J. A. Walker to S. Hale, December 26, 1862

December 26, 1862.

I have the honor to report the operations of Early’s brigade in the battle near Fredericksburg, on the 13th instant.

We were plaged in position by General Early, commanding division, in the second line of battle, supporting A. P. Hill’s division. The action had not continued over half an hour before I received an order from General Early (through Major [J. P.] Wilson, volunteer aide) to advance at double-quick, as the enemy had cut their way through the first line and were advancing. I put the brigade in motion and met the enemy about the middle of the woods, but they fell back as we came up, and we continued to press them closely, driving them across the railroad and

or4 OPERATIONS IN N. V. A., W. V. A., M. D., AND P. A. (Caar. XXxIL

following them soihe distance beyond into the open field. When we reached the railroad there was no support on our left, and alarge column of Federal infantry were moving across the railroad about 400 yards to our left and entering the woods. Fearing to advance farther to our front, I drew my command back to the railroad and held that position, after detailing Lieutenant-Colonel [James 4 Terrill, with the Thirteenth Virginia, to deploy his regiment on our left flank, and directing him to advance under cover of the timber, to engage the enemy’s columns on our left upon the flank. This was done promptly, and Thomas’ brigade, of A. P. Hill’s division, engaging them in front about the same time, they fell back in good order, but scarcely firing a gun in their retreat. The two fires told severely upon them, as the large number of dead and wounded left on that part of the field clearly showed. After this column of the enemy fell back, there was for some time no body of their troops in sight ; but not deeming it prudent to give up the advantages of our position by advancing in pursuit over the open plain, I continued to hold the railroad for the remainder of the evening without any molestation from the enemy further than by forming a fresh line of troops in sight, but out of our range, and throwing out skirmishers, who kept up a straggling fire until night. After dark, I left pickets on the railroad, and withdrew my command back into the woods about 150 yards, and bivouacked for the night.

Early the next morning we were relieved by [Brig. Gen. E. F.] Paxton’s brigade and joined the division.

Our loss was 157 in killed and wounded.*

I cannot close without expressing my admiration for the manner in which this brigade performed its duty, and the gallantry and bravery exhibited by both officers and men. I had no trouble in getting them to fight, but a good deal to get them to stop, when, in my opinion, it was imprudent to go farther.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,