Captain Courtland Saunders, 118th Pa., Killed at Shepherdstown-- Part 2

Union Army officer.  Served as captain of Company G of the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry (The Corn Exchange Regiment).  He led his company at the September 20, 1862, Battle of Shepherdstown, a small but bloody engagement that marked the end of the Antietam Campaign

In the battle, his unit was sent to the Potomac River to engage retreating Confederates whose rear guard took up defensive positions to guard fords across the river near Shepherdstown, Virginia (it was not yet in the state of West Virginia).

Facing a determined enemy who outnumbered them and had advantages in terrain, the Union troops across the river were ordered to fall back.  The 118th's commander, Colonel Charles Provost, objected to the way his retreat orders were received and refused to fall back and ordered an attack.

He was then struck down by a bullet and the 118th was forced back to the river and across it in confusion with many casualties. Of 737 men in the regiment at the beginning, their first combat after having been formed just a month prior, 60 men and three officers were killed.

One of those killed was Captain Courtland Saunders.

--Old Secesh