Confederate artillery here supported one of the largest infantry attacks of the Civil War. At dawn "Stonewall" Jackson's corps, now led by J.E.B. Stuart, struck the Union line from the west, in the woods to your left-front. At the same time, Lee's forces converged on Hooker from the south and east. The Union army found itself beset on all sides.
For nearly five hours the battle ranged fiercely in the woods around you, as opposing troops attacked, retreated, and attacked again through the brush-choked thickets. It was some of the most stubborn - and bloody - fighting of the war. More than 17,500 men fell in the morning slaughter. At 10 a.m., Hooker ordered a retreat to a new line north of Chancellorsville.
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