General Robert E. Lee saw a distinct opportunity
Following the Confederate victory at Manassas.
First, it was a chance to try a Northern invasion
And perhaps draw Maryland into Confederate unity.

That meant the C&O Canal was brought into the plan
And so war was brought to this already trouble place.
Now soldiers tried hard to destroy the dams
Though they were repelled , each and every man.

Battles began all up and down the waterway
During the summer and fall of 1862
And the Confederates surged across the Potomac
Near Leesburg at this point in time they often took the day.

Their goal was two fold, first move the fight forward
Keep the enemy on the defensive;
Second to see if they could expand the nation they sought
The indignation they felt they wanted to be stirred.

A number of battles were fought through the season
With hope and strategy backing Confederate reason.
However, the Battle of Antietam left the South pretty battered
Their hopes somewhat dampened, though not yet shattered.

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