| Chancellorsville (NPS.gov) |
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-12 midnight.
(Received Sixth Corps, May 4-6.30 a.m.)
General SEDGWICK:
I find everything snug here. We contracted the line a little and repulsed the last assault with ease. General Hooker wishes them to attack him to-morrow. If they will, he does not desire you to attack them again in force unless he attacks him at the same time. He says you are too far away for him to direct. Look well to the safety of your corps, and keep up communication with General Benham of Banks' Ford and Fredericksburg. You can go to either place if you think it best. To cross at Banks' Ford would bring you in supporting distance of the main body, and would be better than falling back to Fredericksburg.
G. K. WARREN,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-2.25 a.m.
General HOOKER:
General Sedgwick just reports three regiments threaten his left flank now and have engaged his pickets; three is still a force in Fredericksburg; that he is marching as rapidly as possible, but cannot reach you by daylight.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
MAY 3, 1863-2.35 a.m.
Major-General SEDGWICK:
An aide just arrived from General Hooker. Everything in the world depends upon the rapidity and promptness of your movement. Push everything. I send the aide to you.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-3.15 a.m.
Major-General SEDGWICK:
Gibbon telegraphed at 2.40 o'clock that he is putting his pontoons in the water just above the Lacy house without opposition. The two guns were Gibbon's answer, with canister, to a volley of musketry from the opposite shore. No firing since.
S. F. BARSTOW,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
MAY 3, 1863-3 a.m.
[General J. E. B. STUART:]
GENERAL: It is necessary that the glorious victory thus far achieved be prosecuted the utmost vigor, and the enemy given no time to rally. As soon, therefore, as it is possible, they must be pressed, so that we can unite two wings of the army.
Endeavor, therefore, to disposess them of Chancellorsville, which will permit the union of the whole army.
I shall myself proceed to join you as soon as I can make arrangements on this side, but let nothing delay the completion of the plan of driving the enemy from his rear from his positions.
I shall give orders that every effort be made on this side at daylight aid in the junction.
Very respectfully,
R. E. LEE,
General.
MAY 3, 1863-3.30 a.m.
[Major General J. E. B. STUART:]
GENERAL: I repeat what I have said half an hour since. It is all-important that you will still continue pressing to the right, turning, if possible, all the fortified points, in order that we can unit both wings of the army. Keep the troops well together, and press on, on the general plan, which is to work by the right wing, turning the positions of the enemy, so as to drive him from Chancellorsville, which will again unite us. Everything will be done on this side to accomplish the same object. Try and keep the troops provisioned and together, and proceed vigorously.
Very respectfully,
R. E. LEE,
General.
HEADQUARTERS, May 3, 1863.
General THOMAS J. JACKSON,
Commanding Corps:
GENERAL: I have just received your note, informing me that you were wounded. I cannot express my regret at the occurrence. Could I have directed events, I should have chosen for the good of the country to be disabled in your stead.
I congratulate you upon the victory, which is due to your skill and energy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 3, 1863-4.55 a.m.
Major-General SEDGWICK:
The following has just been received from the commanding general, and is respectfully communicated to you for your information and guidance:
CHANCELLORSVILLE, May 3, 1863-4.10 a.m.
The general commanding directs me to say that any force in front of General Sedgwick must be small one and must not check his advance.
J. H. VAN ALEN,
Brigadier-General and Aide-de-Camp.
Very respectfully, &c.,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-5.45 a.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
Heavy cannonading in Sedgwick's front for the last twenty minutes, apparently in front of Fredericksburg. No reports yet.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-6.08 a.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
Balloon reports the enemy reappearing on heights in front of Sedgwick's crossing. Sedgwick, judging from the sounds, is meeting with strong resistance. I have no reports from him yet.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-6.20 a.m.
General HOOKER:
Sedgwick reports himself at Sumner's old battle-ground at 5.30 a.m., hotly engaged, and not sanguine of the result.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-6.20 a.m.
Major-General SEDGWICK:
Have telegraphed your dispatch to General Hooker. You know how much depends on your pushing, and, of course, will do everything in your power. I have directed the engineer officer to report for orders to you concerning the lower bridges.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-6.45 a.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
Sedgwick's prospects here look unfavorable, from reports. He is not out of Fredericksburg.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-7.05 a.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
Sedgwick still in front of Fredericksburg, as far as I can judge. Trains were running up all night to vicinity of Hamilton's Crossing. It may be that the enemy were re-enforced.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-8.30 a.m.
General HOOKER:
Our skirmishers just occupied rebel rifle-pits on Hazel Run. Gibbon moving to right, with prospect of flanking the enemy. Enemy resist desperately.
BUTTERFIELD.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-8.42 a.m.
