Chapter One: Pure Luck or God's Hand
Chapter Two: The American Revolution – Darkest Hour
Chapter Three: The Civil War – Moment of Decision
Chapter Four: World War II – The Tide Turns
Chapter Five: The Cold War – Brink of Armageddon
Chapter Six: The Hand of Providence in America's Wars
Appendix: War and God in My Own Life

Chapter Three: The Civil War – Moment of Decision
After inflicting a series of defeats on each Union army sent against him, Robert E. Lee invaded
Maryland in early September 1862. Daringly, he divided his forces, counting on the cautious and
deliberate nature of the newly assigned George B. McClellan to give him time to accomplish several
objectives. The Lincoln administration in Washington was under increasing attack for mishandling the
war. Lincoln had decided, under stress, to issue a proclamation freeing the slaves in the rebellious
states, but was afraid to proceed in the face of recurring military disasters. In England, it appeared
that the war might actually be ending as the Prime Minister and cabinet prepared to broker a peace
settlement and to recognize the Confederacy. All was going according to Lee's plan on September 13th.
Harper's Ferry was under siege and his advance units were approaching Hagerstown. Union
communications to the west were cut an McClellan's army was being drawn away from its bases, with
lengthening supply lines and growing uncertainty. A few more days would give Lee the opportunity to
consolidate his forces at a time and place of his choosing and to fight the decisive battle that would
probably end the war. Lee's inexorable march toward victory was interrupted, however, by one of the
"unluckiest" incidents in history. At the moment of climax, the fate of the nation would again be in the
hand of God.