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grown through the limbs of the older ones, presenting an anomalous
sight. Col. Vegesack, who had been assigned to the 20th New York,
now took command of the Brigade, and Lieutenant-Colonel Corning
returned to the Regiment. Col. Vegesack, who had obtained a
furlough from the Swedish army to cross the water and fight in behalf
of the Union, was a brave and beloved officer. While the first battle of
Fredericksburg was in progress, he received an extension of time,
and in announcing the fact to his men on the field, added; “My
soldiers, I fight from patriotism: you fight from patriotism and for
country; I expect that you will fight well.”
The next day the Regiment marched fifteen miles, passing through
Williamsburg. The inhabitants manifested in various ways their
delight at seeing the army retreating, which four months before had
marched so victoriously in the opposite direction. Marching by Fort
Magruder and the old battle-field, the Thirty-third bivouacked in a
pleasant spot three miles beyond. The troops rose early the next
morning, and by six o’clock were in motion. Proceeding through
Yorktown, the Regiment encamped near a grave-yard, two miles
distant from the city, in which two of General Washington’s Aids,
killed in the first siege of Yorktown, were buried. Officers and men
now for the first time visited the city, spending several hours in
wandering through the streets, and examining the heavy fortifications
constructed by the enemy. General Van Allen was in command of the
place. Near to the fortifications was a “Union Cemetery,” containing
the graves of 300 Union soldiers, each of which was adorned by a
neat head-board, designating the name and Regiment of the soldier.
Wednesday the march was resumed at five o’clock, and continued
for ten miles, until Big Bethel was reached. At ten o’clock on the
following morning the Regiment arrived in Hampton. The various
Divisions of the army had now reached here, the entire retrograde
movement having been performed most successfully.
 CHAPTER XVIII.
Abandonment of the Peninsula.—Arrival at Acquia Creek.—Disembarkation at
Alexandria.—Pope’s Operations.—Death of Generals Stevens and Kearney.
—Retreat to the Fortifications.—Responsibility for the Disaster.—Fitz-John
Porter.

