AMERICA. GREAT BATTLE AND DEFEAT OF THE FEDEEALS. 20,000 KILLED.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 19, 28 February 1863, Page 3

AMERICA.

GREAT BATTLE AND DEFEAT OF THE FEDEEALS. 20,000 KILLED.

The, Federal army, commanded by General Burn* side, after a brief show of resistance at Fredericksburg form the Confederates, under General Lee, crossed • the Rappahanuock just below Fredericksburg, in three divisions, and on the 13th December attacked the Confederate position. The Confederates were strongly entrenched behind almost impregnable fortifications, situated on a low range of hills. After a fierce and sanguinary battle, lasting from sunrise to sunset, the Federals were repulsed on every position, with a loss of 20,000 men, including two generals killed, and fire severely wounded. The loss of the Confederates is reported to be light in comparison. On the 15th December, under cover of night and a dense fog, the Federal army retreated, and recrossed the Rappahannock to Fredericksburg. The Confederates sent a notification to the Federals to remove their wounded, as they intend* ed shelling the town.

Thew New York Herald gives the following account of the attack: — "After a furious cannonade on both sides, the Federal troopa were ordered to charge, and take the fortifications at the point of the bayonet. An exposed plain of a third of a mile had to be crossed. The moment the heads ot the storming party appeared en the plain, forth burst the deadly hail from the rifle pits ; from the batteries, tier a bore tier on the terraces, shot flames from the enfilading cannon, distributed on the arc of a circle two miles in extent, accompanying cross showers of shot and shell. Across the plain they staggered, being literally mowed down. For fifteen minutfs they remained under the awful fire. Onward still they pressed until they reached the base of the hill, when brigade after brigade of Confederates rose on the crest and poured in fresh volleys of musketry at short range. The Federals had then to retreat, shattered and broken, amid shouts and yells from the enemy." The Confederate cavalry made several incursions into Maryland, destroying and capturing large quantities of stores. The Northern press attribute the defeat of the Federals to bad arrangements, and call for the removal of General Halleck aud Mr. Staunton.

M'Clellan has been sent for to Washington. It is supposed that he will be offered the command once more.

For the next few months it is believed the war will cease, owing to the inclemency of the winter, which is already very severe. The Federal Government under the influence of Mr Seaward, is trying its utmost to force on a war with England. Mr Clay the Minister at St. Petersburg, writes in his official capacity, urging an attack on Canada, and inducement and means to be offered for a rising io Ire* land. Congress astemblod on the Ist of December. The

President's message was moderate in tone towards the South, but firm for the maintenance of the Union. The House endorsed the President's emancipation proclamation by seventy-eight to fifty-one. All political prisoners are to be released consequent on the Democratic triumphs at the recent elections. Jefferson Davis has demanded the surrender of General McNeil, who caused ten Confederate prisoners to be shot, to avenge the supposed death of a person named AlUtnan, who is now proved to bejjalive. Should .McNeil not be surrendered, the first ten Federal officers captured are to be shot.

America has got into difficulties, through General Butler of New Orleans notoriety, with the Governments of France, Spain, and Belgium. The Alabama has destroyed many more Federal merchant ships.

Mr. Seward has directed Mr. Adams, the American Minister in London, to demand compensation from the British Government for all ships destroyed or captured by the Alabama. Tho total strength of the Federal armies in the field is 800,000 men.

The Finance Secretary, Mr. Chase, estimates the national debt of the Federal Government at 1,100,000,000 dollars. Gold is at thirty -three per cent, premium.