THE CORPS THAT STOOD ALONE

Originally published February 2024 · p. 14

“Major-General John Sedgwick [standing in the center] and Staff. Sedgwick’s Sixth Corps alone and unaided executed the most successful maneuver during the Chancellorsville battles of May 1-4, 1863. For two days Sedgwick had been keeping up a strong demonstration against Lee’s extreme right below Fredericksburg. On the night of May 2d, after Jackson had routed the entire Eleventh Corps, came the order from Hooker for Sedgwick to move forward toward Chancellorsville, “attack and destroy any forces met with on the march.” Then fall upon Lee’s rear. By midnight the Sixth Corps was in motion and at dawn advanced against Marye’s Heights. Only after a fierce uphill fight was that bloody field won from Early’s 9,000 Confederates. At night, forced back by Lee, he established communication with Hooker but could get no definite orders. Next morning word came not to attack unless Hooker did likewise. But Hooker’s inactivity encouraged Lee to send heavy forces to crush the Sixth Corps. All the afternoon, cut off from help, the corps fought off assault after assault till nightfall of May 4th. Then, upon receipt of orders, Sedgwick retired north of the Rappahannock.” (Source: The Photographic History of the Civil War: Two years of grim war. (1911). United States: Review of Reviews Company, page 113.) (Photograph NARA 111-B-805)