December 13, 1862 (Saturday): Fredericksburg

Burnside's HQ in Fredericksburg Night of December 13 (Google Earth)

HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION,
Phillips House, December 13, 1862.
Brigadier General D. BUTTERFIELD,
Commanding Fifth Corps:
   The major-general commanding directs that you place your corps in position to cross at the three upper bridges, at a moment's notice, in support of the troops over the river.
   Very respectfully, &c.,


   JOS. DICKINSON,
   Assistant Adjutant-General.

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. He has ordered another column of a division or more to be moved from General Sumner's command up the Plank road to its intersection with the Telegraph road, where they will divide, with a view to seizing the heights on both of these roads. Holding these two heights, with the heights near Captain Hamilton's, will, he hopes, compel the enemy to evacuate the whole from each other, with a view of avoiding the possibility of a collision of our own forces, which might occur in a general movement during a fog. Two of General Hooker's divisions are in your rear, at the bridges, and will remain there as supports. Copies of instructions given to Generals Sumner and Hooker will be forwarded to you by an orderly very soon. 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.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 13, 1862-6 a.m.
Major General E. V. SUMNER,
Commanding Right Grand Division, Army of the Potomac:
   The general commanding directs that you extend the left of your command to Deep Run, connecting with General Franklin, extending your right as far as your judgment may dictate. He also directs that you push a column of a division or more along the Plank and Telegraph roads, with a view to seizing the heights in the rear of the town. The latter movement should be well covered by skirmishers, and supported so as to keep its line of retread open. Copy of instruction given to General Franklin will be sent to you very soon. You will please await them at your present headquarters, where he [the general commanding] will meet you. Great care should be taken to prevent a collision of our own forces during the fog. The watchword for the day will be "Scott." The column for a movement up the Telegraph and Plank roads will be got in readiness to move, but will not move till the general commanding communicates with you.
   I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,


   JNO. G. PARKE,
   Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 13, 1862-7 a.m.
Major General JOSEPH HOOKER,
Commanding Center [Grand] Division, Army of the Potomac:
    The general commanding directs that you place General Butterfield's corps and Whipple's division in position to cross, at a moment's notice, at the three upper bridges, in support of the other troops over the river, and the two remaining divisions of General Stoneman's corps in readiness to cross at the lower ford, in support of General Franklin. The general commanding will meet you at headquarters [Phillips house] very soon. Copies of instructions to General Sumner and General Franklin will be sent to you.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,


    Jno. G. PARKE,
    Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, December 13, 1862-9 a.m.
Brigadier-General WHIPPLE:
    GENERAL: The general commanding corps directs that you place your division in position to cross the three bridges opposite Fredericksburg
at once, to the support of General Sumner, in case he should need you. He also directs that you communicate the purport of this order to General Sumner.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


   A. J. ALEXANDER,
   Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

December 13, 1862-9.30 a.m.
General SUMNER:
    The enemy have constructed parallels along the entire ridge, connecting their first line of works. He has also rifle-pits extending along the base of the hill to his right of the first line of works; also pits confronting a part of Franklin's forces.


   HALL AND TAYLOR,
   Signal Officers.


HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, December 13, 1862-11.20 a.m.
General BIRNEY:
    By order of General Franklin, received per Captain Starr, you will move your division at once, and cross the lower bridge, as indicated by General Franklin, at the head of which bridge you will meet Captain West, of General Franklin's staff, who will conduct the head of your column to its position. Captain West, it is presumed, has orders from General Franklin what disposition to make of your division. I am directed by General Franklin to report in person to him, at whose headquarters you will find me.
   Very respectfully, &c.,





   GEORGE STONEMAN,
   Brigadier-General, Commanding Corps.

DECEMBER 13, 1862-12 m.
[Colonel RICHMOND:]
   COLONEL: The pickets are strongly supported, and hold their front undisturbed. General Burns' division is between Deep Run and Hazel Run, with a battery in position across Hazel Run. Franklin's own pickets cover Burns' front. Burns is throwing a bridge for infantry across Deep Run. Artillery would have to cross Deep Run higher up, by a road said to be the Bowling Green road, which is picketed by Franklin's troops. Getty and Sturgis remain as reported in my last dispatch, guarding the space between Couch and Franklin. Whipple will probably soon have some troops at the lower bridge, with a view to cross if needed here. There is no further advance of the enemy's troops down Hazel Run ravine.
    Very respectfully,


