[Chancellorsville and Gettysburg by Abner Doubleday]@TWC D-Link book
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg

CHAPTER VII
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Colonel Shaler's remaining regiment, the 67th New York, followed by the remnant of Bassett's regiment, forced their way over the crest to the right of Colonel Johns' column.] The coveted heights, which Burnside had been unable to take with his whole army, were in our possession, together with about a thousand prisoners; but the loss of the Sixth Corps was severe, for nearly a thousand men were killed, wounded, and missing in less than five minutes.

The attack was over so soon that Early did not get back Hays' brigade, which had been detached to oppose Gibbon, in time to assist in the defence.

Newton says if there had been a hundred men on Marye's Hill we could not have taken it.
The rebel force was now divided, and thrown off toward Richmond in eccentric directions.
All that remained for Sedgwick to do was to keep straight on the Plank Road toward Chancellorsville.

Had he done so at once he would have anticipated the enemy in taking possession of the strong position of Salem Church, and perhaps have captured Wilcox's and Hays' brigades.

But it was not intended by Providence that we should win this battle, which had been commenced by a boasting proclamation of what was to be accomplished; and obstacles were constantly occurring of the most unexpected character.


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