FIELD OF BATTLE NEAR
SHARPSBURG, September 18, 1862.
I commanded the division of Pennsylvania Reserves in the
action at South Mountain Gap on the 14th.1 Our division turned the
enemy's left flank and gained the day. Their movements were the admiration of
the whole army, and I gained great credit. I was not touched or my horse.
Yesterday and the day before my division commenced the battle, and was in the
thickest of it.2 I was hit by a spent grape-shot, giving me a severe
contusion on the right thigh, but not breaking the skin. Baldy was shot through
the neck, but will get over it. A cavalry horse I mounted afterwards was shot
in the flank. When General Hooker was wounded, General McClellan placed me in
command of the army corps, over General Ricketts's head, who ranked me. This
selection is a great compliment, and answers all my wishes in regard to my
desire to have my services appreciated. I cannot ask for more, and am truly
grateful for the merciful manner I have been protected, and for the good
fortune that has attended me. I go into the action to-day as the commander of
an army corps. If I survive, my two stars are secure, and if I fall, you
will have my reputation to live on. God bless you all! I cannot write more. I
am well and in fine spirits. Your brother Willie is up here, but was not in
action yesterday.
__________
1 Battle of South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Federal loss, killed, wounded, and missing, 2,346 (O. R.).
2 Battle of the Antietam, September 17, 1862.
Federal loss, killed, wounded, and missing, 12,410 (O. R.).
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 310-1
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