On the following day, the Thirty-third and other Regiments of the

Third Brigade embarked at Fortress Monroe, on board the steamers
Vanderbilt and Empire City, and came to anchor the same evening at
Acquia Creek. The design in sending them here was to reinforce
General Burnside, who had already arrived, and held Fredericksburg
with a large force. As affairs were assuming a threatening attitude
around Washington, it was deemed best, however, to withdraw all
the troops from Fredericksburg and vicinity. General Burnside,
therefore, commenced evacuating the region the same day that the
Thirty-third arrived. The three bridges constructed over the
Rappahannock, the railroad, Quartermaster and commissary
buildings at Falmouth, were destroyed, the Fredericksburg machine-
shop and foundry blown up, and various other property laid in ruins.
As the last of the forces were leaving, a woman appeared, with three
little children clinging to her side, whom General Burnside
recognized as a prominent Union lady. He immediately remarked to
her: “Have you anything down to the bridge, madam?” “Only a bed
and a few small articles, sir.” Turning to one of his wagon-masters,
he said, “Send down an ambulance, wagon-master, and have them
brought up and carried to the depot.” The lady afterwards had the
pleasure of being landed safely in Washington with her children and
effects. This was a little incident in itself, but illustrates the character
of the man.
The Thirty-third did not disembark, but proceeding on up to
Alexandria, went into camp near Fort Ellsworth, on the 24th, just five
months from the day it left for the Peninsula. Five months of active
campaigning had brought with it all the fortunes of war. Victory and
defeat had anon perched on our banners. New Generals had come
and gone. Brave spirits innumerable had been shot to death on the
field, lain down in sickly swamps to die, or breathed their life away in
northern hospitals or homes. The retrospect was not a cheerful one.
The other Regiments of Franklin’s Corps arrived during the same
day, on the Daniel Webster and other transports.
General Pope’s army was in the meantime actively engaged.
Saturday, August 9th, the battle of Cedar Mountain was fought
between Generals Banks and Jackson, which can hardly be claimed
as a victory for the Federal arms, though the subsequent retreat of
the enemy left us in possession of the field.
Wednesday, 13th, General Buford’s Cavalry pushed on further
south, as far as Orange Court House, capturing many wounded who
had been abandoned.
Sunday, 17th, the army encamped along the banks of the
Rapidan.
Wednesday, 20th, General Pope and his entire command crossed
to the north bank of the river, and during the same day Jackson, who
had been heavily reinforced from Lee’s army, appeared at several of
the fords, and opened a brisk and lengthy artillery fire. Opposing
batteries were planted along the river at different points for a
distance of fifteen miles. No advantage resulted to the enemy from
this prolonged artillery duel. They succeeded, however, in throwing a
body of cavalry across one of the fords at the extreme left of our
lines, which was met by a corresponding force. A severe conflict
ensued, neither party being the victors.
Saturday, 23rd, the rebels made a spirited attack on
Rappahannock Station, compelling us to abandon it. The bridge over
the Rappahannock at that point was burned, and the abutments
blown up.
Monday, 25th, the entire left wing of the rebel army crossed the
river at Warrenton Springs, and General Pope immediately decided
upon abandoning the line of the Rappahannock.
 Tuesday, 26th, Ewell, with a part of Jackson’s command,
appeared at Bristow Station, in Pope’s rear, and destroyed two
bridges, two locomotives, and fifty cars, en route back to Alexandria
from Warrenton Junction, whither they had conveyed General
Hooker’s Division a few hours previous. Leaving Bristow Station,
Ewell proceeded to Manassas Junction, and burnt one hundred
more cars, heavily laden with ammunition and supplies. He also
destroyed the bridge over Bull Run, and retreated to Hay Market,
closely pursued by Hooker and Kearney. About the same time
Longstreet’s corps forced a passage through Thoroughfare Gap,
after meeting with a stubborn resistance from General King’s
Division.
On abandoning the Rappahannock, General Pope had marched
rapidly back, in three columns, from Warrenton and Warrenton
Junction, and disposed his forces in the following manner. The Corps
of McDowell and Sigel and the Pennsylvania Reserves, under
Reynolds, were moved to Gainesville. Reno and Kearney were
directed upon Greenwich, while Hooker’s Division was sent against
Ewell along the railroad. These dispositions, General Halleck tells
us, were well planned, but were unfortunately too late, as a large
detachment of Lee’s army was already east of Thoroughfare Gap.
General Porter was ordered to be at Bristow Station by daylight on
the morning of the 28th, but not obeying the order, his Corps did not
participate in the battles of the 28th and 29th. Heintzelman’s Corps
pressed forward to Manassas on the morning of the 28th, and forced
Jackson to retreat across Bull Run by the Centreville turnpike.
McDowell had succeeded in checking Lee at Thoroughfare Gap, but
the latter took the road to New Market, and hastened to the relief of
Jackson, who was now in rapid retreat. A portion of McDowell’s
corps encountered the retreating column on the afternoon of the
