Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 4.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Captain: It becomes my duty again to report another battle fought between two great armies, one contending for the maintenance of the best government ever devised, and the other for its destruction. It is pleasant to record the success of the army contending for the former principle.

On Sunday morning our pickets were attacked and driven in by the enemy. Immediately the five divisions stationed at this place were drawn up in line of battle to meet them.

The battle soon waxed warm on the left and centre, varying at times to all parts of the line. There was the most continuous firing of musketry and artillery ever heard on this continent, kept up until nightfall.

The enemy having forced the centre line to fall back nearly half-way from their camps to the landing, at a late hour in the afternoon a desperate effort was made by the enemy to turn our left and get possession of the landing, transports, etc.

This point was guarded by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, Capts. Gwin and Shirk, commanding, with four twenty-four-pounder Parrott guns, and a battery of rifled guns.

As there is a deep and impassable ravine for artillery or cavalry, and very difficult for infantry at this point, no troops were stationed here except the necessary artillerists and a small infantry force for their support. Just at this moment the advance of Major-Gen. Buell's column and a part of the division of Gen. Nelson arrived, the two generals named both being present. An advance was immediately made upon the point of attack, and the enemy was soon driven back.

In this repulse, much is due to the presence of the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, and their able commanders, Capts. Gwin and Shirk.

During the night the divisions under Generals Crittenden and McCook arrived.

Gen. Lew. Wallace, at Camp Landing, six miles below, was ordered, at an early hour in the morning, to hold his division in readiness to move in any direction it might be ordered. At eleven o'clock, the order was delivered to move it up to Pittsburgh, but owing to its being led by a circuitous route, did not arrive in time to take part in Sunday's action.

During the night all was quiet, and, feeling that a great moral advantage would be gained by becoming the attacking party, an advance was ordered as soon as day dawned. The result was the gradual repulse of the enemy at all points of the line, from nine until probably five o'clock in the afternoon, when it became evident the enemy was retreating.

Before the close of the action the advance of Gen. T. J. Wood's division arrived in time to take part in the action.

My force was too much fatigued, from two days hard fighting and exposure in the open air to a drenching rain during the intervening night, to pursue immediately.

Night closed in cloudy and with a heavy rain, making the roads impracticable for artillery by the next morning.

Gen. Sherman, however, followed the enemy, finding that the main part of the army had retreated in good order.

Hospitals with the enemy's wounded were found all along the road as far as pursuit was made. Dead bodies of the enemy and many graves were also found. I inclose herewith a report of Gen. Sherman, which will explain more fully the result of the pursuit, and of the part taken by each separate command.

I cannot take special notice in this report, but will do so more fully when the reports of the division commanders are handed in.

General Buell, commanding in the field with a distinct army long under his command, and which did such efficient service, commanded by himself in person on the field, will be much better able to notice those of his command who particularly distinguished themselves, than I possibly can.

I feel it a duty, however, to a gallant and able officer, Brigadier-Gen. W. T. Sherman, to make special mention. He not only was with his command [357] during the entire two days of the action, but displayed great judgment and skill in the management of his men; although severely wounded in the hand on the first day, his place was never vacant. He was again wounded, and had three horses killed under him. In making this mention of a gallant officer no disparagement is intended to other division commanders or major-generals, Jno. A. McClernand, and Lewis Wallace, and Brigadier-Generals Hurlbut, Prentiss, and W. H. L. Wallace, all of whom maintained their places with credit to themselves and the cause. Gen. Prentiss was taken prisoner on the first day's action, and Gen. W. H. L. Wallace was severely, and probably mortally wounded. His Assistant Adjutant-General, Capt. Wm. McMichael, is missing, and was probably taken prisoner. My personal staff are all deserving of particular mention, they having been engaged during the entire two days in carrying orders to every part of the field. It consists of Colonel J. D. Webster, Chief of Staff; Lieut.-Col. J. B. McPherson, Chief of Engineers, assisted by Lieuts. W. L. B. Jenny and Wm. Kossac; Capt. J. A. Rawlings, Assistant Adjutant-General; W. S. Hilger, W. R. Rawley, and C. B. Lagon, Aids-de-Camp; Col. G. Pride, Volunteer Aid, and Captain J. P. Hawkins, Chief Commissary, who accompanied me upon the field. The medical department, under direction of Surgeon Hewitt, Medical Director, showed great energy in providing for the wounded and in getting them from the field, regardless of danger.

Col. Webster was placed in special charge of all the artillery, and was constantly upon the field. He displayed, as always heretofore, both skill and bravery. At least in one instance he was the means of placing an entire regiment in position of doing most valuable service, and where it would not have been but for his exertions. Lieut.-Col. McPherson, attached to my staff as Chief of Engineers, deserves more than a passing notice for his activity and courage. All the grounds beyond our camps for miles have been reconnoitred by him, and the plans carefully prepared under his supervision give the most accurate information of the nature of the approaches to our lines. During the two days battle he was constantly in the saddle leading the troops as they arrived to points where their services were required. During the engagement he had one horse shot under him.

The country will have to mourn the loss of many brave men who fell at the battle of Pittsburgh, or Shiloh more properly.

The exact loss in killed and wounded will be known in a day or two.

At present I can only give it approximately at one thousand five hundred killed and three thousand five hundred wounded.

The loss of artillery was great, many pieces being disabled by the enemy's shots, and some losing all their horses and many men. There were probably not less than two hundred horses killed.

The loss of the enemy in killed and left upon the field was greater than ours. In the wounded an estimate cannot be made, as many of them must have been sent to Corinth and other points.

The enemy suffered terribly from demoralization and desertion.

A flag of truce was sent in to-day from Gen. Beauregard. I inclose herewith a copy of the correspondence.

I am respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

sir: At the close of the conflict of yesterday my forces being exhausted by the extraordinary length of the time during which they were engaged with yours, on that and the preceding day, and it being apparent that you had received and were still receiving, reinforcements, I felt it my duty to withdraw my troops from the immediate scene of the conflict. Under these circumstances, in accordance with the usages of war, I shall transmit this under a flag of truce, to ask permission to send a mounted party to the battle-field of Shiloh, for the purpose of giving decent interment to my dead. Certain gentlemen wishing to avail themselves of this opportunity to remove the remains of their sons and friends, I must request for them the privilege of accompanying the burial-party; and in this connection I deem it proper to say I am asking what I have extended to your own countrymen under similar circumstances.

Respectfully, General, your obedient servant,

Your despatch of yesterday is just received. Owing to the warmth of the weather I deemed it advisable to have all the dead of both parties buried immediately. Heavy details were made for this purpose, and it is now accomplished. There cannot, therefore, be any necessity of admitting within our lines the parties you desired to send on the grounds asked. I shall always be glad to extend any courtesy consistent with duty, and especially so when dictated by humanity.

I am, General, respectfully, your obedient servant,

sir: Sunday morning, sixth inst., my brigades, three in number, were encamped, the First at [358] Crump's Landing, the Second, two miles from that Landing, and the Third, at Adamsville, two miles and a half further on the road to Purdy.

The Eleventh Indiana, Col. Geo. F. McGinnis; Eighth Missouri, Lieut.-Col. James Peckham; and Twenty-fourth Indiana, Colonel Alvin P. Hovey, composed the First brigade, Colonel Morgan L. Smith commanding.

The First Nebraska, Lieut.-Colonel W. D. McCord; Twenty-third Indiana, Col. W. L. Sanderson; Fifty-eighth Ohio, Col. V. Bausenwein; and Fifty-sixth Ohio, Col. P. Kinney, composed the Second brigade, Col. John M. Thayer commanding.

The Third brigade consisted of the Twentieth Ohio, Lieut.-Colonel M. F. Force; Seventy-sixth Ohio, Colonel Charles R. Woods; Seventy-eighth Ohio, Col. M. D. Leggett; and the Sixty-eighth Ohio, Col. S. H. Steadman, Col. Charles Whittlesey commanding.

To my division were attached Lieut. Thurber's Missouri battery, and Capt. Thompson's Indiana battery, also the Third battalion Fifth Ohio cavalry, Major C. T. Hayes, and the Third battalion Eleventh Illinois cavalry, Major James F. Johnson.

Hearing heavy and continuous cannonading in the direction of Pittsburgh Landing, early Sunday morning, I inferred a general battle, and in anticipation of an order from Gen. Grant to join him at that place, had the equipage of the several brigades loaded in wagons, for instant removal to my first camp at the river. The First and Third brigades were also ordered to concentrate at the camp of the Second, from which proceeded the nearest and most practicable road to the scene of battle.

At half-past 11 o'clock the anticipated order arrived, directing me to come up and take position on the right of the army, and form my line of battle at a right angle with the river. As it also directed me to leave a force to prevent surprise at Crump's Landing, the Fifty-sixth and Sixty-eighth Ohio regiments were detached for that purpose, with one gun from Lieut. Thurber's battery.

Selecting a road that led directly to the right of the lines, as they were established around Pittsburgh Landing on Sunday morning, my column started immediately, the distance being about six miles. The cannonading, distinctly audible, quickened the steps of the men. Snake Creek, difficult of passage at all times, on account of its steep banks and swampy bottom, ran between me and the point of junction. A short distance from it Capts. Rawlins and Rowley, attached to Gen. Grant's staff, overtook me. From them I learned that our lines had been beaten back; that the right, to which I was proceeding, was then fighting close to the river, and that the road pursued would take me in the enemy's rear, where, in the unfortunate condition of the battle, my command was in danger of being entirely cut off. It seemed, on their representations, most prudent to carry the column across to what is called the “river road,” which, following the windings of the Tennessee bottom, crossed Snake Creek by a good bridge close to Pittsburgh Landing. This movement occasioned a counter-march, which delayed my junction with the main army until a little after nightfall.

About one o'clock at night my brigades and batteries were disposed, forming the extreme right wing, and ready for battle. Shortly after daybreak Capt. Thompson opened fire on a rebel battery posted on a bluff opposite my First brigade, and across a deep and prolonged hollow, threaded by a creek, and densely wooded on both sides. From its position, and that of its infantry supports, lining the whole length of the bluff, it was apparent that crossing the hollow would be at heavy loss, unless the battery was first driven off. Thurber was accordingly posted to assist Thompson by a cross-fire, and at the same time sweep the hiding-places of the enemy on the brow of the hill. This had the desired effect. After a few shells from Thurber, the enemy fell back, but not until Thompson had dismounted one of their rifled guns. During this affair Gen. Grant came up, and gave me my direction of attack, which was forward at a right angle with the river, with which my line at the time ran almost parallel.

The battery and its supports having been driven from the opposite bluff, my command was pushed forward, the brigades in echelon, the first in front, and the whole preceded by skirmishers. The hollow was crossed, and the hill gained almost without opposition. As General Sherman's division, next on my left, had not made its appearance to support my advance, a halt was ordered for it to come up.

I was then at the edge of an oblong field that extended in a direction parallel with the river. On its right was a narrow strip of woods, and beyond that lay another cleared field, square, and very large. Back of both fields, to the north, was a range of bluffs overlooking the swampy low grounds of Snake Creek, heavily timbered, broken by ravines, and extending in a course diagonal with that of my movement. An examination satisfied me that the low grounds afforded absolute protection to my right flank, being impassable for a column of attack. The enemy's left had rested upon the bluffs, and as it had been driven back that flank was now exposed. I resolved to attempt to turn it. For that purpose it became necessary for me to change front by a left half-wheel of the whole division. While the movement was in progress, across a road through the woods at the southern end of the field, we were resting by, I discovered a heavy body of rebels going rapidly to reinforce their left, which was still retiring, covered by skirmishers, with whom mine were engaged. Thompson's battery was ordered up, and shelled the passing column with excellent effect, but while so engaged was opened upon by a full battery, planted in the field just beyond the strip of woods on the right. He promptly turned his guns on the new enemy. A fine artillery duel ensued, very honorable to Thompson and his company. His ammunition [359] giving out in the midst of it, I ordered him to retire, and Lieutenant Thurber to take his place. Thurber obeyed with such alacrity that there was scarcely an intermission in the fire, which continued so long and with such warmth as to provoke an attempt on the part of the rebels to charge the position. Discovering the intention, the First brigade was brought across the field to occupy the strip of woods in front of Thurber. The cavalry made the first dash at the battery, but the skirmishers of the Eighth Missouri poured an unexpected fire into them, and they retired pell-mell. Next the infantry attempted a charge. The First brigade easily repelled them. All this time my whole division was under a furious cannonade, but being well masked behind the bluff, or resting in the hollows of the wood, the regiment suffered but little.

General Sherman now moved forward a handsome line of battle to engage the enemy posted in front of his command. Simultaneously mine was ordered to advance, the First brigade leading. Emerging from the woods, it entered the second field I have mentioned, speedily followed by the Second brigade, when both marched in face of the enemy aligned as regularly as if on parade.

Having changed front as stated, my movement was now diagonal to the direction originally started on, though the order was still in echelon, with the centre regiment of each brigade dropped behind its place in line as a reserve. While thus advancing, Colonel Whittlesey, as appears from his report, in some way lost his position, but soon recovered it.

The position of the enemy was now directly in front, in the edge of the woods, fronting and on the right of the open field my command was so gallantly crossing. The ground to be passed getting at them, dipped gradually to the centre of the field, which is there intersected by a small run well fringed with willows. Clearing an abrupt bank beyond the branch, the surface ascends to the edge of the woods held by the enemy, and is without obstruction, but marked by frequent swells that afforded protection to the advancing lines, and was the secret of my small loss. Over the branch, up the bank, across the rising ground, moved the steady First brigade; on its right, with equal alacrity, marched the Second, the whole in view, their banners gaily decking the scene. The skirmishers in action all the way cleared the rise and grouped themselves behind the ground swells, within seventy-five yards of the rebel lines; as the regiments approached them, suddenly a sheet of musketry blazed from the woods, and a battery opened upon them. About the same instant, the right of Sherman's division fell hastily back. To save my flank I was compelled to order a halt. In a short time Sherman repulsed the enemy, and recovered his lost ground. My skirmishers, meanwhile, clung to their hillocks, sharp shooting at the battery. Again the brigades advanced, their bayonets fixed for a charge, but pressed by Sherman, and so threatened in front, the enemy removed their guns and fell back from the edge of the woods. In the advance Lieut.-Col. John Gerber was killed, and it is but justice to say of him, “no man died that day with more glory, yet many died, and there was much glory.” Capt. McGriffin and Lieutenant Southwick of the same regiment, also fell — gallant spirits, deserving honorable recollection. Many soldiers, equally brave, perished, or were wounded in the same field.

It was now noon, and the enemy having fallen so far back, the idea of flanking them further had to be given up. Not wishing to interfere with General Sherman's line of operations, but relying upon him to support me on the left, my front was again changed, the movement beginning with the First brigade taking the course of attack precisely as it had been in the outset. While the manoeuvre was being effected, a squadron of rebel cavalry galloped from the woods on the right to charge the flank temporarily exposed. Colonel Thayer threw forward the Twenty-third Indiana, which, aided by an oblique fire from a company of the First Nebraska, repelled the assailants with loss.

Scarcely had the front been changed, when the supporting force on the left again gave way, closely followed by the masses of the enemy. My position at this time became critical, as isolation from the rest of the army seemed imminent. The reserves were resorted to. Col. Woods, with his regiment, was ordered into line on the left. The remnant of a Michigan regiment sent me by Gen. McClernand was despatched to the left of Woods. Thurber galloped up, and was posted to cover a retreat, should such a misfortune become necessary. Before these dispositions could be effected, the Eleventh Indiana, already engaged with superior numbers in its front, was attacked on its left flank, but backward wheeling three companies of his endangered wing, Col. McGinnis gallantly held his ground. Fortunately, before the enemy could avail themselves of their advantage by the necessary change of front, some fresh troops dashed against them, and once more drove them back. For this favor my acknowledgments are especially due to Col. August Willich and his famous regiment.

Pending this struggle, Col. Thayer pushed on his command and entered the woods, assaulting the rebels simultaneously with Col. Smith. Here the Fifty-eighth Ohio and Twenty-third Indiana proved themselves fit comrades in battle, with the noble First Nebraska. Here also the Seventy-sixth Ohio won a brilliant fame. The First Nebraska fired away its last cartridge. In the heat of the action, at a word, the Seventy-sixth Ohio rushed in and took its place. Off to the right, meanwhile, arose the music of the Twentieth and Seventy-eighth Ohio, fighting gallantly in support of Thurber, to whom the sound of rebel cannon seemed a challenge — no sooner heard than accepted.

From the time the wood was entered, “forward!” was the only order, and step by step, from tree to tree, position to position, the rebel lines went back, never stopping again — infantry, horses and artillery — all went back. The firing was [360] grand and terrific. Before us was the Crescent regiment of New-Orleans; shelling us on the right was the Washington artillery of Manassas renown, whose last stand was in front of Col. Whittlesey's command. To and fro, now in my front, then in Sherman's, rode Gen. Beauregard, inciting his troops and fighting for his fading prestige of invincibility. The desperation of the struggle may be easily imagined. While this was in progress, far along the lines to the left the contest was raging with equal obstinacy. As indicated by the sounds, however, the enemy seemed retiring everywhere. Cheer after cheer rang through the woods, and each man felt the day was ours.

About four o'clock the enemy to my front broke into rout and ran through the camps occupied by Gen. Sherman on Sunday morning. Their own camp had been established about two miles beyond. There, without halting, they fired tents, stores, etc. Throwing out the wounded, they piled their wagons full of arms, (Springfield muskets and Enfield rifles,) ingloriously thrown away by some of our troops the day before, and hurried on. After following them until nearly nightfall, I brought my division back to Owl Creek and bivouacked it.

The conduct of Col. M. L. Smith and Col. John M. Thayer, commanding brigades, was beyond the praise of words; Col. Whittlesey's was not behind them. To them all belong the brightest honors of victory.

The gratitude of the whole country is due Col. George F. McGinnis, Lieut.-Col. James Peckham. Col. Alvin P. Hovey, Lieut.-Col. W. D. McCord, Col. W. L. Sanderson, Col. Valentine Bausenwein, Lieut.-Col. M. F. Force, Col. Charles R. Woods, Col. M. D. Leggett, and their field, staff and company officers. Aside from the courage they all displayed, one point in their conduct is especially to be noted and imitated. I mean the skill each one showed in avoiding unnecessary exposure of his soldiers. They are proud of what the division achieved — and, like myself, they are equally proud that it was all done with so little loss of their brave men.

Of my regiments I find it impossible to say enough: excepting the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Indiana. and Twentieth Ohio, all had participated in the battle of Donelson. But this was a greater than Donelson, and consequently a more terrible ordeal in which to test what may be a thing of glory or shame — the courage of an untried regiment. How well they all behaved I sum up in the boast — not a man, officer or soldier, flinched; none but the wounded went to the Landing. Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and Nebraska, will be proud of the steadfast Third division, and so am I.

Capt. Thompson and Lieut. Thurber and their officers and men have already been spoken of.

