General Robert E. Lee of the Confederates took his troops into Maryland, from there he split them into four parts and have each section move to a different spot. By doing this he was hoping that he would confuse General George B. McClellan, a Union general, about the destination and size of his army. However, his plan was quickly spoiled when a Confederate officer lost his copy of orders describing General Lee’s plan, the orders were found by two Union soldiers who delivered them to General McClellan.General McClellan did not attack immediately, instead General Lee reassembled his troops on September 17, 1862 and they met in Antietam which is located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.
In the Battle of Antietam around 6,000 troops were killed and another 17,000 were wounded. This victory was very important to the Yankees and the rebels were forced to retreat to Virginia after the battle.The Southerners oftenly refer to this battle as the Battle of Sharpsburg. This battle was declared indecisive.