What was Robert E. Lee's mistakes in the Battle of Antietam?

He showed it to an officer, and McClellan was soon in possession of Lee's general order to the army, which detailed where everyone was to go and what they were to do. That is why the battle of Sharpsburg/Antietam was fought. read more

Considering that the Union had Lee’s battle plan, and outnumbered his troops on the field better than 2–1, Lee did a pretty good job of keeping things together and saving his army. Perhaps Lee’s biggest mistake at Antietam, and thereafter, was his refusal to create a proper general staff to publish and distribute his orders, and require his subordinates to do the same. read more

So yes, I think Lee made a mistake, but I'd look at how being in enemy territory forced the battle early and also forced him to rush an attack on the enemy for the hope of a crushing blow, and eliminated possible defensive war options. read more

George Washington Custis and William Henry Fitzhugh ("Rooney") attained the rank of Major General and Robert E. Lee, Jr., that of Captain. The latter served as a private in the Rockbridge Artillery at the Battle of Antietam. read more