28th, near Warrenton turnpike, and a severe but successful battle
ensued.
Friday, 29th, Jackson was again attacked near the old battle
ground of July 1861, when a heavy engagement ensued. Sigel, who
had arrived, held the extreme right of our lines. The enemy
endeavored to turn his position, but were repulsed three times.
Fighting continued until dark, at which time the rebels had been
driven one mile. General Pope, in his official report of this battle,
wrote:
“We fought a terrific battle here yesterday with the combined
forces of the enemy, which lasted with continuous fury, from daylight
until after dark, by which time the enemy was driven from the field
which we now occupy. Our troops are too much exhausted to push
matters, but I shall do so in the course of the morning, as soon as
Fitz-John Porter’s Corps comes up from Manassas.”
Upon the following day our forces were arranged as follows:
Heintzelman, extreme right; Porter and McDowell, centre; and
Banks, extreme left. Sigel was held as a reserve in the rear of Porter.
We renewed the battle at 7 o’clock, A. M. Firing was kept up on both
sides until one o’clock, when the rebels charged in solid column
upon our centre. They were at first repulsed, but again advancing in
six columns, McDowell’s troops gave away. The centre now being
broken, the wings were compelled to fall back, when a perfect rout
ensued. Officers and men, alike, rushed back, pell mell, in the
direction of Washington, as fast as their legs would carry them.
Reaching Bull Run they were temporarily rallied and held the
advance of the enemy in check, but again pushing on, they did not
stop until within sight of Centreville.
Returning to General Franklin’s command, the Thirty-third,
together with the other Regiments of the Corps, received marching
orders on the 28th. Tents were struck, rations provided, and
everything got in readiness to hasten to the support of Pope. But the
movement did not commence, and at sunset the tents were re-
pitched. Orders came again, however, at ten o’clock, to be ready to
march on the following morning. The Third Brigade was in readiness
at six o’clock, but, proceeding on to the camps of the remaining
portions of the Corps, saw but little indication of a move. Tents
remained standing, unharnessed artillery horses were eating their
grain, and other evidences of an intended delay were apparent. After
the lapse of two hours, the Corps took up the line of march, and
proceeding through Annandale, halted at eleven o’clock for the day,
after having made a distance of six and one half miles. The next
morning the march was resumed at eight o’clock. On nearing Fairfax
Court House, the artillery firing of General Pope could be distinctly
heard, and the troops, knowing that he must be in need of
reinforcements, were anxious to push rapidly forward. But they were
moved along at a snail pace. Arriving at Cub Run, two miles beyond
Centreville, large numbers of wounded men, stragglers and wagons
were met going to the rear. While the Thirty-third was fording Cub
Run, “we were ordered,” writes the Lieutenant-Colonel, “to counter-
march. Our army had given way and the hellish intentions of some
Generals had been accomplished. Pope had been defeated.” The
Brigade returned to Centreville, reaching there about ten o’clock at
night. Lieutenant-Colonel Corning was immediately ordered to
proceed with the Thirty-third and Seventh Maine, to a point two miles
to the rear, to stop the stragglers, who were now hurrying towards
the capital by whole Brigades. The Regiments were posted across
the road, where they remained until the following morning, halting
and turning back, at the point of the bayonet, a large number of the
panic-stricken fugitives. Being relieved, they returned again to
Centreville, and took up position in one of the lines of battle formed
by the Corps to cover the retreat. Under protection of a flag of truce,
some sixty ambulances proceeded to the battle-field and brought off
about half of our wounded, who had lain since Saturday in the open
air, exposed to the broiling sun, and fierce storm which prevailed
Sunday evening. The poor fellows were in a terrible condition, having
been deserted by the surgeons, who, like the rest of the army, were
panic-stricken and had fled. Nearly two hundred of them were left,
the flag of truce expiring before they could be brought away. Just at
nightfall (Monday) a portion of the enemy succeeded in getting in our
rear, between Centreville and Fairfax, and fell upon the supply trains,
which were withdrawing to Alexandria. General Stevens was
immediately sent back from the former place, and succeeded in
driving the enemy away, though losing his own life. He fell at the
head of his Brigade, pierced through the breast by a minie-ball. Later
in the evening the lion-hearted Kearney was also killed. It was his
habit, like that of Stonewall Jackson’s, to ride round his lines after
the troops were asleep, and inspect them closely, satisfying himself
that the pickets were doing their duty. Not unfrequently he would
start off in this manner alone, and be absent for hours, making
himself fully acquainted with everything that was transpiring along
the lines. It was while out on such a tour of inspection, Monday night,
that he was shot dead by a rebel picket, who observed him riding
along, from a distance. His death, as well as that of General
Stevens, was universally lamented.

