Longstreet's Command

On September 17, 1862, Semmes' Brigade of McLaws' Division in Longstreet's Command, under Brig. Gen. Paul J. Semmes and composed of the 10th Georgia Infantry, 53rd Georgia Infantry, 15th Virginia Infantry, and 32d Virginia Infantry, reached the western suburbs of Sharpsburg at sunrise and halted until nearly 9 a.m., when it advanced across the fields in support of Stuart's Cavalry north and west of Hauser's House. In the general advance of McLaws' Division, it was on the left of the line and encountered the enemy in the northern part of the West Woods, forcing them to retire beyond the Nicodemus House. Near this point its advance was checked by Federal artillery east of the Hagerstown Road. After severe losses, it was withdrawn and placed as a reserve to Barksdale's Brigade on the western edge of the West Woods, where it remained until the night of the 18th, when it recrossed the Potomac.

Shepherdstown, Maryland · United States