At the hour appointed the signal was given, and the thunder of artillery, the lightning from bursting shells in the air, the crashing of solid shot through the houses, the roar of musketry on both sides of the river, the shrieks of frightened women and children, the bustle and confusion that followed, may be imagined, but can never be described. From early morning until four o'clock in the afternoon, with only half an hour's cessation between one and two o'clock, this deluge of shot and shell was poured upon the streets and houses of the town. The few inhabitants who remained in the town fled to their cellars and sought to save their lives from the storm which was beating their homes to pieces. Many houses were burned with all or most of their contents, the result of hot shot, it was claimed, thrown from the enemy's guns on the Lacy farm, just opposite the town. Among the houses that were burned were the residence of Mr. Reuben T. Thom, in which was located the post-office; the Bank of Virginia, where the Opera-house now stands, and several other private residences on Main street. And yet the worst was still to come. CHAPTER VII _The great battle--The town sacked by soldiers--A wonderful display of humanity--The Federals recross the river--A great revival of religion--The battle of Chancellorsville--The Wilderness campaign--Citizens arrested--A statement by the Council--The citizens and Federal soldiers release, &c._ To those who had a proper idea of the sacrifices made, the sufferings endured and the privations experienced by the inhabitants of Fredericksburg, up to this period, whether that idea was formed from observation, from reading the narratives or from their rehearsals by those who experienced them, it might appear that their cup of sorrow was full even to overflowing, and from further troubles and trials they might be exempted. But not so. Probably the worst was yet to come; but they firmly believed that the same patriotic devotion to the cause they had espoused, and the same fidelity to principle which enabled them to "bear the spoiling of their goods" with composure in the past, would sustain them in any additional trials and sacrifices they might have to endure in the future. Patriotic, self sacrificing and confiding in the right, they were prepared for the worst, and the worst came.