Conflict: American Civil War
Combatants: Confederates vs. Federals
Location: Virginia (USA)
Outcome: Confederate victory
Intent on seizing Richmond, the capitol of the Confederacy, Federal troops under new commander Ambrose Burnside launched a two-pronged assault on the town of Fredericksburg. The attacks were initially successful, but artillery and counterattacks rebuffed both the north and south wings of the offensive. The Federals suffered over 12,000 casualties; Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia lost less than half as many. Burnside was relieved of command the following month.
The Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 by Carl Röchling
Points of Interest:
The Federal army spent two days establishing a pontoon bridge across the Rapphannock River, thus allowing Lee to gather and entrnch his troops.
Burnside was replaced by Joseph Hooker as commander.
Major General Ambrose Burnside by Mathew Benjamin Brady
General Robert E. Lee by Mathew Benjamin Brady