September 14, 1862 (Saturday): "The troops behaved magnificently."

War Correspondant's Arch at Crampton's Gap (http://friendsofsouthmountain.org)

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, September 14,
Via point of Rocks, Md., September 15, 1862-2 p. m.
General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief, U. S. Army:
    We are firing the passes of the Blue Ridge. Have possession of the heights on the left of Hagerstown pike; are now attacking the right. Franklin is attacking the Rockville [Crampton's] Pass, through the same ranges. Thus far all goes well. have taken about 100 prisoners. I have the troops in hand. They are confident, and hope to have full possession of the passes by dark.


GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Three miles beyond Middletown, Md., September 14, 1862-9.40 p. m.
(Received 1 1. m., 15th)
Major-General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
    After a very severe engagement, the corps of Hooker and Reno have carried the heights commanding the Hagerstown road. The troops behaved magnificently. They never fought better. Franklin has been hotly engaged on the extreme left. I do not yet know the result, except that the firing indicated progress on his part. The action continued until after dark, and terminated leaving us in possession of the entire crest. It has been a glorious victory. I cannot yet tell whether the enemy will retreat during the night or appear in increased force in the morning. I am hurrying up everything from the rear, to be prepared for any eventuality. I regret to add that the gallant and able General Reno is killed.


GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
[Major-General.]

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 19, Part 2, Page 289.

On the 13th McClellan came into possession of General Orders 191, a copy of Lee's instructions to his commanders.  Knowing Lee would not be moving east to threaten Washington or Baltimore, McClellan moved with (for him) unprecedented aggressiveness.  Striking at the three passes of the South Mountain range he succeeded in pushing open the passes late in the day.  The time gained by a stubborn Confederate resistance enabled Lee to establish a position near Sharpsburg along Antietam Creek.  It is interesting to note McClellan still does not realize he badly outnumbers Lee.