General Joseph Hooker, like his predecessor George…
1863 CE
Chancellorsville is known as Lee's "perfect battle" because his risky decision to divide his army in the presence of a much larger enemy force resulted in a significant Confederate victory.
General Stonewall Jackson is shot in the arm by accidental friendly fire during the battle and will subsequently dies of complications.
Lee famously says "He has lost his left arm; but I have lost my right arm."
The fiercest fighting of the battle—and the second bloodiest day of the Civil War—occurs on May 3 as Lee launches multiple attacks against the Union position at Chancellorsville.
The same day, John Sedgwick advances across the Rappahannock River, defeats the small Confederate force at Marye's Heights in the Second Battle of Fredericksburg, then moves to the west.
The Confederates fight a successful delaying action at the Battle of Salem Church.