SERVICE

THIRD DIVISION.

Brigadier General WILLIAM H.FRENCH.

First Brigade.
[1.] Brigadier General NATHAN KIMBALL.*
[2.] Colonel JOHN S. MASON.

14th Indiana, Major Elijah H.C. Cavins.
24th New Jersey, Colonel Wm.B.Robertson.
28th New Jersey: Colonel M.N.Wisewell.
Lieutenant Colonel E.A.L.Roberts.
4th Ohio: Colonel John S.Mason.
Lieutenant Colonel James H.Goodman.
Captain Gordon A.Stewart.
8th Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Sawyer.
7th West Virginia: Colonel Joseph Snider.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan H.Lockwood.

No.93. Report of Brigadier General Nathan Kimball, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade.




WASHINGTON, D.C.,December 22,1862.


SIR:I have the honor to report that, in obedience, to your orders, I moved my command, on the morning of the 11th instant, at daybreak, from the camp of the division to the front, opposite Fredericksburg, and halted at 8 o'clock in a ravine near the railroad, to the right of General Sumner's headquarters.

At 3 p.m. I moved to the bank of the river, near the Lacy house, expecting to cross,but at sundown, being them under fire from the enemy's batteries, I was ordered back, and bivouacked on the hill about half a mile from the river, for the night.

At sunrise on the morning of the 12th, I was ordered forward again,

and, crossing the pontoon bridge, entered Fredericksburg and formed my brigade on Sophia street; my right at Hanover street, and my left on Princess Anne Street.

At 11 o'clock, I moved forward and formed on Caroline street, opposite my first position, where I remained during the afternoon and night, the troops sleeping on their arms.

At 10 o'clock on the morning of the 13th, I received the order to lead the advance in an attack on the enemy's works in rear of the city. The First Regiment Delaware Volunteers having been ordered to report to me, I placed then on the center, the Eighth Ohio on the right, and the Fourth Ohio on the left, the whole under the command of Colonel John S. Mason, of the Fourth Ohio, and sent them forward as skirmishers. The Eighth Ohio passed out Hanover street until it connected with the Fourth Ohio and First Delaware, which passed out Princes Anne street; crossed the canal near the depot buildings, and deployed to the right. This movement commenced at 11.30 o'clock.

At a few minutes before 12 o'clock, I moved my brigade, which had already been formed on Caroline street, with the Seventh [West] Virginia on the right, the Fourteenth Indiana on the left, and the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey in the center, by the right flank, out Princess Anne street; crossed the open space near the depot buildings and the canal bridge near there; filed to the right, and formed line of battle under cover of the low bluff, on which my skirmishers had deployed, my right resting on Hanover street, and my left on the so-called Telegraph road.

From the time my column came in sight at the depot buildings all these movements were executed under a most murderous fire from the enemy's artillery, several shells bursting in the ranks and destroying a company at a time. Yet all the regiments, without an exception, moved steadily forward without confusion, those in the rear quickly closing up the gaps left by their fallen comrades.

My skirmishers having already driven the enemy's pickets from the plain in front of their position, I moved rapidly forward in line of battle. As soon as my line came in sight on the top of the small hill, under cover of which it was formed, it was met by a deadly fire from the enemy's batteries in front and on each flank, but in the face of this it moved steadily forward with fixed bayonets, and without firing a gun, over rough and muddy ground, through fences and all other obstacles, until, reaching the enemy's rifle-pits, it was met by his infantry, posted behind stone walls and earthworks, and in cover of a small ravine, in superior numbers, and by a fire so fierce as to compel it to halt and open fire upon him.

The right of my line then occupied a small village at the forks of the Hanover road, and my left rested at the Telegraph road. A fourth of my command had fallen while crossing the plain, and those left with me were exhausted by the fatigue of clearing away fences and marching so far at double-quick over rough and muddy ground; and they were exposed to a most murderous fire of grape and musketry. The support had not then come up from under cover of the bluff. My command held its ground, but could advance no farther.

At this moment, I was severely wounded in the thigh, and was soon after carried from the field, after sending orders to Colonel Mason to take command of the brigade. I respectfully refer you to the report of this officer for the subsequent action of my brigade, and for lists of killed and wounded.

My command, both officers and men, behaved with the most determined bravery and coolness.

