MAP ROOM (Vicksburg 03/31/63)
MAP ROOM (Vicksburg 04/26/63)
MAP ROOM (Chancellorsville 05/02/63 NIGHT)

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Apr 26 1863 (Sunday)

After watching General Stoneman's cavalry flail about in the mud for a week, Joseph Hooker devises a new plan to get his army across the Rappahannock River. It is to be a grand turning movement, utilizing three army corps as a "flying column," that will allow him to place 40,000 troops on Robert E. Lee's flank and rear. Two corps will remain at Falmouth to provide cover and threaten Lee's Fredericksburg defenses, and his last two corps will be used as a mobile reserve. In addition, Stoneman's cavalry will be sent out as planned to strike at Lee's supply lines. To insure that his risky maneuver is carried out in absolute secrecy, Hooker only informs the corps commanders involved; George Meade (V), Oliver O. Howard (XI), and Henry Slocum (XII) of tomorrow's move. Hooker has chosen these three corps despite the fact that Howard and Slocum's corps contain a large number on untried and/or short-term recruits because their encampments are the most distant from the Rebel lines. Even his chief engineer, General Gouveneur K. Warren is kept in the dark. "I did not know any of his plans until I saw them carried out."

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 26, 1863. - Commanding Officers, Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: The Eleventh and Twelfth Corps...will begin their march at sunrise to-morrow morning, the former to encamp as near Kelley's Ford as practicable, without discovering itself to the enemy, and the latter as nearly in its rear as circumstances will permit....Corps commanders will be held responsible that the men are kept in camp and do not go to the river....Corps commanders will consider so much of the above as relates to the destination of their commands as strictly confidential. Very respectfully, &c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

The van of General Marmaduke's raiding force reaches the outskirts of Cape Girardeau, only to find that the town has received "two steamers with reinforcements." Colonel G.W. Thompson reports, "[We] encountered and drove in...the enemy's pickets, [and] gave...chase until the enemy opened...with shot and shell from the commanding heights encircling and overlooking the town....The enemy's forts and batteries continued...without intermission, and now and then swept the woods with shell and shot, canister and grape, while the Minie balls came hissing a treble to the music of the roar." Realizing that it is impossible to storm the town "without charging it in force" and suffering "wanton butchery and slaughter," Marmaduke orders a retreat.

HEADQUARTERS MARMADUKE'S DIVISION, Jacksonport, Ark. - Maj. W.B. BLAIR, Assistant Adjutant-General. - MAJOR: On learning the Federal forces were in the fortifications, I deemed it unwise to attack and storm the place....Shelby's demonstration amounted almost to an attack. I deemed it necessary to bring Carter's column up to his support. I moved rapidly toward Shelby's column, and on arriving [I] found that...the enemy were admirably posted, possessing great natural advantages in position, supported by four large forts mounted with heavy guns, field artillery, and about 3,000 infantry, and cavalry. As soon as the two columns had united, I withdrew toward and encamped them around Jackson....J.S. MARMADUKE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Nine days after leaving LaGrange, Tennessee, and five days after being detached by General Grierson at Montpelier, Mississippi, Colonel Edward Hatch's 700 horsemen return, bringing with them the first news of Grierson's raid. Hatch's men have fought several successful skirmishes with the pursuing Rebel cavalrymen, but most importantly, they have successfully drawn attention away from Grierson's southbound column.

LA GRANGE, TENN. - Capt. W.H. HARLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. - CAPTAIN: At the point Colonel Grierson turned south...a detachment of my regiment...marched back...to obliterate the tracks of Colonel Grierson....In this way I was delayed three hours, thus enabling the enemy's cavalry...to fall upon me....I waited until the enemy were close upon me, and opened with my rifles and one 2-pounder from the front and with carbines on the flanks, breaking his lines and driving him back....Believing it was important to divert the enemy's cavalry from Colonel Grierson, I moved slowly northward, fighting by the rear, crossing the Houlka River, and drawing their forces immediately in my rear. [I} marched north near the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, the enemy continuing to follow....At 4 p.m. [I] attacked Okolona, driving out the enemy's cavalry and State forces, burning the barracks for 5,000 men, and destroying stores and ammunition. I...marched north through Birmingham, where I was attacked in the rear by what I believe to be Chalmer's forces....I waited until the enemy were nearly on me, when I opened a fire at short range, the enemy suffering terribly, with small loss to me....We were not troubled by the enemy from that point to La Grange....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD HATCH, Colonel Second Iowa Cavalry.

