Dogwoods
and magnolias
line the Rappahannock.
Thousands cross
the pontoon bridge,
never
to return.
|
Author Notes
The Battle of Chancellorsville was fought from April 30 to May 5, 1863. On the morning of April 27, Union troops, over 130,000 strong, crossed the Rappahannock River on their way to the battle, fought against about 61,000 Confederate soldiers. During this time of year, spring blossoms would be in full bloom in northern Virginia.
Over 1600 of the Union soldiers who made this crossing died and close to 6000 were reported missing after their defeat to General Lee and his troops. They never made the crossing back over the river during the retreat on the night of May 5-6. The Confederate army also suffered grave losses of almost 1700 deaths and 2000 missing. Almost 20,000 more were wounded between the two sides.
|
|