From Fredericksburg — the battle commenced — Repulse of the enemy — probable Continuation of the engagement.
Early yesterday morning intelligence was received in this city that the ball had opened in earnest at
Fredericksburg, and that, from the character of the fight, there was little room.
No doubt a general engagement would ensue.
Throughout the day, anxiety was evinced to hear from the field of conflict, and as usual, rumors of every variety were most industriously circulated.
Passengers by the
Fredericksburg train last night report that the enemy attempted simultaneously to cross the
Rappahannock at three different points — the
Railroad bridge at the town,
Knox's kill, and
Deep Run.
The attempt was made about 5 o'clock A. A. At the two former places they were repulsed with great slaughter by our sharp-shooters, who, from the defences of their rifle pits, poured a galling fire into the ranks of the enemy, who fell back in confusion, after having sustained a heavy loss.
Our loss is reported to be only 5 killed and 75 wounded. At
Deep Run the enemy were more successful.
Under the protection of their heavy batteries they succeeded in crossing — in what force we were unable to ascertain.
Our men fell back in good order.
It is stated that our batteries completely sweep the plateau at this point, and that so far from having secured any advancing by the passage of the river, they have placed themselves in exactly the position that our commanding General wishes them.
Exasperated at their warm reception, the enemy want only shelled the town, killing
a Mr. Grotz, an old citizen, and mortally wounding his brother.--The residences of
Messrs George P. King and —
Vaughan were fired by the shells and totally destroyed.
We understand that the troops composing the corps of
Gen. Longstreet were mainly engaged in the fights of yesterday, and that nearly all the loss pertained was in that corps.
The latest advices received are contained in a dispatch dated 6 o'clock, which states that a large force of the enemy had succeeded in effecting a crossing and that it was expected that the fight would be renewed again this morning.
