T. B. W. Stockton to O. B. Mervine, December 17, 1862

CAPTAIN:

In compliance with circular of this date, I have the honor to report the operations of the Third Brigade on the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th instant, under my command.

On the afternoon of the 13th, the Third Brigade crossed over the Rappahannock at the lower pontoon bridge, marched up through the lower part of Fredericksburg, and was formed in line of battle in rear ‘of. said town, the left resting on the railroad. In this position it was much exposed to the cross-fire of the enemy’s guns, as well as their musketry. Shells were constantly bursting around, and two or more of my men were killed and quite a number wounded. The First and Second Brigades having preceded us, my brigade received orders just before sundown to advance, my left to rest on a small white house, just this side of a ridge or crest, some 500 yards this side of the enemy’s position.

Immediately on receiving said orders, the bugle signal to advance was sounded, and the line moved, except the Twelfth and Seventeenth New York Volunteers, which were on the extreme right, and, not distinguishing the call, did not move up until the other regiments had reached the position designated. The promptness with which they joined, after ascertaining the brigade had advanced, and their conduct on the day following, forbid the idea that their delay was intentional. The distance over which we had to advance is probably over 1,000 yards, the ground undulating, rising first to a ridge, and then descending and rising again to the ridge we were ordered to.

Immediately on approaching the first one, the enemy opened a terrible and destructive fire of shell and musketry on both front and side, and my command was entirely exposed until it reached the second ridge. This will be demonstrated by the report of killed, wounded, and missing. It was dark by the time the position was reached. The formation of the ground unknown, and as the enemy continued. to fire for some time after, we were much exposed under this severe fire in advancing. The line steadily and briskly advanced, firing, and though many fell, there was not a single instance came to my knowledge of either officers or men faltering. Officers of all grades performed their duties, and the men seemed to require no urging.

During the night the general commanding division visited the lines in person, inspected our position, and instructed myself and other commanders of brigades that we must hold our present positions until 10 o’clock next day, when the Ninth Corps would attack. As soon as daylight came on the 14th, the enemy opened fire upon our whole line, and as our orders were not to fire or bring on an engagement, my command was ordered to keep down and screen themselves as much as possible, which was done the whole day, the contemplated attack not being made.

Early on the morning of the 14th, the enemy fired three shells from our left, one of which burst immediately over us, wounding a number; the other two struck close by, but did no harm. Why no more were fired is unaccountable; we certainly could and would have been shelled out had they done so. The enemy’s sharpshooters were very vigilant, and had evidently obtained such position that they could almost fire upon the men when lying down. Several were thus hit, and no one could move to the rear without being exposed to a volley. Late in the after412 OPERATIONS IN N. V. A., W V. A., M. D., AND PA, ([Cuar. XXXIIL

noon the enemy extended many of their sharpshooters down to our left for the purpose of enfilading our lines, but the cross-fire of sharpshooters of the Sixteenth Michigan, which was posted on the railroad, and the troops on the left of my line, some of the Twentieth Maine, Highty-third Pennsylvania, and Sixteenth Michigan, soon drove them out of the position they had chosen. Thus the day passed slowly away, the command from early dawn until after dark remaining lying on the ground, waiting for darkness to enable them to move in safety.

About 10 p. m. the command was relieved by a brigade of fresh troops, and my brigade, with the whole division, returned to Fredericksburg, and bivouacked in the streets. Here they remained until late in the afternoon of the 15th.

Never did officers or men perform such perilous duty as mine had done for the past thirty-six hours. The din of battle, the charge, and contest try most men’s nerves, but that is nothing to what it is to be compelled to lie all day, scarcely sheltered at all, exposed to the shells and musketry of an ever-watchful enemy. But, under both and all these circumstances, I am proud to report I saw no signs of fear in either officers or men. Each and all performed their duty well and promptly.

Lieutenant-Colonel Conner, commanding the Forty-fourth New York Volunteers, was wounded early in the advance, and the command of that regiment devolved on Major Knox, who, with each of the other commandants of regiments, brought their regiments forward in order and well in hand.

Owing to the exposure of Saturday night and all of Sunday, I found myself seriously unwell on our return to Fredericksburg; and, fully satisfied that we were to return across the river, J was induced by my surgeon, late on the 15th, to give up the command to the next in rank, Colonel Vincent, and to return tocamp. The subsequent return of the brigade to the line of the pickets, and their withdrawal across the river, was done under him, which duty he performed promptly and safely. Returned to camp on the 16th without any further loss of life.

Before closing, I beg leave to mention the name of Capt. L. Lansing, my acting assistant adjutant-general, for the prompt and fearless manuer he performed his arduous duty, very frequently much exposed, in carrying my orders to different points; also Lieutenant Jacklin, aS Sixteenth Michigan, who, for a portion of the time, acted as my aide.

Inclosed herewith will be found a full list of the killed, wounded, and missing in my brigade during the 13th, 14th, and 15th instant.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,