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FRANKLIN’S (( LEFT GRAND DIVISION.

FRANKLIN’S BATTLE-FIELD AS SEEN FROM HAMILTON’S CROSSING—FREDERICKSBURG STEEPLESIN TIIE DI8TANCE. FROM A SKETCH MADE IN 1884.

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he pointed out some fine positions for artillery, and said : “ My reserve artil- .lery has as yet had no chance to show its value, and I am going to make the ;crossing here and below, under cover of the guns of the reserve artillery.” ;

To this I replied, “ You can cross here without great difficulty, for this (jbank dominates the other, but when your army is across your troubles will ;begin,” calling his attention at the same time to the range of hills on theother side, a mile or more back from the river. i

“ Oh ! ” said Burnside, “ I know where Lee’s forces are, and I expect to jsurprise him. I expect to cross and occupy the hills before Leo can bring ;anything serious to meet me.” -

I then said, “ If you are sure of that, there is no more to be said on the jsubject.” t

O11 parting General Burnside said, “ I wish you to say nothing to any one !about my change of plan. I will make it known at the proper time.” ‘

Though General Franklin and myself were on the most intimate terms, antioccupied the same tent, I gave him 110 hint of the change. Two or three jdays before the movement General Franklin was notified of the point selected jfor his crossing, and I then told him the story of the change of plan. \

He merely said, “ Your command is the strongest, and you must take the jadvance.” *