camp 23 miles west of Van Buren, December 9, 1862. - Major-General HOLMES: I threatened the enemy's right and front at Cane Hill; moved on his left to cut off re-enforcements, which I attacked and drove back, and then took position at Prairie Grove, and fought the whole army....We held the battlefield. A flag was sent in by the enemy, asking a truce...to bury his dead and care for his wounded. I...granted it. T. C. HINDMAN.

On the hills above Fredericksburg, the time of waiting is over. After casting about above and below the city for a suitable crossing site for his army, Ambrose Burnside decides to carry out his original plan. The Army of the Potomac, divided into three Grand Divisions, will cross the Rappahannock River directly across from Fredericksburg and attempt to carry the city, now defended by R.E. Lee's battle-tested men, by storm.

Memoranda for General Parke. - Each of the five bridges to be covered by a regiment of infantry; commanding officer to consult officer throwing bridge as to posting his troops, and give him any assistance he asks for. At lowest bridge (below Deep Run), in addition to the infantry, there should be one battery of light 12-pounders, in addition to the guns from the reserve artillery. At each bridge there will be held in readiness one pontoon wagon loaded with material for bridge twenty-six feet long, for use of commanders of grand divisions. C. B. COMSTOCK. - DECEMBER 9, 1862.


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Dec 10 1862 (Wednesday)

The shaky situation in the West induces President Jefferson to depart on a tour of the area, "aboard a special car...accompanied by a single military aide," in an effort to restore morale among the distraught civilians of the region; combined with a personal inspection of the armies charged with defending this vast territory. Due to the Federal threat to many of the rail connections, Davis' route is "necessarily roundabout." His first stop is to be Knoxville, Tennessee.

Having already been stung by John Hunt Morgan's cavalry raiders, William Rosecrans is unhappy to learn that Nathan Bedford Forrest is also out on the prowl. "Forrest was at Columbia yesterday with probably 5,000 men...Keep a sharp lookout, and keep me constantly advised of Forrest's movements." "Old Rosy" also orders General George Thomas to "hire and keep spies out...in all directions. Get Butternut clothing if necessary."

NASHVILLE, TENN., December 10, 1862--midnight. - Major-General HALLECK, General in-Chief: The news up to date, from all my scouts...that a desperate effort is to be made by the rebel cavalry to strike our railroad line somewhere. Fort Donelson and Fort Henry are fully warned and prepared for a snap on them....I hope...that the movements of the enemy may yet enable me to strike him a blow near us, which will virtually end the game. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

General John Foster, commanding the Department of North Carolina, prepares to embark on an inland expedition from his base on the Carolina coast. Eyeing the bountiful harvest enjoyed in the region, Foster reports: "I am about to take the field...against the enemy in the direction of Goldsborough....General Peck agreed to make a simultaneous attack on the Blackwater from Suffolk."

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N.C., December 10, 1862. - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.: - GENERAL: The information that I have received is to the effect that the enemy's Government is turning its attention to the importance of guarding the lines of communication to the south, and, if possible, of recovering some portion of the eastern portion of this State, the rich products of which would at this time be very valuable as supplies to their commissariat. Two brigades have already arrived to re-enforce the troops already in the State for this purpose. I think by timely action I may disappoint their expectation, and shall therefore move on Kinston to-morrow morning at daybreak....I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding.

The camps of the Army of the Potomac are buzzing with preparations for tomorrow's river crossing. Halleck warns Burnside "not to make telegraphic details of your plans....No secrets can be kept which passes through so many hands." Chief Engineer Cyrus Comstock promises to have the bridge equipage in place "where the bridge is to be thrown at 3 a.m. tomorrow." However, Edwin Sumner and William B. Franklin, whose Grand Divisions are to lead the advance, have yet to receive their final battle orders from General Burnside.

DECEMBER 10, 1862. - Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff: Captain Comstock said...that he expected that the bridges by which I am to cross will be ready two hours after daylight....I...suppose that I am to attack, if necessary, without waiting for General Sumner to open. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-general.

[Pencil memorandum on foregoing dispatch. ] - The intention is for you to cross as soon as the bridges are completed. If you deem it advisable, you will attack as soon as you cross, without waiting for General Sumner. It would, of course, be preferable to make it simultaneous....[Not signed.]


