The Battle of Antietam is considered the single bloodiest day in American history as the Union and Confederate forces suffered over 22,000 casualties. Despite the carnage, Union general George McClellan still felt optimistic about the battle and McClellan’s letter to Lincoln painted a rosier picture than reality. However, this same letter helped embolden the president into issuing the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
What Did McClellan’s Letter Said After the Battle of Antietam?
The Battle of Antietam fought on September 17, 1862, was one of the most important battles in American history. Not only was it one of the bloodiest, but it was the first major confrontation on Northern soil after Robert E. Lee invaded the Union to try and bring the war into their territory.
The Union army was led by General George B. McClellan’s forces near Antietam Creek where they tried to stop the Army of Northern Virginia to halt their advance. The battle took place across multiple locations, resulting in massive casualties, though the Union managed to hold their territory.
The results were tactically inconclusive but had major strategic and political consequences. The important thing was that it prevented Robert E. Lee from pressing his invasion further. After the battle, George contacted President Lincoln, and McClellan’s letter painted a Union victory. This was important for the president as he was waiting for a victory to issue his Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation which would include abolishing slavery as part of the war aims.
Just five days after the battle, on September 22, 1862, Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that if the rebellious states did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863, their slaves would be freed. While it was known for its bloodiness, the pain of this battle paved the way for the abolition of slavery which would have profound impacts on American history.
Here is an expert from McClellan’s letter.
“The battle of this day has been most severe, and the loss on both sides is great. The enemy has been repulsed at all points. We are in possession of the battlefield, but my forces are too much fatigued and shattered to press their advantage. I shall continue to hold the field and re-form my troops.”
-George McClellan, former Union Genera.
McClellan’s letter was just one of the many documents written in the war that captured its brutality and destruction. One example of this was a letter from Lincoln apologizing to those who lost their children in the war.
The direct effect of this war would be emancipation which Lincoln had held off on such as here.
Later on, this battle would be overshadowed by the Battle of Gettysburg which would include famous incidents like Pickett’s Charge.
This also would not be the last time Lincoln clashed with his generals as he sent multiple letters critcizing them, including responses to McClellan’s letters.
But even after the slaves were freed, they would still face discrimination with their masters trying to pull them back into slavery such as this letter.
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