OPERATIONS AT FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA.

381 forth that the city had been used by the enemy as a cover for their hostile operations against the Federal army; that shots had been fired from the houses upon the Federal troops; that their mills and manufactories had furnished provisions and clothing to the Confederate soldiers; that their railroads had been employed to convey supplies to the Confederate armies; and that these outrages must be terminated by the surrender of the city to Federal authority. Sixteen hours from the delivery of this letter were allowed for the removal of women and children, the sick and wounded, before the bombardment of the place would begin; if the requisition were not complied with.

This communication was conveyed to General Longstreet, who commanded the Rebels at that point. In a short time an answer was returned, apparently from the municipal authorities, but really under the dictation of that general, to the effect that the injuries complained of should be redressed, so far as the firing of pickets, and the furnishing of supplies to the Confederate army were concerned; but that the possession of the city by the Federal forces would be resisted to the last extremity. After the receipt of this spirited reply, an immediate advance upon the city was confidently expected; but the events which ensued illustrated in a remarkable manner, the uncertainty which inevitably attends all military operations, even when connected with the designs of the most prudent and patriotic of commanders. General Burnside was utterly unable to execute his threat against the recreant city. The neglect or inefficiency of others completely paralyzed his efforts. It was found, upon inquiry, that the pontoon bridges, by which his army must needs cross the Rappahannock, had not arrived, notwithstanding the fact that express orders had been given by the proper authorities to that effect some time previously, and although General Burnside had been assured by the same authorities that the bridges would be ready for his use at the time he might require them. It was not until the 11th of December, that the crossing of his army was eventually effected. During this long interval the commanders of the Confederate troops had ample time to concentrate their forces in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, to erect the most formidable breast works, and to mature every possible preparation with which to receive and destroy the Federal army when they advanced to the attack. The Rebel generals improved this advantage with the greatest diligence and with consummate skill. Robert E. Lee was the most eminent among them both in rank and in genius. He was assisted by Jackson, Longstreet, the two Hills, and many others, who had already won by their perverted zeal and talents a distinguished name in the annals of the Rebellion. But before we proceed to describe the colossal and sanguinary contest which subsequently took place between the flower of the Federal and Confederate armies assembled at Fredericksburg, we will notice some preliminary events which demand our attention.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

ASSEMBLING OF the Federal Congress, December 1st, 1862-ANNUAL MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN-ITS CHARACTERISTICS-ITS DISCUSSION OF THE NATIONAL FINANCES-OF THE EMANCIPATION OF THE SLAVES-PLAN PROPOSED BY THE PRESIDENT-OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY-ITS LEADING FEATURES-FINANCIAL DETAILS -SKIRMISH AT FRANKLIN, ON THE BLACKWATER, VIRGINIA-CAPTURE OF UNIÓN TROOPS AT HARTSVILLE, KENTUCKY-GENERAL GEARY'S RECONNOISSANCE TO CHARLESTOWN AND WINCHESTER-SURRENDER OF WINCHESTER-STUART'S RAID ON THE TOWNS OF DUMFRIES AND OCCOQUAN-EXPEDITION OF GENERAL WASHBURNE FROM HELENA TO COFFEEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI-ITS RESULTS, AND RETURN-THE CAPTURE OF THE STEAMSHIP ARIEL BY THE PIRATE ALABAMA-INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH IT-HER FINAL RELEASE-DEPARTURE OF THE BANKS' EXPEDITION FROM NEW YORK-INFAMOUS FRAUDS PERPETRATED UPON THE GOVERNMENT-ARRIVAL OF THE EXPEDITION AT NEW ORLEANS-GENERAL BANKS SUCCEEDS General butler-effect of butler'S ADMINISTRATION-RESULTS OF THE BLOCKADE OF THE SOUTHERN PORTS.

THE third session of the thirty-eighth Congress of the United States commenced at Washington on December 1st, 1862. A full attendance of the members of both houses graced the splendid halls in which they convened. The condition of the country was in many respects critical; and the eyes of a loyal nation were directed with eager interest at that moment toward their capital. A still intenser feeling was experienced in regard to the spirit and measures which might be disclosed in the annual message of President Lincoln. This important document was sent to the Senate and the House immediately after their organization, and be came at once the subject of universal scrutiny and attention. It was characterized by that sound sense, that earnest and devoted love of country, that simplicity, directness, and clearness, which adorned all the official productions of that functionary. His message on this occasion discussed the usual topics which appertained to the administration; but it dwelt with special minuteness and force upon two grand cardinal themes, which exerted a vital influence upon the progress of the war and on the destiny of the nation. These were the regulation of the finances, and the emancipation of the slaves.

In regard to the national finances, the President set forth, with great truth, that the immense expenditure involved in the prosecution of the war, both on land and on sea, had been met with promptitude, and that the public credit had been amply sustained. But the continuance of hostilities in future, and the accompanying expense, demanded the serious attention of the national legislature. The suspension of specie payment by the banks throughout the country, soon after the commencement of the Rebellion, rendered it necessary that immense issues of United States