As neither party could bear the thought of conceding ground, casualties soon mounted on both sides as volley after volley was exchanged at close range. After near eight hours of charge and counter charge the Virginians were forced back, drawing in the Rebel reserves to shore up their line. Meanwhile, to the cries of ‘Free the Slaves’ and ‘Freedom’, units from the Massachusetts Brigade reinforced the attack.
It was around this time that Paul De Krackere suffered shrapnel wounds and had to be taken to the rear. Possibly this setback, on top of the earlier carnage, had a part in bringing a slackening of the tempo. Even so, by the end of the day the Iowa Ten Dollar Brigade and 3rd Division was clearly established on the west of the creek.3rd Division’s attack over the Antietam Creek, despite near parity of numbers, had tied up Rebel units that could have been committed to stall the main attacks taking place on their Right and Left Wings.
The Rebel have retraced their steps south and you can be sure that our heroic boys played their part in blunting this failed Rebel invasion.
Quartermaster Stores:Despite being deemed possibly the most efficient in the Army of the Potomac, B.G. Paul De Krackere has appointed Major Byron Getwonphrey to carry out a review of all processes within the Brigade Supply Train. His appointment brings new focus to the different branches of our support structures.Under his brief, Major Byron Getwonphrey now oversees the departments of the following Officers…
Capt. Chuck Gentley (Quartermaster Ammunition)
Capt. Roland Buttar (Quartermaster Provisions)
Capt. Rusty Knails (Quartermaster Equipment)
Capt. Orson Kart (Brigade Train)
Capt. Aaron C. Resquew (Ambulance Train)
Capt. Willoughby Stainhear (Billeting Officer)
If the Hat fits: Major Byron Getwonphrey has had an early success in freeing up a supply blockage that wasdelaying delivery of replacement kepis. Major Byron Getwonphrey has sourced sufficient Black Hardee hats to re-equip the 7th and 10th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiments. The best of these regiments old kepis will be passed to 3rd and 5th Regiments until more stock can be found.The 7th & 10th Volunteer Regiments at looking mighty fine in their new headwear. The ‘Black Hats’ may yet become another synonym for the ‘Iowan Brigade of the East’.
Medical Miracles: Surgeon Andy Wiversaw and Assistant Surgeon Dickie Tumey have made their mark within the Division. The successes resulting from their skill and diligence both at the Operating table, administering Camp hygiene and in their Hospital organisation over the past year have prompted the Commanders of the Vermont and Massachusetts Brigades to review their own Medical Services. The quality of treatment of wounded across the Division is now unrecognisable from the level it was at Bull Run.