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Dec 11 1862 (Thursday)

At 3 a.m. "four bridge trains [are] taken to the banks of the river" and preparations are made to build "two bridges...above the center of the town, one bridge opposite the lower end of the town; [and] one bridge about 1 mile below the town." Brigadier-General Daniel Woodbury, commander of the Engineer Brigade, is responsible for the bridge construction and he assigns one regiment of infantry and "numerous batteries of light and heavy guns" to support each crossing site.

Report of Brig. Gen. Daniel P. Woodbury, U. S. Army, commanding Engineer Brigade. - HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Near Fredericksburg, Va. - Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac. - GENERAL: The low bridge...was completed, all but the last lay, at 8.15 a.m., when a volley from the enemy wounded 5 of the men, and caused for the time a suspension of the work. The enemy, having no shelter, was soon dispersed by our artillery. The bridge was resumed and finished at 9 a.m....The lower town bridge and one of the upper ones...were about two-thirds built at 6 a.m., when the enemy, availing himself of every possible cover, commenced a strong fire of musketry upon the pontoniers and the infantry supports....About 10 o'clock, I led 80 volunteers from the Eighth Connecticut...to the scene of operations....Several of them were shot down, and the remainder refused to work....I was greatly mortified in the morning to find that the pontoniers under my command would not continue at work until actually shot down. The officers and some of the men showed a willingness to do so, but the majority seemed to think their task a hopeless one. Perhaps I was unreasonable....Very respectfully, D. P. WOODBURY, Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

At 6 a.m., Robert E. Lee is notified by General Longstreet that "the enemy is attempting to cross at Fredericksburg, and is now putting down his pontoon bridges." Lee orders his artillery commander General Pendleton to, "ascertain the best position for the two big guns, and bring them to bear." General William Barksdale's Mississippi brigade opens fire on the working parties "as soon as [the come] within good range of rifles." Nine attempts are made to complete the bridges under fire, "but every one being attended with such severe loss from our men--posted in rifle pits, in the cellars of the houses along the banks, and behind whatever offered concealment--that the enemy abandoned their attempts...and opened a terrific fire from their numerous batteries...just above the river." Around 3 p.m., the heavy cannonading ceases and 120 men of the Seventh Michigan cross the river on six pontoons. "As soon as they [reach] the opposite bans, they [form] and gallantly rush to the buildings" occupied by Barksdale's men.

Report of Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws, C. S. Army, commanding McLaws division. - HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. - Maj. G. MOXLEY SORREL, Assistant Adjutant-General. About 2 a.m. on the 11th, General Barksdale sent me word that the movements of the enemy indicated they were preparing to lay down their pontoon bridges, and his men were getting into position to defend the crossing....General Barksdale kept his men quiet and concealed until the bridges were so advanced that the working parties were in easy range, when he opened fire with such effect the bridges were abandoned at once....The troops were withdrawn from the river bank back to Caroline street at 4:30 p.m. The enemy then crossed in boats, and, completing their bridges, passed over in force and advanced into the town....Street fighting continued until 7 p.m., when I ordered General Barksdale to fall back and take position along and behind the stone wall below Marye's Hill....Very Respectfully, L. McLAWS, Major-General.

With the day too far gone to cross his mighty 115,000 man army over the pontoon bridges, Ambrose Burnside occupies the city with a brigade from his old Ninth Corps, O.O. Howard's division and one of William B. Franklin's brigades. As "Old Burn" secures his bridgehead, Robert E. Lee orders "Stonewall" Jackson, stationed near Guiney's Station, to send two divisions to Hamilton's Crossing on the right of the Confederate line.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, December 11, 1862--7.30 p.m. - Major-General PICKETT, Commanding Division: - GENERAL: I have written to General Hood to move to the left when notified of the arrival of General Jackson from below and join to McLaws' right. When notified by General Hood of his intended movement, the general commanding wishes you to move to the Telegraph road near your position of this morning....The attack is expected from the left, and you will be ready to be thrown rapidly in that direction or to any point threatened....Very respectfully, &c., G. M. SORREL, Assistant Adjutant-General.