    WILLCOX.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
December 13, 1862-1 p.m.
Brigadier-General GRIFFIN,
Commanding First Division:
    In compliance with orders from the major-general commanding the center grand division, the corps will march at once across the river to Fredericksburg by the right, left, and center bridges, as heretofore ordered. The march must be as rapid as possible without over-fatiguing the troops previous to engaging. General Sykes will keep to the right, to avoid any collision or stoppage of General Humphreys' column. The troops must be cautioned to be sparing of their ammunition, fire low, and by volleys. Let the Fifth Corps to-day do its whole duty faithfully and fearlessly, and all will be well. This corps will move to the support of General Sumner's grand division or for reserve, as the case may be.
The dispositions, unless otherwise directed, after leaving the town, will be as heretofore ordered-Sykes' division the right, Griffin's the left, Humphrey's the center. If but two divisions are ordered forward, Griffin's and Humphreys' will advance, Sykes' in reserve. If but one division, Griffin will lead.


    [DANL. BUTTERFIELD,]
    Brigadier-General.

[DECEMBER 13, 1862]
(Received 1.15 o'clock.)
General PARKE, Chief of Staff:
I have directed General Bayard to make a reconnaissance with his whole force, and communicate with General Sumner. Will send a brigade to act with Bayard when he returns. Please to inform Comstock that I do not care for a tete-de-pont.


   W. B. FRANKLIN,
   Major-General.

FREDERICKSBURG SIGNAL STATION,
December 13, 1862-1.30 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
    I am losing. Send two rifle batteries.


   COUCH,
   General.

December 13, 1862-1.30 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
   One of our brigades has just fallen back to the outside edge of the town. One body of our troops did not budge. I think a battery has just gone to the front. It has just opened. Willcox's corps is in motion.


   G. R. FEARING,
   Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

DECEMBER 13, 1862-1.45 p.m.
Brigadier-General BURNS,
Commanding Division:
   GENERAL: I have withdrawn General Newton's division from my right at the bridges. Have replaced it by General Sickles', but may withdraw him. Please send your division by the bridge, to await orders there. I think I shall need it.


    W. B. FRANKLIN,
    Major-General.

December 13, 1862-2 p.m.
General BURNSIDE,
Commanding Army of the Potomac:
    Our infantry is again advancing on the right. Colonel Tyler has ceased firing, to give the infantry a chance. Colonel Tyler thinks Franklin is advancing. The enemy appear to be massing infantry to our left.


    CHAS. GORDON HUTTON,
    Aide-de-Camp.


TYLER'S BATTERY,
December 13, 1862-2.30 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
     Colonel Tyler has opened on the enemy's batteries, as your directed. General Hooker's column is crossing. The firing from Franklin does not appear to be heavy. It has ceased on his (Franklin's) right, and increases on his left.
    Respectfully, yours,


   CHAS. GORDON HUTTON,
   Aide-de-Camp.

ON THE FIELD, December 13, 1862-2.30 p.m.
General FRENCH:
    My line of skirmishers moved forward and drove the enemy over the crest of the first hill, where we were compelled to await re-enforcements. The regiments of Kimball's brigade came forward, and with us held the position. On moving to the right of our line, I learned that General Kimball was wounded, and I to take charge of his brigade. I at once designated Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer to take charge of the skirmishers, and on foot started to find General Kimball's staff. I dispatched Captain Mason to report to you. The brigade was scattered all over the line-no regiment entire. I directed the Eighth Ohio to watch the right, and sent out to find our regiments. I have found the Eighth Ohio, Seventh [West] Virginia, and Twenty-fourth New Jersey entirely out of ammunition, and have directed them to form behind the hill, in rear of ammunition, and have directed them to form behind the hill, in rear of the main line, fix bayonets, and await ammunition and time to reform the brigade. Scattered as it is, it is of no service, but when reunited we may be enabled to do some service; but scattered as it now is, it only adds to the confusion. I will reform it as soon as possible, and hope for ammunition. I think our right needs more troops, as the enemy re-enforce from that flank.
     Respectfully, your obedient servant,


   JNO. S. MASON,
   Colonel Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

DECEMBER 13, 1862-2.40 p.m.
(Received 3.15 p.m.)
General BURNSIDE:
    My left has been very badly handled. All of my troops are in action at that point, and the result is so doubtful that any movement to my front is impossible at present. I have Stoneman's two divisions in action, and Burns' is the only division in reserve. The truth is, my left is in danger of being turned. What hope is there of getting re-enforcements* across the river?


   W. B. FRANKLIN,
   Major-General.

*Instead of "re-enforcements," one copy reads, "Sigel or Slocum." 

DECEMBER 13, 1862-2.50 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
    The dispatch just sent from General Hardie tells much that I know. I am returning, by request of General Franklin, to give intelligence from him. He thinks it impossible to advance on his right and front at this time.