Casualties at Cape Girardeau: Union 12 Confederate 325.

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Apr 27 1863 (Monday)

U.S. Grant issues orders to General McClernand to get his corps ready for the assault on Grand Gulf. "Commence immediately the embarkation of your corps....Have put aboard the artillery..., and hold them in readiness, with their places assigned, to be moved at a moment's warning. All the troops you may have..., send to a point nearly opposite Grand Gulf." The eager McClernand quickly complies. "The destination of the transport fleet is Grand Gulf....When the gunboats shall have silenced all the batteries commanding the river, the flag-ship...will hasten to the shore, which will be the signal for all the transports to do the same....'Success' must be our motto!" To provide a diversion for the attack Grant asks "Cump" Sherman to "demonstrate" in front of Haynes' Bluff. "You may make a reconnaissance of Haynes' Bluff....I am loathe to order it, because it would be so hard to make our own troops understand that only a demonstration was intended, and our people at home would characterize it as a repulse." John Bowen, the Confederate commander of Grand Gulf, alerted by the frenzied Union activity across the river, asks for reenforcements to extend his defensive line further south.

GRAND GULF, April 27, 1863. - Maj. R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: All the movements of the enemy during the last twenty-four hours seem to indicate an intention on their part to march their army still lower down in Louisiana..., and then to run their steamers by me and cross to Rodney. In view of this, and from the fact that Port Gibson is almost essential to this position, I...now have the engineers...selecting a line of battle south of Port Gibson....I would recommend the sending of a regiment and section of artillery to Rodney, which would materially delay their crossing and advance. I now feel quite sanguine of success in the event they make a direct attack upon my front, right, or immediate left. But if they get so far to my left and rear, continuing to threaten my right and front, I must either imperil my whole command by too great an extension of my line or else submit to a complete investment, with Port Gibson in their possession....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. BOWEN.

Hooker's "flying column" breaks camp at dawn and begins the march to Hartwood Church, twelve miles from Kelly's Ford. O.O. Howard's corps, leading the march, arrives at Hartwood at 4 p.m. According to Sergeant John Cate, "Not a drum was beat or a bugle blast was heard, and the men were not allowed to holler or cheer." A guard is placed at every house passed during the day's march and detachments of infantry and cavalry are posted with orders "to keep the inhabitants from leaving the vicinity." Captain Comstock is ordered to prepare the pontoon bridges for the scheduled river crossing at Kelly's Ford, and Hooker finally issues orders to his remaining corps commanders detailing their assignments in the operation. Hooker's security provisions are successful, as Robert E. Lee remains unaware that the Army of the Potomac is on the move.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 27, 1863. - Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding, &c.: The Sixth Corps, Major-General Sedgwick, First Corps, Major-General Reynolds, and Third Corps, Major-General Sickles, put themselves in position to cross the river as follows: Sixth Corps at Franklin's Crossing; First Corps at the crossing below at Pollock's Mill Creek, and the Third Corps as a support to cross at either point. These movements to be made so that the respective corps are in position--the First and Sixth on or before 3.30 a.m. of the 29th, and the Third Corps on or before 4.30 a.m. of the 29th....The troops...ought to be concealed up to the moment the demonstration is made....The bridges, two at each crossing, to be laid complete before 3.30 a.m. of the 29th....General Sedgwick...will be charged with the command of the three corps mentioned, and will make a demonstration in full force on Wednesday morning upon the enemy's defenses, with a view of securing the Telegraph road. In the event of the enemy detaching any considerable part of his force against the troops operating at the west of Fredericksburg, he will attack and carry their works at all hazards....By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.


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Apr 28 1863 (Tuesday)
General Dodge's cavalrymen attack Nathan Bedford Forrest's men in an effort to clear a path for Abel Streight's mule riding raiders. According to Dodge, "I...drove the enemy across Town Creek..., and ascertained that they were in force, under Forrest." Near midnight, Dodge reports that he has driven the enemy back to Decatur and "having accomplished fully the object of the expedition" is going to fall back to Tuscumbia. Forrest ignores Dodge's retreating force and turns his attention to Abel Streight. Braxton Bragg reports, "Forrest...discovered a heavy force of cavalry, under Colonel Streight, marching on Moulton and Blountsville." As he heads deep into enemy territory, Colonel Streight remains unaware that the "Wizard of the Saddle" is hot on his heels.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Tenn. - Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff, Department of the Cumberland. - SIR: I received word from General Dodge, stating that he had driven the enemy, and that I should push on....Up to this time we had been skirmishing occasionally with small squads of the enemy, but I could hear of no force of consequence in the country. All of the command but about 50 men were now mounted. We started from Moulton, in the direction of Blountsville, via Day's Gap....The two previous days it had been raining most of the time, and the roads were terrible....I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, A.D. STREIGHT, Col. 51st Ind. Vet. Vol. Infty.