An electically fired torpedo has sunk the Union gunboat Cairo. She is the first vessel to be sunk by explosion of such device since the war began. The Cairo was ascending the Yazoo River when she struck the torpedo about a mile below Hayne's Bluff. She sank in 15 minutes in 40 feet of water. No lives were lost.


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Dec 12 1862 (Friday)

"Cump" Sherman reaches in Memphis. "I arrived at 12 m. today, and find Generals A.J. Smith and Morgan here, each in command of a division, but their old divisions...were mere skeletons, and the new regiments were added thereto....I will be ready to embark on the 18th." Halleck remains indecisive about the fate of the Vicksburg expedition. "I have been informed that the President has selected a special commander." However, he has not received official notice of McClernand's command. "Until I receive them I shall consider the officer at the highest rank as the commander, whoever he may be." With Sherman assuming command of the new troops he had recruited, McClernand remains unaware of the threat to his plans of leading a powerful invasion force into Mississippi.

HEADQUARTERS, Springfield, Ill., December 12, 1862. - His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN: I have forwarded to the rendezvous of the Mississippi expedition forty-nine regiments of infantry and two batteries, containing upward of 40,000 men. There are still a few infantry regiments and batteries nearly ready to march and a few others recruiting. The work remaining to be done in those States may be satisfactorily performed by the mustering officers..., and is not of importance enough in my judgment to detain me from the more advanced organization of the expedition and its movement upon Vicksburg. May I not ask therefore to be sent forward immediately? Very respectfully, your obedient servant. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major-general.

The tight naval blockade imposed by the Federal Navy has made the lure and profits of blockade-running irresistible to many entrepreneurs. "If a ship makes two trips the venture is a success, even if on the third it is captured." Successful captains soon learn to divide the trip from Europe to America into two legs, with Bermuda and Nassau as the two most important dividing points. Here the cargoes are transshipped to smaller, faster moving ships, which hazard the dangers of running the coastal blockade.

NASSAU, NEW PROVIDENCE, December 12, 1862. - Hon. G. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War, Richmond: - SIR: As far as I can learn, all the suitable steamers from England are bound to this place, the owners deeming it the best policy to load at Nassau. It is very certain they have taken a strong objection to Bermuda....Captain Malcolm, the naval commander at this station, assured me...that the Federal cruisers have received express instructions from their Navy Department not to molest neutral vessels bound from a neutral to a neutral port, even if laden with munitions of war, unless the course of the vessel should justify a reasonable suspicion that she intended to violate the blockade. To use his own language, she would be in the legal prosecution of her voyage, and her seizure under such circumstances would be decidedly illegal. This source of apprehension removed, it might perhaps be good policy to divert some of the accumulation of stuff at Bermuda to this place, so as to get it into the Confederacy at the earliest moment....I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. HEYLIGER. Major and Adjutant, Confederate States, Nassau.

Edwin Sumner's Grand Right Division crosses the Rappahannock River and occupies Fredericksburg. Many soldiers stack army and begin to explore the deserted houses in the city. Before long the looting begins in earnest as "valuable books and colonial furniture are sent flying into the snowy streets...and paintings are slashed with bayonets." Provost guards have to be stationed at each bridge to prevent the looters from escaping with their ill gotten gains. Gradually as the excitement of the day winds down, many of the soldiers begin to wonder why the Rebels did not try to stop the river crossing. One private, has a pretty good idea: "Sh_t, they want us to get in. Getting out won't be quite so smart and easy. You'll see."

FREDERICKSBURG, December 12, 1862. - General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. The enemy passing over all of last night and to-day their troops by the different bridges. They are massed under protection of their guns on the north bank of the river, beyond the reach of which they have not yet ventured. They hold Fredericksburg with their pickets. Houses are being continually burned in the town. R. E. LEE.

Ambrose Burnside spends the day pondering his next move. The delays in getting the bridges built have cost him any opportunity to strike at Lee before his army can be concentrated. Burnside, William B. Franklin, John Reynolds, and William F. "Baldy" Smith reconnoiter the ground and agree upon a plan for the next day's attack. Two of Hooker's divisions will guard the bridges while Franklin's entire Left Grand Division deploys on the Richmond State Road and attacks Lee's extreme right flank.

