Much happened between September of 1862 and July of 63.
The first was the Battle of Antietam, which saw the most casualties in a day
The second at Gettysburg, the battle that took the most American lives.
One the start of a campaign, the other the beginning of the end according to history.

After General Lee invaded Maryland the Union wen to intercept
Hoping not only to stop him, but to push him back into Virginia.
Following Antietam, Lee returned to Virginia to recover
The battle having ended in a draw, after so many losses that is a hard concept.

Lee’s return was to be executed at Shepherdstown Ford
Although the Union didn’t know at the time if the move was retreat or regroup
General George McClellan sent troops to monitor the progress
To see if they could determine the motive, was inaction something they could afford?

With the regiments sent on September 19 was the 20th Maine
A group who was new and relatively untrained.
They had only watched the carnage at Antietam,
Now they were sent with a purpose, to see if fighting should begin again.

The South soon realized that the Union remained close at hand,
So Stonewall Jackson sent Hill to help draw them off.
Hill managed more than that, he pushed the Union back
The 20th Maine was close, but orders were followed, they did not stand.

The 20th moved forward into Virginia, and as they reached the other side
The sound to return reached their ears,
So they turned and headed back, with Lieutenant Colonel Chamberlain at the front.
Calmly astride his horse, he directed his men back, and as necessary told them to hide.

One thing the men of the Maine 20th learned from crossing at the C&O
It made a perfect trench, giving them all that they needed to fight.
After returning to the Union’s side, the battle continued until night,
The men now more guarded they were less likely to go.

After night fell Hill returned to Stonewall, his mission done
The battle had ended, the Confederates suffering slightly greater losses.
The men did as told, following the orders to the letter from their bosses.
The 20th was fortunate, only three were wounded, still it was a battle no one won.

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