Vienna, 15 miles from Alexandria.

The entire army now fell back to the fortifications around

Alexandria. The Thirty-third left the front about seven o’clock Monday
evening, halting at two o’clock on the following morning, one mile
west of Fairfax Court House. The roads were full of troops and
wagon trains, and the night was intensely dark, which added to the
confusion. After sleeping two hours, the Division again moved back
to the front, and constituted the rear guard of the retreating forces.
About ten o’clock it was withdrawn and proceeded towards
Alexandria, reaching the old camping ground at ten o’clock in the
evening.
So ended the second series of Bull Run engagements. Owing to
the timidity and lack of confidence in the people, which have led the
military authorities at Washington, from the commencement of the
war, to withhold unfavorable intelligence, the country has never
comprehended the extent of the disaster which resulted from this
week of battles. Our arms unquestionably suffered the severest
reverse which has yet befallen them. In addition to the loss of
seventy-five cannon and large quantities of small arms, equipments,
supplies, etc., there must have been fully twenty thousand Federal
troops killed, wounded and taken prisoners.
Neither has the country comprehended the rightful causes of this
disaster. We believe that it was occasioned solely by the jealousy of
military officers, and not through incapacity on the part of Gen. Pope.
No sooner was he appointed to the command of the Army of Virginia,
and large forces placed under him, than an emulous spirit
manifested itself among the Generals of the Army of the Peninsula.
When he issued the injudicious address to his troops, announcing
that his headquarters were to be in the saddle, and that they were
not to be employed in seeking out lines of retreat, this spirit was still
further developed. Finally, when the Peninsular forces were recalled
to the capital and placed under Pope, and Gen. McClellan left in
command of the fortifications simply, several of his Generals
deliberately, we believe, plotted the new leader’s ruin. Gen. Porter
was unquestionably the most guilty one of the number, and merited a
severer punishment than has been meted out to him. This was the
general opinion entertained in the army, outside of his own Corps.
However much they loved and admired Gen. McClellan, the troops
came to regard his pet, Gen. Fitz-John Porter, with distrust and
suspicion. Had he obeyed orders, Gen. Pope informs us that the
enemy would have been completely routed.
No satisfactory reasons have ever been given for the late advance
and slow march of Gen. Franklin’s Corps from Alexandria to the
scene of operations, when it was so much needed. The fact of his
never having been called to account for it, is, however, sufficient
reason for asserting that Gen. Franklin was not responsible for the
delay. He was too much of a patriot, too much of a soldier, to be
guilty of any machinations against a brother officer and his country.
Great injustice has been done him by associating his name with
Gen. Porter’s.
The conduct and correspondence of Gen. McClellan all go to
prove that he neither shared in nor countenanced that spirit of rivalry
which cost the country so much blood and treasure. Gen. Pope’s
plans were well conceived, and if they had been carried out, would
doubtless have resulted in a substantial victory. However
questionable his veracity, we cannot withhold from him the meed of
having displayed good generalship in the East as well as in the
West.
 CHAPTER XIX.
General McClellan Restored to Command.—Re-organization of the Army.—
Advance of the Enemy into Maryland.—March from Washington.—Battle of
Crampton’s Pass.—Harper’s Ferry Surrendered.

Soon after the troops fell back, Gen. Pope was relieved, at his own
request, and Gen. McClellan re-instated as Major General
commanding. He immediately commenced the labor of re-organizing
the army. The lull which followed, and absence of the enemy from
our immediate front, boded no good. The news, therefore, which
soon reached Washington, that the rebels had made their
appearance near Edward’s Ferry, was not wholly unexpected. Friday
night, Sept. 5th, they crossed the Potomac and occupied Frederick
City with a heavy force, destroying the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
for several miles, and cutting off communication with Harper’s Ferry
and Martinsburg, where considerable bodies of our troops were
stationed. Gen. Lee’s plan, he afterwards stated, in crossing the
river, was to threaten Baltimore, Washington and Harrisburg at the
same time, thereby diverting the attention of our authorities while he
encircled and captured the above forces. Gen. McClellan
immediately pushed forward to meet him.
 SUGAR-LOAF MOUNTAIN, MARYLAND.