Report of Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin, U. S. Army, commanding Left Grand Division. - HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIVISION. - Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff. - GENERAL: At daylight...Smith's corps began to cross....By 1 p.m. the whole of the grand division was on the south bank of the river. The crossing was made in excellent order, without the slightest confusion or stoppage....The ground upon which the troops were disposed is, in general, a plain. It is cultivated and much cut up by hedges and ditches. The old Richmond road traverses the plain from right to left, about 1 mile from the river and nearly parallel to it. This road is bordered on both sides by an earthen parapet and ditch....The enemy had artillery on the hills and in the valley of Deep Creek, in the wood near Reynolds' right, and on the Massaponax, so that the whole field was surrounded by it, except the right flank. His infantry appeared in all directions around the position....W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General, Commanding Left Grand Division.

Robert E. Lee spends the day consolidating his army on the heights above Fredericksburg. Only the divisions of D.H. Hill and Jubal Early are left to guard the river crossings at Port Royal and Skinkers Neck. "Old Pete" Longstreet orders the units in McLaws' division, positioned at the base of Marye's Heights, to increase the already "natural strength of their position; [featuring] ditches, stone fences, and road cuts [with] rifle trenches and abatis." A.P. Hill places his men, on the right of Lee's line, but inexplicably leaves a 600 yard gap of "boggy woods" between the brigades of Generals Archer and Lane. This gap bothers Lane and he "takes pains...to make known the existence of the gap" to the commanders of the brigades closest to the unguarded terrain.

Report of Maj. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill, C. S. Army, commanding A. P. Hill's division. - HEADQUARTERS LIGHT DIVISION, JACKSON'S CORPS, Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. - Capt. A. S. PENDLETON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Jackson's Corps. - CAPTAIN: I was directed by General R. E. Lee to move my division at dawn...and relieve Major-General Hood....I put my troops in position..., my extreme right resting upon the road leading from Hamilton's Crossing to the Port Royal road, and my left to within a short distance of Deep Creek....My line of battle...was fully 1½ miles in extent, the division of Major-General Hood being on my left....Along the military road--a new road running in rear of my front line from right to left, cut by Major-General Hood--were posted my reserves....I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. P. HILL, Major-General, Commanding Light Division.



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Dec 13 1862 (Saturday)

Southern sympathizers in Monroe County, Missouri, band together in informal groups to strike out against their hated abolitionist neighbors. Although little formal fighting takes place in Missouri, brutal guerrilla fighting has made this area some of the most war torn in the country.

SPECIAL ORDERS No. 39. - HDQRS. NORTHEASTERN DIST. OF MISSOURI, Warrenton, Mo., December 13, 1862. The following notice, left upon the premises of Mr. John H. Holdsworth, a loyal citizen of Monroe County, Missouri, has been brought to the notice of the general commanding:

"Mr. JOHN HOLDSWORTH: - SIR: You are hereby informed that the Monroe County Avengers have determined that you must quit this county before January 1, 1863, if you would save your property from the flames. Your open approval of Lincoln's hell-born proclamation, and voting for those that were in favor of it, have determined us to make you quit the county. If but one of us is left, it will be carried out. THE AVENGERS."

These disloyal persons are warned that if they again bring about insurrection, violence, and bloodshed in Monroe County..., that none of them will be spared....The following neighbors of John Holdsworth will be held in person and property responsible that no harm comes to him or his property: John Forsyth, David Wooldridge, John Vaughan, Gilmore, Gonell, Beauchamp, Hiram Powell, Jacob Cox, William Bridgeford, and Charles Browning. If, therefore, these men desire to live in the peaceful and quiet enjoy-merit of their property, let them see to it that the said John H. Holdsworth is permitted to do the same. By order of Brigadier-General Merrill: GEO. M. HOUSTON, Major and Aide-de-Camp.