My acknowledgments are again given the gallant gentlemen of my staff--Capt. Fred. Knefler and Lieutenants Ross and Ware. To them I add Capt. E. T. Wallace, of the Eleventh Indiana Volunteers, acting bid. The courage and judgment of all of them were many times severely tried.

After the battle, Gen. Nelson took pleasure in honorably mentioning two of my orderlies; one of them, Thomas W. Simpson, of company I, Fourth U. S. cavalry. I again call attention to his gallantry, as deserving reward. Along with him I place Albert Kaufman, a sergeant in the same company, who was of great service to me, and has every quality that goes to make a practical officer.

Finally, it is so rare to find one of his grade in the constant and full performance of his peculiar duties that, as a matter of justice, a passing tribute is due the Rev. John D. Rogers, chaplain of the Twenty-third Indiana. After the battle he was unwearied in his attention to the wounded, and that the resting-places of the dead of his regiment might not be forgotten, he collected their bodies and buried them tenderly, and with prayer and every religious rite, and in this, as far as my knowledge goes, he was as singular as he was Christian.

Herewith you will find a statement of the dead and wounded of my division.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

General: I have the honor to report to you, as commander of the Second division of the army of the Ohio, the part taken by my brigade in the battle at this place on the seventh inst.

After a very arduous march on Sunday, the sixth inst., during much of which I was forced to take the fields and woods adjacent to the highway from the narrowness of the latter, and its being filled with wagon-trains and artillery, and for me at that time impassable, we reached Savannah after dark. Under your orders and superintendence, we at once embarked on steamboats for this place. We reached the Landing here at daylight, and soon after reported to you as ready for action. Under your order, and accompanied by you, we marched out on the field of the day before, a little after six o'clock A. M. Soon after, Gen. Buell came up and directed you to deploy and form line of battle, our left resting on Gen. Crittenden's right, and our right extending in the direction of Gen. McClernand's division, and to send out a company of skirmishers into the woods in front. This was done at once--Major King detaching Captain Haughey for that purpose. Within half an hour after this, you looked over the ground, and decided to take a position some two or three hundred yards to the front, on the crest of a piece of rising ground. I moved up the brigade accordingly, taking the new position indicated. In this line, a battalion of the Fifteenth United States infantry, Capt. Swain, and a battalion of the Sixteenth United States infantry, Capt. Townsend, both under the command of Major John H. King, were on the right; a battalion of the Nineteenth infantry, Major Carpenter, on the left of King; First Ohio, Colonel B. F. Smith, on Carpenter's left; and the Sixth Indiana, Colonel [361] Crittenden, on the left flank; while the Louisville Legion, Colonel Buckley, was held in reserve, a hundred and fifty paces in the rear of the line.

Thirty or forty minutes after this line was formed, Capt. Haughey's skirmishers were driven in, several of his men were shot, and my command fiercely assailed by the enemy. The attack lasted, perhaps twenty minutes, when the enemy were driven off. In this contest, Capt. Acken, of the Sixteenth United States infantry, was instantly killed, and many others of my brigade killed and wounded. The enemy soon rallied, and returned to the attack more fiercely than before, but was met by a very rapid and well-directed fire from the commands of Majors King and Carpenter, and Colonel Smith, the Sixth Indiana being out of range on the left. This attack also was, after a severe contest, repulsed, and the enemy driven off — our loss being much more than before. We were ignorant of the ground in front occupied by the enemy, as it was covered with timber and thick undergrowth, but were informed that it was more open than where we were. I decided to advance my lines after this attack, and at once cautiously felt my way forward, but had not gone far, when I again encountered the enemy in heavy force, and again drove him off after a yet severer contest than any before. About this time I received several messages, announcing that the United States forces to our right and front, after very hard fighting, which we had heard all the morning, were giving way, leaving the centre of the army exposed. I At once decided to move forward the whole brigade to the open ground, except the Sixth Indiana, which had a most important position on our left flank, which position the enemy had menaced in strong force for several hours. I ordered Col. Buckley, with the Louisville Legion, to move up to the right and front and engage the enemy, who had rallied all his available forces and was moving down upon us. At the same time, Majors King and Carpenter and Col. Smith were ordered to advance in line with Col. Buckley. The advance was admirably made and with alacrity.

The brigade steadily, briskly, and in excellent order, moved forward. I afterward learned from wounded prisoners that the force at this time opposed to us consisted of the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Kentucky regiments, and several others from various States. We advanced about two hundred yards to the front, when we came in collision with the enemy. He was stronger at this point than in either of his previous encounters, and the fire of musketry was the heaviest I ever heard. My line, when fired upon, halted of itself and went to work. The issue was important, as my brigade was directly in the road of the enemy to the landing, and they were evidently pressing for that point. I was more fully impressed with the importance of driving the enemy from this position by your words to me when you ordered a change to the front of your original line of battle, which were, in substance, that my position was in the centre, and must be held at every hazard, and that you would support me with the balance of your division, as it arrived on the field.

The fight lasted about forty minutes, when the enemy gave way, and were at once pursued by the whole line up to the open ground in front, my brigade capturing several cannon, retaking a battery of ours captured by the enemy the previous day, and retaking the headquarters of Gen. McClernand. We also took three flags from the enemy. At this time the forty rounds of cartridges in the boxes of the men were exhausted, and the line was halted.

Before I resolved to advance my whole brigade to the front, I looked for the promised support, and found Col. Kirk with his brigade in my rear, within short supporting distance. He told me he was there, by your order, to support me, and was ready for anything. He and his men were eager to move up with me. I requested that he would follow at the proper distance, which he did.

After we had exhausted our ammunition, I called on Col. Kirk, who was immediately in rear of my lines, and informed him of that fact. He at once gallantly and eagerly offered to take my position in front, and did so, a portion of my command on the right passing quietly through his lines, and halting in his rear. All was done without the least confusion or excitement. I told him that if needed before we received our ammunition, we would support him with the bayonet. The part taken in the fight by Col. Kirk and Col. Gibson, and their respective brigades, after this, and also the part taken by Col. Willich, I leave them to narrate, with the single remark that they and their officers and men behaved most gallantly.

About this time a battery of two or three guns, I do not know whose it was, took position about the centre of my lines, and opened on the enemy in front, then forming for attack. This battery I directed Majors King and Carpenter, and the Sixth Indiana, to support; Col. Crittenden having been just before ordered up from his former position on the left. I may here remark that the Sixth Indiana, in its old position, had been exposed to heavy cannonading on the left and front, and had lost several men in killed and wounded, and I had ordered it back into the woods. The enemy soon after advanced in strong force and menaced the battery, and its commander withdrew it, but the support just named stood firm against several times their numbers and gallantly beat off the enemy. In the mean time a supply of ammunition for the whole command was received.

When thus repulsed, the enemy fell back, and his retreat began: soon after which I saw two regiments of Government troops advancing in double-quick time across the open field in our front, and saw that one of them was the First Ohio, which had been moved to our left to wait for ammunition. I galloped to the regiment and ordered it to halt, as I had not ordered the movement, but was informed that it was advancing by [362] order of Gen. Grant, whom I then saw in rear of the line with his staff. I ordered the regiment to advance with the other, which it did some two or three hundred yards further, when it was halted, and a fire was opened upon it from one of our camps, then occupied by the enemy. The fire was instantly returned, and the enemy soon fled, after wounding eight men of the First Ohio. This closed the fighting of the day, and a small body of cavalry was sent in pursuit of the enemy.

I need not say to you, sir, that my brigade, officers and men, behaved well, for you were an eye-witness to the gallant conduct of them all; and you will join me in expressing the opinion that men have seldom marched into battle under more unfavorable auspices, and never borne themselves more gallantly. During the whole of the long and terrific battle, neither officer nor man wavered for one moment. When all behaved so well, there is little room for discriminative commendation of any. Many of them had been exposed, after great fatigue, to a heavy rain the night before on the steamboats, and all of them were necessarily greatly crowded, so that they could not sleep, and as they marched from the boats, they passed through and amongst the ten thousand fugitives from the fight of the day before, who lined the banks of the river and filled the woods adjacent to the landing. Within a quarter of a mile of the landing, and directly on the way to our position on the field, lay hundreds of dead men, mostly our own, whose mangled bodies and distorted features presented a horrible sight. Numerous dead horses, and our partially sacked camps, gave evidence of the havoc, and, which was far worse, of the reverses and disasters of the day before. All around them impressed them with the belief that they must fight the battle for themselves. It must not be forgotten that we fought this battle some miles within the lines of the encampment of Gen. Grant's army, and in the camps occupied by his troops, and that it was thereby rendered apparent to the most ignorant soldier that the army had been driven in by the enemy till within a few hundred yards of the river, and that the work before us was by no means easy. Under all these unfavorable circumstances, as you will recollect, sir, the men were in no way appalled, but formed line of battle promptly and with great coolness and precision.

To Majors J. H. King and S. D. Carpenter, of the regular army, who commanded the regular troops in my brigade, I am especially indebted for the valuable aid which their long experience as soldiers enabled them to render. Captains P. Swain and E. F. Townsend, commanding battalions under Major J. H. King, were likewise conspicuous for good conduct. I strongly recommend these officers to the proper authorities as soldiers by profession, who have shown themselves amply fit for higher offices of usefulness. I also return my thanks to Colonels B. F. Smith, T. T. Crittenden, and H. M. Buckley, Lieut.-Colonels E. A. Parrott, W. W. Berry, and H. Prather, and Majors E. B. Langdon, J. L. Treanor and A. H. Abbott. Lieut.-Col. Parrott was on detached service at the time, but joined his regiment during the action, and remained with it to the close. I also acknowledge my great obligations to Lieuts. Armstrong and Rousseau, my regular Aids; to E. F. Jewett, Esq., of Ohio, volunteer Aid, and to Lieut. John Wickliffe, of the Second Kentucky cavalry, acting Aid during the battle, for valuable services in the field.

Accompanying this report you have a list of casualties incident to the battle, and also the reports of the various commanders of battalions and regiments of the brigade.

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

General: At a late hour on the night of the sixth instant, I disembarked the four regiments of my command from the fleet of boats, at Pittsburgh Landing, on the Tennessee River, and by your orders marched beyond the crest of the hill, forming into line of battle in rear of the forces of Brigadier-Gen. Nelson, the whole force resting on their arms during the night in a drenching rain. At a few minutes after five o'clock am., of the seventh instant, by your orders, I moved my brigade, taking position in the centre, the movement of your whole forces being directed by you in person, forming on the right of General Nelson, who occupied the extreme left. General McCook's division soon came up, and occupied our right in the line of attack. The forces of the Fifth division formed into line of battle, in front of the enemy, under your immediate orders along the centre, the Fourteenth brigade thrown slightly in advance on the left of the centre.

The Nineteenth Ohio, Col. Beatty, formed the right of my brigade; the Thirteenth Kentucky, Col. Hobson, the centre; and the Ninth Kentucky, Col. Grider, on the left, with the Fifty-ninth Ohio, Col. Fyffe, in the rear, as a supporting reserve. In pursuance of orders, we marched steadily forward upon the centre, the Fourteenth brigade being still in advance of my left. I halted my command in sight of the open field, in front of the right wing of my brigade, and by order of Gen. Buell, given in person, I threw forward four flanking companies, of the Nineteenth Ohio and Thirteenth Kentucky, as skirmishers, to advance to the open field, or to where the skirmishers could feel and engage the enemy, or await the advance of our line. After capturing a prisoner and sending him in, the skirmishing companies of the Nineteenth Ohio were fired upon and driven back, and I ordered up Col. Beatty of the Nineteenth Ohio, to take position along [363] the edge of the open field, to repel the advance of the enemy in that direction. At this juncture the enemy turned their forces in the direction of the position occupied by you with the Fourteenth brigade, evidently with the view of driving back our forces and capturing our guns. The Fourteenth brigade, encouraged and led on by you in person at their head, made an impetuous attack on the enemy, driving them back with great loss, saving our guns and advancing our lines. As the regiments of that brigade were withdrawn, I ordered up the Thirteenth Kentucky to their position, and ordered the Ninth Kentucky and Fifty-ninth Ohio to my left, where they were placed in position by you. The Thirteenth Kentucky, led on by Col. Hobson, in a gallant charge upon the enemy, drove them back with great slaughter, forcing them to desert their guns, to which they had rallied, after having been driven back by the Fourteenth brigade under your command. In this charge Col. Hobson, and Major Hobson, Acting Lieutenant-Colonel, and Capt. Towles, Acting Major, and Acting Adjutant Stewart, of the Thirteenth Kentucky, behaved with great coolness and courage; and with the exception of a recoil, caused by a portion of Wisconsin troops breaking through their lines, creating some disorder, they steadily led their brave men forward, driving the enemy before therm. Major Hobson had his horse shot dead under him in this charge. Lieutenant-Col. Edmonds of the rebel army, was killed in the attack.

About this time the enemy, with their battery placed in the thickly timbered woods across the open field, opened a fire on the Nineteenth Ohio, Col. Beatty, at the edge of the field, and with small arms from the grounds of the field, and the thick underbrush to the left of the field, which was returned. The Colonel and Captain Manderson--Acting Major--holding their men steady, deported themselves, as did their officers and men, with coolness and courage, until the Colonel ordered them back to a position from under the fire of the enemy's battery. The regiment fell back in good order, with the exception of a few men, and retained the position until the guns of the enemy were silenced by the well-directed fire of Captain Bartlett's battery. Major Edwards, Acting Lieutenant-Colonel, was shot dead from his horse, and a number of privates killed and wounded.

I ordered Col. Beatty from the position which he had taken up to the left, and in advance of the position before occupied by him, into and under cover of the underbrush to the left of the old field, within supporting distance of Captain Bartlett's battery. The enemy seemed to be deflecting his forces and making his attack upon the left of the centre, in the direction of Captain Mendenhall's battery, which had shelled them with fearful destruction, when Gen. Buell in person ordered the Ninth Kentucky, Col. Grider, and the Fifty-ninth Ohio, Col. Fyffe, to advance rapidly and engage and drive back the enemy. Col. Grider led his men gallantly in the attack, well supported by most of his officers and men. The youthful Lieut. Underwood of that regiment behaved with the gallantry of a veteran soldier, going in advance of his men, and was shot through the sword-arm and lost his sword. In this attack Col. Grider had three of his commissioned officers killed and ten wounded.

The Fifty-ninth Ohio,, Col. Fyffe, gallantly and bravely supported Col. Grider in this attack, and sustained a loss of six killed and twenty-one wounded. I refer to the reports from the commanders of these regiments for the details of their operations.

During the engagement on the left of your centre, you ordered me to withdraw the Nineteenth Ohio--Col. Beatty--from his position and advance him to the extreme left to report to and support Gen. Nelson, and ordered him up immediately, when you sent him forward to report to Gen. Nelson, where he remained until the battle was over. I am gratified to state that General Nelson complimented him to me for his gallant bearing, and that of his command while under his orders.

Pending the engagement on the left of your centre, I was commanded by General Buell to order up Lieut.-Col. Maxwell with his regiment re-formed, and a portion of Wisconsin troops formed by my order under a Captain, and placed under command of Lieut.-Col. Maxwell, to advance and support Capt. Bartlett's battery. The enemy being driven back by the gallant soldiers of our army at every point, the firing soon ceased along our whole lines from right to left, making it evident the battle was over, and a great victory won by the army of the Ohio.

It is proper to mention the gallant conduct of Capt. Boyle, my Assistant Adjutant-General and Acting Aid-de-Camp in the field, and my Aids-de-Camp Lieuts. Liggett and Hughes, all of whom displayed coolness and courage, and rendered efficient service. Lieut. Farris, of the Fifth Kentucky cavalry, who had been serving as Regimental Quartermaster, by my permission acted as Aid-de-Camp, deported himself with fearless courage and coolness. Capt. Lyne Starling, of your staff, besides bearing your orders in the midst of the hottest of the battle, rendered me efficient aid, for which I thank him.

For detailed operations of the regiments of this brigade, I refer to the accompanying reports from the commanding officers of the various regiments.

The casualties in my command amounted to two hundred and eight, thirty-seven killed and one hundred and sixty-five wounded. Lists of casualties of the respective regiments are handed herewith.

The officers and men of my command, with a few exceptions, behaved in a manner and spirit worthy of the great cause in which they are engaged and of our country.

General order, No. 1.

The battle of Shiloh has made famous forever the army of the Ohio and its commander.

Soldiers of the Fifth division, the General Commanding salutes you with admiration, and with his warmest thanks, for the part you took in that ever-to-be-remembered conflict. The patience with which you endured the uncommon exposure, and the valor you have displayed on the field, merit, and will surely receive, the approbation of your country.

Remember, soldiers, that you have a reputation now, and that discipline cannot be relaxed, even after the battle has been won without tarnishing your fame.

Cherish your fame, study how you can best discharge every duty as soldiers, and peace will follow quickly.

sir: I have the honor to inform you that the enemy attacked our lines on our left, the morning of the sixth, at half-past 6 o'clock, and by his overwhelming numbers forced our men to fall back in some confusion. At twenty-five minutes past nine o'clock, finding that the rebels were still driving our left wing back, I steamed up to a point one mile above Pittsburgh, taking a good position to support our troops. At forty-five minutes past ten, the Lexington, Lieutenant Commanding Shirk, joined me, having come up from Crump's Landing. After a short time she returned, for the purpose of supporting the command of General Wallace, which occupied that point.

Not having received any instructions from the Commanding General in regard to the service to be rendered by the gunboats, I awaited them patiently, although for an hour or more shot and shell were falling all around us. Feeling that, could some system of communication be established, the Tyler could be of great advantage to our left wing, at twenty-five minutes past one P. M. I sent an officer, requesting that I might be allowed to open on the woods in the direction of the batteries and advancing forces of the rebels. General Hurlburt, who commanded on our left, sent me word to do so, giving me directions how to fire, so that I might do it with no damage to our troops, expressing himself grateful for this offer of support, and saying that without reenforcements he would not be able to maintain the position he then occupied for an hour. Therefore at ten minutes to three o'clock, I opened fire in the line directed, with good effect, silencing their batteries on our left.

At ten minutes to four o'clock, I ceased firing, and dropping down opposite the landing at Pittsburgh, sent Mr. Peters, the gunner, on shore to communicate with General Grant for further instructions. His response was, to use my own judgment in the matter.

At four P. M., the Lexington, Lieutenant Commanding Shirk, having arrived from Crump's Landing, the Tyler, in company with the Lexington, took position three quarters of a mile above Pittsburgh, and opened a heavy fire in the direction of the rebel batteries on their right, the missiles of which were falling all around us. We silenced them in thirty-five minutes.

At thirty-five minutes past five o'clock, the rebels having succeeded in gaining a position on the left of our line, an eighth of a mile above the landing at Pittsburgh, and a half-mile from the river, both vessels opened a heavy and well-directed fire on them, and in a short time, in conjunction with our military on shore, succeeded in silencing their artillery, driving them back in confusion.

