Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1862-10-09
Co. II 23d Rcg't. o. VI
Letter from DR. l.bright.
CAMP on Bolivar HFiGIITs, NEAR
II ARPER's FERRy, Va, Sept. 81, 1862 {

|
| FRIEND EsrILL:-Atter some five days of cx
ccssive toll and profess onal labor, with a back
nearly broke from continued STOPPING, take thi,
the first rcSpite'r from my duties since the battle OF
last Wednesday. near Sharpshurg to report you
my version Of the mastery as it occurred on that
part of the field of carnage and death in our i'm
mediate point, and first the battle is certainly con
elusive of the question: whether Gen. McClel
Ian is competant to be entrusted with the armies
Of the Republic and by consequence. with its
! destiny Whatever may be said Of other battles
fought by him, there is certainly no room or
debate as to the merit of his Gencralship on this
last great occasion. The strength of their po.
siton, the number engaged, the obstiuacy of the
Rebel troops and the success of our army in tax
ing the field are conclusive OF the military >kill
requisite for tho occasion. Indeed like the great
battles Of Waterloo, Bunker Hill. Valley Forge
Trenton, it is destined to fu nish material for
volumes in years to Come. The Rebels ha7ng
been driven from South Mountain the evening be
fore, the Sunday preceding some fifteen miles
toward the Potomac which runs some three miles
to the rear of Sharpsburg which was to the left
of the Rebel centre. The Rebel army had halted
well knowing that to pass the Potomac without
humiliation he must make desperate stand in
advance, it would never do to attempt to cross
deep broad river with steep and rocky banks,
with the formidable Artillery of the Union play
ing upon the rebel hosts at such fine advantage,
aud thereto to gain breathing space to quit the
soil OF Maryland, the adventure upon which had
Gecu SO fatal to their hopes. They must make a
desperate stand; the position was certainly well
chosen. 1t was along plateau, variously inter.
spersed with slight deprcssons that present cx
ccllcnt for troops in the shape OF cGmicldS,
stone walls, small forests, one or two lanes or
country roads, washed deep by the rains Of other
years, served admirably as rife pits. The rebels
laying in them and freng, exposing only their
heads. The line Of battle was some five miles
long a portion of Antetam creek, stream not
easily fUrdablc and crossed by substantial st ne
bridges protecting their right strongly. The
crossing of the right wing of our host had been
accomplished the evening before but on the left
where Burnside commanded had yet to be crossed
| he battle commenced about day aybreak, Gen Nc
Clellan having ordered Gen, Sumner to push for
ward, Scdgewick's Division led, followed up by
French's in line of battle, formed columns of Bri
gades. three in line. Sedgcwick on the right,
French on the left. The Division of French
movod into wood and corn6eld, encountcring
skirmshes and the engagement soon became gen
eral. The enemy pressed heavily on Sedgwick S
left causing it to fall back. French finding him.
I,,lr ll, al tba cd
men to charge on the enemy, which was done in
most brilliant manner. and the Heights we're car
red by Kirnbalrs Brigade, whilst this was going
on the enemy threw strong force toward French 5
left flank which was extended in that direction TO
meet the shock, whilst the right changed front to
meet an attack on the left b a strong column Of
the enemy which adva need through the interval
when our troops had been forced back in that d
rection. Covered by the houses and stone wall,
the barn and out houses, the natural features of
the ground the home of Mr.. Rulette was the
pivot Of the field, when our Regiment passed his
cellar door the gentleman who had been up to
this time cooped in the cellar emerged and with
la in hand think did some of the talest one
man following and tip-toe shouting | ever wit
messed. The enemy were driven back with great
loss. About half past eleven O'Clock, the am
muntion of the first line of French's Division
was nearly exhausted and the small supply which
had been obtained from the dead and wounded
who we're thickly strewen around the men holding
their positions mainly with the bayonet.
Richardson's Division now pushed forward to
reinforce French, who was hold ing his position
stouty against The Rebel Genrals Hill and Nc
Claws, Richardson's Division being fresh and un
broken soon carried the Rebel lines. Took nine