The Green caldron - University Library

March, 1959
General,
21
Near 3 p.m.
May 2d, 1863
The enemy has made a stand at Chancellor's which is about two
miles from Chancellorsville. I hope as soon as practicable to attack.
I trust that an Ever Kind Providence will bless us with a great
success.
Genl. R. E. Lee
Respectfully,
T. J. Jackson
Lt. Genl.
Jackson carefully brought his men into position along the turnpike. He
looked at his watch. It was 5:15. He turned to General Rodes, who led
the vanguard. "Are you ready, General Rodes?"
"Yes sir."
Jackson's voice was slow and quiet. "You can go forward then." ^^
Bugles sounded. At that moment, firing was heard five or six miles
distant. It was Lee providing support exactly according to plan. Muskets
crashed, men began to run, and suddenly the eerie rebel yell pierced the
woods. The terror-stricken Federals looked up to see, beyond the fleeing
deer and rabbits, the plunging lines of gray. The Union soldiers fled in panic.
Captain E. R. Wilbourn wrote, describing Jackson as the great attack tore
through the forest
:
Frequently ... he would stop, raise his hand, and turn his eyes
toward heaven as if praying for a blessing on our arms. He shouted,
'press forward !
press forward !'
. . . Our troops made repeated charges, driving the enemy before
them every time, which caused loud and long-continued cheering along
our entire line . . . and General Jackson would invariably raise his
hand and give thanks to Him who gave the victory. ... As he passed
the bodies of some of our veterans, he halted, raised his hand as if
to ask a blessing upon them, and to pray to God to save their souls.^^
In the fury of the charge through the woods organization had been for-
gotten. No one knew where the lines now lay. As darkness descended, the
men began to fire at the slightest motion, and the night was full of shadows.
The charging line had halted.
Jackson, with a cluster of couriers and of^cers, rode along the plank
road towards the Union line. Stonewall wanted to press on against Hooker's
demoralized men. He moved forward towards Chancellorsville. The knot of
horsemen were already far out in front, beyond the Confederate picket lines.
One of his stafT asked Old Jack, "General, don't you think this is the
wrong place for you?" Jackson was intensely excited over the unfolding
victory. "The danger," he said, "is all over—the enemy is routed—go back and
tell A. P. Hill to press right on." ^^