Joe Hooker is elated when Colonel Sharpe, chief of his Bureau of Military Intelligence, reports that there is "no large body of [enemy] infantry" at Kelly's Ford. In addition, deserters "just in" report "no signs of a move" from Lee's army. Howard's corps, marching at dawn, reaches the ford at 4 p.m. Howard reports, "At 6 p.m. the pontoon bridge was commenced....The enemy's picket, after a single shot, fell back. At 10 p.m. the bridge was completed and the crossing commenced." Hooker advises the commanders of his "flying column" to "exercise your accustomed zeal and devotion in hastening the passage of the troops across the Rappahannock....It is a great object to effect the passage of the Rapidan to-morrow." With day two of his plan successfully executed, Hooker hopes to have his "flying column" across the Rapidan River and securely on Lee's flank by tomorrow evening.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Morrisville, Va., April 28, 1863. - Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: The Eleventh Corps [will] cross to the opposite side of the river to-night, and that the Twelfth Corps commence crossing at daylight to-morrow morning, and to be thrown over with all possible rapidity, and both corps march by the most direct route, without delay, and seize the bridge, if standing, and the ford at Germanna Mills....Major-General Meade will move on almost a parallel line at the same time....He will cross [the Rapidan River] at Ely's Ford....When the Fifth Corps is across..., push on...to Chancellorsville, at which point the three corps will come together, and which you will command by virtue of your seniority....If the enemy should be greatly re-enforced, you will then select a strong position, and compel him to attack you on your ground. You will have nearly 40,000 men, which is more than he can spare to send against you....The general desires that not a moment be lost until our troops are established at or near Chancellorsville. From that moment all will be ours....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide.de.Camp.

In Vicksburg, General Stevenson is unconvinced that the enemy at Hard Times is a threat to cross the river. Stevenson reports, "It is not improbable that the force opposite Grand Gulf is there to lay waste the country on that side, and is a feint to withdraw troops from a main attack here." Despite Stevenson's protestations, Pemberton orders him to "hold 5,000 men in readiness to move to Grand Gulf and, on requisition of General Bowen, move them." An increasingly worried Pemberton asks Bowen, "Have you force enough to hold your position?" U.S. Grant and Admiral Porter complete preparations for tomorrow's assault on Grand Gulf. To aid the attack, "Cump" Sherman complies with Grant's request to launch a diversionary "demonstration" against the Vicksburg defenses upriver at Haynes' Bluff.

MILLIKEN'S BEND, April 28, 1863. - Major-General GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee, Carthage: - DEAR GENERAL: I will take ten steamers and ten regiments, and go up the Yazoo as close to Haynes' as possible....We will make as strong a demonstration as possible. The troops will all understand the purpose, and will not be hurt by the repulse. The people of the country must find out the truth as they best can....You are engaged in a hazardous enterprise, and, for good reasons, wish to divert attention; that is sufficient to me, and it shall be done....All is well here, but the rains have made the roads, as you know, muddy and full of ruts. I am, in haste, yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding.

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Apr 29 1863 (Wednesday)

Admiral Porter begins the Grand Gulf attack by sending four of his gunboats; Pittsburg, Louisville, Mound City, and Carondolet, against Fort Wade. The remainder of the fleet; Benton, Tuscumbia, and Lafayette, tackle the upper battery at Fort Cobun. After two hours of firing, the sheer volume of the attackers eighty-one guns begin to smother the defenders' cannons. Bowen reports, "Six gunboats...have been bombarding my batteries terrifically since 7 a.m. They pass and repass the batteries at the closest ranges....The batteries, especially the lower ones, are badly torn to pieces." After Fort Wade is silenced, Porter's ships concentrate on Fort Cobun and silence her batteries by 1:00 p.m. Porter tells Grant that it is now safe to land the transports, but Grant demurs fearing that hidden field batteries could still inflict heavy damage on his frail landing craft. Grant reports, "Many times it seemed to me the gunboats were within pistol-shot of the enemy's batteries. It soon became evident that the guns of the enemy were too elevated and their fortifications too strong to be taken from the water side."

