Union and Confederate forces fought a series of battles near Richmond: Mechanicsville (June 26-27), Gaines's Mill (June 27), Savage's Station (June 29), Frayser's Farm (June 30), and Malvern Hill (July 1). By July 2, General McClellan's <a href="http://www.peninsulacampaign.org/">Peninsular Campaign</a> was essentially over.<br /><br />
Battle of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/frsp/cedar.htm">Cedar Mountain</a><br /><br />
2nd Bull Run/Manassas <a href="http://www.nps.gov/mana/battlefield_history/secondmana.htm">Campaign</a><br /><br />
On September 4th, four brigades of his leading division under D.H. Hill cross the Potomac into Maryland: Ripley at Point of Rocks, Garland by Noland's Ferry, and Colquitt and Rodes over Cheek's Ford. While the bulk of General Stuart's Cavalry Division remain at Dranesville, elements of Robertson's Brigade (7th and 12th Va, Chew's Battery) stage diversionary attacks on the outskirts of Washington, skirmishing with Federal Cavalry near Lewinsville ...<br /><br />
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Jackson's Command crosses the Potomac at White's Ford; the "Stonewall" Division, Taliaferro's Brigade in the lead. By evening MGen Jackson is at Buckeystown on the Frederick Road. Now Commander of Confederate forces north of the Potomac, he orders MGen DH Hill to consolidate his Brigades already in Maryland and join at Buckeystown; Hill does so by late evening.<br /><br />
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MGen McClellan, commander of the Federal forces at Washington City, on word of the Confederate moves to Leesburg and into Maryland, sends BGen Pleasonton's cavalry to scout the enemy, and pushes elements of the Army to the perimeter of the Defenses of Washington: Sumner's and Banks' Corps to near Rockville; Couch's Division (IV Corps) to Offutt's Crossroads, and Burnside's Corps near Beltsville by day's end.<br /><br />
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In the afternoon of Friday, 5 September, following Jackson, MGen Stuart takes most of his Cavalry Division across at White's Ford and deploys as screen south and east, pushing out to near Poolesville. A squadron of Federal Cavalry from the 1st Massachusetts skirmish with Stuart there, many of it's troopers captured.<br /><br />
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Confederate MGen Longstreet's Command along with the divisions of McLaws and RH Anderson cross the Potomac at White's Ford above Leesburg on 6 September, and march to camp near Buckeystown, Maryland.<br /><br />
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On Saturday, 6 September, Jackson's command proceeds to Monocacy Junction, where the divisions of Lawton and AP Hill move off to the north and east to guard the approaches to Frederick from those directions. Jackson's Division, under BGen JR Jones, then proceeds into and through Frederick City, most camping just north of town. One brigade, under native Marylander Col. Bradley Johnson, remains in the city as provost guard.<br /><br />
DH Hill's Division moves up and camps on the Best farm about two miles south of Frederick; also the personal bivouac of Generals Lee, Jackson, and Longstreeet by the end of the day<br /><br />
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BGen Stuart takes his cavalry to Urbana by way of Hyattstown. Enroute, a detachment captures Federals signalling from Sugar Loaf Mountain, and rescue a courier with dispatches for Gen Lee previously caught by Federal troops at that station.<br /><br />
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The small force of the Maryland Potomac Home Brigade evacuates Frederick just ahead of the Confederates.<br /><br />
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MGen McClellan pushes the IX Corps north and east to extend his right, orders the VI Corps to the left in reserve, and brings the I Corps across the Potomac. BGen Pleasonton's Federal Cavalry widen their probes into Maryland<br /><br />
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The last units of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia (ANV), Walker's Division (with G.B. Anderson's Brigade of D.H. Hill's Division), Munford's Cavalry, and the Reserve Artillery (with the battlions of S.D. Lee and Walton) cross the Potomac into Maryland at Cheek's and White's Fords. After a short march, Walker and Anderson go into camp near Buckeystown; BGen Pendleton marches the artillery to near Frederick; and Col Munford takes his brigade to Frederick, then to join the rest of MGen Stuart's cavalry near Urbanna by sundown on the 7th.<br /><br />
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At Washington, Federal MGen McClellan consolidates his left by moving MGen Franklin's VI Corps to Offutt's Crossroads to join Couch's Division. Toward the end of the day, without express authority to do so, McClellan orders MGen Banks to remain in command of the defences of the city, and moves his own Headquarters to the field with the main body at Rockville.<br /><br />
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There is significant combat between cavalry units as Confederate Gen Munford attempts to recover Poolesville from Gen Pleasonton's Federal troopers early in the day, but is repelled, then taking up station near Sugar Loaf Mountain, now the far western end of the Confederate line.<br /><br />
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From his Headquarters near Frederick, Gen Lee issues his <a href="http://www.nps.gov/anti/lee_proc.htm">proclamation</a> to the people of Maryland, explaining his reasons for being in the state, and encouraging the citizens to "throw off the yoke" of Federal control. He is met with little enthusiasm.<br /><br />
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Near midnight on 8 September there is a sharp skirmish at Hyattstown - action which temporarily interrupts General Stuart's famous ball at Urbana.<br /><br />
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By September 9th, Lee has become concerned that the Federal garrisons at Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry, which are on his prospective supply line, have still not been evacuated as expected. He plans to split his army, sending parts of it to clear the garrisons beginning on September 10. He sends his commanders the plan in Special Orders No. 191.<br /><br />
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During the day on 9 September the Federal Right Wing - the <a href="http://aotw.org/officers.php?unit_id=17">Ninth (Reno)</a> and <a href="http://aotw.org/officers.php?unit_id=62">First (Hooker)</a> Corps - advances beyond Brookeville toward Frederick.<br /><br />
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Before dawn on the 10th most of the Army of Northern Virginia, Gen Jackson in the lead, leave their camps around Frederick heading northwest along the National Road. They form detachments called for in Gen Lee's Special Orders 191 with the mission to clear the Federal garrisons at Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Jackson's Command reaches near Boonsboro, Longstreet's (with Lee - the "main body") to just beyond Middletown, and McLaws' Division to near Burkittsville.<br /><br />
Walker's Division, on the march since about 9:00 pm of the 9th, was on a mission to destroy the Moncacy Aqueduct, but gets new orders in 191 and backtracks to cross the Potomac into Virginia near Point of Rocks at days end.<br /><br />
Hill's Division remains just south of Frederick as the rear guard, screened by Stuart's Cavalry along the Monocacy.<br /><br />
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During the second day out of Frederick, three Confederate columns are on the way to their assigned positions around Harpers Ferry. Jackson takes a longer route than planned, crosses the Potomac at WIlliamsport, and ends the day north and west of Martinsburg.<br /><br />
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During the second day out of Frederick, three Confederate columns are on the way to their assigned positions around Harpers Ferry. The second, McLaws - with Anderson's Division - enters Pleasant Valley by way of Crampton's Gap, enroute to Maryland Heights.<br /><br />
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Gen Lee accompanies the remaining units of Longstreet's Command to near Hagerstown.<br /><br />
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Soldiers of the 27th Indiana Infantry Regiment find a mislaid copy of Gen Lee's <a href="http://aotw.org/exhibit.php?exhibit_id=9">Special Orders No. 191</a> in a field near Frederick. The orders describe the far flung parts of the Confederate Army and their mission to clear the Federal forces at Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry.<br /><br />
By noon they are in the hands of Gen McClellan, commanding the Army of the Potomac.<br /><br />
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Humphreys' Division left Washington at daylight on September 14, and reached Frederick on the afternoon of September 15. During September 16 and 17 this Division was stationed in front of Frederick to protect that city. At 3:30 P.M. of September 17 it was ordered to march to the battlefield of Antietam and to reach there, if possible, at daylight. It marched at once and reached the field at 7 A.M. on September 18, 1862, relieving Morell's Division at this point.<br /><br />
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This Division, composed of the Brigades of Toombs, Kemper, Drayton, Jenkins, Garnett, and George T. Anderson, withdrew from its position on the South Mountain during the night of Sept. 14, and marched, by the Boonsboro Pike, to Sharpsburg.<br /><br />
It crossed the Antietam at the Middle Bridge and took position on the high ground to the south and southeast of the town, commanding the Burnside Bridge. The Division participated in the Artillery firing and skirmishing on the afternoon of the 16th, but was not otherwise seriously engaged.<br /><br />
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Hood's Division withdrew from its position on South Mountain and marched to Sharpsburg during the night of September 14, acting as rear guard to the Army of Northern Virginia.<br /><br />
It reached this point at noon of the 15th. During the afternoon it was moved to a position in the fields east of the Dunkard Church. At nightfall of the 16th a portion of the Division became engaged with the advance of Meade's Division in the East Woods. The firing ceased soon after dark and, at 10 P.M., the Division was relieved by Lawton's and Trimble's Brigades of Ewell's Division and withdrew to a position in the rear of the Dunkard Church, where it remained during the night.<br /><br />
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Evans' Brigade, with Hood's Division, formed the rear guard of the Army of Northern Virginia during its withdrawal from South Mountain. Reaching this point about noon of September 15, it formed in support of the Artillery of Longstreet's Command with orders to cover the Middle Bridge across the Antietam. It skirmished with the enemy during the afternoon of the 16th, but was not otherwise engaged.<br /><br />
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Longstreeet's Command, consisting of D.R. Jones' and Hood's Divisions and Evans' Brigade with D.H. Hill's Division of Jackson's Command, withdrew from its position on South Mountain during the night of September 14, and marched by the Boonsboro Pike to Sharpsburg. It crossed the Antietam at the Middle Bridge and, reaching the field at about noon of September 15, formed line outside the town, its left resting on the Boonsboro Pike at this point where where it connected with the division of D.H. Hill of Jackson's Command. Its right extended beyond the town in the direction of the Burnside Bridge.<br /><br />
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The Army of Northern Virginia was composed of Longstreet's and Jackson's Commands, Stuart's Cavalry Division and the Reserve Artillery.<br /><br />
D. R. Jones' and Hood's Divisions and Evans' Brigade of Jackson's Command, also D.H. Hill's Division of Jackson's Command, were withdrawn from South Mountain during the night of September 14 and concentrated at Sharpsburg early next day, September 15. McLaws', R.H. Anderson's and Walker's Divisions were detached from Longstreet's Command to assist Jackson in the investment of Harpers Ferry. Jackson's Command, having captured Harpers Ferry, reached Sharpsburg on September 16 and 17. Stuart's Cavalry and a part of the Reserve Artillery reached the field on the 15th and 16th. At nightfall of the 16th Hood's Division, occupying a position in the East Woods and in the fields between them and the Hagerstown Pike, in advance of the left of the Confederate line, encountered the advance of Meade's Division of Hooker's Corps, Army iof the Potomac. The engagement ended at dark.<br /><br />
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D.H. Hill's Division retired from South Mountain during the night of September 14, crossed the Antietam at the Middle Bridge at daylight of the 15th, and formed line facing the Antietam on the high ground east of this road, its right near the Boonsboro Pike, its left on the Hagerstown Pike near the Bloody Lane. On the 15th and 16th it supported the Artillery which was engaged with the Federal Batteries beyond the Antietam. Late on the 16th the Brigades of Colquitt and Ripley were moved to the left and occupied the fields near Mumma's house, connecting with the right of Hood's Division. <br /><br />
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D.H. Hill's Division led the retreat from South Mountain, on the night of the 14th. Rodes' and Colquitt's Brigades, both under command of Rodes, were hastened to Sharpsburg to expel the Union Cavalry which had escaped from Harpers Ferry. The Cavalry having moved on in the direction of Hagerstown, Rodes marched through the town and halted near the Potomac, early on the 15th. The three other Brigades of the Division halted midway between the Antietam and Sharpsburg. Geo. B. Anderson's Brigade formed line on either side of the Boonsboro Pike 830 yards southeast of this, Ripley's Brigade formed on Anderson's left rear, with its right near the Pike, Rodes Brigade marched back through the town and formed line in the field immediately east of this, and Garland's Brigade took position in the adjoining field on Rodes' left. The line faced the Antietam. Artillery was put in position on this high ground and between this and Sharpsburg and engaged the Union Artillery beyond the Antietam. On the 16th Colquitt's Brigade was marched from its bivouac southwest of the town and went into line on Garland's left, near the Roulette house, and late in the day, on the advance of Hooker's Corps, Ripley's Brigade was moved from the right and bivouacked south of Mumma's in support to the right of Ewell's Division.<br /><br />
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The Ninth Army Corps moved from Fox's Gap in South Mountain by the Sharpsburg Road on the morning of September 15th, and in the evening encamped in the rear of the extreme left of the Army of the Potomac under the crest of the ridge opposite the Middle Antietam Bridge.<br /><br />
On the morning of the 16th the Corps moved to the left and took position upon the rear slopes of the ridges on the east bank of the Antietam, the center nearly opposite the Burnside Bridge.<br /><br />
Benjamin's Battery (E, 2nd U.S. Artillery) occupied the knoll commanding the bridge; the remaining Batteries of the Corps were in reserve under cover of the ridge. During the 16th Benjamin's Battery engaged the Confederate Batteries posted on Cemetery Hill.<br /><br />
In the afternoon the Battery moved a short distance south; Crook's Brigade on its right rear, supported by Sturgis' Division, and Rodman's Division on its left rear with Scammon's Brigade in support. Wilcox's Division formed a third line in reserve.<br /><br />
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Richardson's Division of the Second Corps, preceded by the 5th New Hampshire as skirmishers, led the Infantry advance from South Mountain on the morning of September 15 and reached this point in early afternoon, the skirmishers engaging those of the enemy beyond the Antietam. Sedgwick's and French's Divisions passed through Keedysville, late in the day, and bivouacked in the fields west of that place.<br /><br />
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On the morning of September 15, 1862, the Army of the Potomac pursued the retreating Confederates from South Mountain: Pleasonton's Cavalry, the Second, First and Twelfth Corps by Turner's Pass, Boonsboro and Keedysville; Sykes' Division of the Fifth Corps, the Reserve Artillery and Ninth Corps by Fox's Pass and the Old Sharpsburg Road. The Sixth Corps and Couch's Division (attached to the 6th Corps) remained near Crampton's Pass. Pleasonton overtook the Confederate Cavalry rear guard at Boonsboro, attacked and cut it off from the main body and pursued it in the direction of Hagerstown. Richardson's Division, Second Corps, in the advance, followed closely and skirmished with the retreating Infantry, until it reached the ridge bordering the Antietam, behind which it formed line, north of the Boonsboro Pike. Tidball's Battery (A 2nd U.S.) and Petit's Battery (B 1st N.Y.), from the crest of the ridge, engaged the Confederate Artillery posted at and south of this point. French's and Sedgwick's Divisions, Second Corps, halted on either side of the Pike, midway between Keedysville and the Antietam. The First Corps took position east of the Upper Bridge; the Twelfth Corps halted near Keedysville. Sykes' Division formed south of the Boonsboro Pike, on Richardson's left. Late in the day the Ninth Corps encamped on Geeting's farm at the west base of Elk Ridge. Army Headquarters were established at Pry House.<br /><br />
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The Washington Artillery crossed the Antietam about 9 A.M. of the 15th and took position on the high ground overlooking the creek to the east and south of Sharpsburg. The left wing, composed of the 1st and 3rd Companies, rested on the Boonsboro Pike, on ground now occupied by the National Cemetery; the right, composed of the 2nd and 4th Companies, was posted on the bluffs commanding the approaches to the Burnside Bridge. During the afternoon of the 15th and morning of the 16th it became engaged with the enemy's heavy Batteries on the opposite side of Antietam Creek.<br /><br />
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The Reserve Artillery crossed the Antietam about 8 A.M. of the 15th and took position on the high ground overlooking the creek to the east and south of Sharpsburg. Eubank's Battery was posted on the bluff commanding the Burnside Bridge. At 1 P.M. the Reserve Artillery engaged the long-range guns of the enemy along the heights on the east bank of Antietam Creek. During the night of the 15th the Reserve Artillery was moved to the left, to a position near the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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Jones' Division reached Sharpsburg on the morning of the 15th and took position on Cemetery Hill and the high ground about 350 yards to the west and northwest of this point.<br /><br />
A part of Toombs' Brigade, the 50th Georgia of Drayton's Brigade, and a Company each of Walker's (Jenkins') Brigade and Hood's Division, all under command of Gen. Toombs, were advanced to contest the passage of the Antietam by the Burnside Bridge and the fords below. The Washington Artillery (15 guns), Hood's Division Artillery (14 guns) and Captain J.S. Brown's Virginia Battery (4 guns), in all 33 guns, strengthened Jones' Division which formed the extreme right of the Army of Northern Virgignia. During the 16th the Division was subjected to an annoying fire from the long range guns beyond the Antietam.<br /><br />
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Richardson's Division of the Second Corps, in close pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia in its retreat from South Mountain, passed through Boonsboro and Keedysville on the morning of September 15th, and, early in the afternoon, took position behind the bluff bordering the Antietam west of this, the skirmishers of the Division being advanced onto the bluff and engaging those of the enemy behind the creek. French's Division followed later in the day and went into bivouac on either side of the road at this point. Sedgwick's Division bivouacked on French's right, its right east of the Pry house. The three divisions remained in these positions until the morning of the 17th when they crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford and went into action on the right and right center of the Union line.<br /><br />
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Jenkins' Brigade reached Sharpsburg at 11 A.M. September 15th. and took position on the high ground west of the Cemetery. Late in the evening it moved to the high ground west of the Burnside Bridge Road, where it remained under artillery fire until 3 P.M. of the 17th, when it returned to its first position in support of Moody's and Squire's Batteries.<br /><br />
It then advanced to the apple orchard and to the stone house and mill, about 250 yards north of this point, where it engaged the Federal line, which had reached this elevation. After the withdrawal of the enemy, the Brigade advanced its skirmishers over this ground to the crest of the hill overlooking the low ground and a belt of woodland bordering the Antietam. The Brigade was relieved by Fitzhugh Lee's Cavalry Brigade during the night of the 18th and at sunrise of the 19th crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford.<br /><br />
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Garnett's Brigade reached Sharpsburg at 11 A.M. September 15th, and took position on the southwest slope of Cemetery Hill where it remained until the morning of the 17th, when it relieved Geo. T. Anderson's Brigade in support of the Washington Artillery. When that command was relieved by S. D. Lee's Artillery in the afternoon, the Brigade advanced into the cornfield in front of Lee's guns, between this point and the cemetery wall, and engaged the right of the advancing Federal line.<br /><br />
The right of the Confederate line west of the Burnside Bridge Road being turned, the Brigade was withdrawn, by the cross streets, to the north of the town, and cooperated with Drayton's Brigade and A.P. Hill's Division in the attack on the Federal left.<br /><br />
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Drayton's Brigade reached Sharpsburg about 11 A.M., September 15th and was posted on the southwest slope of Cemetery Hill. Late in the day it was moved to the rear of the high ground northwest of this point and formed on the left of Kemper's Brigade. On the 16th the 50th Georgia was detached and sent to the support of Toombs' Brigade at the Burnside Bridge. The Brigade was exposed to artillery fire on the 16th and 17th from the enemy's long range guns beyond the Antietam. About 3 P.M., of the 17th, the enemy, having forced a crossing at and below the bridge, attacked the Brigade and forced it back to the streets of the town. It soon reformed and joined by Garnett's Brigade, cooperated with Kemper and Toombs in checking the further advance of the enemy.<br /><br />
