C. B. Comstock to John G. Parke, December 11, 1862

December 11, 1862. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Staff:

It is understood there is bridge material enough to construct another additional infantry bridge at my point of crossing. The engineer troops here are entirely exhausted; but I beg of the general, if he has engineers to spare, that he will order the bridge be thrown across during the night.

W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General.

Your dispatch received. The bridge I referred to was to be built with material here. The men, however, are too much exhausted to work to-night. Our pizkets reported that a battery came down very close to them soon after dark. It will be necessary to drive it away at daylight. A force of cavalry and infantry is also on our left. I shall be glad to see General Burnside, but do not wish to deprive him of rest. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General.

I think the extra bridge ought to be built; that his command ought to cross, and, as soon a8 he and Sumner are over, attack simultaneously. [A. E. BURNSIDE, ] Major-General.

HEADQUABTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAO, December 12, 1862. General D. P. WoopBuRY, Commanding Volunteer Engineer Brigade:

I believe General Franklin has spoken to Major Magruder about a foot bridge or infantry bridge where his other bridges are, if there are pontoons enough. General Smith spoke to me about a foot bridge this evening, and, on referring it to General Burnside, he said he had told you to put it up at town, but now thifks it had much better be below, and wished me to tell you.

Very respectfully,