No. 52.-report of Lieut. Col. William Cam, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, commanding Fifteenth Illinois Infantry.
Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 10, 1862.
Sir: After taking command of the Fifteenth Illinois on the morning of the 7th (Monday) I advanced up the road leading westward from the landing a quarter of a mile or more, and halted until a 64-pounder howitzer was planted in a small field directly in front, where I was posted, a quarter of a mile farther and to the right.
After about an hour's halt we moved in double-quick time across the field used before the battle as our review or parade ground.
Near the camp of the fourth Illinois Cavalry we had some sharp firing, but the enemy fled, spiking and deserting three brass field pieces, and we followed.
Our skirmishers coming up with the enemy's rear, and he getting two guns, supported by cavalry, into position to cover his retreat, we took shelter on the right of the Fourteenth, on the side of a hill, until supports came up or we could ascertain that our flanks were clear; but being ordered out oi range of the canister and spherical case, which the enemy threw with the most admirable precision, we retired, and soon afterward came to camp, where we arrived about sundown.
Colonel, I cannot close this brief report without commending the spirit and cheerful obedience of the officers and men whom I had the honor to command.
I feel confident that had it not been for tme untortunate loss of their field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis and Major
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Goddard, early on Sunday morning, the Fifteenth Regiment would have been distinguished for gallantry and daring.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
