Headquarters 5th Army Corps,
Camp near Sharpsburg, Sept. 18
Dear Father, – I just write you a few lines to let you
know that I am all right so far. Yesterday we had a terrible battle[1] in which we drove the enemy along the whole line. The severe fighting was on the right and left. The centre was slightly engaged. We were in the centre and in the reserve and were not actively engaged. From a hill where we were the whole day we had a fine view of the right and most of the centre. I carried several dispatches during the day. To-day we have been getting up ammunition, etc., and also some 10,000 fresh troops. The enemy greatly outnumber us, but the men are confident and in good spirits. To-morrow a great battle will probably come off, and I hope we shall be successful. . . .
Frank Balch was in the fight yesterday, I suppose. I have not been able to see him yet. . . .
We lost 8 generals yesterday, killed and wounded. . .
[1] The battle of Antietam, or Sharpsburg as it is called in the South.
