Today in History:

Antietam - September 15, 1862

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

September 15, 1862-3.45 p. M.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

GENERAL: The last news received is that the enemy is drawn up in line of battle about two miles beyond Centreville, which will bring them on the west and behind Antietam Creek. They are represented to be in considerable force under Longstreet. Our troops are rapidly moving up. If not too late, I think you had better move on Rohrersville, communicating meantime with Franklin. If with your assistance he can defeat the enemy in front of him, join him at once. If, however, he can hold his own, march on Sharpsburg and co-operate with us, unless that place should be evacuated by the enemy. In that case, move at once to co-operate with Franklin. Porter, of course, will continue on his march to Sharpsburg.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. B. McClellan
___________________________________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

September 15, 1862-4.30 p. M.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs you to move your command at once to Sharpsburg, via Porterstown, to assist in the attack upon the former place. The general will be there in person.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. D. RUGGLES,

Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

__________________________________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Bolivar, September 15, 1862-10.45 a. M.

J. W. GARRETT, Esq.:

President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Baltimore:

Please take measures to have the railroad bridge over the Monocacy repaired with the least possible delay.

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