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Kemper's Brigade reached Sharpsburg about noon September 15th and took position on Cemetery Hill. In the afternoon the Brigade moved to the ravine about 520 yards northwest of this. At noon of the 17th, the 7th and 24th Regiments were sent down the Harpers Ferry Road about 520 and 850 yards respectively, to guard the right flank. Upon the approach of the 9th Corps, about 3 P.M. the 1st, 11th and 17th Regiments advanced to the high ground in their front and met the charge of Fairchild's Brigade; they were driven from their position and retreated through the town. They reformed with Garnett's and Drayton's Brigades in the Harpers Ferry Road just south of the town and, co-operated with Toombs' Brigade, and A.P. Hill's Division, checked the further advance of the enemy and reoccupied the ground from which they had been driven, where, joined by the 7th and 24th, they remained until the morning of the 19th, when the Brigade recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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The Reserve Artillery of Hood's Division reached Sharpsburg at noon of September 15. It was posted on the right of the Boonsboro Pike and became engaged with the enemy during the afternoon of the 16th. At about 2 P.M. on the 17th, it went into position on the left of the road leading to Burnside Bridge and co-operated with the Divisions of D.R. Jones and A.P. Hill in resisting the advance of the Ninth Army Corps. One section of the German Artillery was detached from the Battery and served with Hood's Division in the fields beyond the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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Anderson's Brigade, temporarily attached to Hood's Division, reached Sharpsburg about noon of the 15th, and went into position on the south of this road in support of the Washington Artillery.<br /><br />
It remained in this position and in a corresponding position on the opposite side of the road, which it occupied for about three hours, until the morning of the 17th, when it was moved to the left to support Hood's Division.<br /><br />
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Sykes' Division reached this point in the afternoon of September 15, 1862, and formed line in the fields to the left of the Boonsboro Pike.<br /><br />
In cooperation with Richardson's Division of the Second Corps, it supported the Artillery on the ridge in front.<br /><br />
A part of the Division held the approaches to the stone bridge in order to secure the crossing of the Antietam for the movement of September 16.<br /><br />
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The Fifth Army Corps consisted the reserve of the Army of the Potomac. Its advance, Sykes' Division, reached this point in the afternoon of September 15.<br /><br />
On the morning of September 16 it formed in the fields to the south of the Boonsboro Pike in support of the Reserve Artillery which occupied the ridge in front of this point.<br /><br />
Morell's Division arrived at Keedysville about noon on September 16, and encamped in the fields west of the town.<br /><br />
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On the afternoon of September 15 the 3rd U.S. Infantry was deployed as skirmishers on the crest of the ridge, on either side of the road at this point, overlooking the Antietam and the bridge.<br /><br />
It remained in this position until about 10 A.M. of the 16th, when it was relieved by the advance of the 4th U.S. Infantry across the bridge.<br /><br />
It then retired to the reserve at the eastern base of the ridge, where it remained until the morning of the 19th when it advanced to Sharpsburg.<br /><br />
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Gen. Jackson, with Ewell's and Jackson's Divisions, left Harpers Ferry late in the afternoon of September 15th, reached Sharpsburg on the morning of the 16th, and, in the afternoon, took position on the left of Longstreet's Command; Jackson's Division formed on the right of the line, which extended from a point on the Hagerstown Pike 250 yards north of the Dunkard Church westerly through the open fields and the West Woods in the direction of Alfred Poffenberger's. Early's and Hays' Brigades of Ewell's Division were in the left rear of Jackson's Division and Lawton's and Trimble's Brigades in the woods west and northwest of the Dunkard Church. At about 10 P.M. Lawton's and Trimble's Brigades of Ewell's Division moved east of the pike to relieve Hood's Division of Longstreet's Command, near the south line of Miller's Cornfield and in Mumma's field south of the Smoketown Road.<br /><br />
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The 3rd, 4th and 9th Virginia Cavalry of Lee's Brigade reached the field late in the afternoon of the 15th and took position on the extreme left of the Confederate Army. The 5th Cavalry, detached from the Brigade, September 11, formed on the extreme right of the Army on the evening of the 15th and, on the morning of the 16th, rejoined the Brigade on the left. On the night of the 16th the Brigade was massed near the river in support of the Horse Artillery. The 1st Cavalry, detached on the 10th, rejoined on the morning of the 17th and the Brigade took position on the left of Jackson's Command, which it assisted in resisting the Union advance. On September 18th and 19th the Brigade covered the withdrawal of the Army of Northern Virginia to the south bank of the Potomac.<br /><br />
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Walker's Division left Harpers Ferry on the evening of September 15, crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford and reached Sharpsburg during the afternoon of the 16th. It was held in reserve until daybreak of the 17th, when it took position on the extreme right 1-1/2 miles south of the town, on the high ground overlooking Snavely's Ford. Between 8 and 9 A.M., it moved to the left under orders to support Jackson's Command. Arriving opposite the southwest edge of of the West Woods, it supported McLaws in the attack on Sedgwick's Division and advanced nearly to the Hagerstown Pike where it was checked by the heavy fire of the Federal Artillery.<br /><br />
It repulsed an attempt of a portion of Gordon's Brigade to cross the Hagerstown Pike, north of the Dunkard Church, and assisted in expelling Greene's Division, Twelfth Corps, from the woods beyond the church. The right of the Division crossed the Hagerstown Pike in the vicinity of the church, but was compelled to retire to the woods and open ground to the south where it remained until it recrossed the Potomac on the night of the 18th.<br /><br />
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Toombs' Brigade took position on the evening of September 15, on the bluff commanding the Burnside Bridge and ford a short distance below. His skirmishers and several Batteries of Artillery engaged the enemy during the afternoon of the 16th. On the morning of the 17th the Brigade was exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy's Artillery on the opposite side of the Antietam. Between 9 A.M. and noon the enemy made several attempts to carry the bridge, but failed. An assault at 1 P.M. was successful and the Brigade fell back and formed line in this road, on the extreme right of the Division and co-operated with Archer's Brigade of A.P. Hill's Division in checking any further advance of the enemy.<br /><br />
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Ewell's Division left Harpers Ferry on the night of September 15th, crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford and reached Sharpsburg on the morning of the 16th, and late in the day moved to position in support of Jackson's Division in the West Woods, Early's Brigade on the left with Hays' Brigade in support and Lawton's and Trimble's Brigades in the woods west and northwest of the Dunkard Church. About 10 P.M. Lawton's and Trimble's Brigades advanced and relieved Hood's Division near the south edge of Miller's Cornfiield and in Mumma's field south of the Smoketown Road.<br /><br />
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On the night of September 15, 1862, the Division was posted at the foot of the ridge on the north side of this road to hold the bridge across the Antietam and secure the crossing for the movement of September 16. The Division occupied this position until the morning of September 17, when it was relieved by Morell's Division of the Fifth Corps.<br /><br />
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Anderson's Brigade was bivouacked on either side of the road at this point on the night of September 15, 1862 with skirmishers thrown forward near the Antietam. On the 16th its skirmishers were engaged with those of the Fourth United States Infantry. It remained in this position until the morning of the 17th, when it moved by the left through the ravine and Piper's cornfield to the Bloody Lane near Roulette's.<br /><br />
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The Reserve Artillery, following Sykes' Division of the Fifth Army Corps, reached this point during the night of September 15. On the morning of September 16 several Batteries were placed in position on the heights overlooking Antietam Creek. Later in the day this line of Batteries was extending to the left so as to cover the approaches to the field from Harpers Ferry. This position was occupied until the close of the battle.<br /><br />
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Early in the morning the 20-Pounder Parrot gun Batteries of Taft, Langer, Von Kleiser and Wever, First New York Artillery, were in position on the ridge east of the Antietam and north of the Boonsboro Pike; Battery E (Benjamin's) 2nd U.S. and Battery I (Weed's) 5th U.S. on the ridge south of the Pike, and all engaged the Confederate Artillery on the heights east and north of Sharpsburg. About 8 A.M. four Companies of the Fourth U.S. Infantry crossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge, and, late in the day, engaged the Confederate Infantry. About noon Morell's Division, Fifth Corps, arrived from Frederick and encamped near Keedysville. The Ninth Corps moved to the left on the high ground opposite and commanding the lower stone bridge. Between 3 and 4 P.M. Hooker's (First) Corps crossed the Antietam by the Upper Bridge and a ford below it, moved westerly until it reached the high ground near the Hagerstown Pike, then changed direction to the left, moved south, and encountered the Confederate outpost, on and near the Smoketown Road, about one and three-quarters miles north of this point. The advance was continued under Artillery and musket fire until dark, when Hooker went into bivouac, the right of his line on the Hagerstown Pike, at J. Poffenberger's, the left across the Smoketown Road where it entered the East Woods from the north. During the night Mansfield's (Twelfth) Corps crossed the Antietam by the Upper Bridge and bivouacked about a mile in Hooker's rear.<br /><br />
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At 10 A.M., September 16, 1862, four Companies of the Fourth United States Infantry crossed the Stone Bridge over the Antietam at this point and took position behind the rock ledge and barn on the left of the road and under the bank on the right. At noon two companies were thrown out as skirmishers and advanced on either side of the road to the high ground about 350 yards west, to hold in check the advance of the enemy. At sunset the Fourth was relieved by the First Battalion, Twelfth Infantry. At noon of the 17th several Battalions of Regular Infantry, Pleasanton's Cavalry Division and Horse Batteries crossed the Bridge and moved in the direction of Sharpsburg, the Twelfth Infantry acting as a support to the Artillery and advancing with it.<br /><br />
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McLaws' Division left Harpers Ferry on the forenoon of September 16th, crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford about daybreak of the 17th, and halted in the western suburbs of Sharpsburg at sunrise.<br /><br />
At about 9 A.M., it moved across the fields northwest of the town and deployed on the rising ground south and west of this point, the right near the Hagerstown Pike, nearly opposite the Bloody Lane, the left extending about 250 yards northwest of the Hauser house. Supported on the right by Walker's Division and Armistead's Brigade and on the left by Jackson's Command, Geo. T. Anderson's Brigade and Stuart's Cavalry, the Division encountered the left flank and front of Sedgwick's advancing Division and forced it back to the fields and woods beyond D.R. Miller's.<br /><br />
An effort to advance east of the Hagerstown Pike was checked by Greene's Division of the Twelfth Corps, aided by the destructive fire of the Federal Artillery, and the Division reformed behind the ledges of rock running north from this point, where it remained until withdrawn to recross the Potomac on the night of the 18th.<br /><br />
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On the morning of the 16th, the 4th Infantry seized the Middle Bridge over the Antietam: Companies B, G, I and K were thrown across the bridge, deployed on either side of the road, advanced about 300 yards, and, between 2 and 4 P.M., became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. They were relieved at sunset by the I st Battalion, 12th U.S. Infantry and recrossed the Antietam. Between 2 and 3 P.M. of the 17th, the Regiment again crossed the Antietam, under orders to support the Horse Batteries. It advanced beyond the Batteries and took position in the field to the right, the left resting on the road at this point. Companies G, I and K, under Lieut. C. H. Carlton, were deployed as skirmishers and, advancing in a westerly direction, encountered the Confederate skirmishers posted behind a rail fence. The skirmishers suffered severely from an enfilading fire of canister from Cemetery Hill, south of the turnpike, and from the enemy's skirmishers in their front.<br /><br />
At about sunset the skirmishers were withdrawn and the regiment, carrying its dead and wounded, recrossed the Antietam. <br /><br />
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On September 16, the Second Battalion, Fourteenth U.S. Infantry was in line on the east base of the ridge beyond the Antietam, in which position it remained until about 1 P.M. of the 17th when it crossed the Middle Bridge to support the Horse Batteries.<br /><br />
Late in the afternoon it advanced beyond the Batteries, moving in echelon on the right of the Fourth U.S. Infantry, and occupied this line covering Piper's Lane and its approaches on the right with skirmishers thrown forward to the crest of the hill to the west.<br /><br />
It was withdrawn, about sunset, and recrossed the Antietam, where it remained in its original position until the morning of the 19th. <br /><br />
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A portion of the reserve Artillery took part in the Battle of September 16 - 17; the rest was posted at the fords in the vicinity of Williamsport and Shepherdstown to command the crossings of the Potomac River.<br /><br />
On the 16th, the Artillery was posted on the high ground on either side of the Boonsboro Pike, east of Sharpsburg, from which it engaged the long-range Artillery of the Army of the Potomac which occupied the high ground on the east side of the Antietam.<br /><br />
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The 2nd and 12th Virginia Cavalry reached the field on September 16 and took position on the extreme right of the Army of Northern Virginia, to cover the lower crossing of the Antietam. The 7th Virginia took position, on the evening of the 16th, on the Hagerstown Pike, northwest of Sharpsburg. It joined the Brigade on the right on the 17th. The Brigade remained on the right until the close of the battle.<br /><br />
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Morell's Division encamped in the fields about 300 yards to the southwest of this point at about noon on September 16.<br /><br />
At 8 A.M. of the 17th it relieved Richardson's Division of the Second Corps, on the right of the Boonsboro Pike, and formed in support of the Artillery on the ridge in front of the Antietam.<br /><br />
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On the afternoon of September 16, Hood's Division was in the fields east of the Dunkard Church. On the approach of the First (Hooker's) Corps, Army of the Potomac, the Division moved to the left and formed line, its left on the Hagerstown Pike and extending along the south edge of Miller's Cornfield into the East Woods. The 4th Texas, of Wofford's Brigade, deployed as skirmishers over half a mile in advance, encountered the advance of Meade's Division and was forced back from the North Woods, but, reenforced on the right by the 5th Texas, and supported by Law's Brigade, held the East Woods until darkness put an end to the engagement. In this engagement the Infantry was supported by Lane's Battery of Georgia Artillery a few yards south of this, two guns of Rhett's (S. C.) Battery, between Mumma's House and the Smoketown Road, one gun of Cutt's Artillery Battalion on the Pike west of this and Poague's Rockbridge (Va.) Battery, of Jackson's Division, about 30 yards west of the Pike, all of which engaged the Union Batteries on the high ground north and east of D. R. Miller's. Col. Liddel, 11th MIssissippi, of Law's Brigade was mortally wounded. About 10 P. M. the Division was relieved by Lawton's and Trimble's Brigades, of Ewell's Division, and withdrew to the woods west of the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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Ricketts' Division crossed the Antietam at Sumner's Bridge on the afternoon of Sept. 16, and moved in a westerly direction toward the Smoketown Road.<br /><br />
At 6 P.M. Meade's Division having encountered the enemy's infantry on the Smoketown Road, near the East Woods, this Division formed on the extreme left of the Corps in support of Meade.<br /><br />
On the right and left of the road at this point the Division bivouacked on the night of the 16th.<br /><br />
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Meade's Division crossed the Antietam at the Sumner Bridge at 2 P.M. September 16, and moved in a westerly direction toward the position of the enemy. At 6 P.M. Meade encountered Stuart's Cavalry on the Smoketown Road and Hood's Division in the East Woods on Smoketown Road. Seymour's Brigade was deployed and engaged the enemy, supported by Magilton and Anderson. The fighting ceased at dark and the Division bivouacked on the ground it occupied at the close of the engagement, Seymour's Brigade in the east edge of the East Woods, Anderson's Brigade in and in rear of the North Woods, and Magilton's Brigade midway between Seymour and Anderson.<br /><br />
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Doubleday's Division crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford on the afternoon of Sept. 16, and moved across the fields in a westerly direction in a column parallel to the other divisions.<br /><br />
It reached this point after dark and formed on the extreme right of the Corps, Hofmann and Patrick's Brigades in line parallel to this road and facing west. Phelps' and Gibbon's Brigades about 200 yards to the rear in support.<br /><br />
Outposts were established in the fields to the west, connecting with those of Meade's Division on the left.<br /><br />
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The First Army Corps moved from its bivouac near Keedysville at 2 P.M. on September 16. Doubleday's Division crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford; Ricketts' and Meade's Divisions at the Upper Bridge.<br /><br />
The Divisions advanced in parallel columns, in a westerly direction, until 6 P.M., when Meade's Division encountered the enemy near the East Woods.<br /><br />
The Corps was then formed in line of battle, facing south and southwest, Meade's Division in the center, somewhat advanced, Doubleday's Division on the right and Ricketts' Division on the left in supporting distance.<br /><br />
The fighting ceased on account of darkness at about 6:30 P.M.<br /><br />
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Manning's Brigade reached Sharpsburg on the afternoon of September 16 and was held in reserve until daybreak of the 17th, when it took position opposite Snavely's Ford on the Antietam, one and a half miles from town. Between 8 and 9 A.M., it moved to the left and supported McLaws in his attack on the enemy in the West Woods. Arriving on the rise of ground 300 yards west of this point, the 3d Arkansas and 27th North Carolina formed to hold the open space between the West Woods and the left of D.H. Hill's Division east of this road. The remainder of the Brigade advanced on the right of Ransom's Brigade to and beyond the road at the Dunkard Church, where it was repulsed. The 3d Arkansas and 27th North Carolina co-operated in expelling Greene's Division from the woods about the church, after which they crossed the road and advanced through the fields to the east, but were repulsed and resumed their original position and were not again engaged.<br /><br />
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Ransom's Brigade reached Sharpsburg during the afternoon of September 16th, and was held in reserve until daybreak of the 17th, when it took position on the extreme right observing Snavely's Ford. Between 8 and 9 A.M., it moved to the left and supported McLaws in his attack on Sedgwick's Division. Arriving abreast the southwest edge of the West Woods, it advanced northwardly until opposite this point, when it wheeled to the right and encountered the enemy at the Poffenberger buildings and on the high ground to the east.<br /><br />
Attacked on the flank and in the front the Federal line was compelled to retire. The Brigade followed in pursuit until, near the Hagerstown Pike, it was checked by the destructive fire of the Federal Artillery, and sought shelter in the undulations of the ground.<br /><br />
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Late in the afternoon of the 16th Jackson's Division formed in two lines west of the Hagerstown Pike, the right resting on the Pike and connecting with the left of Hood's Division. The first line, the Brigades of Winder and Jones, under command of Col. A. J. Grigsby, 27th Virginia, was on open ground 200 yards south of this, facing north, the second line, the Brigades of Taliaferro and Starke under command of Brig. Gen. W. E. Starke, was in the edge of the woods 180 yards in rear of the first line, its left extending through the West Woods to a farm lane. Two companies of skirmishers were thrown forward to this point, connecting on the right with those of Hood's Division, and Poague's Rockbridge (Va.) Battery took position on a knoll about midway between the skirmishers and the first line. The skirmishers were warmly engaged until dark and Poague exchanged shots with the Federal Artillery in position on Miller's Farm south and southeast of the North Woods, east of the Pike.<br /><br />
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Late in the afternoon of September 16, Ripley's Brigade moved from the right of the Division line near the Boonsboro Pike, and bivouacked a short distance south of Mumma's House. Early in the morning of the 17th it formed in support of Trimble's Brigade and moved past the burning Mumma buildings in the direction of the south end of the East Woods. When Hood relieved Lawton's Division the Brigade moved by the left flank along the west edge of the East Woods, crossed the Smoketown Road south of this point and moved north to Hood's support. It filled an interval in the line of battle, made successive charges into Miller's Cornfield, and was severely engaged with the advance of the Twelfth Corps. The right of the Confederate line being turned by an attack of Greene's Division, Twelfth Corps, the Brigade after several changes of position and a stubborn resistance was obliged to retire to the woods around the Dunkard Church and was not again engaged.<br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16th, Ewing's Brigade formed line under cover of the ridge east of the Antietam, and southeast of the Burnside Bridge. On the morning of the 17th it followed the left bank of the Antietam to Snavely's Ford where it crossed and moving up the right bank of the stream until nearly abreast the bridge, advanced in support of Rodman's Division over the hills and ravines to this point where it met and temporarily checked the advance of A.P. Hill's Division. Its left having been turned by the enemy, it fell back to the cover of the rolling ground east of this tablet. <br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16th Crook's Brigade formed line on the ridge east of the Antietam, and north of the Burnside Bridge. <br /><br />
