The following is copied from "The War of the Rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 21" Govt. Print. Off. 1888. This is Colonel Charles Tilden's report on the Battle of Fredericksburg. Col. Tilden commanded the Sixteenth Maine as part of the First Brigade, Second Division, First Corp.

Report of Lient. Col. Charles W. Tilden, Sixteenth Maine Infantry.

CAMP NEAR BELLE PLAIN, VA.,
December 25, 1862.

COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the regiment under my command at the late engagement near Fredericksburg:

In compliance with your order, my command, numbering 21 line officers and 406 enlisted men, was in line at 5 oíclock on the morning of the 11th instant, for the purpose of crossing the Rappahannock, as it was understood we were to cross at daybreak. We commenced our line of march, with the First Brigade, at 5.15 a.m., and proceeded some 3 miles toward the river, a short distance below Fredericksburg, when it was discovered that we would not cross, owing to the engineers being unable to complete the bridges. At this point I brought my command to a rest, and remained through the day and night.

On the morning of the 12th instant, orders being received from headquarters of brigade to be under arms at 5 oíclock, I had my command in line at the appointed time, and took up our line of march, crossing the river about 12 m. After crossing and resting for a short time, we formed a line of battle in the rear of the One hundred and seventh Pennsylvania and One hundred and fifth New York Volunteers, near the stone mansion occupied as a hospital, which position we maintained through the remainder of the afternoon and night, with the exception of changing slightly from time to time to avoid the fire of the enemyís batteries in position on the heights at our right.

On the morning of the 13th instant, I had my command under arms at 8 oíclock, and had orders to march by the left flank about a quarter of a mile to the left. Here we were obstructed in our passage by a thick growth of bushes and a ravine. Our pioneers soon cleared the way, and we were again on the march. While waiting at the above place, 2 of my command were slightly wounded by pieces of shell thrown from the enemyís guns, they having complete range of this point. After crossing the ravine, we moved by the right flank beyond the country road and formed a line of battle. Remained here for a short time, and was then ordered to return to the road, where we remained until about 1 p.m. At this time I moved my regiment, in compliance with orders from you, to the front, in the open field, and then by the right flank to the right, unmasking the One hundred and fifth New York Regiment, and forming in line of battle on their right. This being done, we immediately opened fire upon the enemy, who were covered behind the embankment of the railroad in front of us. Finding his fire very disastrous, and seeing that our fire was doing little or no execution, the order was received from you, through Lieutenant Scoville, to fix bayonets, charge, and drive him from his breastworks. My regiment being some 15 paces in advance of those on my right and left, I waited some few moments for them to come up, but finding they did not, I gave the order to charge, which was obeyed with promptness and firmness equal to that displayed by veteran troops, driving the enemy from his breastworks and capturing some 60 prisoners, sending the same to the rear. After crossing, I advanced into the woods a short distance, and my lines being somewhat broken, ordered a new line formed for the purpose of advancing still farther; but finding that we had no support, I immediately gave the order to fire into the woods, as it was evident the enemy was there in ambush, from the fire received from the woods, hoping that support might be sent to us. None being received, however, my ammunition being nearly exhausted, and finding that the enemy had gained possession of the point of woods making out on our left, which I supposed was held by the other regiments of the brigade, I gave the order fo retire, which was obeyed, and the retreat made in good order, but not without giving the rebels two volleys as a parting salute. We retired under the crest of the hill, back of the country road, where we remained until 2 oíclock of the morning of the 14th instant, at which time we moved to the left some 14 miles, and remained until daylight, at which time we advanced and formed the second line of battle at this point. Remaining in this position Sunday and Monday, I received your orders to get my command in line at 7 oíclock Monday evening, which was accordingly obeyed, and proceeded to cross the river, which was done without any casualty.

I should be remiss did I fail to mention the bravery and heroic conduct of the Twelfth Massachusetts, Colonel Bates commanding, whom we were to relieve. It was with difficulty we gained their front, they were so determined, so earnest in doing their whole duty, and it was with reluctance Colonel Bates and command obeyed the order to retire. I should be doing injustice to mention the names of any of my command as worthy of mention in this engagement, as all, both officers and men, performed their duty like true soldiers, and with determination to conquer. My loss of line officers was fully equal to the percentage of enlisted men, having 11 killed, wounded, and missing. Among the number were Captain Hutchins, Company B, and Lieutenant Herrick, Company D, who fell gallantly leading their commands forward to the work before them.

My loss is as follows: Killedó officers, 2; enlisted men, 30. Missing officers, 2; enlisted men, 32. Wounded. 157.

I have the honor, colonel, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. W. TILDEN.

Col. A. R. ROOT,
Commanding First Brigade.