At six P. M., the Tyler opened deliberate fire in the direction of the rebels' right wing, throwing five and ten-second shells, and at twenty-five minutes past six o'clock, ceased firing. At nine P. M., the Tyler again opened fire by direction of General Nelson--who greatly distinguished himself in yesterday's engagement — throwing five, ten and fifteen-second shells, and an occasional shrapnel shell from the howitzer, at intervals of ten minutes, in the direction of the rebel right wing, until one A. M. At this juncture the Lexington relieved us, and continued the fire at intervals of fifteen minutes until five A. M., when our land forces having attacked the enemy, forcing them gradually back, it made it dangerous for the gunboats to fire.

At seven A. M., I received a communication from General Grant, which prevented the gunboats from taking an active part during the rest of the day.

Lieutenant Commanding Shirk deserves the greatest praise for the efficient manner in which the battery of the Lexington was served.

At thirty-five minutes past five o'clock P. M., the enemy were forced to retreat in haste, having contested every inch of ground with great stubbornness throughout the entire day.

The officers and men of this vessel displayed their usual gallantry and enthusiasm during the entire day and night. Your “old wooden boats,” I feel confident, rendered invaluable service, on the sixth instant, to the land forces. Gunner Herman Peters deserves great credit for the prompt and courageous manner in which he traversed our lines, conveying communication from this vessel to the Commanding Generals. The rebels had a force of one hundred thousand men ; A. S. Johnston, killed — body found on the field — Beauregard, Hardee, Bragg, and Polk, being their Commanding Generals. Governor Johnson, Provisional Governor of Kentucky, is a prisoner in our hands mortally wounded. Loss severe on both sides — ours probably ten thousand. The rebels suffered a much greater one. I think this has been a crushing blow to the rebellion.

I am happy to state no casualties occurred on [365] either of the gunboats. The Tyler expended one hundred and eighty-eight shells, four solid shots, two stands of grape and six shrapnel.

Inclosed I send you the report of Lieutenant Commanding Shirk.

Your obedient servant,

sir: On the morning of the sixth inst., while lying at Crump's Landing, I heard severe cannonading in the direction of Pittsburgh. I got under way and stood up the river to communicate with Lieut. Commanding Gwin, of the Tyler. Upon reaching the place I found that an attack had been made upon our army by the rebels in force. I returned to Crump's to support the division under command of Gen. Lew. Wallace, when I found his division had proceeded to join the main force back of Pittsburgh Landing. I then steamed back to this place, and no instructions reaching the gunboats from the Commanding General on shore, we were forced to remain inactive hearers of the desperate fight until the left wing of our forces having been driven back and completely turned, and the rebels getting so near the river, the missiles from their batteries fell thick and fast over and around us, enabled us to use our great guns with such effect that the fire of the enemy was silenced in thirty minutes. This was between ten minutes past four and forty minutes past four P. M. Again at thirty-five minutes past five P. M., the enemy having gained a position on the left of our lines, within an eighth of a mile of the landing and of the transports, we again, with the Tyler, opened fire upon them, silencing the enemy, and, as I hear from many officers on the field, totally demoralizing his forces and driving them from their position in a perfect rout, in the space of ten minutes. The firing on the part of the land forces then ceased. At eight o'clock I went down to Crump's Landing, and finding that everything was quiet there, returned to this place. At one A. M. on the seventh, I relieved the Tyler, Lieut. Commanding Gwin, in a position immediately above the landing, and fired until daylight a shell every fifteen minutes into the enemy's camp.

Yesterday at daylight the fight recommenced between the two parties on shore, and continued until five P. M., when the enemy left in a hurried retreat. The gunboats, occupying a position on the left of our lines, not being allowed to fire, I spent the morning, and part of the afternoon, in acts of mercy, picking up the wounded who had found their way to the river, and conveying them to the hospital-boats. I must say that the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and men whom I have the honor to command, displayed upon this occasion, as often before, are beyond all praise.

I have the honor to be, sir,

Your most obedient servant,

sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Forty-fourth regiment Indiana Volunteers, in the actions of the sixth and seventh, near Pittsburgh, Tenn.

We left our encampment about eight o'clock Sunday morning, with an effective force of four hundred and seventy-eight men, and marched forward to support Gen. Prentiss's division, which had been attacked by the enemy. We had gone but a short distance when we met his men retreating in much confusion. We proceeded about one mile, and took position in line of battle in rear of a camp lately occupied by him. We formed our line under fire from the enemy's battery-Col. Croft, Thirty-first Indiana, on our right; Lieut.-Col. Bristow, Twenty-fifth Kentucky, and Col. McHenry, Seventeenth Kentucky, on our left. I sent forward First Lieut. Wayne, company D, and First Lieut. Barton, company B, each with part of their respective companies as skirmishers, in front of our line; they were soon driven in, and the whole line of the Fourty-fourth and Thirty-first Indiana furiously assaulted by the enemy and as gallantly met, our men behaving in the coolest manner possible, loading and firing with the utmost rapidity, and with so much zeal did they enter into it, that the officers had only to watch the fight as a matter of interest, but not of duty. The enemy were driven off with immense loss; they were again rallied, and charged up to within a few rods of our line, and were again repulsed. You, General, were with us, and have since gone over the ground so gallantly contested, and have witnessed how terribly destructive was our fire — the ground being literally strewn with their dead. But again he formed in column, and charged over an open field on our left, and in front of the Seventeenth and Twenty-fifth Kentucky, the gallant Col. McHenry commanding, who poured. into his ranks a most terrific fire. I immediately wheeled two companies of my left wing to the left, and opened upon his flank; his ranks were mown down at each fire, but still he pressed forward, and as bravely was he received — his front rank went down, leaving a line of dead across his front, when he retreated in good order.

This ending the engagement here, you ordered us to the support of the line on our left about half a mile distant, which had fallen back. We took position on left of and supporting Willard's battery, which soon commenced playing upon the enemy, and we were soon charged upon in large force; and here was the most hotly contested [366] fight of the day, being in an open field, with the exception of a few scattering trees, the enemy far outnumbering us, and fighting with desperate courage. This fire was fearfully severe, but our officers and men behaved with heroic bravery, never for a moment swerving from their position, pouring in their fire with the coolness of veterans, and driving the enemy before them; but again and again with fresh troops they advanced to the charge. Our ammunition being expended, a part of a regiment was ordered up by you to take our place while our boxes were refilled. In a few minutes we again entered the fight, and charged forward far in advance of our former line. Our color-bearer and guard being either killed or wounded at the same moment, and two other brave men in succession being shot down, our flag riddled with balls, Lieut. Newman, in command of company H, bore it aloft, but soon fell mortally wounded. It was again taken by our brave men, and carried to the front, both officers and men rallying with heroic energy to its support. Capt. Murray, company B, acting Capt. George Weamer, and acting Lieut. Warren Banta, company E, fell mortally wounded. Lieut. Kinmont, in command of company F, and Capt. Cosgrove, company D, were severely wounded. Space will not permit of my mentioning many instances of personal bravery, nor is it necessary where all acted nobly. By this time our cartridges were again expended. You ordered up the Thirty-first Indiana, which had occupied position as a reserve in our rear, to relieve us. We accordingly moved back in good order, and took position near a battery, by order of Gen. Hurlburt. The enemy in tremendous force drove back our lines, when we again changed position to the right, by order of Gen. Hurlburt. Soon after this you rejoined us, and at your suggestion, I drew up in line across the road by which the enemy was advancing, and opened fire upon him. We were here entirely unsupported — our friends having passed on. I moved my regiment by the right of companies to the rear, and retired by the flank to the battery on the hill in our rear, where we again formed in line in support of battery. The enemy made his attack on our left. A fierce contest ensued, in which some of our men were engaged; night coming on, the enemy withdrew. We advanced our line one hundred and fifty paces in front of battery, and rested on our arms during the night.

On Monday morning we were relieved by fresh troops; our men, worn out and drenched to the skin by the pelting storm, (as Gen. Hurlburt knows, having spent the night with us,) having been for twenty-four hours without food or rest. A few hours were given them to prepare for the approaching battle. At about ten o'clock you again called us into line — the Forty-fourth on the right wing. Our brigade, sadly reduced in numbers, but still ready for the fight, were put on march for the battle-field, and were led by you to the extreme right, to support Gen. Sherman's division, where we arrived at a very opportune moment. We found the enemy charging upon and driving our forces to our left and front over cleared ground, and used as drill-ground by our troops. I immediately brought my regiment into line, and opened fire on the enemy. Our charge took them by surprise. They immediately retreated to the right and rear. Colonel McHenry bringing up the left wing of our brigade, charged forward into the thickest of the fight. The enemy slowly retreated, returning our fire. Their battery also opened upon us. We pursued them for over half a mile, but not knowing the position of our forces, I called a halt. At this moment, seeing Gen. Sherman at a short distance, I rode to him and reported for orders--(you having your horse shot under you, I was unable to find you at the moment.) Gen. Sherman ordered me not to advance further, but form our lines where we were. Our men had become much scattered in the pursuit of the enemy, leaving us but a small force; and fresh regiments coming up to our support — amongst them the gallant Thirtieth Indiana, Col. Bass--the enemy was attacked with renewed energy; and after a fierce and bloody contest of half or three quarters of an hour, were driven from the field.

During the fight of Sunday and Monday, my regiment fired over one hundred and sixty rounds of cartridge at the enemy. No men ever fought more bravely; too high praise cannot be given them. Captain Murray and First Lieut. Barton, company B; Lieut. Newman, commanding company H; Capt. Tannehill and Lieut. Grund, company C; Capt. Williams and Lieuts. Shoemaker and Carey, company G; Captain Cosgrove and Lieut. Wayne, company D; Captain Aldrich and Lieuts. Wilson and Bennett, company K; Acting Captain George Weamer, Lieut. McDonald, and Acting Lieut. Warren Banta, company E; Lieut. Kinmont, commanding company F; and Acting Lieuts. Gunsenhouser and Kinmont of same company; Lieut. Hodges, in command of company I, and Lieut. Curtis of same company; Lieut. Burge Smith and Acting Lieut. Ulam, company A, were all in the thickest of the fight, and no men ever fought more heroically, and justly deserve mention.

I am greatly indebted to Lieut.-Col. Stoughton for his valuable aid; there is no braver man — he had his horse shot under him and was thrown with much force to the ground in the fight on Monday; and to Acting Major Heath, captain of company I, to whom too high praise cannot be given for his bravery and devotion to his duties. Adjutant Colegrove had his horse shot under him. Nor ought I to forget the bravery and devotion to their duties of our surgeons, Drs. Martin and Rerick; they were with the regiment at all times during the fight, caring for the wounded, and were exposed to the enemy's shot, and were both hit with balls. Lieut. Wayne and John Frampton deserve mention for their devotion to our flag in Monday's fight. I cannot refrain from giving expression to my admiration, and bearing testimony to the noble and heroic manner in which Gen. Hurlburt and yourself exposed your lives in your constant and unwearied efforts. Each of you was at all times to be seen at your several [367] directing the battle. No general, in my opinion, ever conducted a fight with more ability or displayed greater bravery.

Our loss in these engagements is thirty-four killed, one hundred and seventy-seven wounded, and one taken prisoner.

I am, General, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Captain: I have the honor to submit the following report of the participation of this command in the memorable action of the seventh inst. Reaching Savannah at ten o'clock P. M., of the sixth, and holding the rear of the Second division, we were compelled to await transportation until the next morning, near nine o'clock. After great exertion the entire brigade with two batteries of artillery, were embarked on the steamer John J. Roe. We reached Pittsburgh Landing at near eleven o'clock, and at once hastened forward to the scene of conflict in the centre, where a portion of our division was then engaged.

Col. Willich, with the Thirty-second Indiana, being first to debark and reach the field, was detached from the brigade, and at once placed in position by Gen. McCook in person.

Nothing further was heard from him by me during the day, but his list of casualties shows that he hotly engaged, and the testimony of distinguished officers who witnessed the conduct of his command, justify me in saying that officers and men gave proof of skill and courage worthy the heroes of “Rowlett's Station.” Herewith I submit Col. Willich's report for full particulars.

Obedient to orders, the balance of the brigade was deployed in line of battle in the rear of the Fourth, under Gen. Rousseau, then closely engaged. His ammunition being exhausted, the Sixth brigade was ordered to advance, which command was executed promptly and in perfect order.

The enemy's infantry, concealed in tents, behind trees and in dense undergrowth, opened a terrific fire on our line.

Simultaneously he opened upon the left of the Fifteenth Ohio, holding the extreme right, with one battery; with another he annoyed the left of the Forty-ninth Ohio, holding the extreme left; whilst with a third he poured a torrent of grape upon the right and centre of the Thirty-ninth Indiana, holding the centre of the line.

The fire of the enemy's infantry was promptly responded to along our entire line. Our volleys were delivered with rapidity, regularity and effect. The enemy's lines were shaken, and we steadily pressed forward, driving the enemy before us eighty rods. I then discovered, that under cover of a ravine, the enemy was turning my left, and ordered the Forty-ninth Ohio to change line of battle to the rear on first company, which movement was executed in perfect order, under a heavy fire. Lieut. W. C. Turner, senior Aid-de-Camp of my staff, was despatched to Gen. McCook to inform him of the danger to my left, but the telling fire of the Forty-ninth, from its new position, soon drove back the enemy, and the regiment promptly moved forward into line. The enemy in increased force made a second demonstration on my left, and the Forty-ninth Ohio changed line of battle to the rear, and quickly averted the enemy's advance. Capt. A. Bouton, of Chicago, with two guns of his battery, reached the ground at this juncture, and after silencing the enemy's battery that had annoyed my left, moved to the left of the Fifteenth Ohio, and opened his well-directed fire on the batteries which had up to that time harassed the left of that regiment and the right of the Thirty-ninth Indiana. The enemy's guns were silenced, and Capt. Bouton has my cordial thanks for aid so promptly and skilfully rendered. The Forty-ninth having again moved forward into line, and my left being supported by troops ordered forward for that purpose by Gen. McCook, I again ordered an advance, and our entire line pressed forward in gallant style, driving the enemy before us a full half-mile, taking possession of the camp from which a portion of Gen. Sherman's division had been driven the day previous, including the quarters of the General himself.

Here he abandoned the contest and returned under protection of his cavalry, leaving us full possession of that part of the field, with two of his hospitals crowded with wounded: The Thirty-ninth Indiana captured fifteen and the other regiments captured sixteen prisoners on the field. As the conflict was waged under the immediate supervision of Gen. McCook commanding the division, I cheerfully commit the conduct of the Sixth brigade to his judgment and criticism. Every order was executed promptly, and nothing could exceed the order and firmness with which our entire line moved upon the enemy.

Colonel Dickey and Lieut.-Col. Wilson, of the Fifteenth Ohio, being absent on account of sickness, the command of the regiment devolved on Major Wm. Wallace, who managed his command with promptness and skill, exhibiting throughout the bloody contest the highest traits of coolness, courage and energy. His horse was killed on the field.

He had called Capts. Dawson and Kirby to his aid on the field, and they merit especial praise for their gallantry, in cheering on the regiment under a galling fire of artillery and infantry. Adjutant Taft performed his whole duty regardless of danger, and the entire regiment gave proof of its thorough discipline.

To the Thirty-second Indiana too much praise cannot be awarded. Active and vigilant at every moment, Col. Harrison exhibited skill and the highest courage and coolness, in manoeuvring his command. Major Evans was prompt and [368] courageous in every duty during the day, and every officer and man was so heroic that distinctions would be invidious. Lieutenant Phillips, a most gallant officer, fell at his post of duty, and Lieut. Woodmansee was borne from the field mortally wounded.

The Forty--ninth Ohio was commanded by Lieut.-Col. Blackman, who performed his duty nobly, giving proof of his skill and courage on the field. The manoeuvres of his command under fire, as before stated, showed that firmness and discipline so essential to the glory of our army.

Major Drake occupied a most perilous position, but with unshaken courage he cheered on the extreme left under a cross-fire of infantry and shower of shell and grape.

Adjutant Charles A. Norton was constantly at his post of duty, and showed himself a soldier worthy of his position.

I herewith inclose a list of casualties in this command, which shows twenty-three killed, twelve mortally wounded, eighty-four severely wounded, and one hundred and twenty-seven slightly wounded.

Major S. W. Gross, Brigade — Surgeon, was placed in charge of a depot of wounded, and merits great praise for the skill and energy with which he treated and provided for the hundreds placed under his care.

The medical officers of the regiments were on the field, giving prompt and skilful aid to the wounded of this and other commands.

I beg leave to name Dr. Rodig, Hospital-Steward of the Fifteenth Ohio, whose industry and attention to the wounded excited general admiration, and Dr. Corey, Hospital — Steward, and John Glick, Ward--Master of the Forty-ninth Ohio, who rendered most valuable service.

To the members of the brigade-staff I am under great personal obligations for valuable suggestions on the field. Captain Henry Clay, A. A. G., ever active and prompt in the performance of duty, gave exhibitions of genius and courage worthy of his ancestors.

Lieut. W. C. Turner, Senior Aid-de-Camp, comprehended the responsibility of his position, and bore my orders to every part of the field with the greatest alacrity, and was exposed throughout the day to fearful danger.

Lieut. E. A. Olis, Junior Aid-de-Camp, though indisposed, kept the saddle, and has my warmest thanks for his activity in bearing orders, and for his valuable assistance in the midst of the hottest fire.

Accidentally in command of the brigade, as ranking officer on duty, I disclaim any credit for its brilliant success. Unfortunately Brigadier-Gen. Johnson was at home, prostrated by sickness; but to the thorough discipline and rigid study exacted by him of officers and men, we are indebted for that success and heroic bearing of the command, which has won for it an honorable page in history.

In the name of the brigade, I must thank Gen. McCook for the labor and energy he has exhibited in bringing his division to that state of discipline and skill that renders it at once an honor and an ornament to the armies of the Republic.

I am very respectfully,

sir: The regiment arrived at ten o'clock A. M., on the seventh of April, at the Landing, and marched up the hill, when I received the order of Gen. Grant to start immediately for the scene of action. The regiment marched as fast as possible, and, having received no special directions, directed its course toward the heaviest firing. Having arrived near the line of battle, General McCook ordered the regiment to form the reserve of the centre of his division, and, in case the enemy should throw our lines into confusion, to advance and charge with the bayonet. The regiment took its position about two hundred yards in the rear of the second line of battle.

About this time, neither party advancing or retreating, I asked Gen. McCook for permission to pass with the regiment to the front, and make a bayonet-charge, which was granted. The regiment passed in double column by the centre, and advanced toward the enemy, and within about two hundred yards of his line, when he retreated without stopping to receive the charge; after which the regiment was deployed in line of battle, to give them the benefit of all our rifles.