On the morning of the 17th, preceded by the 11th Connecticut of Harland's Brigade as skirmishers, it attempted to carry the bridge but failed. About 2 P.M., five companies of the 28th Ohio crossed the stream at a ford 250 yards north of the bridge and advanced to the rising ground east of the Sharpsburg Road. The remainder of the Brigade crossed the bridge and moved up the road about 350 yards, when the united Brigade advanced over the high ground west of the road and supported the left of Willcox's Division. It assisted in checking A.P. Hill's advance but, the left of the line having been turned, it was obliged to withdraw to the cover of the ridge south and east of this line. This tablet marks the center of the advance position of the Brigade.<br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16th, the Kanawha Division was on the ridge east of the Antietam; Crook's Brigade north of the Burnside Bridge, Ewing's Brigade southeast of it. On the morning of the 17th, Crook's Brigade preceded by the 11th Connecticut of Harland's Brigade, Rodman's Division, attempted to carry the Burnside Bridge but failed. About 2 P.M. Crook crossed the bridge and formed in support of Sturgis' Division, which position he retained after Willcox relieved Sturgis. Ewing's Brigade crossed the Antietam at Snavely's Ford and moved in support of Rodman's Division. The Division reached the line of the stone fence along this road, its right at this point, its left 535 yards southwest.<br /><br />
It checked temporarily the advance of A.P. Hill's Division but, its left having been turned, was compelled to retire to the shelter of the ridge east of this.<br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16, Battery C, 5th U.S. Artillery came into battery 370 yards east of the Hagerstown Pike and opened fire on a Confederate Battery in the open field west of the Pike and north of the Dunkard Church, causing it to retire. After dark the Battery was withdrawn and bivouacked 75 yards east of J. Poffenberger's barn.<br /><br />
On the morning of the 17th, the Battery advanced to a position 205 yards due east of this point and engaged the Confederate Infantry which had made a lodgenment in Miller's Cornfield. The Battery was supported by Anderson's and Magilton's Brigades of Meade's Division and Gordon's Brigade of the Twelfth Corps. After the repulse of the Confederate advance the Battery retired to its bivouac of the 16th.<br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16, Starke's Brigade formed line perpendicular to this road on the left of Taliaferro. When the Brigades of Jones and Winder were forced back on the morning of the 17th, this Brigade advanced with Taliaferro's and the rallied Brigades, but was driven back. Supported by Early's Brigade it again advanced, but was obliged to retire and reformed, with its Division, beyond the West Woods, where it supported the assault of McLaws' Division on Sedgwick's Division of Sumner's Corps. During the engagement, General Starke was killed and the command devolved upon Colonel L. A. Stafford of the 9th Louisiana.<br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16, Taliaferro's Brigade formed in the second line, perpendicular to this road, its right resting at this point on the left of Starke. When the first line, composed of the Brigades of Jones and Winder, was forced back early in the morning of the 17th, the second line advanced, supported by the partially rallied Brigades of the first line, but was obliged to retire with great loss. Supported by Early's brigade of Ewell's Division, the Division again advanced and again fell back and, having reformed beyond the West Woods, joined McLaws' Division in the attack on Sedgwick's Division of Sumner's Corps.<br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16, Jones' Brigade formed line on the left of Winder's, its right about 130 yards west of this, its left extending nearly to the West Woods. Skirmishers were advanced about 250 to 275 yards and became slightly engaged and the Brigade came under an annoying artillery fire. In this position it was attacked by Doubleday's Division early in the morning of the 17th, and, after more than a half hour's hard fighting, was forced back to the line held by the Brigades of Starke and Taliaferro. It was re-formed and, with Winder's Brigade, supported the advance of Starke's and Taliaferro's Brigades a half hour later, but was again compelled to retire. Supported by Early's brigade of Ewell's Division, the entire Division again advanced and again fell back and reformed beyond the West Woods, where it supported the attack of McLaws' Division on Sedgwick's Federal Division.<br /><br />
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On the evening of September 16, Winder's Brigade formed line perpendicular to this road, its right resting on this point, its left 130 yards west connecting with Jones' Brigade. In this position these Brigades were assaulted by the enemy, early on the 17th, and forced back to the reserves in the edge of the woods. Soon afterward the entire Division advanced but was compelled to retire. Re-enforced by Early's brigade, the Division again advanced and again fell back and reformed beyond the West Woods where it supported the assault of McLaws' Division.<br /><br />
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On the approach of the First Army Corps on the evening of the 16th, Wofford's Brigade advanced and formed line in the south edge of the Cornfield, its left on the Hagerstown Pike. The 4th Texas, deployed as skirmishers, encountered the advance of Seymour's Brigade and was forced back but, reenforced by the 5th Texas on its right, held the East Woods until darkness put an end to the engagement. At 10 P. M. the Brigade was relieved by Lawton's Brigade and withdrew to the woods west of Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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On the evening of the 16th, Law's Brigade advanced from the fields in front of the Dunkard Church to a position in the East Woods, on either side of the Smoketown Road, where it supported the skirmishers of Wofford's Brigade in resisting the advance of Seymour's Brigade.<br /><br />
The engagement ceased at dark. At 10 P. M. the Brigade was relieved by Trimble's Brigade of Ewell's Division, and withdrawn to the woods west of the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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The Artillery of Doubleday's Division went into position on the night of Sept. 16, 1862, on the high plateau about 225 yards east of this point. During the night the First New Hampshire Battery was advanced to within a few feet of this point; one gun was brought into this road.<br /><br />
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At sunset September 16, 1862, the First Battalion, Twelfth Infantry relieved the Fourth Infantry, guarding the Middle Bridge over the Antietam and remained on that duty until after noon of the 17th, when it advanced in support of the Horse Batteries posted on the crest of the ridge crossing the road a few feet west of this point. Winthrop's Company (G) was deployed in skirmishing down the road and in the fields south of it to drive the Confederate Sharpshooters, who were annoying the gunners, and continued on this dutv until late in the day, when it was relieved by the Fourth Infantry, the Second and Tenth Infantry and the Second Battalion of the Fourteenth Infantry.<br /><br />
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On the night of September 16, Garland's Brigade bivouacked in the fields southeast of Roulette's house. Early on the 17th, it moved to the support of Ripley and Colquitt, crossed the Smoketwon Road a few feet east of this point, made effort to form on Colquitt's right, but was thrown into confusion and halted in the woods, under cover of boulders, rock ledges and rolling ground, a few yards in advance of this. The advance of Greene's Division, Twelfth Corps, struck it in the flank and caused it to retire in disorder across the Mumma fields; a part of the Brigade rallying in the west end of the Sunken Road and joining a remnant of Colquitt's Brigade, the remainder retreating to Sharpsburg, where it was partially rallied and assisted Evans' Brigade in checking the advance of the Federals on and south of the Boonsboro Pike. <br /><br />
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On the night of the 16th, Early's Brigade bivouacked in the farm lane on the left of Jackson's Division and in the Dunkard Church woods, between this point and the Church. At dawn of the 17th, the Brigade moved nearly a mile northwest to support Stuart's Cavalry Division and some Batteries of Artillery. The Brigade was on this duty about an hour when, leaving the 13th Virginia Infantry with Stuart, it returned and formed line on the plateau east of this, perpendicular to the Hagerstown Pike and, advancing in a northerly direction, as a support to Jackson's right, participated in a sanguinary engagement with the right of the First Army Corps, which was obliged to retire, then moved to the south along the west edge of the West Woods, and engaged the enemy near the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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On the night of September 16, 1862, Anderson's Brigade bivouacked on either side of the Boonsboro Turnpike near the end of the Sunken Road. On the morning of the 17th it advanced by the way of the ravine and Piper's cornfield to and beyond this point, but being forced back, formed line a few feet north of this on the right of Rodes' Brigade. It withstood several charges of Richardson's Division, Sumner's Corps, but shortly after noon, was compelled to retire in the direction of Sharpsburg. It reformed on the Hagerstown Pike, southwest of Piper's House, and assisted in checking the Federal advance in that direction.<br /><br />
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On the night of September 16, Rodes' Brigade bivouacked in the field east of Piper's House. On the morning of the 17th it moved to the Bloody Lane, its center a few feet north of this point.<br /><br />
Supported by the Brigade of G. B. Anderson on the right and by remnants of the Brigades of Colquitt and Garland on the left, it withstood several assaults of French's Division of Sumner's Corps, but its right flank having been turned by the advance of Richardson's Division, it was compelled to retire in the direction of Sharpsburg.<br /><br />
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On the night of September 16th Willcox's Division was held in reserve behind the ridge on the east bank of the Antietam, about one mile from the Burnside Bridge. On the afternoon of the 17th the Division crossed the bridge and, relieving Sturgis' Division, formed on the right of the line with Crook's Brigade in support.<br /><br />
In the general advance of the Ninth Corps on Sharpsburg, the Division moved on either side of the road from the bridge to the town until the center reached this elevation, when, the left flank of the Corps having been turned, the Division was withdrawn to the banks of the Antietam, where it remained until the evening of the 18th, when it was relieved by Morell's Division of the Fifth Army Corps.<br /><br />
A section of the 8th Massachusetts Battery, under Lieut. John N. Coffin, accompanied the Division in its advance and went into position in Otto's orchard about 350 yards south of this point.<br /><br />
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On the night of September 16th Sturgis' Division bivouacked on the eastern slope of the ridge bordering the east bank of the Antietam to the left of this point. On the morning of the 17th Durell's Pennsylvania Battery and Battery E, 4th U.S. Artillery (Clark's) were put in position on the left of Battery I, 5th U.S. Artillery (Weed's) and on the right of Battery E, 2d U.S. Artillery (Benjamin's) and engaged the enemy guns west of the Antietam. The 2d Maryland and the 6th New Hampshire supported by the other Regiments of Nagle's Brigade made an unsuccessful attempt to carry the bridge. At 1 P.M. Ferrero's Brigade carried the bridge and the entire Division crossed and occupied the high ground beyond, supported on the right by Crook's Kanawha Division.<br /><br />
In the general advance of the Ninth Corps on Sharpsburg the Division was held in reserve. Late in the afternoon Nagle's Brigade was sent to the support of Rodman's Division on the left and, after a severe contest, succeeded in checking the right of A.P. Hill's Division.<br /><br />
Ferrero's Brigade was sent in support of Willcox's Division on the right and advanced to Otto's farm lane.<br /><br />
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On the night of the 16th, Fitzhugh Lee's Brigade of Stuart's Division was in position behind the hill about 650 yards northwest of this point supporting the Horse Artillery and extending the Confederate line to the Potomac River. It co-operated with Jackson's Command in resisting the advance of the enemy on the morning of the 17th, and later was withdrawn to the high ground west of this point where it was joined by Hampton's Brigade, and co-operated with the Infantry in repulsing Sedgwick's assault. Munford's Brigade was posted on the extreme right of the Confederate line, covering the lower fords of the Antietam. During the night of the 18th, Lee's Brigade covered the withdrawl of the Army of Northern Virginia to the south bank of the Potomac, and on the 19th Hampton's Brigade participated in the diversion at Williamsport.<br /><br />
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Hays' Brigade encamped on the night of the 16th in the woods northwest of the Dunkard Church. Soon after daylight on the 17th, it advanced and, near this point, crossed the Hagerstown Pike to fill an interval between the Brigades of Lawton and Trimble. Afer a short halt in the open fields south of the Cornfield, it was ordered to the support of Lawton's Brigade. It advanced into the Cornfield about 150 yards beyond Lawton, where, having lost more than half its numbers, it was relieved by Wofford's Brigade of Hood's Division and withdrawn to the fields southwest of the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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On the night of September 16, Hays' Brigade bivouacked in the woods northwest of the Dunkard Church. Soon after daylight on the 17th, with about 550 men, it moved through the woods, crossed the Hagerstown Pike 120 yards north of the Church and advanced eastward to fill a gap between the Brigades of Lawton and Trimble, but was halted and, after a short wait in the open field northeast of the Church was ordered to the support of Lawton's Brigade, then fiercely engaged about 150 yards south of this point. It advanced beyond Lawton's line, penetrated the Cornfield, and came under an enfilading fire from several Union Batteries, and from Infantry in front and on the left, west of the Pike, by which its force was reduced by more than half. It was obliged to fall back out of the Cornfield to the high ground about 70 yards south of this, where it was relieved by Wofford's Brigade, of Hood's Division and thence withdrawn to the fields southwest of the Dunkard Church. Of the 550 engaged, 323 were killed or wounded.<br /><br />
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At 10 P. M. of the 16th, Trimble's Brigade advanced from the Dunkard Church and relieved Law's Brigade of Hood's Division at this point. The right of the Brigade rested in the Cemetery, the left on the rocky ledge 100 yards north of the road. In this position it was attacked, on the morning of the 17th, by Seymour's Brigade and Ricketts' Division. After a severe engagement, in which it lost one-third of its number and expended its ammunition, it was relieved by Law's Brigade of Hood's Division and withdrawn to the woods beyond the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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At 10 P. M. of the 16th, Lawton's Brigade advanced from its position west of the Dunkard Church and relieved Wofford's Brigade of Hood's Division in the fields south of the Cornfield and east of the Hagerstown Pike. Skirmishers were thrown forward into the south edge of the Cornfield. In this position the Brigade was attacked at about 5:30 A. M. on the 17th by Seymour's Brigade of Meade's Division on the right and, at 6 A. M., by three Brigades of Doubleday's Division on the left. After losing its commander and more than one-half its members, it was relieved by Wofford's Brigade of Hood's Division and withdrawn to the woods southwest of the Dunkard Church and was not again engaged.<br /><br />
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Greene's Division crossed the Antietam by the Upper Bridge about midnight of the 16th and bivouacked on the Hoffman farm.<br /><br />
On the morning of the 17th, it followed Williams Division west of this road, and formed line about 8 A. M. a short distance northwest of this point. The Division then advanced in line of battle, Tyndale on the right and Stainrook on the left of this road, and relieved the left of Crawford's Brigade of the Twelfth Corps.<br /><br />
In this advance the Division encountered the right flank of the Confederate line in the East Woods, turned it after a short and severe contest and moving obliquely to the left crossed the Smoketown Road and followed in pursuit to the ridge, on Mumma's farm, opposite the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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At daybreak of the 17th the Ashland Artillery, the Bedford Artillery, the Brooks Artillery and Parker's Battery, went into position on the ridge east of the Dunkard Church. At about 7 A.M., the Brooks Artillery was withdrawn and the Madison Artillery took its place, one section advancing to the open field field north. About 8:15 A.M., the Batteries were withdrawn to a position west of the Hagerstown road and about 600 yards south of the Dunkard Church. At 9 A.M., they were withdrawn to Sharpsburg. At 3 P.M., they formed on the high ground commanding the Boonsboro Pike and the Middle Bridge over the Antietam. Eubanks' Battery was detached from the Battalion on the 15th and was in support of Toombs' Brigade in front of the Burnside Bridge.<br /><br />
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At daybreak of the 17th, Walker's Division with the Virginia Batteries of French and Branch occupied the rounded hills southeast of this point, supporting the right of Toombs' command and observing Snavely's Ford.<br /><br />
Between 8 and 9 A.M., the Batteries moved with the Division to the Dunkard Church, and the duty of watching the ford devolved upon Munford's Cavalry Brigade of Stuart's command.<br /><br />
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Barksdale's Brigade crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford about daybreak of the 17th and halted in the western suburbs of Sharpsburg until nearly 9 A.M. It then advanced to the rising ground southwest of this point and formed line in the left center of McLaws' Division, Kershaw on the right and Semmes on the left.<br /><br />
In the general advance of the Division it encountered the enemy's line at the edge of the West Woods at this point and, supported by Ransom's Brigade of Walker's Division, forced it back through the woods to the fields beyond, where it was checked by the destructive fire of the Federal Artillery and compelled to retire to the protection of the hill and ledges of rock in this vicinity.<br /><br />
Later in the day the Brigade reoccupied a portion of the ground from which it had been driven and, with Ransom on the right and Early on the left, held the position until the night of the 18th when it recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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Kershaw's Brigade crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford about daybreak of the 17th and halted in the western suburbs of Sharpsburg until nearly 9 A.M., when it crossed the fields and took position in the open ground southwest of the Dunkard Church from which, supported by Walker's Division and Early's Brigade, it moved to the attack of the 34th New York Infantry of Sedgwick's Division, Second Corps, and the 125th Pennsylvania of the Twelfth Corps, just west of the church, causing them to retire. Efforts to drive Greene's Division and the Federal Artillery from the ridge east of the Hagerstown Pike were repulsed and the Brigade fell back beyond the western limits of the West Woods.<br /><br />
Later in the day it moved to the northern part of the West Woods, where it remained until the night of the 18th, when it was withdrawn and recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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The Battle opened at daylight between Hooker's Corps and the Confederate Divisions of Jackson and Ewell and raged in the East Woods, in Miller's Cornfield, and on either side of the Hagerstown Pike about one third of a mile north of the Dunkard Church. Ewell's Division was relieved by Hood's, and Hooker's Corps by Mansfield's. Hood was re-enforced by the Brigades of Ripley, Colquitt and Garland of D.H. Hill's Division. After a sanguinary contest, Mansfield's Corps forced the entire Confederate line, north of the Bloody Lane, to retire west of the Pike. Sumner's (Second) Corps crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford, about 8 A.M., Sedgwick's Division advancing to and through the East Woods, over Mansfield's Corps, and across the Hagerstown Pike to the west edge of the West Woods, where it was checked in part by the Artillery and Infantry of Jackson's Command, struck on the left by the Divisions of McLaws and Walker, and driven north and east beyond D.R. Miller's. Confederate efforts to recover ground east of the Hagerstown Pike were checked by Hooker's, Mansfield's and Sumner's Artillery. Greene's Division of Mansfield's Corps followed the Confederate repulse with a charge and seized the woods west of the Dunkard Church, which it held until about noon, when it was dislodged and the Confederates made another effort to gain ground east, but were repulsed by the fire of the Union Artillery and the advance of Franklin's (Sixth) Corps, which arrived on the field about noon.<br /><br />
