Chancelloreville, Va

a famous battle of the Civil War, occurring May 2-3, 1863, during Hooker’s command of the Army of the Potomac. ‘The Federals numbered 130,000 troops; the Confederates under Lee, who lay on the west side of the Rappahannock River, were about 62,000 strong. Lee had, during the winter, constructed an impregnable line from Bank's Ford to Port Royal. Hooker dispatched Sedgwick acro the river to menace Fred ericks burg, and Stone man’s cavalry to attack Lee’s rear, while he, with the main column, intended cro ing lower down the stream and a aulting the Confederate flank. Before Lee was aware he had moved, he was established at Chancellorsville with 46,000 troops. Lee at once decided to begin the attack. May 1, several short attacks were made upon the Federals to ascertain their position and strength. May 2, Jackson, with 26,000 Confederates, making a long detour, swept down upon Hooker's left under Howard, and completely demolished it. The counter charge of Keenan’s Pennsylvania troops alone saved the left from utter destruction. Late in the afternoon Stonewall Jackson was fired upon by mistake by his own men and mortally wounded. May 3, the fight was renewed with terrible vigor. Lee and J. E. B. Stuart combined forces and attacked Hooker’s center. Hooker himself was wounded, and the National line became completely demoralized. The Federals were rapidly forced back to some strong intrenchments that had been constructed the previous night. Just then Lee heard that Sedgwick had captured Fred ericks burg Heights, and was advancing upon his rear. His attention was turned to defeating Sedgwick. Hooker retreated, beaten and in confusion.