Saturday evening, Sept. 6th, Franklin’s Corps crossed the Long

Bridge, followed by Sumner’s and Hooker’s (late McDowell’s), and
proceeded up the Maryland side of the river. All night long the solid,
heavy tramp of troops could be heard through the streets of the
capital.
The Thirty-third passed up Pennsylvania Avenue about 7 o’clock,
and marching until 2 o’clock Sunday morning, halted at Tanlytown.
The march was resumed at 5 o’clock P. M., and continued for six
miles.
Monday, Sept. 8th, marched through Rockville, halting one mile
west of the place. Many of the knapsacks were left here, and
afterwards sent back to Washington. Resuming the march,
bivouacked four miles east of Darnestown.
Tuesday, Sept. 9th, moved at 9 o’clock A. M., and encamped near
Seneca Creek. The weather was very warm and roads dusty, but,
relieved of their knapsacks and other effects, the soldiers suffered
comparatively little.
Thursday, Sept. 11th, marched at 9 o’clock, A. M., and halted
about noon between Barnsville and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Friday, Sept. 12th, marched at 9 A. M., encamping near Monocacy
Bridge, which had been destroyed by the enemy, but was now
rebuilt. The same day our advance, under Gen. Burnside, entered
Frederick, the people turning out en masse to welcome them. Just
before reaching the city they encountered a Brigade of rebel cavalry,
under Fitzhugh Lee, whipping and driving them before them in
gallant style.
Crossing the bridge upon the following morning, Lieut.-Col.
Corning was ordered forward with the Thirty-third and Twentieth New
York, to drive the enemy out of Jefferson’s Pass, an opening through
the range of mountains extending southeast of and nearly parallel
with the Blue Ridge.
Doffing such wearing apparel and equipments as were not
necessary, the men pressed rapidly forward. Their dark blue
uniforms and glistening bayonets soon appeared among the trees
and green foliage of the mountain side, as they moved upward,
scaling rocky ledges, and clinging hold of shrubs and branches, to
steady their footing. The enemy, who were posted along the summit,
hastily fled as they drew near, leaving it in their possession. A
magnificent view presented itself from here. Stretching far away in
every direction, were rich fields of grain, ripening into maturity,
thousands of cattle feeding on the green hills, little villages and farm
houses dotting the landscape, the church spires of Frederick looming
up in the distance, and at the base of the Blue Mountains immense
rebel trains, protected from attack by the frowning guns above.
Descending the opposite side of the mountain, the two Regiments
deployed as skirmishers, and moving forward a mile beyond the
beautiful village of Jefferson, picketed for the night. All along the
route they were enthusiastically received by the Marylanders. Fair
maids plucked the richest flowers from their gardens, and clustering
them in rich bouquets, placed them in the hands of the brave New
Yorkers. Grave matrons, with ruddy daughters, like Angels of Mercy,
came to the gates by the road-side with cups of milk and water to
refresh the thirsty soldiers. Such a reception was hardly expected,
and was the more appreciated, after the long and unpleasant
experiences among the rebel men and women of Virginia. The
remainder of the Division came up here and rested for the night.
Heavy firing was heard in the direction of Harper’s Ferry. While
passing through Jefferson much merriment was occasioned by the
chasing of a rebel cavalryman. Seeing him lagging behind, one of
our troopers, clapping spurs to his horse, started in hot pursuit,
yelling and screaming at the top of his voice, as he rode. He
continued to gain on the gray-back, and when within a few yards,
discharged his carbine and revolver simultaneously at him, which so
alarmed the fugitive that he wheeled, and at once gave himself up. A
little further on, Col. Irwin, of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, who had
now assumed command of the Brigade, took after five rebel videttes,
and riding into their midst with a revolver in each hand, compelled
three of them to surrender.
When our forces advanced to Frederick, the enemy retreated on
two turnpikes diverging from the city, and running through cuts in the
Blue Ridge, six miles apart, and known as the South Mountain, or
Turner’s Pass, near Middletown, and Crampton’s Pass, near
Burkettsville. Having fortified these and the surrounding hill-tops,
they waited our approach. Gen. McClellan, after reviewing the
situation for a short time, decided upon storming these positions. To
Gen. Franklin he assigned the duty of taking Crampton’s Pass, while
he superintended operations personally at Turner’s.
The Sixth Corps moved forward from the vicinity of Jefferson
Sunday morning, and on nearing Burkettsville, was arranged for the
attack. The enemy seeing this, opened a heavy fire from the guns
planted on the heights, but the troops pressed rapidly forward on the
double-quick over the ploughed fields and meadows, until the village
was reached, when they halted in the streets. The Thirty-third lost
but one man while running the gauntlet of the rebel batteries.
Though shot and shell were flying in every direction, the citizens
came out of their houses, waved their handkerchiefs, cheered for the
“Union Boys,” and brought them food and drink. After resting for a
few moments, the advance was again sounded, and Slocum’s
Division moved to the right of the turnpike and engaged the enemy,
while Gen. Brooks, supported by the Thirty-third and other
Regiments of the Third Brigade, marched directly up the road. About
3 o’clock Slocum reached the Pass, and drove the enemy from it,
after a hard fought battle. Brooks’ column immediately came on, and
dashing up the woody summit, charged the battery at the left of the
Pass and captured two guns, together with numerous prisoners.
Among the number was Col. Lamar, of the Eighth Georgia, who had
previously been taken at the battle of Golden’s Farm and paroled. It
now being dark, the troops retraced their steps to the Pass, and
moving down the west side of the mountain, bivouacked at the foot
in Pleasant Valley. Gens. Hooker and Reno had, in the meantime,
stormed the South Mountain gorge, though in doing so the latter lost
his life.
Monday morning, the Sixth Corps stood to arms at sunrise, and
prepared to march to the relief of Harper’s Ferry. It was soon
ascertained, however, that Col. Miles had surrendered that place,
and the men went into camp again. This intelligence so affected
Gen. McClellan as to cause him to shed tears. Tuesday, the Corps
remained in Pleasant Valley.
 CHAPTER XX.
THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM,
FOUGHT WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17TH.

