The Battle of Antietam ( Sharpsburg) 17th September 1862
Timeline 10.00 AM
The Union Second Division of Twelfth Corps, Brigadier Adelphus S. Williams commanding, has reached the Dunkard Church by the West Woods.
Confederate skirmishers try to disorganise their advance.
Meanwhile, due to a poor movement roll, a battery of Confederate artillery are in danger of capture by the advancing Union forces.
The Union First Division of Second Corps, Major General Israel B. Richardson in command, is approaching the sunken lane area by the Clipp farmstead and Roulette road.
This advance is effectively ‘blind’ due to the rising nature of the terrain almost until the lane is reached.
The Irish Brigade, led by Brigadier General Thomas F. Meagher, cresting the slope are now in peril. Furthermore, with 75% of the troops armed with smoothbore muskets they have to close the range to be effective.
Meanwhile Major General Ambrose E. Burnside commanding the Union Ninth Corps, at the Rhorbach, farm has received orders directly from General McClellan to assault the Rhorbach bridge and drive forward to Sharpsburg.
The Confederate position is becoming increasingly grave.