Fredericksburg, Virginia 1608-1908/6
CHAPTER VI.
The War Clouds Gathering — Fredericksburg in the Confederacy — Troops Raised and Equipped — The Surrender of the Town to the Federal Authorities — Arrested and Held as Hostages — Citizens Flee from their Homes — The Bombardment of the Town, &c.
Notwithstanding the fact that Fredericksburg had been growing for so many years, and the further fact that she had enjoyed the prosperity which is claimed for her, and of which we have written, the town had attained at this time only to the moderate proportions of a population of about five thousand inhabitants. But it was a delightful place, nevertheless, with a salubrious climate, good water, charming society, picturesque surroundings and cheapness of living, and had about it a quiet and chastened dignity of age and respectability, both attractive and impressive. Such was Fredericksburg when the storm-cloud of war burst upon her in 1861.
FREDERICKSBURG IN THE CONFEDERACY.
We shall not attempt in these pages to fully portray the scenes enacted in the town, or narrate the part played by Fredericksburg in that terrible war. A true portrayal and narration of them is beyond the power of the tongue of the finished orator, the pen of the most gifted writer or the brush of the most skilled artist. No one can know them save those who endured them and were a part and parcel of them, and even they are unable to describe them with all of their horrible, bloody and destructive realities. It would take a pen almost inspired to truthfully describe the fiery scenes, the devastation, the trials, the privations, the sufferings of body and mind and the heroism of the inhabitants, who were then in town, in the terrible ordeal through which they passed, and the fortitude with which they stood the test.
A great change was now about to take place. The quiet of the staid and sober town was about to be broken by the sound of the drum and the tramp of armed men. The activity of commerce had ceased, a spirit of patriotism prevailed; and this patriotism was not demonstrative only, it was deep and real, and was afterwards sealed by the best blood of the town.
TROOPS RAISED AND EQUIPPED.
There was never any doubt as to the part the citizens of Fredericksburg would take in the war. It is true the town was always conservative and loyal to the government; it had sent a Union man to the State Convention, which was to consider and pass upon the question of union or disunion; he had received almost a two thirds vote of the qualified voters of the town, but all this was done with a strong hope that the political differences of the two great sections of the country—North and South—could and would be settled without a separation. When it was ascertained that such a settlement could not be had, and when that assurance was followed by a call on the States from President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand troops to coerce the seceded Southern States back into the Union and that Virginia was expected to furnish her quota of that number, the sentiment of the entire population changed, and the most ardent Union men, with few exceptions, became strong sympathizers of the Southern movement and were ready to take up arms in defence of the South. The Constitutional Convention, that up to that time was supposed to be against the adoption of the ordinance of secession, rapidly changed front, and when the ordinance was submitted to a vote it was passed by a large majority, the delegate from Fredericksburg, Hon. John L. Marye, Sr., voting for its adoption.
The two volunteer militia companies, which had been in existence in town for many years, became the nucleus around which was formed the Thirtieth Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. This regiment, commanded successively by Colonel Milton Cary, Colonel Archibald Harrison and Colonel Robert S. Chew, immediately entered upon active duty and performed good service throughout the war. The Fredericksburg artillery, under Captain Carter M. Braxton, was organized at the beginning of the war, and under its gallant commanders, Captain Carter M. Braxton, Captain Edward Marye and Captain John G. Pollock, greatly distinguished itself.
It is claimed that this company fired the first shot at the battle of Fredericksburg and was honored with a like distinction at Gettysburg; and yet a greater honor awaited this heroic band than either of these or the two combined, which each member and his descendants will ever cherish with pride. Its members claim to have fired the last gun at Appomattox on the 9th of April, 1865, the day on which General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General U. S. Grant, where and when the Star of the Southern Confederacy went down, never, never more to rise. All honor to such brave and heroic men!
