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Federal Division

2nd Division, 5th Corps

 

Commanding Officer on the Antietam Campaign:
  George Sykes

 

This Division's Chain of Command:
  Army - Army of the Potomac
  Corps - Fifth Army Corps


Units which make up this Division:
  2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Corps
  2nd Division, 5th Corps Artillery
  3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Corps
  1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Corps

Unit history

In his history of the 14th US Infantry (online), Colonel Thomas M. Anderson says ...

In the great battle of September 17th, the Regular Division was held in reserve and in support of the reserve artillery until about two o'clock in the afternoon, when Capt. Hiram Dryer was ordered to cross the Antietam creek with the 2d and 10th, the 4th, 12th and 14th Infantry.

These regiments supported Tidball's batteries, and about sundown advanced and easily drove back the enemy into the village of Sharpsburg. Captain Dryer did not feel authorized to go further without orders, and applied for permission to press his attack. It appears from official reports that General Pleasanton also advised an advance. General Sykes told the writer after the war that it was on this occasion that General Fitz John Porter reminded General McClellan that his corps was the last reserve of the last Army of the Republic. It is needless of course to speculate on what might have been, but this can be said, that the Regular Division was that day in its best condition.

Captain Dryer rode into the rebel lines and saw that there were but two regiments and a battery left in the centre. That night there was gnashing of teeth in the Regular camp.

Map Showing this Unit

Battlefield Tablets for this Unit

Tablet #22: Sykes' Division, Fifth Army Corps - 15 Sep, 2 PM to 16 Sep, 12 PM
Tablet #33: Fifth Army Corps - 15 Sep, 2 PM to 16 Sep, 12 PM
Tablet #82: 3rd US Infantry, Fifth Army Corps - 15 Sep, 3 PM to 19 Sep, 8 AM
Tablet #122: Army of the Potomac - 17 Sep, 10 AM to 17 Sep, 6 PM
Tablet #121: Army of the Potomac - 17 Sep, 8 AM to 17 Sep, 6 PM