Edward Heinichen had an important decision to make: stay in Fredericksburg or leave as General Burnside had ordered. This question was more complicated for Heinichen because he had a wife and children; his decision would determine their safety as well. Additionally, Edward remembered how conditions outside of the city were very poor due to the large number of refugees seeking shelter and the bad weather conditions. If you were Edward, would you stay or would you flee the city? |
Refugees huddled around a camp fire.
Click on the image to take a closer look! |
Stay:
If you stay in Fredericksburg, you would be able to remain in your home, safe from the poor weather conditions. Additionally, you might be able to protect your possessions and your shop from looting by soldiers. |
Run:
Though conditions are poor outside of the city, General Burnside has stated that he will bombard the town. This means that he will fire directly into the city, whether there are civilians in their homes or not. If you leave the city, you can better protect your family from the dangers of battle. |