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The Latest News.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
December 13 — Sunday 11 P.M.
The fog began to disappear early in the morning, affording an obstructed view of our own and the rebels position, it being evident the first ridge of hills in the rear of the city, on which the enemy had his guns posted behind works, which could not be carried except by a charge of infantry. Gen. Sumner assigned that duty to Gen. French's division, which was supported by Gen. Howard's. The troops advance to their works at ten minutes of 11 o'clock, at brick run, the enemy's guns opening upon them a very rapid fire, and when within musket range at the base of the ridge, our troops were met by a terrible fire from rebel infantry, which were posted behind a stone wall and some houses on the right of the line. This checked the advance of our men, and they fell back to a small ravine, but not out of musket range. At this time another body of men came to their assistance in splendid style, notwithstanding large gaps were made in their ranks by the rebel artillery. When our troops first arrived at the line of the rebel defenses, they double-quicked, and with fixed bayonets, endeavored to dislodge the rebels from their hiding places.
The concentrated fire of the rebel artillery and infantry which our men were compelled to face, was too much for them and the centre gave way in disorder, but after a few words they were rallied and fought back from that time. The fire was spiritedly carried on and never ceased until after dark. Gen. Franklin who commanded the attack on the left, met with better success. He succeeded after a hard day's fight in driving the enemy about one mile. Ten thousand rebels advanced on to attack him, but were handsomely repulsed with terrible slaughter and loss. Between 400 and 500 prisoners were taken belonging to Gen. A. P. Hill. Gen. Franklin's movement was directed down the river, and his troops are encamped to-night not far from the Wassaponix creek. Our troops sleep to-night were they fought to-day. The dead and wounded are being carried from the field.
The following is a list of officers killed and wounded, as far as yet known: Gen. Jackson, of the Pennsylvania Reserves, killed; Gen. Bayard, struck in the thigh by a shell and afterwards died; Gen. Vinton wounded in [unknown], but not seriously. Gen. Gibbons, wounded in the hand; Gen. Kimball, wounded in the thigh; Gen. Caldwell, wounded in two places, but not seriously; Col. Sinclair, of the Pennsylvania Reserves, wounded seriously; Capt. Hendrickson, commanding the 8th N. Y. State Militia, wounded seriously.
The following is the loss of officers in the 5th New York regiment: Col. Cross, wounded in the abdomen; Major Sturdevant, killed; Adjutant Dodd, killed; Capt. Murray, killed; Capt. Perry, killed.
The firing of musketry ceased about 6 o'clock this evening, but the rebels continued throwing shell into the city until 8 o'clock.
The position of the rebels was as follows: Gen. Longstreet was on the left, and holding the main works; Gen. A. P. Hill and Stonewall Jackson's right resting on the Rappahannock, and Hill's forces acting as a reserve.
Gen. Burnside will renew the battle at day-light in the morning.
The troops are in good spirits and not in the least disheartened.
MORSCO RIVER, 6 MILES
NORTH OF DAMFRIES,
December 12.
At about daylight this morning, between 1,000 and 1,500 of Stewart's cavalry, dashed into Dumfries, and captured 10 sutiers and 25 pickets, so it is reported, and Mr. Wm. McIntosh, a telegraph operator; they also cut down a telegraph pole and cut the wire, destroying several Government and sutler's wagons, and then hastily retreated. The wires were subsequently repaired.
Brig. Gen. Steinwehr has since occupied Dumfries.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13. — The Commissioners of Internal Revenue say promissory notes payable at banks, are not liable as checks of taxation.
Gen. Wilcox, of Michigan, telegraphed last night to a relation that he was safe and well.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 11:30 A.M., Dec. 14 — There is no fog to-day. The sun is shining brightly with a strong breeze.
At daylight this morning there was a heavy fire of artillery and infantry in front of the first line of works where Gens. Sumner and Hooker were engaged yesterday. The fire slackened about an hour afterwards, and was heard only at intervals. Until now the same occurred in front of Gen. Franklin's division down the river. The object of both parties was evidently to feel the other.
During last night and this forenoon the rebels have considerable extended their works and strengthened their position.
Large bodies of troops are now to be seen where but a few were to be found yesterday.
Last night the enemy opened fire with infantry, but the wounded have been removed from the field and all the dead obtained are now being buried.
The indications are that no decisive battle will be fought to-day, unless the rebels should bring on the engagement which they will not probably do.