Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 03.djvu/301

Rh to us, and the troops occupying that line were on the march to Sharpsburg.

The garrison at Harper's Ferry surrendered during the forenoon. Late on the afternoon previous, Brigadier-General Fitz. Lee arrived at Boonsboro' and reported to the Commanding General, having been unable to accomplish the object of his mission, which his report will more fully explain.

His command was assigned to the important and difficult duty of occupying the line of battle of the infantry to enable it to withdraw during the night, and early next morning his command was charged with bringing up the rear of that column to Sharpsburg, while Hampton accomplished the same for McLaws' command moving out of Pleasant Valley to Harper's Ferry. I reported in person to General Jackson at Harper's Ferry, and thence rode, at his request, to the Commanding General at Sharpsburg, to communicate to him General J.'s views and information.

Our army being in line of battle on the heights overlooking the Antietam, I was assigned to the left, where Brigadier-General Fitz. Lee's brigade took position after his severe engagement near Boonsboro' between the enemy and his rear guard, Munford's small command being on the right.

On the afternoon of the 16th, the enemy was discovered moving a column across the Antietam to the pike, with the view of turning our left beyond the Dunkard church. This was duly reported, and the movement watched. A little skirmishing took place before night. I moved the cavalry still farther to the left, making way for our infantry, and crowned a commanding hill with artillery, ready for the attack in the morning. General Jackson had arrived in time from Harper's Ferry, with a part of his command, on the night before to take position on this line, and the attack began very early next morning. The cavalry was held as a support for the artillery, which was very advantageously posted so as to bring an enfilading fire upon the enemy's right. About this time, Lieutenant-Colonel John T. Thornton, of the Third Virginia cavalry, was mortally wounded, at the head of his regiment. To the service he was a brave and devoted member. In him one of the brightest ornaments of the State has fallen.

This fire was kept up with terrible effect upon the enemy; and the position of the artillery being somewhat endangered, Early's brigade was sent to me by General Jackson as additional support. The enemy had advanced too far into the woods near the Dunkard