Antitam (The Bloodiest Day)

The Battle of Antietam The Battle of Antietam just bring outside of Sharpsburg bloody shameland, was a cardinal-day conflict among 41,000 assistant soldiers under the command of oecu workforceical Robert E. lee(prenominal) and 87,000 Union soldiers commanded by General George B. McClellan. The stage was set when lee side undertook an invasion of the North in the late summer of 1862. (A Soldiers estimate by Col G. F. R. Henderson c1958) The Battle of Antietam was one of the bloodiest battle in history. In such an important battle hands vanquish out for their heroic actions--one man inparticular, General Robert E. downwind. Robert E. downwind had a tre handsdous effect on the battle of Antietam.

General Robert E. lee was born January 19, 1807, at Stratford Hall, at a place called risky House (Virginias General by Albert Marrin pg 7 c1994) of his familys plantation laid on the Potomac River in Westmoreland County, Virginia. (Virginias General by Albert Marrin pg 7 c1994). Robert E. lee(prenominal)s fater was cognise as Light Horse Harry he was a cavalry incumbent, a friend of George Washington, and a hero in the fight of Independence. His m early(a), Ann Carter, was a third generation daughter of Carters, perhaps one of the wealthiest of all plantation dynasties of Virginia. (Robert E. downwind by beak Earle pg 20 c1973).

In 1809 when Robert E. lee side was 2, his father, got in debt and was send to prison. leash years later he was freed from jail and got involved in a political brawl in Baltimore and was beaten up. In 1813 he left field hand for Barbados, still in debt. ( Robert E. downwind by Peter Earle pg 21 c1973) Robert E. downwinds mother did not consecrate passable money to bequeath Robert to attend college so he chose the crush career available to him. ( Robert E. lee side by Peter Earle pg 24 c1973). He successfully enrolled at West Point at the age of eighteen in June of 1825. ( R E leewar out-of-the-way(prenominal)ed V1 pg 48 by Douglas freewoman c1934). lee did extremely fountainhead at West Point decided to enter the channelises pattern of study ( which was the most popular program for successful cadets.) As an engineer he was not only employed to build and go for specifically war machine installations, tho as well to assist the federal g all everywherenment in providing internal improvements as the vast bombardment of native Americans and immigrants took up the empty lands crosswise the Appalachians and pushed to the Mississippi and beyond. Lee worked many jobs hardly the greatest of these jobs was clearing snags and altering the course of the Mississippi to help save St. Louis as a river port. progress luck was slow and money was tight especially subsequently his marriage in 1831. (Robert E. Lee by Albert Earle pg 23-24 c1973).

His wife was Mary Anne Randolph Custis, the daughter of George Washingtons adopted son. Lee therefore became an heir to the custom of Washington. The double heritage of Washingtons and Lees that would insure a path that he would generate thirty years later when the outbreak of the elegant War would force him to stumble the greatest decision of his life. world married to Mary did not bring Lee wealth until her father died in 1857. in the write downning then he had to plump for his wife and cardinal children almost entirely from his army officers pay. ( Robert E. Lee by Albert Erale pg 24 c1973) In 1869, Lee was troubled with rheumatism and heart troubles that had bothered him at Gettysburg. Doctors suggested for Lee to go southern in 1870 to seek the sun for benefit of his health. He went by Georgia and the Carolinas which did trivial to improve his health. Back in Virginia he gradually dec derivationd and died at home in Lexington on the twelfth of October. ( Robert E. Lee by Albert Earle pg 210 c1973) On Wednsday, family 3, 1862, quaternity eld Lees participator armys victory at the Second Battle of fuzz Run. Lee wrote a long letter to President Jefferson Davis. In the letter he said that it was a good fourth dimension for the unite army to enter Maryland. Also in the letter he announce that he wanted to take the war to foeman soil for the commencement conviction in the easterly theater. He would take his Army of Northern Virginia uniting, traveling into a b hunting lodge state and launching a campaign that would start up the wizard bloodiest day of combat in American history.

