Robert Anderson to E. C. Baird, December 18, 1862

December 18, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade since December 10:

In accordance with orders from division headquarters, the command, accompanied by Simpson’s and Ransom’s batteries, under Brig. Gen. C. F. Jackson, broke camp, near White Oak Church, about 11.30 p. m. of the 10th instant, and moved toa point on the Rappahannock River, about 3 miles below Fredericksburg, where it arrived at 2 o’clock the next morning. The orders being to cover the pontoniers while constructing bridges across the river, the Twelfth Regiment, with two companies of the Tenth and the batteries, were posted so as to protect the working party, the balance of the command being held in reserve. Two bridges were thrown across, and the work of constructing them accomplished about 11 o’clock, without interruption, except in one Instance, when the enemy appeared in small force and fired upon the working party, wounding 6. They were immediately driven off by the artillery, and did not again make their appearance. The brigade remained in position until the next morning, when it crossed the river in rear of the Second Brigade, and, moving down the river, bivouacked for the remainder of the day and the following night about 1 mile below the place of crossing, the left resting upon the river.

At 6 o’clock on the morning of the 13th, being under orders to that effect, the command was under arms and ready tor action. Moving forward a short distance, it crossed a deep ravine near a burned mill, and, warvhing by flank across a broad, open field, and crossing a road formed

in line of battle, perpendicular to the First Brigade, the right resting 3pon the left of the First Brigade,and the Ninth regiment deployed im front as skirmishers. This position was hardly assumed when the enemy opened quite a destructive fire from a battery posted in front of our left. The brigade remained in this position for several hours, losing a number of men by the enemy’s artillery.

About 1 o’clock orders were received to change front forward and form on the left of the First Brigade, which being accomplished, the line moved forward, receiving, as it advanced, a heavy artillery fire. The course taken was across a clear field, toward a hill, the crest of which was covered with a wood. The enemy’s skirmishers were about

Too much cannot be said in praise of the gallantry of both officers and men throughout the engagement. Never was the courage and stamina of troops put to a severer test, and never did they more nobly vindicate themselves.

In the death of General Jackson, who fell while encouraging and sustaining his men, this brigade has lost a brave and good leader. To his example and conduct, and that of his aides, Captain Swearingen and Lieutenants Bemus and Chamberlain, is owing, in a great measure, the steadiness and perseverance with which the troops fought.

A list of the killed, wounded, and missing will be forwarded immediately.*

Very respectfully submitted.