Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[143] for the most part, in good condition, and the small arm ammunition uninjured.

I am, sir, respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

General: I beg to submit the following report of the part taken by my battery in the battle fought before Fredericksburg:

I was placed in position on the hill immediately opposite the ford between Falmouth and Fredericksburg, on the night of the twenty-third of November, and commenced throwing up earthworks to protect the guns and cannoneers, which were completed before the enemy attempted to cross the river.

On Thursday morning, the eleventh of December, after the signal guns were fired, we were at our guns, ready for action, and there remained, without firing a gun, until late in the evening, when I saw a column of infantry (about two regiments) advancing to cross the upper pontoon bridge, when I gave the command to commence firing. We fired rapidly for a short time, driving the second regiment back behind Lacy's house.

A little later in the day, we fired at some cavalry and artillery, which soon withdrew from sight. I could have fired much more, but my orders were very strict about wasting ammunition, and only fired when certain of doing them damage. We slept at our guns that night.

On Friday, the twelfth instant, we engaged at various times in firing at batteries crossing the river. About three o'clock P. M., a column of infantry (about a brigade) came in sight. I opened on them immediately, throwing shell in the head of their column, scattering them and doing them much damage, causing them to change their course, and move back around Lacy's house. When we ceased firing, their ambulances came after the wounded. I could, with a glass, see many dead lying on the field after the ambulances had carried off the wounded. Later in the day I fired at some cavalry crossing the river at the ford. Again their ambulances were called into use.

On Saturday I fired on infantry, cavalry, and artillery, whenever they came within easy range, with what effect I could not tell.

On Sunday I only fired a few shots at cavalry. Up to Sunday night we fired about four hundred rounds, at which time I was relieved by a battery of smooth-bore guns, and moved back to the position formerly occupied by Captain Woolfolk's battery, since which time we have remained quiet.

I am happy to state that, although subjected to an enfilading fire of more than twenty guns, (and some of them their heaviest,) our works, though frequently struck, were so strong that none passed through, but several passed over the top and through the embrasure into the pits. I lost none killed, and only two wounded--Privates Hughes, in leg slightly, and Hailey, in head, from concussion. One horse was slightly wounded. I think we could have done them much more damage but for defectiveness of ammunition, causing us to lay aside our former experience of artillerists.

I have, General, the honor to be,

Your obedient servant,

Sir: The Florida companies that reported to me on the eleventh instant were ordered into position on my right. The entire command, in my opinion, did not constitute forty men. They were ordered to conform to the movement of the command. The officer in command of said companies failed repeatedly to obey my commands, when ordered to fire on the bridge-builders; and so silent was his command that I hardly knew he was in position. His excuse for not firing was, that his position was too much exposed, and firing would draw the fire of artillery. I was informed that the officer was withdrawing his command by two o'clock. I passed the order down the line to fall back, which was promptly obeyed. I am confident that if any were captured it was from inefficiency, and from fear of being killed in the retreat. The position was held until sunset.

Very respectfully,

Lieutenant: It becoming my duty to report to you the action of the Eighth Florida regiment, commanded by Captain Lang, during the engagement at Fredericksburg, December eleventh, 1862, I submit the following:

About five o'clock A. M. of the morning of the eleventh, General Barksdale came to me, at the ferry near Commerce Street, accompanied by a portion of the Eighth Florida regiment, numbering about one hundred and fifty men, I suppose. He said to me, “Assist Captain Lang, commanding, in putting his battalion in position,” which I proceeded to do immediately, suggesting to Captain L. to place his battalion on my left, which could be in point-blank range of the enemy, above the bridge then being rapidly constructed by them — my regiment bearing on the front and from a point below. Such disposition being made, we easily swept the enemy from their bridge, from above, below, and in front. The battalion did good service and acted gallantly while commanded by Captain L. He obeyed my