- Joined
- Feb 27, 2017
- Location
- Ohio
In my opinion, Hooker's biggest mistake was that he expected Lee to do what he wanted him to do. Hooker never intended to fight a major battle. He planned and executed a brilliant campaign. He expected Lee to withdraw ("ingloriously fly") and was surprised when Lee did not. His plan was ruined Lee didn't react as he wanted and confronted him.
Even still, throughout May 2, he believwd Jackson's move was actually the retreat he had been hoping for. Although he did send a warning to Howard, his actions -- allowing Sickles to pursue, sending Barlow to support the pursuit -- belied any real expectation that the right flank was in danger.
Despite the successful flank attack on May 2, the Army of the Potomac was still in a good position to win a victory on May 3. Meade and Reynolds were positioned to strike Jackson's (Stuart's) left flank. This was before Hooker was wounded. Hooker chose to rely on Sedgwick's arrival to "save" him instead. Although Jackson's flank attack was brilliant and gets most of the attention, the battle was truly lost here on the morning of May 3.
Even still, throughout May 2, he believwd Jackson's move was actually the retreat he had been hoping for. Although he did send a warning to Howard, his actions -- allowing Sickles to pursue, sending Barlow to support the pursuit -- belied any real expectation that the right flank was in danger.
Despite the successful flank attack on May 2, the Army of the Potomac was still in a good position to win a victory on May 3. Meade and Reynolds were positioned to strike Jackson's (Stuart's) left flank. This was before Hooker was wounded. Hooker chose to rely on Sedgwick's arrival to "save" him instead. Although Jackson's flank attack was brilliant and gets most of the attention, the battle was truly lost here on the morning of May 3.