The whole division then advanced for some time, the Thirty-second Indiana regiment having formed double column by the centre again, and deployed two companies as skirmishers in advance, until Gen. Beauregard in person brought up his reserve against our forward movements, when, by bad management in our squeezed — up position, our skirmishers received fire from regiments behind, right and left, putting them in imminent danger, which caused them to hastily retreat, bringing disorder into the whole regiments for a few minutes, forcing the commander to order a retreat into a ravine, where it was soon formed again, and marched up in double column by the centre, to charge the enemy, supported by only one regiment on its left. After having advanced some time in this way, the regiment was deployed in line of battle, made a charge with the bayonet, and succeeded, after a short and heavy fire, in checking the enemy's advance until reenforcements came up, falling on both flanks of the enemy, supported by batteries, when the whole of our forces advanced again, and finally drove the enemy back — the Thirty-second Indiana regiment making this last advance with four companies deployed as skirmishers, and double column by the centre following. Then the regiment advanced on the line of retreat of the enemy for a mile, when the complete exhaustion of the men compelled me to give them some rest. Here I received orders to rejoin my division near the [369] Landing; not succeeding in finding the brigade, the regiment camped in the open field, and joined the brigade on the morning of the eighth.

I cannot but mention honorably the gallant and skilful conduct of Lieut.-Col. von Trebra, particularly in leading the skirmishing, and of Major Schnakenburg, in commanding the left wing of the skirmishers, and in forming the regiment in an efficient manner, when it was thrown into confusion by the fire from behind. Also, of my Adjutant, Lieut. Carl Schmitt, for his coolness and the activity with which he supported me in every duty; of all the company officers, without any exception, for performing skilfully their respective duties; of the non-commissioned officers and men, with very few exceptions, for their bravery and coolness under the hottest fire. As a proof of the latter I will mention, that when their firing became a little “wild,” during the last charge, I stopped the firing, and drilled them in the manual of arms, which they all went through as if on the parade-ground; they then opened a deliberate, steady and effective fire.

It was a very unhappy accident for the regiment, that our ambulances had to be left behind, and that I was ordered so rapidly to the scene of action, that our Surgeon could not follow us, which obliged me to weaken the regiment considerably, by having the wounded carried to the hospital.

Lieuts. Cuppell and Bork, against whom I had to prefer charges some time ago, behaved so gallantly, that the whole regiment would feel gratified if those charges could be dropped.

I enclose a list of killed and wounded; of the first we have ten, and of the latter, ninety-two.

I feel proud to express my thanks to the Chaptain of our regiment, Rev. Mr. Fisher, who is also a skilful surgeon, and who with our Surgeon, the accomplished Jeancon, rendered the most effective service.

I have the honor to be your Excellency's very obedient servant,

sir: On the seventh instant, the Thirty-ninth regiment of Indiana Volunteers was the last of your command to disembark at Pittsburgh Landing. At half-past 10 o'clock, guided by the din of battle, we moved upon the field. After being placed in position by yourself, at half-past 11 o'clock, we moved in line of battle, under a galling fire, driving the enemy a quarter of a mile. Finding our left greatly exposed and in danger of being outflanked, we fell back one hundred and fifty yards in good order, keeping up a constant fire, when we again advanced under a heavy fire, a half-mile, driving the enemy before us, when the rout became universal, we capturing and turning over fifteen prisoners.

I regret to announce that Lieut. William R. Phillips, of. company D, fell early in the action at his post. Lieut. Gabriel Woodmansee, of company K, also received a wound, which is thought mortal. Many non-commissioned officers and privates were carried off the field dead or wounded, a list of which is herewith furnished.

I take pleasure in referring to the brave and cool conduct of Major John D. Evans, and all the company officers present. The non-commissioned officers and privates generally exhibited a deportment worthy of heroes. There were, however, a few exceptions, who will be left for punishment to the contempt of their brave comrades.

Company A--Lieut. E. V. Peterson, commanding. Killed, William Henry. Wounded, Philip Miller, severely; John Jackson, do; Benson Arrick; slightly; Andrew J. Kedder, do.

Company B--Capt. E. Reeves, commanding. Wounded, Corporal Sabin Johnson, slightly.

Company C--Lieut. Crowell, commanding. Wounded, Sergeant James N. Stratton, slightly; Stephen J. Baily, mortally; James Q. Odel, severely; Edward Hoover, slightly; Pembroke S. Bodel, do.

Company D--Capt. Thos. Herring, commanding. Killed, Lieut. Wm. R. Phillips. Wounded, William H. Linder, mortally; Herrick Hoback, severely; Samuel Richey, do.

Company E--Lieut. Jno. F. McClelland, commanding. Wounded, Sergeant David W. Schock, slightly; Freeman S. Garratson, do.; Milton C. Johnson, do.; David Vance, do.; Eli Keffer, do.

Company F--Lieutenant Potts, commanding. Wounded, Bugler Isaac P. Nicholas, severely; Robert O. Richards, slightly.

Company G--Capt. Stephenson, commanding. Wounded, Corporal Titus Hinson, severely; Jasper N. Gillon, slightly.

Company H--Captain Thomas Graham, commanding. Wounded, Sergeant W. H. Ryker, severely; Corporal James Cosley, slightly; Bruce Prindle, do.; George Keller, do.; R. Homkley, do.

Company I--Captain Longly, commanding. Wounded, Sergeant Edward R. Scott, severely; Humphry W. Mount, do.

Company K--Capt. C. A. Gordon, commanding. Wounded, Lieut. Gabriel Woodmansee, mortally; Sergeant John J. Winters, do.; Alonzo Hurrid, slightly; Harrison Waskno, do.; Wm. C. Elliott, do.

Total killed, two; wounded, thirty-four. Total killed and wounded, thirty-six.

sir: Of the four regiments Ohio volunteers, constituting the Third brigade, under my command, stationed at Adamsville on the sixth inst., the Fifty-sixth, Col. Kinney, was by order left as a guard to the stores on the road to Crump's Landing.

The Twentieth, Lieut.-Col. Force; Seventy-sixth, Col. Woods, and Seventy-eighth, Col. Leggett, received orders to march with their trains about two o'clock P. M., and to advance toward Pittsburgh Landing in advance of the trains, at four o'clock P. M.

These three regiments reached the right of Gen. Grant's camp soon after dark, and formed in line, under the direction of Major-Gen. Wallace, where they remained during the night, supporting Buell's battery, in command of Lieut. Thurber.

The brigade, under Gen. Wallace's direction, kept the extreme right of the line during the action of the seventh inst., with the exception of a short period about eleven o'clock A. M., when it formed in front of the enemy, at the left of Col. Thayer's brigade, to support, by his special request, Col. Stuart, commanding the — brigade of Gen. Sherman's division, who was hotly engaged.

About noon, firing being heard to the rear of the right of the line of battle, I was directed by Gen. Wallace to take two regiments there, Col. Woods remaining as last above stated.

I went as directed, to the right, and found that the firing proceeded from the enemy's sharpshooters, who retired as we advanced.

The Twentieth and Seventy-eighth were then formed in rear of a field, which lies on the north side of the Purdy road, on the south side of which the enemy had a battery of two pieces within short range that opened upon us. Some other pieces of theirs, and some infantry, were engaging the Indiana Twenty-third and First Nebraska, on my left.

As a retreat of the enemy appeared close at hand, I advanced the Twentieth regiment a few minutes into the field to take them in flank, and then retired to the edge of the woods. The Seventy-eighth was in close supporting distance in rear of the Twenty-fourth Indiana and Twentieth Ohio, and also under fire of the two-gun battery.

Our infantry making little impression upon this battery, I procured from Gen. Wallace five guns of Lieut. Thurber's command, which came speedily into position, but the pieces against which they were to operate had been withdrawn when Lieut. Thurber arrived.

There being signs of a retreat further to the south, Lieut. Thurber was directed to sweep the ground in our front, which he did with his two howitzers and three smooth-bores in fine style. This closed the engagement in this part of the field at about three o'clock P. M.

Two prisoners, captured near there, one of them an officer of the Creole Guard, state that Gen. Beauregard was endeavoring to form a line for a final and desperate charge on our right, when Lieut. Thurber opened upon him, and the result was a disorderly retreat.

Col. Woods, of the Seventy-sixth, moved along the line as the battle progressed to the westward, and took the place of the First Nebraska while it went for a supply of cartridges. He reports the conduct of his men under fire as all he could desire.

The enemy's sharpshooters annoyed the Twentieth regiment very much, particularly the field officers, wounding Capt. Rogers, of company A, in command of our skirmishers. This regiment, and the right of Col. Leggett's, were exposed nearly an hour to a very precise fire of the two-gun battery, which they bore with remarkable coolness.

Eighteen prisoners were taken by this brigade.

Our loss is two killed; one mortally, eight severely, and twenty-one slightly wounded.

I am your obedient servant,

sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the brigade under my command in the battle of Pittsburgh:

Between six and seven o'clock on Sunday morning, I was informed that our pickets were fired upon. I immediately gave orders for forming the brigade on the color-line, which was promptly done. About this time I was informed that the pickets were being driven in. I ordered the Forty-eighth, Col. Sullivan, to advance in support of the pickets, which he did, but discovered that the enemy had advanced in force to the creek, about eighty to one hundred rods in front. I immediately ordered the brigade to advance in line of battle.

We had marched about thirty to forty rods, when we discovered the enemy and opened fire upon him along the whole line, which checked his advance and caused him to fall back. Discovering that he was pushing a column up a narrow ravine which extended to the left of the Seventy-second regiment to the flat at the creek, [372] bearing somewhat to the right, I ordered the Seventy-second to change front so as to form a line parallel to the ravine, extending down to the flat, company B forming an angle across the head of the ravine. In this position our line was maintained for more than two hours under a deadly fire from the enemy. Officers and men behaved with great coolness and bravery, keeping up a constant stream of fire upon the enemy. He several times recoiled and rallied, but did not advance after the action commenced, until we were ordered to fall back on the Purdy road, which we did in good order. Lieut.-Col. Canfield, in command of the Seventy-second regiment, was mortally wounded early in the engagement, and was carried from the field.

Major Crockett had been taken prisoner on the Friday previous, which left the Seventy-second regiment without any field-officer except myself. The captains of companies A and B, and quite a number of other officers, were sick and unable to go into the action, consequently I remained on the right of the brigade and took command of the Seventy-second regiment, having full confidence that Colonels Sullivan and Cockerill would maintain their parts of the line, which they did gallantly until the regiments on the left of my brigade gave way, and we were ordered to fall back. In this action the Seventy-second had the Lieut.-Col. mortally wounded, (since dead,) Capt. Wegstein, company H, and ten non-commisioned officers and privates killed, three officers and sixty-five non-commissioned officers wounded.

The Forty-eighth had eight privates killed and a large number wounded. The Seventieth regiment had three privates killed and about twenty wounded. The enemy's loss was very heavy in front of this brigade. Eighty-five bodies of the enemy were counted along and at the foot of the ravine flanked by the Seventy-second regiment, among which was the body of Colonel Mouton, of the Eighteenth Louisiana regiment, as I learned from a wounded enemy found at our camp on our return. Large numbers of dead bodies were found on the enemy's line opposite our front to the left of the Eighty-fifth, on the ravine. I think I may safely put the number killed by my brigade, in that action, at two hundred. The number of wounded must have been immense.

We formed in line again on the Purdy road, but the fleeing mass from the left broke through our lines, and many of our men caught the infection and fled with the crowd.

Col. Cockerill became separated from Col. Sullivan and myself, and was afterward engaged with part of his command at McClernand's camp. Col. Sullivan and myself kept together, and made every effort to rally our men, with but poor success. They had become scattered in every direction. We were borne considerably to the left, but finally succeeded in forming a line, and had a short engagement with the enemy, who made his appearance soon after our line was formed. The enemy fell back, and we proceeded to the road where you found us. At this point I was joined by Col. Cockerill, and we there formed in line of battle, and slept on our arms Sunday night.

Col. Sullivan being out of ammunition, marched to the Landing for a supply, and while there was ordered to support a battery at that point.

The next morning he joined me, and we rallied all the men we could, and advanced, under your direction, to McClernand's camp. At that point we were again brought into action, at a critical time and under heavy fire. The manner in which my brigade came into line and fought was observed by you, and therefore I need not describe it. In this action the Seventy-second lost one: Sergeant and one private killed, and five privates wounded. The Forty-eighth had several privates killed; Col. Sullivan and a number of privates wounded. The Seventieth, two privates killed and about ten wounded. In this action we advanced our line upon the enemy to a considerable distance, and my brigade kept up their fire until their ammunition was expended, when we fell back, replenished, and again advanced, but were not afterward engaged, the enemy being in full retreat. We encamped on Monday night in the camp we left on Sunday morning.

On Tuesday morning, the eighth inst., my brigade, with others, marched in pursuit of the enemy, on the road to Corinth, some miles, and when a portion of Hildebrand's brigade engaged the enemy, mine was ordered into line of battle, and came into line in gallant style, although the men were much fatigued in their labors and hardships during Sunday and Monday. The men were eager to engage the enemy again, but we were not called upon to do so. We returned to camp in the evening.

I have the honor herewith to submit a report of the part taken by my brigade in the battle of Pittsburgh.

Early on the morning of Sunday, sixth inst., our pickets were fired upon, and shortly after seven o'clock, the enemy appeared in force, presenting himself in columns of regiments at least four deep. He opened immediately upon our camp a heavy fire, following up rapidly with shell. I ordered an advance. The Seventy-seventh and Fifty-seventh regiments were thrown forward to occupy a certain position, but encountered the enemy in force within three hundred yards of our camp. Unfortunately we were not supported by artillery, and were compelled to retire under cover of our camp, the engagement becoming general along the entire front of my command. A battery having been brought to support our right, the Fifty-seventh and Seventy-seventh stood gallantly side by side for four hours, contending with a force of at least four to one. The battery having been forced from its position, and the infantry, both on our right and left, having fallen back, it finally became necessary that the regiments forming [373] part of my command should fall back lest their retreat be effectually cut off.

The Fifty-third regiment, after forming in line of battle, under my order, fired two rounds and fell back into the woods. It appears from the report of Col. Appler, that apprehending a flank movement on his left, he ordered a retreat, but subsequently rallied in the rear of the Eighteenth Illinois. This regiment became separated from my command, and its movements throughout the day were general.

The Fifty-seventh, under command of Lieut.-Col. Rice, united with other regiments during the day, and did good service.

My brigade having thus been broken, I became separated from it, and personally took an active part throughout the day in aiding other regiments. At one time I had the honor of being named by Gen. McClernand as one of his staff. About three P. M. I assumed command of a regiment already formed, composed of fragmentary regiments. I marched in a north-western direction, when I aided in foiling the enemy in an attempt to flank our men. In this movement I aided a regiment of sharpshooters. The night I passed on the battle-field in company with Cols. Buckland, Cockerill, Rice and other officers.

On Monday morning I collected my brigade and marched near the field of battle, forming near the rear, holding my force in readiness to enter into action at any moment when called upon. We remained in this position until the enemy had retreated and the victory achieved.

On the eighth inst., in compliance with your order, I marched my brigade, accompanied by a large cavalry force, also by Buckland's brigade, on the Corinth road, about four miles from camp. Halting in an open field, skirmishers were sent forward, who discerned rebel cavalry in considerable force, exhibiting a disposition to fight. The skirmishers immediately fired upon the enemy, when the Seventy-seventh regiment, under command of Lieut.-Col. De Hass, was ordered up to support them. Soon after forming in line, a large body of cavalry made a bold and dashing charge on the skirmishers and the whole regiment. So sudden and rapid was the charge, shooting. our men with carbines and revolvers, that they had not time to re-load, and fell back, hoping our cavalry would cover the retreat. Unhappily, our own cavalry were not sufficiently near to render essential assistance. The rebel cavalry literally rode down our infantry, shooting, sabring and trampling them under foot.

We sustained a loss, in killed, wounded and missing, of fifty-seven. Nineteen were killed on the spot, thirty wounded, and the balance missing. Of the latter, two captains and one second lieutenant are numbered. Capt. A. W. McCormick and Capt. A. Chandler were meritorious officers. This I may also say of Lieut. Criswell. Having buried the dead and sent the wounded to camp, I returned with my brigade to camp on the same evening before ten o'clock.

I enclose tabular statements of the number killed, wounded and missing from the regiment.

With regard to the officers and men who participated in the battle of Pittsburgh, and the affair of Tuesday, I am happy to bear testimony to the fidelity, bravery and devotion of all — a few having retired without orders, but generally all acquitted themselves with credit.

Major B. D. Fearing and Lieut.-Col. W. De Hass behaved well and exhibited much judgment as well as bravery. Major Fearing, who was immediately in command of the Seventy-seventh regiment, acquitted himself with as much skill, bravery and military bearing, as an old officer of long experience, and was not excelled by any other field-officer who came under my observation. Lieut.-Col. De Hass aided on the field of battle wherever his services could be useful — directing the movement of troops, assisting batteries to form in positions where the most effective service could be performed, and rendering such other aid as was proper and judicious. It is due to Lieut.-Colonel De Hass to say the affair of Tuesday was not responsible to him, he having done his best to rally his men, and behaved throughout with undaunted bravery. The Fifty-seventh, commanded by Lieut.-Col. A. V. Rice, rendered efficient service. Lieut.-Col. Rice behaved with signal bravery, and exhibited much skill in the management of the regiment. Col. Mangen having been sick for several days and confined to bed, was unable to go out. The Adjutant and company officers all behaved well

The Fifty-third I have referred to already. The regiment, under Col. J. Appler, fell back after two rounds under the order of Colonel Appler. Soon after, as I am informed, he left the field, and was not with the regiment during the day or Monday.

Lieut.-Col. Fulton, in command of the regiment, the Adjutant, and company officers generally, behaved with becoming bravery.

Note.--About six P. M. on Sunday, the Seventy-seventh and Fifty-third regiments took a position near the heavy siege-guns on the hill, which they kept, until the enemy finally fell back. The Fifty-third did good service in the afternoon by operating with other regiments.

sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the forces under my command in the affair of the sixth and seventh instant. By instructions from the General commanding the division, the mortar-battery, Capt. Behr commanding, was placed on the Purdy road, in the rear of McDowell's brigade; Taylor's battery, Capt. Barret commanding, to the right and in advance of the chapel on the road leading to Corinth; Capt. A. C. Waterhouse's battery, near the left of the division; four guns on the [374] right bank of Owl Creek, and two guns on the left bank of Owl Creek.

