The Surprise Attack
On paper, the Battle of Chancellorsville seemed like an easy victory for the Confederates. Their plan was to take the Union from behind, destroy supply lines, and force the Union to move back and defend Richmond. On May 2, General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson initiated the fight with a surprise attack as the Union Army was setting up camp for the night. Jackson was shot that night, however, and his left arm was amputated. Although it was a Confederate victory, the Union suffered less casualties.