Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/19

 General Lee's Strategy at Chancellors cille. 11

that General Jackson proposed the movement he undertook to execute.

In General Lee's official report of the Battle of Chancel- lorsville, he says :

"It was evident that a direct attack upon the enemy would be attended with great difficulty and loss, in view of the strength of his position and his superiority of numbers. It was, there- fore, resolved to endeavor to turn his right flank and gain his rear, leaving a force in front to hold him in check and conceal the movement The execution of this movement was entrusted to Lieutenant-General Jackson, with his three divisions. The commands of Generals McLaws and Anderson, with the exception of Wilcox's Brigade, which during the night had been ordered 'back to Banks' Ford, remained in front of the enemy.

"Early on the morning of the 2nd, General Jackson marched by the Furnace and Brock roads, his movement being effectually covered by Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry, under General Stuart in person. :.

"The movement by which the enemy's position was turned and the fortune of the day decided was conducted by the lamented Lieutenant-General Jackson." * * *.

The personal recollections of such members of General Lee's staff as have been recorded, were, for reasons already stated, written many years after the occurrences to which they bear witness, and it would be strange indeed if they were in perfect accord, but they all agree with Dr. Dabney, that it was at a conference between Lee and Jackson Friday night, that the at- tack on Hooker's rear was decided upon, the material point of difference between Dr. Dabney and Lee's staff officers being as to whether Lee or Jackson originated the rear attack on Hooker.

Col. W. H. Taylor, of Lee's staff, in his "Four Years with General Lee," published in 1878, says in his account of the Bat- tle of Chancellorsville :

"Encouraged by the counsel and confidence of General Jackson, he (General Lee) determined still further to divide his army; and while he, with the divisions of Anderson and