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Lee invaded Maryland in September 1862, with about 50,000 troops. Lee divided his army and sent Jason with 25,000 to capture Harpers Ferry. McClellan moved to battle Lee with about 90,000 men. On September 13, a Union soldier found a copy of Lee's orders to his commanders. When Lee learned of this loss he took a position at Sharpsburg, on Antietam Creek. McClellan attacked September 17, giving the Confederate forces time to reunite after Jackson's success at Harpers Ferry. Lee suffered heavy losses and had to retreat to Virginia. The Battle of Antietam was one of the bloodiest of the war. This battle also allowed President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
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