Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/296

 290 Southern Historical Society Papers.

At 4 P. M. of this day, Monday, he received word to " look well to the safety of his corps," and to cross at Banks's ford to the north side, if desirable. These dispatches he answered, but he could not be sure that the answers reached Hooker. Later, Hooker ordered him to hold on to Banks's ford, if possible. Then, again, on receivingf Sedgwick's report of the insecurity of his position, Hooker ordered him to withdraw, and, still later, again to hold on. This last dis- patch, however, was received by Sedgwick too late. For under the former authority to the same effect, he had determined to retire across the river as soon as night should fall. At 6 P. M. Lee attacked. McLaws fell upon the corner held by Brooks ; Early assaulted Howe. The latter' s onset was very hardy.

Our loss was over two thousand men, but no serious impression was made.

During the night Sedgwick withdrew and took up his pontoon bridge. The corps had lost over five thousand men. Lee, having accomplished his task, sent Early back to Fredericksburg and him - self returned to Hooker's front.

While Lee was considering how he might again best attack the Army of the Potomac, Hooker called his corps commanders together to ascertain their feeling relative to advance or retreat. All except Sickles were in favor of a vigorous advance. Sickles thought that political reasons favored retreat, lest the Army of the Potomac should suffer an overwhelming defeat, which, at this time, might discourage the war party of the North. Moreover the rations brought by the troops had been exhausted and the river was now rising and threatening the bridges. Here, again, it may be noted that unless retreat had been actually predetermined, the past three days should have been used to revictual the army for a possible advance. For Hooker was, as a rule, careful in these matters. Under all the circumstances, and after hearing all opinions, Hooker decided to retire.

A new line was accordingly made to protect United States ford, and during the night of May 5th the army recrossed, the last troops about 8 A. M. of May 6th. Lee did not interfere with this movement. He was glad to see an end put to his dangerous situation, for his army was absolutely exhausted. But had he known the precarious situa- tion of our troops, huddled that night in the cul de sac at the bridge- heads, he might have inflicted terrible damage upon us.

The total loss of the Army of the Potomac was 17,200 ; of the Army of Northern Virginia, 12,300.

On arriving at its old camps, the Union army received an order