Civil War: The War in Early 1863

The End of 1862 in the West Battle of Perryville (Oct. 8, 1862) CSA: Bragg—16,000 men Union: Buell—22,000 men Result: CSA pulls out of KY Battle of Stone’s River (Dec. 31, 1862) CSA: Bragg—35,000 Union: Rosecrans—41,000 Result: Union center holds, CSA retreats “Bloodiest battle of the war”

From “Sideburns” to “Fighting Joe” Gen. Joseph Hooker—named commander of Army of the Potomac on Jan. 26, 1863 Sets out to reorganize & revitalize army.

Hooker’s Grand Strategy: “Double Envelopment” Use overwhelming numbers to advantage. 130,000 vs. 60,000 Use cavalry to disrupt Lee’s supply line. Part of his force pins Lee down at Fredericksburg. Larger part flanks Lee’s army to West, attacks rear. Result: Lee will retreat or be crushed.

Robert E. Lee: ‘Ruiner of Good Plans’ Lee does nothing that Hooker expected. Decides to gamble (shocker!). Splits his smaller army, focuses on Chancellorsville. Defeat each piece separately.

Battle of Chancellorsville Day 1: Hooker Starts Losing It May 1, 1863, 8am—Jackson orders…an assault? Union army has advantage, but Hooker orders a withdrawal. Hooker loses nerve; falls back & digs in. “If we can’t hold the top of the hill, how the hell does he expect us to hold the bottom???” -Maj. Gen. George Meade

Jackson and Lee discuss the battle plan for day two; Union right is “in the air”.

Day 2: Jackson’s Flank Attack May 2—Jackson flanks Union right, crushes Howard’s XI corps. Only darkness saved Hooker from a complete disaster.

Site of Jackson’s flank attack on Howard’s XI Corps, May 2.

While doing reconnaissance on the evening of May 2, Jackson was hit by friendly fire. He would die 8 days later.

Day 3: Hooker Completely Blows It May 3—Hooker pulls back, gives Lee the high ground. Lee commits most of force in major assault. Hooker pushed back beyond Chancellorsville. Hooker concussed by a cannonball.

Hazel Grove, overlooking Fairview Ridge (Union position) on May 3.

Salem Church, site of Confederate repulse of Sedgwick’s Fredericksburg assault on May 3.

Day 4: Hooker Retreats Hooker’s commanders vote to stay & fight. But…”Fighting Joe” had enough. Union army retreats to original lines. Aftermath: Casualties: CSA-13,000, Union-17,000 Jackson killed Hooker doomed

“My God! It is horrible—horrible; and to think of it, 130,000 magnificent soldiers so cut to pieces by less than 60,000 half-starved ragamuffins!” -Horace Greely, New York Tribune