I cannot speak too highly of the skill and gallantry with which Colonel Mason, of the Fourth Ohio, commanding the skirmishers; Colonel Snider, of the Seventh West Virginia; Colonel Wisewell, of the Twenty-eighth, and Colonel Robertson, of the Twenty-fourth New Jersey; Lieutenant-Colonels Godman, of the Fourth Ohio, Sawyer, of the Eighth Ohio, and Lockwood, of the Seventh West Virginia, and Majors Cavins, commanding the Fourteenth Indiana, and Smyth, the First Delaware, managed their several commanders. Colonels Snider and Wisewell, and Lieutenant-Colonel Godman, were dangerously wounded while leading their regiments.

My staff, Captain E.D. Mason, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieuts. J.R. Swigart, and John G. Burrill, aides-de-camp, by my orders reported to Colonel Mason on the field when he took command, and remained with him until after the evacuation of Fredericksburg. I am deeply indebted to them for the prompt and fearless manner in which they performed their perilous duties. Lieutenant Swigart was wounded while carrying dispatches to you.

I desire to call your special attention to the conduct of Private M.A. Wixon, of Company B, Twenty-third New York Volunteers, whom you sent as guide, and who performed his duties with intelligence and skill, faithfully bearing important information on the field, and bearing himself in a manner deserving distinguished notice.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

NATHAN KIMBALL,
Brigadier-General.

Lieutenant J.W. PLUME,
Aide-de-Camp and Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Division.



No.94. Report of Colonel John S. Mason, Fourth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade.




HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE,

Camp near Falmouth, Va., December 17,1862.


SIR:I have the honor to report that on Saturday morning, December 13, the Eighth Ohio Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer; the First Delaware Volunteers, Major Smyth, and the Fourth Ohio Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Godman, numbering about 700, were placed under my command, to form the line of skirmishers in the attack on the enemy's works in front of the city of Fredericksburg.

My orders were to throw out a cloud of skirmishers, to be well supported, and to drive the enemy's skirmishers before us, and enter their breastworks simultaneously with them; to take advance of the ground; to cover out men,and to keep about 200 yards in front of the first line.

My command rested on Princess Anne street, the right near Hanover street, and moved at about 12 o'clock. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer to move his regimen, by the left flank, up Hanover street, cross the canal, and deploy as skirmishers to the left, joining his left with the right of the First Delaware. I took the First Delaware and=
Fourth Ohio to the left, moving, right in front, to the railroad depot, where I ordered them to deploy to the right as skirmishers. Captain Grubb, Fourth Ohio, was detailed to go with the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer, and Captain Jones, Fourth Ohio, with the First Delaware, as these officers had previously made a reconnaissance of the ground. The movement was ordered as above, as there was a deep canal, about 15 feet wide, and from 4 to 6 feet in depth, on our front, which could only be crossed by bridges at the heads of different streets. As soon as our column debouched from the streets, the enemy opened a very heavy cross-fire of artillery on our troops, doing very great execution. At the same time their line of skirmishers opened with a well-directed fire of small-arms.

At this time Lieutenant-Colonel Godman, Captain Wallace, and 16 men of the Fourth Ohio and several of the First Delaware were wounded.

The deployment was made under the most terrific fire, and the connection made with the Eight Ohio, when the line advance, driving the enemy's skirmishers before them until we reached a ridge, which partially sheltered our men, about 400 yards to the front, the intervening ground being very muddy and obstructed in places by fences. Then they were ordered to lie down and hold the line. The ground beyond was a slope toward the front; at its foot a ravine, lined with rebel infantry, posted under cover. To their rear the hill rose abruptly; on its crest the enemy's batteries were in full play, commanding the ground in front, and also the whole rear to the town, except the small slope under which our men were sheltered. The right of the line moved forward at the same time and took up their position, partially sheltered by some houses, in addition to the natural configuration of the ground. I attach the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer, marked A.*
General Kimball's brigade formed in good order, under a heavy enfilading fire, and moved briskly forward to our support. This re-enforcement enabled the line to be maintained, but did not warrant an advance or a charge. I regret to say that General Kimball was severely wounded in the right leg while gallantly leading his brigade forward.