General SEDGWICK:
From statement of E. Buckley, of [J. P. W.] Read's (afterward Fraser's) battery, McLaw's division, a deserter, last night, the enemy formed column yesterday to frighten us. No great force there. Jackson's corps went above on Plank road. If an attempt had been made last night, we could have carried the heights.
BUTTERFIELD.
FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-8.45 a.m.
General HOOKER:
Sedgwick at 7.40 o'clock reports about making combined assault on their works. Gibbon on right; Newton center; Howe on left. If he fails, will try again.
BUTTERFIELD.
BANKS' FORD, May 3, 1863-8.45 a.m.
General BUTTERFIELD:
Dispatch received. Will do all possible to keep open telegraphic communication with United States Ford, and keep you advised. From the fire which approaches us, by the sound, I judge that we are pushing the enemy back.
HENRY J. HUNT.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-9.15 a.m.
Major-General SEDGWICK:
You will hurry up your column. The enemy's right flank now rests near the Plank road at Chancellorsville, all exposed. You will attack at once.
By command of Major-General Hooker:
C. B. COMSTOCK,
Captain of Engineers.
MAY 3, 1863-11.27 o'clock.
General HOOKER:
Signal station reports (11.20 o'clock) enemy retreating in great disorders. They abandoned their line from Hazel Run to their extreme left. They are trying to form on the Dahlman Heights; their attempt as yet fruitless.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
MILFORD, May 3, 1863.
President DAVIS:
Yesterday General Jackson, with three of his divisions, penetrated to the rear of the enemy, and drove him from all his positions from the Wilderness to within 1 mile of Chancellorsville. He was engaged at the same time in front by two of Longstreet's divisions. This morning the battle was renewed. He was dislodged from all his positions around Chancellorsville, and driven back toward the Rappahannock, over which he is now retreating. Many prisoners were taken, and the enemy's loss in killed and wounded large.
We have again to thank Almighty God for a great victory. I regret to state that General Paxton was killed, General Jackson severely, and Generals Heth and A. P. Hill slighlty, wounded.
R. E. LEE,
General, Commanding.
MAY 3, 1863-11.40 o'clock.
General HOOKER:
Signal reports (11.15 a.m.) our troops gained crest of hill on Telegraph road; enemy retreating south on said road, with ambulances and wagons; some of their troops moving in direction of Orange Plank road. Sedgwick reports driving them on double-quick.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
UNITED STATES FORD, May 3, 1863-12 m.
General BUTTERFIELD:
General Hooker is doing well. We have plenty of fresh troops still left, but have gained no ground to-day, yet our lines are strong; but no doubt another desperate effort will be made to force our position. We feel confident that Sedgwick must press them fast. Answer me here. I will take it to General Hooker. He wants Sedgwick to press them.
RUFUS INGALLS,
Chief Quartermaster.
[Indorsement.]
MAY 3, 1863-1863-12 m.
General SEDGWICK:
What answer can I send General Hooker?
BUTTERFIELD.
MAY 3, 1863-12.30 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Sedgwick's lines are now seen moving forward admirably and rapidly. With our glasses his troops are just made out. He has suffered but little, as we learn, in carrying the heights. Will keep you fully advised every moment.
BUTTERFIELD.
MAY 3, 1863-12.32 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Signal reports (12 m.) enemy still being driven on Sedgwick's right. To the left and rear of the Howison house the enemy have taken a position on Telegraph road,and are holding our forces in check. They are hotly contesting the ground at this point.
BUTTERFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 3, 1863-1 p.m.
Lieutenant-Colonel McMAHON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Sixth Corps:
SIR: I have the honor to report that my division has taken five of the enemy's fortified works, one battery, and a large number of prisoners; the exact number I can [cannot] now state; they are still coming in. My loss in officers and men has been considerable.
A. P. HOWE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.
MAY 3, 1863-1 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Enemy evacuating rifle-pits on the run, and artillery and infantry are moving at the double-quick to re-enforce the enemy at Chancellorsville; also everything appearing to be clean in our front or south of us. Shall I lay one bridge or two?
H. W. BENHAM.
MAY 3, 1863-1 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Colonel Smith, of General Owen's brigade, in charge of pickets, reports the enemy moving large bodies, with artillery, from Fredericksburg toward our right. I have sent orders to fire on such, if they pass within our range, just to make sure they are not our troops. The pickets of the enemy are reported to be leaving the rifle-pits across the river. General Benham is ready to throw the bridges, but none of our troops have made their appearance from above or below.
HENRY J. HUNT.
(Repeat to General Butterfield.)
BANKS' FORD, May 3, 1863-1.10 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Captain Comstock's dispatch to General Sedgwick to support you from below received by him at 11.30 o'clock. He must be moving rapidly toward you. Their troops lately in our front are moving up in advance of him.
H. W. BENHAM,
Brigadier-General.
