During the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863, the Beardslee telegraph, also known as the Beardslee magneto-electric telegraph, faced several issues. This telegraph was an early field telegraph used by the Union Army. Below are the main problems it encountered:

1. Limited Range: The Beardslee telegraph had a relatively limited range, which restricted its ability to send messages over the vast distances required during large-scale battles like Chancellorsville.

2. Vulnerability to Enemies: The telegraph lines were often exposed and could be easily cut by enemy forces. This made maintaining communication lines a challenge, particularly in the chaos of battle.

3. Complexity and Training: The device was more complex than the simpler flag and signal systems also used during the war. This complexity required specialized training and sometimes hindered rapid deployment and use among troops who were more familiar with simpler methods of communication.

4. Weather and Terrain: During the battle, environmental factors like rough terrain or bad weather could severely impact the effectiveness of the telegraph by damaging equipment or obstructing lines.

5. Operational Limitations: The Beardslee telegraph was known for its relatively slower transmission compared to visual signaling methods. This lag could prove critical in fast-paced battle scenarios where swift communication was vital.

These factors combined to limit the utility of the Beardslee telegraph during the Battle of Chancellorsville, leading to its eventual decline in favor of other more effective communication methods. For more in-depth historical context and technical details, you can check resources like the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Historical Office.