The Civil War News & Views Open Discussion Forum

December 13, 2012

On this date 150 years ago, approximately 72,000 Confederates under General Stonewall Jackson's command were attacked at Fredericksburg, Virginia, by Union troops totaling about 106,000. The forces under General Franklin attacked Southern positions just across the Rappahannock to the south of the city. Meanwhile, General Sumner advanced on positions north of the city and was able initially to break through the Confederate defenses, but the result was that Union soldiers were then forced to attack Southern troops placed at the foot of Marye's Heights. The Confederates were firmly entrenched and it was impossible for Federals to do more than struggle along the base of the ridge where the South was positioned. The attempt by the Northern troops was a genuine but futile one. One Union soldier commented, "It was a great slaughter pen....they might as well have tried to take Hell."

The casualties were high - 12,700 killed and wounded amongst the Federals. The Confederates reported 5300 dead or injured, among them Generals Cobb and Gregg.

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December 13, 2012
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