The situation of affairs, and the expected results, are clearly stated by General Lee: "The war was thus transferred," he says, "from the interior to the frontier, and the supplies of rich and productive districts made accessible to our army.

To prolong a state of affairs in every way desirable, and not to permit the season for active operations to pass without endeavoring to inflict other injury upon the enemy, the best course appeared to be the transfer of the army into Maryland." The state of things in Maryland was another important consideration.
That great Commonwealth was known to be sectionally divided in its sentiment toward the Federal Government, the eastern portion adhering generally to the side of the South, and the western portion generally to the Federal side.

But, even as high up as Frederick, it was hoped that the Southern cause would find adherents and volunteers to march under the Confederate banner.

If this portion of the population had only the opportunity to choose their part, unterrified by Federal bayonets, it was supposed they would decide for the South.

In any event, the movement would be important.