Sept. 18, 8 A. M., camp near Sharpsburg
. . . We fought yesterday a terrible battle against the entire rebel army.
The battle continued fourteen hours and was terrific; the fighting on both sides was superb.
The general result was in our favor; that is to say, we gained a great deal of ground and held it. It was a success, but whether a decided victory depends upon what occurs to-day.
I hope that God has given us a great success.
It is all in His hands, and there I am content to leave it. The spectacle yesterday was the grandest I could conceive of; nothing could be more sublime.
Those in whose judgment I rely tell me that I fought the battle splendidly and that it was a masterpiece of art. I am well-nigh tired out by anxiety and
[
613]
want of sleep.
God has been good in sparing the lives of all my staff.
Gens. Hooker,
Sedgwick,
Dana,
Richardson, and
Hartsuff, and several other general officers, wounded.
Mansfield is dead, I fear, but am not certain.
I just learn that he is not mortally wounded.