By invading Maryland, Lee thought, he could achieve his first military objectives. He could pressure the opponent on enemy soil. He would be able to feed his army and their horses on Marylands lively autumn harvest. Lee was also almost certain he could lure the Federal forces a course from Washington, which would prevent another enemy march on Richmond before winter came. ( The Bloodiest daylight by Ronald Bailey pg 8 c1984) On the morning of September 3, General Lee decided to berak camp and directed his force towards the modify fords of the Potomac River, which is located just above Leesburg, Virginia, 25 ccs northwest of Chantilly. Lee had a good idea when he chose this particular destination. It was close 30 knots upriver from Washington and just East of the wild blue yonder Ridge plugs. If the accomplices besiegeed, the Federals would take it as a direct scourge to either Washington or Baltimore and would almost surely answer by massing their forces on the north side of the Potomac River. This would remove enemy pressure from Lees tot up line through Manassas Junction and pass off the Confederate soldiery who diaphragmed behind time to collect implements of war and care for the wound soldiers on the battlefields around Bull Run. (The Bloodiest sidereal day by Ronald Bailey pg 10 c1984).

On the way to the Potomac Lee confused cardinal thirds of his men. Many men dropped out because they enlisted because they thought they were departure to be protecting their homes, not going to invade other places. Other men fell behind due to low-down physical conditions, lack of food, illness, or exhaustion. During the march nigh 15,000 men dropped out of Lees army. However, substantial reinforcement from Richmond joined him along the way- one-third infantry grades, a group of cavalry and the sustain artillery. Even with the new troops which came out to be astir(predicate) 20,000, Lee would enter Maryland with barely more than 50,000 men. Lee and his men successfully crossed the Potomac River with dinky trouble. ( The Bloodiest sidereal day by Ronald Bailey pg 15-16 c1984) When Lee entered Maryland he addressed the people with a letter called To The People of Maryland. The letter stated that Lees army had aim prepared to assist you with the power of its arms in riposte the rights of which you have been despoiled. It is for you to decide your destiny freely and without constraint. This army testament respect your choice what ever it may be. ( The Bloodiest daylight by Ronald Bailey pg 18 c1984). The decision the people made was obvious. Stores would no thirster take the Confederates money and the army was looked down apon.

Lee knew that if every comminutedg went his way that he would be able to drive as far north as Pennsylvania. When he reached Frederick, Maryland he could take his army about 25 graybacks northwest across Catoctin chain reactor and South Mountain to Hagers townsfolk, Maryland. After that he could use these mountains to harbor his right flank, he could then follow the path of Cumberland valley Railroads, which curved 70 miles northeast to capital of Pennsylvania. Just west of Harrisburg is the Susquehanna River and an es displaceial couplet of ternary Pennsylvania railroads. If they could destroy the bridge, it would break down a vital Federal supply despatch betwixt east and west.

To carry out this plan Lee would have to protect his means of communication and supply against Federal cavalry raids. Lee planed to do this by moving those lines westward into the Shenandoah Valley. Before Lee could do this he would have to deal with two Federal outposts that stood virtually astride his intended supply route in the Valley. Harpers ferrying was at the flo lengthiness point of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers, which was work by nearly 12,000 Federals. In Martinsburg just northwest of that town was a 2,500 manned garrison. By moving into Maryland Lee had isolated both sides. Lee had assumed that he could vitiate when it was called for. But McClellan ( general in Federal army) commanded both garrisons to stay put.

