A Midnight Conference

After being driven from the Chancellorsville crossroads by Lee on May 3, 1863, Hooker retreated to a new line of defenses covering U.S. Ford, 3.5 miles to your rear. For two days, Hooker strengthened his defenses and awaited attack. Lee took advantage of Hooker's passiveness to reinforce Confederate troops fighting John Sedgwick at Salem Church. When Sedgwick retreated across the Rappahannock on May 4, Lee again turned his attention to Hooker.<br><br>But "Fighting Joe" had had enough. In a council of war, he asked his corps commanders whether the army should offer Lee battle south of the river or withdraw. By a majority vote, they elected to stay and fight it out. Hooker listened quietly as the council made its recommendation then announced his decision to withdraw. It was his last and perhaps greatest mistake of the campaign.