Chancellorsville. Explanations: A. Positions held by Union troops previous to the movement. B. Positions held by Rebel troops previous to the movement. C. Position taken and held by Union troops, April 29. D. Small force of Rebels routed. April 30. E. Farthest advance made by Union forces, May 1. F. Line which Union forces retired to and intrenched, May 1. G. Jackson's attack on the 11th corps, May 2. H. Position which Union forces retired to and intrenched. May 8. I. Heights at Fredericksburg carried by 6th corps, May 3. J. Advanced position attained by 6th corps. K. Interior line intrenched previous to retiring of Union forces across U. S. ford, night of May 5th. L. Route pursued by Jackson's forces. |
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here concentrated in time to watch the development of Hookers offensive strategy.
A reconnoissance down the old pike for three miles toward Fredericksburg having developed no hostile force, Gen. Hooker ordered1 an advance of Sykes's regulars (3d division, 5th corps) on that road, followed by part of the 2d corps; the 1st and 3d divisions of the 5th corps moving on a road farther north, in the direction of Banks's ford; the 11th, followed by the 12th, being thrown out westwardly from Chancellorsville, along the two roads, which are here, for a short distance, blended, but gradually separate.
An advance of two or three miles toward Fredericksburg was meditated; but Sykes had hardly traversed a mile when he met the enemy coming on, in greater force, and a sharp conflict ensued, with mutual loss; the Rebels extending their line so as to outflank ours, while Sykes vainly attempted to connect with Slocum (12th corps) on his right.
Gen. Warren, who was superintending Sykes's movement, returned and reported progress to Hooker, who ordered Sykes to fall back, which he did; bringing off all but a few of his wounded, and very cautiously followed by the enemy.
Thus the prestige of success, in the first collision of the struggle, was tamely conceded to the enemy; and the day closed with the woods and thickets in our front filled with Rebel sharp-shooters, and the crests of the
1 May 1, 9 A. M.
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