To take care of this unexpected event, Lee made up a plan that would split up his army four ways. Longstreet had three divisions, the reserve artillery and the supply trains, which would be the first group to move into Pennsylvania. They would have to cross South Mountain to Boonsboro- halfway to Hagerstown.. The majority of the army ( the other six divisions) were exhausting to eliminate the Federal outpost that were threatening the re stance of supply lines. In three separate commands, this force would regroup at Harpers Ferry. Jackson, who commanded three divisions, would take a circuitous route west, capturing Martinsburg and then swinging back upon Harpers Ferry. At the same time, McLaws who commanded two divisions would get back upon Harpers Ferry from the Maryland side of the Potomac. Then General Walkers division would recross the Potomac and enter the town from the Virginia side. After reducing the Federal strong hold, Jackson, McLaw, and Walker would march north to regroup with Longstreet, and wait for boost instructions. ( The Bloodiest daylight by Ronald Bailey pg 19, 21 c1984) All of these orders were issued in a entry called Special Order 191. Lee had copies made and displace one to each of the commanders involved. Knowing that the orders were giving specific movements of the contiguous some(prenominal) days, many of the commanders took special precautions to make sure the study didnt fall into the wrong upsets. Jackson saw that he was presuppose to detach from D. H. hammocks division made a replypart of the order and sent it to him. Jackson was not aware that Lee had al desexualize sent Hill a copy of the order. Jacksons copy neer reached Hill and apparently it arrived in the hands of an unidentified Confederate Staff officer, who un mantled it and found three fresh cigars. The officer placed the package in his pocket. ( The Bloodiest twenty-four hour period by Ronald Bailey pg 21 c1984) On Saturday the 27th 10 am Sergeant joke M. Bloss and Corporal Barton W. Mitchell from the 27th Indiana n the Union army, were lounging in the grass of an old Confederate camp site. Mitchell caught sight of something nearby in the grass. He picked it up and it was three fresh cigars wrapped in a sheet of paper. Mitchell and Bloss took the sheet of paper to the accompany commander, which was quickly sent up the chain of command. The division adjutant general, Samuel E. Pittman, immediately realized the authenticity of the document. He recognized the hand writing from Robert H. Chilton, Lees adjutant general. And a comrade from the prewar Army. Pittman sent the letter to McClellan and McClellan sent it to Lincoln.

in that location was one exception to the document that was found. At Boonsboro 15 miles northwest of McClellans headquarters at Frederick, Longstreets wing was suppose to halt. Lee was with Longstreet and they heard that the Federals were marching South towards Hagerstown. Since Hagerstown was the chief(prenominal) point for Lees invasion of Pennsylvania, he and Longstreet and 10,000 men went to that city, leaving D. H. Hill a 5,000 man division to guard the rear. Now Lees 50,000 troops were deployed in five separate forces instead of four, and they were spread out over 25 miles. This provided McClellan with even a greater opportunity than he imagined. On the following Saturday good afternoon McClellan waved a copy Lees order he shouted to one of his brigadiers. ( The Bloodiest Day by Ronald Bailey pg 38 c1984) Here is a paper with which if I cannot whiplash injury Bobbie Lee, I will be willing to go home. (The Bloodies Day pg 38 Ronald Bailey c1984 ) Lee knew that the Federal garrison at Harpers Ferry was the key. He also knew it was a very crucial factor. Lee needed a quick victory so that his split up forces could reunite before the army of the Potomac caught up with them. There was a small stir up at South Mountain and the Federals had unconnected 1,800 and the ??Confederates lost 2,700 had 800 missing. ( The Bloodiest Day by Ronald Bailey pg 47 c1984) On September 15, The Confederates were retreating from South Mountain and crossing Antietam Creek. Robert E. Lee commanded his troops to make a stand on the hills just outside of Sharpsburg, Maryland. That afternoon more news came from Harpers Ferry that strengthened Lees resolve to urge the Federals at Sharpsburg. Lee would have to make do with a very weak force until Jackson arrived from Harpers Ferry. Lee had 18,000 men, the men From D.H. Hills division, and Longstreets two divisions. This was slight than one-third the number of pursuing Federals. one of Lees artillery officers showed concern about the pursuing Federals, and Lee reassure him that the Federal would not onrush on that day or on the next morning.

Lees choice of position promised strong defense. It had a tree lined Antietam, which flowed from north to south and was less than a mile east of Sharpsburg before it entered the Potomac 3 miles south of town. The river was fordable in places and had three stone bridges, each a mile or so apart. The area north of Sharpsburg was a mile away from Antietam and ran parallel to it. It consisted of mainly fenced cornfields and pastures.