The enemy appearing in large masses, and opening a battery to the front and right of the two guns advanced across Owl Creek, I instructed Capt. Waterhouse to retire the two guns to the position occupied by the balance of his battery, about which time the enemy appeared in large force in open field, directly in front of the position of this battery, bearing aloft, as I supposed, the American flag, and their men and officers wearing uniforms so similar to ours, that I hesitated to open fire upon them until they passed into the woods, followed.by troops wearing an uniform not to be mistaken. I afterward found that the uniform-jackets worn by these troops were black. As soon as I was certain as to the character of the troops, I ordered firing to commence, which was done in fine style, and with excellent precision. After instructing this battery to be cool, and watch all the movements of the enemy, who was throwing large masses of his men into the timber to the left of its position, I went to the position occupied by Taylor's battery, Capt. Barret commanding, and ordered him to open fire with shell, which was done promptly, causing the enemy to take shelter in the timber; under cover of which he advanced to within one hundred and fifty yards of their guns, when they opened a tremendous fire of musketry, accompanied with terrific yells, showing their evident intent to intimidate our men. The only effect it had was to cause them promptly to obey the order given by me to move their guns by hand to the point, and pour in a shower of canister, causing both the yelling and the firing of the enemy to cease for a time. In the mean time the enemy was pushing our forces on the left of both of these batteries — Waterhouse's and Taylor's. Seeing Waterhouse's battery limbering to the rear, and fearing the result of a hasty retreat, I hastened to their position, and finding them resting, I at once ordered them to unlimber and contest every foot of ground, while I sent a messenger to find another battery to come to their assistance. My order was promptly obeyed, and they were soon throwing canister among the enemy. But their bravery alone could not drive back the masses who now swarmed on their left, pushing back the infantry on the left and opening a flank fire of musketry and battery, which they had succeeded in planting in the timber; they were compelled to retire under a galling fire, leaving their guns and entire camp and garrison equipage in the field. I take great pleasure in stating that the conduct of this battery was such as to entitle them to my entire approbation, and I consider too much praise cannot be bestowed upon them for their gallant conduct upon this their first battle-field. Some time after this battery had retired, and the infantry support on the left of Taylor's battery had fallen back, and the enemy had planted his flag on the ground occupied by Waterhouse's battery, I deemed it prudent to order Capt. Barret to limber to the rear, and retire in good order to a new position, which was accomplished without confusion; but owing to a number of his horses being shot, he was obliged to leave two of his caissons on the field, one of which he has recovered. Instructing Capt. Barret to take up a new position near the left of the First brigade in the First division, (Gen. McClernand's,) and taking the responsibility of ordering two guns of Schwartz's battery to form on their left, (Major Schwartz being wounded,) I had not long to wait before I opened fire again, silencing a battery which the enemy had opened with terrific effect. After five hours fighting in these two positions, losing one man killed and several wounded, our ammunition became exhausted, and I instructed them to retire out of range and get a new supply, after which one section engaged the enemy for an hour and a half, driving him to the cover of the timber. . . . I can state that from my personal observation on the ground in front of this battery during the engagement, I am satisfied the enemy's mortality list has been greatly increased by their being there.

I have to report that Capt. Silverparre's battery of four twenty-four pounder Parrott guns has not yet been able to report to this field, owing to some deficiency in his horses and other equipments. I understand, however, that he had done good service near the Landing on the evening of the sixth inst.

I deem it my duty to make honorable mention of the services rendered by company A, Chicago light artillery. How well they conducted themselves during the fight, I refer you to the General himself, who assures me he never saw guns better served.

I have also to mention Capt. Bouton's battery, which I found on Sunday, the sixth, anxious to distinguish themselves, and as good fortune would have it, I got them a good position near Col. McArthur's division, when they did most excellent service in driving the enemy from a very commanding position, both officers and men behaving like veterans.

I have the honor to be very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

sir: I have the honor to make the following report of the movements of my command on the sixth and seventh inst.:

At seven A. M. on the sixth inst., my command, consisting of two hundred and twenty-five enlisted men and fourteen commissioned officers (one company being absent on picket duty) formed the right of the brigade — the Twentieth Illinois regiment being on my left. We moved with the brigade to a position in rear of the right of the camp of Gen. Sherman's division, but immediately changed to a position in the centre of said camp, when we formed in line of battle — the right of my regiment resting near and supporting a battery of artillery on the hill at my right. [375]

The enemy were immediately in front of us in greatly superior numbers, advancing in four ranks and in three columns steadily upon us. When in good range we opened our fire upon them, which was responded to by a terrific fire from their lines. This fire was kept up on both sides, and told with fearful effect upon my line. My loss here in ten minutes was very heavy, for during that brief period Capt. Carter was mortally wounded, Lieut. Fields severely wounded, and myself, Major Nevins, Capt. Coats and Lieut. Walrod also wounded.

We remained under this fire in this position for a considerable time, when I noticed the line on my left was falling back. Very soon my own regiment fell back, but they rallied immediately in the rear of the reserve, and moving near our own camp, rejoined the brigade, when we moved to the camps of the First brigade, forming a new line.

I was here joined by Adjutant Phillips, of the Seventieth Ohio and forty of his men, who took the left of my regiment, and fought gallantly with us through the remainder of the day. We immediately moved forward and met the enemy, in rear of the camps of the Eleventh and Twentieth Illinois, when we drove them slowly back under a heavy fire, and while a rebel battery was playing upon us. We still moved gallantly forward; the fire of the Eleventh and Twentieth soon killed and drove away the men and horses of this battery.

We held this position (a few hundred yards from the silenced battery) for a long time, until ordered forward by Gen. McClernand, who was alone bravely rallying and pushing forward an Ohio regiment on my right, (apparently destitute of field-officers.) We moved forward in excellent order a few hundred yards, when the regiment on my right gave way, and retreated in great confusion, leaving my little force of about one hundred and fifteen men almost alone. I immediately fell back to my former position. My horse having been killed in this last attack, and my wound rendering me totally unfit to walk or even to command, I was taken to the rear. Major Nevins, though suffering from a severe wound in the hand, assumed command.

The regiment now having become separated from the brigade, he formed the regiment on the extreme left, where the battle was raging fearfully. His painful wound, however, obliged him to turn over the command to Captain Lloyd D. Waddell, who, with the little remnant of our regiment, now reduced to about eighty men, bore our colors forward into the thickest of the fight, and, with his command, bore a conspicuous and honorable part in the terrible contest that closed the battle of the sixth inst.

On the seventh, Major Nevins became sufficiently recovered to resume command, but the few gallant men left to sustain the honor of the “Eleventh” were held in reserve, by order of Gen. Grant, and bore no conspicuous part in the glorious victory of that memorable day.

Of the noble bearing of the men of my command during the several engagements they were in on the sixth inst., I need not speak. Their numbers were few; they fought long and well, and suffered severely. They added yet brighter laurels to those they so dearly won at Donelson.

I cannot fail to mention the gallant Major Nevins, who, though wounded, bravely performed his duty; and Adjt. Dickey, ever cool and courageous, rendered most efficient service. The noble, lamented Carter, Captain commanding company K, who, with his company, so bravely cut his way through the rebel cavalry at Donelson, was among the first to fall on this bloody field mortally wounded. A good man, a true soldier, his loss is irreparable.

Capts. Waddell and McKee, always at their posts, the latter wounded — both men in the gallant fight of the evening, the former commanding the regiment — are deserving of my grateful acknowledgments.

Capt. Coats, who rejoined the regiment on the morning of the sixth, but partially recovered from a severe illness, was wounded and remained with his command, and was particularly distinguished.

Lieut. Field, commanding company A, whose coolness and bravery have always made his command invincible, was borne to the rear during the first engagement, severely and, I fear, mortally wounded.

Lieuts. Doane, McWilliams, Town, Hapeman and Walrod, all distinguished themselves by their bravery and gallant bearing.

Lieut. Dean, commanding company D, added new laurels to those he won at Donelson. When the colors fell from the hand of the wounded bearer, he was first to seize and bear them on with the regiment.

Acting-Quartermaster Goodrich, ever faithful to his trust, a brave soldier, was shot by my side, through the head.

To the gallant Adjutant Phillips, of the Seventieth Ohio, and his forty brave men, I am under obligations for their support to our decimated lines. I need only say their noble bearing, while under my command, is deserving of the highest praise. Their regiment and State may well feel proud of them.

I also desire to mention Sergeant-Major Blake, and the color-guard, for their brave and meritorious conduct.

I cannot close, Sir, without offering my congratulations to the Colonel commanding the brigade, for the glorious victory achieved by our forces here, and the distinguished part borne by himself.

I append herewith a list of casualties in my command on the sixth and seventh instant.

Respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to remain,

Your obedient servant,

sir: I have the honor to report the part taken by the First brigade of the First division in the engagement with the enemy on the sixth instant.

Early in the morning of the sixth, upon the alarm being given, the brigade composed of the Eighth and Eighteenth regiments of Illinois infantry, the Eleventh and Thirteenth regiments of Iowa infantry, and Dresser's battery, were formed in an open field in front of their respective encampments. I received orders about eight o'clock A. M. to move three regiments to the left of the Second brigade. The Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois and the Thirteenth Iowa were accordingly ordered to form in line of battle in that position, and moving at double-quick, formed in good order in a skirt of woods bordering on a field, the Eighteenth Illinois on the left and the Thirteenth Iowa on the right; at the same time I was ordered to form a regiment on the right of the Second brigade, which position, by my orders, the Twelfth Iowa, under command of Lieut..-Col. Hall, immediately took, and with a battery formed a reserve. After seeing the order executed, I joined the three regiments at their position on the left, as above stated. Upon arriving at that point, I found this position of my brigade then formed under the fire of the enemy's cannon and musketry; on the right was a battery of our guns supported by infantry still on its right. Against this battery the principal fire of the enemy's cannon was directed, and large bodies of infantry were moving around the field in its direction. A charge being made by three bodies of the enemy's infantry, directed upon the battery and our infantry on the right, they broke and retired in great disorder. Seeing the enemy approaching in great numbers, and our troops on the right having given way — my regiments also broke and retired in confusion; having retired to the distance of about one hundred yards, I succeeded, with the assistance of my regimental field-officers, in rallying them and forming them in line in the same order as before. Here we maintained our position in good order, under a constant fire of the enemy, until after twelve o'clock A. M., when, discovering that the enemy were approaching in great numbers and that our troops on the right and left had retired, I ordered my regiments to retire and take up a new position about two hundred yards to the rear; which they did in good order and without confusion. They remained in this position, repelling charge after charge of the enemy, until half-past 4 o'clock P. M., all the officers and men behaving with the greatest gallantry. At that hour my regiments having exhausted all their ammunition, and great numbers of them having been killed and wounded, and the forces on the right and left having retired, I again ordered them to fall back, which they did in as good order as before. At this time I received a severe wound in the hand and arm, which compelled me to retire from the field.

Dresser's battery, and my own regiment, the Eleventh Iowa, I did not see after they took their position in the morning, but I am satisfied that they behaved with great gallantry; and their reports, herewith submitted, fully attest the bravery with which they acted. To Lieut.-Col. Hall, commanding the Eleventh Iowa, great praise is due for the bravery and skill shown by him on the field of action. Major Abercrombie, of the Eleventh Iowa, who was wounded severely during the day, displayed that coolness and courage which mark the good soldier.

To Col. M. M. Crocker, of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers, I wish to call special attention. The coolness and bravery displayed by him on the field of battle during the entire action of the sixth, the skill with which he manoeuvred his men, and the example of daring and disregard to danger by which he inspired them to do their duty and stand by their colors, show him to be possessed of the highest qualities of a commander and entitle him to speedy promotion.

His Adjutant, Lieut. Wilson, who accompanied him on the field during the day and shared all the dangers, I wish to mention as the “bravest of the brave.” Capt. W. H. Harvey, of Co. K, Eighth Illinois, was instantly killed while commanding his regiment, and died the death of a brave man.

Capt. R. H. Sturges, of Co. H, took command of the regiment and led them gallantly through the day.

Major Samuel Eaton, of the Eighteenth Illinois, was badly wounded while commanding his regiment.

Capt. D. H. Brush, next in command, was soon after also severely wounded.

Capt. Dillou, of Co. C, arrived on the field at this moment and took command, but was almost instantly killed. From that time the regiment was led on by Capt. Anderson, who did his duty nobly.

My thanks are due my volunteer aid, Lieut. Coldwell, of General Ogleby's staff, who assisted me during the day.

And I express my very great obligations to my Adjutant, Lieut. C. Cadel, who accompanied me on the field, and during the whole of the action, by his promptness, energy, and activity, exhibited all the best qualities of a soldier.

Respectfully,

sir: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Thirteenth regiment Iowa infantry, in the [377]

Map of the battle of Pittsburg Landing.

[378] [379] engagement with the enemy on the sixth and seventh instant.

Early on the morning of the sixth, the alarm was given, and heavy firing in the distance indicated that our camp was attacked. The regiment was formed in front of its color-line, its full force, consisting of ten hundred and seventeen men rank and file. It was at once ordered to form on the left of the Second brigade, and it proceeded to that position at a double-quick, and was there formed in line of battle, in a skirt of wood bordering on an open field, to the left of a battery. Here it remained for some time inactive, while the enemy's guns were playing on our battery. In the mean time a large force of the enemy's infantry were firing around the open field in front of our line, protected by the woods, and in the direction of our battery. Opening a heavy fire of musketry on the infantry stationed on our right, and charging upon our battery, the infantry and battery to the right having given way, and the enemy advancing at double-quick, we gave them one round of musketry and also gave way. At this time we, as indeed all our troops in the immediate vicinity of the battery, were thrown into great confusion and retired in disorder. Having retreated to the distance of one or two hundred yards, we succeeded in rallying and forming a good line, the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers on our left, and having fronted to the enemy, held our position there under a continuous fire of cannon and musketry, until after twelve o'clock, when we were ordered to retire and take up a new position. This we did in good order and without confusion. Here having formed a new line, we maintained it under incessant fire until half-past 4 o'clock P. M., the men conducting themselves with great gallantry and coolness, and doing great execution on the enemy, repulsing charge after charge and driving him back with great loss. At half-past 4 o'clock we were again ordered to fall back. In obeying this order, we became mixed up with a great number of regiments, falling back in confusion, so that our line was broken and the regiment separated, rendering it very difficult to collect it, but finally having succeeded in forming, and being separated from the brigade, we attached ourselves to the division commanded by Col. Tuttle, of the Second Iowa Volunteers, and formed with his division in front of the encampments of the Fourteenth, Seventh, and Second Iowa Volunteers, when we sustained a heavy fire from the enemy's battery until dark, and there remained during the night resting on our arms. During the day we were under fire of the enemy for ten hours, and sustained a loss of twenty-three, and one hundred and thirty wounded.

On the morning of the seventh we were ordered to continue with Col. Tuttle's division, and to follow up and support our forces, that were attacking and driving back the enemy. We followed them up closely, moving to support the batteries, until the enemy was routed; after which we were ordered to return to the encampment that we had left on Sunday morning, where we arrived at eight o'clock P. M. Our total loss in action of the sixth and seventh is, killed, twenty-four; wounded, one hundred and thirty-nine; missing, nine; total, one hundred and seventy-two.

The men for the most part behaved with great gallantry; all the officers exhibited the greatest bravery and coolness, and I call especial attention to the gallant conduct of my field-officers, Lieut.-Col. Price and Major Shane, who were both wounded in the action of the sixth, and acknowledge my great obligation to my Adjutant, Lieut. Wilson, who, during the entire action, exhibited the highest qualities of a soldier.

Respectfully, etc.,

sir: I have the honor to report the part taken by the First brigade of the First division in the action of the sixth and seventh instant:

After a quarter-past four o'clock P. M., of the sixth, at which time Col. A. M. Hare was wounded and carried off the field, and the command devolved upon me — at this time the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers, Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers, retired together, in obedience to command of Col. Hare, and were rallied by me and formed, after we had retired to a position in front of the camp of the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers, and for the rest of the day and until the enemy was repulsed, they maintained that position, under constant and galling fire from the enemy's artillery. The fire of the enemy's guns ceased at dark, and during the night we remained under arms in that position. On the morning of the seventh we were ordered to advance with the division at that time commanded by Colonel Tuttle, of the Second Iowa Volunteers, infantry, and form a reserve to the advance of our forces that were driving back the enemy, and to support our batteries, which we did during the day, most of the time exposed to the cannon and musketry of the enemy.

Just before the rout of the enemy, the Eighteenth and Eighth Illinois regiments were ordered to charge upon and take a battery of two guns that had been greatly annoying and damaging our forces. They advanced at a charge bayonets, took the guns, killing nearly all the horses and men, and brought the guns off the field.

The enemy having retreated, and there being no further need of the regiments under my command in the field, Col. Tuttle ordered me to return with my regiments, the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois and the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers, together with the guns captured, to our encampment, which we had left Sunday morning. This we did, arriving at camp at eight o'clock P. M., of Monday. During the day our loss was small, the principal loss of the brigade having occurred in the action of the sixth instant. The entire loss of the brigade in the action during the two days engagement was, killed, ninety-two; wounded, four hundred and sixty-seven; missing, eighteen; total [380] five hundred and seventy-seven. A list of the killed, wounded, and missing is herewith submitted. We went into the action with two thousand four hundred and fourteen men, and came out of it with one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five. Most of the officers and men behaved with great gallantry and coolness. Of Dresser's battery and the Eleventh Iowa Volunteers I can say nothing, excepting that I found what was left of them in camp, upon my return on the evening of the seventh, they having been separated from the brigade during all the time it was under my command,

Respectfully, etc.,

On the morning of April sixth, 1862, the rebels having attacked our advanced lines at Shiloh, Tennessee, the Twelfth Iowa infantry Volunteers was rapidly formed and joined the other regiments, Second, Seventh, and Fourteenth of the Iowa brigade, being the First brigade, under Brigadier-Gen. Tuttle, of the Second division, under Gen. Wallace. The brigade was marched to near the field beyond General Hurlbut's Headquarters, and formed in line of battle, the Second and Seventh on our right, the Fourteenth on our left. The Eighth Iowa of Prentiss's division was on the left of the Fourteenth, forming an angle, to the rear with our line; an open field lay in front of our right. Dense timber covered our left; a small ravine was immediately behind us. In this position we awaited the approach of the enemy. Soon he made a bold attack on us, but met with a warm reception, and soon we repulsed him. Again and again, repeatedly did he attack us, trying vainly to drive us from our position. He failed to move us one inch from our position. On the contrary, we repulsed every attack of the enemy and drove him back in confusion.

Thus matters stood in our front until about four o'clock P. M., at which time it became evident, by the firing on our left, that the enemy were getting in our rear. An aid-de-camp rode up and directed me to face to the rear and fall back, stating, in answer to my inquiry, that I would receive orders as to the position I was to occupy. No such orders reached me, and I suppose could not. The Second and Seventh Iowa had already gone to the rear, and on reaching the high ground between our position and Gen. Hurlbut's headquarters, we discovered that we were already surrounded by the enemy, caused by no fault of our own, but by the troops at a distance from us, on our right and left, giving way before the enemy. Seeing ourselves surrounded, we nevertheless opened a brisk fire on that portion of the enemy who blocked our passage to the Landing, who, after briskly returning our fire for a short time, fell back; brisk fire from the enemy on our left (previous right) going on at the same time. Seeing the enemy in front falling back, we attempted, by a rapid movement, to cut our way through, but the enemy on our left advanced rapidly, coming in behind us, pouring into our ranks a most destructive fire. The enemy in front faced about and opened on us at short range, the enemy in rear still closing in on us rapidly.

I received two wounds, disabling me from further duty. The command then devolved on Capt. Edgington, acting as field-officer. The enemy had, however, already so closely surrounded us, that their balls which missed our men took effect in their ranks beyond us. To have held out longer would have been to suffer complete annihilation. The regiment was therefore compelled to surrender as prisoners of war.

