American Historical Ephemera and Photography

"Headquarters / Army of the Potomac." 7 May 1863. 1p, 8 x 10 in. (creasing at folds, light toning). Addressed to Brigadier General Alfred Pleasanton, Commanding. Approved by General Joseph Hooker on verso.

Message reads, in full: "The Major General Commanding desires that you forward to these Head quarters at the earliest possible moment an approximate return of the killed, severely wounded, and missing in your command during the last engagement with the Enemy, distinguishing between officers and men, together with a return of property captured by or captured from or lost by your command."

The Battle of Chancellorsville, April 30 - May 6, was a significant Confederate victory resulting in heavy Union and Confederate casualties. Hooker had assumed command of the Army of the Potomac after Burnside resigned following his disastrous defeat at Fredericksburg. Though Hooker did effect positive changes and organizational reforms, he was nonetheless outmaneuvered by Lee at Chancellorsville forcing a Union retreat and the loss of 17,000 Union soldiers. The order here was issued in the immediate aftermath of the Chancellorsville defeat.