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At daybreak on the 17th, Rodman's Division, supported by Ewing's Brigade of the Kanawha Division, was in position southeast of Burnside Bridge. During the forenoon the Division moved down the left bank of the Antietam, crossed at Snavely's Ford about 1 P.M., forced the right of Toombs' Brigade from the high ground above the ford and, ascending the right bank of the stream until nearly abreast the Burnside Bridge, formed a line on the left of Willcox's Division. About 3 P.M., the Division advanced; Fairchild's Brigade on the right, Harland's in echelon on the left with Ewing's Ohio Brigade in support. Fairchild gained the field northwest of this and, advancing northwardly, met the right of D.R. Jones' Division and, after a short and severe contest, compelled it to retire through the streets of Sharpsburg. One Regiment of Harland's Brigade gained the high ground northwest of this point; but the remaining two Regiments, while moving through the forty acre cornfield southeast of this, were attacked in flank, by the right of A.P. Hill's Division and compelled to retire to the cover of the high ground near the Bridge. The left of the line having been turned, Fairchild's Brigade was withdrawn to the Sharpsburg Road and thence to Burnside Bridge. During the engagement General Rodman was mortally wounded and the command of the Division devolved upon Col. Harland of the 8th Connecticut Infantry.<br /><br />
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Anderson's Division comprising the Brigades of Cumming, Wright, Pryor, Mahone, Featherstone and Armistead crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford about daybreak and between 8 and 10 A. M. arrived upon this part of the field. Armistead's Brigade was sent to the support of McLaws in the Dunkard Church Woods and the other five Brigades were disposed in the Apple Orchard and on open ground either side of it, between this and Piper's Lane. The Division advanced in support of a part of D.H. Hill's Division, then heavily engaged and after a stubborn contest in which portions of the Division reached this point, it was repulsed with heavy loss and fell back to Piper's Lane and the Hagerstown Pike.<br /><br />
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Cobb's Brigade crossed the Potomac at daybreak and halted near General Lee's Headquarters west of Sharpsburg. At about 9:20 A.M., it formed line on the south side of Bloody Lane, its left resting at this point and, with Rodes' and portions of Garland's and Colquitt's Brigades, participated in the engagement with French's Division of the Second Corps. Later in the day the Brigade changed front to the right, facing east, and supported D. H. Hill's Division and George T. Anderson's Brigade in resisting the advance of Richardson's Division.<br /><br />
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Anderson's Division crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford about sunrise on the 17th and, marching through the fields west and north of Sharpsburg reached this road about 9 A.M. Armistead's Brigade was sent to the support of McLaws on the left. Parham's Brigade, reduced to 40 men, was consolidated with Pryor's. The Division formed line perpendicular to this road. Its left at this point, its right in the ravine about 300 yards east of Piper's stone barn. It advanced in support of D. H. Hill's Division to the cornfield northeast of this and, after a stubborn contest, in which it suffered severely, was obliged to retire to the cover of the stone walls on the road. Late in the day it resumed a part of its original position and checked the advance of the enemy.<br /><br />
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On the 16th, Couch's Division was drawn up across Pleasant Valley near Rohrersville, observing McLaws' Command. On the morning of the 17th, the Division marched nearly to Harpers Ferry, then counter-marched and bivouacked that night on the Huffer Farm about a half mile south of Keedysville.<br /><br />
It reached the field about 11 A.M., on the 18th, Cochrane's Brigade relieved Irwin's Brigade of Smith's Division, Sixth Corps, behind the ridge east of the Hagerstown Pike and the Brigades of Devens and Howe formed in rear of Brooks' Brigade of Smith's Division, Sixth Corps and French's Division, Second Corps.<br /><br />
The Division was not engaged in the action.<br /><br />
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Slocum's Division followed Smith's in its march from near Crampton's Pass on the morning of the 17th, and upon reaching the field, occupied the ground from which Smith was advancing; Torbert's Brigade in the center on either side of this road; Newton's Brigade on the right connecting with Hancock, and Bartlett's Brigade on the left, extending beyond the cemetery and into the low ground between Mumma's and Roulette's. Beyond supporting the Artillery the Division was not actively engaged.<br /><br />It suffered slight loss from artillery fire and remained in position until the morning of the 19th.<br /><br />
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Smith's Division left camp between Crampton's Pass and Rohrersville in Pleasant Valley at 5:30 A.M. of the 17th, crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford and arrived at the front about noon. Hancock's Brigade was put in position on the left of Sedgwick's Division of the Second Corps, its right near the Poffenberger Lane, its left extending in front of and parallel to the East Woods, Irwin's Brigade advancing took cover behind the ridge south of the Smoketown Road and in front of the Church. Brooks' Brigade formed in the Cornfield to the right of French's Division, parallel to and facing the Bloody Lane, its right connecting, though, not closely, with Irwin's left. Late in the afternoon, the 7th Maine of Irwin's Brigade charged across the Bloody Lane to within a few yards of Piper's Lane when it was repulsed and fell back to the position from which it had charged. The Division remained in position with some slight changes until the morning of the 19th, when it advanced and ascertained that the Confederates had recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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The Sixth Corps marched from its bivouac near Rohrersville, in Pleasant Valley, at 5:30 A.M. of the 17th and reached the field shortly before noon. Smith's Division led the advance. Hancock's Brigade took position on the right on the open ground east of D.R. Miller's and in the cornfield south of it. Irwin's Brigade formed line to the south of this point and, after an unsuccessful charge upon the Confederate position at the Dunkard Church, took position behind the ridge southeast of the church. Brooke's Brigade went into position on the right of French's Division, Second Corps, about 1100 yards south of this, parallel to and 170 yards north of the Bloody Lane.<br /><br />
Slocum's Division formed line north and south, on the left of Hancock's Brigade: Newton's Brigade on the right in the Cornfield and the open ground south of it, its left near this point; Torbert's First New Jersey Brigade with its right at this point and extending southerly across the Smoketown Road; Bartlett's Brigade on the left beyond the Mumma Cemetery and in the low ground between Mumma's and Roulette's. Beyond supporting the Artillery, Slocum's Division was not engaged.<br /><br />
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Early in the morning of the 17th, while in the position taken on the evening before, Jackson's Division was subjected to a heavy fire of artillery from the light Batteries in its front which was replied to by the Batteries of the Division, Poague's, Carpenter's, Brockenbrough's, Raine's, Caskie's and Wooding's. Heavy guns beyond the Antietam enfiladed the Division line and took it in reverse. Upon the advance of the Federal line, at 6 A. M., east of and on the Pike, the Confederate skirmishers were thrown out behind the rocky ledge 78 yards west of this and fired into the flank of Doubleday's Division as it neared this point. By the deployment of Gibbon's and Patrick's Brigades west of the Pike the skirmishers were driven in, Doubleday advanced to and south of this point, met Grigsby's first line - the Brigades of Winder and Jones - and after an obstinate contest of over half an hour, Grigsby was compelled to fall back to the second line in the edge of the woods 380 yards south. In the early part of the day Brigadier General Jones was wounded and turned over command of the Division to Brigadier General W. E. Starke.<br /><br />
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Jackson's Command was in order of battle at 5:30 A. M., Jackson's Division, commanded by J. R. Jones, in two lines, its right resting on the Hagerstwon Pike 230 yards north of this. Early's and Hays' Brigades of Ewell's Division were on the left rear of Jones, and the Brigades of Lawton and Trimble were in the fields between the Hagerstown Pike and the East Woods. Jackson's Command was assaulted in this position between the hours of 5:30 and 8:30 A. M. by the First and Twelfth Corps of the Army of the Potomac. At about 9:00 A. M., having been reenforced by McLaws' and Walker's Divisions of Longstreet's Command, it repulsed an assault of Sedgwick's Division of the Second Corps.<br /><br />
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Hofmann's Brigade was held in support of the Corps Artillery. About noon it was moved to the left in support of the Artillery of the First and Second Corps.<br /><br />
In the afternoon it was returned to the right where it remained until the close of the battle.<br /><br />
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Early in the morning of the 17th, Patrick's Brigade advanced through the North Woods and fields east of the Hagerstown Pike and into Miller's Cornfield in support of Gibbon's Brigade. When Gibbon's right deployed on the plateau and in the woods west of the Pike, Patrick crossed the Pike 230 yards north of this and entered the West Woods in support, the 80th New York was withdrawn to support Battery B, 4th U. S. Artillery, 130 yards south of Miller's barn, and the 23rd was sent to check a movement of the enemy in the fields west of the West Woods. The 21st and 35th, in close support of Gibbon's right, swept through the West Woods, swung to the left flank of the enemy while charging the Battery, driving them in the direction of the Dunkard Church and east of the Pike. Rejoined by the 23rd, the line advanced to the Pike but was forced back to this ledge which was held until attacked on the right flank, when it was compelled to retire to the cover of Miller's barn and the rock ledges south and west of it.<br /><br />
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Patrick's Brigade formed line north of Joseph Poffenberger's at 5:30 A. M. and advanced on the east of the Hagerstwon Pike in support of Gibbon's Brigade. It crossed the Pike and entered the West Woods at this point. The 80th New York was sent to support Battery B, 4th U. S. Artillery, 130 yards south of Miller's barn, and the 23rd moved into the field west of this point. The 21st and 35th, in close support of Gibbon's right, swept through the West Woods and open ground east of them in the direction of the Dunkard Church, being rejoined on the way by the 23rd. The three Regiments were checked and obliged to fall back to the cover of Miller's barn and the rocky ledges south and west of it. After an interval of nearly an hour the three Regiments again advanced in support of Goodrich's Brigade, Twelfth Corps, but were compelled to fall back. After the repulse of Sedgwick's Division, the Brigade was withdrawn to a position east of the Pike in support of the Artillery of the First Corps.<br /><br />
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Phelps' Brigade formed line at 5:30 A. M. on September 17, and moved in support of Gibbon's Brigade. When Gibbon deployed, 135 yards north of this in the Cornfield and on the plateau west of the Hagerstown Pike, Phelps' Brigade (425 officers and men) halted 25 paces in his rear, in the Cornfield. After Gibbon advanced and became heavily engaged on both sides of the Pike, Phelps moved to the support of his left and fought on this ground. The subsequent movements of this Brigade conformed to those of Gibbon. After heavy loss it retired to the fields north of D. R. Miller's and thence beyond the Poffenberger Lane.<br /><br />
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Doubleday's Division moved from its bivouac on the Joseph Poffenberger farm, north of this, at 5:30 A. M. on the 17th, in the following order: Gibbon's Brigade in advance, supported by Phelps' and Patrick's Brigades; Hofmann's Brigade was held in reserve. The three Brigades advanced, with their right resting on the Hagerstown Pike, until Gibbon reached this point - Phelps 25 yards in his rear, and Patrick following Phelps - when his right flank was fired into by the Confederate skirmishers posted behind the rocky ledge 106 yards west of and nearly parallel to the Pike. The Division was then deployed, Gibbon with two Regiments on either side of the Pike, with Battery B, 4th U. S. Artillery, in his right rear; Phelps moved up on Gibbon's left and Patrick crossed to the west of the turnpike and supported Gibbon's right and the Battery. The Brigades became heavily engaged, advancing south of this point in the direction of the Dunkard Church and after more than an hour's obstinate contest, with varying success, were withdrawn to the fields north of D. R. Miller's and, subsequently, to the cover of the high ground beyond Joseph Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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Doubleday's Division, on the right of the First Corps, moved to the attack at 5:30 A. M. September 17th, in the following order: Gibbon's Brigade in advance, supported by Phelps' and Patrick's. Hofmann's Brigade was held in reserve. The three Brigades Gibbon, Phelps and Patrick advanced, their right resting on the Hagerstown Pike, until Gibbon had reached a point 135 yeards north of this, when his right flank was fired into by the Confederate skirmishers posted behind a ledge west of and parallel to the Pike. The Division was then deployed, Gibbon, across the turnpike, with Battery B, 4th U. S. Artillery, in his right rear; Phelps moved up on Gibbon's left and Patrick crossed to the west of the turnpike and supported Gibbon's right and the Battery. The three Brigades became heavily engaged, advancing to and south of this point. After an obstinate contest of over an hour, with varying success, the Brigades were withdrawn to the fields north of D. R. Miller's and, subsequently, to the cover of the high ground beyond Joseph Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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Magilton's Brigade formed line at 5:30 A.M., it advanced through the North Woods, deployed in the open fields and had reached the north fence of the Cornfield when it was sent to the left in support of Seymour and Ricketts. Its ammunition having been exhausted, it was relieved by Williams' Division of the Twelfth Corps and withdrawn to the ridge in rear of Joseph Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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At daybreak Battery E, 4th U.S. Artillery, was in bivouac in rear of the high ground east of the Burnside Bridge. Soon after daybreak it took position on the ridge overlooking the Antietam and the field of battle north and west, and about 685 yards a little east of north from the bridge, and opened fire upon the Confederate Infantry north of Sharpsburg. When this fire ceased to be effective, the Battery moved to the western slope of the bluff immediately opposite the bridge and but 240 yards from it, and shelled the Confederate Infantry defending it. It followed the infantry of Sturgis' Division across the bridge and went into battery on the crown of the ridge due west of the bridge and about 580 yards northeast of this point. While going into position spherical case shot from a Confederate battery killed Lt. W. L. Baker, severely wounded Capt. Clark, and the command devolved on Sergeant C. F. Merkel, who fought the battery until the close of the action. <br /><br />
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The battle opened at dawn on the 17th when Union General Joseph Hooker's artillery began a murderous fire on Jackson's men in the Miller cornfield north of town. "In the time I am writing," Hooker reported, "every stalk of corn in the northern and greater part of the field was cut as closely as could have been done with a knife, and the [Confed.] slain lay in rows precicely as they had stood in their ranks a few moments before." Hooker's troops advanced, driving the Confederates before them, and Jackson reported that his men were "exposed for near an hour to a terrific storm of shell, canister, and musketry."<br />
(from the battle <a href="/overview.php">Overview</a>)<br /><br />
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Evans' Brigade continued in support of the Artillery during the morning of the 17th, covering the approaches to Sharpsburg by the Boonsboro Pike. At 7:30 A.M., Geo. T. Anderson's Brigade, which had been under temporary command of Gen. Evans, was detached and ordered to the Confederate left. About 1 P.M., Evans' Brigade was deployed on both sides of the Boonsboro Pike to meet the advance of the Regular Infantry of the Fifth Corps. At about 3 P.M., this Brigade, with the remnants of Colquitt's and Garland's Brigades of D. H. Hill's Division, co-operated with D. R. Jones' Division in resisting the advance of the enemy from the direction of the Middle Bridge. <br /><br />
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About 5 P.M., the 7th Maine, on the left of the Brigade, crossed Mumma's Lane, moved obliquely across the front of Brook's Brigade, charged over the Bloody Lane at this point, dispersed the Confederates in its front and in the orchard on its left and reached the low ground North of Piper's Barn, when the enemy from behind the stone fence on the Hagerstown Pike and the hill adjoining poured a severe fire on its right flank and front.<br /><br />
The regiment then obliqued to the left, passed through an opening in the fence into the orchard and to within 70 yards of Piper's House, here it was met by a withering fire from a column of the enemy moving down the hill east of the house and driven back through the orchard with great loss.<br /><br />
It reformed a short distance east of this point and returned to the position from which it had advanced.<br /><br />
At noon of the 18th, the Brigade was relieved by Cochrane's Brigade of Couch's Division.<br /><br />
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Irwin's Brigade came on the field about noon of the 17th, and formed across the Smoketown Road in rear of a line of Artillery.<br /><br />
After an unsuccessful attempt to penetrate the Confederate line south of the Dunkard Church, the Brigade rallied behind the ridge east of the Hagerstown Pike and between it and Mumma's Lane, the left of the Brigade resting a few yards west of the lane, where it was exposed to a severe fire of Artillery and Sharpshooters.<br /><br />
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Brooks' Brigade left its camp in Pleasant Valley at 6 A.M. of the 17th, crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford and reached the field about noon. It was ordered to the support of Sedgwick's Division, Second Corps, on the Union right but, before getting into position, was ordered to the support of French's Division and formed in Mumma's Cornfield, on ground vacated by the 14th Connecticut, its left connecting with French, its right resting on Mumma's Lane, facing south parallel to and about 170 yards from the Bloody Lane. It was subjected to a galling fire of both Artillery and Sharpshooters, causing some loss. It remained in this position until the morning of the 19th.<br /><br />
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After supporting Jackson's Division in repulsing the right of the First Army Corps on the plateau west of the Hagerstown Pike, Early's Brigade, moving through the West Woods and along their western edge to this point, advanced east and, in co-operation with portions of McLaws' Division, drove the 125th Pennsylvania and 34th New York from the woods near the church. Then, wheeling to the left, supported by the Brigades of Semmes, Anderson and Barksdale, and portions of Jackson's Division, struck the flank of Sedgwick's Division and forced it to retire from the field. The Brigade was then reformed and withdrawn to the position occupied by it in the morning and, later in the day, moved to the northern part of the West Woods, where it remained until the night of the 18th, when it recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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Semmes Brigade reached the western suburbs of Sharpsburg at sunrise of the 17th and halted until nearly 9 A.M., when it advanced across the fields, in support of Stuart's Cavalry, north and west of Hauser's house. In the general advance of McLaws' Division it was on the left of the line, and encountered the enemy in the northern part of the West Woods, forcing them to retire beyond the Nicodemus house.<br /><br />
Near this point its advance was checked by the Federal Artillery east of the Hagerstown Road. After severe losses it was withdrawn and placed as a reserve to Barksdale's Brigade, in the western edge of the West Woods, where it remained until the night of the 18th when it recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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General Longstreet's Command, including D.H. Hill's Division of Jackson's Command, temporarily attached, occupied the right and center of the Confederate line, extending from the Antietam Creek south of Sharpsburg, in a northerly direction to Mumma's house.<br /><br />
General Jackson's Command occupied the left of the line extending from Mumma's house to the Hagerstown Pike, north of the Dunkard Church, thence through the West Woods to the open fields south of Nicodemus' house.<br /><br />
General Stuart's Cavalry Division covered the extreme left of the Army, extending from Jackson's left westerly to the Potomac River.<br /><br />
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At about 6 A.M., Jackson became heavily engaged in resisting an attempt of Hooker's Corps of the Army of the Potomac to turn the left flank of the Confederate Army. About 7 A.M., the attempt was renewed by Mansfield's Corps. About 9 A.M., a third attempt was made by Sedgwick's Division of Sumner's Corps. Between 9:15 and 11 A.M., French's and Richardson's Divisions of Sumner's Corps assaulted and at noon finally carried the Confederate position in the Sunken Road. Between 9 A.M. and noon several attacks were made on the Confederate right at the Burnside Bridge but without success. An attack at 1 P.M. was successful and the troops of the Ninth Corps obtained a lodgment on the plateau overlooking the Burnside Bridge. From this position at about 3 P.M. an assault was directed against the heights overlooking the town, which was checked by the arrival of A.P. Hill's Division from Harper's Ferry.<br /><br />
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Early in the morning of the 17th, Battery F, 5th U.S. Artillery, generally known as Ayers' Battery, moved with Smith's Division, Sixth Army Corps, from its bivouac in Pleasant Valley near Crampton's Pass, and, about 12 noon, went into position about 110 yards south of this point on the left of Battery D, 2d U.S. Artillery, and engaged the Confederate Artillery in the woods around the Dunkard Church and in the fields south of it. The fire was continued with intervals, throughout the day, and the Battery remained in substantially the same position until the morning of the 19th.<br /><br />
