(September 15-16, 1862.)
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.