Judson Cheney
Born: May 11, 1838, Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County, New York
Died: September 29, 1864, Chaffin Farm, Virginia
Relation to Author: 2nd Great Grand Uncle
On this day 150 years ago, the Battle of Antietam was fought. More than 23,000 men were wounded, missing or killed, making it the bloodiest day of fighting in the war and the bloodiest day in American history.
Fortunately, Judson Cheney was far away. His regiment was still in Yorktown, MD. I'll have another post soon that explains how and when he went from Harrison's Landing on the James River down to Yorktown.
Just for some quick context, there is more to the battle than the incredible loss of life. There were a few major developments that resulted from this battle. Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation after the victory. Lincoln had been waiting for a Union victory to issue the proclamation (good advice from Secretary Seward). The battle also made Lincoln finally decide to remove General McClellan from command. And the victory kept European nations from recognizing the Confederacy.