MAY 3, 1863-2.30 p.m.
Genera HOOKER:
Following from General Warren, at 1 p.m.:
MAY 3, 1863-1 p.m.
General BUTTERFIELD:
We have advanced with Newton's division on the Plank road as far as Guest's house. The heights were carried splendidly at 11 a.m. by Newton. Howe immediately afterward carried the heights to the south of Hazel Run. We have been waiting to get his division behind us before advancing, to get up batteries and stragglers, and get the brigades straightened out, which were a little disorganized by a successful charge and pursuit. Our loss, though honorable proof of a severe contest, is not very severe. The Sixth Corps is in splendid spirits. We captured several guns. General Howe reports a force yet in his front.
Respectfully,
G. K. WARREN,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
P. S.-Brooks' division were kept by the enemy's fire in position on our left, and after the heights were carried he had 3 miles to march to join us. He is not up yet.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-1.30 p.m.
His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States:
From all reports yet collected, the battle has been most fierce and terrible. Loss heavy on both sides. General Hooker slightly, but not severely, wounded. He has preferred thus far that nothing should be reported, and does not know of this, but I cannot refrain from saying this much to you. You may expect his dispatch in a few hours, which will give the result.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 3, 1863.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:
The President thanks you for your telegrams, and hopes you will keep him advised as rapidly as any information reaches you.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-3.30 p.m.
(Received 4 p.m.)
His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States:
We have had a desperate fight yesterday and to-day, which has resulted in no success to us, having lost a position of two lines, which had been selected for our defense. It is now 1.30 o'clock, and there is still some firing of artillery. We may have another turn at it this p.m. I do not despair of success. If Sedgwick could have gotten up, there could have been but one result. As it is impossible for me to know the exact position of Sedgwick as regards his ability to advance and take part in the engagement, I cannot tell when it will end. We will endeavor to do our best. My troops are in good spirits. We have fought desperate to-day. No general ever commanded a more devoted army.
JOSEPH HOOKER,
Major-General.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 3, 1863-4.35 p.m.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD:
Where is General Hooker? Where is Sedgwick? Where is Stoneman?
A. LINCOLN.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863.-4.40 p.m.
His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President, &c.:
General Hooker is at Chancellorsville. General Sedgwick, with 15,000 to 20,000 men, at a point 3 or 4 miles out from Fredericksburg, on the road to Chancellorsville. Lee is between. Stoneman has not been heard from. This is the situation at this hour from latest reports, 4.30 p.m.
Respectfully,
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
MAY 3, 1863-3.25 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Following from aide sent to Sedgwick:
Brooks' division has just moved ahead again, and other two divisions will follow shortly. Sedgwick says loss heavier than he expected, having lost several colonels and many field offices. Warren thinks 1 1/2 miles beyond this the enemy have halted and will make a stand. The men show much fatigue, but Sedgwick intends to push vigorously. No report of where he was exactly.
BUTTERFIELD.
MAY 3, 1863-4 p.m.
General HUNT, Banks' Ford, Va.:
Newton's division had advanced as far as Guest's house, on Plank road, at 1 p.m.
BUTTERFIELD.
MAY 3, 1863-4.05 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Following from signal:
Battery of enemy just opened on our troops near Gust's house, on the Orange road. Our batteries in position and replying. Gibbon's troops are moving out on the Plank road.
I think officer means Newton's troops. He took two batteries on Fredericksburg Heights. Your dispatch received and sent to President.
BUTTERFIELD.
MAY 3, 1863-5 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
At 3.30 p.m., as near as I can get at it, Sedgwick's advance was about 3 1/2 miles distant from Fredericksburg,near Guest's house -see photographic map.
BUTTERFIELD.
MAY 3, 1863-5.30 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
The signal telescope discovers about several thousand troops due west from this point, about 8 miles. Counts seven colors - rebel battle-flags. This would locate them at 5 p.m. near Tabernacle Church by the photograph map. Is not this a column marching to meet Sedgwick and away from your front? Will get further information it I can.
BUTTERFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-6.40 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
Following from a staff officer sent to Sedgwick:
Line slowly advancing. Communication opened with Banks' Ford. Enemy's infantry just opened upon them. Still driving them.
BUTTERFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-6.50 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Sedgwick's column reported at 4.15 p.m. advanced three-quarters of a mile beyond Guest's house. Sedgwick tells my staff officer he is getting along very well. He is moving in two columns on either side of the Plank road, a line of a half mile deployed. Warren thinks the enemy will make a stand half a mile beyond their then position.
BUTTERFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS BATTLE-FIELD, May 3, 1863-7 p.m.
