Danl. Butterfield to Joseph Hooker, December 14, 1862

December 14, 1862—9 a. m. Major-General HOOKER:

GENERAL: General Humphreys informs me that his effective strength this morning is but about 2,000. He lost over 1,000, he thinks. Is getting in all stragglers that hecan find. He has one brigade on left of road,

about where they were last night. Sykes on the right and left of road, in advance of ditch. Griffin on Sykes’ left. The morning is very clear,

Cua¥. XXXII) BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA.

and their position is well defined. Their troops line the stone wall and rifle-pits. What they have behind the crest on which their batteries are, the balloon ought to show. Ought not some general disposition of troops be made in houses to provide for a failure of the attacking column? I have none for this purpose, as all are in position, and those in position cannot be moved under the fire to which they will be exposed. They are very close to the enemy’s line, having been placed in position after dark. I understood General Burnside that Willcox, for his attacking column, would have Captain Weed, my chief of artillery, at his disposal, and all the artillery necessary.

Very respectfully, yours,