Robert E. Lee was one of the greatest American generals who ever lived and although he fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, he also served in the United States’ army during the Mexican-American War. Robert E. Lee was the greatest Confederate general during the Civil War. He commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, in Virginia and Maryland. His “perfect battle” was fought at Chancellorsville, Virginia, in 1863. This battle was a perfect example of Lee’s superior strategy and his amazing leadership. This battle deserves to be included in any of list of “epic American battles” because it was the hallmark victory of one of America’s greatest military leaders.
We pick up the story in 1863. The Union armies in Tennessee and Mississippi were enjoying some success. The same could not be said for the Union troops in Virginia. They had managed a close draw with Lee’s forces at Antietam in late 1862. Abraham Lincoln had dismissed the cautious-to-a-fault George McClellan. He was replaced by Ambrose Burnside. As an aside, Burnside wore his facial hair in a special style which later became known as “sideburns”. Burnside decided to attack the town of Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock River. The attack, supposed to be a surprise, failed miserably and was one of the worst Union losses of the war. Burnside promptly lost his job and was replaced by Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker.
Hooker was a cocky, over-confident fighter who had disdained Burnside. He decided to launch another attack across the Rappahannock. His troops crossed the Rappahannock and moved towards Lee’s supply line. The raid on Lee’s supply failed. Meanwhile, more Union troops were crossing the Rapidan River and were in effect, surrounding Lee’s army. Lee made a risky decision. His gamble to divide his army paid off however. Lee’s troops drove the Union forces back from Marye’s Heights and later, at Salem Church. Lee’s army was saved and he had dealt the Union army a smarting defeat.
One of the largest consequences of the battle was one that would hurt the Confederacy terribly. Stonewall Jackson, Lee’s right hand man and one of the greatest Confederate generals, was shot by his own men. They mistook him for a Union cavalry officer and he was hit during some “friendly fire”. He died of his wounds. Lee likened the loss of Jackson to the loss of his right arm.
The war in Virginia would continue for the rest of the war. Lee, in no way, won the war at Chancellorsville. In fact, with the loss of Jackson, he may have done more to lose the war than win it. In the end, however, Chancellorsville was Lee’s “perfect battle” and it clearly demonstrated his powerful leadership and prudent strategy-making. Lee needs to be remembered as one of America’s greatest generals and the battle at Chancellorsville needs to be remembered because of its place in Lee’s career and in the Civil War itself.