Robert E. Lee knew that he had to keep the momentum of the Confederate forces moving forward, bringing the Army of Northern Virginia and the war itself north into Union territory. A decisive string of victories might embolden foreign powers to join the Confederacy's fight.
On September 13, 1862, a Union private found, wrapped around some cigars left behind by fleeing Confederate soldiers, a piece of paper. On that paper was Special Orders No. 191, a message from Lee to his generals detailing his master plan for opening an invasion of the North. When General McClellan received this intelligence, he knew his opportunity to prove his detractors wrong was at hand. The result was the Battle of Antietam ... with more than 23,000 American casualties.
This is the story of the battle of Antietam and the events leading up to the single bloodiest day in the entire Civil War. Union casualties topped 12,000 and Confederate casualties exceeded 11,000. Such memorable figures of military history as Lee and McClellan, as well as Burnside, Longstreet, Hooker, and Jackson, all took part.
Promise of Glory is the story of these men, their officers, and the soldiers of both armies who so valiantly served their cause. C. X. Moreau has faithfully created their common history and brought to life the drama and tragedy of Antietam.
Promise of Glory is a truly epic narrative of the American War between the States. |