The following is a correct list of the members of the Fredericksburg artillery at the time of the surrender, furnished by a member of the company, most of whom are now living:--
Captain John G. Pollock, Lieutenant A. W. Johnson, Lieutenant Clinton Southworth, Sergeant Henry G. Chesley, Sergeant L. T. Bunnell, Sergeant James Taylor, Sergeant Charles B. Fleet, Gunner M. C. Hall, Gunner Samuel H. Thorburn, Picket Sergeant J. L. Marye, Jr., H. P. Martin, Quarter Master Sergeant; Gunner J. R. Ferneyhough, Gunner P. V. D. Conway, Gunner W. F. Gordon, Gunner R. W. McGuire, Harrison Southworth, Guidon; Privates W. A. Anthony, John Scott Berry, John J. Berrey, Wm. E. Bradley, J. A. Bowler, Oscar Berry, James E. Berrey, Wm. Bowler, Robert C. Beale, J. H. Butzner, Henry Berry, C. B. Cason, L. P. Carter, Walter Carter, W. M. Chewning, J. S. Cannon, W. S. Chartters, Jacob Crowder, G. W. Clarke, J. H. Clarke, S. H. Crock ford, A. P. Carneal, Charles Donahoe, James Donahoe, W. B. Dickinson, Elijah E. Fines, R. C. Fitzhugh, M. A. Ferneyhough, Duff Green (of Brooke), J. T. Goolrick, R. C. Grymes, J. R. Gouldman, Landon Gallahan, Henry Gallahan, John M. Garrett, James W. Hogans, George F. Harrison, George M. Harrison, John E. Harrison, Robert Haislip, Matthew Hudson, John S. Johnson, W. Stan field Jones, J. Chester Jones, C. W. Jenkins, John T. Knight, David Corbin Ker, Hubbard M. Long, Charles Lyell, Alfred J. Marye, J. W. McWhirt, J. A. Marye, A. Stewart Marye, J. W. Mitchell, Frank A. Maddox, Thomas E. Maddex, Charles W. Manley, John McKay, W. Nelson Marye, George Oakes, M. B. Pollock, George B. Pearson, Joseph S. Payne, Harvey W. Proctor, Anthony Patton, John T. Roberts, Henry Robinson, W. T. Robinson, John D. Smith, R. B. Semple, Warner L. Sisson, Lawrence Sanford, Charles H. Scott, John Sullivan, Peter Sullivan, H. Cabell Tabb, A. Byrd Waller, H. H. Wallace, Arthur Wallace, George Willis.
Many of the young men at the first opportunity entered the various branches of the service—the cavalry, infantry, navy, marine, and other positions necessary and honorable—where they served their country well and faithfully, and in many cases with distinguished ability. So rapid were these enlistments, that in less than twelve months the town was almost stripped of her youths and arms-bearing men, and of her former population—those remaining at home were the older men, the women and a few colored people.
THE SURRENDER OF THE TOWN TO THE FEDERAL AUTHORITIES.
Gen. McDowell's Forces Arrive
On the 19th of April, 1862, the town first fell into the hands of the Federal Army. On that day a meeting of the Common Council was held, and a committee, consisting of Mayor Slaughter, Wm. A. Little, Esq., Thomas B. Barton, Esq., Dr. J. Gordon Wallace, Rev. William F. Broaddus, D. D., and Gov. John L. Marye, Jr., three members on the part of the Common Council and three representing the citizens, was appointed to confer with the commanding officer of the United States forces, relative to the surrender of the town. They were instructed to inform him that inasmuch as the forces of the Confederate States had evacuated the town no resistance would be made to its occupation by the United States troops, and to ask such protection for persons and property as was consistent with the rules of civilized warfare. They were also instructed to inform the Commanding General "that the population of this town have been in the past, and are now, in conviction and sentiment, loyal to the existing government of the State of Virginia and Confederate States." This was an honest and frank statement, made by the Common Council of the threatened town to the Commanding General of the invading army, and there can be no doubt that this honest acknowledgment won the friendship and respect of the commandant of the post and saved much property from destruction and many of the inhabitants from indignities on the part of the garrison.
The United States forces took possession of the Stafford hills, which commanded the town, on the 19th day of April. The destruction of the bridges connecting the town with the Stafford shore delayed the actual presence of the troops in town for several days, and it was not until the morning of the 27th that General Marsena R. Patrick established his headquarters and took provost command of the town. Unlike many of the subordinate commanders Gen. Patrick was considered a generous man and a kind, humane officer, and many of the citizens who were at their homes, while he was here in command, unite in bearing testimony, that under his government military rule in Fredericksburg was kindly exercised and the people were not oppressed, and not a few of them conceived a sincere respect for his character, and to this day his acts of kindness and thoughtful consideration are gratefully referred to by them.
