The Public's Response to the Battle of Antietam
The New York Times published a front page article the Saturday following the battle entitled: The Battle of Antietam Creek. This article thoroughly explained the day of battle, including the movements of the troops, the losses of both sides, and the future plans dealing with the casualties of the battle. After the Union had suffered losses to the Confederacy at 1st Bull Run, Seven days and 2nd Bull Run, they was losing faith in the war. The article highlighted how the Unions Victory at Antietam gave a great deal of confidence back to the Union. At the battle of Antietam, the Confederacy attempted to capture Washington D.C., the Unions capital. The Union victory was necessary to prevent the Confederacy from winning the war. The article includes details about the large number of casualties at the battle and how the following days will be used to bury the dead and care for the wounded. At the end of the article it mentions how the army is supposed to pursue General Lee, but we know that this fails to happen and would lead to the firing of General McClellan.
A Letter Home
(A fictional letter from a Union solider inspired by the Battle of Antietam)
My Dear Family,
I am lucky to be alive after fighting in the Battle of Antietam. In one day, over 20,000 soldiers have lost their lives, been captured or are wounded. Although we suffered more casualties than the Confederates, we still won the battle and have prevented the Confederacy from capturing D.C. and winning the war. We were fortunate enough to have found the battle plans of General Robert E. Lee in an abandoned confederate camp, allowing us to know how the confederate army would attack. Without these plans we might not have been able to win the battle and may have lost the war. The president, Mr. Lincoln, wishes that our leader, General McClellan, pushes our advantage and pursues General Lee. However I don't believe McClellan will do so and I know this will upset Mr. Lincoln. I hope that this victory will raise the spirits of the Union troops and supporters and encourage us as we fight in our coming battles.
Sincerely,
Union Solider James Chandler
My Dear Family,
I am lucky to be alive after fighting in the Battle of Antietam. In one day, over 20,000 soldiers have lost their lives, been captured or are wounded. Although we suffered more casualties than the Confederates, we still won the battle and have prevented the Confederacy from capturing D.C. and winning the war. We were fortunate enough to have found the battle plans of General Robert E. Lee in an abandoned confederate camp, allowing us to know how the confederate army would attack. Without these plans we might not have been able to win the battle and may have lost the war. The president, Mr. Lincoln, wishes that our leader, General McClellan, pushes our advantage and pursues General Lee. However I don't believe McClellan will do so and I know this will upset Mr. Lincoln. I hope that this victory will raise the spirits of the Union troops and supporters and encourage us as we fight in our coming battles.
Sincerely,
Union Solider James Chandler