The Battle of Antietam ( Sharpsburg ) 17th September 1862
Timeline 7.30 AM
The Union First Corps, Major General Joseph Hooker commanding, has been fought to a standstill with massive casualties being sustained.
The battered Confederate left wing has engaged all its units in defeating this assault with the exception of Brigadier General John B Hood’s Division, currently in the West Wood.
However, the Union Twelfth Corps, Major General Joseph Mansfield is now deploying with the First Division, Brigadier Alpheus S Williams commanding advancing through the East Woods.
It’s sister Second Division, Brigadier General George S Greene commanding is making progress towards the Miller cornfield.
Major General George B McClellan has established his HQ at the Philip Pry house. His plan to use successive echelon assaults on the Confederate is proceeding to plan and although he has little faith in its commander, he has issued orders to the Second Corps, Major General Edwin V Summer commanding, to join the fray.
Unfortunately, this Corps is two miles away from the scene of the action and will not arrive before nine AM at the earliest.
Jackson has requested reinforcements and General Lee has authorised the deployment of Mc Laws Division, Major General Lafayette McLaws commanding.
This division is transiting through Sharpsburg towards the West wood, it’s progress invisible to the Union observers due to the topography of Cemetery ridge.
Major General Mansfield has only recently assumed command and many of his troops are newly recruited. However, they are enthusiastic and keen to get to grips with their rebel foes .
The Union forever, forward!