Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, August 13, 2026
A crucial turning point before the Battle of Antietam occurred when Union soldiers discovered a copy of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Special Orders Number 191. This document revealed the disposition and movements of Lee's divided army, providing Union General George B. McClellan with invaluable intelligence.
“On September 13th, something happened that was completely out of the blue.”
“The paper turned out to be a copy of Special Orders Number 191.”
“The document revealed the disposition and movements of Lee's divided army.”
“McClellan suddenly possessed information that commanders almost never received.”