Lieut.-Colonel Coulter was much reduced by chronic diarrhea, and Major Brodtbeck was suffering from rheumatism. Being myself the only field-officer on duty, at my request Capt. Edgington acted as a field-officer, the duties of which he performed in an able and efficient manner.

Quartermaster Dorr, though his position did not require him to go into action, Volunteered to do so, and throughout the day behaved in a brave and gallant manner, daringly if not recklessly exposing his person to the enemy. He made himself very useful in carrying messages and in spying out the positions and movements of the enemy, and firing on them as occasion offered. Energetic and efficient in his own department, he would fill a higher one with credit to himself and honor to the service.

Adjutant Duncan proved himself on this, as on all occasions, a faithful and efficient officer. Captains Earle, Warner, Stibbs, Haddock, Vanduzee and Tousley performed well their part, as did all the lieutenants in the action, in a prompt and willing manner. The non — commissioned officers and men stood bravely up to their work, and never did men behave better. In the death of Lieut. Furguson, of company D, the regiment lost one of its best-drilled officers and a gallant soldier; it also lost a good man and good officer in the death of Lieut. Moir, of company A.

sir: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Third Iowa infantry in the actions of the sixth and seventh inst.

The Third Iowa occupied the extreme right of the Fourth division, being the first regiment of Col. and Acting Brig.-Gen. N. G. Williams's brigade, and was posted during the greater portion of Sunday at the fence near the cotton-field. The enemy repeatedly threw large bodies of infantry against us, but never with success. He was re pulsed every time, and with great slaughter. The regiment was also subjected to a storm of grape, canister and shell, which lasted several hours. The Third Iowa maintained its ground until evening, [381] and did not then give way until the troops on our right and left had been broken, and we were entirely outflanked and almost surrounded. The regiment was then compelled, in a great measure, to cut its way out.

Of the firmness, coolness and courage of the men under a heavy fire, it will be unnecessary for me to speak, as they were almost constantly during the battle under the immediate eye of the General commanding the division.

The regiment went into battle on the second day, under the command of First Lieut. G. W. Crosby, of company E, and as I am well assured, nobly maintained the honor of our flag.

Should I designate meritorious officers, I should have to name nearly every officer in the regiment. I think, however, none will feel envious if I specially mention Lieut. Crosby.

I desire to call the attention of the General commanding the division to the gallantry and good conduct of Sergeant James Lakin, of company F, who carried the colors on the first day; and of Corporal Anderson Edwards, of company I, who carried the colors on the second day of the battle.

Our loss is heavy. I herewith enclose a list of our killed, wounded and missing.

I have the honor to remain, sir,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

General: On the second ultimo, having ascertained conclusively, from the movements of the enemy on the Tennessee River, and from reliable sources of information, that his aim would be to cut off my communications in West-Tennessee with the Eastern and Southern States, by operating from the Tennessee River, between Crump's Landing and Eastport, as a base, I determined to foil his designs by concentrating all my available forces at and around Corinth.

Meanwhile, having called on the Governors of the States of Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, to furnish additional troops, some of them, chiefly regiments from Louisiana, soon reached this vicinity, and with two divisions of Gen. Polk's command from Columbus, and a fine corps of troops from Mobile and Pensacola, under Maj.-Gen. Bragg, constituted the army of the Mississippi. At the same time, Gen. Johnston, being at Murfreesboro, on the march to form a junction of his forces with mine, was called on to send at least a brigade by railroad, so that we might fall on and crush the enemy should he attempt an advance from under his gunboats. The call on Gen. Johnston was promptly complied with. His entire force was also hastened in this direction, and by the first of April our united forces were concentrated along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, from Bethel to Corinth, and on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, from Corinth to Iuka.

It was then determined to assume the offensive and strike a sudden blow at the enemy in position under Gen. Grant, on the west bank of the Tennessee, at Pittsburgh and in the direction of Savannah, before he was reinforced by the army under Gen. Buell, then known to be advancing for that purpose by rapid marches from Nashville via Columbia. About the same time Gen. Johnston was advised that such an operation conformed to the expectations of the President.

By a rapid and vigorous attack on Gen. Grant, it was expected he would be beaten back into his transports and the river, or captured, in time to enable us to profit by the victory, and remove to the rear all the stores and munitions that would fall into our hands in such an event, before the arrival of Gen. Buell's army on the scene. It was never contemplated, however, to retain the position thus gained, and abandon Corinth, the strategic point of the campaign.

Want of proper officers, needful for the proper organization of divisions and brigades of an army brought thus suddenly together, and other difficulties in the way of an effective organization, delayed the movement until the night of the second inst., when it was heard from a reliable quarter that the junction of the enemy's armies was near at hand. It was then, at a late hour, determined that the attack should be attempted at once, incomplete and imperfect as were our preparations for such a grave and momentous adventure. Accordingly, that night, at one o'clock A. M., the preliminary orders to the commanders of corps were issued for the movement.

On the following morning the detailed orders of movement, a copy of which is herewith marked “A,” were issued, and the movement, after some delay, commenced — the troops being in admirable spirits. It was expected we should be able to reach the enemy's lines in time to attack them early on the fifth instant. The men, however, for the most part, were unused to marching — the roads narrow, and traversing a densely wooded country, became almost impassable after a severe rain-storm on the night of the fourth, which drenched the troops in bivouac; hence our forces did not reach the intersection of the roads from Pittsburgh and Hamburgh, in the immediate vicinity of the enemy, until late Saturday afternoon.

It was then decided that the attack should be made on the next morning, at the earliest hour practicable, in accordance with the orders of movement — that is, in three lines of battle: the first and second extending from Owl Creek on the left to Lick Creek on the right — a distance of about three miles--supported by the third and the reserve. The first line, under Maj. Gen. Hardee, was constituted of his corps, augmented on his right by Gladden's brigade of Maj.-Gen. Bragg's corps, deployed in line of battle, with their respective artillery, following immediately by the main road to Pittsburgh, and the cavalry in rear of the wings. The second line, composed of the other troops of Bragg's corps, followed the first at a distance of five hundred yards, in the same order as the first. The army corps under Gen. [382] Polk followed the second line, at the distance of about eight hundred yards, in lines of brigades, deployed with their batteries in rear of each brigade, moving by the Pittsburgh road, the left wing supported by cavalry; the reserve, under Brig.-Gen. Breckinridge, followed closely the third line in the same order, its right wing supported by cavalry.

These two corps constituted the reserve, and were to support the front lines of battle, by being deployed, when required, on the right and left of the Pittsburgh road, or otherwise act according to the exigencies of the battle.

At eight A. M., on the sixth instant, a reconnoitring party of the enemy having become engaged with our advanced pickets, the commander of the forces gave orders to begin the movement and attack as determined upon, except that Trabue's brigade, of Breckinridge's division, was detached and advanced to support the left of Bragg's corps and line of battle, when menaced by the enemy, and the other two brigades were directed to advance by the road to Hamburgh to support Bragg's right, and at the same time Yancey's regiment, of Polk's corps, was advanced by the same road to reinforce the regiment of cavalry and battery of four pieces, already thrown forward to watch and guard Grier's, Banner's and Borland's Fords, on Lick Creek.

Thirty minutes after five o'clock A. M., our lines and columns were in motion, all animated evidently by a promising spirit. The front line was engaged at once, but advanced steadily, followed in due order with equal resolution and steadiness by the other lines, which were brought successively into action with rare skill, judgment and gallantry, by the several corps commanders, as the enemy made a stand, with his masses rallied for the struggle for his encampments. Like an Alpine avalanche our troops moved forward, despite the determined resistance of the enemy, until after six o'clock P. M., when we were in possession of all encampments between Owl and Lick Creeks but one. Nearly all of his field-artillery, about thirty flags, colors and standards, over three thousand prisoners, including a division commander (Gen. Prentiss) and several brigade commanders, thousands of small arms, an immense supply of subsistence, forage and munitions of war, and a large amount of means of transportation — all the substantial fruits of a complete victory — such indeed, as rarely have followed the most successful battles; for never was an army so well provided as that of our enemy.

The remnant of his army had been driven in utter disorder to the immediate vicinity of Pittsburgh, under the shelter of the heavy guns of his iron-clad gunboats, and we remained undisputed masters of his well-selected, admirably-provided cantonments, after over twelve hours of obstinate conflict with his forces, who had been beaten from them and the contiguous covert, but only by a sustained onset of all the men we could bring into action.

Our loss was heavy, as will appear from the accompanying return, marked “B.” Our Commander-in-Chief, Gen. A. S. Johnston, fell mortally wounded, and died on the field at half-past 2 P. M., after having shown the highest qualities of the commander, and a personal intrepidity that inspired all around him, and gave resistless impulsion to his columns at critical moments.

The chief command then devolved upon me, though at the time I was greatly prostrated, and suffering from the prolonged sickness with which I had been afflicted since early in February. The responsibility was one which, in my physical condition, I would have gladly avoided, though cast upon me when our forces were successfully pushing the enemy back upon the Tennessee River, and though supported on the immediate field by such corps commanders as Maj.-Gens. Polk, Bragg and Hardee, and Brig.--Gen. Breckinridge commanding the reserve.

It was after six o'clock P. M., as before said, when the enemy's last position was carried, and his forces finally broke and sought refuge behind a commanding eminence covering the Pittsburgh Landing, not more than half a mile distant, and under the guns of the gunboats, which opened on our eager columns a fierce and annoying fire with shot and shell of the heaviest description. Darkness was close at hand. Officers and men were exhausted by a combat of over twelve hours without food, and jaded by the march of the preceding day through mud and water. It was therefore impossible to collect the rich and opportune spoils of war scattered broadcast on the field left in our possession, and impracticable to make any effective dispositions for their removal to the rear.

I accordingly established my headquarters at the church at Shiloh, in the enemy's encampment, with Maj.-Gen. Bragg, and directed our troops to sleep on their arms, in such positions, in advance and rear, as corps commanders should determine, hoping, from news received by a special despatch, that delay had been encountered by Gen. Buell in his march from Columbia, and that his main forces therefore could not reach the field of battle in time to save Gen. Grant's shattered fugitive forces from capture or destruction on the following day.

During the night the rain fell in torrents, adding to the discomfort and harassed condition of the men; the enemy, moreover, had broken their rest by a discharge, at measured intervals, of heavy shells, thrown from the gunboats; therefore, on the following morning, the troops under my command were not in condition to cope with an equal force of fresh troops, armed and equipped like our adversary, in the immediate possession of his depots, and sheltered by such an auxiliary as the enemy's gunboats.

About six o'clock on the morning of the seventh of April, however, a hot fire of musketry and artillery, opened from the enemy's quarter on our advanced line, assured me of the junction of his forces, and soon the battle raged with a fury which satisfied me I was attacked by a largely superior force. But from the onset our troops, [383] notwithstanding their fatigue and losses from the battle of the day before, exhibited the most cheering, veteran-like steadiness. On the right and centre the enemy was repulsed in every attempt he made with his heavy column in that quarter of the field; on the left, however, and nearest to the point of arrival of his reinforcements, he drove forward line after line of his fresh troops. which were met with a resolution and courage of which our country may be proudly hopeful. Again and again our troops were brought to the charge, invariably to win the position at issue, invariably to drive back their foe. But hour by hour thus opposed to an enemy constantly reenforced, our ranks were perceptibly thinned under the unceasing, withering fire of the enemy, and by twelve meridian, eighteen hours of hard fighting had sensibly exhausted a large number; my last reserves had necessarily been disposed of, and the enemy was evidently receiving fresh reinforcements after each repulse; accordingly about one P. M., I determined to withdraw from so unequal a conflict, securing such of the results of the victory of the day before as were practicable.

Officers of my staff were immediately despatched with the necessary orders to make the best disposition for a deliberate, orderly withdrawal from the field, and to collect and post a reserve to meet the enemy, should he attempt to push after us. In this connection I will mention particularly my Adjutant-General, Col. Jordan, who was of much assistance to me on this occasion, as he had already been on the field of battle on that and the preceding day.

About two o'clock P. M., the lines in advance, which had repulsed the enemy in their last fierce assault on our left and centre, received the orders to retire; this was done with uncommon steadiness, and the enemy made no attempt to follow.

The line of troops established to cover this movement had been disposed on a favorable ridge commanding the ground of Shiloh Church; from this position our artillery played upon the woods beyond for a while, but upon no visible enemy and without reply. Soon satisfied that no serious pursuit would be attempted, this last line was withdrawn, and never did troops leave a battle-field in better order; even the stragglers fell into ranks and marched off with those who had stood more steadily by their colors. A second position was taken up about a mile in the rear, where the approach of the enemy was waited for nearly an hour, but no effort to follow was made, and only a small detachment of horsemen could be seen at a distance from this last position, warily observing our movements.

Arranging, through my staff-officers, for the completion of the movements thus begun, Brig.-Gen. Breckinridge was left with his command a rear-guard to hold the ground we had occupied the night preceding the first battle, just in front of the intersection of the Pittsburgh and Hamburgh roads, about four miles from the former place, while the rest of the army passed to the rear in excellent order.

On the following day Gen. Breckinridge fell back about three miles to Mickey's, which position we continued to hold, with our cavalry thrown considerably forward in immediate proximity to the battle-field.

Unfortunately, toward the night of the seventh instant, it began to rain heavily; this continued throughout the night; the roads became almost impassable in many places, and much hardship and suffering now ensued before all the regiments reached their encampments. But despite the heavy casualties of the two eventful days of the sixth and seventh of April, this army is more confident of ultimate success than before its encounter with the enemy.

To give more in detail the operations of the two battles, resulting from the movement on Pittsburgh, than now attempted, must have delayed this report for weeks, and interfered materially with the important duties of my position; but I may be permitted to say that not only did the obstinate conflict for twelve hours on Sunday leave the confederate army masters of the battle-field, and our adversary beaten, but we left that field on the next day, only after eight hours incessant battle with a superior army of fresh troops, whom we had repulsed in every attack on our lines; so repulsed and crippled, indeed, as to leave it unable to take the field for the campaign for which it was collected and equipped at such enormous expense, and with such profusion of all the appliances of war. These successful events were not achieved, however, as before said, without severe loss — a loss not to be measured by the number of the slain or wounded, but by the high social and personal worth of so large a number of those who were killed or disabled, including the commander of the forces, whose high qualities will be greatly missed in the momentous campaign impending.

I deeply regret to record, also, the death of the Hon. George M. Johnson, Povisional Governor of Kentucky, who went into action with the Kentucky troops, and continually inspired them by his words and example. Having his horse shot under him on Sunday, he entered the ranks of a Kentucky regiment on Monday, and fell mortally wounded toward the close of the day. Not his State alone, but the whole Confederacy, has sustained a great loss in the death of this brave, upright and able man.

Another gallant and able soldier and captain was lost to the service of the country, when Brigadier-General Gladden, commanding First brigade, Withers' division, Third army corps, died from a severe wound received on the fifth instant, after having been conspicuous to his whole corps and the army for courage and capacity.

Major-General Cheatham, commanding First division, First corps, was slightly wounded, and had three horses shot under him.

Brig.-General Clark, commanding First division of the First corps, received a severe wound [384] also on the first day, which will deprive the army of his valuable services for some time.

Brigadier-Gen. Hindman, engaged in the outset of the battle, was conspicuous for a cool courage, efficiently employed in leading his men ever into the thickest of the fray, until his horse was shot under him, and he was unfortunately so severely injured by the fall that the army was deprived, on the following day, of his chivalrous example.

Brigadier-Generals B. R. Johnson and Bowen, most meritorious officers, were also severely wounded in the first combat; but it is hoped will soon be able to return to duty with their brigades.

To mention the many field-officers who died or were wounded while gallantly leading their commands into action, and the many brilliant instances of individual courage displayed by officers and men in the twenty hours of battle, is impossible at this time; but their names will be duly made known to their countrymen.

From this agreeable duty I turn to one in the highest degree unpleasant--one due, however, to the brave men under me, as a contrast to the behavior of most of the army who fought so heroically. I allude to the fact that some officers, noncommissioned officers and men, abandoned their colors early in the first day to pillage the captured encampments; others retired shamefully from the field on both days, while the thunder of cannon and the roar and rattle of musketry told them that their brothers were being slaughtered by the fresh legions of the enemy. I have ordered the names of the most conspicuous upon this roll of laggards and cowards to be published in orders.

It remains to state that our loss in the two days in the killed outright was one thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight; wounded, eight thousand and twelve; missing, nine hundred and fifty-nine,--making an aggregate of casualties of ten thousand six hundred and ninety-nine.

This sad list tells in simple language of the stout fight made by our countrymen in front of the rude log chapel at Shiloh, especially when it is known that on Monday, from exhaustion and other causes, not twenty thousand men on our side could be brought into action.

Of the losses of the enemy I have no exact knowledge. Their newspapers report it as very heavy. Unquestionably it was greater, even in proportion, than our own, on both days; for it was apparent to all that their dead left on the field outnumbered ours two to one.

Their casualties, therefore, cannot have fallen many short of twenty thousand killed, wounded, prisoners and missing.

Through information derived from many sources — including the newspapers of the enemy — we engaged on Sunday the divisions of Gens. Prentiss, Sherman, Hurlbut, McClernand and Smith, of nine thousand men each, or at least forty-five thousand men. This force was reenforced on Sunday night by the divisions of Gens. Nelson, McCook, Crittenden and Thomas, of Major-Gen. Buell's army, some twenty-five thousand strong, including all arms; also Gen. L. Wallace's division of Gen. Grant's army,--making at least thirty-three thousand fresh troops, which, added to the remnant of Gen. Grant's forces on Monday morning, amounting to over twenty thousand, made an aggregate force of some fifty-three thousand men at least arrayed against us on that day.

In connection with the results of the battle, I should state that the most of our men who had inferior arms exchanged them for the improved arms of the enemy. Also, that most of the property, public and personal, in the camp from which the enemy was driven on Sunday, was rendered useless or greatly damaged, except some of the tents.

I have the honor to be, General,

Your obedient servant,

1. Field and company officers are specially enjoined to instruct their men, under all circumstances, to fire with deliberation at the feet of the enemy. They will thus avoid over-shooting, and besides, wounded men give more trouble to our adversary than dead, as they have to be taken from the field.

2. Officers in command must be cool and collected; hold their men in hand in action, and caution them against useless, aimless firing. The men must be instructed and required each one to single out his mark. It was the deliberate sharpshooting of our forefathers in the Revolution of 1776, and New-Orleans, in 1815, which made them so formidable against the odds with which they were engaged.

3. In the beginning of a battle, except by troops deployed as skirmishers, the fire by file will be avoided. It excites the men, and renders their subsequent control difficult. Fire by wing or company should be resorted to instead. During the battle the officers and non-commissioned officers must keep their men in the ranks, enforce obedience, and encourage and stimulate them if necessary.

4. Soldiers must not be permitted to leave the ranks, even to assist in removing our own dead, unless by special permission, which shall only be given when the action has been decided. The surest way to protect the wounded is to drive the enemy from the field. The most pressing, highest duty is to win the victory.

