Battle of Chancellorsville: Lee defeats Union forces; Stonewall Jackson mortally wounded

Background. The Chancellorsville campaign began when Union General Joseph Hooker moved his army across the Rappahannock River on April 27, 1863. The Union force was more than twice the size of the Confederate army, the greatest imbalance in Virginia during the war. Lee's risky decision to divide his army resulted in a significant victory, described by some as his 'perfect battle'.

Battle. Fiercest fighting occurred on May 3, 1863, as Lee launched multiple attacks against the Union position at Chancellorsville. This day was the second bloodiest of the Civil War, resulting in heavy losses on both sides and the pulling back of Hooker's main army. The victory was tempered by heavy casualties, including Lt. Gen. Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson, who had been wounded earlier.

Casualties. Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by Confederate pickets on May 2, 1863. He initially appeared to be healing but died from complications of pneumonia on May 10, 1863, eight days after being shot. Lee wrote that he would have chosen to be disabled in Jackson's stead for the good of the country.