Battle of Antietam ( Sharpsburg ) 17th September 1862
Timeline 12.30 PM
General McClellan is in consultation with a dispirited Major General Edwin V. Summer and Major General William B. Franklin.
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Franklin is anxious to deploy his Sixth Corps in order to attack the pulverised Confederate centre around the Dunkard church believing victory is within his grasp.
The cautious McClellan is easily persuaded by Summer to assume a defensive role much to the despair of Franklin.
The focus of action is now the Union left.
Major General Ambrose E. Burnside has captured the Rhorbach bridge and the Confederate troops are falling back as Union reinforcements cross it.
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Meanwhile, having invested the Federal position at Harpers Ferry, a determined Major General Ambrose Powell Hill is spurring his light Division onwards towards Sharpsburg to join with Lee.
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Time, the most important battlefield commodity, is of the essence.
completes a Confederate river ironclad.