5. Before the battle, the quartermaster of the division will make all necessary arrangements for the immediate transportation of the wounded from the field. After consultation with the medical officers, he will establish the ambulancedepot in the rear, and give his assistants the necessary instructions for efficient service of the wagons and other means of transportation. [385]

6. The ambulance-depot to which the wounded are to be carried direct for immediate treatment, should be established at the most convenient building nearest the field of battle. A red flag marks the place and way to it.

7. The active ambulances follow the troops, to succor the wounded and remove them to the depot. Before the engagement about five men, the least effective under arms to the company, will be detailed to assist the ambulance-conductors in removing wounded, providing water, and otherwise assisting the wounded. These men will not loiter about the depots, but must always return to the field of battle as soon as practicable.

8. Before and immediately after the battle the roll of each company will be called, and absentees must be strictly accounted for. To quit their standard on the battle-field under fire, under pretence of removing or aiding the wounded, will not be permitted. Any one persisting in it will be shot on the spot, and whosoever shall be found to have quit the field, his regiment, or his company, without authority, will be regarded and proclaimed as a coward, and dealt with accordingly.

By command of

preliminary — the fight opens.

Fresh from the field of the great battle, with its pounding and roaring of artillery, and its keenervoiced rattle of musketry still sounding in my wearied ears; with all its visions of horror still seeming seared upon my eye-balls, while-scenes of panic-stricken rout and brilliant charges, and obstinate defences, and succor, and intoxicating success are burned alike confusedly and indelibly upon the brain, I essay to write what I know of the battle of Pittsburgh Landing. [386]

Yet how bring order out of such a chaos? How deal justly, writing within twenty-four hours of the closing of the fight, with all the gallant regiments, of the hundred present, that bravely won or as bravely lost, and with all that ignobly fled in panic from the field? How describe, so that one man may leisurely follow, the simultaneous operations of a hundred and fifty thousand antagonists, fighting backward and forward for two long days, in a five miles' line and over four miles' retreat and advance, under eight division commanders on one side, and an unknown number on the other? How, in short, picture on a canvas so necessarily small a panorama so grandly great? The task is impossible.

But what one man, diligently using all his powers of observation through those two days, might see, I saw, and that I can faithfully set down. For the rest, after riding carefully over and over the ground, asking questions innumerable of those who knew, and sifting consistent truth from the multiplicity of replies with whatever skill some experience may have taught, I can only give the concurrent testimony of the actors.

the situation before the battle.

Our great Tennessee Expedition had been up the river some four weeks. We had occupied Pittsburgh Landing for about three; had destroyed one railroad connection, which the rebels had restored in a day or two, and had failed in a similar but more important attempt on another. Beyond this we had engaged in no active operations. The rebels, alarmed by our sudden appearance, began massing their troops under our eyes. Presently they had more in the vicinity than we had. Then we waited for Buell, who was crossing the country from Nashville by easy marches. The rebels had apparently become restive under our slow concentrations, and General Grant had given out that an attack from them seemed probable. Yet we had lain at Pittsburgh Landing, within twenty miles of the rebels, that were likely to attack us in superior numbers, without throwing up a single breastwork or preparing a single protection for a battery, and with the brigades of one division stretched from extreme right to extreme left of our line, while four other divisions had been crowded in between, as they arrived.

On the evening of Friday, April fourth, there was a preliminary skirmish with the enemy's advance. Rumors came into camp that some of our officers had been taken prisoners by a considerable rebel force, near our lines, and that pickets had been firing. A brigade, the Seventieth, Seventy-second, and Forty--eighth Ohio, was sent out to see about it. They came upon a party of rebels, perhaps a thousand strong, and after a sharp little action drove them off, losing Major Crocket, of the Seventy-second Ohio, and a couple of lieutenants from the Seventieth, prisoners, taking in return some sixteen, and driving the rebels back to a battery they were found to have already in position, at no great distance from our lines. Gen. Lew. Wallace's troops at Crump's Landing, were ordered out under arms, and they marched to Adamsville, half-way between the river and Purdy, to take position there and resist any attack in that direction. The night passed in dreary rain, but without further rebel demonstration; and it was generally supposed that the affair had been an ordinary picket-fight, presaging nothing more. Major-Gen Grant had indeed said there was great probability of a rebel attack, but there were no appearances of his making any preparation for such an unlooked for event, and so the matter was dismissed. Yet on Saturday there was more skirmishing along our advanced lines.

the rebel designs.

There can be no doubt the plan of the rebel leaders was to attack and demolish Grant's army before Buell's reinforcements arrived. There were rumors, indeed, that such a movement had been expressly ordered from headquarters at Richmond, as being absolutely necessary, as a last bold stroke, to save the failing fortunes of the Confederacy in the West; though of that, no one, I presume, knows anything.

But the rebel leaders at Corinth were fully aware that they largely outnumbered Grant, and that no measures had been taken to strengthen the position at Pittsburgh Landing; while they knew equally well that when Buell's entire Kentucky army arrived, and was added to Grant's forces, they could not possibly expect to hold their vitally important position at Corinth against us. Their only hope, therefore, lay in attacking Grant before Buell arrived, and so defeating us in detail. Fortunately they timed their movements a day too late.

the warning of danger.

The sun never rose on a more beautiful morning than that of Sunday, April sixth. Lulled by the general security, I had remained in pleasant quarters at Crump's, below Pittsburgh Landing, on the river. By sunrise I was roused by the cry: “They're fighting above.” Volleys of musketry could sure enough be distinguished, and occasionally the sullen boom of artillery came echoing down the stream. Momentarily the volume of sound increased, till it became evident it was no skirmish that was in progress, and that a considerable portion of the army must be already engaged. Hastily springing on the guards of a passing steamboat, I hurried up.

Thee sweet spring sunshine danced over the rippling waters, and softly lit up the green of the banks. A few fleecy clouds alone broke the azure above. A light breeze murmured among the young leaves; the blue-birds were singing their gentle treble to the stern music that still came louder and deeper to us from the bluffs above, and the frogs were croaking their feeble imitation from the marshy islands that studded the channel.

Even thus early the west bank of the river was lined with the usual fugitives from action hurriedly pushing onwards, they knew not where, except down stream and away from the fight. [387] An officer on board hailed numbers of them and demanded their reason for being there, but they all gave the same response: “We're clean cut to pieces, and every man must save himselff”

At the Landing appearances became still more ominous. Our two Cincinnati wooden gunboats, Tyler and Lexington, were edging uneasily up and down the banks, eager to put in their broadsides of heavy guns, but unable to find where they could do it. The roar of battle was startlingly close, and showed that the rebels were in earnest attempt to carry out their threat of driving us into the river. The landing and bluff above were covered with cowards who had fled from their ranks to the rear for safety, and who were telling the most fearful stories of the rebel onset and the sufferings of their own particular regiments. Momentarily fresh fugitives came back, often guns in hand, and all giving the same accounts of thickening disasters in front.

Hurrying out toward the scene of action, I was soon convinced that there was too much foundation for the tales of the runaways. Sherman's and Prentiss' entire divisions were falling back in disorder, sharply pressed by the rebels in overwhelming numbers, at all points. McClernand's had already lost part of its camps, and it, too, was falling back. There was one consolation — only one--I could see just then: history, so the divines say, is positive on the point that no attack ever made on the Sabbath was eventually a success to the attacking party. Nevertheless, the signs were sadly against the theologians.

Let me return — premising that I have thus brought the reader into the scene near the close of the first act in our Sunday's tragedy — to the preliminaries of the opening of the assault.

position of the National troops.

And first, of our positions. Let the reader understand that the Pittsburgh Landing is simply a narrow ravine, down which a road passes to the river-bank, between high bluffs on either side. There is no town at all--two log-huts comprise all the improvements visible. Back from the river is a rolling country, cut: up with numerous ravines, partially under cultivation, but perhaps the greater part thickly wooded with some underbrush. The soil is clayey, and roads on Sunday morning were good. From the Landing a road leads direct to Corinth, twenty miles distant. A mile or two out this road forks: one branch is the lower Corinth road, the other the ridge Corinth road. A short distance out, another road takes off to the left, crosses Lick Creek, and leads back to the river at Hamburgh, some miles further up. On the right, two separate roads lead off to Purdy, and another, a new one, across Snake Creek to Crump's Landing on the river below. Besides these, the whole country inside our lines is cut up with roads leading to our different camps; and beyond the lines is the most inextricable maze of cross-roads, intersecting everything and leading everywhere, in which it was ever my ill-fortune to become entangled.

On and between these roads, at distances of from two to four or five miles from Pittsburgh Landing, lay five divisions of Major-Gen. Grant's army that Sunday morning. The advance line was formed by three divisions--Brig.-Gen. Sherman's, Brig.-Gen. Prentiss's, and Major-Gen. McClernand's. Between these and the Landing lay the two others--Brig.-Gen. Hurlbut's and Major Gen. Smith's, commanded, in the absence (from sickness) of that admirable officer, by Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Wallace.

Our advance line, beginning at the extreme left, was thus formed. On the Hamburgh road, just this side the crossing of Lick Creek and under bluffs on the opposite bank that commanded the position, lay Col. D. Stuart's brigade of Gen. Sherman's division. Some three or four miles distant from this brigade, on the lower Corinth road and between that and the one to Purdy, lay the remaining brigades of Sherman's division, McDowell's forming the extreme right of our whole advance line, Buckland's coming next to it, and Hildebrand's next. To the left of Hildebrand's brigade, though rather behind a portion of Sherman's line, lay Major-Gen. McClernand's division, and between it and Stuart's brigade, already mentioned as forming our extreme left, lay Brig.-Gen. Prentiss's division, completing the front.

Back of this line, within a mile of the Landing, lay Hurlburt's division, stretching across the Corinth road, and W. H. L. Wallace's to his right.

Such was the position of our troops at Pitts burgh Landing, at daybreak Sunday morning Major-General Lew. Wallace's division lay a Crump's Landing, some miles below, and was not ordered up till about half-past 7 o'clock that day.

It is idle to criticise arrangements now — it is so easy to be wise after a matter is over — but the reader will hardly fail to observe the essential defects of such disposition of troops for a great battle. Nearly four miles intervened between the different parts of Sherman's division. Of course to command the one, he must neglect the other. McClernand's lay partially behind Sherman, and therefore, not stretching far enough to the left, there was a gap between him and Prentiss, which the rebels did not fail speedily to find. Our extreme left was commanded by unguarded heights, easily approachable from Corinth. And the whole arrangement was confused and ill-adjusted.

Confusion was not the only glaring fault. Gen. Sherman's camps, to the right of the little log-cabin called Shiloh church, fronted on a descending slope of a quarter to a half mile in breadth, mostly covered with woods, and bounded by a ravine. A day's work of his troops would have covered that slope with an impenetrable abattis, thrown a line of breastworks to the front of the camps, and enabled Gen. Sherman to sweep all approaches with artillery and musketry, and hold his position against any force that was brought against it. But for, three weeks he had lain there, declaring the position dangerous, and predicting attack; yet absolutely without [388] making the slightest preparation for the commonest means of defence!

The rebel plan of attack.

During Friday and Saturday the rebels had marched out of Corinth, about sixty thousand strong, in three great divisions. Sidney Johnston had general command of the whole army. Beauregard had the centre; Braxton Bragg and Hardee the wings. Polk, Breckinridge, Cheatham and others held subordinate commands. On Thursday Johnston issued a proclamation to the army, announcing to them in grandiloquent terms that he was about to lead them against the invaders, and that they would soon celebrate the great, decisive victory of the war, in which they had repelled the invading column, redeemed Tennessee, and preserved the Southern Confederacy.

Their general plan of attack is said by prisoners to have been to strike our centre first, (composed, as the reader will remember, of Prentiss's and McClernand's divisions,) pierce the centre, and then pour in their troops to attack on each side the wings into which they would thus cut our army.

To accomplish this, they should have struck the left of the three brigades of Sherman's division which lay on our right, and the left of McClernand's, which came to the front on Sherman's left. By some mistake, however, they struck Sherman's left alone, and that a few moments after a portion of their right wing had swept up against Prentiss.

Troops First attacked.

The troops thus attacked, by six o'clock, or before it, were as follows: The left of Sherman's brigades, that of Col. Hildebrand, was composed of the Fifty-ninth Ohio, Col. Pfyffe; Seventy-seventh Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel commanding; Fifty-third Ohio, Col. Appler; and Fifty-third Illinois.

To the right of this was Col. Buckland's brigade, composed of the Seventy-second Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Canfield; Forty-eighth Ohio, Colonel Sullivan; and Seventieth Ohio, Col. Cockerell.

And on the extreme right, Col. McDowell's brigade, Sixth Iowa, (Col. McDowell--Lieutenant-Colonel commanding;) Fortieth Illinois, Colonel Hicks; Forty-sixth Ohio, Colonel Thos. Worthington.

Gen. Prentiss's division was composed of the Twelfth Michigan, Sixteenth Wisconsin, Eighteenth Wisconsin, Eighteenth Missouri, Twenty-third Missouri, Twenty-fifth Missouri, and Sixty-first Illinois.

The battle on Sunday, April 6. our men surprised.

Almost at dawn, Prentiss's pickets were driven in; a very little later Hildebrand's (in Sherman's division) were; and the enemy were in the camps almost as soon as were the pickets themselves.

Here began scenes which, let us hope, will have no parallel in our remaining annals of the war. Some, particularly among our officers, were not yet out of bed. Others were dressing, others washing, others cooking, a few eating their break-fasts. Many guns were unloaded, accoutrements lying pell-mell, ammunition was ill-supplied — in short, the camps were virtually surprised — disgracefully, it might be added, unless some one can hereafter give some yet undiscovered reason to the contrary — and were taken at almost every possible disadvantage.

The first wild cries from the pickets rushing in, and the few scattering shots that preceded their arrival, aroused the regiments to a sense of their peril; an instant afterward, shells were hurtling through the tents, while, before there was time for thought of preparation, there came rushing through the woods, with lines of battle sweeping the whole fronts of the division-camps and bending down on either flank, the fine, dashing, compact columns of the enemy.

Into the just — aroused camps thronged the rebel regiments, firing sharp volleys as they came, and springing toward our laggards with the bayonet. Some were shot down as they were running, without weapons, hatless, coatless, toward the river. The searching bullets found other poor unfortunates in their tents, and there, all unheeding now, they still slumbered, while the unseen foe rushed on. Others fell, as they were disentangling themselves from the flaps that formed the doors to their tents; others as they were buckling on their accoutrements; a few, it was even said, as they were vainly trying to impress on the cruelly-exultant enemy their readiness to surrender.

Officers were wounded in their beds, and left for dead, who, through the whole two days fearful struggle, lay there gasping in their agony, and on Monday evening were found in their gore, inside their tents, and still able to tell the tale.

Such were the fearful disasters that opened the rebel onset on the lines of Prentiss's division. Similar were the fates of Hildebrand's brigade in Sherman's division.

Meantime what they could our shattered regiments did. Falling rapidly back through the heavy woods till they gained a protecting ridge, firing as they ran, and making what resistance men thus situated might, Sherman's men succeeded in partially checking the rush of the enemy, long enough to form their hasty line of battle. Meantime the other two brigades of the division (to the right) sprang hastily to their arms, and had barely done so when the enemy's lines came sweeping up against their fronts too, and the battle thus opened fiercely along Sherman's whole line on the right.

Hildebrand's brigade had beep compelled to abandon their camps without a struggle. Some of the regiments, it is even said, ran without firing a gun. Col. Appler's, Fifty-third Ohio, is loudly complained of on this score, and others are mentioned. It is certain that parts of regiments, [389] both here and in other divisions, ran disgracefully. Yet they were not wholly without excuse. They were raw troops, just from the usual idleness of our “camps of instruction;” hundreds of them had never heard a gun fired in anger; their officers, for the most part, were equally inexperienced; they had been reposing in fancied security, and were awaked, perhaps from sweet dreams of home and wives and children, by the stunning roar of cannon in their very midst, and the bursting of bomb-shells among their tents — to see only the serried columns of the magnificent rebel advance, and through the blinding, stifling smoke, the hasty retreat of comrades and supports, right and left. Certainly, it is sad enough, but hardly surprising that under such circumstances, some should run. Half as much caused the wild panic at Bull Run, for which the nation, as one man, became a loudmouthed apologist.

But they ran — here as in Prentiss's division, of which last more in a moment — and the enemy did not fail to profit by the wild disorder. As Hildebrand's brigade fell back, McClernand threw forward his left to support it. Meanwhile Sherman was doing his best to rally his troops. Dashing along the lines, encouraging them everywhere by his presence, and exposing his own life with the same freedom with which he demanded their offer of theirs, he did much to save the division from utter destruction. Buckland and McDowell held their ground fiercely for a time. At last they were compelled to retire their brigades from their camps across the little ravine behind; but here again they made a gallant defence, while what was left of Hildebrand's was falling back in such order as it might, and leaving McClernand's left to take their place, and check the wave of rebel advance.

Prentis's division.

Prentiss was faring scarcely so well. Most of his troops stood their ground, to be formed into line, but strangely enough, the line was drawn up in an open space, leaving to the enemy the cover of the dense scrub-oak in front, from which they could pour in their volleys in comparative safety.

The men held their position with an obstinacy that adds new laurels to the character of the American soldiers, but it was too late. Down on either flank came the overwhelming enemy. Fiercely pushed in front, with a wall of bayonets closing in on either side, like the contracting iron chamber of the Inquisition, what could they do but what they did? Speedily their resistance became less obstinate, more and more rapidly they fell back, less and less frequent became their returning volleys.

The enemy pushed their advantage. They were already within our lines; they had driven one division from all its camps, and nearly opened, as they supposed, the way to the river. Just here — between nine and ten o'clock--McArthur's brigade of W. H. L. Wallace's division came up to give some assistance to Stuart's brigade of Sherman's division, on the extreme left, now in imminent danger of being cut off by Prentiss's defection. McArthur mistook the way, marched too far to the right, and so, instead of reaching Stuart, came in on the other side of the rebels, now closely pushing Prentiss. His men at once opened vigorously on the enemy, and for a time they seemed likely still to save our imperilled division. But coming unawares, as they seem to have done, upon the enemy, their positions were not well chosen, and all had to fall back together.

Gen. Prentiss seems here to have become separated from a large portion of his command. The division fell into confusion; fragments of brigades and regiments continued the fight, but there was no longer concert of action or continuity of lines of defence. Most of the troops drifted back behind the new lines that were being formed; many, as they continued an isolated struggle, were surrounded and taken prisoners.

Practically, by ten o'clock the division was gone. Gen. Prentiss and the few troops that surrounded him maintained a detached position some hours longer, till they were completely cut off and surrounded; and the rebels signalized their success by marching three regiments, with a division general, as prisoners, to their rear.

By ten o'clock, however, this entire division was virtually hors du combat. A deep gap in our front line was made, the rebels had nearly pierced through, and were only held back by McArthur's brigade, and the rest of W. H. L. Wallace's division, which hurried over to its assistance.

