The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-23
NO SAMPSON IN THIS CASE.
The Sharpsburg Antietaln Battle the Most Re-
markable in Modern Times.

To the Editor: The writer has long
thought Sharpsburg- Antietam the most
remarkable battle OF modern times. Re-
cent reading in the Regimental Histories
OF North Carolina, so ably edited and
handsomely gotten up by Judge Walter
Clark, confirms and strengthens this
opinion. The morning reports OF Lee S
brigade and division commanders, now on
file at Washington. d. c., show that he
had present for duty on the morning OF
September II, 1862, $4,000 mem A, P.
HIS division arrived from Harper S
Ferry at about . p. m. $500 strong, max
ing the total participants in the battle
So, 500 men. A. p. Hill arrived just in
time to be. of very great service in re-
pulsing Burnside's attack on Lees right
wing. Lee had greatly weakened his
right TO defend his left and but for Hills
arrival was in great danger on that flank.
The morning reports OF Mcclellan
subordinates show present for duty that
morning $4,000 men. Lees men as rule.
were about barefooted, poorly clothed,
half starved and with a sCanty supply OF
ammunition They were i'll the enemy's
country far from home or friends, with
every prospect that If wounded they
would be captured or left 10 die in agony
on the battlefield This last is the most
terrible fate that can befall a soldier.
To be shot dead by bullet through the
head or heart is not terrible thought,
but 10 be painfully wounded and left to
linger and die Is terrible thought. Nc
Clellan's men were we'll shod well
clothed, we'll fed and amply supplied with
the best arms and ammunition the world
afforded They were in easy reach of the
ample hospital accommodations of Wash
ington City, assured OF the best medical
attention ii wounded and IL permanently
disabled they would be abundantly pro-
vided for by an established government.
Last but not least the majority of Nc
Clellan's army belonged TO that race
which has never yet acknowledged a SUI
perior on the battlefield and which today
Is making a determined struggle for tho
commercial and financial supremacy of
the world. There was no special display
OF generalship on either side. There was
no special advantage Of position. The
troops had not then learned to quickly
cover themselves with field breastworks.
The battle was q REPETITION OF stubborn
resistance by the ragged gray line, leav-
NAiG SAiN Gi az INV at hASLt III SubptGhbloAlg
the same position held Ia the morning.
All day on the 18th this line was held.
On the night OF the 18th the gray line
withdrew to the south bank OF the Po-
tomac, carrying all their living comrades.
There is no finer example OF a defensive
battle in all history. Lee was outnum-
bered in 1864 but the troops had then
learned to quickly cover themselves with
field entertainments. making the task of
the attacking army much more difficult
and dangerous. All honor to those who
fought there. We who were not there can
at least give honor and appreciation. We
can claim the reflected glory Of being fell
low countrynlen. There was and is
enough for all. There is no Sampson In
this case
J. VI. GALLOWAY.
Madison " c. Feb %