Upon the arrival of these troops, having to move at a double-quick for nearly a quarter of a mile under a fire of both artillery and infantry, and after having been formed in line under a heavy fire, they were so completely exhausted as to be unable to make a farther advance without resting, and useless without full support. This brigade remained on this line for some time unsupported, when a second, third, and fourth line advanced, but were unable to gain ground beyond our line.

On moving to our right, I learned that General Kimball had been wounded. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer to take charge of the skirmishers, when I was joined by Lieutenant Swigart, Eighth Ohio, aide-de-camp to General Kimball, who informed me that I was to take command of the brigade, but not to advance until the order for a charge was given, and to look out for the right. The Seventh [West] Virginia had arrived and was supporting the Eighth Ohio. Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer was directed to watch the right with these two parts of regiments, and resist a charge at the point of the bayonet. As Kimball's brigade was the first to gain the line, its front was necessarily very much extended to cover it; and, as fresh troops arrived, they at once took position with those already on the line, lying down on the ground. As a consequence, it was almost impossible to keep up regimental organization. I then moved to the right, and having found Captain Mason, adjutant-general of the brigade, I directed him to go to General French, and report to him that, as new troops had come up and my brigade was out of ammunition, I would endeavor to reform it on the right under cover and await ammunition, and at the same time order bayonets fixed to resist a flank movement of the enemy. Later in the day I dispatched Lieutenant Swigart, aide-de-camp, with a report to General French. I regret to say that he received a painful, although not a severe, wound while executing this duty.

Another brigade having taken a position on the right, such portions of our shattered regiments as had been collected were withdrawn to the suburbs of the town at about 4.30 p.m., having remained on the field without ammunition for more than two hours. I then learned that the brigade had been ordered to reform near the hospital on the street, at which point the brigade bivouacked for the night.

The whole command behaved nobly. Colonel Wisewell, Twenty-eighth New Jersey; Lieutenant-Colonels Sawyer, Eighth Ohio, Lockwood, Seventh West Virginia, and Godman, Fourth Ohio; Major Winslow, Eighth Ohio, and Captains Grubb and Jones, Fourth Ohio, came under my immediate notice, doing all that men could do in the discharge of their respective duties. To Captain Mason, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Swigart, aide-de-camp to General Kimball and Lieutenant Lester, Fourth Ohio, acting adjutant, I am indebted for their valuable assistance on the field. Lieutenant Lester was particularly conspicuous for his coolness and daring. Major Cavins, Fourteenth Indiana; Lieutenant John Burrill, aide-de-camp to General Kimball; Captain Stewart, Fourth Ohio, and Lieutenant Bailey, adjutant Fourteenth Indiana, did efficient service on the left of our line.

A list of the killed and wounded has already been forwarded.*
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNumbers S. MASON,
Colonel Fourth Ohio Vols., Commanding First Brigadier , French's Div.

Lieutenant J.W. PLUME,
Aide-de-camp and Assistant Adjutant-General.


No.95. Report of Major Elijah H.C. Cavins, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry.




CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 19,1862.


SIR:I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the engagement with the enemy at Fredericksburg, Va., from the 10th to the 15th instant:
Pursuant to orders of General Nathan Kimball, on the 10th instant, I had the regiment under my command put in proper fighting trim and ready to move at moment's warning. I formed the regiment in line at 6 a.m. on the 11th instant, and at 6.30 a.m. took my place on the left of the brigade and marched toward Fredericksburg. The command was halted under cover of the hill northeast of Fredericksburg, and remained there until 3.30 p.m., at which time we marched over the hill toward the upper pontoon bridge, across the Rappahannock. At 4.30 p.m. I marched the regiment with the brigade back of the hill, near the point where we had rested during the day, and bivouacked during the night.

On the 12th instant, at 8 a.m., we took up our line of march by the left flank, marched over the said pontoon bridge, down the first street of the city of Fredericksburg, and at 11 a.m. of said day I formed my command in line of battle on the second street of said city, where we remained during the day and following night.

On the 13th instant, at 10 a.m., I had the regiment under arms. At 12 o'clock I was ordered to form my regiment on the left of the brigade, and at that hour I marched the regiment by the right flank out on the road by the depot, crossed the canal on the bridge near the depot, and filed to the right. I formed the regiment in line of battle on the left of the brigade, my left resting on what is called the Telegraph road, while under a severe and enfilading fire from the enemy's artillery.

