Overview of fighting
With the arrival of Robert E Lee to the battlefield, along with two divisions, the fighting shifted to the confederate side. Leaving Hood's division around Zoan Church, Lee shifted Colston's division to the right of Mclaw's division (commanded by Kershaw) and deployed it parallel to the Mine Road. This meant that Colston was on the Union V corps flank, a perfect postion to be in. Lee gave Jackson control of the battle and Jackson, after sorting out his troops, arranged them from left to right: Hill, Anderson, Rodes, Mclaws, and Colston. Also, Jeb Stuart had arrrived with division of cavalry and was on Hill's left.
Meanwhile, the Federal troops were trying to sort themselves out. After driving back Jackson, the federal troops found themselves with mixed units. Joseph Hooker, who had doubts about continuing the advance, decided to halt it and reform the men. This took some time, time that Jackson used well. Finally, the Federal forces reorganized themselves. From left to right: Geary's and Williams's divisions of Solcum's XII corps, French's division of Couch's II corps, and finally, Sykes's and Griffin's divisions of Meade's V corps. Hooker was hoping to resume the offensive, but he had handed the initative to Jackson.
Jackson ordered an all out attack on the federal line around 2:30 pm. Unfortuantly, Solcum's XII corps choose that same time to attack. Thus Hill and Anderson went on the defensive, bleeding Solcum's divisions and buying time. Meanwhile, Colston's division hit the flank of Meade's V corps and after about a half hour, drove Griffin's division back. Kershaw at this time opened his assault by hitting Griffin's division from the front. This caused Griffin to order a retreat, but having been hit by two divisions, his division became routed. This unhinged the entire federal line and one after the other, the federal divisions fell back. Soon the retreat became a rout as Jackson's other divisions went on the offensive and drove the Federal back.
With the entire federal line in retreat, Hooker lost his will to win. He made no attempt to rally his men, instead, he gave the order to withdraw back to Chancellorsville and left his generals to do it. Meanwhile, George Meade arrived on the field in an attempt to rally his corps, but was struck by a minie ball that hit him in the forehead, killing him instantly. Command of the corps fell to Sykes, who managed to halt and reform the V corps. By the time the Federal line solidified, it was approaching dusk and the rebels, too tired from the fighting that had raged, decided to retire for the night. Thus, Day one of Chancellosville closed. The next two days would bring more bloodshed and would decided who would win or lose.
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