The Battle of Antienam

The Battle of Antietam Sharpsburg Maryland September 16-18, 1862 On September 16, Major General George B. McClellan confronted Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Sharpsburg, Maryland. Lee’s force was inferior to McClellan’s and Lee was facing battle with the river at his rear, and with the danger of losing all of his force if defeated. Lee had planned for a victorious invasion of the North, however he now realised these hazards and drew …

…Lee. The total estimated casualties were 23100. This major battle settled absolutely nothing, though it could have if George B. McClellan pressed the attack. McClellan later explained that “the national cause could afford no risks of defeat”, this was his excuse for miserable tactics and leadership. McClellan was also thought by many that he did not want to crush the enemy. Abraham Lincoln heard these comments as to his general’s reluctance to hurt his enemy.