Walker's Division, Longstreet's Command

During September 16-17, 1862, Brig. Gen. John G. Walker's Division of Longstreet's Command left Harper's Ferry on the evening of September 15, crossed the Potomac at Blackford's Ford, and reached Sharpsburg on the afternoon of the 16th. Held in reserve until daybreak on the 17th, it took position on the extreme right, 1-½ miles south of town, on high ground overlooking Snavely's Ford. Between 8 and 9 a.m. it moved left under orders to support Jackson's Command, and after arriving opposite the southwest edge of the West Woods, it supported McLaws in the attack on Sedgwick's Division and advanced nearly to the Hagerstown Pike before heavy Federal artillery fire checked it. The division repulsed an attempt by part of Gordon's Brigade to cross the Hagerstown Pike north of the Dunkard Church, assisted in driving Greene's Division of the Twelfth Corps from the woods beyond the church, then, after its right crossed the pike near the church, was forced back to the woods and open ground to the south, where it remained until recrossing the Potomac on the night of the 18th.

Maryland · United States