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Early in the morning, this Battery advanced from its bivouac morth of Jos. Poffenberger's, passing through the North Woods to the ploughed fields immediately south of them. One section, under command of Lieut. James Stewart, was advanced to a position east of D.R. Miller's house and about 205 yards from this road, and shelled the woods around and north of the Dunkard Church. In a few minutes Stewart crossed the road and, taking position about 60 yards west of this point, engaged the Confederate Artillery and Infantry. He was joined by the other four guns of the Battery which took position on his left, one gun in the road, a few feet in advance, working effectively against the Confederate Infantry in the Cornfield. The Battery was charged by Hood's Division, the charge being repulsed by a rapid fire of double charges of canister, with the help of the Infantry supports - the Brigades of Gibbon and Patrick. In this contest Capt. Campbell was wounded and the command fell to Lieut. Stewart. After a close and severe engagement in which the Battery lost 9 men killed and 31 wounded and 26 horses killed, it retired to the field north of the Miller house, where it again went into action.<br /><br />
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The Third Brigade supported Battery "A" (Tidball's) 2d U.S. Artillery in its advance, piece by piece, to the crest of the ridge in front, by deploying on either side of this road, - the 4th Pennsylvania on the right, and the 6th on the left - and forcing back the Confederate skirmishers. Col. James A. Childs, commanding 4th Regiment, when on the road a few yards east of this point, was mortally wounded by a rifled shot. The Brigade was relieved by the advance of the Regular Infantry late in the afternoon.<br /><br />
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The Second Brigade crossed the Middle Bridge under a severe fire of the Confederate Artillery posted on Cemetery Hill. The 8th Pennsylvania was thrown to the right to support the Artillery north of this road. The remaining Regiments took position in the ravine on the left between this point and the Antietam, where, in support to the Batteries in front, they remained until relieved by the advance of the Regular Infantry, when the entire Brigade was withdrawn. The 8th Illinois and 3d Indiana moved up the west bank of the creek and bivouacked in rear of the right wing of the Infantry line. The 8th Pennsylvania crossed the Middle Bridge, ascended the east bank of the Antietam, recrossed the stream near Neikirk's and bivouacked near the Illinois and Indiana Regiments. The 1st Massachusetts recrossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge and bivouacked near Keedysville.<br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th, the 2d and 20th Georgia of Toombs' Brigade, the 50th Georgia of Drayton's Brigade, and a Company each of Hood's Texas Brigade and Jenkins' Brigade occupied a position commanding the Burnside Bridge and Snavely's Ford. At 1 P.M., the Ninth Army Corps forced the passage of the bridge and ford, and Toombs withdrew his command to the Antietam Furnace Road in the suburbs of Sharpsburg. During the engagement at the bridge and ford, and while falling back, Toombs was joined by the 15th and 17th Georgia, of his Brigade, and five Companies of the 11th Georgia of Col. George T. Anderson's Brigade. Re-forming his command on the Antietam Furnace Road, where he was joined by portions of Kemper's, Drayton's and Garnett's Brigades, Toombs advanced on the left of Archer's Briagade of A.P. Hill's Division and, at this point, engaged the Federal troops in the lane and fields beyond. Late in the afternoon his command was relieved by Branch's Brigade of A.P. Hill's Division and moved easterly across the Sharpsburg Road, where it remained until withdrawn to re-cross the Potomac.<br /><br />
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The Division formed at daylight on the plateau commanding the approaches to the Burnside Bridge.<br /><br />
At about noon the enemy made several attempts to carry the bridge, but was repulsed. An assault made at 1 P.M. was successful. The bridge was carried, and the advanced troops withdrew to a position on the plateau nearer the town. Between 2 and 3 P.M. the enemy gained the plateau and advanced upon the town, but was checked by troops of this Division which was re-enforced at about 3 P.M. by A.P. Hill's Division of Jackson's Command.<br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th Ferrero's Brigade was in position about a half mile northeast of this point on the Rohrback Farm. About 9 A.M. it moved to the left and, after several changes of position, was ordered to carry the bridge. The 51st Pennsylvania and the 51st New York were formed under cover of the hill overlooking this point; skirmishers were thrown forward to the stone fence above the bridge and behind fences and trees along the stream below it; and, under cover of the fire from the Federal Artillery, the two Regiments charged down the hill, carried the bridge and formed, under cover of the bluff, in the road beyond it. The 35th Massachusetts, closely supported by the 21st Massachusetts, followed and ascended the bluff on the right where, later in the day, it was joined by the remainder of the Brigade and led the advance to the Otto farm lane, where it became severely engaged and lost heavily in killed and wounded.<br /><br />
Late at night the Brigade was relieved by Welsh's Brigade of Willcox's Division and fell back to the banks of the Antietam.<br /><br />
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At daylight of the 17th Nagle's Brigade was about a half mile northeast of this point. It moved to the south and, at 10 A.M., was formed for assault on the bridge. The 2nd Maryland took position in the old lane 110 yards southeast of this point, and the remainder of the Brigade under cover of the hill and in rear of the 2nd Maryland. At 11 A.M. the 2nd Maryland, closely followed by the 6th New Hampshire, both moving by the flank, charged down the hill under a heavy fire of artillery and musketry. They passed through the opening in the fence at this point and reached within 250 feet of the bridge, when their advance was checked. Many of the men took shelter behind the fences and trees bordering the stream, and supported Ferrero's Brigade in its successful assault. The Brigade then crossed the bridge, filed to the left, and occupied the high ground beyond. Late in the day it moved forward and co-operated in checking the advance of the right of A.P. Hill's Division.<br /><br />
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The Cavalry Division was stationed along the west bank of the Antietam Creek during the battle of September 17, in support of Horse Batteries A, B and L (Consolidated), and M, of the Second U. S. Artillery, and Batteries C and G (Consolidated) of the Third Artillery, which were established on the crest of the ridge in front of this point. This Division occupied a portion of the ground between the left flank of the Second and right flank of the Ninth Army Corps, and covered the approaches to the bridge across Antietam Creek. <br /><br />
At night the Division was withdrawn.<br /><br />
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Colquitt's Brigade formed line soon after sunrise, southwest of Mumma's house, in support of Trimble and Ripley. It followed Ripley across the Smoketown Road and formed on his right.<br /><br />
After a severe engagement, involving heavy loss, it retired to the west end of the Bloody Lane and assisted in checking the advance of French's Division of the Second Corps. Later in the day, portions of the Brigade acted with Evans' Brigade in checking the Federal advance on the Boonsboro Pike.<br /><br />
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At daybreak of the 17th, the three divisions of the 2nd Corps were east of the Antietam: Sedgwick's and French's near Army Headquarters, Richardson's in advance behind the bluff overlooking the Antietam. At 7:30 A. M. Sedgwick's Division moved, crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford and, advancing through the East Woods and Miller's Cornfield and the fields to the south, in column of Brigades, crossed the Hagerstown Pike about a third of a mile north of this, entered the West Woods, and the right and center had reached the open ground beyond, when its advance was checked by Jackson's Command and the Artillery of Stuart's Cavalry Division.<br /><br />
Gorman's Brigade was in the first line, its left Regiment, the 34th New York, a few yards west of the Dunkard Church and separated from the Brigade by an interval of 460 yards, the Brigade line running in a general dirction northwest, its right 940 yards from this and 610 yards west of the Hagerstown Pike. Dana's and Howard's Brigades were in the second and third lines respectively, their left flanks in the ravine and on the roll of ground 200 to 250 yards northeast of this and 280 to 300 yards west of the Pike. In this position the left flank of the Division was attacked and turned by McLaws' and Walker's Divisions and it was obliged to retreat northward to the fields and woods beyond D. R. Miller's.<br /><br />
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When nearing the East Woods, early on the 17th, Goodrich's Brigade was detached from its Division and ordered to the assistance of Doubleday's Division engaged north of this. The Purnell Legion was detached near D. R. Miller's and did not participate with its Brigade in the action near this point, but was engaged with its Division west of the Dunkard Church. After the repulse of the Brigade near this point, the 78th New York was detached.<br /><br />
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Gordon's Brigade formed line at daybreak on the Hoffman farm and advanced in a southerly direction in support of Hooker's Corps.<br /><br />
The 107th New York was detached to support Cothran's Battery and the 13th New Jersey was held in reserve. The Brigade formed on either side of Ransom's Battery on the high ground due east of D. R. Miller's, where it repulsed an assault of Hood's Division and its support and, moving south through the Cornfield, changed front to the right and took position behind the ridge parallel to the Hagerstown Pike, where it remained until it was relieved by the advance of Sedgwick's Division and withdrawn to the East Woods.<br /><br />
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Williams' Division moved from the Line and Hoffman farms at daylight on the 17th, and formed line at 7 A. M. near the North Woods, and advanced, Gordon's Brigade to the right on the high ground between D. R. Miller's and the East Woods, facing south. Crawford's Brigade on Gordon's left, facing southwest, and extending across the Smoketown Road. The Division relieved the left and center of the First Army Corps, checked the Confederate advance, and, in cooperation with Greene's Division, forced the enemy into the West Woods west of the Hagerstown Pike. Later it supported the assault made by Sedgwick's Division, Second Corps, and then formed in support of the Sixth Corps and continued upon this duty until the close of the engagement.<br /><br />
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The Twelfth Corps left its bivouac on the Line and Hoffman farms at daylight, moved forward, in column of Battalions in mass, and deployed in support of the First Corps, Williams' Division on the right and Greene's Division on the left. Its line extended from D. R. Miller's house, on the Hagerstown Pike, in a southeasterly direction to and across the Smoketown Road. While the deployment was in progress, Maj. Gen. Mansfield was mortally wounded and carried from the field.<br /><br />
He was succeeded by Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams. This Corps supported, and then relieved, the First Corps.<br /><br />
Later in the day it formed in support of the First and Sixth Corps of the Army of the Potomac.<br /><br />
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Seymour's Brigade became engaged at daybreak, and advanced on either side of this road into the East Woods, where it became heavily engaged with the enemy.<br /><br />
At the western edge of the East Woods its advance was checked by the enemy, and its ammunition having been exhausted, it was relieved about 7 A. M. by Ricketts' Division, and withdrawn to the ridge in the rear of Joseph Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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Christian's Brigade advanced from the Poffenberger Woods in support of Hartsuff's left. The 90th Pennsylvania was detached to support Matthew's Pennsylvania Battery in the field between D. R. Miller's and the East Woods, but soon thereafter rejoined the Brigade, which moved through the East Woods and came into line on either side of the Smoketown Road, the 26th and 94th New York forming on the west edge of the East Woods, south of the Smoketown Road. The 88th Pennsylvania fought on the line of, and finally relieved, the 83rd New York, which was the left of Hartsuff's Brigade, the 90th Pennsylvania relieving the right of Hartsuff and charging about 40 yards beyond it. The Brigade fought until its ammunition was nearly exhausted when it was relieved by the advance of the Twelfth Corps. This tablet marks the point reached by the 90th Pennsylvania.<br /><br />
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Hartsuff's Brigade, advancing from the Poffenberger Woods early on the 17th, passed through the northern part of the East Woods and over the open ground west of them, and went into action on a line running northwest and southeast through this point. Early in the movement Gen. Hartsuff was wounded and the command devolved upon Col. Richard Coulter, 11th Pennsylvania Infantry. The left center of the 11th Pennsylvania was at this point with the 12th Massachusetts on the right. On the immediate left of the 11th was the 13 Massachusetts and on its left was the 83rd New York. In this position, supported by two Regiments of Christian's Brigade, it maintained a sanguinary contest in which it lost half its number, but was compelled to withdraw, being relieved by the advance of Crawford's Brigade, Twelfth Corps. The Brigade carried into action about 1220 men of whom 82 were killed and 497 wounded. The 12th Massachusetts lost 224 out of 334 engaged.<br /><br />
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Ricketts' Division, on the left of the First Corps, formed for attack at 6 A. M. in the follwing order: Hartsuff's Brigade in advance, supported by Christian's Brigade on the left and Duryea's Brigade on the right. The Division advanced to the west edge of the East Woods and along the south edge of the Cornfield, where it became heavily engaged with the enemy.<br /><br />
It maintained itself in this position for some time but, it's ammunition having been exhausted, it was eventually obliged to withdraw. After replenishing its supply of ammunition, it was formed, in reserve, in the fields east of the Hagerstown Pike and remained there throughout the day.<br /><br />
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Early in the morning Duryea's Brigade moved from its bivouac in the Poffenberger Woods, on the Smoketown Road. Forming in column of Divisions it obliqued right until near J. Poffenberger's when it marched south through the North Woods, passed the right of Hartsuff's Brigade and between Pennsylvania Light Battery F (Matthews') and Pennsylvania Light Battery C (Thompson's), in position on the high ground between D. R. Miller's and the East Woods. Arriving at the Cornfield fence the Brigade deployed and moved through the Cornfield to its south edge (75 yards distant) when it encountered the Confederate line, which was about 145 to 160 yards south of this. In less than a half hour the left of the Brigade was withdrawn, the right remained a few minutes longer when it fell back. Portions of the Brigade rallied and made another advance part way through the Cornfield, but fell back as Hartsuff's Brigade came into action.<br /><br />
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Ricketts' Division moved from its bivouac in the Poffenberger Woods early in the morning of the 17th. Duyea's Brigade moving south through the North Woods and over the open ground between the Hagerstown Pike and the East Woods, passed through Miller's Cornfield to its southern edge and engaged the Confederate line 220 to 230 yards in its front. After an obstinate contest of 30 to 40 minutes the Brigade was compelled to retire. The center of the Brigade line is marked by its tablet west of this. Hartsuff's Brigade (supported by Christian's) went into action on a line running northwest and southeast through this point, and after a sanguinary contest, the Brigade was compelled to retire with a loss of half of its number. Christian moved in the left rear of Hartsuff's, his right supporting and relieving Hartsuff at this point, his left forming on the west edge of the East Woods, south of the Smoketown Road. The Division was relieved by the advance of the Twelfth Corps, and joined the rest of the First Corps on the right near the Hagerstown Pike, north of J. Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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Anderson's Brigade advanced from the North Woods about 6:30 A.M. in support of Doubleday's Division engaged on either side of the road south of this point. Midway between the North Woods and D. R. Miller's, the 10th Regiment crossed the road and moving west about 700 yards became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers and the Artillery of Stuart's Cavalry Command. The three remaining Regiments formed line with the right resting on the road at this point. A charge of the enemy to the north edge of the Cornfield was repulsed and the Brigade advanced to the Cornfield, the 9th Regiment going through the corn to its south edge, the center and left about midway into the corn, when it was checked by the advance of a Confederate line and fell back, after which Anderson withdrew to the North Woods, where he was rejoined by the 10th Regiment and served as a rallying point for Sedgwick's Division, Second Corps. The Brigade then moved to the rear of the high ground north of Joseph Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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Magilton's Brigade advanced from the North Woods about 6:30 A. M. and passing a few rods east of D. R. Miller's house, formed line on the left of Anderson's Brigade. A part of the Brigade supported by the 124th Pennsylvania, of the Twelfth Corps, engaged the enemy in the north edge of the Cornfield. Soon after, the Brigade was ordered to the left to the assistance of Seymour and Ricketts and, in front of the East Woods, while in motion by the left flank about 75 feet north of the Cornfield, the Brigade was fiercely assailed by the Confederates. The assault was checked by the timely arrival of Williams' Division, Twelfth Corps, after which the Brigade was withdrawn to the fields northeast of Joseph Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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Goodrich's Brigade was detached from its Division, and supported Gibbon's and Patrick's Brigades of the First Army Corps in the fields and woods west of this point.<br /><br />
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Goodrich's Brigade was detached from its Division, when east of Joseph Poffenberger's, and ordered to the assistance of Doubleday's Division. It crossed the Hagerstwon Pike near Miller's, formed in the north part of the West Woods and on the open ground east of them and, supported by Patrick's Brigade, advanced in the direction of the Dunkard Church. When nearing this point it was stubbornly resisted by the enemy posted in the woods immediately southwest of this, and Colonel Goodrich was mortally wounded. The loss in the Brigade was heavy and it was obliged to retire.<br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th, with its right on the Hagerstown Pike, Gibbon's Brigade, which three days before had earned the title of the "Iron Brigade", advanced in the direction of the Dunkard Church. When 135 yards north of this point Confederates, deployed under cover of the ledge and woods west of the pike attacked the flank, upon which the 19th Indiana and 7th Wisconsin were deployed on the plateau and in the woods west of the pike and the 2nd and 6th Wisconsin in the infamous Cornfield east of it. Battery B, 4th U. S. Artillery, went into position west of the pike and a few yards south of Miller's barn. Supported by Patrick's Brigade and the Battery on the right and Phelps' Brigade on the left, Gibbon's Brigade advanced to and south of this point but was forced back. Charge and countercharge of the most deadly character were made across the open plateau west of and in the Cornfield and ground south of it, east of the pike, and the Iron Brigade was compelled to retire to the field north of D. R. Miller's and then to the cover of the high ground north and east of Joseph Poffenberger's.<br /><br />
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Meade's Division formed at about 6:30 A.M. in the following order: Seymour's Brigade on the left and in advance, Magilton's and Anderson's Brigades in column of masses in support. As Anderson and Magilton emerged from the North Woods, they were deployed to fill the gap between Doubleday's and Ricketts' Divisions. Magilton's Brigade was soon withdrawn and moved to the left in support of Seymour and Ricketts.<br /><br />
Through the gap thus made the enemy attempted to advance, but were checked by the fire of the Corps Artillery and the arrival of the Twelfth Corps.<br /><br />
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Anderson's Brigade advanced from this point about 6:30 A.M. in support of Gibbon's, Phelps' and Patrick's Brigades of Doubleday's Division, midway between the North Woods and the D. R. Miller house, the 10th Regiment was sent to the west about 700 yards to protect the flank of the Union line against a threatened advance of the enemy. The three remaining Regiments became engaged with the enemy in the north edge of the Cornfield south of the Miller house.<br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th, the Ninth Army Corps was in position behind the ridges on the east bank of the Antietam.<br /><br />
At 1 P.M., Sturgis' Division assaulted and carried the Burnside Bridge and formed line on the high ground west of the stream.<br /><br />
Crook's Brigade of the Kanawha Division crossed and formed on Sturgis' right in support.<br /><br />
Rodman's Division crossed at Snavely's Ford and formed on Sturgis' left.<br /><br />
Ewing's Brigade of the Kanawha Division crossed at Snavely's Ford and formed in support of Rodman.<br /><br />
Between 2 and 3 P.M., Willcox's Division crossed the bridge and relieved Sturgis.<br /><br />
Four Batteries of Artillery crossed the bridge and went into position along the line of battle. <br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th, Harland's Brigade moved from its position southeast of Burnside Bridge. The 11th Connecticut, deployed as skirmishers, preceded Crook's Brigade in its assault on the bridge and was repulsed with great loss. During the forenoon the remaining Regiments of the Brigade moved down the left bank of the Antietam, crossed at Snavely's Ford and, moving up the right bank of the stream, formed line on the left of the Division, Ewing's Ohio Brigade in support. At about 3 P.M., the Brigade advanced in the direction of Sharpsburg. The 8th Connecticut passed to the west of this point and the 16th Connecticut and 4th Rhode Island were in the 40 acre cornfield east, when they were attacked in flank by the right of A.P. Hill's Division and compelled to retire to the cover of the high ground near the bridge. <br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th, Fairchild's Brigade moved from its position southeast of the Burnside Bridge, down the left bank of the Antietam, which it crossed at Snavely's Ford about 1 P.M., and forced the right of Toombs' Brigade from its position on the high ground above the ford and, moving up the right bank of the creek, formed line on the left of Willcox's Division a short distance northwest of the bridge. About 3 P.M. the Brigade, under a heavy fire of Artillery from Cemetery Hill and the adjacent heights, advanced from the ridge 450 yards east of this, reached the open fields west and gained the high ground about 400 yards northwest of this point, forcing the Brigades of Kemper and Drayton through the streets of Sharpsburg. Its position being endangered by the advance of A.P. Hill on its left and rear, it was withdrawn by the ravines to the Sharpsburg Road and thence to the bank of the Antietam near the Burnside Bridge. <br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th Welsh's Brigade was in reserve on the eastern slope of the ridge on the left bank of the Antietam, nearly opposite the Burnside Bridge. About 2 P.M., after Sturgis' Division had carried the bridge, the Brigade crossed and, following the road to Sharpsburg about 250 yards, formed line west of the road.<br /><br />