This state of things continued until after the disastrous result to General George B. McClellan's army in the Seven Days' battles around Richmond. After those engagements General McClellan was superseded in the command of the Army of the Potomac by General John Pope. General Pope was from the Western Army, and upon taking command of the army in Virginia issued a high sounding, pompous order in which he belittled the valor of the Confederate soldiers of the west, asserting he had "only seen the backs of the enemy," and his purpose in coming to this army was to lead it to victory and success. In that order he declared that he did not want to hear such phrases as "taking strong positions and holding them," "lines of retreat" and "bases of supplies," which he was told was common in the armv. He declared that the glory of the soldier was in pushing the enemy and studying the lines of his retreat, which he then proposed to do.
He announced his purpose to subsist the invading army by enforced supplies from his enemies, and, in order to prepare the world and give it some idea of his rapid movements and brilliant feats, issued orders from "headquarters in the saddle." This unique order, full as it was of boastings of what he had done and what he proposed to do, failed to frighten the Confederate commanders, as General Pope, no doubt, thought it would do. On the contrary, without loss of time they concentrated their forces, gave him battle and the Federal commander was ingloriously driven from the field, with great loss of men, arms and supplies. And so in less than sixty days from the time he took command of the army he was relieved by General McClellan, whom he superseded, having lost every engagement fought during the time. His advance through the counties of Fauquier and Culpeper to Fredericksburg, when he took command of the army, caused great consternation because of his unreasonable and cruel exactions. Many private citizens, who had never entered the Confederate service, were arrested upon their refusal to take the oath of allegiance to the United States government, and were ruthlessly dragged from their homes and confined in Northern prisons.
GEN. POPE TAKES POSSESSION OF THE TOWN—HELD AS HOSTAGES.
Finally the power of this pompous commander reached Fredericksburg, and many of her citizens shared the fate of the unfortunate citizens of Fauquier and Culpeper counties. By General Pope's order No.19 our most prominent and highly esteemed citizens were arrested and sent to Washington, where they were incarcerated in Old Capitol prison. These men were arrested in retaliation for the arrest of two Union men by the Confederate authorities—Major Charles Williams, of Fredericksburg, and Mr. Wardwell, of Richmond—and confined in prison at Richmond. Major Williams was a native of Fredericksburg and died here several years after the war, and Mr. Wardwell, we are informed was a northern man and was appointed superintendent of the penitentiary when Virginia was made "Military District No. 1, with headquarters at Richmond."
These 19 gentlemen were arrested in August, 1862, and confined in Old Capitol prison until the latter part of the following September, a period of about six weeks. It will be seen from the list of the names that they were the leading citizens of the town, exempt from military service by reason, either of age or official position, and were the natural guardians of the helpless women and children who were then in town. The following list was obtained from a diary kept by John J. Berrey while in prison: Rev. Wm. F. Broaddus, D. D., James McGuire, Charles C. Wellford, Thomas F. Knox, Beverley T. Gill, James H. Bradley, Thomas B. Barton, Benjamin Temple, Lewis Wrenn, Michael Ames, John Coakley, John H. Roberts, John J. Berrey, Dr. James Cooke, John F. Scott, Montgomery Slaughter, George H. C. Rowe, Wm. H. Norton, Abraham Cox.
The Christian Banner, then published in Fredericksburg by Rev.James W. Hunnicutt, of the Free Will Baptist denomination, himself a strong Union man, and who would not have written complimentary of these gentlemen beyond their respective merits, published the following short sketches of the "Fredericksburg prisoners":
Thomas B. Barton is the oldest lawyer at the Fredericksburg bar and Attorney for the Commonwealth. He was originally an Old Line Whig and a member of the congregation of the Episcopal church.
Thomas F. Knox was a large wheat speculator and flower manufacturer, an Old line Whig and a prominent member of the Episcopal church.
Beverley T. Gill was, for a number of years, a large merchant tailor, but for several years past had retired into private life. Was an Old Line Whig and a prominent member of the Presbyterian church.
Charles C. Wellford was an extensive dry goods merchant, the oldest in town, than whom none stood higher. Was an Old Line Whig and an elder in the Presbyterian church.
James McGuire was one of the oldest merchants in Fredericksburg, an Old Line Whig, a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and a most excellent man.
James H. Bradley was a grocery merchant, an Old Line Whig and a deacon in the Baptist church.
Rev. William F. Broaddus, D. D., was the pastor of the Baptist church in Fredericksburg and an Old Line Whig. He conducted a female school in addition to his pastoral work.
