When history considers the Battle of Fredericksburg it is naturally drawn to the compelling drama of the struggle for the stone wall and Marye's Heights. This has led to the stereotype that Fredericksburg was no contest at all, but mere slaughter. This has hardened the picture of a thin Confederate line safely esconsed behind the wall moving down thousands upon thousands of Federals as they debouch from the smouldering ruins of the City of Fredericksburg. But the Union commander Ambrose Burnsude never intended the fight for the wall to be his main attack.