The battle of Antietam was the first substantial victory which

crowned the labors of the Army of the Potomac. Williamsburg, Fair
Oaks and Malvern were all victories, but productive of no immediate
results. Fought on ground of the enemy’s choosing, and under the
disadvantages which always attend the assailing party, it was a
decisive struggle, stemming the tide of invasion and rolling back to
their rebellious territory Lee’s boasted legions, the

“Ragged multitude
Of hinds and peasants, rude and merciless,”

who had come to “free” “My Maryland.” A single regret is associated

with Antietam: that the enemy, defeated and driven back, were not
followed up and annihilated.
 ANTIETAM.

Straw Stacks, with Wounded. Position of Thirty-Third when attacked.

Rickett’s Battery.

After being driven from the mountain passes, Gen. Lee withdrew
his forces from the vicinity of the Blue Ridge, Boonsboro and
Hagerstown, and concentrated them near Sharpsburg, in horse-shoe
shaped lines, the heels resting near the Potomac. Gen. McClellan
followed with his entire army, save Couch’s Division and Franklin’s
Command, which having been detached for the relief of Harper’s
Ferry, were several miles in the rear.
The valley in which the conflict occurred lies directly west of the
spur of the Blue Ridge known as South Mountain, and comprises
one of the most delightful portions of Maryland. Looking down from
the Highlands, the eye fell upon little villages, crowning eminences or
nestling in dells; farm houses standing out boldly on the hill-tops, or
half-hidden down the woody slopes; yellow fields of grain, green
pastures and sombre fallows; luxuriant orchards and groves of
maple, interspersed with oak; the tortuous Antietam, forming in its
serpentine windings numerous miniature islands; lesser streams
sparkling in the sunlight, leaping and babbling down the mountain
side, or flowing noiselessly through the verdant meadows—the
whole comprising a landscape of surpassing beauty and loveliness.
Down on this fair valley settled the “horrid cloud” called battle.
Over this gorgeous patch-work of nature rolled the “hot elements of
destruction.”
Monday afternoon and Tuesday were spent by Gen. McClellan in
reconnoitring the enemy’s position, and establishing his own. He
likewise devoted considerable time to examining the topography of
the region. “Two hostile armies,” a recent writer observes, “on a
battle-field, are two wrestlers—one tries to throw the other; they cling
to everything; a thicket is a basis; for want of a village to support it, a
Regiment gives way; a fall in the plain, a transverse hedge in a good
position, a wood, a ravine, may arrest the heel of that column which
is called an army, and prevent its slipping. The one who leaves the
field is beaten, and hence the necessity for the responsible Chief to
examine the smallest clump of trees, and the slightest rise in the
ground.” No General ever realized the truth of the above more than
Gen. McClellan, and it was accordingly his wont to inspect minutely
the ground chosen for battle. Before Tuesday noon he had
familiarized himself with the plan of “Antietam,” examined the woods,
fields, hills, dales and streams which it embraced, selected the
commanding positions for his artillery, and marked out the level
spots where infantry could be manœuvred to advantage.
As fast as the troops came streaming down from the mountain,
they moved to the various points assigned them. It was an inspiring
sight, those long shining lines, pouring down through the woods and
fields, like “living threads that went to weave themselves into the
glorious tapestry of our nation’s history.”
There was the chivalric Burnside, leading the conquerors of
Roanoke and Newbern—the Ninth Army Corps—which he loved so
well. Further to the right came Porter, with his Regulars and well
filled ranks of Volunteers. Still further on appeared the brave old
Sumner, whose highest wish was to die with the harness on—
followed by troops who adored the hero of Fair Oaks, if possible,
more than their Chief.
In the rear rode the gallant Mansfield, who, tired of inactivity, had
exchanged the ease of court duty at the capital for the command of
