December 4, 2015

Harpers Ferry

By

General Lee desired the capture of Harpers Ferry.
To this end he split his forces, sending Stonewall Jackson to take it,
An order that was followed on September10th.
However, the Union found out and they would not just sit.

Having intercepted a copy of the orders, General McClellan had to act.
As Williamsport was a point along Jackson’s way
Men were sent to follow and fight as was needed.
With Lee’s army divided, the Union saw a good chance to attack.

The result was skirmishes and battles along the canal.
During this time though they did well
The Union made a mistake, allowing the Confederates to consolidate,
The first sign of trouble came too soon, leaving the Union on mistakes to dwell.

Lee’s desire to take Harpers Ferry was just the beginning.
For that was accomplished by Stonewall on the 15th of September
Giving the Rebels the foothold they needed for the first major assault
The battle of Antietam, it has become one of the worst battles anyone would remember.

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