GRAND GULF, April 29, 1863. - Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON: After six hours and a half of continued firing, the gunboats have retired. They fired about 3,000 shot and shell, temporarily disabling one gun....Apparently we injured two of their boats; damage unknown....The men behaved like veterans (as they are), and are now hard at work preparing for another attack. JNO. S. BOWEN, Brigadier-General.

Despite Grant's reluctance to challenge the Rebel guns at Grand Gulf, he remains committed to crossing his army over the Mississippi River. "[I]...determined...to run the enemy's batteries, [and] turn his position by effecting a landing at Rodney, or at Bruinsburg....Accordingly, orders were immediately given for the troops to debark at Hard Times, La., and march across to the point immediately below Grand Gulf. At dark the gunboats again engaged the batteries, and all the transports run by, receiving but two or three shots in the passage, and these without injury." General McClernand reports, "Returning to Hard Times, the [troops] disembarked, and...crossed over the point opposite Grand Gulf that evening and night to D'Schron's....The gunboats, transports, and barges ran the blockade at Grand Gulf and landed at D'Schron's." During the night, Grant learns "from a negro man that there was a good road from Bruinsburg to Port Gibson." This information, according to Grant, "determined me to land there."

BELOW GRAND GULF, LA., April 29, 1863. - Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps: We have had terrific cannonading all day, without silencing the enemy's guns. Finding the position too strong, late in the day I decided to again run the blockade, which has been successfully done. I shall be able to effect a landing to-morrow, either at the lower end of Grand Gulf or below Bayou Pierre, with all of McClernand's corps and Logan's division. Have also a second division of McPherson's command that can be landed next day. Move up to Perkins' plantation with two divisions of your corps as rapidly as possible. Leave the other division for the present to occupy from Young's Point to Richmond, and to hasten up supplies and ordnance stores....U.S. GRANT.

It is the third day of Joe Hooker's operation before a glitch becomes evident. Once again, George Stoneman has difficulty getting his cavalry across the river and it is not until 5 p.m. that his entire command is across. Then, despite Hooker's request for "celerity of movement," Stoneman calls a halt to brief his commanders. "I assembled the division and brigade commanders, spread our maps, and had a thorough understanding of what we were to do, and where each [is] to go." General Slocum's corps leads the "flying column" today, and is across the Rapidan River at Germanna Ford by 11:00 p.m. Back at Falmouth, General Reynolds orders two regiments from the Iron Brigade to force a crossing of the Rappahannock at Fitzhugh's Crossing. Lieutenant-Colonel Rufus Dawes reports, "It was the fiercest regatta ever run in this country." Braving the fire of the Rebel pickets, Reynold's men cross the river and form a bridgehead on the south bank of the Rappahannock River below Fredericksburg. If all goes as planned tomorrow, Hooker's "flying column" will be reunited at Chancellorsville, and Lee's army should be securely locked between the two wings of the Army of the Potomac.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 29, 1863. - Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding, &c.: The bridges are all across here. The demonstration here is a very strong one. Fifty or 60 prisoners taken...report Jackson's whole force here. The enemy are in position, anticipating our main attack....The general directs that you move as high up as Chancellorsville; establish your right strongly on the Plank road; look out for your left, too. The map indicates that from Chancellorsville to the Rappahannock is a very strong position. You must have that, and move to command the Plank road, which is the line of the enemy's retreat. As soon as you uncover United States Ford, you will be re-enforced by (two divisions), and then probably by S.'s [General Sickles] entire command. The general will be up to-morrow....DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General and Chief of Staff.

It is not until the surviving pickets from Germanna and Ely's Fords make their way to the safety of Confederate lines, between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., that news of Hooker's river crossings reaches Robert E. Lee. General Richard Anderson, commanding the infantry forces closest to the Union penetration, is sent to investigate. "I have just heard that a portion of the enemy's cavalry, accompanied by infantry, crossed the Rapidan at Germanna Ford....Draw in your brigade...and throw your left back so as to cover the road leading from Chancellorsville down the river, taking the strongest line you can, and holding it to the best advantage." Concerned about the river crossing in his front, and still unaware of the extent of the forces operating on his flank, Lee reports the disturbing news to President Davis.

