cautious Yankees looking at Fredericksburg
Federal attack at Fredericksburg not imminent – plenty of time to get shoes to Stonewall’s soldiers
For about three weeks the Richmond Daily Dispatch has published a daily paragraph “From Fredericksburg.” News has leaked back that Union General Burnside had sent some troops south along the Rappahannock, but the Dispatch didn’t think the union army would cross the river any time soon and even conjectured that Burnside was another extremely cautious McClellan. Conditions have improved for the southern soldiers, but apparently some in Stonewall Jackson’s corps are still without shoes.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 9, 1862:
From Fredericksburg.
The only report received from Fredericksburg by the train last night was one to the effect that the main body of the enemy’s army was moving down the Rappahannock in the direction of Port Royal, where it is conjectured they will attempt to construct their pontoon bridges, under protection of their gunboats. Beyond this single rumor, everything is represented at a stand- still, with little probability of a fight, which has been so eagerly looked for the past week. It would seem that Burnside like his predecessor, finds a little caution necessary in his operations against Richmond.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 10, 1862:
From Fredericksburg.
Matters around Fredericksburg have undergone at change, if the reports brought from there yesterday are correct. The Federal army has yet made no attempt to cross the Rappahannock, and will not probably for some time to come. The condition of our own army is represented on the whole as very good, a great improvement having taken place in the past two weeks in their supply of clothing and blankets.
From the same issue:
An Appeal to officers.
Lieut. Carpenter, of Hay’s brigade, Louisiana volunteers who arrived in this city on official business on Monday evening last, reports that a large number of the faithful and tried soldiers of Gen. Jackson’s corps are yet without shoes, and their feet exposed to the severe cold of the past three days. That the Government is doing what it is for the comfort of its soldiers we have no reason to doubt, and that in a short time it will be able to relieve the wants of these gallant men we have good reason to believe; but how much more quickly on the desirable object be accomplished with the co-operation of the people.
It has been suggested to us by an officer in the army who has made many sacrifices during the war and who is now entirely cut off from his private resources, that a great deal might be done by the officers who receive liberal pay. This officer has already left $50 at this office for the object proposed although his own pay is only $110 per month. If each officer in the army, from Lieutenant up to General, would contribute to the extant of his means, and in proportion to the pay he receives, thousands of men who are now treading the earth barefooted might be comfortably shod.–And whilst we throw out this suggestion to the officers we urge the people to co-operate in a measure so important to the comfort of the soldiers, and so essential to their own liberties.
standing still?
