General Starke, of the Old Division, was killed; the brigade, regimental, and company officers fell almost without an exception, and the brigades dwindled to mere handfuls.
Under the great pressure, Jackson was at length forced back.

One of General Sumner's divisions drove the right of the Confederates beyond the Hagerstown road, and, at this moment the long struggle seemed ended; the great wrestle in which the adversaries had so long staggered to and fro, advancing and retreating in turn, seemed at last virtually decided in favor of the Federal arms.
This was undoubtedly the turning-point of the battle of Sharpsburg, and General Lee had witnessed the conflict upon his left with great anxiety.

It was impossible, however, to send thither more troops than he had already sent.

As will be seen in a moment, both his centre and right were extremely weak.

A.P.Hill and General McLaws had not arrived from Harper's Ferry.