From Fredericksburg.
[from our own correspondent]
Fredericksburg, April 29, 1863.
As I extinguished my candle at 4 o'clock this morning, the heavy dampness and for which at the open window could be felt, suggested that it would be a fine night for the Yankees to cross the river.
At 6 ½ o'clock A. M. the ringing of the Epe Church bell — the concerted signal — argued us that the ball was shout to open.
It took me half an hour to wake up thoroughly, and then the leisurely, lounging Yankees, seen from my window at the Lacy House, made me think they would be polite enough to allow a staff officer of the editional corp time for his toilet and breakfast.
The she was exquisite, the coffee excellent, and the bread superb.
To leave shad for shot, and office for cannon, and bread for bullets, was our of the question.
Having breakfasted tority and pocketed a mild amount of commissary stores and tobacco, referenced by my pipe.
I took a view of " the situation" Our Mississippians were in their right places, citizens walking and talking ladies apparently and enjoying the novelty of a new excitement.
Reports ald the Yankees had crossed below Harp Tan, two had two pontoon bridges, and were rapidly.
A few cannon had been fired, but so far no musketry was heard.
After spending an hour in exhausting all sources of information in Fredericksburg, I made a reconnaissance on the Telegraph road and the hills above flowison's. The Yankee sharpshooters are in sight between Bernard's and Pratt's. They have impudently pitched their flytents on this side, as if expecting to spend the summer, forgetting it is the unhealthy side.
The number across at 12 o'clock was estimated at from five to ten thousand, and about fifteen thousand in sight on the other side drawn up in line of battle.
The first party, crossed in boats in the darkness.
I hear Gen. Lee sent reinforcements to the point of crossing night at 12 o'clock. The Yankees seem surprised they have been permitted to cross without being slaughtered, and have accordingly been ballooning in several directions since midday.
As I was crossing Willis's hill, next Marye's Heights, as they are historically called, I met my old legislative friend, Charley Grattan, getting his artillery into position on that renowned elevation.
At every difficulty in the ascent a game rooster, scatted on a crowed instill.
It was Pickett's Battery, and the boys were like the rooster, all game.
Unwilling that the Yankees or others should get my dinner, I waded H. a Iran, and here I am at "some again." Excuse me for the present
P. S.--Fredericksburg, 10 30 P. M.--I give you the rumors as they rise.
The enemy have five bridges below town--one of them a double one. --Four Louisianian were killed; then we hear of forty killed and wounded. The attempt to cross at Banks's Ford, four miles above, early this morning, was repulsed by Wilcox's brigade.
Fredericksburg, as usual, is to be abandoned to-night.
The is to be held, if possible.
Gen. Lee thinks it will be the bloodiest battle of the war. The enemy are attempting to take Hamilton's Crossing and Cuiney's Station.
So much for rumors.
In order to let younger this letor I fail back, in good order, at midnight, once more leaving birthplace, hearthstone, and household Gods to the ruthless pity and demoniac protection of detested Yankees.
May the Lord "do so to them, and more also." 