1862 December 16 across Rappahannock from Fredericksburg

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis E. Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]



Tues. 16 – Rain–Cleared off–Got regt. in order & cleaned up–settled –horse                
well – We sent horses over Sat.   last night dark   part march muddy –
Army all over & bridges up – Stragglers crossed thro. water.  Loss in
centre sd. to be 1200 – heavy on left also – We have n’t taken Rebels

but we are out of that bad place – After breakfast had prayers
visited sick & wounded.          12 oclk bright cool day – some heavy
guns.  Berdans sharp-shooters left in loop-holed houses – to cover rear –
are said to be captured some of them – What is the military
result of this affair – does it tell for or against us – Did we hold
Lee here – for any ulterior purpose -?     Wrote Henry – Visited
wounded – we sent Lt. Rogers & four men under flag of truce to
bury dead – gave description of R. Mosely & Segt. Townsends grave.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935