THE VICTOR OF ANTIETAM The main body of the Confederates was finally encountered at Antietam, and on September 17, 1862, a savage action was fought, which left Lee badly shattered. MARTHY VIRGINIA'S HAND [September 17, 1862] "THERE, on the left!" said the colonel; the battle had shuddered and faded away, Wraith of a fiery enchantment that left only ashes and blood-sprinkled clay "Ride to the left and examine that ridge, where the enemy's sharpshooters stood. Lord, how they picked off our men, from the treacherous vantage-ground of the wood! But for their bullets, I'll bet, my batteries sent them something as good. Go and explore, and report to me then, and tell me how many we killed. Never a wink shall I sleep till I know our vengeance was duly fulfilled." Fiercely the orderly rode down the slope of the cornfield-scarred and forlorn, Rutted by violent wheels, and scathed by the shot that had ploughed it in scorn; Fiercely, and burning with wrath for the sight of his comrades crushed at a blow, Flung in broken shapes on the ground like ruined memorials of woe; These were the men whom at daybreak he knew, but never again could know. Thence to the ridge, where roots out-thrust, and twisted branches of trees Clutched the hill like clawing lions, firm their prey to seize. "What's your report?" and the grim colonel smiled when the orderly came back at last. Strangely the soldier paused: "Well, they were punished." And strangely his face looked, aghast. "Yes, our fire told on them; knocked over fifty-laid out in line of parade. Brave fellows, Colonel, to stay as they did! But one I 'most wished had n't stayed. Mortally wounded, he'd torn off his knapsack; and then, at the end, he prayed 445 With you they shook dread Stonewall's spell, With you in fame or shame they dwell, Antietam-braves a brave can tell. And when your comrades (now so few, Such ravage in deep files they rue) And great Antietam's cheers renew. On October 1, 1862, President Lincoln issued to McClellan a peremptory order to pursue Lee. Twenty days were spent in correspondence before that order was obeyed. McClellan had exhausted the patience even of the President. On November 5 he was relieved from command, and General A. E. Burnside appointed to replace him. The latter paused to get the army in hand and then moved down the Rappahannock toward Fredericksburg, where Lee was strongly intrenched. On December 11 the Union army managed to cross the Potomac in the face of a heavy fire. THE CROSSING AT FREDERICKSBURG [December 11, 1862] I LAY in my tent at mid-day, I heard the voice of the General. — "O comrade, open the curtain, And see where our men are bound, For my heart is still in my bosom At that terrible, mirthful sound. "And hark what the General orders, AT FREDERICKSBURG "Lie still, lie still, my Captain, "T is a call for volunteers; And the noise that vexes your fever Is only our soldiers' cheers." Where go they?" "Across the river." "O God! and must I lie still, While that drum and that measured trampling Move from me far down the hill? But yet the boats moved onward; Through fire and lead they drove, With the dark, still mass within them, And the floating stars above. So loud and near it sounded, Cheer after cheer we sent them, They formed in line of battle; 447 Not a man was out of place. "Oh, help me, help me, comrade! "And see the noisy workmen O'er the lengthening bridges run, "For the old heat, or a new one, "If this is death, I care not! Hear me, men, from rear to van! One more cheer for Massachusetts, And one more for Michigan!" GEORGE HENRY BOKER. On the morning of December 13, 1862, the Union army advanced to the attack. The Confederate advance lines were driven back, but rallied and drove back their assailants with heavy loss. Assault after assault was repulsed, and Burnside was finally compelled to withdraw with a loss of fifteen thousand men. He was relieved of command soon afterwards. AT FREDERICKSBURG [December 13, 1862] GOD send us peace, and keep red strife away; But should it come, God send us men and steel! |