Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-09-21
GEN. W. II. FRENCH.

it was inst as well no other troops were sent in.
Burnside subsequently, alleged that Frank
Inns operations lacked the cohesive vigor and
consequently failed OF the effect he expected
Franklin, with much reason. pleaded the vague
ness of his orders in extenuation of his failure
to make general attack The dispute about
this battle resulted in great enmity between
these two officers. There was evidently
chance for victory where Meade broke through
if he had been promptly aided. A feeting
chance-the only one presented at any time
anywhere on that bloody field.
And, after all, ii was on the right-exactly in
the wrong place-at the most utterly hopeless
point on ali the rebel 'front.' that the real per
slstent attack was made. And there is some
reason for believing that this was Burnsfle's
intention. Gen. Frenchs division of the second
corps was selected to make the assault. sup
ported by Hancock. At noon. when Meade's
and promising success. French's troops sprang
forward, front and flank covered by cloud of
skirmishers. They were to move forward stead
lily, and after the rebel skirmish line was
broker to rush after them up the heights and
into the works. But the fire French met was
simply beyond human endurance. coming prin-
cipally from behind stone wall. which rem
dered the return fire Ineffective. His troops
were hurled back in disorder, though many of
them held ground close up to the rebel line for
four hours. French says they made no i'm
preston whatever on the heights crowned with
batteries, with lines Of rifle pits and walls be-
meath.
CHARGING THE STONE WALL.
Hancock's division then moved to the front
attacking gallantlv, but, like French failing
to make any impression. But he maintained
his deployed line well to the front until night
fall. Towards division came to his support
soon after and several attempts were subse-
quently made to take the stone wall, but they
all failed. Humphreys, Sturgis' and Getty's
divisions all took a hand in the murderous
work during the afternoon-one and all meet
ing the same fate. From the rifle pits and
the stone wall they met a sheet of fame that
was uncomfortable. Gen. Couch and the di-
vision generals accompanied their tro obs here
with a courage worthier a better opportunity.
Burnside persisted in this method of buttinr
the army's brains out until darkness gave the
poor soldiers rest from the lash of their merci-
less taskmaster and the bullets of their hidden
foes. Then they were withdrawn
Burnside purposed to repeat this wholesale
| slaughter on the following day at this identical
spot, but every subordinate general in the
army was aghast and emphatically protested
against further useless sacrifice of life.
burnside finally, but very reluctantly, Welded to
| their judgment, and no further assaults were
made. Without doubt 1t was the most dsas-
trous affair Of the war to the Union cause. The
federals held the south side unmolested
throughout the 14th and 18th, Lee not ventur-
ing counter attack. In the night of the
15th-l6th the army was Withdrawn to the north
side without loss, but sullen and dispirited
Lees army was correspondingly ENCOURAGED
The relative conditions Of the two armies ex-
Ating AFTER Antetam we're exactly IoysISnd