Banks’ Corps, fresh from the gory fields of Cedar Mountain and Bull
Run. Hither was he come to uncover to the storm his head, now
silvered o’er by the frosts of nearly sixty winters, and die while
cheering forward his men on a charge. And there too was the
courageous Hooker, deploying far away to the right his battle-scarred
veterans.
During Tuesday there was heavy skirmishing between the infantry,
and considerable artillery firing, but no general engagement took
place. Meanwhile Lee was reinforced by Jackson’s Corps of thirty
thousand men, who, after having taken possession of Harper’s Ferry,
moved rapidly back up the Virginia side of the Potomac and crossed
over at the fords near Sharpsburg. Aware, as he now was, of his
superiority in numbers and position, the rebel chief calmly awaited
our attack.
The dawn of Wednesday found the Federal army arranged in
much the same manner as the day previous, Hooker on the right,
supported by Mansfield, then Sumner, then Porter on a commanding
eminence, as a reserve, and lastly Burnside, on the extreme left.
The line extended between four and five miles. The rebel left was
in the woods, directly in front of our right, and their forces were
posted across the valley between us and Sharpsburg, and very
nearly parallel with our own. Our artillery was planted behind the
crests of the various hillocks, ready to be run up and fire at a
moment’s notice.
To Gen. Hooker had been assigned the honor of opening the great
combat. During the night previous he had crossed the Antietam on
the Hagerstown road, and gained a position on the right bank of that
stream, which curved round in front of our forces.
 He was in the saddle before daylight, and the rising sun shone
upon his troops moving forward in battle array—the right of our lines
sweeping round towards the Potomac. They proceeded but a short
distance before encountering the enemy, drawn up to receive them,
and soon the profound stillness which precedes a battle was broken,
and Saxon was pitted against Saxon in the contest of death.
Steadily the brave fellows pressed forward over the wooded and
uneven ground, regardless of the infantry and artillery fire which was
concentrated upon them from several points, and sweeping through
the cornfields and grove at the right of the Sharpsburg turnpike, bore
down with irresistible fury upon the rebel lines.
They stood the shock but a moment, and then the swarthy foe fell
back in disorder, closely followed by our victorious boys, who made
the welkin ring with their shouts and cheers. But now come
reinforcements for the enemy, and our troops are forced back from
the ground which they have so gallantly won. For a moment it seems
as if Hooker will be overpowered, so heavily has the enemy’s left
been reinforced, but the timely arrival of Mansfield stems the tide of
rebel success. The two commands are massed together, and
together resist the onslaughts of the enemy. There is as yet no
fighting elsewhere. All the energy, skill and force of the respective
commanders are, for the time being, centred on this point. Hither all
eyes are turned. Ten o’clock finds the troops still fiercely engaged.
Both Hooker and Mansfield are lost to them. Gen. McClellan soon
arrives, inspiring the men by his presence. A few moments later
Sumner comes up with his whole Corps to the relief of those who
have been fighting for three hours.
His troops suffer severely. It was true he exposed them—
unnecessarily some thought—but no more than he exposed himself.
Wherever the conflict waxed hottest, there he was to be seen riding
to and fro, brandishing his sword and cheering forward his men, his
head uncovered and his long silver locks streaming in the breeze.
French, Richardson, Kimball and other brave spirits were with him,
seconding his commands.
 The gallant young Howard, who laid aside his ministerial robes to
lose an arm at Fair Oaks Roads, leads Burn’s old Brigade on a
charge. Close by appears the intrepid Meagher, double-quicking his
Irish braves through a field of corn, and the enemy, who have again
commenced advancing, are checked. Our reserve artillery are now
trained upon them, and

