Lee's Magic

While the situation deteriorates for Confederates in the West, Lee gathers strength for a knockout punch. The Union army threatening Richmond has withdrawn back towards Washington, freeing Lee to take the fight north.

Meanwhile, Federals under new leadership are hoping to lure Lee into a position that leaves Richmond vulnerable. They hope to then launch a lightening dash to the rebel capital, arriving before Lee is able to solidify his defenses.

The result is a chaotic situation in the northern region of Virginia, known locally as the 'wilderness.' With few roads and few people, the Rebels have the advantage of local knowledge, which Lee exploits with daring resolve.
Battle of Chancellorsville, 1863 map

  Jackson's End Run
Chancellorsville, more than any other battle, is responsible for establishing Lee's reputation as a brilliant tactician. Even though badly outnumbered, Lee sends Stonewall Jackson's troops on a wide arc through the woods, to stun the Federals by suddenly emerging in their rear. Nonetheless, the Union army remains intact at the end of the four-day battle, and is able to withdraw. 

Lee invades the North, 1863 map

  Betting Everything
Fresh from his stunning victory at Chancellorsville, Lee now believes his army is invincible. He is convinced that support for the war in the North is fading fast, and a determined push will result in destruction of the Union army. Although short on supplies, he expects to seize what he needs along the way. But Union morale is better than supposed, and he is now missing both of his best generals. Jackson has been killed at Chancellorsville, while J.E.B. Stuart is off on a daring cavalry raid, out of touch with Lee.


Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 map

  Failed Gamble
Deep into Union territory, Lee has to wheel south to Gettysburg, where Federal troops are converging, but lacks his cavalry support. Union lines are consolidated and dug in on rising ground. Against advice, Lee gambles everything on the third day, ordering a grand assault on the Union center, in sweltering July heat, across exposed fields. Many Rebels believe the attack will fail, like so many earlier frontal attacks by the Union. It does fail. Lee loses a third of his army, and is forced to retreat.