What is the battle summary of the battle of fredericksburg?

Answer 1

Joseph Hooker commanded the revitalized Army of the Potomac, 132,000 men of all arms. He moved south, to threaten Lee's army of only 60,000 men, Longstreet and 12,000 men being detached for duty on the Peninsula.

Also, Union General Sedgewick was around the old Fredricksburg battle ground with 40,000 troops, threatening from the south. Lee, rather than seeking escape, saw this as a chance for victory.

First, he sent General Jubal Early with 10,000 men to keep an eye on Sedgewick, having them dig in on Mayre's Heights.

He and Jackson then settled on an audacious plan, startling even today in its brilliance.

He sent Jackson's 28000 men on a flank march, settling in on Hooker's right flank, hidden by forests, the line stretching for nearly two miles. Men from Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee hit the Union line and drove it back, panic ensuing throughout the Union troops.

Meanwhile, Sedgewick hit Early's thin lines and was repulsed, but after two attempts, he carried the works, and drove Early back towards Lee's main body.

Lee then turned to deal with Sedgewick, but the latter retreated, as did the entire Union army.

The result was Lee's greatest victory.