3

Afternoon Report.

Banks' Expedition still Sailing Southward.
FURTHER FROM FREDERICKSBURG.
GEN. T. F. MEAGHER WOUNDED.
The Rebels Robbing our Dead.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC, FALMOUTH, Dec. 17. — Yesterday morning the enemy seemed astounded to find us on this side of the river. About 2 the enemy advanced skirmishers along the entire line, establishing pickets near the river bank. We had a large number of dead on what was regarded as neutral ground. The rebels were plainly seen robbing bodies at 11 o'clock. Ladies were also seen walking in the streets of Fredericksburg.

On Monday Franklin sent a flag of truce for exchange of dead, which was done yesterday.

Lee sent a flag of truce to Burnside, asking him to detail men to bury his dead in front of Sumner's division. During the flag of truce the rebel Gen. Stuart, in answer to questions, said that Banks had gone South, but he did not know where.

Our entire army are now encamped on the ground previously occupied.

Our army has been considerably re-inforced. It is the opinion of military men that if we had taken the first ridge of works their opportunity for slaughtering us would have been greater than previously.

No troops in the world could withstand such a concentrated fire of artillery and musketry.