Fredericksburg

December 1862

Objectives

• Learn how the Union once again tried a campaign to capture Richmond.

• Learn how important defense was in the Civil War.

Ambrose E. BurnsideA play on his name for his distinctive whiskers give us the term “sideburns”. Placed in command of the Army of the Potomac, going into battle he had 116, 683 troops.

Battle PlanBurnside’s plan was to cross the Rappahannock River, capture Fredericksburg, move on to Richmond. The plan was set in motion. Burnside swiftly made it to the Rappahannock, then it took the War Department 17 days to get pontoon bridges to Burnside.

LeeThe delay allowed Lee to gather 72, 564 troops. This would be the largest concentration of Confederate troops of the war.

Marye’s HeightsPart way up Marye’s Heights was a sunken road with a stone wall. Several thousand Confederate soldiers used the stone wall to fire from. When the preparations were done, Edward Porter Alexander told his commander James Longstreet, “General, a chicken could not live on that field when we open on it”

Attack BeginsThe Battle of Fredericksburg begins on December 11 when Union artillery begins shelling the town. General William Barksdale’s Mississippians defend the town. Union is finally able to cross stream up river.

Union PreparationIt takes two days for the massive Union army to cross the river

and deploy for attack.

Marye’s HeightsOn December 13, the Union launches 14 assaults against Marye’s Heights. With no cover, the troops are literally mowed down.

Lee’s CommentaryWatching from a hill above, Lee comments: “It is good that war is so terrible. Lest we should grow fond of it”.

ResultsThe Union loses 12,535. Confederate losses are estimated at 5,000. But some of the missing have just gone home for Christmas. The Union attempt to capture Richmond has again failed. Burnside is replaced by Joseph Hooker.