The regiment marched in line of battle, under a heavy and destructive artillery fire, until we arrived on the crest of the hill, beyond the point where said Telegraph road emerges from a deep cut into an open valley; at which point we met the fire of the enemy's infantry in force, intrenched behind walls and hedges and in rifle-pits. The enemy were in my front and on my left flank. I therefore formed a short front on my left flank, to resist their approach from that direction. In this position we remained until all our ammunition was exhausted. Before any support came to my part of the line, our ammunition was exhausted, and we were using ammunition taken from the dead and wounded. I think the cause of this was that the second line did not cover the whole line of battle.

The first support that reached us, on the immediate right of my regiment, gave away before they had been on our line five minutes. After our ammunition was entirely exhausted, and I could get no more of suitable caliber, I formed the remnant of my command a few paces in rear of our line of battle, to await and assist in repelling an expected charge of the enemy. After learning that the First Brigade had been ordered off the field at 4.30 p.m., I took my command off the field, and formed it in line on the first street of the city, where we bivouacked during the following night.

On the 14th instant, by order of Colonel Mason, commanding First Brigade, I formed the regiment in line under the bank of the river, in the rear of the place on which we formed on the evening before, and remained there until the evening of the 15th instant; at which time, pursuant to order of Colonel Mason, I marched the regiment over the said pontoon bridge and back to the old camp near Falmouth.

In the engagement I captured 2 prisoners. I took into the engagement 19 officers and 236 enlisted men; and lost, in killed, wounded, and missing, 10 officers and 69 enlisted men, a list of whom has heretofore been furnished.

The officers and men under my command acted gallantly, and with honor to themselves and their country. Each officer is eminently worthy of commendation. My adjutant, T.C. Bailey, was with me during the entire action, and, at a time when our support on our immediate right gave way, and after my color-bearer and all my color guards had fallen, seized our colors, and planted them in front of our line of battle. Lieutenant J.G. Burrill, aide-de-camp to General Kimball, was with me during the entire engagement, and rendered signal service in directing its movements.
My chaplain, Rev. E.H. Sabin, is entitled to great credit for his earnest, energetic, and valuable services in superintending, by the direction of our brigade surgeon, one of the principal hospitals of the city and in removing the wounded over the river.

Respectfully,

E.H.C. CAVINS,
Major, Commanding Fourteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

Captain E.D. MASON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade.



No.96. Report of Colonel William B. Robertson, Twenty-fourth New Jersey Infantry.




CAMP KNIGHT, VA., December 18,1862.


COLONEL:In accordance with circular of this date from headquarters, I have the honor to report:
That on Wednesday, the 10th instant, I received orders to have 60 rounds of cartridges and three days' cooked rations issued to all the men and officers of my command, excepting the sick and hospital attendants, and to have the command awakened at 4 o'clock the next morning, and to be ready to march at 6.30 o'clock.

On Thursday, the 11th, being all ready at the time appointed, we marched to a point opposite Fredericksburg, where, under the shelter of the hill, we remained until evening, when we were marched to a wood near by, where we bivouacked for the night.

On Friday, the 12th, we were marched across the pontoon bridge into Fredericksburg and remained under arms in Caroline street until dusk, when we were ordered to quarter in the vacant buildings in the vicinity, with orders to be ready to march at daybreak the following morning. On this evening four companies of the regiment were detailed for picket duty.

On Saturday, the 13th, we were formed on Caroline street and remained under arms until 11.40., when we were marched, following the Seventh [West] Virginia Regiment our of town to the base of a hill just back of the town, and there halted, and the men ordered by Brigadier-General Kimball to disencumber themselves of their blankets and shelter tents, and to place a guard over them. This being done, we were marched to the top of the hill in line of battle, where a fence intervening and interrupting our farther progress, the men were ordered to lie down and shelter themselves from the galling fire of the enemy, and where they continued firing until all their ammunition was expended. A large portion remained there until dusk, when I gathered together what I could find of the regiment and marched them back into the city.

On Sunday, the 14th, we remained under arms on the banks of the river.

On Monday, the 15th, we were still on the banks of the river under arms, and received orders, at about 7.30 p.m., to recross the river, when we returned to our old encampment, which we reached during the night.