Lee deployed his troops between the northern barriers and the Potomac. He made a four mile line with his troops. The terrain provided excellent barriers for Lees infantrymen. It had rail and stone fences, limestone outcroppings that were waist naughty, little hallows and swales. Even though the line would be very thin even after Jacksons troops got there, another geographical location would help them. Just to the west of the ridge there was a major north south road. It was the turnpike that connected Hagerstown, Sharpsburg and Harpers Ferry. It was a good route for shifting troops back and aside rapidly. Lee overlooked one aspect of the terrain. They would have to fight with their backs to the Potomac. If they wanted to fall back there was very little room between Sharpsburg and the river. The risk of this would have caused most generals to retreat, but not Lee.

As Lee had predicted earlier, McClellan was pursuing very slowly. The afternoon of September 15, was when the first two divisions appeared. It was dark by the time the majority of the army reached the location. ( The Bloodiest Day by Ronald Bailey pg 60-61 c1984) Lee sent orders to Colonel G.T. Anderson just before 7:30, commanding a brigade on the Boonsboro road, east of Sharpsburg, to go support Hood. Then he directed General J.G. Walker to give Jackson two brigades of his division. This meant he was going to have to use thirteen of his twenty four brigades in a one mile infinite when there was four miles to cover. On the right flank to confirm one and a half miles he left seven brigades. In the affectionateness of the line D.H. Hill had 3,000 men ready to engage. Lee order McLaw to go through what the enemy had broken. Lee himself rode to the left flank for the safety concern. He directed Capatin supply to move his battery to defend the ridge about three quarters miles north west of Sharpsburg.



He hoped this would keep the enemy from turning left. ( R.E. Lee V 2 by Douglas Freeman pg 387-389 (c1934) Lee had placed cannon on Nicodemus Height to his left, the high ground in crusade of Dunker Church, the ridge just east of Sharpsburg and on the heights overlooking the Lower couplet. Infantry modify in the lines between these points, including a sunken lane less that half a mile long with worm shut in along both sides ( later known as blooming(a) Lane). A handful of Georgia sharpshooters guarded the Lower Bridge ( Burnside Bridge). By the evening of the 16th McClellan had about 60,000 troops ready to attack- that is double the number available to Lee. The battle undefendable at a damp, murky dayspring on the seventeenth when Union artillery on the bluffs beyond Antietam Creek began bloody fire on Jacksons lines near Dunker Church.

As the Federals marched towards Millers Cornfield north of town, the confederates rose up in the cornfield and fired on the advancing lines. McClellan responded by withdrawing his infantry and training cannon on the corn. Hookers troops advanced again, driving the Confederates before them. about(predicate) 7 a.m. Jackson was reinforced and succeeded in driving the Federals back. An instant later Union troops under Gen. Mansfield counterattacked and regained some lost ground. little than cc yards apart, the opposing lines fired leadin to each other for a half hour. Fighting continued back and forth over the 20-acre cornfield, with the field changing hands 15 times, according to some accounts. Then in an effort to turn the Confederate left flank, General Sedgwicks division of Gen. Sumners corps advanced into the west woods. There Confederate troops arriving from other parts of the field touch Sedgwicks flank, killing or wounding nearly half of his division- about 2,255 men- within a quarter hour of point dummy fire. During the three hours of battle, the Confederates had stopped two Federal corps and a division from another, totaling about 20,000 men. Approximately 10,000 men from both sides locate dead or wounded by 9 a.m. ( The Bloodiest Day by Ronald Bailey pg 73-83 c1984).

Meanwhile General Frenchs division of Sumners Union corps moved up to support Sedgwick but verved south into the center of the Confederate line, under General D.H. Hill. The Confederates were posted along a ridge in an old suken road seperating the Roulette and bagpiper farms. The 800 yard long road had been worn down over the years by heavy wagons taking grain to nearby mill, making an ideal defense trench for the Rebels. At dawn about five brigades of D.H. Hills troops guarded this lane. Soon three brigades had been pulled out to support Jackson in the East Woods, but they were beaten back by Union General Greenes attack on the position. By 9:30 a.m. the Confederates were stacking fence data track on the north side of the road to provide spare protection from Union forces, advancing in paradelike precision across the field.

From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., bitter fighting along this deeply cut lane ( later known as Bloody Lane) as French, supported by General Rivhardsons division, also of Sumers corps, sought to drive the Southerners back. By 1 p.m. about 5,600 killed and wounded troops both sides lay along and in front of this 800 yard lane.

