After Action Report
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va
December, 1862
We hurriedly left the Valley to meet the Federal forces threatening Fredericksburg. Troops began arriving on Friday, setting up camp in fields south of the town. The evening brought a light rain which muddied the roads, but failed to dampen our spirits. The remainder of the army had arrived by early the next morning. Members of the 11th, 13th and 28th NC Troops joined with the 24th VA Infantry. The battalions were formed and the troops were transported from camp to Fredericksburg by wagons. Once in town, stragglers continued to grow our ranks, where members of the 12th NC Troops were added to our regiment.
Orders were given to take defensive positions along the banks of the Rappahannock and in the streets and buildings bordering the river. Our battalion was assigned a section of Sophia Street, between Wolfe Street and Charlotte Street, where we formed in a column of companies facing south. Sharpshooters took positions as well in surrounding buildings.
The Federals, unable to complete their pontoon bridges due to small arms fire, began an artillery barrage to dislodge our defenders along the river. The artillery ceased, only to find our troops still in position and continuing to harass their engineers. Apparently becoming desperate, the Federals loaded several pontoon boats with troops that were launched across the river. Initially our men were successful in slowing their progress, however after reaching the middle of the river, the high banks provided cover from their rifles and allowed the Yanks to land. After they disembarked, our skirmishers were pushed back which allowed the engineers to complete their work on the pontoon bridge. Columns of Federal troops then began crossing the bridge into the town. At some point, the far end of the pontoon bridge became free and the troops had to wade through the river the remaining distance.
Sounds of musket fire preceded our skirmishers scurrying up the street, being pushed by a massive blue column. Once they were clear, our first company opened fire! Two volleys were fired, the company then split at the platoon break, breaking to the left and right, falling back to the rear of the battalion and reforming, while the next company advanced to their position. This precession of company volleys continued until we could no longer bear the pressure of the Federal column. The battalion maintained the company volleys on the retreat, falling back to Charlotte Street, while our casualties were strewn about the street. Upon entering the intersection the Federal column entered a hornet’s nest of fire, between us to the west and a second Confederate battalion to the north. Causalities mounted on both sides until finally there was a break in the hostilities.
Leaving the town to the Federals, we marched west on Hanover Street towards the hills outside of town. One soldier in our regiment, wounded at the beginning of the battle, sought comfort from a residence as we briefly paused our march. The lady kindly attended to his wound and he returned to the ranks. I cannot help but feel assured of our victory, with such men as these.
Upon reaching the base of the hills, we took positions behind a stone wall along a sunken road, with artillery on Marye's Hill behind us. We were able to nourish ourselves with whatever rations we had in our haversacks, enjoy some tobacco and rest from the morning’s battle. Unfortunately, it was not long before the peace of the afternoon was shattered with the sound of musket fire to our front.
An enemy column was advancing towards us, being slowed by skirmishers. As they pressed forward, a second column was heard also converging on our position. The regiment that had been delaying their advance withdrew from the field, rallying behind our lines. During their retreat, the flag bearer was hit and such sighs I have never heard as their colors went to the ground. It was like time stopped for a moment before the soldier recovered, picked up the staff and lead them off the field.
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