In presenting this history it is not claimed that all is said about Fredericksburg that could have been said or that incidents have not been related as others have heard them, but it is believed that all important events have been referred to and incidents given as they have been related to us by those well informed and who were regarded as authority on such matters. Nor is there any claim made for originality. The book is intended to be a history of Fredericksburg, and "history is a narration of facts and events which may be given chronologically or topically," therefore we have written in the main what others have spoken and have disregarded chronology and even the arrangement of subjects. But it is believed that the arrangement herein is probably best adapted to impress the reader with the splendid history of the town and the magnificent achievements of her sons and those men of fame who sprang from her immediate vicinity. It is believed this book will be welcomed by all citizens and their friends, whether those friends be former residents or descendants of such, or those veteran soldiers on either side of the late Civil Contest who performed such gallant deeds upon our hills and within our valleys. No soldier of either army--the Army of the Potomac or the Army of Northern Virginia--can ever forget Fredericksburg. It was in the four great battles fought in and around Fredericksburg that he won imperishable glory as an American soldier, that name which to-day is written on the highest pinnacle of military fame. No living citizen, or the descendant of such noble sires, wheresoever dispersed, can ever forget the town or lineage from which he sprang. None such can ever fail to appreciate those citizens, who, in the most trying times, and under the most adverse circumstances, were conspicuous for their love and loyalty, suffering and sacrifice, daring and doing for home and country. Let their deeds and sacrifices be preserved for imitation of future generations, which is one of the objects of this book. Very respectfully, S. J. QUINN. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Facing Page Baptist Church 132 Butterfield Monument 288 Capt. S. J. Quinn _Frontispiece_ Catholic Church 272 Chancellorsville Tavern 82 Charity School 232 Christian Church 240 Church of God 304 City Hall 192 Com. M. F. Maury 320 Confederate Cemetery 122 Confederate Monument 264 Court House 22 Eagle Hotel 182 Entrance to Confederate Cemetery 222 Entrance to National Cemetery 256 Exchange Hotel 172