Both sides had now fought to a frazzle, and were thoroughly exhausted. Both had displayed with a few exceptions the most determined courage and obstinacy. No more desperate fighting was ever done over such a length of time. The ground was covered with the slain, and in some places the woods had taken fire, and the ground was hot to stand on. The Federal artillery after the Confederates got in position was badly smashed. Slocum mentions that two of his battery commanders were killed, sixty-three cannoneers killed or wounded, and eighty horses shot in harness.
But it was now becoming apparent that the Federals were playing a losing game. As their lines became contracted they were more exposed to the destructive fire of the Confederate artillery. Hooker gave orders to retire. Hancock described his situation as fighting in opposite directions, one line faced Fredericksburg, the other towards Gordonsville, the enemy's lines being half a mile apart, and projectiles from his artillery from front and rear passing over both his lines, while they were enfiladed by other pieces in different positions. The battery at the right of the Chancellor house had lost all its officers and cannoneers and horses, and had to be moved by hand by details from the infantry. Covering the retirement of Sickles and Slocum, Hancock left the field at 10 A. M. and moving half a mile to the rear, established a new line occupying the left of a salient toward the Chancellor house. Anderson who had been steadily pressing forward was now able to join hands with Stuart, and when that was effected a general advance was ordered. Wright's brigade was the first to emerge upon the plains of Chancellorsville, and he was quickly followed by the remainder of Anderson's and Stuart's troops, McLaws at the same time moving up along the Plank road.
When General Lee rode into the open to greet his victorious troops he received a tumultuous ovation which must have stirred his soul. The troops were wild with excitement and success. The past with its horrors was forgotten, and they knew only the delirium of victory. The welkin rang with shouts and cheers, and the war-worn veterans almost wept for joy.
