THE INVASION OF MARYLAND.

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SOUTH-EASTERN STRETCH OF THE SUNKEN ROAD, OR “BLOODY LANE.” [SEE MAP, P. 636.1FROM A PHOTOGRAI’H TAKEN IN 1885.

in time to do more than make a respectable retreat, whereas by retiring beforethe battle we could have claimed a very successful campaign.

On the forenoon of the 15th, the blue uniforms of the Federals appearedamong the trees that crowned the heights on the eastern bank of the Antie-tam. The number increased, and larger and larger grew the field of blue untilit seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see, and from the tops of themountains down to the edges of the stream gathered the great army ofMcClellan. It was an awe-inspiring spectacle as this grand force settleddown in sight of the Confederates, then shattered by battles and scattered bylong and tiresome marches. On the 16th Jackson came and took positionwith part of his command on my left. Before night the Federals attackedmy left and gave us a severe fight, principally against Hood’s division, butwe drove them back, holding well our ground. After nightfall Hood wasrelieved from the position on the left, ordered to replenish his ammunition,and be ready to resume his first position on my right in the morning.General Jackson’s forces, who relieved Hood, were extended to our left,reaching well back toward the Potomac, where most of our cavalry was.Toombs had joined us with two of his regiments, and was placed as guardon the bridge on my right. Hooker, who had thrown his corps against myleft in the afternoon, was reenforced by the corps of Sumner and Mansfield.Sykes’s division was also drawn into position for the impending battle.Burnside was over against my right, threatening the passage of the Antietamat that point. On the morning of the 17th the Federals were in good positionalong the Antietam, stretching up and down and across it to our left fox-three miles. They had a good position for their guns, which were of themost approved make and metal. Our position overcrowned theirs a little,but our guns were inferior and our ammunition was very imperfect.