The Brigade then advanced over the high ground west of the road, gradually crossing to the east, until its right was near this point, its center in the ravine and at the stone mill, and its left in the apple orchard beyond, when the attack of A.P. Hill on the left flank of the Corps compelled it to withdraw to the banks of the Antietam, where it remained until the evening of the 18th. <br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th Christ's Brigade was in reserve on the eastern slope of the ridge on the left bank of the Antietam, nearly opposite the Burnside Bridge.<br /><br />
About 2 P.M., after Sturgis' Division had carried the bridge, the Brigade crossed and, following the stream and road to Sharpsburg, filed to the right where the course of the former diverged to the east and formed line on the narrow plateau at the foot of the bluff southeast of this point. After the formation of the Corps line, the Brigade advanced, under a heavy fire from Cemetery Hill and the high ground west of the road, to within a few yards of this point where it was checked. After a short delay the 79th New York advanced as skirmishers and compelled the Confederate Artillery to retire. The Brigade was about to move forward, when the attack of A.P. Hill on the left of the Corps obliged it to fall back to the Antietam, where it remained until the evening of the 18th, when it was relieved by Morell's Division of the Fifth Corps.<br /><br />
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Early on the 17th the Brigades of Ripley, Colquitt and Garland advanced across the Smoketown Road in support of Hood's Division. After heavy losses they were obliged to retire, Ripley to the West Woods, Colquitt and Garland to the western end of the Bloody Lane. Rodes and G. R. Anderson's Brigades took position in the Bloody Lane, farther east, and, supported by R. H. Anderson's Division, withstood several assaults of French's and Richardson's Divisions of Sumner's Corps. Early in the afternoon the Division retired to a position in Piper's Lane extending to and along this road and into the fields west of the Hagerstown Pike.<br /><br />
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Early on the 17th, Ripley fired the Mumma Buildings and passed them in the direction of the south part of the East Woods, then, moving by the left flank, crossed the Smoketown Road and engaged the Union troops in Miller's Cornfield. Colquitt followed Ripley and formed on his right. Garland's Brigade moving from the field north of the present stone tower, followed Colquitt. After a severe contest, involving heavy losses, the three Brigades were driven by Mansfield's Corps; Ripley retiring to the woods at the Dunkard Church, Colquitt and Garland in the direction of Sharpsburg. Rodes was about to join the three Brigades north of the Smoketown Road, but upon the appearance of Colquitt and Garland in retreat, filed to the left and formed line in the Bloody Lane, portions of the retreating Brigades rallying on his left. George B. Anderson moving from the Boonsboro Pike, passed up the ravine south of this and formed in the lane on Rodes' right. In this position, the left on the Hagerstown Pike, the right near this point, the command was attacked by French's and Richardson's Divisions. Five Brigades of R. H. Anderson's Division, came to Hill's assistance, forming line in his rear, but, after a bloody struggle of over two hours, both Hill and Anderson fell back to Piper's Lane and to the cover of the stonewalls on either side of the Hagerstown Pike beyond. Late in the day the Confederates repulsed a charge of the 7th Maine on the Piper Buildings.<br /><br />
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Early in the day several brigades of this command were sent to the vicinity of the Dunkard Church in support of Jackson's Command.<br /><br />
At about 9:15 A.M., French's Division, and shortly thereafter Richardson's Division of Federal Infantry, assaulted the position occupied by a portion of this command at the Bloody Lane. The fighting at this point, which was of a desperate character involving heavy losses on both sides, ceased early in the afternoon.<br /><br />
Between 1 and 3 P.M., the position of D. R. Jones' Division, covering the Burnside Bridge, was assaulted and finally carried by the Ninth Corps.<br /><br />
At about 3 P.M., Jones' Division, assisted by A. P. Hill's Division of Jackson's Command, succeeded in checking the advance of the enemy.<br /><br />
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Battery D, 2d U.S. Artillery, moved from its bivouac near Crampton's Pass on the morning of the 17th and went into position south of the Smoketown Road, its center 55 yards from this point, its right gun about 12 yards. It opened fire at the Dunkard Church and the woods surrounding it to drive therefrom the Confederate Sharpshooters. It was relieved by Battery A, Maryland Light Artillery, Captain John W. Wolcott, and at 4 P.M., moved southwest to the high ground north of the Sunken Lane to cover the movement of the 7th Maine Infantry against the Confederates around the Piper buildings.<br /><br />
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Law's Brigade advanced from the woods at the Dunkard Church at 7 A.M. and relieved Trimble's Brigade across the Smoketown Road south of this point. Gradually gaining ground to the left, its center on the open ground and its right in the East Woods, it assisted in repulsing the advance of Ricketts' Division, First Corps. Supported on the right by the 21st Georgia of Trimble's Brigade and the 5th Texas of Wofford's Brigade, it advanced to the northeast corner of Miller's Cornfield and the woods adjacent, from which it was dislodged by the advance of the Twelfth Corps. It withdrew to the fields south of the Dunkard Church and was not again engaged.<br /><br />
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At 7 A.M., Wofford's Brigade, advancing from the woods in rear of the Dunkard Church, crossed the Hagerstwon Pike near the church and, moving north, its left (Hampton Legion) resting on the Pike, relieved Lawton's and Hays' Brigades of Ewell's Division, about 145 to 160 yards south of this and engaged the Union line in the cornfield about 75 yards north of this road. The 5th Texas was sent to the assistance of Law's Brigade on the right. The four remaining Regiments maintained a contest rarely equalled in warfare. They penetrated the cornfield, the 1st Texas advancing to its northern edge, but their advance was checked. After losing more than one half its numbers, the Brigade fell back to the fields southwest of the Dunkard Church, and was not again engaged. The Brigade went into action numbering 854; its loss in killed, wounded and missing was 560. The 1st Texas carried into action 226 officers and men, of whom 186 were killed or wounded.<br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th Durell's Battery D, Pennsylvania Light Artillery, took position on the ridge to the right of Benjamin's and both engaged the Confederate Batteries posted on the high ground near Sharpsburg. At 10 o'clock Crook's Brigade, preceded by the 11th Connecticut as skirmishers, attempted to cross the bridge but failed. Several attempts made by the 2nd Maryland and 6th New Hampshire failed also. At 1 o'clock the bridge was carried by Ferrero's Brigade of Sturgis' Division and the whole Division crossed and formed on the high ground west in one curved line, the left resting on the Antietam at the bend below the bridge, the right on the Sharpsburg Road, 250 yards north of the bridge. Crook's Brigade crossed and supported the right, Rodman's Division and Ewing's Brigade crossed at Snavely's Ford below the bridge and took position on the left of the line on the crest above the bridge. Willcox's Division crossed the bridge and relieved Sturgis who was held in reserve at the head of the bridge. In this order - Willcox on the right, supported by Crook, and Rodman on the left supported by Scammon - the line moved forward at 3 o'clock in the direction of Sharpsburg, encountered and drove back D.R. Jones' Division and reached the high ground on the outskirts of the town, where it was assailed on the left flank by A.P. Hill's Division and obliged to fall back to the banks of the Antietam.<br /><br />
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At the end of a half hour Starke's second line advanced obliquing to the right, aligned along the fence bordering the Pike and engaged the Union advance east of it. As the left reached the fence, the fire of Campbell's Battery and five Regiments of Gibbon's and Patrick's Brigades, formed behind the ledge 78 yards west of this, struck it in flank and rear, and the entire command retreated to the woods from which it had advanced. At an early stage of this movement, General Starke was killed and the command of the Division devolved upon Colonel Grigsby, 27th Virginia Infantry. Grigsby reformed the Division, and moving in connection with Early's Brigade, turned the flank of Gibbon's and Patrick's line, compelling it to retire to Miller's barn. Early halted in the angle of the West Woods a few yards south and west of this, and Jackson's Division, now reduced to 200 men, formed on his left, fronting the low ground west of the ledge and between it and the northern extremity of the West Woods, where it assisted in checking the advance of Goodrich's Brigade, Twelfth Corps, shortly after which it fell back to Alfred Poffenberger's, 400 yards southwest of this, where it was relieved by the advance of McLaws' Division.<br /><br />
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About 7 A.M. of the 17th, Hood's Division moved out of the woods surrounding the Dunkard Church, crossed the Hagerstown Pike a few yards north of the Church and, advancing in a northerly direction, relieved the Brigades of Lawton, Hays, and Trimble of Ewell's Division, and became heavily engaged with troops of the First Corps, Army of the Potomac. Its left Brigade (Wofford's) rested on the Hagerstown Pike, its right Brigade (Laws') extended into the East Woods. It was engaged on the line now marked by this road, and finally advanced into the north edge of Miller's Cornfield (305 yards north of this) and to the east edge of the East Woods where it was checked and, after a severe contest, involving heavy losses on both sides, was compelled to retire to the woods from which it had advanced.<br /><br />
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Battery G, 4th U.S. Artillery, belonged to the Artillery Reserve, which was attached to the Fifth Army Corps. On the morning of the 17th, the Battery was in the field just east of Porterstown. About 3 P.M., under orders of Brigadier General Geo. Sykes, it reported to Major General Burnside and was put in position on the high ground east of the Rohrbach Lane, from which it overlooked and commanded the approaches to the stone bridge over the Antietam. The Battery was not actively engaged.<br /><br />
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On the morning of the 17th, Battery A was in position on the crest of the hill east of the Rohrbach Lane, east of and overlooking the stone bridge over the Antietam. In the afternoon the Battery crossed the bridge and went into position on the ridge 730 yards a little south of and east of this point and engaged the Confederate artillery and infantry. Later in the day the battery moved about 60 yards west and 100 yards south of its first position, more effectually to check a flank movement of A.P. Hill's Division. At night the battery was withdrawn to the cover of the ridge on which it had been engaged.<br /><br />
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Confederate General Hood's counterattack knocks the Federal I Corps back through the East Woods and out of farmer Miller's cornfield, but by 7:20 AM the men of his Division are being hit from from front and flank taking serious losses, and are compelled to begin falling back ...<br /><br />
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Anderson's Brigade was withdrawn from the Boonsboro Pike at about 7:30 A.M. and moved to a position in rear of the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
It supported McLaws' Division in the attack on Sedgwick's Division, and was then moved to this point where, forming behind the stone fence, it engaged the enemy in Piper's Cornfield but, being enfiladed by the Federal Artillery, was soon obliged to retire in the direction of Sharpsburg. Between 2 and 3 P.M., with portions of other Brigades, it formed a line extending from Piper's Barn to the Hagerstown Pike and assisted in repulsing an attack of the enemy.<br /><br />
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Pender's Brigade left Harpers Ferry at 7:30 A.M. of September 17, crossed the Potomac by Blackford's Ford and reached this road about 3 P.M. It was placed in position near this point to guard the approaches to the battlefield from the lower Antietam. It was exposed to the long range Infantry and Artillery fire of the enemy but was not otherwise actively engaged.<br /><br />
Late in the day it was moved to the left, and on the morning of the 18th, took position on the left of Branch's Brigade, where it remained until it was withdrawn to recross the Potomac.<br /><br />
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Field's Brigade left Harpers Ferry at 7:30 A.M. of September 17, reached this point about 3 P.M. and was put in position to guard the approaches to the field by Snavely's Ford and the lower Antietam.<br /><br />
The Brigade was not actively engaged, and recrossed the Potomac early on the morning of September 19.<br /><br />
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A. P. Hill's Division left Harpers Ferry at 7:30 A.M., crossed the Potomac at Blacksford Ford and reached this point at 2:30 P.M.<br /><br />
Pender's and Field's Brigades were detached to cover the approaches from the lower Antietam. Branch's, Gregg's and Archer's Brigades formed line along this road connecting with the right of D.R. Jones' Division. These Brigades supported by Toombs, crossed the fields, encountered the left of the enemy's advancing line, checked its further progress and took position behind the stone fence about 600 yards distant.<br /><br />
They remained in this position until midnight of the 18th, when they withdrew and, acting as rearguard of the Confederate Army, recrossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford about 9:30 A.M. of the 19th.<br /><br />
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About 7:30 A.M. Col. George T. Anderson's Brigade moved from Cemetery Hill to the left near the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
The Federal Batteries beyond the Antietam continued their heavy fire, which was answered by Confederate guns.<br /><br />
Five Companies of the 11th Georgia Infantry re-enforced the right of Toombs' Brigade opposite Snavely's Ford and, about 1 P.M., Toombs was driven from Burnside Bridge and Snavely's Ford by the Ninth Corps, which crossed at those points and, about 3 P.M., advanced upon Sharpsburg. At that hour Toombs was slowly falling back to the Antietam Furnace Road west of this point.<br /><br />
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Howard's Brigade, following Gorman and Dana in their attack, passed through the East Woods, crossed the Cornfield and the Hagerstown Pike and reached the edge of the West Woods, where its advance was checked about 90 yards east of this point.<br /><br />
Its left flank having been attacked and turned by McLaws' and Walker's Divisions, it was forced to retire to the fields north of D.R. Miller's, where it was reformed and placed in position in support of a part of the Artillery of the First and Twelfth Coprs and of Sedgewick's Division of the Second Corps.<br /><br />
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Gorman's Brigade led the advance of Sedgwick's Division in its assault upon the Confederate left. It passed through the East Woods, crossed the Cornfield and the open ground to the south, entered the West Woods and had reached this point, when its advance was checked by Jackson's Command and the Artillery of Stuart's Division posted on the high ground to the northwest. After a severe contest in which its ammunition was nearly exhausted, its left flank was turned by McLaws' and Walker's Divisions and the Brigade was forced to retire northward to the fields beyond D.R. Miller's barn. The 34th New York was detached and occupied the woods immediately west of the Dunkard Church. This tablet marks the left center of the Brigade in its advance.<br /><br />
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Dana's Brigade, following Gorman's in column of attack, passed through the East Woods, crossed the Cornfield and the Hagerstown Pike, about 50 yards in rear of Gorman, and entered the West Woods, where its advance was checked about 40 yards east of this point.<br /><br />
Its left flank having been attacked and turned, by McLaws' and Walker's Divisions, it was compelled to retire.<br /><br />
A portion of the Brigade, with the 1st Minnesota Infantry, occupied a line near the Nocodemus house which it held for a time until, its flank having been again turned, it retired to the woods and fields east of the Hagerstown Pike.<br /><br />
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Sedgwick's Division crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford at 7:45 A. M. and, advancing from the East Woods in column of Brigades, Gorman's Brigade in advance, Dana's second and Howard's third, passed through the Cornfield and the open fields to the south, crossed the Hagerstown Pike, entered the West Woods, and had reached the open ground beyond when its advance was checked by Jackson's Command and the Artillery of Stuart's Division.<br /><br />
Its left flank was then attacked and turned by McLaws' and Walker's Divisions and it was forced to retreat northward to the fields and woods beyond D. R. Miller's, where it rallied under cover of the Artillery of the First and Twelfth Corps.<br /><br />
This tablet marks the center of the Division in its advance.<br /><br />
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The Wise Artillery was the only one of the four Batteries attached to D.R. Jones' Division which was present on the field. During the greater part of the engagement it occupied the high ground about 340 yards due west of this point. <br /><br />
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After the repulse of the Confederate line in the East Woods and Cornfield north of the Smoketown Road in the morning of the 17th, parts of the Brigades of Colquitt and Garland rallied in the Sunken Road at this point, their right connecting with Rodes, their left resting on the Hagerstown Pike. They cooperated with Rodes in repelling the advance of French's Division, Second Corps, and, in cooperation with detachments of McLaws' and Walker's Division, crossed this road and attacked the right flank of French's Division but were repulsed. In the afternoon, parts of the two Brigades were collected at Sharpsburg and moved out on the Boonsboro Pike in support of Evans' Brigade in its resistance to the advance of a portion of the Fifth Army Corps.<br /><br />
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Jones' Artillery Battalion occupied the ridge north of this point and was actively engaged early in the day, but was soon withdrawn to the lower ground between the ridge and the Hagerstown Pike. In the afternoon the Battalion reoccupied the ridge and engaged the Union Batteries that had crossed by the Middle Bridge to the west side of the Antietam, it resisted also the advance of the Infantry of the Fifth Corps. At sundown the Battalion was again withdrawn.<br /><br />
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During the forenoon the Washington Artillery was engaged with the enemy's heavy Batteries on the opposite side of Antietam Creek. At 9:15 the 3d Company, Miller, was sent to Piper's Orchard and engaged the enemy in the Bloody Lane. At noon the 4th Company, Eshleman, was moved farther to the right to guard the fords below the Burnside Bridge. At 1 P.M., the 2d Company, Richardson, having a gun disabled, was withdrawn to Sharpsburg from the high ground commanding the Burnside Bridge. Between 2 and 3 P.M., upon the advance of the enemy, the 1st Company, Squires, was withdrawn from the Cemetery position, and, joined by the 2d Company which was in the town and by the 3d Company which had returned from the Bloody Lane, moved to the Harpers Ferry Road to assist Toombs' Brigade in checking the advance of the Ninth Corps.<br /><br />
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This Battery moved from the bivouac of the Artillery Reserve, near Porterstown, crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford, passed the Neikirk farm buildings and, following the ravines, came into position about 40 yards north of this point on the right of Richardson's Division, and engaged a section of Confederate Battery—two brass guns—about 700 yards southwest, which soon retired. It then assisted in repelling a charge of Confederate Infantry through Piper's Cornfield. Two Confederate Batteries, rifled guns, now opened on the Battery, one of which enfiladed it and, in an engagement of about thirty-five minutes, it suffered heavy losses. The Battery was unable to reach the enemy, who had rifled guns of greater range than Captain Graham's smooth-bores, and was withdrawn by General Richardson to avoid useless sacrifice of men and horses. General Richardson was mortally wounded while personally directing the fire of the Battery.<br /><br />
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French's Division, following Sedgwick across the Antietam, on reaching the East Woods wheeled to the left, drove the Confederate outposts from the Roulette buildings and, about 9:30 A.M., engaged the Brigades of Rodes, Colquitt and Garland, posted in the west end of Bloody Lane. Geo. B. Anderson's Brigade (on Rodes' right) endeavored to turn French's left but was forced back by the advance of Richardson's Division, which formed on French's left. Five Brigades of R.H. Anderson's Confederate Division came to the assistance of the four Brigades already engaged. About noon French and Richardson carried the Bloody Lane and the high ground immediately south of it, the Confederates retreating to and beyond Piper's.<br /><br />
