Archers Brigade participated in essentially three distinct actions during the battle of Chancellorsville. The first was a rear guard action at Catherines Furnace to mask Jacksons flank march. The second action took place in and around Hazel Grove, where the brigade was most heavily engaged. The last action occurred when Lee noticed Archers Brigade standing idle in support of Confederate batteries on Hazel Grove. Lee sent Archer forward to fill the gap separating the two wings of his army, separated since Jackson marched off the morning before.
At Catharines Furnace. Archer skirmished with elements of Sickles III Corps, most likely Berdans Sharpshooters. Coincidentally, Archer defended against Union probes from Hazel Grove at this point.
The next morning, Stuart ordered Archer to sweep the elevation at Hazel Grove, just as Hooker ordered Sickles to withdraw. Consequently, Archer encountered only the Union rearguard, consisting of Grahams Brigade (III/1/1). Archers men charged and fired on the run driving Graham off. Archer continued the advance, until he encountered the breastworks of Ross Brigade (XII/1/2). Archer advanced twice, unsupported, against the Union position, before giving up the effort and retiring to Hazel Grove.
Grahams Brigade (III/1/1) consisted of:
- 57th PA
- 63rd PA
- 68th PA
- 105th PA
- 114th PA Zouaves (replete with red leggings)
- 141st PA
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Several reports refer specifically to the Zouaves retreating in haste, so Archer undoubtedly encountered them that morning.
Archer hit two large, green units in Ross line:
The 145th cracked and began to fall away. The 20th also ran at Chancellorsville, but it may have been before Archers attack.
When Lee put Archer into the drive against Fairview, there may have been little organized resistance left. Bits of companies had been assembled to support the Union guns that defended the position and they all retired as Lee flanked the area.
