“... Every stalk of corn in the northern and greater part of the field was cut as closely as could have been done with a knife, and the (Confederates) slain lay in rows precisely as they stood in their ranks a few moments before.” - General Joseph Hooker

The comment above, from a report by a Union general, can most likely be assumed to refer to ____.
• The events at the Appomattox Courthouse
• The Battle of Antietam
• The Battle of Fort Sumter***

the Battle of Antietam is correct

I disagree.

https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/joseph-hooker

Yes, the Battle of Antietam.

To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the given quote and consider the context. According to the quote, every stalk of corn in the field was cut as closely as if done with a knife, and the fallen soldiers were lying in rows exactly as they stood in their ranks a few moments before.

This level of precision and description of fallen soldiers suggests that a major battle had taken place. From the given choices, the Battle of Fort Sumter is the most likely event.

The Battle of Fort Sumter took place in April 1861 and was the first battle of the American Civil War. It occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, at Fort Sumter, which was occupied by Union troops. The Confederates bombarded the fort and eventually forced the Union soldiers to surrender.

Given that the quote is from a Union general, it is reasonable to assume that it refers to the Battle of Fort Sumter as it describes the aftermath of a battle and the presence of both Union and Confederate troops.