E. D. Hall to Thomas Rowland, December 17, 1862

December 17, 1862.

Caprain: Early on the morning of the 11th instant, the brigade, under the command of General Cooke, was ordered to the front, opposite Fredericksburg, where we remained in position until about 12 o’clock Saturday, the 13th, at which time the engagement was going on in our front. The brigade was formed in line of battle as follows: The Twenty-seventh on the right; Forty-eighth next; Forty-sixth next; Fifteenth on the left. We moved into action by regiments. After advancing about eral batteries were placed. With the exception of the Twenty-seventh, the brigade was halted on the crest of the hill, and delivered its fire on the advancing column of the enemy, who was then engaged in making a furious assault on our front lines, which were covered by a long stone wall at the foot of the hill, which assault, on the arrival of the brigade, was repulsed, with great loss to the enemy. The enemy that time succeeded in getting up to within 40 yards of the wall. After the repulse of the enemy, the Forty-sixth was moved down the hill behind the fence, supporting Cobb’s brigade, the Twenty-seventh and Forty sixth remain-

*No casualties reported.

ing behind the fence, and the Forty-eighth and Fifteenth on the top of the hill all day. Six different times during the day did the enemy advance his heavily re-enforced columns, and each time was driven back with immense loss. The action ceased at night, when the brigade was withdrawn, and resumed the position they occupied previous to the action. I regret to have to state that our brave commander was severely wounded early in the action. : ‘

It gives me great pleasure to state that, without exception, the conduct of the different regiments composing the brigade was deserving of the most unqualified approbation.

No engagement having taken place the next day, the commanders of the different regiments were ordered to intrench themselves that night, and before day each had opened ditches sufficient to cover their whole commands; and the night after two additional works were completed sufficient for two more regiments. :

On Sunday morning, the brigade was relieved by General Jenkins, and ordered back to camp. }

I regret to say the loss of the brigade was heavy. A correct list* of casualties will be handed in.

I have the honor to be,