Ambrose Burnside awakens in the predawn hours and prepares the battle orders for Edwin Sumner and William B. Franklin. Sumner is directed to "attack with a division, supported closely by a second, the direction of the attack to be indicated by the Plank and Telegraph Roads, and its object the possession of the heights immediately in the rear of town." To save time, General James Hardie carries a "pencil copy" of Franklin's orders and delivers them to his headquarters at 7:15 a.m. Franklin consults with his corps commanders over the meaning of the orders which seem to differ from the agreed upon plan. Burnside has used the word "seize" instead of the term "carry" which, Franklin concludes, must mean that his full-scale attack has been reduced to a reconnaissance-in-force.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 13, 1862--5.55 a.m. - Major-General FRANKLIN, Commanding Left Grand Division, Army of the Potomac: General Hardie will carry this dispatch to you, and remain with you during the day. The general commanding directs that you keep your whole command in position for a rapid movement down the old Richmond road, and you will send out at once a division at least to pass below Smithfield, to seize, if possible, the height near Captain Hamilton's, on this side of the Massaponax, taking care to keep it well supported and its line of retreat open....You will keep your whole command in readiness to move at once as soon as the fog lifts. The watchword, which, if possible, should be given to every company, will be "Scott." I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff.

George Gordon Meade, commanding the smallest brigade in Franklin's Left Grand Division, leads his men to the Richmond Stage Road to begin the attack. However, Franklin sends them towards Prospect Hill instead of continuing up the road towards Hamilton's Crossing. As a result, Meade's men slam into "Stonewall" Jackson's main defensive line instead of marching "in an arc around Lee's right" and into his vulnerable flank. It takes Meade several hours to repulse John Pelham's pesky horse battery and get his men into position to assault the Confederate line. In a stroke of good luck, the kind that "Old Burn" needs to win this battle, Meade's men hit the gap in A.P. Hill's defenses, slice between two Confederate brigades and seize the Military Road; the main artery connecting Lee's army.

Report of Maj. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill, C. S. Army, commanding A. P. Hill's division. - HEADQUARTERS LIGHT DIVISION, JACKSON'S CORPS, Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. - Capt. A. S. PENDLETON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Jackson's Corps. - CAPTAIN: About 10 o'clock Saturday morning, the lifting of the fog discovered to us the lines of the enemy drawn out in battle array on the low grounds between us and the river, covering the whole of my front and extending far to the left toward Fredericksburg....The main column of attack...wedged in to the right and rear of Lane, encountered Archer's left, and, attacked in flank and rear, the Fourteenth Tennessee and Nineteenth Georgia were compelled to give back....The advancing columns of the enemy had also encountered an obstacle in the military road which they little expected. Gregg's brigade of South Carolinians stood in the way. Taken somewhat by surprise, Orr's Rifles was thrown into confusion, mistaking the advancing enemy for our own troops falling back. It was at this moment that Brig. Gen. Maxcy Gregg, himself fearful of harming our friends, fell in front of the Rifles, mortally wounded....I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. P. HILL, Major-General, Commanding Light Division.

Lacking support, Meade's advance stalls and is finally forced back. Abner Doubleday, commanding the division on his left assists only with artillery support, John Gibbon's command, on his right is thrown apart in "confusion," and David Birney's division remains idle until Meade's men are already streaming out of the woods. Meade is furious at the lost opportunity, Franklin remains confused or ignorant of the situation in his front and withdraws the rest of his command into a tight defensive perimeter near the river.

Report of Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division. - HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIRST ARMY CORPS. - Capt. C. KINGSBURY Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. First Army Corps. - CAPTAIN: The attack was for a time perfectly successful. The enemy was driven from the railroad, his rifle-pits, and breastworks, for over half a mile. Over 300 prisoners were taken and several standards, when the advancing line encountered the heavy re-enforcements of the enemy, who, recovering from the effects of our assault, and perceiving both our flanks unprotected, poured in such a destructive fire from all three directions as to compel the line to fall back, which was executed without confusion. Perceiving the danger of the too great penetration of my line, without support, I dispatched several staff officers both to General Gibbon's command and General Birney's, urging an advance to my support, the one on my right, the other on my left. A brigade of Birney's advanced to our relief just as my men were withdrawn from the wood, and Gibbon's division advanced into the wood on our right in time to assist materially in the safe withdrawal of my broken line....I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General, Commanding Division.

