150-years-ago -- NEWSPAPER REPORT ON CHANCELLORSVILLE

The Richmond Daily Dispatch

May 5, 1863

Lt. Gen. T. J. "Stonewall" Jackson

A glorious Confederate victory.

          In the language of Gen. Lee's gratifying dispatch, of the 3rd of May, to President Davis, "We have again to thank Almighty God for a great victory." This grand and important triumph was achieved on Saturday. Gen Lee says in the beginning of his dispatch. "Yesterday Gen. Jackson penetrated to the rear of the enemy; and drove him to within one mile of Chancellorsville. This morning the battle was renewed." He (the enemy) was dislodged from all his positions around Chancellorsville and driven back towards the Rappahannock, over which he is now retreating." Many prisoners were captured. Gen. Lee states that the enemy's loss was heavy, and as he was in the act of retreating, it is to be hoped was still further to be increased. Our loss in killed and wounded, of course, must be considerable in such an engagement, but was much less than that of the enemy. The whole country will be distressed to learn that Gen. Jackson is seriously wounded. The prayers of every one in the South will go up to Heaven for his recovery, and his restoration to the country and the cause, in the field of battle.

          The scene of the battle is in Spotsylvania county, between the Wilderness and Chancellorsville. The latter is a place with only one dwelling, a large brick house, formerly a tavern, and latterly a boarding school. It is about ten miles west of Fredericksburg. The Wilderness we suppose to be indicated by "Wilderness Creek," a small stream running into the Rappahannock, about four or five miles from Chancellorsville; the country adjacent and widening out towards Chancellorsville is the Wilderness, out of which the enemy came at the bidding of Jackson. The United States ford is on the Rappahannock, eight miles above Fredericksburg, and two miles below the mouth of the Rapidan. Elyisford is on the Rapidan, four miles above its mouth. The enemy having crossed into Spotsylvania, presented himself on the left of our line in front of Fredericksburg. But our sagacious Commander had taken proper measures, it may be inferred by the result. Longstreet and his command were recalled in good time, and by the best routes for an opportune junction with our main line, while the strategy for getting in rear of the enemy was matured. This decisive movement was conducted by that warrior who never fails, and on Saturday (as we understand) the enemy, in his dismay, found Jackson thundering upon his rear. Driven from his position towards Chancellorsville, he got out of the frying pan into the fire by encountering Longstreet. His rout was complete, as we are officially informed by Gen. Lee.

           We shall not receive details of this last brilliant engagement as rapidly as usual, owing to the cavalry raid of the enemy, which was boldly and successfully conducted upon the of the Central and Fredericksburg Road a while the contest upon the Rappahannock was in progress. Nor can the wounded receive that succor by prompt removal to the city which was rendered in former great battles.

           While the fighting in the Wilderness was progressing there was some skirmishing, also some artillery duelling about Fredericksburg, details of which have not yet come to hand.