88B. ANTIETAM BROADSIDE Superb, very rare Antietam-related broadside, 9" x 13 1/4" (sight), possibly field-printed, in which Gen. George B. McClellan thanks Pennsylvania Gov. Andrew G. Curtin for supplying troops during the battle of Antietam, Sep. 17, 1862. This broadside, dated ten days after the monumental battle, bears a large title: "GENERAL M'CLELLAN ENDORSES GOVERNOR CURTIN Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Sharpsburg, Sep. 27, 1862". It reads in part: "Governor:...[I] tender to you my thanks for your wise and energetic action in calling out the militia of Pennsylvania for its defense when threatened by a numerous and victorious army of the enemy. Fortunately circumstances rendered it impossible for the enemy to set foot upon the soil of Pennsylvania, but the moral support rendered to my army by your action was none the less mighty. In the name of my army and for myself, I again tender to you our acknowledgements for your patriotic course...[which] no doubt exercised a great influence upon the enemy..." Signed in type by McClellan at bottom. Fine condition, matted and framed. On Sep. 10th, with Confederates already in Maryland, Curtin issued a general order calling on all able bodied men to enroll immediately for the defense of the State, and to hold themselves in readiness to march upon an hour's notice; to select officers, to provide themselves with such arms as could be obtained, and to be held for service. On the following day, acting under authority of Lincoln, Curtin called for fifty thousand men, directing them to report by telegraph for orders to move, and adding that further calls would be made as the situation should require. The people everywhere flew to arms, and moved promptly to the State Capital. No doubt the prospect of facing 50,000 militiamen weighed heavily upon Lee as he considered an attack upon Pennsylvania. $2,000 - 3,000