I regret to report the death, in the early part of the engagement, of First Lieutenant John O. Crowell, of Company I, a gallant young officer, who fell whilst rallying his men, and also the severely wounding of Capts. Aaron Ward, Company D, and William C. Shinn, Company I. Captain Samuel Harris, Company F, Second Lieutenant William B. Pepper, Company F, First Lieutenant James J. Reeves, Company H, and Second Lieutenant James P. Butler, Company K, were also wounded. It is also with great regret that I report that First Lieutenant Alexander L. Robeson, commanding Company H, is still missing, and it is presumed that he fell whilst gallantly leading his men.

A large number of the men of the regiment have been injured (a report of which you have already received). Many of them are sick from exposure, having lost their blankets and shelter-tents in the field.

Respectfully submitted.


WM. B. ROBERTSON,
Colonel, Commanding.

Colonel JOHN S. MASON,
Commanding First Brigade.



No.97. Report of Lieutenant Colonel E.A.L. Roberts, Twenty-eighth New Jersey Infantry.




CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 18,1862.


SIR:I have the honor to make the following report of the Twenty-eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers in its movements from the morning of the 11th of December to the 15th day of December :

Whole number of commissioned officers....................... 22
Whole number of non-commissioned officers and privates...... 643
----
Total....................................................... 665
----
----
Number of commissioned officers wounded..................... 7
Number of non-commissioned officers and privates killed..... 16
Number of non-commissioned officers and privates wounded.... 136
Number of non-commissioned officers and privates missing.... 31
----
Total.......................................................*190


The above is a true statement of the condition of the Twenty-eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers before and after the engagement of December 13,1862.



MOVEMENTS.


We were formed in regimental line of battle on the morning of December 11,1862, at 5 a.m., and marched to the front of Fredericksburg. We lay upon our arms during the day and night. At daylight of the morning of December 12, we crossed into the city of Fredericksburg, where we rested during the day and night.

The next morning, December 13, at 9.30 o'clock, we were formed in brigade line of battle, and at 10.30 o'clock we moved upon the enemy's works. We went into action under a most galling and deadly fire of shot and shell, and continued in action until near dark. Officers and men conducted themselves well.

After the fight we gathered our regiment together near the river, where we lay Sunday and Monday, December 14 and 15, and on Monday night, at 9 o'clock, we recrossed the river and marched to our present encampment.


E.A.L. ROBERTS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Twenty-eighth Regiment New Jersey Vols.

Colonel JOHN S. MASON,
Commanding First Brigade.




No.98. Report of Captain Gordon A. Stewart, Fourth Ohio Infantry.




DECEMBER 18,1862.


SIR:In compliance with circular from corps headquarters, this day received, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry from the 10th instant to the 15th:
On the morning of the 11th of December, the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel John S. Mason, marched from its camp with the brigade toward the river, where it remained all day under arms.

On the morning of the 12th, it crossed the river into Fredericksburg, Va., and was stationed on the outskirts of the city as the picket from General Kimball's brigade.

About 12 o'clock on the 13th, the regiment, numbering 113 officers and men, under command of Lieutenant Colonel James H. Godman, was ordered to form the left of the line of skirmishers that brought on the engagement in the late battle of Fredericksburg, Va. Lieutenant-Colonel Godman being severely wounded in the early part of the action, when the order was given to deploy, Captain Carpenter took command of the right wing of the regiment and I of the left. We moved forward and took the position that formed the line of battle during the day, where we remained until ordered off the field about sundown. We then marched to the bank of the river, and bivouacked for the night.

The casualties in this regiment were 1 officer killed and 4 wounded; 6 enlisted men killed, 27 wounded, and 1 missing. Total killed, wounded, and missing, 39.*
We remained in the same place under arms from the night of the 13th to the evening of the 15th, when we were ordered with the brigade to recross the river, and return to the camp we had left on the morning of the 11th instant.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G.A. STEWART,
Captain Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Regiment.

Lieutenant J.R. SWIGART,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade.

No.99. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Sawyer, Eighth Ohio Infantry.




IN CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 16,1862.