FREDERICKSBURG, April 29, 1863. - His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS: The enemy crossed the Rappahannock to-day in large numbers, and have taken position under the bank of the river, under cover of their heavy guns on the opposite side. The day has been favorable for his operations, and to-night he will probably get over the remainder of his forces....I have learned this evening...that the enemy's cavalry crossed the Rapidan...about 2 p.m. today. I could not learn their strength, but infantry was said to have crossed with the cavalry....Their intention, I presume, is to turn our left, and probably to get into our rear. Our scattered condition favors their operations. I hope if any re-enforcements can be sent, they may be forwarded immediately....R. E. LEE, [General.]


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Apr 30 1863 (Thursday)

General John Bowen reports that Grant's forces have crossed the Mississippi River near Bruinsburg. "Enemy on Louisiana shore, below. Hurry up re-enforcements. My lines very much extended." He continues, "Three thousand Federals...at Bethel Church, 10 miles from Port Gibson, at 3 p.m., advancing. They are still landing at Bruinsburg." Grant uses transports and gunboats to ferry his men across as quickly as possible. He reports, "As soon as the Thirteenth Army Corps was landed..., they were started on the road to Port Gibson. I deemed it a matter of vast importance that the high-lands should be reached without resistance." With his corps in the van, John McClernand commands the Federal spearhead operating on the east bank of the Mississippi.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Battle-field, near Vicksburg, Miss. - COLONEL: Embarking on the morning of the 30th, my corps immediately proceeded to [Bruinsburg], and disembarked before noon....At 4 o'clock all my corps...took up the line of march...for the bluffs, some 3 miles back. Reaching the bluffs some time before sunset, and deeming it important to surprise the enemy if he should be found in the neighborhood of Port Gibson, and, if possible, to prevent him from destroying the bridges over Bayou Pierre on the road leading to Grand Gulf and to Jackson, I determined to push on by a forced march that night as far as practicable....Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major-general, Commanding.

Shortly after passing through Day's Gap, Abel Streight's raiders are pounced upon by Nathan Bedford Forrest's hard charging cavalrymen. "I had not proceeded more than 2 miles...before I was informed that the rear guard had been attacked....I soon learned that the enemy had moved through the gaps on my right and left, and were endeavoring to form a junction in my advance." Forrest's men continue the attack throughout the day. His orders are clear, "Shoot at everything blue and keep up the scare." Even after his brother, Captain William Forrest is wounded in an abortive charge, the Rebel attacks are continued. Streight reports, "It was now about 11 o'clock, fighting having continued since about 6 o'clock in the morning. I...learned...that the enemy were in heavy force..., under General Forrest in person; consequently I was fearful that they were making an effort to get around us and attack in the rear of our position; hence I decided to resume the march....We were not too soon in our movements..., when the enemy were discovered advancing on our left....The enemy strove first to carry our right; then charged the left; but...we were able to repulse them. Fighting continued until about 10 p.m., when the enemy were driven from our front." Unable to rest his men, or even to pause long enough to feed the mules, Streight orders his raiders to march on throughout the night.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Tenn. - Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff, Department of the Cumberland. - SIR: I determined...to resume our march, and as soon as possible we moved out....The moon shone very brightly, and the country was an open woodland, with an occasional spot of thick undergrowth. In one of these thickets I placed the Seventy-third Indiana, lying down, and not more than 20 paces from the road, which was in plain view. The enemy approached. The head of his column passed without discovering our position. At this moment the whole regiment opened a most destructive fire, causing a complete stampede of the enemy....I had hopes that by pushing ahead we could reach a place where we could feed before the enemy would come up with us, and, by holding him back where there was no feed, compel him to lay over a day at least to recuperate....We were not again disturbed until we had marched several miles, when they attacked our rear guard vigorously. I again succeeded in ambuscading them, which caused them to give up the pursuit for the night. I have the honor, sir, to be, your obedient servant, A.D. STREIGHT, Colonel Fifty-first Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry.

