[45]
Finally, Palfrey writes, page 19:
‘Tactically the battle of the Antietam was a drawn battle, with the advantage inclining slightly to the side of the Federals, who gained some ground and took more trophies than they lost.
The Confederates, however, held most of the ground on which they fought, and held it not only to the close of the battle, but for more than twenty-four hours after, and then retired unmolested and in good order.’
Whether intentionally or not, the omission of all mention of General McClellan in the recent event at Antietam was most impolitic from a military, political or social standpoint.
He was the general in command.
It was his battle, and history will never permit a subordinate commander or any one else to steal the glory.. He acted wisely in not attacking Lee on the 18th, for his defeat would have been certain.
The position held was a strong one.
Alexander Robert Chisholm, Formerly Aid to General Beauregard.