Meanwhile, Pleasonton's Cavalry had crossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge and, advancing on the Boonsboro Pike, drove in the Confederate skirmishers. Four Horse Batteries followed and were put in position on the ridge crossing the Pike about 880 yards southeast of this, and engaged the Confederate Artillery on Cemetery Hill. The Horse Batteries were relieved at intervals by two Batteries of Sykes' Division. After noon portions of Sykes Regular Division crossed the Antietam, and, in co-operation with the Ninth Corps, compelled the Confederate Artillery to abandon Cemetery Hill. About 5 P.M., the Seventh Maine Infantry charged across the Bloody Lane at a point about 450 yards west of this and reached the Piper barn but was soon driven back with great loss.<br /><br />
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Hampton's Brigade reached the field on September 17 and took position on the left of Jackson's Command, occupying, with Lee's Brigade, a line extending from the left of the Confederate Infantry to the Potomac River.<br /><br />
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On the morning of September 17, 1862, this bridge was defended by the 2nd and 20th Georgia of Toombs' Brigade and the 50th Georgia of Drayton's Brigade. The 20th Georgia was on the high wooded bluff immediately opposite this end of the bridge; and the 2nd and 50th Georgia in open order, supported by one Company of Jenkins' S.C. Brigade, continued the line to Snavely's Ford. One Company of the 20th Georgia was was on the narrow wooded strip north of this point between the creek and the Sharpsburg Road. Richardson's Battery of the Washington Artillery was posted on the high ground about 500 yards northwest and Eubank's (Va.) Battery on the bluff north of and overlooking the bridge. The Artillery on Cemetery Hill commanded the bridge and the road to Sharpsburg.<br /><br />
At 9 A.M. Crooks Brigade of the Ninth Corps, moving from the ridge northeast of the bridge, attempted to cross it but failed. Soon after, the 2nd Maryland and 6th New Hampshire, of Nagle's Brigade, charging by the road from the south were repulsed. At 1 P.M. the bridge was carried by an assault of Ferrero's Brigade and the defenders, after a vain effort to check Rodman's Division, moving by Snavely's Ford on their right flank, fell back to the Antietam Furnace Road and reformed on the outskirts of the town of Sharpsburg.<br /><br />
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Stainrook's Brigade, on the left of the Division, advancing in line south of the Smoketown Road, relieved the left of Crawford's Brigade and engaged the Confederate Infantry in the East Woods. <br /><br />
Upon their retreat, the Brigade followed through the East Woods, across the open ground south of Mumma's house to the ridge southeast of the Dunkard Church, where it was halted to replenish ammunition.<br /><br />
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Tyndale's Brigade, on the right of the Division, reached this point about 8 A. M., relieved a portion of Crawford's Brigade, and engaged the Confederate Infantry in the East Woods.<br /><br />
After a short and sharp contest, the enemy gave way and the Brigade, obliquing to the left, crossed the Smoketown Road, entered the fields to the right of Mumma's burning buildings, and took position behind the ridge opposite the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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Tyndale's and Stainrook's Brigades of Greene's Division formed line about 8 A. M. a short distance beyond the East Woods and, advancing to their eastern edge, struck the right of the Confederate line at and north of this point, turned it after a short and sharp contest and compelled the Confederate forces north of the Smoketown Road and east of the Hagerstown Pike to withdraw to the West Woods and the fields south of the Smoketwon Road. Moving obliquely to the left the two Brigades - Tyndale on the right, and Stainrook on the left - crossed the Smoketown Road and followed in pursuit to the ridge on Mumma's farm east of the Dunkard Church.<br /><br />
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About 8:00 AM Union troops under General Joseph Mansfield attack, and by 9 o'clock have regained ground in and beyond the Miller Cornfield.<br />
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Morell's Division relieved Richardson's Division of the Second Corps at about 8:30 A.M., Sept. 17.<br /><br />
Two Brigades of this Division were withdrawn at about 2 P.M. of the 17th and sent to the assistance of General Sumner on the extreme right, but returned, without becoming engaged after dark on the same day.<br /><br />
On Sept. 18, Morell's Division relieved the Ninth Corps at the Burnside Bridge.<br /><br />
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French's Division crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford about 8:30 A.M., and marched in columns by Brigades, Kimball on the right, Morris in the center, and Weber on the left. After advancing about one mile the Division faced to the left, passed through meadows to Roulette's House, near which it encountered the enemy and pushed them back to the Bloody Lane, where its advance was checked by a portion of D.H. Hill's Division.<br /><br />
A desperate contest ensued, lasting until 1 o'clock, when, supported by Richardson's Division on the left, a charge was made and the enemy forced to retire to Piper's Lane and the fields beyond.<br /><br />
French's Division bivouacked beyond the ridge north of this point.<br /><br />
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Between 9 and 10 A.M. of the 17th, the four Batteries of this Battalion, under command of Captain Carey F. Grimes, went into position on this ridge in support of the Infantry engaged on the high ground northeast. Grimes' (Virginia) Battery was on the immediate right of the pike, Moorman's (Virginia) Battery, on Grimes' right and between it and Piper's Stone Barn, Huger's (Virginia) Battery was immediately west of the pike, and Donaldsonville (Louisiana) Artillery (Maurin's Battery) on Huger's left, on the rising ground 140 to 170 yards northwest of this. The Battalion was subjected to heavy fire of Federal Artillery and musketry; Captain Grimes was mortally wounded about 60 yards east of this by a musket ball, many men and horses were killed and wounded, some of the guns were disabled and the Battalion was withdrawn toward Sharpsburg by Major John S. Saunders who was not present when it went into action.<br /><br />
Later in the day parts of the command assisted in checking the advance of the Ninth Corps on Sharpsburg.<br /><br />
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French's Division followed Sedgwick's across the Antietam and, upon nearing the East Woods, changed direction to come in on Sedgwick's left and cover that flank. As it approached Roulette's house, 800 yards east of this, it encountered the enemy and pushed them back to the Sunken Road or Bloody Lane, where its advance was checked by a portion of D.H. Hill's Division, subsequently reinforced by five Brigades of R.H. Anderson's Division. A desperate contest ensued, during which Richardson's Division came up and formed on the left. The combined action of the two Divisions obliged the Confederates to retire to Piper's Lane and the fields beyond. The Division bivouacked near the Roulette house.<br /><br />
Richardson's Division crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford about 9:30 A.M., and, moving to the ravine beyond the high ground east of Roulette's, formed line of battle and advanced on French's left, engaging the Confederates in and beyond the Sunken Road or Bloody Lane. After a stubborn and sanguinary contest, in which it was supported by French's Division on its right, the enemy was forced back from the Bloody Lane to and beyond the Hagerstown Pike. An advance was made to the high ground overlooking the Piper house, which was soon withdrawn and the Division bivouacked on the high ground southeast of Roulette's.<br /><br />
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Horse Batteries A, B and L (consolidated) and M, 2d U.S. Artillery, C and G (consolidated) of the 3d U.S. Artillery were established on the crown of the ridge to the right and left of this point on the morning of September 17. Shortly after noon, their ammunition having been exhausted, they were relieved by Batteries E and G (consolidated), 1st U.S. Artillery, and Battery K, 5th U.S. Artillery, and recrossed the Antietam for ammunition. Batteries C and G (consolidated), 3d U.S. Artillery, took position east of the Antietam on the ridge north of the Boonsboro Pike; the three other Batteries returned, at intervals, between 3 and 5 P.M., and resumed their positions, remaining in battery until the close of the day.<br /><br />
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Horse Battery A, 2d U.S. Artillery, moved from its bivouac near Keedysville on the morning of the 17th, crossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge and preceded and supported by the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, went into position on the crest of this ridge about 160 yards north of this point and engaged the Confederate Artillery on Cemetery Hill and the ridge north of it. At noon it was relieved to replenish ammunition. About 3 P.M., it returned to its original position and again engaged the enemy. The right section, in charge of Lieut. A.C.M. Pennington, advanced about 650 yards, to the right and front, took position on the flank of Richrdson's Division and engaged a Confederate Battery west of the Hagerstown Pike and few yards north of where Piper's Lane intersects it. The Battery withdrew at dusk and recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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Batteries A and C (consolidated), 4th U.S. Artillery (6 guns) relieved Battery I, 4th U.S. Artillery just north of this point and went into position, the left of the Battery resting on this road, where it remained inactive until Greene's Division, Twelfth Corps, was driven from the woods around the Dunkard Church, when the Battery changed front to the left, opening fire with spherical case and canister upon the charging Confederates, who, by the aid of Irwin's Brigade and two Regiments of Hancock's of the Sixth Corps, were repulsed. The Battery then resumed its original front and opened with solid shot upon the Confederate Artillery in the woods around and north of the Dunkard Church. Late in the day it was relieved and moved to the high ground occupied by Richardson's Division in its assault upon the Confederates in the Sunken Lane and Piper's Cornfield, where it remained until the morning of the 18th.<br /><br />
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Between 9 and 10 A.M., Battery I, 1st Artillery, advancing by the Smoketown Road, passed through the East Woods to the assistance of the Infantry of Sedgwick's Division, then engaged in the West Woods. The Battery went into position about 380 yards north, 62 deg. west of this point, opening fire at once, with canister, and checking the advance of the Confederates from the West Woods. A movement of the enemy on its left, from the woods around the Dunkard Church, compelled the Battery to retire to this point, its left gun on the road, where it again went into action. It remained in this position until about noon, when it was relieved by Batteries A and C (consolidated), 4th U.S. Artillery, and withdrawn. At 5 P.M., after replenishing ammunition, the Battery took position on the ground overlooking the Sunken Road where Richardson's Division had been engaged, and remained until 2 P.M. of the 18th.<br /><br />
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This Regiment opened the engagement on this part of the field on the morning of September 17. It was partially deployed in skirmishing order and preceded Crook's Brigade, Kanawha Division, in an attack on the stone bridge. It descended the hill on the east and passed over this ground under a severe fire of Confederate Artillery on the high ground west and Infantry concealed in the woods, in pits and behind stone fences, loose rocks and rails commanding the bridge and its approaches. The left and center reached the banks of the stream, the right, the level ground between this and the bridge. Colonel Kingsbury was mortally wounded a few feet northwest of this. Captain John Griswold was killed in the stream opposite the end of Rohrback Lane, and after a severe contest in which the Regiment suffered a loss of 139 killed and wounded, it retired to the shelter of the wooded ravine running north past this spur.<br /><br />
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After the Confederate right flank had been turned, Stainrook's Brigade pursued through the East Woods, crossed the fields to the left of the burned out buildings of the Mumma farm, and halted behind the ridge a few yards east of this point where with the assistance of Monroe's and Tompkins' Rhode Island Batteries, it protected the right of French's Division of the Second Corps, and repulsed several assaults of the enemy. About 10:30 A. M. the Brigade crossed this road and entered the woods on the left of the Dunkard Church, its left on the road directly opposite this tablet where it remained until noon when it was compelled to retire to the East Woods.<br /><br />
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Tyndale's Brigade, after the right flank of the enemy had been turned, pursued through the East Woods, crossed to the south side of the Smoketown Road and passing to the right of Mumma's burned out buildings, halted behind the ridge a few yards east of this point, where, with the assistance of Monroe's and Tompkins' Rhode Island Batteries, it repulsed several assaults of the enemy.<br /><br />
About 10:30 A. M. the Brigade crossed the road and entered the woods on the right of the Dunkard Church. Joined on the right by the 13th New Jersey Infantry of Williams Division, it remained in this position until noon when it was compelled to retire to the East Woods.<br /><br />
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Greene's Division, having turned the enemy's right in the East Woods, advanced against the Confederate Infantry north and east of this point, which retired to the woods west of the Hagerstown Pike. Greene pressed forward in pursuit through the East Woods and across Mumma's fields to the ridge a few yards east of this point, where he halted to replenish ammunition. With the assistance of Monroe's, Thompkins' and Owens' Rhode Island, Knap's Pennsylvania, and Edgell's New Hampshire Batteries, he repulsed several assaults of the enemy. About 10 A. M. he crossed this road and advanced into the woods beyond the Dunkard Church which he held until noon, when he was compelled to retire to the East Woods, where he formed line in support of the Sixth Corps.<br /><br />
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Crawford's Brigade advanced from Line's farm at daybreak, on the right of Williams' Division. The 124th Pennsylvania was detached and supported Magilton's Brigade of Meade's Division in its engagement on the north edge of the Cornfield. In its deployment the Brigade moved to the left in support of Ricketts' Division, a part of which it relieved at this point, and occupied the northeast corner of the Cornfield and a part of the East Woods, where it was heavily engaged. Upon the turning of the Confederate flank by Greene's Division, the 125th Pennsylvania advanced across the fields north of the Smoketopwn Road and penetrated the woods around the Dunkard Church. The Brigade supported Sedgwick's Division in its advance and, later in the day, formed in support of the Sixth Corps.<br /><br />
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Immediately after the withdrawl of Gordon's Brigade to the East Woods, after being relieved by Sedgwick's Division, it was ordered to the support of that Division in the West Woods.<br /><br />
The 13th New Jersey and 2nd Massachusetts advanced into this road - the former north and the latter south of this point - where they encountered such a destructive fire from the enemy that they were compelled to retire to the East Woods. Later in the day, the 13th New Jersey advanced into the woods west of the Dunkard Church and took position on the right of Greene's Division.<br /><br />
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Federal Second Corps commander General Sumner leads Gen. Sedgwick's 1st Division across the Antietam and directly West across the battlefield starting at about 9 am on September 17th. He was hit by strong Confederate attacks on his front, left flank, and rear in and near the West Woods ...<br /><br />
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After losing touch with Gen Sumner and Sedgwick's 2nd Division of the Second Corps, who had crossed the Antietam first, General French pushed his 3rd Division forward on to the battlefield about 9:00 AM on September 17th. Angling slightly left (south) of the path of the lead division, he ran into elements of General DH Hill's Division, posted in a strong position in a sunken road at the center of the Confederate line ...<br /><br />
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Kimball's Brigade, following Weber and Morris, encountered the enemy in the Bloody Lane and in the cornfield to the south.<br /><br />
The contest there was of the most desperate character, and continued until afternoon when, supported on the left by Richardson's Division, the Brigade attacked the enemy and gained the Bloody Lane.<br /><br />
An attack on the right flank was made and repulsed by a change of front of the Ohio and Indiana Regiments, forming the right wing of the Brigade in its final assault on the enemy's position.<br /><br />
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Weber's Brigade, forming the advance of French's Division, encountered the enemy near Roulette's house at about 9:15 A.M., pushed them back to the Bloody Lane and gained a position on the high ground about 60 yards north of this point. Here the Brigade became engaged in an obstinate contest with the enemy which was maintained until, having lost one third of its numbers in killed or wounded, it was relieved by Morris' Brigade and withdrawn to the vicinity of Roulette's house where it remained until the close of the day.<br /><br />
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Morris' Brigade relieved Weber's and took position on the rise of ground just north of the Bloody Lane; the 108th New York east of Roulette's Lane, the 14th Connecticut and 130th Pennsylvania west of it. Here supported and afterwards reinforced by Kimball's Brigade, it maintained a severe contest, losing heavily in killed and wounded. In the latter part of the engagement, the 14th Connecticut was sent to reinforce Richardson's Division on the left.<br /><br />
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Richardson's Division crossed the Antietam at Pry's Ford about 9:30 A.M., and advanced to the ravine behind the high ground overlooking Roulette's house, where it formed line of battle as follows: Meagher's Brigade on the right, Caldwell's on the left and Brooke's in reserve. The Division advanced on French's left and engaged the enemy near this point. After a stubborn and varying contest of two hours the enemy was forced back from the Bloody Lane, to and beyond the Hagerstown Pike. Near the close of the action Major General Richardson was mortally wounded.<br /><br />
He was succeeded in command by Brig. Gen. W.S. Hancock and the Division was withdrawn, from its advanced position, to the high ground north of this road where it remained through the day. <br /><br />
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Federal General Richardson brings his division in behind and to the left of what's left of French's, and continues the push against the strong Confederate position in the Center at the Sunken Road ...<br /><br />
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About 9:45 A.M., the 2d, 7th and 8th South Carolina of Kershaw's Brigade charged out of the woods and across this road upon Tompkins' Rhode Island Battery on the ridge about 220 yards east of this. The charge was repulsed by the Battery and Greene's Division of Infantry, and the Brigade fell back beyond the western limits of the West Woods. Nearly one half of the officers and men of the Brigade were killed and wounded in less than fifteen minutes.<br /><br />
This tablet marks where the center of the Brigade crossed the road, its left reached nearly to the church.<br /><br />
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Caldwell's Brigade relieved Meagher's and became heavily engaged with the Confederate Infantry occupying the Sunken Road and Piper's cornfield south of it. After an obstinate contest, the Brigade succeeded in dislodging the Confederates from the Sunken Road and, having repelled several attempts to turn its flanks, advanced to the high ground overlooking Piper's house, where it was halted by command of General Richardson.<br /><br />
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Brooke's Brigade formed the reserve of Richardson's Division.<br /><br />
After checking an attempt of the enemy to gain the right rear of French's Division near Roulette's house, it co-operated with Caldwell in his advance across the Bloody Lane and through the cornfield to the south, the advance Regiments driving the enemy from Piper's barn and outhouses. The ammunition of the Brigade having been exhausted, it was withdrawn and occupied a position a short distance north of this point, in support of Battery K, 1st U.S. Artillery.<br /><br />
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Meagher's Brigade led the advance of Richardson's Division and, in the field just north of this, became engaged with the Confederate Brigade of Geo. T. Anderson, which was forced to retire to the Bloody Lane.<br /><br />
At this point, Meagher's advance was checked and a severe contest ensued, but 30 yards separating the opposing lines.<br /><br />
Its ammunition having been exhausted, the Brigade was relieved by Caldwell's but, later in the day, advanced to a position on the high ground, south of this point, in suport of Caldwell and Brooke.<br /><br />
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The left of the Union line was held by Burnside's (Ninth) Corps. THe battle opened there about 10A.M., by an unsuccessful attempt of the 11th Connecticut Infantry, supported by Crook's Brigade, to carry the stone bridge over the Antietam, about a mile and a half south of this. Nagle's Brigade repeated the attempt and was repulsed. About noon the bridge was carried by a charge of Ferrero's Brigade. Sturgis' entire Division and Crook's Brigade, Kanawha Division, crossed and seized the high ground west of the stream. Rodman's Division and Ewing's Brigade, Kanawha Division moved down the east bank of the Antietam, crossed at Snavely's Ford, and, when the bridge was carried, ascended the stream and formed on Stugis' left. Willcox's Division crossed at the bridge and relieved Sturgis, who was put in reserve. At 3 P.M., Willcox's, Rodman's and the Kanawha Divisions advanced on Sharpsburg and, with the co-operation of portions of the Fifth Corps on the right, had driven the Confederates from the high ground south and east of the town, when they were assailed on the left by A.P. Hill's Confederate Division and fell back to the cover of the high ground bordering the Antietam. Upon the repulse of the Ninth Corps, Pleasonton's Cavalry, the Horse Batteries, and the Regular Infantry which had advanced on the Boonsboro Pike, nearly to Sharpsburg, were withdrawn across the Antietam.<br /><br />
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During and after Sedgwick's assault on the Confederates in the West Woods, a line of Batteries was established, running from Mumma's Cemetery on the south, crossing the road at this point and extending northwardly in front of the East Woods to the Poffenberger lane beyond which, on the hill beyond J. Poffenberger's, the Reserve Artillery of the First Army Corps was established.<br /><br />
