The ground for such a conclusion seems slight.

The loss and disorganization were, it would seem, even greater on the Federal than on the Confederate side, and Lee would have probably been better able to sustain an attack than General McClellan to make it.

It will be seen that General Meade afterward, under circumstances more favorable still, declined to attack Lee at Williamsport.

If one of the two commanders be greatly censured, the other must be also, and the world will be always apt to conclude that they knew what could be effected better than the civilians.
But General McClellan did make an attempt to "crush Lee," such as the authorities at Washington desired, and its result may possibly throw light on the point in discussion.
On the night of the 19th, Lee having crossed the Potomac on the night of the 18th, General McClellan sent a considerable force across the river near Shepherdstown, which drove off the Confederate artillery there, and at daylight formed line of battle on the south bank, protected by their cannon north of the river.

Of the brief but bloody engagement which followed--an incident of the war little dwelt upon in the histories--General A.P.Hill, who was sent by Lee to repulse the enemy, gives an animated account.