Montgomery Slaughter, Mayor of Fredericksburg, was a large wheat speculator and flour manufacturer, was an Old Line Whig and a member of the Episcopal church.
George H. C. Rowe was a talented jurist, a Democrat and a Douglas elector during the late presidential election and a member of the Baptist church.
Some amusing Incidents are related of Dr. Broaddus while a prisoner worth relating in these pages. The Doctor was an educated, polished gentleman, and quite a humorist. When he was received Into prison the keeper proceeded in his usual manner to ascertain his name, age and place of nativity. When asked his name he said it was William F. Broaddus. "What does the F stand for?" asked the keeper. The Doctor replied that he did not know. "Don't know?" demanded the keeper. "I will tell you the circumstances," said the Doctor, "and let you decide for yourself. My name was William Francis Ferguson. I did not like the two F's and asked my mother to let me drop one. She consented and I dropped one, but I never could tell whether I dropped the one that stood for Francis or the one that stood for Ferguson. Now, can you tell me which one I dropped?" The keeper saw he was beaten, and demanded, "What is your age?" "I was born In the year of one," replied the Doctor. "What! Do you mean to tell me you are 1861 years old," shouted the keeper. "Not at all," said the Doctor. "Well, then, explain yourself," demanded the keeper, showing some impatience. "I was born In the year one of this century" responded the Doctor. "Where were you born?" indignantly asked the keeper. "Now, you've got me again," answered the Doctor. "That's a question I have long wanted settled, and I'll state the case and perhaps you can help me settle it. My birthplace at the time of my birth was in Culpeper county. Changes In county lines afterwards placed it in Rappahannock county. Now, If I were to tell you I was born in Culpeper, and you should go down there to Inquire, you would And the place In Rappahannock. If I were to tell you I was born In Rappahannock and you were to investigate you would find that when I was born the place was In Culpeper and there was no Rappahannock county at the time. Now, will you please tell me where I was born?" The keeper passed him without further questions.
It was the habit of Dr. Broaddus to preach on Sunday mornings to his fellow prisoners, and such others as would come to hear him while the prison chaplain would hold services in another part of the prison. It is related of the superintendent of the prison, that in making the announcements for preaching he would cry out: "All who wish to hear the gospel according to Abraham Lincoln come this way; those who wish to hear it according to Jeff. Davis go over there," pointing to Dr. Broaddus and his congregation.
John Coakley was for many years a merchant, but for several years past had retired from business, and, at the time of his arrest, was Superintendent of the Fredericksburg Aquaduct Company. He was an Old Line Whig and a very prominent member of the Episcopal church.
Benjamin Temple was a wealthy farmer, an Old Line Whig and, we believe, a member of no church, but a most excellent man.
Dr. James Cooke was a druggist, owning the largest establishment, perhaps south of the Potomac river; was an Old Line Whig and a prominent member of the Episcopal church.
John F. Scott was proprietor of the large Fredericksburg foundry and carried on an extensive business up to the time the Union troops took possession of Fredericksburg, was an Old Line Whig and a prominent member of the Episcopal church.
John H. Roberts lived off his income, was an old Line Whig and, we believe, was a member of no church.
Michael Ames was a blacksmith, an Old line Whig and a member of no church.
John J. Berrey, formerly engaged in a large produce business, but at the time of his arrest connected with a hardware store, was an Old Line Whig and a member of no church.
Abraham Cox was a tailor, a Breckinridge Democrat and a Southern Methodist.
William H. Norton was a house carpenter, an Old Line Whig and a member of the Baptist church.
Lewis Wrenn, no particular business, an Old Line Whig and a member of the Baptist church.
After these gentlemen had been in prison some four weeks they procured a parole and permission to send Dr. Broaddus to Richmond to effect the release of Major Williams and Mr. Wardwell, that he and his friends might be liberated and permitted to return to their homes. Armed with a parole and passports, Dr. Broaddus proceeded to Richmond, where he called upon Judge Beverley R. Wellford, Jr., formally of Fredericksburg, who went with him to see Mr. Randolph, Secretary of War. After hearing the case Mr. Randolph ordered the release of the two prisoners, and Dr. Broaddus returned to Washington with great joy, supposing that he and his fellow prisoners would be at once set at liberty. But not so. The Federal authorities changed their requirements and demanded also the release of two gentlemen by the name of Turner, who resided in Fairfax county, and were then held in a Confederate prison.
