J. B. Sweitzer to Charles Griffin, December 17, 1862

December 17, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that this brigade moved from this camp on the morning of the 11th, before daylight, to a point near the Phillips house, opposite Fredericksburg. Remained there till night, then bivouacked on the field adjoining.

Next morning, 12th, moved to the railroad station; staid there until evening, then went up to the hillside above, and bivouacked.

On the afternoon of Saturday, the 13th, at 1.30 o’clock, crossed the lower pontoon bridge, opposite Fredericksburg ; returned again before all the brigade had crossed; again crossed the bridge immediately to Fredericksburg; marched up the street to the brick-yard; thence to the right into the fields beyond ; thence by the front up the plain, in the face of the fire of the enemy’s batteries and musketry, and took a position in front with the First and Third Brigades, and maintained it till after dark on Sunday, the 14th, when we were relieved. Came back to eer eepee remained in the streets that night and during Monday, the 15th.

Monday night were assigned to a new position in the streets; took it, and remained till about 5 o’clock Tuesday morning; thence recrossed the river by the upper bridge to former place of bivouac; remained and breakfasted there, and thence returned to the present camp.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,