The Gleam of Bayonets: The Battle of Antietam and Robert E. Lee's Maryland Campaign, September 1862

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LSU Press, Sep 1, 2004 - History - 472 pages
One of the bloodiest days in American military history, the Battle of Antietam turned the tide of the Civil War in favor of the North and delivered the first major defeat to Robert E. Lee’s army. In The Gleam of Bayonets, James V. Murfin gives a compelling account of the events and personalities involved in this momentous battle. The gentleness and patience of Lincoln, the vacillations of McClellan, and the grandeur of Lee—all unfold before the reader. The battle itself is presented with precision and scope as Murfin blends together atmosphere and fact, emotions and tactics, into a dramatic and coherent whole. Originally published in 1965, The Gleam of Bayonets is now recognized as a classic and the standard against which all books on Antietam are measured.

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Contents

Introduction by James I Robertson Jr
25
The Most Propitious Time
63
The Flower of Lees Army
88
All the Plans of the Rebels
113
Harpers Ferry
135
South Mountain
159
Harpers Ferry Is to Be Surrendered
186
The Gleam of Bayonets
209
Bloody Lane
245
Burnside Bridge
267
Fatal Thursday
289
McClellans Bodyguard
308
Epilogue
325
Notes
403
Bibliography
429
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About the author (2004)

James V. Murfin (1929–1987) spent most of his life chronicling the dramatic battle that took place close to his boyhood home of Hagerstown, Maryland. He worked for the National Park Service in the Publication’s Division at Harpers Ferry for seventeen years and was the author or editor of more than a dozen books, including Harpers Ferry and National Parks of the U.S.A. The Murfin Theater at Antietam National Battlefield Visitors Center is named in his honor.

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