It took nearly two weeks to effect the release of these Turners, and when it was done the certificate of release, signed by General Winder, the Commandant of the post at Richmond, was rejected by the Federal authorities as evidence of the release of the prisoners, and the personal presence of the Turners was demanded in Washington before the release of the Fredericksburg party. This took time, but it was finally accomplished, and the Fredericksburgers were permitted to leave their prison pen and again "breathe the air of freedom." They were sent down the Potomac river on a steamer to Marlborough Point, from which landing they walked to town to greet their families and friends. There was great rejoicing on their return, and the whole population turned out to meet them and give them a cordial welcome. Of that party of nineteen not one of them is living to-day. The "last one to cross the river" was Mr. Abraham Cox, who died December 28,1898, eighty-six years of age.
But the unkindness of the military authorities and their harsh treatment of our citizens, by the order of General Pope, did not cease with the arrest and incarceration of the nineteen gentlemen above mentioned. Among other things, the Federal Provost Marshal of Fredericksburg was charged with too much leniency to the citizens and was removed; Col. Scriver was falsely charged with furnishing the destitute with food, and was ordered to stop it at once, if he had done so, and not to repeat it, and the stores and places of business were closed, it was said, to prevent the citizens from obtaining supplies. General Pope's plan seems to have been, he declared, to subsist his army as much as possible on the country and to starve the old men and women into submission to his demands. In this, however, he was not sustained by the Washington authorities, and especially by President Lincoln.
This condition of things in Fredericksburg continued only for a short time. The campaign, inaugurated by General Pope, which resulted in the Second Battle of Manassas and so disastrously to the Federal army, was speedily followed by the advance of the Confederate army into Maryland, the capture of Harper's Ferry, with General Nelson A. Miles's whole force of eleven thousand prisoners and immense military supplies, by General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, aided by General Wm. Barksdale, on the Maryland Heights, and General John B. Floyd, on the Loudoun Heights, and the fierce and bloody, but undecided, struggle between General Lee and General McClellan at Sharpsburg.
In consequence of the results of these events the Federal authorities found it necessary to recall from the line of the Rappahannock, which they were unable to hold, the forces then occupying the same, and therefore on the 21st day of August, 1862, Fredericksburg was evacuated by the Federal forces, and thus for a brief time the town was relieved from the presence and rule of the enemy until the following November, when Gen. Burnside moved against the town.
EVACUATION SCENES.
The scenes incident to the evacuation of Fredericksburg are well remembered to the present day by those who were present and witnessed them. They are indelibly impressed upon their minds and can never be forgotten, and are often related with great interest. In describing this stirring event and the reoccupation of the town in the Fall of 1862, we use the eyes of citizens, who were present and witnessed the scenes described and the words of another, who wrote of them years afterwards. (These scenes of the evacuation of Fredericksburg are taken principally from "The Past, Present and Future of Fredericksburg, by Rev. Robert R. Howlson, LL.D., who was aided in its preparation by diaries kept by those present at the time and the recitals of other eye witnesses, besides newspaper articles, the reports of Generals in both armies and our own knowledge, being present.) Crowds at the corners of the streets indicated that some unusual excitement prevailed, and clouds of smoke rose from the encampments on the Stafford side of the river. Everything indicated an immediate departure. The guards were drawn up in line; the horses and wagons packed at headquarters; cavalry officers rode up and down, giving orders; company after company of pickets were led into town from different roads and joined the regiment at the City Hall; ambulances, with the sick, moved slowly through the streets; the provost marshal and his adjutant rode by, and, in a few minutes, the command was given to march, and the infantry and cavalry marched down to the bridges, each one moving by different streets. This march was quietly made. There was no music, no drum, no voice, but the command of the officers' forward, march!
The ladies, standing in groups along the streets, found it difficult to repress their exultation. Glad to be relieved of the presence of the enemy, and to be freed from the restraints of their power; glad to be once more within Southern lines, and to be brought into communication with their own dear people; but the great gladness was that the evacuation of Fredericksburg showed that the enemy had been defeated on the upper line and could no longer hold the line of the Rappahannock river. And this gave them strong hope that Virginia might yet be free from the armies of the invader.
