Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[261] extent of their ability. The field officers and others I hope to particularize hereafter in a detailed report, when the data is collected, as well as mention specially the various officers serving on my staff with marked distinction during the day.

I labored under great disadvantages in having none of General Jackson's staff with me until after the action began, and then only Major A. S. Pendleton,.who, however, behaved with great heroism and efficiency when he did join me.

Our losses were heavy; the enemy's heavier. In Sunday's battle Brigadier-Generals Ramseur, Heth, and McGowan were wounded, and Paxton killed. Heth and Ramseur, though painfully wounded, persisted in retaining command to the close of the fight. Their heroic conduct will be specially mentioned in the report proper. The casualties of the corps I have not the means of knowing, as, before the returns were completed, I relinquished the command to Major-General A. P. Hill, in pursuance to the orders of the commanding General; but the division and brigade commanders were ordered to submit, through me, their reports of the battle of Chancellorsville.

The cavalry was well managed by Brigadier-General Fitz Lee, who seized Ely's Ford, and held the road to within two miles of Chancellorsville, driving the enemy's cavalry from the former place. His men, without rations or forage, displayed a heroism rarely met with under any circumstances; and, guarding the two flanks, accomplished an indispensable part of the great success which God vouchsafed to us.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Major: I have the honor to submit the following very imperfect sketch of our operations from the time we left Fredericksburg to the recrossing of the Rappahannock by the enemy. The corps of General Jackson, save Early's division, left our lines at Hamilton's Crossing at dawn on the morning of Friday, the first of May. Rodes's division, A. P. Hill's division, and Trimble's division, under Colston, arriving within four miles of Chancellorsville, line of battle was formed — Rodes in advance, Hill supporting, and Colston in reserve. The enemy were then rapidly pushed back into Chancellorsville. Saturday morning Rodes's, Colston's, and Hill's divisions were led by General Jackson on the enemy's flank and rear, crossing the two plank roads, and coming into the turnpike; the artillery of the corps, under Colonel Crutchfield, accompanying. The attack was made about six P. M.--Rodes's division and some artillery in advance; Colston and Hill supporting. The attack of Rodes was made with great energy. The enemy were driven for three miles, and into his works at Chancellorsville, with the loss of ten pieces of artillery and many prisoners. This was about nine P. M., and General Jackson directed General Hill to take charge of the pursuit. Whilst Lane's brigade was forming its lines for advancing and throwing out his skirmishers General Jackson was wounded. The enemy then made an attempt to retake their rifle-pits immediately fronting Chancellorsville, but were handsomely driven back by Colonel Mallory, Fifty-fifth Virginia, Heth's brigade. The enemy during this time had concentrated a most terrible fire of artillery on the lead of.Hill's division from thirty-two pieces of artillery. General Hill was disabled during this fire. General Stuart was sent for, and the command of the corps turned over to him.

It was thought best, under all the circumstances, not to push the pursuit any farther that night. Next morning all the artillery which could be put in position having been brought up, the infantry in three lines,--Colston, Hill, (now Heth's,) and Rodes,--General Stuart renewed the attack about dawn. The enemy were gallantly charged. The combat was furious. Colston's division having become somewhat broken and disordered, Heth took the advance — Archer on the extreme right, endeavoring to connect with Anderson, and Pender, with two brigades of this division, on the left of the road. The enemy were again charged, and twice were his works taken and twice relinquished. Rodes's division came up to the support; and after some tremendous fighting — all three divisions being engaged — the enemy were driven out, and his works occupied about ten o'clock. Archer's brigade captured four guns; and Brigadier-General William Hays was captured by Pender's brigade. Ramseur's brigade, under his gallant leadership, was conspicuous throughout the three days fighting.

Our lines were again formed, covering the roads leading to the United States Ford. Pender, with four brigades on the left, Rodes in the centre, and Colston, with three brigades on the right; Heth, with three brigades, was sent to relieve Anderson. We held this position during Sunday and Monday, whilst Anderson and McLaws were detached to drive back General Sedgwick. Several advances of the enemy's skirmishers were repulsed; and he occasionally opened a heavy fire of artillery. Sedgwick having been demolished, the enemy recrossed on Tuesday night.

Major-General Stuart is deserving of great commendation for his admirable management of the troops. Called suddenly, late at night, to a new sphere of action, and entirely ignorant of the position of the brigades, with indomitable energy he surmounted all difficulties and achieved a glorious result. Brigadier-General Rodes distinguished himself much, and won a proud name for himself and his division. Generals Heth, Pender, and Ramseur contributed greatly to the success of our arms. Much is due the artillery. Colonels Crutchfield, Brown, Walker, and Alexander deserve special mention.

Respectfully,