On Tuesday morning, one division of General Sedgwick’s corps crossed the river at this point; and one division of General Reynolds’ corps crossed about a mile further down. General Sickles’ corps was detached from the remaining two on Wednesday, and ordered to join General Hooker at Chancellorsville. This was the position of General Hooker’s army on Friday, May 1st. With the exception of some slight skirmishing, which took place at the seizure of the Fords, there was, up to this time, no fighting. It was impossible to judge at what time, or from what direction, the enemy would first advance; but every possible preparation was made to guard against a surprise. At two o’clock in the afternoon, a large force of the enemy was discovered approaching from an easterly direction, and coming along what had been a turnpike road; and also along a planked road. Both these roads entered Chancellorsville at right angles; and joining, form one direct road from a building called Tabernacle Church. General Hooker, who had himself headed a cavalry party for the purpose of reconnoitring, immediately on learning of the enemy’s approach returned to his headquarters at Chancellorsville, and made ready to meet them. It being uncertain from which of two points, the south and east, the enemy’s attack would be made, both points were intrenched against them. General Meade’s corps was formed on the front, facing the east; the division of regulars occupying a point north of the old turnpike road, and the other two divisions placed to the left of this on the line of Bank’s Ford road. A division of General Sickles’ corps, under General Berry, supported the left wing of this line; and General Couch’s corps supported the right wing. General Howard’s and General Slocum’s corps were placed in front, at the side facing the south, General Slocum’s corps being formed in double column, with its left resting on the plank road; and General Howard formed in line on the right of it. As supports for this line, the two remaining divisions of General Sickles’ corps were ordered up, under General Whipple, and General Birney. BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA. MAY 1–4, 1863. The moment of attack had come. Soon the brisk cracking of rifles and muskets announced the rebel proximity, and the Union skirmishers, in compliance with orders, gradually fell back upon the main line of battle. This manœuvre had the desired effect, and drew forth the enemy in pursuit, yelling and shouting like fiends broken loose. Matters soon began to look serious, for as rebel column followed column, and they advanced directly upon General Meade’s second division, under General Sykes, it seemed as if the small body of Union men would be instantly overwhelmed by the large Confederate force. General Lee was always distinguished for his skill in hurling a large force upon his opponents; and the present manœuvre bade fair to be one of his many successes of the kind.