When they reached Hazel Run they found a considerable body of the enemy on the Bowling Green Road at the bridge in readiness to dispute the passage.

Colonel Hamblin, who was in charge of Newton's skirmish line, left a few of his men to open an energetic fire in front, while he assembled the others and made a charge which took the bridge and secured the right of way.

The command reached Fredericksburg about 3 A.M.

As the atmosphere was very hazy, Newton found himself almost on the enemy before he knew it; near enough in fact to overhear their conversation.
He fell back quickly to the town and occupied the streets which were not swept by the fire from the works above.

He then waited for daylight to enable him to reconnoitre the position in his front, previous to making an attack; and that was the hour Hooker had set for Sedgwick to join him in attacking Lee at Chancellorsville.
As soon as it was light Gibbon laid bridges, crossed over, and reported to Sedgwick with his division.
At dawn Newton deployed Wharton's brigade and made a demonstration to develop the enemy's line.