Using the flickering telegraph lines, a battlefield first, Burnside tries to keep apprised of the situation on his left. With his whole battle plan contingent upon gaining Prospect Hill and the Military Road, "lately built by the enemy for purposes of more rapid communication along his line, which point gained, his positions...would have been scarcely tenable," "Old Burn" is beginning to realize that Franklin may have not pressed his attack as vigorously as was planned. To rectify the situation, Captain Lydig is sent "to ascertain the condition of affairs." When Lydig reports that "Baldy" Smith's corps has not been engaged, another aide, Captain Cutts, is sent "with an order to General Franklin to advance his right and front." Cutts delivers Franklin's reply "that it is impossible to advance," and a third aide is dispatched. Captain Goddard delivers Burnside's preemptory attack order at 2:30 p.m.

"Tell General Franklin, with my compliments, that I wish him to make a vigorous attack with his whole force; our right Is hard pressed." This order was given me about 1.30 o'clock in the afternoon, and I delivered it to General Franklin...before 2.30 o'clock. R. H. I. GODDARD, Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

Hoping to take advantage of Meade's success and convinced that Lee has shifted troops to reinforce his right, Burnside presses the attack on Marye's Heights. However, much to the surprise of General French, whose division is spearheading the assault, the Rebel lines are bolstered by a sunken road and a stone wall that has escaped all visible detection; even by the intrepid aeronaught Thaddeus S.C. Lowe. "From a distance it appeared to be one uninterrupted incline."

Report of Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. - HEADQUARTERS HANCOCK'S DIVISION, Falmouth, Va. - Maj. FRANClS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Corps d' Armee. - MAJOR: My division followed that of General French....The troops...advanced, each brigade in succession, under a most murderous fire of artillery and musketry, the artillery fire reaching the troops in a destructive manner in the town, even before they had commenced the movement....It took an unusually long time to advance..., as the planking of one of the bridges was found to be partly taken up, requiring the men to cross on the stringers. Colonel Zook's brigade was the first in order. As soon as it had formed line, it advanced to the attack with spirit, passing the point at which the preceding troops had arrived, and being joined as it passed by the brave regiments of Kimball's brigade and some other regiments of French's division. It failed, however, to take the stone wall, behind which the enemy was posted, although our dead were left within 25 paces of it. These troops still held their line of battle in front of the enemy and within close musketry range. The Irish Brigade next advanced to the assault. The same gallantry was displayed, but with the same results....No ground was held in advance of our line, nor did any soldiers fall nearer the enemy than those of the regiments of my division ...It seemed that the defenses of the enemy were too powerful to be taken by an assault of infantry....I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINF'D S. HANCOCK, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

The ground below Marye's Heights degenerates into a killing field as successive Federal units are mercilessly shot down assaulting the stone wall. Watching the action from a hill near the center of his line, Robert E. Lee remarks: "It is well that war is terrible. We should grow too fond of it."

Report of Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws, C. S. Army, commanding McLaws division. - HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. -Maj. G. MOXLEY SORREL, Assistant Adjutant-General: Before their deployment was completed, our fire had so thinned their ranks that the survivors retreated, leaving their colors....Soon another column, heavier than the first, advanced to the colors, but were driven back with great slaughter. They were met on retiring by re-enforcements and advanced again, but were again repulsed with increased loss....In the mean time the enemy deployed in a ravine which was between us and the city, and distant about 300 or 400 yards from the stone wall, and advanced with fresh columns to the attack at intervals of not more than fifteen minutes, but they were repulsed with zeal and driven back with much loss on every occasion. This continued until about 4.30 p.m., when the enemy ceased in their assaults for a time....The enemy...formed a strong column of attack, and, advancing under cover of their own artillery...they came forward along our whole front in the most determined manner, but they were repulsed at all points. The firing ceased as night came on, and about 7 o'clock our pickets and those of the enemy were posted within a short distance of each other....The body of one man, believed to be an officer, was found within about 30 yards of the stone wall, and other single bodies were scattered at increased distances until the main mass of the dead lay thickly strewn over the ground at something over 100 yards off, and extending to the ravine, commencing at the point where our men would allow the enemy's column to approach before opening fire, and beyond which no organized body of men was able to pass....Very Respectfully, L. McLAWS, Major-General.

