William W. Bennett, A narrative of the great revival which prevailed in the Southern armies during the late Civil War

[195] Ferry, was defeated. While the battle was raging, the place was surrendered by General Miles, with his entire force of 11,000 men, the same number of small arms, 73 pieces of cannon, 200 wagons, with a vast amount of stores and camp equipage.

General Jackson announced this event in his laconic style: “Yesterday God crowned our arms with another brilliant success in the surrender of Harper's Ferry.”

The Federals having gained Crampton's Gap in the rear of Gen. McLaws, who held the Maryland Heights, Gen. Lee retired to Sharpsburg, where he could readily unite his whole army. On Monday our army took position in front of Sharpsburg, and Jackson, leaving Harper's Ferry, rejoined his chief in time to participate in the impending battle.

The fight opened on Tuesday afternoon about six o'clock, and was kept up until nine at night, when it subsided into skirmishes along the lines. It was reopened by Jackson on Wednesday, and soon became general. Both armies fought desperately throughout the whole day. At night the Confederates held nearly the entire field, and the Federals retired to their former position. The next morning our men stood ready to recommence the work of death, but no assault was made by the Northern army. Each army, it seems, expected the other to attack. Late in the evening of the 18th, Gen. Lee issued the order for the return of his army to Virginia. The able correspondent of the Savannah Republican, who was on the spot, gives the following account of this masterly movement:

Whether Gen. Lee took this step from a military necessity, or for some strategic purpose, or because he had accomplished the object of his movement into Maryland--the capture of Harper's Ferry — I am unable to say. The order was issued late last evening, and by the time it was quite dark the wagons, artillery, and troops began to move. All the wounded that were in a condition