Several severe explosions followed the blowing up of the two bridges, and, as the bright flames seized upon and leaped along the sides and floors of the bridges, the whole horizon was illuminated. The burning continued all night. A guard was at once organized by the citizens, for the protection of the town against any stragglers or unruly persons who might chance to be prowling about.
With the departure of the Federal troops came now the desire on the part of the citizens of town and country to meet and greet each other, and also a longing to welcome the appearance of the Confederates, a sight which had so long been denied them. In this, to their great delight, they were soon to realize their wish, for on the 2nd day of September about two hundred people came into town from the surrounding country, and general congratulations ensued. On the evening of that day a small force of Confederate cavalry rode into town and were received with shouts of joy. The ladies lined the streets, waving their hankerchiefs and loudly uttering their welcome.
On the morning of the 4th of September the soldiers in camp at Hazel Run were treated to breakfast by the ladies, and greatly enjoyed the hot rolls, beefsteak and hot coffee, after their long abstinence from such delicacies, and probably from rations of any sort.
After a brief season of comparative quiet, disturbed only by the general interest felt in the operations of our armies, the condition of the country generally, and the liability to the reoccupation of the town at any time, Fredericksburg was again the subject and recipient of war's horrors in their most appalling form.
GENERAL BURNSIDE's OCCUPATION OF FREDERICKSBURG.
The Preliminaries to the Great Battle
On Sunday morning, the 10th of November, 1862, a company of Federal cavalry, commanded by Captain Ulric Dahlgren crossed the Rappahannock river, above Falmouth, and charged rapidly down Main street, with drawn sabres. A small force of Confederate cavalry (Colonel John Critcher's battalion), was quartered in town, who, recovering from the disorder into which they were thrown by the sudden and unexpected appearance of the enemy, quickly rallied, and, aided by citizens and Captain Simpson's company, of Colonel W. B. Ball's command, attacked the raiders, pursued and drove them across the river, inflicting upon them a slight loss in men and horses. The Federal army then began to move down from Fauquier, Culpeper and Prince William counties, through Stafford county, to occupy Fredericksburg. To Colonel Wm. A. Ball, an experienced officer, who had greatly distinguished himself at the battle of Leesburg, and in other encounters, was entrusted by General Lee the duty of holding the town, and in retarding the approach of the enemy, if possible, with the promise of speedy reinforcements. The divisions of Gen. Lafayette McLaws and General Robert Ransom, of General Longstreet's corps, with General Wm. H. F. Lee's brigade of cavalry and a battery of artillery, were marched hurriedly to this point, and the whole of General Lee's army prepared to follow. On Sunday, November 16th, Colonel Ball's scouts announced the approach of the enemy on three roads—the Warrenton, Stafford Courthouse and the Poplar. He telegraphed to General Gustavus W. Smith, in Richmond, for reinforcements. General Smith promptly sent him a battalion of four companies, under Major Finney, from the Forty-second Mississippi. With his small force, which scarcely exceeded five hundred men, the gallant Colonel proposed to engage the enemy, if he sought to cross the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg. Colonel Ball placed his infantry in the millrace and mill opposite Falmouth, stationed his cavalry in the upper part of Fredericksburg and planted Captain John W. Lewis's battery of four guns and eighty men on the plateau around the old Fitzgerald residence, at Little Falls, half a mile above the town.
At 10 o'clock on Monday, the 18th, the Southern scouts were driven across the river by the enemy's cavalry, and several hours thereafter a Federal corps, of twelve thousand strong, appeared on the Stafford Heights, opposite Fredericksburg, and planted their field-batteries, consisting of more than twenty guns. Capt. Lewis's men maintained their ground and replied to the rapid firing of the enemy. The distance was short—less than half a mile. The firing of the men was accurate, yet the Confederate fire was kept up, and the Federals, uncertain as to the force opposing them, made no attempt to cross the river.
Colonel Ball, with five hundred men, maintained his front, in the face of the twelve thousand Federals, encouraged by General Lee, who telegraphed him, "Hold your position if you can. Reinforcements are hurrying to you." On Tuesday, the 18th, the enemy's force was largely increased. General Burnside's whole force was pouring down to the Stafford hills. They were waiting for pontoon bridges, and did not cross the river.
