Affairs at Fredericksburg — interesting Incidents.
Among the letters from Fredericksburg are some times found some very interesting paragraph. A correspondent of the Enquirer, writing on the 18th, says that for three days last week not a Yankee drum could be heard not a Yankee soldier seen, but adds: Finding out, however, that they couldn't humbug Gen. Lee by this sort of clap-trap, last night, imitating the Chinese, they banged and noised as if they were going to tear up things generally; and, from 12 to 3 o'clock their balloons, (three in number,) like Mohammed's coffin, were suspended between heaven and earth, evidently looking after "rebel camp-fires." Yesterday, under flag of truce, a sealed communication passed over from General Halleck to General Lee. The Yankees are sorely pressed for forage and wood; horses are daily dying for want of the one, and the scarcity of the other compels the men to dig up the stumps of trees. As establishing the truth of this, the pickets on the opposite shore for the last night or so have been unprovided with fires, notwithstanding the severity of the weather. Some dozen or more citizens, who went over during the fighting, have been permitted to return home, both sides consenting. They represent that they were kindly treated being provided by the Yankees with an abundance of good food whilst over the river. One of the returned damsels became enthused with a Yankee Lieutenant, and sent him, or rather attempted to send him, some sentimental verses; but, though not contraband of war, the talk of the vain posters did not altogether coincide with the views of the picket officer on our side, and the verses were consigned to the tomb of the Capelets. It is reported to night that the Yankees are constructing a wagon road through the farm of Mr. John Seddon, in Stafford, some eight miles below, on the river, with the view of again crossing. I also hear that Burnside has made a tour of inspection up the Rappahannock from Falmouth to Ellis's Ford, with the view of flanking us; but all this is talk, and you can decide upon its value accordingly. But whilst the Generals may or may not design crossing and giving battle the following note, sent across by a Yankee picket to a squad of our men on similar duty, will show that so far as these "gents" are concerned "amicable relations" exist:"We had the pleasure to receive your letter, and very glad to find you in good spirits. We are sorry not to have any newspapers on hand, but will get some as soon as possible. We send you coffee whenever the wind permits at to do so. Can't one of you come over this evening in that little boat you have there — we will not keep you. In the hope that Jeff Davis and Abe Lincoln will soon give us peace, we send our best respects."
Co. A. 46th Reg't. N. Y. S. V."
Persons deciding to write to citizens here, should address " There is no post-office in the town. A writer from Fredericksburg, in the Whig, the same day, thinks the bloody drams of the 13th of December is soon to be re-enacted.--He says: ‘ A report reached here yesterday from below, that the indications in that quarter are such as it boy intended to make an attempt to gross at once; while they are said to be no less decided above.--Their centre has been more quiet. Yesterday they were digging bite for mortar batteries just above the little village of Falmouth; and reports which reached here from the other side, several days ago, were to the effect that more heavy siege guns were being brought up, to be planted, it is presumed, for the anticipated renewal of the attack. From observations made with a glass at an elevated point which commands a view of the Stafford heights, there are apparently no guns in the batteries in front though they may be skillfully concealed from view. At time the numbers of the enemy seem to be greatly reduced, and again as thick as ever. The reserve may be, and no doubt is, beyond the heights, and cannot be seen from any point on this side. The few unlucky inhabitants who have so far been enable to get away, retire at night in expectation of being aroused at the earliest dawn by the thunder of artillery and explosions of shell. Some, however, seem determined to remain and await the issue ’
