Dr. Calvin Fisher Reports to His Brother Alfred the “Awful Scene” at Chancellorsville and the Fate of Several Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

“May God have mercy on General Lee, for I will have none,” boasted Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker in April 1863, the new commander of the Army of the Potomac. With twice as many soldiers as Lee, Hooker was not unjustified in his confidence. Hooker drafted a plan that entailed splitting his 130,000 troops and overwhelming Lee’s 60,000 men, entrenched at Fredericksburg, from both the front and the rear. But Lee was devising his own plan. Leaving behind a small force at Fredericksburg, Lee rushed the majority of his troops to a densely wooded area called “the Wilderness” to intercept Hooker. After a fierce surprise attack on May 1 the Union forces scurried in retreat. Early on May 2 Lee divided his army again, sending an estimated 30,000 soldiers under the command of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Just after 5:00 P.M. Jackson struck, and once again Hooker’s forces were caught off guard and routed by the Confederates. Hooker set up his headquarters at a roadside inn, known as both Chancellor House and Chancellorsville, and ordered fortifications around the perimeter in the event of a renewed offensive. It came the next morning; the Rebels battered the Union troops and shelled the inn relentlessly. Hooker himself was nearly killed after a pillar he was leaning against was smashed to pieces by an artillery round. Against the advice of his officers, Hooker ordered a retreat. Calvin Fisher, a Pennsylvania doctor who had been in Chancellor House during the siege, described the assault to his brother Alfred.

Camp Hancock, Va. May 19th 1863

My Dear Brother:

I long have been awaiting a letter from you but as yet have received none. I suppose that you are aware that since I last saw you I have been north on sick leave on account of partial loss of the sight of my right eye. I was much afraid of Amanrasis as there was dilation of pupil and discolored sight. My trip did not appear to benefit me much but since my return the sight has somewhat improved but is yet far from well.

I am sorry I did not call in to see you as I was to Boalsburg about ten days. I do not know whether I shall continue in the service much longer as probably if it does not get better I shall ask to be transferred to some Hospital North where I can better take care of myself Frank is well is now chief of the Signal Corps of this army, expects promotion to a major—and will in all probability be sent first to the Carolinas then to New Orleans where he expects to spend the summer. This will be a fine position for him and enables him to travel.

Well Alfred I have seen my first battles was under fire for four successive days. On the time of the great flight on Sunday I was ordered by Genl Hancock to take charge of the wounded and remove them to the brick house known as the Chanceller House. On arriving there I was immediately detailed by the Medical Director of the Army to remain in the building, and in case of the retreat of our Army to voluntarily remain as a prisoner in order to take charge of our wounded.

Soon after our lines were forced back beyond the house. When this building being the central point of attack was perfectly enfiladed with shot and shell. Every moment it was struck at one time whilst dressing a wounded leg a shell struck the chimney, when the whole thing came in with a tremendous crash nearly falling in on me. The shot flew then in all directions. Some wounded officers who were in the building at the time remarked that never in the history of the war was there such terrible fire, so concentrated at that one point.

After a while the building took fire by the explosion of a shell when commenced an awful scene. The wounded had to be carried out in the midst of this terrible storm of iron hail coming from both Armies to a place of safety. I had them removed to a place of safety as fast as possible. Many were killed in the transit, but to crown all there were about a dozen or more women in the cellar of the building. When told that the building was on fire and that they must run the gauntlett between those fires then commenced a scene I pray God I may never again witness another such. Their screams were heartrending. One had her leg shot away, another the side of her face. Another was killed and of the others I know not.

After I was told that all were out of the house I thought that I would run through the lower part of the building to see whether all were out. It was well I did so in one room I found four poor fellows unable to move. I had them carried off, then went and put on my Haversack, threw my overcoat over my arm, went to examine the scene. It was anything but a pleasant one. The house was on the point of falling in. The Rebs about 100 yds off coming on a charge bayonet. I thought I had performed my duty and would if possible try and regain our own lines. I started on the run but it was so warm that I stopped and took it in a walk. Oh how the bullets whizzed by me. One struck my sash at my waist, but thanks to a merciful Providence I received no injury and reached our lines in safety.

Our regiment fought like tigers. We had killed or wounded 177 men about 30 killed. Col Beaver was severely wounded in the abdomen. Daul Kelber received a severe wound in the shoulder. George Ishler was killed. Lieuts Bible and Ferguson were killed. If you can get a copy of the Bellefonte Central Press of this week which will publish all. William Weaver son of John Weaver of Pine Grove was killed. Capt. Andrew Mosser died since of Fever contracted on the march. I never was nearer worn out in my life than after that battle.

Al, I am afraid that Genrl. Hooker did not manage the battle rightly. As the enemy were retreating at the same time we were I for my part cannot understand the necessity of our recrossing the river. Please write soon. If possible see the Surgeon General of Harrisburg and find out whether on account of the condition of my eyes I could not be transferred to some Hospital in Penna as I do not wish to resign yet am fearful I must if I remain in the field.

Closing with my Love from your affec Brother
address 148th Pa   C S W Fisher
Hancocks Division 2 corps
Army of the Potomac

After learning of the Union withdrawal, President Lincoln was incredulous: “My God! My God!” he exclaimed, “What will the country say?” On June 28, Lincoln replaced Hooker with George Gordon Meade. Lee had masterminded his greatest triumph of the war, but it was a Pyrrhic victory; he lost over 12,000 out of his 60,000 men, more than one fifth of his army. (The Union forces suffered 17,000 casualties out of 130,000—more men, but a smaller percentage.) Lee was devastated by one death in particular. As Stonewall Jackson and his staff were returning from a reconnaissance mission, nervous Rebel soldiers, seeing silhouettes approaching in the darkness, opened fire, killing two of Jackson’s aides outright and hitting Jackson in the right hand and left arm. Doctors sawed off Jackson’s arm below the shoulder, but, despite early hopes of a recovery, he died in bed on May 10. The Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia, tired but tenacious, both headed north. In less than two months they would clash again in a small Pennsylvania town called Gettysburg.