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

[95] fifteenth, in the hope of another encounter on the following day, and of visiting upon the invaders of their sacred homes and firesides a just retribution for the outrages of this most unprovoked and unchristian war, the enemy hurriedly and silently, during that night, made good his retreat by recrossing the river.

For further details of the operations of my corps in the battle, I respectfully refer you to the reports of the division, brigade, and regimental commanders, who participated in the engagement; also to the reports of Colonel Crutchfield, my chief of artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, Colonel Brown, of the reserve artillery, and Captain Latimer, detailing the operations of the artillery. I refer you also to the same source of information for the names of many officers who distinguished themselves in this battle, and, by their good conduct, specially merit the approbation of the Government and of the country.

I herewith forward to you a list of the casualties of this corps on the thirteenth December, from which it will appear that twenty-six officers were killed, and one hundred and ninety-five wounded; three hundred and eighteen enlisted men killed, and two thousand three hundred and fifty wounded; eighteen officers and five hundred and eight enlisted men missing; making a total loss in this corps of three thousand four hundred and fifteen. Nearly all who are reported as missing were taken prisoners in the fight. By the official report of Major Bridgford, provost marshal of the corps, herewith submitted, it appears that we captured five hundred and twenty-one prisoners, of whom eleven were officers. The report of Major Bridgford exhibits a gratifying statement of the small number who straggled from the ranks during the last action, and affords further evidence of the improving discipline and spirit of the army.

The report of Major Bier, my chief of ordnance, shows that we captured four thousand four hundred and forty-six small arms.

My medical director, Dr. Hunter McGuire, gave special and skilful attention to the wounded.

Major J. A. Harman, chief quartermaster, Major W. J. Hawks, chief commissary, and Major G. H. Bier, chief of ordnance, discharged their duties well.

During the action, I received valuable assistance in transmitting orders, and discharging other duties, from the following members of my staff:

Colonel S. Crutchfield, chief of artillery.

Colonel A. Smeade, inspector-general.

Captain A. S. Pendleton, assistant adjutant-general.

Captain J. K. Boswell, chief of engineers.

First Lieutenant J. G. Morrison, aid-de-camp. First Lieutenant J. P. Smith, aid-de-camp.

Second Lieutenant W. Williamson, engineer department.

I trust that the victory of Fredericksburg, with which God has blessed our cause, will continue to be gratefully remembered.

I am, General, your obedient servant,