This photograph from the Fredericksburg river-bank recalls a terrible
scene. On those memorable days of December 11 and 12, 1862, from these
very trenches shown in the foreground, the ragged gray riflemen saw on
that hillside across the river the blue of the uniforms of the massed
Federal troops. The lines of tents made great white spaces, but the ground
could hardly be seen for the host of men who were waiting, alas! to die by
thousands on this coveted shore. From these hills, too, burst an incessant
flaming and roaring cannon fire. Siege-guns and field artillery poured
shot and shell into the town of Fredericksburg. Every house became a
target, though deserted except for a few hardy and venturesome riflemen.
There was scarcely a dwelling that escaped. Ruined and battered and
bloody, Fredericksburg three times was a Federal hospital, and its
backyards became little cemeteries.
[Illustration: A TARGET AT FREDERICKSBURG FOR THE FEDERAL GUNS