Meanwhile Gen. Lee's army was rushing down the roads from Culpeper and Orange counties to occupy the crest of hills around Fredericksburg. Wednesday, at daybreak, General Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry arrived. The next morning General McLaws, with his own division and that of General Ransom's, was in position, and on the 20th the Commander-in-Chief was at hand to direct the movements of the remainder of General Longstreet's command and General Jackson's corps, which rapidly followed him.
On Tuesday, the 20th of November, by request of General Lee, Montgomery Slaughter, Mayor of Fredericksburg, accompanied by the Recorder, William A. Little, Esq., and by Mr. Douglas H. Gordon, a member of her Council, held an interview with the Confederate Commander-in-Chief. It was held at Snowden, the residence of the late John L. Stansbury, about a mile above town. On Friday, the 21st, General E. V. Sumner, of the Federal Army, sent over a flag of truce, with a written message to the Mayor and Common Council of Fredericksburg. General Patrick, the bearer of the message, was met by Colonel Wm. A. Ball at "French John's" wharf, at the foot of Hawke street. General Sumner's letter, to the town authorities was as follows:—
"GENTLEMEN :— Under cover of the houses of your town, shots have been fired upon the troops of my command. Your mills and factories are furnishing provisions and material for clothing for armed bodies in rebellion against the Government of the United States. Your railroads and other means of transportation are removing supplies to the depots of such troops. This condition of things must terminate; and by direction of Major-General Burnside, commanding this army, I accordingly demand the surrender of the city into my hands, as the representative of the Government of the United States, at or before five o'clock this afternoon (5 o'clock P. M. to-day). Failing an affirmative reply to this demand by the time indicated, sixteen (16 hours) hours will be permitted to elapse for the removal from the city of women and children, the sick, wounded and aged; which period having elapsed, I shall proceed to shell the town.
Upon obtaining possession of the town every necessary means will be taken to preserve order and secure the protective operation of the laws and policy of the United States Government."
Colonel Ball simply stated to General Patrick that before delivering the letter to the civil authorities it must be referred to his commanding military officer. But neither he nor the Mayor gave any intimation of the actual presence of General Lee, with a large part of his army, on the heights in rear of the town. General Patrick was obliged to remain in the log house from ten o'clock in the morning to seven in the afternoon, on the 21st. Meanwhile Colonel Ball, through the proper channels forwarded the letter to General Lee. At twenty minutes before five o'clock in the afternoon the letter was received at his office by the Mayor, through General J. E. B. Stuart, who communicated in full General Lee's decision. With the aid of his advisers, Mayor Slaughter prepared a written reply, bearing date, "Mayor's Office, Fredericksburg, November 21st, 1862." This reply was to the effect that the communication of General Sumner had not reached the Mayor in time to furnish a reply by 5 o'clock P. M., as requested; that it had been sent to him after passing (by General Patrick's consent) through the hands of the commanding officer of the Confederate States forces near the town; that as to the shots complained of in the northern suburbs of the town, they were the acts of the Confederate military force holding the town; that the Mayor was authorized to say that the several subjects of complaint would not recur; that the Confederate troops would not occupy the town, and neither would they permit the Federal troops to do so. Mayor Slaughter, attended by Dr. Wm. S. Scott and Samuel S. Howison, Esq., repaired to the place of meeting, and, at about seven o'clock in the evening, delivered the reply to General Patrick.
In view of the threatened shelling of the town, General Lee advised the inhabitants to remove from it as rapidly as possible. The bombardment was not opened the next morning, but it became apparent that the enemy would cross, and the town would be exposed, not only to their fire, but to the most terrible desolations of war. The humane and considerate Chief of the Confederate army urged the women and children to leave the town, and furnished wagons, ambulances and every facility in his power for their aid.
THE INHABITANTS LEAVE THEIR HOMES.
Then followed a scene, illustrating both the horrors of war and the virtues to which it sometimes gives birth. The people of Fredericksburg, almost en masse, left their homes rather than yield to the enemy. Trains of cars departed, full of refugees. Upon the last the enemy opened a fire of shells; they afterwards explained that it was a mistake. Wagons and vehicles of every kind left the town filled with women and little children, with the few articles of apparel and necessity that could be removed. Many were seen on foot along the roads leading into the country. Winter had commenced, and snow had fallen. Many were compelled to take refuge in cabins, barns and tents, scattered through the woods and fields. They were dependent for food on the exertions of their friends and the humane efforts of the Southern army.
