NSDMS

Fredericksburg/Chancellorsville Staff Ride

May 1-2, 2003

Itinerary and Questions for Role Players

May 1, Fredericksburg

Chatham House

MG Henry Halleck (Thomas Keaney): “Describe the circumstances by which General Burnside became commander of the Army of the Potomac.  What is your evaluation of General Burnside’s plan of attack on Lee’s army?”

MG Ambrose Burnside (Stephen Lorenz):  “What is your plan for crossing the river and defeating the Army of Northern Virginia?  Describe your relationship with your three major subordinate commanders.  Do you have their complete support?”

Upper Pontoon Crossing

MG Edwin Sumner (Beth McCormick):  “Does your Right Grand Division constitute the main attack of the Army of the Potomac?  Discuss the river crossing operation of the Army of the Potomac.   In retrospect, could the operation have been executed differently?”  

BG William Barksdale (Peter Bythrow):  “Describe your defense of Fredericksburg:  how did you understand your mission, how did you execute it, and was it successful?   Could the Federals have forced the crossing more quickly than they did?” 

Town Center/ Visitor’s Center, Walking tour George-Hanover-Sunken Road-Marye’s Heights/Visitor’s Center

MG Darius Couch (James Collins):  “Discuss the attack on Marye’s Heights.  Did you discuss with other Union generals possible alternatives to a frontal attack?”  

MG Lafayette McLaws (Michael Johnson): “Discuss the defense conducted at the stone wall and characterize the fighting there.  To what do you attribute the success of your defense?”

Cemetery

LTG James Longstreet (Alberto Diaz):  “Was the outcome of this fight preordained, and if not, why not?  Do you have a clear conception of Gen Lee’s intent for conducting this battle?” 

Airport

MG William Franklin (Steven Ackleson):  “Describe the Federal plan of attack on the left.  What were your orders from General Burnside, and how did they influence your plan of attack?” 
 

Prospect Hill

MG George Meade 1 (Ted McFarland): "Describe your attack.  Was greater success on your front possible?  How well did the remainder of your Corps support you?”

LTG Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson 1 (Karen Lane):  "Describe your plan of defense.  Who is responsible for the gap in the Confederate lines, and how is it filled?"

Lee Hill

MG “Fighting Joe” Hooker 1 (John Winkler):  Discuss the role of the Center Grand Division in this battle.  What is your evaluation of Gen Burnsides’ conduct of this battle?   

Gen. Robert E. Lee (Eric Olson):  "What is the impact of the battle on the Army of Northern Virginia?  To what do you attribute your singular success here at Fredericksburg?  How do you intend to follow up on this victory?" 

Claiborne’s Restaurant

MG Ambrose Burnside (Stephen Lorenz): “Discuss the results of the battle at Fredericksburg and the performance of your senior subordinates.  Were you satisfied with the support you received from your superiors?”

President Abraham Lincoln (Elizabeth (Polly) Hussain): “When you gave your approval for Gen Burnside’s campaign, did the plan have your complete confidence?  What failures, if any, took place?  What is your opinion now of the competence of Gens Halleck and Burnside?”

MG “Fighting Joe” Hooker 1 (John Winkler):  “Describe the major changes you have implemented since taking over the Army of the Potomac.  What are your plans for this campaign?  Are you satisfied that your commanders understand all aspects of the plan?”   

May 2, Chancellorsville

Ely’s Ford

MG George Stoneman (Pierre Joly): “What is your role in the Chancellorsville campaign?  Are you satisfied with the results?  Why is your performance criticized?” 

BG George Meade 2 (Maureen Koetz): “Discuss the crossing of the Rapidan.  What is your view of the operations of the Corps and its prospects as you cross the river?”

Chancellor House

MG Winfield Scott Hancock (Karyn Vice):  “What explains the abortive nature of the attack of the Union Army on May 1^st?” 

MG “Fighting Joe” Hooker 2 (Joseph Sovey): “As of 1 May, how do you feel the campaign has progressed?” 

Visitor’s Center

Trail walk and break.

Lee/Jackson Bivouac

Gen. Robert E. Lee (Eric Olson): “What is your plan for defeating Hooker?  Given that you have been outmaneuvered thus far, why do you expect to succeed?”  

Catharine Furnace

LTG “Stonewall” Jackson 2 (Mohan Singh): “Discuss the orders you received from General Lee for your flanking movement.  What explains the success of your march around the flank of the Union Army?” 

Laurel Hill Memorial Park

MG Oliver O. Howard (Jesse McCurdy):  “Describe the disposition of your forces.  What were your orders, and how do you explain the defeat of your corps?”

Hazel Grove

MG Daniel Sickles (Eliot Cohen):  “Describe your corps attack on 2 May, and the situation on the morning of 3 May.   What lessons do you draw from your experiences here?”  

MG J.E.B. Stuart (Shelba Proffitt):  “Where are you when Jackson’s attack commences and how do come to command of his corps?  What explains your success in that role?”  

Salem Church

Kenmore Inn

Wrap-up Discussion and Lunch