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[35]
In the attack about to be made on General Grant, General Johnston expected to beat him back to his transports and there capture him and his forces, then cross the Tennessee river and give battle to Buell, known to be advancing to Grant's assistance.
General Johnston rapidly concentrated his troops and delivered battle in the early morning of the 6th of April.
That peerless soldier was in immediate and active command of the troops, General Beauregard being at his quarters in very feeble health, and his presence inspired unbounded enthusiasm.
The disasters at Fishing creek and Forts Henry and Donelson had subjected him to the criticism of politicians, but the army and intelligent people of all classes gave him support and confidence.
No fault can be named in his plan of attack, and it was successful at all points.
Grant's troops made a stout resistance, but retired slowly from the moment of the firing of the first gun by Hardee until the fall of Johnston at 2 o'clock p. m., when the battle of Shiloh was already won and the Federal hosts were driven back in confusion from the field.
Gen. James R. Chalmers, who occupied the advance of the Confederate army at the close of the day, in a published letter, said: ‘One more resolute movement forward would have captured Grant and his whole army.’
That movement was not made.
The troops were withdrawn to receive an attack from the combined forces of Grant and Buell on the following day. Another battle of Shiloh was fought, with varying success, until our forces began to yield about noon, and at 2 p. m. received orders from General Beauregard to retire.
Tennessee was represented on all parts of the field and in all commands.
Her sons sustained and promoted the character and reputation of the State, and elevated the standard of courage, fidelity and patriotism.
Their death-roll shows that they were in the fore-front of the battle, and with a single exception there was no failure of duty.
That exception was the Fifty-second regiment of infantry,
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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