AMERICA.

Wellington Independent, 25 February 1863, Page 1

AMERICA.

GREAT BATTLE, AND DEFEAT OFTHE FEDERALS. 20,000 KILLED.

j The Federal army, commanded by General B(tnißide, after a brief show of resistance at Fredericksburg from the Confederates, under General Lee, crossed the Rappahnnnock just below Fredericksl-urg, in three divisions, an-! on the 13th December attacked the Confederate position. The Confederates were strongly entrenched behind almost itnpiegnabit) forlifications, situated on a low range of hills. After a fierce and sanguinary battle, lasting from sun rise to sunset, the Federals were repulsed on every position, with a loss of 20,000 men, including two generals killed, and five severely wounded. The loss of the Confederates is reported to be light in comparison. On the 15th December^ under over of ni^bt and a dense fog, the Federal army retreated, and recrossed the Rappahsuinock to Fredericksbiirg. The Confederates .sent ..a, notification to the Federals to remot'frtlieir wounded, as they intended shelling the town. j

The * New YorJc Herald 1 gives (he following account of the attack : — " After a furious ' cannonade on both .sides, 'the Federal troops were ordored to chtirge, and take the fortifications at the point of the bayonet An exposed plain of athhdofa mile had to be crossed. The moment the heads of the storming 1 party appeared on the [.lain forth hurst the deadly hail from the rifle pits; from the butteries, tier above lier, on tiie ternces shot fl.imep from the enfilading- cannon, distributed on the arc of a circle two miles in extent, accompanying cross showers of shot and shell. Across the^p'iiin they staggered, behg literally mowed' "rfqiyn. For fifteen minutes they remained under the awful fire. Onward still (hey pressed until they reached the base of the hill, when hrig.ide after brigade of Confederates rase on the crest and poured in fresh volleys of musketry at short range. The Federals had then to retreat, amid shouts and yells from the enemy. The Confederate cavalry made several incursions i»to Maryland, destroying and capturing large quantities of stores. The Northern press attribute the defeat of the Eederals to had arrangements, and call for the removal of General Hal leek and Mr Ptuunton M'Clellan has been sent for to Washington. It is supposed that be will be offeied the command once more. Fot the next few months it is believed the war will cease, owing to the inclemency of the wintei, which is already ver^ severe. The Federal Government under the influence of Mr Seward, is trying its utmost to force on a war with England. Air Clay, the Minister at St. Petersburg,, | writes, in his official capacity, urging an attack on Canada, and inducements and means to be i offered far a rising in Ireland. Congress assembled 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 endoised the President's emancipation proclamation by seventy-eight to fifiy-one. All political prisoneis are to be released consequent on the Demooratic 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 AUsaian, who is now proved to be alive. Should McNeill not be surrendered, the first ten Federal officers captured are to be shot. Americi 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 fr.im the British Government for all ships destroyed or captured by the Alabama. The total strength of the Federal armies in the field is 800,000 men. The Finance Sectary, Mr. Chase, estimates the national debt of the Federal Government at 1,100,000,000 dollars. Gold is at thirty-three per cent, premium.