   J. M. CUTTS,
   Aide-de-Camp.

TYLER'S BATTERY,
December 13, 1862-3 p.m.
General BURNSIDE,
     Our infantry is advancing to the right and left. Franklin's firing is very slack; his reserve appear to be marching to the front. The musketry is heavy to the right. We do not seem to advance much.
    Respectfully, yours,


   CHAS. GORDON HUTTON,
   Aide-de-Camp.

DECEMBER 13, 1862-3 p.m.
Colonel [RICHMOND]:
    I have the honor to forward the inclosed dispatches from General Franklin and General Burns. Have not made any additional change.
   Respectfully,


    WILLCOX.

[P. S.]-Sturgis sustains himself, but is much injured by artillery fire. Carroll is now moving up to support Sturgis, the rest of Whipple's division to support Couch.


DECEMBER 13, 1862-3 p.m.
General WILLCOX:
    GENERAL: I have replied to General Franklin that I would comply with his request.


    W. W. BURNS,
    Brigadier-General, Commanding First Division, Ninth Army Corps.

 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
Willcox's Headquarters, December 13, 1862-3.12 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
    GENERAL: In compliance with your permission, I have sent Griffin to support Sturgis. Let some one meet him on the street I left you in and conduct him. Humphreys, in compliance with orders from your engineer officers, has been sent six squares up, right and front, Hains, engineer, conducting him. Had I better cross Sykes or keep him on the other side until Humphreys is out of the way, and the streets more clear?
    Very respectfully, yours,


    BUTTERFIELD.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
December 13, 1862-3.35 p.m.
General GRIFFIN:
     Tell Sturgis that Couch says he was carried the heights, and thinks Sturgis is firing without return. General Willcox directs that he move right forward. You will follow up in support of Sturgis.
    Yours,


   BUTTERFIELD.

TYLER'S SIGNAL STATION,
December 13, 1862-3.35 p.m.
    A division has succeeded in re-enforcing Sumner's left, where the fight is hottest.


   ADAMS AND JEROME,
   Lieutenants.

FREDERICKSBURG SIGNAL STATION,
December 13, 1862-3.45 p.m.
Captain CUSHING:
   Our troops have gained no ground in the last half hour.


   GLOSKOSKI AND OWEN,
   Lieutenant and Signal Officers.


HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
December 13, 1862-3.50 p.m.
Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS,
Commanding Division:
    GENERAL: General Couch has sent in word that he has carried the heights at the extreme right, and wants support. Find General Couch, and, if he desires your division, move it to his support, pushing any advantage gained. The bearer will inform you where General Couch is to be found.
    Yours, respectfully,


    DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
   Brigadier-General, Commanding Corps.


HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
December 13, 1862-4 p.m.
General SYKES:
    GENERAL: Major-General Hooker directs that you division be placed on the road in front of the Telegraph road. Your aide, Captain Ryan, has an orderly with him who knows the road.
    Yours,


    DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
    Brigadier-General.

[December 13], 1862-4 o'clock.
Major-General BURNSIDE:
    The enemy appear to have attacked Franklin's right. There is quite heavy musketry. The right of army from here looks just as it did this morning. I think the enemy attempted to turn Franklin's right. Have just opened all along Franklin's front.


    G. R. FEARING,
   Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

LEFT SIGNAL STATION,
December 13, 1862-4.25 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
     General Couch reports that he has carried the crest of the hill, and I have ordered Sturgis to advance. Humphreys is ordered to support Couch. General Graffin is relieving Sturgis, who is holding on, in spite of all, until he is relieved.


     WILLCOX.
     PHILLIPS HOUSE,

TYLER'S BATTERY,
December 13, 1862-4.30 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
    General Franklin has ceased firing. The fight on our right is very hot. Our men are in the ravine. We have brought up and opened on them with two batteries with some effect, but without being able to advance. The musketry is very heavy. Our men stand their ground.
    Respectfully,


   CHAS. GORDON HUTTON,
   Aide-de-Camp.

DECEMBER 13, 1862-4.50 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
    General Franklin is again hotly engaged along his whole front, or rather his left and center. On the right our troops do not seem to get beyond a certain point, just in front of the ridge, with the first row of guns. They say General Bayard is killed. Tyler has just opened again on battery opposite.