Major-General EARLY,
Commanding Division:
GENERAL: I have received your note of this date. I very much regret the possession of Fredericksburg by the enemy. I heard to-day of their taking the hills in rear of the city, and sent down General McLaws with two brigades of Anderson's division and three of his own to unite with the forces under you and endeavor to drive them back. I heard this afternoon that he had halted at Tabernacle Church, on hearing that the enemy was advancing up the Plank road. I hear firing in that direction at this time, and presume that an engagement is going on. If they are attacking him there, and you could come upon their left flank, and communicate with General McLaws, I think you would demolish them. See if you cannot unite with him and, together, destroy him. With his five brigades, and you with your division and the remnant of Barksdale's brigade, I think you ought to be more than a match for the enemy.
Respectfully, &c.,
R. E. LEE,
General.
P. S.-I understand General Wilcox is with him also.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, May 3, 1863-7 p.m.
Major-General McLAWS,
Commanding, &c.:
GENERAL: I presume, from the firing which I hear in your direction, that you are engaged with the enemy.
Upon the receipt of your note, I sent Colonel Alexander, with his battalion of artillery, to report to you. I hope he reached you in time. I have just written to Early, who informs me that he is on the Telegraph road, near Mrs. Smith's house, to unite with you to attack the enemy on their left flank. Communicate with him, and arrange the junction, if necessary and practicable. It is necessary that you best the enemy, and I hope you will do it.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-7.15 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
General Sedgwick was attacking the enemy on a ridge at Salem Church, 6 1/2 miles from Chancellorsville, the enemy making a stand at that point. Infantry fire heavier than hitherto, and our men fall back a little in center. Heavy infantry fire reported. Time, 6.05 to 6.15 o'clock.
BUTTERFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-7.40 p.m.
General HOOKER,
Chancellorsville:
Sedgwick has just ordered forward all his ammunition trains.
BUTTERFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-8 p.m.
His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States:
I have had no time to advise you. We have to-day here over 800 prisoners; six guns handsomely taken at the point of the bayonet. I can give no general idea of how affairs stand. Last reports all quiet in front of Chancellorsville, and Sedgwick fighting at 6.15 p.m. Will try after awhile to advise you if an interval occurs.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-8.30 p.m.
General HOOKER:
Just received report from aide with Sedgwick, dated 6.30 p.m. Brook's division was driven back, and are now apparently driving them. The enemy's infantry fire is much less. Our men are again advancing, and the line has been much more extended.
6.45 p.m.-Our batteries have ceased, and the line is now advancing in splendid style. I have said to General Sedgwick that General Hooker expresses great anxiety to have his corps pushed forward as rapidly as possible, and he (General Sedgwick) says this is being done. Our men are cheering in the front. Artillery has opened on the extreme left. Do you get reports via Banks' Ford? If so, can I communicate with you that way?
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff.
MAY 3, 1863-8.30 p.m.
General HOOKER:
The latest I have from Sedgwick is from him at 6.30 o'clock. Dispatch just sent General H. Have an order from him to send his ammunition trains. In writing my last dispatch, General Williams made me ask if I, instead of General Sedgwick, could communicate with you that way. I was advised that, at 5.30 o'clock, skirmishers of Sixty-ninth had opened communication with Colonel Doull, at Banks' Ford.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD.
MAY 3, 1863-9.30 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
L ieutenant Woolsey, aide-de-camp, just returned from Sedgwick. Left him at 7.25 o'clock. Sedgwick had been skirmishing - fighting all the way up. Heavy infantry fire about 7 o'clock. All quiet when he left. Bartlett told him he had lost heavily. Position about one and a quarter miles beyond Guest's house. Line across road. Colonel Doull was to leave for Banks' Ford and report exact position of affairs to you. Had not left when he started. Heard artillery firing on their left about 6 p.m. Warren said it might be Buford. I think it was a portion of force that had fallen back from Fredericksburg before Sedgwick and down toward Hamilton's Crossing.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
MAY 3, 1863-10.30 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
Signal officer reports everything quiet on the heights to the rear of Fredericksburg. We see no camp-fires, indicating presence of the enemy, only on ridge near rebel railroad station, and these very few. Time, 9.30 p.m.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
Official Records, Series I., Vol. 25, Part 2, Pages 378, 379, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390,392-395, 768-769
The fog of war is everywhere evident in these extensive dispatches. Although Jackson has smashed a wing of the Federal Army the previous evening, there seems little sense in Union dispatches that anything grave has occurred. By mid-morning Stuart has accomplished all that he was twice ordered by Lee to do in uniting the wings of the Army. At this point Lee swings a portion of his forces back onto Fredericksburg to defeat the Union force at Salem Church. Throughout the day Hooker, who had been stunned by a shell which hit near him while he was on the porch at Chancellor's, was fixed upon reuninting with Sedgwick. By day's end Hooker must have known the xtent of his defeat, but it is hard to judge from his dispatches.
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