September 15, 1862

Richmond

Dear General McClellan,

It’s Major E. J. Allen. It’s September fifteenth, at 3:00 AM, the day before the Battle of Antietam I am writing to you from the secret service tent hidden on the side of the field near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Despite our persons advantage, this battle is not looking great for anyone. No Rebel regiment we have discovered has had over seven-hundred members. That estimate was founded upon all information then in my possession, derived from my own operatives, deserters from the Rebel service, “Contrabands”, and was made large, as intimated to you at the time, so as to be sure and cover the entire number of the Enemy that our army was to meet. Early this morning, I travelled to see the Confederate troops positioning myself. I was met by a hailstorm of bullets that killed my horse. The Confederates have moved to hidden batteries up on the hills. They have been waiting for this attack, and are strong and powerful. As Lincoln said, I think we should continue with the attack. Attack from the right, move into the left, and with all men remaining, I recommend you attack the center to destroy the Rebel army. 

I know, with time, we will win. The Union should never have been broken apart. I am still not happy with our positioning in this battle. They are more powerful than ever, and left my men seriously injured. They are ready to withstand any attack, and even though we outnumber them, I fear the worst. They are ready to give everything they have to keep their beliefs, and we will need to work hard to keep the Union as a whole. Winning this war will keep America together forever, and keep it a free country. We are the ones doing right and fighting for not only the Union, but for eliminating slavery forever. Have hope and be prepared for anything to happen. Bless you, and destroy the Rebel army if possible. I will keep you updated on any new information or change in the Rebel’s army.

The best of luck,

Major E. J. Allen