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U. S. CIVIL WAR PHOTOGRAPHS |
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![]() Basically, the Special Order directed Maj. Gen. James Longstreet and Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill to continue from Federick to Hagerstown, Maryland. At the same time, three columns, cooperating under Maj. Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, were to converge on Harpers Ferry from three different directions. The column directly under Jackson's command would swing north around Harpers Ferry, clear out any forces at Martinsburg and approach Harpers Ferry from the northwest. ![]() ![]() It did not turn out that way. ![]() But McClellan did not move his forces until the next morning, September 14, 1862. Noting the approaching Union army, Lee was surprised how rapidly McClellan was moving. He ordered Longstreet, D.H.Hill, and part of McLaws forces at Harper's Ferry to defend the three gaps in South Mountain which separated the two armies. Although the gaps in South Mountain were lost in subsequent fighting, the delay of the Union army was sufficient to allow Lee to combine a majority of his forces at Sharpsburg. Because Harpers Ferry had just surrendered, the Confederate forces involved there were also returning to the army, except A.P.Hill's division, which remained behind in order to process the Union prisoners and ship the captured supplies. |
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![]() Location of Lee's Headquarters Tent at Sharpsburg. |
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![]() Monument at the Location of Lee's Headquarters Tent. |
![]() Plaque on the Monument To read the text click HERE. |
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On September 16, both armies moved into positions around Sharpsburg and Antietam Creek. Shirmishing north of Sharpsburg that evening indicated to Lee where he could expect McClellan to attack the next day. |
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19th Century Photographs Notes
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