   G. R. FEARING,
   Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, December 13, 1862.
   GENERAL: I find that my Second Brigade has fired a great deal of its ammunition; the First very little.    Ten wagons will be required to replenish them, supposing all to have 60 rounds given to them. I should like to see you, to tell you why we did not carry the stone wall. We should have done it but for the presence of a mass of men lying behind a little hill, or embankment, who were firing when they came up, so, when I tried the other brigade, the mass of men lying behind this bank forced our two lines into a column, which reached to within 50 yards of the stone wall, or perhaps less. The details have been sent out to bring back the killed and wounded. We lost heavily. One-half of the Second Brigade retired from the crest across the plain [under my command] to the ravine [under orders from General Hooker or from yourself] slowly, in perfect order, and singing.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


     A. A. HUMPHREYS,
     Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

PHILLIPS HOUSE SIGNAL STATION,
December 13, 1862-6 p.m.
Captain CUSHING:
    The fighting is about over for to-night; only an occasional gun is heard. No communication with Fredericksburg yet. The middle bridge will be completed in one and a half hours.


   JAS. S. HALL,
  Signal Officer.

WILLCOX'S HEADQUARTERS,
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862-6.30 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
    GENERAL: Sykes' brigade in position behind the creek or race; one brigade on the right of the road, where we were; one on the left; one in reserve, behind the left brigade. Ammunition on hand.
Humphreys, as directed, in rear of Sykes'; no report yet of his condition. Griffin's division, First Brigade, ammunition exhausted; heavy loss. Second Brigade, ditto; not as long as the First. Third Brigade ammunition not entirely exhausted. First Brigade in position on the left of where Humphreys was; ammunition exhausted. Will try and send you further reports as I get them.
    Very respectfully, yours,


    DANL. BUTTERFIELD.
   
    What orders for the night or the morning?

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
December 13, 1862-7.10 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER, Phillips House:
    General Couch requests that Sykes be sent to-night on that road to relieve Howard's division, out of ammunition. Your order was for him to hold that position. Shall I comply?


    BUTTERFIELD

DECEMBER 13, 1862-7.15 p.m.
General BURNSIDE:
    GENERAL: There is nothing new here. Doubleday anticipates an attack on our left to-night, but I do not. The guns you hear from this direction are his. My left is very weak, on account of batteries of the enemy which enfilade us badly. Hardie can tell you all about us.
    Respectfully,


   W. B. FRANKLIN,
    Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
December 13, 1862-9 p.m.
Brigadier-General SYKES:
   GENERAL: You will relieve the advance line now occupied by General Couch. General Humphreys will be placed on your left. Ammunition for artillery and infantry must be filled up to-night. Artillery ammunition can be obtained on application to General Hunt, chief of artillery. An aide of General Howard, at Couch's headquarters, will conduct you to the position on the right of the road.


    BUTTERFIELD,
    Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
December 13, 1862-9 p.m.
General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Division:
     GENERAL: Your command must be supplied with ammunition to-night. You are to relieve or assist General Sykes in relieving the advance line of General Couch. If you will report in person or by a staff officer at General Couch's headquarters, or mine, will inform you as to position. General Sykes will be on the right of the road, you on the left.
    Yours, very respectfully,


    DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
    Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION,
Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862.
Brigadier General A. W. WHIPPLE,
Commanding Division:
    I am directed by the major-general commanding Fredericksburg to say that he expects you to hold that part of the city which you are picketing at all hazards. He has given directions to Brigadier-General Carroll, on being relieved, to report to you with his brigade, and he requests that you post them in a manner to afford you the most assistance. The general's headquarters to-night will be on the corner of Hanover and Princess Anne streets.
    Very respectfully, &c.,


   JOS. DICKINSON,

   Assistant Adjutant-General.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 21, Part 1, various.

11:00 a.m. Pelham delays Union advance on Confederate right with fire from single battery.

11:00 a.m.  Couch moves against Confederate left at Stone Wall with three separate brigade attacks by French’s division.

11:30 a.m.  Union artillery on right attempts to soften up Confederate right.

12:00 noon   Meade and Gibbon advance against Jackson’s position and are rebuffed.

12:15 p.m.  Couch having been stopped, Hancock moves forward against Longstreet, again by brigades.

1:00 p.m.  Meade renews attack on Jackson, striking gap in his line, achieving breakthrough.

1:15 p.m. Couch moves Howard’s division forward with another futile assault on the Confederate left.

1:45 Wilcox’s division moves forward.  Sturgis moves up in support of Howard and sustains his attack for an hour.

2:00 p.m.  Confederate reserves plug gap in line and push back Meade, restoring lines.

3:00 p.m.  Evander Law’s troops launch short term counter attack.

3:30 p.m  Griffin’s troops move up to attack.

4:00 p.m.  Still convinced the assaults would carry the position, Burnside sends in Humphrey’s division.

4:45 p.m.  Hawkins brigade makes the last assault on the stone wall and, like the others, is repulsed.