September 16 - 18, 1862 The Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg)

[Valin]

The Battle of Antietam

According to Shotgun

 

There have been literally dozens of books written about the battle of Antietam. Some good, some not so good, all interesting. While there is no shortage of material on this battle, it is nonetheless an extremely difficult battle to understand. This is an attempt to simplify the story as much as possible for those that may be new to the Civil War and is by no means meant to give the entire details of the battle.

 

After defeating Pope's Army of Virginia in late August '62, at the 2nd Battle of Manassas, Lee had a decision to make. What to do next. Did he pull back into a defensive position and await Lincoln's next move, or did he dare think of something bolder? Since the opening guns at Fort Sumter in April of '61 most of the war in the East had been fought on Virginia soil. The land and the people needed a break. But how did he give it to them? He knew that to fight a strictly defensive war would, sooner or later, mean the end of his army. He could not match the Union forces gun for gun, now, or at anytime in the future. He must draw the enemy onto a field of his choosing and defeat them if possible. It was then he devised his plan for his first foray into northern territory. There would be two such invasions by the Confederates. This one, known in history as the Maryland Campaign, and the other as the Gettysburg Campaign which would occur less than a year later. Lee consulted with Davis (the President of the Confederacy) about his plan, then, making no attempts to hide his army, moved north across the Potomac into Maryland.

 

On September 8, 1862 Lee had his Army of Northern Virginia concentrated in and around the city of Frederick, Maryland. In accordance with Davis's instructions prior to moving across the Potomac, Lee issued a proclamation to the people of Maryland stating what his objectives were. The following is the last part of that proclamation:

 

"....This, citizens of Maryland, is our mission, so far as you are concerned. No constraint upon your free will is intended; no intimidation will be allowed within the limits of this army at least. Marylanders shall once more enjoy their ancient freedom of thought and speech. We know no enemies among you, and will protect all, of every opinion. It is for you to decide your destiny freely and without constraint. This army will respect your choice, whatever it may be; and while the Southern people will rejoice to welcome you to your natural position among them, they will only welcome you when you come of your own free will."

 

However, the citizens in this part of Maryland were pro Union and more closely aligned with the people of Pennsylvania to the North than they were with the Virginians to the South. However things being as they were, Lee could not long worry himself with political matters.

 

(Snip)

 

More Here

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hbHes7ksBw