SIR:I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Eighth Ohio Volunteers in the battle near Fredericksburg on the 13th instant:
Pursuant to orders from General Kimball, I reported to Colonel John S. Mason, Fourth Ohio Volunteers, at 10.30 a.m., and was ordered by him to move up Hanover street by the left flank, until I should cross a deep ditch by a bridge on that street, when my regiment was to be deployed as skirmishers on the right of the line, the left forming a junction with the First Delaware, which, with the Fourth Ohio, were to pass to the front, farther to the left, on a street parallel with Hanover street. Captain Grubb, Fourth Ohio, was sent with me as a guide, but we had hardly moved a square when the enemy's sharpshooters in considerable force opened a murderous fire upon our front, killing and wounding several. We moved forward at a double-quick, crossed the bridge, and formed the line of skirmishers under cover of the bank, and then, moving briskly forward, drove the enemy out of a clump of houses, shops, &c., in our front, and formed a line under the cover of some fences and buildings, in easy range of the enemy's rifle-pits, and under an enfilading fire of small-arms and artillery from the right. This position we maintained, without any support whatever, for near an hour and a half, when Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood, with the Seventh [West] Virginia, came to our relief. At this time, General Kimball having been wounded, Colonel Mason assumed command of the brigade, and ordered me to strengthen the right of my line, which was threatened by a heavy column of the enemy. This I did, driving the enemy from his position at the foot of the hill. We maintained this position until after 4 p.m., when, being wholly out of ammunition, by Colonel Mason's order I withdrew my lines.

During the entire day we were subjected to a most murderous fire of both artillery and small-arms, which swept our position, and the whole interval from our line to the town of Fredericksburg. Our line was too weak to advance farther upon the enemy's works, and our position was not passed by any troops up to the time of our withdrawal.

My loss was 6 killed, 28 wounded, and 2 missing.* Among the wounded I regret to mention Captain Allen, severely wounded, and Captain Pierce and Adjutant Lewis. Among the killed was Sergt. Major E.E. Henthorn, a most gallant and brave soldier. Full statement of our loss has been previously forwarded.

My officers and men behaved with the utmost courage and bravery, and deserve the highest reward and esteem at the hands of their country.

I have the honor, sir, to be your obedient servant,

FRANKLIN SAWYER,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Captain E.D. MASON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade.


---------------

*But see revised statement, p.131.



No.100. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan H. Lockwood, Seventh West Virginia Infantry.




CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 16,1862.


SIR:I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Seventh West Virginia Volunteers in the battle near Fredericksburg on the 13th instant:
Near noon on the 13th, pursuant to orders from General Kimball, the Seventh Regiment was ordered to form on the right of the brigade (the Fourth and Eighth Ohio having been sent to the front as skirmishers), and to be in readiness to move forward to their support. The line thus formed consisted of the Seventh West Virginia, Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey, and Fourteenth Indiana.

About 12 o'clock the entire line was put in motion, moving by the right flank through the town. By order of Colonel Snider, of the Seventh West Virginia, I took command of the right wing, General Kimball having furnished me a guide to direct me at the head of the column on the route contemplated, and as soon as we had crossed the canal I filed the head of the line to the right, carrying it sufficiently in that direction to cover the right of the skirmishers under Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer, of the Eighth Ohio.

Our line of battle being formed, we moved up briskly over a distance of some 80 rods, under a most galling fire from the enemy's rifle-pits and batteries in front, and a most terrible enfilading fire from his batteries to the right. Colonel Snider having been wounded before the line of battle was formed, I assumed command, and brought my regiment in good order on the line of the skirmishers, when, being in easy range of heavy forces of the enemy, concealed under good cover, my men suffered severely, but returned the enemy's fire promptly and with effect.
A flank movement being attempted on our right, by order of Colonel Mason, Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer and I moved our men in that direction, with orders to hold the ground at all hazards, which we did for a long time, when, our cartridges being exhausted, we stood for some time with fixed bayonets to dispute any charge or assault upon our position. We were also to hold ourselves in readiness to charge the enemy with bayonets so soon as a charge along the line commenced, or orders to that effect were received.

Between 4 and 5 o'clock we were withdrawn, by order by Colonel Mason, reporting to him in the margin of Fredericksburg.

Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing was 51,* a full report of which has previously been forwarded.

Among the wounded, I regret to mention Colonel Snider, Captain Watson, Lieutenant Detrick, and Lieutenant Pritchett. My officers and men behaved with admirable coolness and bravery, and deserve well of their country.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

J.H. LOCKWOOD,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Captain E.D. MASON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Kimball's Brigade.

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