May, 1863
May of 1863 is characterized by constant and heavy fighting in Virginia with the Union trying to march into Richmond, and unable to advance significantly. On May 1st, the Battle of Chancellorsville was fought, and three days later, while crossing the Rappahannock River, Union General "Fighting Joe" Hooker was repulsed. This effectively stopped the Union advance towards Richmond. Other major victories were achieved by the North in Fredericksburg, Raymond, and Jackson. In the West, Grant was leading a successful advance on Vicksburg, Tennessee. The siege of the city was begun May 26th (there is some contestation of that date). The month of May had some very heavy fighting in it, but the Union advance stalled in Virginia. It makes sense that Charles Goodyear would complain about the Union generals in the two letters from this period.
Source:
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186305
Source:
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186305