Joe Hooker, I would like to give just a
glimpse of--(a moment's look in a terrible storm at sea--of which a
few suggestions are enough, and full details impossible.) The fighting
had been very hot during the day, and after an intermission the latter
part, was resumed at night, and kept up with furious energy till 3
o'clock in the morning. That afternoon (Saturday) an attack sudden
and strong by Stonewall Jackson had gain'd a great advantage to the
southern army, and broken our lines, entering us like a wedge, and
leaving things in that position at dark. But Hooker at 11 at night
made a desperate push, drove the secesh forces back, restored his
original lines, and resumed his plans. This night scrimmage was very
exciting, and afforded countless strange and fearful pictures. The
fighting had been general both at Chancellorsville and northeast at
Fredericksburgh. (We hear of some poor fighting, episodes, skedaddling
on our part. I think not of it. I think of the fierce bravery, the
general rule.) One corps, the 6th, Sedgewick's, fights four dashing
and bloody battles in thirty-six hours, retreating in great jeopardy,
losing largely but maintaining itself, fighting with the sternest
desperation under all circumstances, getting over the Rappahannock
only by the skin of its teeth, yet getting over. It lost many, many
brave men, yet it took vengeance, ample vengeance.
But it was the tug of Saturday evening, and through the night and
Sunday morning, I wanted to make a special note of.
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