Battle of Sharpsburg

I have had the longest and most disappointing days in my life. The Battle of Sharpsburg was the beginning of the end, and it was by far one of the most tragic conflicts I have ever taken part in. I remember looking at my troops while standing on a rock. I contemplated whether or not to retreat. I was outnumbered 2 to 1. They surrounded us in group formations. My men were prepared to give there all. But I determined that life was more important than winning that one battle. So I retreated so we could get more troops and restock supplies.

It was perhaps pure negligence on my part though. I came up with a detailed plan to defeat the Union army but fate intervened. I trusted one of my officers to deliver the details. He wrapped the orders in a cigar case. Unfortunately, he lost them and they fell into the hands of the Union army. I discovered this much too late. The Battle of Antietam was the most gruesome event of my life. It was the largest amount causalities I have ever seen in my life. Over 23,000 men died! It was an inconclusive battle for the most part although the Union saw it as a defeat for us. Now Lincoln has decided to free the slaves!




http://www.nps.gov/archive/anti/battle.htm

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http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/civil/battle_2

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