I think it shows a post Dec battle image. The Federal troops had possession of the town whenever they wished. They could cross undercover of their artillery on Stafford Heights. The Confederate lines were behind the town. So the town was in effect no-man's land. Easily picket details could have met under one of the thousands of informal truces, when no action was imminent. I opinion is the photo is from the North side of the Rappahanock to the southside where the city was and could have been taken from anywhere from 12/62 - 05/63. My opinion only, no supporting data. Just 15 years of studying the war in the East. I know you western boys know they fought a skirmish or to in the East. :>)--- John