“Like a plow in the fallow through them

Plow the Northern ball,”

creating wide gaps and producing fearful carnage in their ranks. But
determined on breaking this part of our line, Gen. Lee continued to
mass his forces here, and portions of Sumner’s troops, weary and
exhausted, began to recede.
It was now a most critical moment—Mansfield killed, Hooker
wounded, Sedgwick, Richardson and Crawford carried bleeding from
the field,—the enemy pressing on in overwhelming numbers,—our
own troops giving way,—what should we have done had not Franklin
arrived at this juncture from Pleasant Valley with two fresh Divisions?
The force had left Pleasant Valley at daylight, and marched rapidly
to the scene of action. The Third Brigade, with two others,
immediately pressing forward, put the enemy to flight, and
established the lines far in advance of where they had been at the
opening of the fight. This brilliant success cost us, however, many
casualties. Fifty were killed and wounded in the Thirty-third alone;
among the former was Sergeant-Major George W. Bassett, a brave
and beloved officer. He was shot through the head, after bearing
Lieut. Mix from the field, seriously wounded through the thigh.
Captain Gifford and Lieutenant King were also wounded. Lieutenant-
Colonel Corning’s horse was hit three times, and Major Platner’s
killed. The Thirty-third, and other Regiments of Franklin’s Corps sent
forward, held their position during the remainder of the contest. The
fighting on the left did not commence until later in the day, and it was
noon before the fire of musketry announced that the infantry were
engaged in that direction. The first advance was made down the
slope of a hill, to a bridge which crossed the Antietam. Beyond the