Finally seeing a weak roll in the hay in the Confederate line, the 61st and 64th New York regiments penetrated the crest of the hill at the eastern end and began firing spread out after volley full length down the sunken line. Then, misinterpreting an order, a Confederate officer pulled his regiment out of the road. The remaining defenders rapidly scramble out of the lane, over the fence, and fled through the cornfields to the south, some not fish filet until they had reached the outskirts of Sharpsburg. More than 300 Rebels threw down their arms and surrendered on the spot. Lees army was ruined and the end of the Confederacy was in sight. About 200 Rebel infantry attempted a weak counter attack, while Lee rushed 20 cannon to the genus Piper farm. An attack through this hole would have crushed the Confederate center, and the remaining divisions could be destroyed piecemeal. Fortunately for the South, however, McClellan decided aganist a counter attack with his fresh reserve. That fateful decision would allow the Confederacy to fight on for three more years. ( The Bloodiest Day by Ronald bailey pg 86-109 c1984) Southeast of town, Union General Burnsides corps of 12,000 men had been trying to cross a 12 tush panoptic bridge over Antietam Creek since 9:30 a.m. About 450 Georgian sharpshooters took up positions behind trees and boulders on a soak up wooded bluff some 100 feet high and overlooking the Lower Bridge. Greatly out numbered, the COnfederates drove back several Union advances towards the bridge. Finally, at 1 p.m. the Federals crossed the 125 foot long bridge and, after a 2 hour delay to rest and replenish ammunition, continued their advance towards Sharpsburg. By late afternoon about 8,000 Union troops had control the Confederates back almost to Sharpsburg, threatening to cut off the line of retreat for Lees army. By 3:30 p.m. many Rebels pile the streets of Sharpsburg in retreat. The battle seemed lost to the Southern army.

Then at 3:40 p.m. General A.P. Hills division, left behind by Jackson at Harpers Ferry to salvage the captured Federal property, arrived on the field after a march of 17 miles in eight hours. Immediately Hills 3,000 troops entered the fight, attacking the Federals unprotected left flank. Burnsides troops were driven back to the heights near the bridge they had taken earlier. The attacks at the Burnside Bridge and Hills counter attack in the fields south of Antietam resulted in 3,470 casualties-- twice as many Union casualties (2,350) as Confederates (1,120). McClellan although held 20,000 men of V army corps and VI Corps in reserve--and lost a fleck opportunity to defeat the entire Confederate army. By 5:30 p.m., the Battle of Antietam was over.

The Next day Federal and Confederate leaders struck up an informal truce, so they could begin gathering up the wounded and dying. During the evening of the 18th Lee began withdrawing his army across the Potomac River. ( The Bloodiest Day by Ronald Bailey pg 120-141 c1984) September 17, 1862, was the single bloodiest day of the entire war. Lee commanded 39,000 troops at Antietam, 10,318, one forth, were casualties ( 1,546 killed, 7,754 wounded, 1,018 M.I.A.). The Federals suffered even greater lose, 12,410 total casualties (2,108 killed, 9,549 wounded, 753 M.I.A.). McClellan at the beging of the battle commanded 71,500 men. ( Robert E. Lee by Emory M. Thomas pg 162 c1995) Refrences Virginias General: Robert E. Lee and the Civil War Marrin, Albert (c1994). Robert E. Lee: a annals. Atheneum Macmillan Publishing Company.

R. E. Lee brashness 1 Freeman, Douglas (c1934). Robert E. Lee biography Charles Scribners Sons.

R. E. Lee Volume 11 Freeman, Douglas (c1934). Robert E. Lee biography Charles Scribners Sons Robert E. Lee Earle, Peter (c1973). Robert E. Lee biography George Weidenfeld and Nicolson Limited, London.

Robert E. Lee Thomas, Emory (c1995). Robert E. Lee biography W. W. Norton and Company Inc, New York.

The Bloodiest Day Bailey, Ronald and the editors of Life Books (c1984) Time Life Books Inc.

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