A few families remained in Fredericksburg, determined to brave the horrors of war as long as possible. The hardships and privations, incurred by these people, who surrendered their homes and property to destruction rather than remain with them and fall into the hands of the enemies of their country, excited the sympathy and won the admiration of the South. A movement to aid them commenced in Richmond. A committee of relief and treasurer was appointed, and funds were liberally contributed throughout the South, and the soldiers in the field, of their small rations and pay, contributed generously, both in food and money. The contributions of the people and army continued until more than ninety thousand dollars had been received and disbursed by the committee in Richmond and nearly an equal, if not greater, sum was distributed by Mayor Slaughter.
A number of skirmishes of an unimportant character were soon followed by the grand movement of the enemy. On the night of December the 10th the armies prepared for action. Two hundred and fifty thousand armed men, like crouched lions ready to spring upon their adversary, were ready for the bloody conflict. It was the most restless, anxious night ever passed by the citizens of Fredericksburg. It was the night of terror! The dread of to-morrow hung like a pall over the devoted city, and everybody was hurriedly preparing for the awful destruction that was at hand and could not be averted. The threatened bombardment had long been delayed, and many citizens had returned from their flight. From one end of the town to the other, all during that sleepless night, could be seen in nearly every home dim lights, where busy hands with heavy hearts were preparing for the flight at the sound of the first gun. What to attempt to carry, and what to leave to be destroyed by the enemy, was the perplexing question, and so in the anxiety of the refugees to take with them sufficient food, clothing and bedding to prevent suffering from cold and hunger, they overtaxed their strength and had to abandon many things on the roadside.
THE BOMBARDMENT OF THE TOWN.
Having received his pontoon bridges, General Burnside prepared to throw his grand army across the river. At two o'clock on the morning of Thursday, December the 11th, his troops were put in motion and two signal guns from the Confederate side, at five o'clock, sounded a note of warning to the people and the army. General Burnside commenced throwing three pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock river. One was to span the river at French John's wharf, at the foot of Hawke street, one at Scott's Ferry, at the lower end of Water street, and one at Deep Run, about two and a half miles below town. General Wm. Barksdale's brigade, consisting of the Thirteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-first Mississippi regiments, held the town.
"General Barksdale kept his men quiet and concealed until the bridges were so far advanced that the working parties were in easy range, when he opened fire with such effect that the bridges were abandoned at once. Nine separate and desperate attempts were made to complete the bridges under fire of their sharpshooters and guns on the opposite bank, but every attempt being attended with such severe loss from the Confederates, 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 concentrated along the hills just above the river. The fire was so severe that the men could not use their rifles, and, the different places occupied by them becoming untenable, 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. The Seventeenth Mississippi and ten sharpshooters from Colonel J. W. Carter's regiment (the 13th) and three companies of the Eighteenth regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Luse, under Lieutenant William Ratliff, were all the troops that were actually engaged in defending the crossings in front of the city." [* Extract from Gen Lafayette McLaw's official report of the battle of Fredericksburg, made to General James Longstreet—War of Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 21, page 578.]
The other regiments and parts of regiments were held in reserve, and were not brought into action until the enemy had crossed the river. At the first dawn of light on the morning of December the 11th the Federal artillery commenced its work of destruction. From the heights above the town of Falmouth, north of Fredericksburg, to the Washington farm below, on every available place artillery was stationed, bearing upon the town. About one hundred and seventy-five (175) of the grim monsters, ready to "belch forth death and destruction," were placed in position the day before, well manned, and only waiting for the signal to send forth their deadly messengers of shot and shell.
At the hour appointed the signal was given, and the thunder of artillery, the lightning from bursting shells in the air, the crashing of solid shot through the houses, the roar of musketry on both sides of the river, the shrieks of frightened women and children, the bustle and confusion that followed, may be imagined, but can never be described. From early morning until four o'clock in the afternoon, with only half an hour's cessation between one and two o'clock, this deluge of shot and shell was poured upon the streets and houses of the town. The few inhabintants who remained in the town fled to their cellars and sought to save their lives from the storm which was beating their homes to pieces. Many houses were burned with all or most of their contents, the result of hot shot, it was claimed, thrown from the enemy's guns on the Lacy farm, just opposite the town. Among the houses that were burned were the residence of Mr. Reuben T. Thorn, in which was located the post-office; the Bank of Virginia, where the Opera house now stands, and several other private residences on Main street. And yet the worst was still to come.