Eager for information indicating any changes in the disposition of Lee's army, Hooker orders General Sedgewick to advance from his bridgehead below Fredericksburg. When Sedgewick reports that he is "satisfied that the enemy have not weakened their force," Hooker calls off the demonstration. Shortly before noon, George Meade's corps occupies Chancellorsville. When General Slocum arrives at the head of his corps, Meade is exuberant. "This is splendid, Slocum, hurrah for Old Joe! We are on Lee's flank and he does not know it." As Meade makes plans for continuing the advance along the Plank Road to Fredericksburg and out of the Wilderness, Slocum cuts him off. Meade is crestfallen when Slocum informs him that there is to be no advance beyond Chancellorsville.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 1863--9.30 a.m. - Brigadier-General WARREN: I desire you to report to the commanding officer at Chancellorsville, to assist him, and give him the benefit of your advice in establishing a line of defense at that place or vicinity. The maps indicate that a formidable position can be taken there. Please show this to General Slocum, and to General Couch when he comes up. I am informed that the enemy continues in full force in front of General Sedgwick. At all events, we want to hold the strongest position that section affords to-night, and be in readiness to take the initiative in the morning....Very respectfully, &c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff.

Early in the evening, Joe Hooker arrives at Chancellorsville and establishes his headquarters in the home of Fannie Pound Chancellor and her seven children. Hooker is pleased with the progress of his "flying column" and is confident that Stoneman's cavalry will soon sever Lee's vital railroad connection. To celebrate the achievement of his army, Hooker issues a congratulatory order to his men. "The operations of the last three days have determined that our enemy must either ingloriously fly, or come out from behind his defenses and give us battle on our ground, where certain destruction awaits him." Hooker is unaware that Stoneman, after spending the day crossing the Rapidan River at Raccoon Ford, has marched only ten miles and is no position to threaten anything of importance. Stoneman's absence has left the field open to Jeb Stuart's cavalry. When Stuart reports capturing prisoners "from [the] Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps," Lee is finally made aware of the desperate threat to his left flank. After issuing an urgent call for the return of General Longstreet's men, "If I had Longstreet's division, I would feel safe," Lee summons "Stonewall" Jackson for a consultation. Jackson has spent the afternoon studying the Union lines near Fredericksburg and he reports, "It would be inexpedient to attack there." Lee then decides to shift his army to the left to meet the threat on his flank. He orders Jackson to march at dawn, leaving only Jubal Early's division to man the trenches behind Fredericksburg. Colonel William Anderson reports, "I well remember the elation of Jackson. He seemed full of life and joy. His whole demeanor was cheerful and lively compared to his usual quiet manner."

SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 121. - HDQRS. ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 30, 1863. General McLaws will move as soon as possible to re-enforce General Anderson at the Tabernacle Church, on the Plank road to Orange Court House. General Jackson will designate a division to hold the lines in front of the enemy....With the remainder of his corps, General Jackson, at daylight to-morrow morning, will proceed to Tabernacle Church, and make arrangements to repulse the enemy....By command of General R. E. Lee: W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General.


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May 01 1863 (Friday)

General Bowen shifts his men to a position four miles west of Port Gibson and engages the advancing Union force. Bowen reports, "The enemy's attack was sustained with great bravery...when, overwhelmed by numbers and flanked on the right and left General Green had to fall back....Just as the retreat was taking place, General Baldwin arrived." The addition of Baldwin's men allows Bowen to stabilize his defensive line. From his headquarters in Jackson, General Pendleton urgently requests additional reinforcements to halt the Union advance. "A furious battle has been going on since daylight....Bowen says he is outnumbered trebly....Large re-enforcements should be sent....Enemy's movement threatens Jackson." When McClernand's attack falters, U.S. Grant rushes the van of General McPherson's corps into the battle. Grant reports, "As soon as the advance elements of McPherson's corps arrived, I sent one brigade to McClernand on the right, and one brigade...to the left, to the assistance of [General] Osterhaus. By the judicious disposition made...a position was soon obtained, giving us an advantage which soon drove the enemy from...the field."

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the rear of Vicksburg, Miss. - Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Tennessee. - COLONEL: Heavy and rapid firing had been heard for several hours, indicating clearly that a battle was in progress, and the men moved forward with promptness and alacrity....This movement was perfectly successful, though the impracticable nature of the country (full of deep ravines and canebrakes) retarded the movement more that I could have wished, and prevented us from reaping the full fruits of the victory. As it was, however, a gallant charge by the First Brigade on the flank and Brigadier-General Osterhaus' division in front soon drove the enemy from their strong position...and sent them back in a precipitate retreat toward Port Gibson. The Third Brigade...on the right, was equally fortunate, and shortly before sunset the rebels were routed on all parts of the field....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON, Major-General, Commanding.

