From Antietam to Chancellorsville: September 1862 to May 1863“fighting Joe” Hooker |
Who now possessed the initiative? |
By every logical rule of war, the Army of the Potomac still held the initiative. But it was up against a commander of great tactical gifts and a certain kind of arrogance. Lee believed his men could pull off the impossible and that he had the man to lead them.

“The Wilderness” in Orange County, Virginia saw fierce battles in 1863 and 1864.