The Mud March (January 20, 1863 – January 23, 1863) was an attempt by Union Army Major General Ambrose Burnside to attack Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. After the disastrous defeat of the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Burnside was anxious to redeem himself. He planned for his Army to make a winter march across the Rappahannock River on December 30, 1862. But he had not informed President Abraham Lincoln of his plan. Lincoln called him back. Three weeks passed and this time, with Lincoln's implied approval, the army marched southward. However, winter rains made the roads nearly impassable. After four days the attempt ended in failure.
Mud March
Questions and Answers
Q: What was the Mud March?
A: The Mud March was an attempted attack by Union Army Major General Ambrose Burnside on Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
Q: Why did Burnside want to undertake the Mud March?
A: Burnside wanted to undertake the Mud March to redeem himself after the disastrous defeat of the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Q: When was the Mud March supposed to take place?
A: The Mud March was supposed to take place on December 30, 1862.
Q: Why was Burnside called back by President Lincoln?
A: Burnside was called back by President Lincoln because he had not informed him of his plan to undertake the Mud March.
Q: Did Lincoln ultimately approve of the Mud March?
A: Yes, Lincoln ultimately approved of the Mud March, but only after Burnside had been recalled and three weeks had passed.
Q: Did the Mud March succeed or fail?
A: The Mud March failed after four days due to winter rains making the roads nearly impassable.
Q: What was the aftermath of the Mud March?
A: The aftermath of the Mud March was that Burnside was relieved of his command and replaced by Major General Joseph Hooker.