"Stonewall" Jackson's men file out of their Fredericksburg trenches at dawn and start on the road to Chancellorsville. Union Signal Station F observes the movement. "Infantry moving to [the] right....We can see the glitter of bayonets...through the opening...in front of Tyler's battery. Destination seems to be Chancellorsville." General Lee reports, "[General Jackson] reached the position occupied by General Anderson at 8 a.m., and immediately began preparations to advance. At 11 a.m. the troops moved forward upon the Plank and Old Turnpike roads....The enemy was soon encountered on both roads, and heavy skirmishing...ensued, our troops pressing steadily forward."

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION. - Major [W.H.] Taylor, Assistant Adjutant-General. - SIR: The main column, advancing slowly until the enemy appeared in force, was deployed, and the line of battle formed across the Turnpike road....Fire was opened on our lines from a battery 400 or 500 yards in front, and, after skirmishing to the right and left, the main assault was made on the left by Sykes' regulars, but they were repulsed at every attempt. Before the first assault, I sent word to General Jackson...that the enemy were in force in my immediate front, and were advancing....After the first assault, I received [an] answer from General Jackson to hold my position, and that he...was advancing....Very respectfully, L. McLAWS, Major-General.

A confident Joe Hooker issues the orders for the day's march. General Meade, with two divisions, will march to the River Road and advance to Bank's Ford. General Sykes' Regulars will march up the Orange Turnpike, and Henry Slocum's Corps will advance up Orange Plank Road. According to Hooker's plan for day five, the three columns of the advance, some 30,000 men, will clear the Wilderness and link up at their objective, "The heights of Fredericksburg," by 2:00 p.m. However, Sykes runs straight into the advancing corps of "Stonewall" Jackson. When Hooker learns that his advance is facing the bulk of Lee's army, he calls off the day's movement. Hooker informs General Butterfield of the change in plans. "From character of information have suspended attack. The enemy may attack me--I will try it."

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA. Lieut. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifth Army Corps. - SIR: I was directed to move on the old turnpike road leading from Chancellorsville to Fredericksburg, and, on arriving at a certain point, to turn to the left...and effect a junction with Griffin's division, which was to move on the River road. A mile and a half from Chancellorsville, I found some cavalry engaged with the enemy's skirmishers....My three brigades were at once deployed....By sharp fighting, we soon...drove in the enemy's pickets....The enemy held the road in front with infantry and two guns...and for a couple of hours maneuvered to turn both my flanks. His forces were so superior to my own that he partially outflanked me both right and left....As I was completely isolated from the rest of the army, I felt that my rear could be gained by a determined movement of the enemy under cover of the forest. Griffin was far on my left, Slocum far on my right, the enemy in front and between me and both those officers....At this period, General Warren..., who had accompanied me, rode to the major-general commanding the army, to explain the state of affairs, and, on his return, I was directed to retire in the direction of Chancellorsville....I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. SYKES, Major-General, Commanding.

Despite the unexpected presence of "Stonewall" Jackson's troops outside Chancellorsville, Joe Hooker remains optimistic. "[I] hope the enemy will be emboldened to attack me. I...feel certain of success. If his communications are cut, he must attack me." Hooker notes, "All the enemy's cavalry are on my flanks, which leads me to suppose that our dragoons will meet with no obstacle in cutting their communications." General Stoneman should, in Hooker's opinion, "do a land-office business in the interior." Despite Hooker's high hopes, Stoneman's cavalry is currently heading toward Louisa Court House, thirty miles east of the vital Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, and is in no position to hamper Robert E. Lee's efforts at Chancellorsville. Shortly after sunset, Lee and Jackson meet at the intersection of the Plank Road and Catherine Furnace Road. It is clear that "Mr. Fighting Joe" Hooker wants to fight a defensive battle. The question being discussed is, "How can we get at those people?" Lee outlines his plans for an attack on the enemy's right flank and "Old Jack" listens attentively. After receiving a scouting report from Jeb Stuart, Jackson touches his cap and informs Lee, "My troops will move at four o'clock."

CIRCULAR. - CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 1, 1863-4.20 p.m. Commanders of the Second, Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps will at once have their commands established on the lines assigned them last night, and have them put in condition of defense without a moment's delay. The major-general commanding trusts that a suspension in the attack to-day will embolden the enemy to attack him....By command of Major-General Hooker: WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

Casualties at Port Hudson: Union 861 Confederate 787.

General Officer Fatalities at Port Hudson.