Shortly before 4 p.m., with Sumner's Grand Division bled dry, it is "Fighting Joe" Hooker's turn to try to crack the Rebel defenses. Hooker advises Burnside "that he [does] not think the attack [will] be successful," but is directed to make the assault anyway. Burnside, clinging to the hope that Franklin will be able to mount an assault and turn Lee's right and remembering Lincoln's admonition to put in all his troops, continues to send men across the deadly plain. When darkness ends the carnage, General Sturgis sends back a message: "Our men only 80 paces from the crest and holding on like hell." The gathering gloom inspires "Stonewall" Jackson to prepare a night attack in an attempt to "gather the fruits" of the day's stunning victory.

Report of Lieut. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Second Army Corps. - HDQRS. SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. - Brig. Gen. R. H. CHILTON, Asst. Adjt. and Insp. Gen., Army of Northern Virginia. - GENERAL: Repulsed on the right, left, and center, the enemy soon after reformed his lines, and gave some indications of a purpose to renew the attack. I waited some time to receive it; but he making no forward movement, I determined, if prudent, to do so myself. The artillery of the enemy was so judiciously posted as to make an advance of our troops across the plain very hazardous; yet it was so promising of good results, if successfully executed, as to induce me to make preparations for the attempt. In order to guard against disaster, the infantry was to be preceded by artillery, and the movement postponed until late in the evening, so that, if compelled to retire, it would be under the cover of night. Owing to unexpected delays, the movement could not be gotten ready until late in the evening. The first gun had hardly moved forward from the wood 100 yards when the enemy's artillery reopened, and so completely swept our front as to satisfy me that the proposed movement should be abandoned. I trust that the victory of Fredericksburg, with which God has blessed our cause, will continue to be gratefully remembered. I am, general, your obedient servant, T. J. JACKSON, Lieutenant-General.

Casualties for the day: Union 12,700 Confederate 5,300

General Officer Fatalities Resulting From Action On December 13, 1862.

George Donald Bayard, Brigadier-General, New York (1835-1862).

Bayard graduated from West Point in 1856. He served on the frontier and, later was an instructor at West Point. He commanded a cavalry brigade during the early part of the war; leading a disastrous cavalry charge against massed infantry at Cedar Mountain. Assigned to W.B. Franklin's Grand Division at Fredericksburg, Bayard was hit in the thigh by a stray cannonball while walking to lunch. He was carried into the headquarters house and died the next day.

Conrad Ferger Jackson, Brigadier-General, Pennsylvania (1813-1862).

Jackson, a member of the Pennsylvania Reserves, worked for the U.S. Revenue Service until joining the 38th Penn. as a colonel in 1862. He was absent sick and missed all of the fall campaign in 1862, returning just in time to lead his brigade at Fredericksburg. During the battle, Jackson was shot through the head while sitting on his horse, talking to an aide at Hamilton's Crossing.

Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb, Brigadier-General, Georgia (1823-1862).

Cobb was renowned as one of the most brilliant legal scholars of the time. An ardent secessionist Cobb, along with his brother Howell, played a leading role in taking Georgia out of the Union. He raised and commanded as colonel Cobb's Georgia Legion until he was promoted to brigadier-general for his bravery during the Seven Days battles and Second Manassas. Leading a brigade for the first time at Fredericksburg, Cobb was wounded in the leg by a sniper after the repulse of the first Union assault on Marye's Heights. He was taken to a nearby house where he bled to death when surgeons could not stop the flow of blood.

Maxcy Gregg, Brigadier-General, South Carolina (1814-1862).

Gregg was an amateur astronomer and botanist along with being a lawyer and a leading secessionist who advocated the resumption of the slave trade to replenish the South's labor pool. He raised and became colonel of the 1st South Carolina in 1861. After he was promoted, Gregg led a brigade on the Virginia Peninsula, at Second Manassas, and was wounded at Antietam. At Fredericksburg, Gregg's men are surprised by Meade's sudden breakthrough and he was dangerously wounded in the spine while trying to keep his men from firing on what he thought were friendly troops. He was carried to a nearby house, where he died two days later.

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