Battle of Chancellorsville

The Battle of Chancellorsville (April 30 – May 6, 1863) was a major battle of the American Civil War and the principal engagement of the Chancellorsville campaign. Confederate General Robert E. Lee's risky decision to divide his army in the presence of a much larger enemy force resulted in a significant Confederate victory, described by some historians as Lee's "perfect battle". The victory was tempered by heavy casualties, including Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, who was hit by friendly fire and died of pneumonia eight days later, a loss Lee likened to losing his right arm.