Blockaderunner
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2006
- Location
- North Durham, England
After studying the Battle of the Wilderness and visiting the field, I am a little suprised at the low figures given for Confederate losses. I know accurate casualties are difficult to determine, but some accounts give figures of under 8000. The highest estimate I have seen is just over 12000. With Union figures of 17000+, I just can not understand the discrepancy. This was a very evenly fought battle, with both sides having the advantage at one time or another. The initial fight on the Plank Road was evenly fought, with heavy losses on both sides. The fighting on the Orange Plank Road lead to the retreat of Hills Corps and later a repulsed attack by Longstreets Corps. Surely the casualty figures for both sides must have been closer?