The line was held in turn by Batteries of the First, Twelfth, Second and Sixth Army Corps, and held in check several attempts of the Confederates to advance from the West Woods.<br /><br />
The Batteries remained in this position until the Confederates withdrew from the field.<br /><br />
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Horse Battery M, 2d U.S. Artillery crossed the Antietam, by the Middle Bridge, in the forenoon of the 17th, and, preceded by the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. Childs Commanding, and Battery A, 2d U.S. Artillery, advanced by the road to this point and went into position, one section on the right of the road, the other on the left. The battery was subjected to a heavy fire from the Confederate Artillery on Cemetery Hill, and from infantry skirmishers posted behind fences and stone walls. After losing three men killed the battery was relieved by Battery K, 5th U.S. Artillery, and withdrawn to replenish ammunition. At about 5 P.M., it returned and went into position in the right of the road, its left a few feet from this point, and directed its fire at the Confederate Infantry on the Piper Farm, which was continued until nearly dark when it recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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Horse Batteries B and L (consolidated), 2d U.S. Artillery, crossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge in the forenoon of September 17, and went into position on a knoll 80 yards south of this point and engaged the enemy. It was soon disabled by the fire of the Confederate Artillery from Cemetery Hill and withdrawn, its position being taken by Battery E, 1st U.S. Artillery. One section of the Battery, under command of Lieut. Albert 0. Vincent, moved to the northwest about 860 yards and engaged a Confederate Battery posted in the northern part of Piper's Orchard. The Battery was withdrawn before dark and returned to its bivouac near Keedysville. <br /><br />
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Horse Batteries C and G (consolidated), 3d U.S. Artillery, crossed the Antietam in the forenoon of September 17, and went into position a short distance south of this point, on the left of Battery M, 2d U.S. Artillery, and the right of Batteries B and L (consolidated), 2d U.S. Artillery. After an engagement of nearly two hours it was relieved by Battery E, 1st U.S. Artillery, and withdrawn east of the Antietam, taking up its second position on the ridge north of the Boonsboro Pike.<br /><br />
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XII Corps, 2nd Division commander General George Greene pushes two of his brigades across the Hagerstown Pike, into the West Woods around the Dunkard Church. For almost two hours he holds this, the most advanced Federal position on the Northern part of the battlefield ...<br /><br />
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About 10:20 A.M., the 30th Virginia, 46th and 48th North Carolina charged from the woods beyond the Dunkard Church to capture Tompkins' Rhode Island Battery on the high ground east of the church. The 30th Virginia crossed the road at this point, filed to the right across the two fences of the Smoketown Road and over the rock ledge occupied by the Maryland monument to the depression at the base of the ridge, where it was checked by the right of Greene's Division and Artillery. At the same time the 46th North Carolina passed either side of the church, crossed the road and mingled with the 30th Virginia. After a very short struggle both Regiments were repulsed with great loss and retreated through the West Woods. The 46th North Carolina upon reaching the road north of this point was checked by Artillery fire from the front and fell back upon the advance of Greene's Division into the woods around the church. The loss in the three Regiments was 77 killed, 387 wounded, and 41 missing. The 30th Virginia lost over 68 percent of its men.<br /><br />
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About noon of the 17th, the Battalion of the Second and Tenth U.S. Infantry crossed the Antietam and moved to the support of the Horse Batteries on the left (south) side of the Boonsboro Pike. After the withdrawal of these Batteries, Poland deployed the entire Battalion as skirmishers and, under heavy fire of canister and musketry, advanced to this point (Sherrick's Lane), his right resting on the Boonsboro Pike, his line extending to the left, along the lane fence, in the direction of Sherrick's House, on the road to Burnside Bridge. In this position he engaged the skirmishers of Garnett's Brigade, his right advancing some distance beyond the farm lane and driving the enemy's cannoneers from their guns on Cemetery Hill.<br /><br />
While thus engaged the 17th Michigan and the skirmishers of Willcox's Division came up and relieved the left of his line, and the First Battalion, 14th U.S. Infantry formed about 210 yards in rear of his right.<br /><br />
Poland assembled his skirmishers on the center, and the Battallion of the 14th U.S. Infantry threw forward skirmishers on the right of the line.<br /><br />
His ammunition being exhausted, Poland withdrew to the cover of the hill east of this tablet and at dusk recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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The Fifth United States Cavalry, Captain Joseph H. McArthur, commanding, crossed the Middle Bridge over the Antietam shortly before noon and took position on the right of the road, its left resting at this point, in support to the Artillery in its front. It was withdrawn across the creek late in the day.<br /><br />
The Sixth United States Cavalry, Captain William P. Sanders, commanding, was detached and deployed in skirmishing order, as a Provost Guard, in rear of the right wing of the Army of the Potomac.<br /><br />
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Irwin's Brigade reached the field about noon of the 17th, formed line across the road at this point, and charged through the Batteries and across the fields in their front to check the advance of the Confederates from the West Woods. The direction of its advance was south of the Dunkard Church and, when its right Regiments, the 33d and 77th New York, were nearly abreast the Church, they received such a destructive fire on their right and rear as compelled them to retire to the cover of the ridge in front of the Church, the remainder of the Brigade forming on their left. Late in the day the 7th Maine charged across the Bloody Lane to Piper's Barn and was repulsed with great loss.<br /><br />
About noon of the 18th the Brigade was relieved by Cochrane's Brigade of Couch's Division, and withdrawn to the rear.<br /><br />
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After several attempts have been repulsed, additional elements of Gen Burnside's IX Corps prepare to assault the Rohrbach Bridge at about midday on 17 September ... he is finally successful in forcing the crossing at about 1:00 PM.<br /><br />
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Part of Sykes' Division of US Regulars cross the Middle Bridge in the early afternoon of 17 September, and, backed by <a href="/officers.php?unit_id=90">Pleasonton's Horse Artillery</a>, begin probing toward the town of Sharpsburg.<br /><br />
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Elements of General Isaac Rodman's IX Corps Division finally reach and begin to cross Antietam Creek at Snavely's Ford, a mile and a half south of the Lower Bridge, at about 1 o'clock in the afternoon on September 17th ...<br /><br />
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Early in the afternoon of the 17th, Battery E, 1st U.S. Artillery, crossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge and relieved Robertson's Battery (B and L, 2d U.S. Artillery) which was in position on a knoll about 80 yards south of this point. It opened a fire of spherical case on the flank of one of the Confederate Batteries on Cemetery Hill compelling it, apparently, to retire beyond the range of its guns. As the position was an unfavorable one for the use of Artillery and subjected to an annoying fire of the Confederate skirmishers, the Battery was withdrawn and recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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The Brigade assisted in carrying the Burnside Bridge, and crossed it soon after 1 P.M. After the repulse of the three Divisions of Willcox, Scammon and Rodman later in the day Ferrero's and Nagle's Brigades advanced to the crest of the ridge about 420 yards east of this to check Confederate pursuit. The 48th Pennsylvania supported and relieved the 51st Pennsylvania, engaging the Confederates posted on this line and behind the stone walls right and left of this point. The engagement continued into the night, and the Regiment and Brigade bivouacked on the ground on which they had fought.<br /><br />
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After Ferrero's Brigade carried the stone bridge it formed under cover of the high ground north of it. Nagle's Brigade formed on its left. Willcox's, Scammon's and Rodman's Divisions formed in advance of them and moved on Sharpsburg. On the repulse and retirement of the three Divisions, Ferrero and Nagle advanced to check Confederate pursuit. The left and center of Ferrero's Brigade halted under cover of the crest of the ridge beyond the ravine, the right (35th Massachusetts) continued its advance to Otto's lane, 270 yards distant, and engaged the Confederates posted on this line behind the stone walls right and left of it and in the 40 acre cornfield south. The engagement continued into the night, Ferrero's Brigade suffering much loss, the principal part of which fell to the 35th Massachusetts, which had 214 officers and men killed and wounded.<br /><br />
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The Fourth United States Infantry, Captain Hiram Dryer commanding, crossing the Antietam between 2 and 3 P.M., of September 17, 1862, advanced to with in a few feet of this point. Three Companies under command of Lieut. C.H. Carlton were deployed as skirmishers and moving on the high ground in the direction of Sharpsburg became sharply engaged with those of the enemy. The skirmishers were withdrawn about sunset, and shortly after, the regiment retired across the Antietam. This tablet marks the center of the advanced line.<br /><br />
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Willcox's Division was the last to cross the Antietam. Passing over the stone bridge at 2 P.M., it moved up the road to this point and deployed. Christ's Brigade was filed across the hollow on the right (east) and formed on the low ground between the creek and the bluff; Welsh's Brigade on the heights west of the road. Christ scaled the bluff on the right, Welsh swept over the hills on the left, Crook's Brigade of the Kanawha Division moved by the road in support, and under a heavy fire of artillery the line reached Sherrick's lane on the right and the high ground beyond Otto's house on the left. A section of the 8th Battery, Massachusetts Artillery, went into position in Otto's orchard. A severe engagement took place, resulting in the expulsion of the Confederate Artillery and Infantry from Cemetery Hill and the adjacent heights overlooking Sharpsburg, and the Division skirmishers entered the streets of the town. During the contest Crook's Brigade moved up and formed on the left of Welsh. The left of the Corps line being turned by the attack of A.P. Hill, Willcox's Division, with its support, was withdrawn to this point where it remained until the 18th, when it was relieved by Morell's Division, Fifth Army Corps.<br /><br />
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Battery K, 5th U.S. Artillery, crossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge and about 2 P.M., September 17, relieved Battery M, 2d U.S. Artillery, taking position on the ridge immediately north of this point. After the expenditure of 400 rounds of ammunition at 5 P.M., the Battery was relieved in turn, by Battery M. 2d U.S. Artillery, soon after which it recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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On the morning of September 16, Benjamin's Battery took position on the ridge bordering the Antietam above the Burnside Bridge, engaged the Confederate Batteries on and around the Cemetery Hill, and shelled the infantry north of Sharpsburg. In the afternoon the Battery moved to the left (south) and rear on the high ground about 1950 yards east of this point. Early in the morning of the 17th, it opened fire upon and quickly silenced a Confederate Battery which was shelling Rodman's Division. It engaged batteries posted on Cemetery Hill and high ground adjacent and, several times during the day, shelled bodies of infantry. At 3 P.M., the Battery changed position to the left in order to shell A. P. Hill's Division as it came upon the field. Its last six rounds of ammunition were used in engaging some heavy guns on the Confederate left. <br /><br />
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Units of Sykes' US Regular Division are in position to break through the center of the Confederate line on the outskirts of Sharpsburg late in the afternoon of 17 September. See a detailed examination of the Regulars' actions on this part of the field in a <a href="/exhibit.php?exhibit_id=371">Featured Article</a> here on AotW.<br /><br />
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At 3 P.M. the First Battalion, Fourteenth U. S. Infantry, crossed the Antietam at the Middle Bridge, advanced on this road to this point and formed on the hill and in the ravine south of this tablet, the right of the Battalion resting on this road. At dusk, Companies F and G, deployed as skirmishers, advanced about 200 yards to Sherrick's Lane, formed on the right of the Second and Tenth U.S. Infantry, and engaged the enemy.<br /><br />
The Battalion was withdrawn at dark and recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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At 3 P.M. of the 17th the First Battalion, Fourteenth U.S. Infantry crossed the Antietam at the Middle Bridge and advanced on the Boonsboro Pike until it reached the point where the Bloody Lane enters the Pike (200 yards east of this), where the Battalion was posted on the left (south) of the Pike as a reserve to the 4th U.S. Infantry.<br /><br />
At dusk Companies F and G deployed as skirmishers, advanced to this lane, formed on the right of the Second and Tenth U.S. Infantry, and engaged the Confederate skirmishers in the edge of the cornfield in front.<br /><br />
The Battalion was withdrawn at dark and recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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Between 3 and 4 P.M., of the 17th, the 4th U.S. Infantry took position on the right (north) of the Boonsboro Pike, near the Bloody Lane. <br /><br />
Companies G, I and K, under command of Lieut. Carlton, were advanced as skirmishers, their left resting on the pike at this point, the right extending northwardly across open ground in the direction of Piper's Lane.<br /><br />
In this position they engaged the Confederate skirmishers at a rail fence, 75 yards distant from the center of the line.<br /><br />
The center was enfiladed by canister from the enemy's guns on Cemetery Hill, south of this road, and suffered severely.<br /><br />
About sunset the skirmishers were withdrawn and rejoined the Regiment which then recrossed the Antietam.<br /><br />
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About 3 P.M., Willcox's and Rodman's Divisions, with their supporting Brigades, advanced on Sharpsburg; Willcox following the road to the town, Rodman moving over the hill on his left.<br /><br />
The right of Willcox's was checked on the high ground east of the Sharpsburg Road; the left, passing a few yards east of this point, gained the stone mill and the house beyond and penetrated the orchard, Crook's Brigade moving up to this fence in support.<br /><br />
Rodman's advance passed this road about 500 yards southwest of this point and, swinging to the right to close up on Willcox, advanced about 360 yards north and west of this point, driving the Confederates from their position.<br /><br />
Rodman's left having been repulsed by the advance of A.P. Hill's Division, the whole line, after a contest in which all the Brigades of the Corps were engaged, was drawn back to the cover of the high ground bordering the Antietam.<br /><br />
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Four Batteries of this Battalion were engaged. McIntosh's (South Carolina) Battery came on the field about 2:30 P.M., and went into position south of the Blackford House about 950 yards southwest of this. After firing a few rounds the Battery moved to position 400 yards north and 100 yards east of the road, and opened fire upon the Union Artillery and Infantry. The men were driven from their guns by the advance of Rodman's Division, Ninth Corps, but returned when the Brigades of Toombs and Archer had recovered their guns. Pegram's (Virginia) Battery followed McIntosh's to the field and occupied this spot. One gun was advanced about 580 vards down the ravine in the direction of Snavely's Ford but was quickly driven back. Braxton's (Virginia) Battery was on the hill 270 yards south of this and 130 yards east of the Harpers Ferry Road. Crenshaw's (Virginia) Battery, the last of the Battalion to arrive on the field from Harpers Ferry, went into position on Braxton's right, between it and Snavely's Lane. The four Batteries were actively engaged on the afternoon of the 17th, and remained in position until the Confederate Army retired from the field.<br /><br />
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In the advance of A. P. Hill's Division from the Antietam Furnace Road, on the afternoon of September 17th, Branch's Brigade supported the Brigades of Gregg and Archer.<br /><br />
It was engaged south of this point, and its commander, Brig. General Branch was killed in the southeast part of the field adjoining this on the south.<br /><br />
After the death of General Branch, the command devolved upon Colonel James H. Lane, of the 28th North Carolina, who relieved Toombs' Brigade of D. R. Jones' Division at this point.<br /><br />
The Brigade remained in this position until the morning of the 19th, when it recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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In its advance from the Antietam Furnace Road, West of this point, on the afternoon of September 17, 1862, Archer's Brigade of A.P. Hill's Division encountered the Federal troops posted behind the stone fence forming the western line of the 40 acre cornfield. Gregg's movements on the left flank of the Federal line having compelled it to retire, Archer's Brigade charged over the fence and across the cornfield, but was repulsed with considerable loss and fell back to this side of the fence, where it remained until withdrawn to recross the Potomac on the morning of the 19th. No. 370 C. S. A. Archer's Brigade In its advance from the Antietam Furnace Road, West of this point, on the afternoon of September 17, 1862, Archer's Brigade of A.P. Hill's Division encountered the Federal troops posted behind the stone fence forming the western line of the 40 acre cornfield.<br /><br />
Gregg's movements on the left flank of the Federal line having compelled it to retire, Archer's Brigade charged over the fence and across the cornfield, but was repulsed with considerable loss and fell back to this side of the fence, where it remained until withdrawn to recross the Potomac on the morning of the 19th.<br /><br />
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Branch's Brigade formed line at this point about 3 P.M. and supported Archer's Brigade in its advance and encounter at the stonewall about 600 yards distant.<br /><br />
Toward the close of the engagement General Branch was killed and the command fell to Colonel James H. Lane of the 28th North Carolina, who formed the Brigade on Archer's left, where it remained until the morning of the 19th, when it recrossed the Potomac at Blacksford's Ford.<br /><br />
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Gregg's Brigade formed line about 3 P.M. in the fields southwest of this and advanced into the southwest corner of the 40 acre cornfield, about 100 yards east of this point, where it encountered and repulsed the advance of the extreme left of the Ninth Corps. An effort to pursue into the field beyond was checked, and the Brigade fell back to the line now marked by this road, where it remained until the early morning of the 19th, when it retired to Blackford's Ford and was the last Infantry Brigade of the Confederate Army to recross the Potomac. <br /><br />
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Archer's Brigade formed line in the road at this point about 3 P.M. supported on the right by the Brigades of Branch and Gregg, and on the left by Toombs' Brigade of D.R. Jones' Division. It advanced through a narrow cornfield and across the broad ravine beyond to the stone wall about 600 yards distant, where it met and checked the left of the advancing Federal line. An attempt to advance farther was repulsed and the Brigade rallied behind the stone wall where it remained until early on the morning of the 19th when it recrossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford. <br /><br />
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Kemper's Brigade and J.S. Brown's (Va.) Battery were on the high ground about 350 yards west, Drayton's Brigade was on Kemper's left.<br /><br />
Walker's (Jenkins') Brigade held the stone mill and house on either side of the Sharpsburg Road and the southwest slope of Cemetery Hill.<br /><br />
Garnett's Brigade held the south and southeast slope of Cemetery Hill with its left resting on the Boonsboro Pike. The right of the advancing Federal line was held in check by Garnett and Walker and the massed Artillery on Cemetery Hill and the high ground west of the Sharpsburg Road. Kemper and Drayton were driven through the town and, the right of the Division having been turned, Garnett and the Artillery were withdrawn. Walker yielded some ground but did not abandon Cemetery Hill. Upon the advance of A.P. Hill's Division on the Federal left and rear, the Brigades of Toombs, Kemper, Drayton, and Garnett reformed on the Antietam Furnace Road, took position on Hill's left and, advancing with his Division, reoccupied, substantially, the ground from which they had been driven. The entire Division remained on the field until the night of 18th, when it recrossed the Potomac.<br /><br />
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After crossing the Bridge at about 1:00 PM, and organizing and re-supplying his troops, Gen Burnside's starts his IX Corps rolling toward the town of Sharpsburg just after 3:00 PM on 17 September ...<br /><br />
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The first of AP Hill's brigades reach the Sharpsburg battlefield after a grueling all-day march from Harpers Ferry about 4:20 PM; Gregg's and Branch's Brigades deploy and hit the leftmost of the Federal IX Corps regiments as the rest of Hill's Light Division comes up ...<br /><br />
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President Lincoln took a train to Western Maryland on October 1. He had not announced the trip in advance. McClellan met him at the station at Harpers Ferry and escorted him to the battlefield near Sharpsburg ...<br /><br />
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