For the present let us leave them there. They held the line from this time until four.

Sherman's division — McClernand's.

We left Sherman's brigades maintaining a confused fight, Hildebrand's about gone, Buckland's and McDowell's holding their ground more tenaciously. The firing aroused McClernand's division. At first they supposed it to be a mere skirmish; perhaps even only the irregular discharge of muskets by guards and pickets, to clean out their guns — a practice which, to the disgrace of our discipline be it said, was well nigh universal — and rendered it almost impossible at any time to know whether firing meant anything at all, beyond ordinary disorder of our own soldiers. But the continued rattle of musketry soon undeceived them, and almost as soon the advance of the rebels, pouring after Hildebrand, was upon them.

The division, it will be remembered, lay a short distance in the rear, and with one brigade stretching out to the left of Sherman's line. Properly speaking, merely from the location of the camp, McClernand did not belong to the front line at all. Two thirds of his division were entirely behind Sherman. But as the latter fell back, McClernand had to bear the shock of battle.

His division was composed as follows: First brigade, Col. Hare commanding, Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois, Eleventh and Thirteenth [390] Iowa; Second brigade, Col. C. C. Marsh commanding, Eleventh, Twentieth, Forty-eighth and Forty-fifth Illinois, Cols. Ransom, Marsh, Haynie and Smith, (the latter is the “lead-mine regiment;” ) Third brigade, Col. Raitt commanding, Seventeenth, Twenty-ninth and Forty-ninth Illinois, Lieut.-Cols. Wood, Farrell and Pease, and Forty-third Illinois, Col. Marsh. Besides this fine show of experienced troops, they had Schwartz's, Dresser's, McAllister's and Waterhouse's batteries.

As already stated, McClernand was first called into action shortly after the surprise of Sherman's left brigade, (Hildebrand's)--about seven in the morning--by having to move up his left brigade to support Sherman's retreating left and preserve the line. Then, as Sherman's other brigades fell back, McClernand's moved up and engaged the enemy in support. Gradually the resistance in Buckland's brigade and what was still left to its right of Hildebrand's, became more confused and irresolute. The line wavered, the men fell back in squads and companies, they failed to rally promptly at the call of their officers. As they retreated, the woods behind them became thinner and there was less protection from the storm of grape that swept as if on blasts of a hurricane among the trees. Lieut.-Col. Canfield, commanding the Seventy-Second Ohio, was mortally wounded and borne dying from the field. Col. Sullivan of the Forty-Eighth Ohio, was wounded, but continued at the head of his men. Company officers fell and were carried away from their men. At one of our wavering retreats, the rebels, by a sudden dash forward, had taken part of Waterhouse's battery, which McClernand had sent them over. Beer's battery too was taken, and Taylor's Chicago Light Artillery was so terribly pounded as to be forced to retire with heavy loss. As the troops gave way, they came out from the open woods into old fields, completely raked by the enemy's fire. For them all was lost, and away went Buckland's and Hildebrand's brigades, Ohioans and Illinoisans together, to the rear and right, in such order as they might.

McDowell's brigade had fallen back less slowly than its two companions of the same division, but it was now left entirely alone. It had formed our extreme right, and of course had no support there; its supporting brigades on the left had gone; through the space they had occupied the rebels were pouring; they were in imminent danger of being entirely cut off, and back they fell too, still farther to the right and rear, among the ravines that border Snake Creek.

And here, so far as Sunday's fight is concerned, the greater part of Sherman's division passes out of view. The General himself was indefatigable in collecting and reorganizing his men, and a straggling contest was doubtless kept up along portions of his new lines, but with little weight in inclining the scales of battle. The General bore with him one token of the danger to which he had exposed himself, a musket-ball through the hand. It was the common expression of all that his.escape so lightly was wonderful. Whatever may be his faults or neglects, none can accuse him of a lack of gallantry and energy when the attack was made on his raw division that memorable Sunday morning.

Attack on McClernand's right.

To return to McClernand's division: I have spoken of his sending up first his left, and then his centre brigade to support Sherman, shortly after the surprise. As Sherman fell back, McClernand was compelled to bring in his brigades again to protect his left against the onset of the rebels, who, seeing how he had weakened himself there, and inspired by their recent success over Prentiss, hurled themselves against him with tremendous force. To avoid bringing back these troops, a couple of new regiments, the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa, were brought up, but taking utterly raw troops on the field, under heavy fire, was too severe a trial for them, and they gave way in confusion. To meet the attack, then the whole division made a change of front and faced along the Corinth road. Here the batteries were placed in position, and till ten o'clock the rebels were foiled in every attempt to gain the road.

But Sherman having now fallen back, there was nothing to prevent the rebels from coming in, farther out on the road, and turning McClernand's right. Prompt to seize the advantage, a brigade of them went dashing audaciously through the division's abandoned camp, pushing up the road to come in above McClernand, between him and where Sherman had been. Dresser's batter y of rifled guns opened on them as they passed, and with fearful slaughter — not confined, alas! to one side only — drove them back.

But the enemy's reserves were most skilfully handled, and the constant advance of fresh regiments was at last too much for our inferior numbers. Major Eaton, commanding the Eighteenth Illinois, was killed; Colonel Haynie was severely wounded; Col. Raith, commanding a brigade, had his leg so shattered that amputation was necessary; Major Nevins, of the Eleventh Illinois, was wounded; Lieut.-Col. Ransom of the same regiment, was wounded; three of Gen. McClernand's staff, Major Schwartz, Major Stewart and Lieut. Freeman, were wounded, and carried from the field. Line officers had suffered heavily. The batteries were broken up. Schwartz had lost half his guns and sixteen horses. Dresser had lost several of his rifled pieces, three caissons and eighteen horses. McAllister had lost half his twenty-four-pound howitzers.

The soldiers fought bravely to the last — let no man question that — but they were at a fearful disadvantage. Gradually they began falling back, more slowly than had Prentiss's regiments, or part of Sherman's, making more determined, because better organized, resistance, occasionally rallying and repulsing the enemy in turn for a hundred yards, then being beaten back again, and renewing the retreat to some new position for fresh defence.

By eleven o'clock the division was back in a [391] line with Hurlbut's. It still did some gallant fighting; once its right swept around and drove the enemy for a considerable distance, but again fell back, and at the last it brought up near the position of W. H. L. Wallace's camps.

We have seen how Prentiss, Sherman, McClernand were driven back; how, fight as fiercely as they would, they still lost ground; how their camps were all in the hands of the enemy; and how this whole front line, for which Hurlburt and Wallace were but the reserves, was gone.

The assault on Sherman's left.

But the fortunes of the isolated brigade of Sherman's division, on the extreme left, must not be forgotten. It was doubly let alone by the Generals. Gen. Grant did not arrive on the field till after nearly all these disasters had crowded upon us, and each division general had done that which was good in his own eyes, and carried on the battle independent of the rest; but this brigade was even left by its division general, who was four miles away, doing his best to rally his panicstricken regiments there.

It was commanded by Col. David Stuart, (of late Chicago divorce-case fame, and ex-Congressman,) and was composed of the Fifty-fifth Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Malmbourg, commanding; Seventy-first Ohio, Col. Rodney Mason; the Fifty-fourth Ohio, (Zouaves,) Col. T. K. Smith. It was posted along the circuitous road from Pittsburgh Landing, up the river to Hamburgh, some two miles from the Landing, and near the crossing of Lick Creek, the bluffs on the opposite side of which commanded the position, and stretching on down to join Prentiss's division on its right. In selecting the grounds for the encampment of our army, it seems to have been forgotten that from Corinth an excellent road led direct to Hamburgh, a few miles above this left wing of our forces. Within a few days, the oversight had indeed been discovered, and the determination had been expressed to land Buell's forces at Hamburgh, when they arrived, and thus make all safe. It was unfortunate, of course, that Beauregard and Johnston did not wait for us to perfect our pleasing arrangements.

When the rebels marched out from Corinth, a couple of brigades (rumored to be under the command of Breckinridge) had taken this road, and thus easily, and without molestation reached the bluffs of Lick Creek, commanding Stuart's position.

During the attack on Prentiss, Stuart's brigade was formed along the road, the left resting near the Lick Creek ford, the right, Seventy-first Ohio, Col. Rodney Mason, (late Assistant Adjutant-General of Ohio, and Colonel of the Second Ohio at Manassas,) being nearest Prentiss. The first intimation they had of disaster to their right was the partial cessation of firing. An instant afterward muskets were seen glinting among the leaves, and presently a rebel column emerged from a bend in the road, with banners flying and moving at double-quick down the road toward them. Their supports to the left were further off than the rebels, and it was at once seen that, with but one piece of artillery a single regiment could do nothing there. They accordingly fell rapidly back toward the ford, and were re-formed in an orchard near the other regiments.

The rebel column veered on further to the right, in search of Prentiss' flying troops, and for a brief space, though utterly isolated, they were unmolested.

Before ten, however, the brigade, which had still stood listening to the surging roar of battle on the left, was startled by the screaming of a shell that came directly over their heads. In an instant the batteries of the rebel force that had gained the commanding bluffs opposite, by approaching on the Corinth and Hamburgh road, were in full play, and the orchards and open fields in which they were posted (looking only for attack in the opposite direction) were swept with the exploding shells and hail-storm rush of grape.

Under cover of this fire from the bluffs, the rebels rushed down, crossed the ford, and in a moment were seen forming this side the creek, in open fields also, and within close musket-range. Their color-bearers stepped defiantly to the front, as the engagement opened furiously, the rebels pouring in sharp, quick volleys of musketry, and their batteries above continuing to support them with a destructive fire. Our sharpshooters wanted to pick off the audacious rebel color-bearers, but Col. Stuart interposed: “No, no, they're too brave fellows to be killed.” Almost at the first fire, Lieut.-Col. Barton S. Kyle, of the Seventy-first, was shot through the breast the brigade stood for scarcely ten minutes, when it became evident that its position was untenable, and they fell rapidly back, perhaps a quarter of a mile, to the next ridge; a few of his men, at great personal risk, carrying Lieut.-Col. Kyle, in a dying condition, from the field they were abandoning. Ohio lost no braver, truer man that day.

As they reached the next woody ridge, rebel cavalry, that had crossed the creek lower down, were seen coming up on their left; and to resist this new attack the line of battle was formed, fronting in that direction. For three quarters of an hour the brigade stood here. The cavalry, finding its purpose foiled, did not come within range. In front they were hard pressed, and the rebels, who had followed Prentiss, began to come in on their right. Col. Stuart had sent across to Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, then not engaged, for support. Brig.-Gen. McArthur's brigade was promptly started across, but mistaking the way, and bearing too much to the right, it speedily found itself in the midst of the rebel forces that had poured in after Prentiss. Gen. McArthur could thus render Stuart's brigade no assistance, but he vigorously engaged the rebels to his front and flanks, fell back to a good position, and held these troops in bay till the rest of his division came up to his aid. Gen. MeArthur was himself disabled by a wound in the foot, but he rode in to a hospital, had it dressed, and returned to the brigade, which meantime sturdily held its position. [392]

But this brought Stuart's isolated brigade little help. They were soon forced to fall back to another ridge, then to another, and finally, about twelve o'clock, badly shattered and disordered, they retreated to the right and rear, falling in behind Gen. McArthur's brigade to reorganize. Colonel Stuart was himself wounded by a ball through his right shoulder, and the loss of field and company-officers was sufficient to greatly discourage the troops.

Desperate condition of the National troops.

This clears our entire front line of divisions. The enemy has full possession of all Sherman's, Prentiss's, and McClernand's camps. By ten o'clock our whole front, except Stuart's brigade, had given way, and the burden of the fight was resting on Hurlbut and W. H. L. Wallace. Before twelve Stuart, too, had come back, and for the time absolutely only those two divisions stood between our army and destruction or surrender.

Still all was not lost. Hurlbut and Wallace began making a most gallant stand; and meantime most of the troops from the three driven divisions were still to some extent available. Many of them had wandered down the river — some as far as Crump's Landing, and some even to Savannah. These were brought back again on transports. Lines of guards were extended to prevent skulkers from getting back to the Landing, and especially to stop the shrewd dodge among the cravens of taking six or eight ablebodied soldiers to assist some slightly-wounded fellow into the hospital; and between this cordon and the rear of the fighting divisions the fragments of regiments were reorganized after a fashion, and sent back to the field. Brigades could not be got together again, much less divisions, but the regiments pieced together from the loose squads that could be gathered and officered, often by men who could find scarcely a soldier of their own commands, were hurried to the front, and many of them did good service.

It was fortunate for us that the accidental circumstance that Prentiss's portion of our line had been completely broken sooner than any of the rest, had caused the enemy's onset to veer chiefly to our left. There we were tolerably safe; and at worst, if the rebels drove us to the river on the left flank, the gunboats could come into play. Our weakest point was the right, and to turning this the rebels do not seem to have paid so much attention on Sunday.

According to general understanding, in the event of an attack at Pittsburgh Landing, Major-Gen. Lew. Wallace was to come in on our right and flank the rebels by marching across from Crump's Landing below. Yet strangely enough, Wallace, though with his division all drawn up and ready to march anywhere at a moment's notice, was not ordered to Pittsburgh Landing till nearly if not quite twelve o'clock. Then through misdirection as to the way to come in on the flank, four miles of marching were lost, and the circuitous route made it twelve miles more, before they could reach the scene of battle. Meantime our right was almost wholly unprotected. Fortunately, as I said, however, the rebels do not seem to have discovered the full extent of this weakness, and their heaviest fighting was done on the centre and left, where we still preserved our line.

Hurlbut's division.

Hurlbut's division, it will be remembered, stretched across the Corinth road, facing rather to our left. W. H. L. Wallace's other brigades had gone over to assist McArthur, and the division, thus reunited, steadily closed the line, where Prentiss's division and Stuart's brigade, in their retreat, had left it open. To Hurlbut's right the lines were patched out with the reorganized regiments that had been re-sent to the field. McClernand and Sherman were both there.

Hurlbut had been encamped in the edge nearest the river of a stretch of open fields, backed with heavy timber. Among his troops were the Seventeenth and Twenty-fifth Kentucky, Forty-fourth and Thirty-first Indiana, constituting Lauman's brigade; Third Iowa, Forty-first Illinois, and some others, forming Col. Williams's brigade.

As Prentiss fell back, Hurlbut's left aided Wallace in sustaining the rebel onset, and when McClernand gave way, the remainder of the division was thrown forward. The position beyond the camps, however, was not a good one, and the division was compelled to fall back, through its camps to the thick woods behind. Here, with open fields before them, they could rake the rebel approach. Nobly did they now stand their ground. From ten to half-past 3 they held the enemy in check, and through nearly that whole time were actively engaged. Hurlbut himself displayed the most daring and brilliant gallantry, and his example, with that of the brave officers under him, nerved the men to the sternest endurance.

Three times during those long hours the heavy rebel masses on the left charged upon the division, and three times were they repulsed, with terrible slaughter. Close, sharp, continuous musketry, whole lines belching fire on the rebels as the leaden storm swept the helds over which they attempted to advance, were too much for rebel discipline, though the bodies left scattered over the fields, even on Monday evening, bore ghastly testimony to the daring with which they had been precipitated toward our lines.

But there is still much in the Napoleonic theory that Providence has a tendency at least to go with the heaviest battalions. The battalions were against us. The rebel generals, too, handled their forces with a skill that extorted admiration in the midst of our sufferings. Repulse was nothing to them. A rush on our lines failed; they took their disordered troops to the rear, and sent up fresh troops, who unknowing the fearful reception awaiting them, were ready to try it again. The jaded division was compelled to yield, and after six hours magnificent fighting, it fell back out of sight of its camps, and to a point within half a mile of the Landing.

[393]

Wallace's division-its General mortally wounded.

Let us turn to the fate of Hurlbut's companion division — that of Brigadier-General W, H. L. Wallace, which included the Second and Seventh Iowa, Ninth and Twenty-eighth Illinois, and several of the other regiments composing Major-General Smith's old division; with also three excellent batteries, Stone's, Richardson's and Weber's (all from Missouri,) forming an artillery battalion, under the general management of Major Cavender.

Here, too, the fight began about ten o'clock, as already described. From that time until four in the afternoon, they manfully bore up. The musketry fire was absolutely continuous; there was scarcely a moment that some part of the line was not pouring in its rattling volleys, and the artillery was admirably served, with but little intermission through the entire time.

Once or twice the infantry advanced, attempting to drive the continually increasing enemy, but though they could hold what they had, their numbers were not equal to the task of conquering any more.

Four separate times the rebels attempted in turn to charge on them. Each time the infantry poured in its quickest volleys, the artillery redoubled its exertions, and the rebels retreated with heavy slaughter. The division was eager to remain, even when Hurlbut fell back, and the fine fellows with the guns were particularly indignant at not being permitted to pound away. But their supports were gone on either side; to have remained in isolated advance would have been madness. Just as the necessity for retreating was becoming apparent, General Wallace, whose cool, collected bravery had commanded the admiration of all, was mortally wounded, and borne away from the field. At last the division fell back. Its soldiers claim — justly, I believe — the proud distinction of being the last to yield, in the general break of our lines, that gloomy Sunday afternoon, which, at half-past 4 o'clock, had left most of our army within half a mile of the Landing, with the rebels, up to a thousand yards of their position.

Capt. Stone could not resist the temptation of stopping, as he passed what had been Hurlbut's headquarters, to try a few parting shots. He did fine execution, but narrowly escaped losing some guns, by having his wheel-horses shot down. Capt. Walker did lose a twenty-pounder through some breakage in the carriage. It was recovered again on Monday.

The close of Sunday's fight.

We have reached the last act in the tragedy of Sunday. It is half-past 4 o'clock. Our front line of divisions has been lost since half-past 10. Our reserve line is now gone, too. The rebels occupy the camps of every division save that of W. H. L. Wallace. Our whole army is crowded in the region of Wallace's camps, and to a circuit of one half to two thirds of a mile around the Landing. We have been falling back all day. We can do it no more. The next repulse puts us into the river, and there are not transports enough to cross a single division till the enemy would be upon us.

Lew. Wallace's division might turn the tide for us — it is made of fighting men — but where is it? Why has it not been thundering on the right for three hours past? We do not know yet that it was not ordered up till noon. Buell is coming, but he has been doing it all day, and all last week. His advance-guard is across the river now, waiting ferriage; but what is an advanceguard, with sixty thousand victorious foes in front of us?

We have lost nearly all our camps and camp equipage. We have lost nearly half our field artillery. We have lost a division general and two or three regiments of our soldiers as prisoners. We have lost — how dreadfully we are afraid to think — in killed and wounded. The hospitals are full to overflowing. A long ridge bluff is set apart for surgical uses. It is covered with the maimed, the dead and dying. And our men are discouraged by prolonged defeat. Nothing but the most energetic exertion, on the part of the officers, prevents them from becoming demoralized. Regiments have lost their favorite field-officers; companies the captains whom they have always looked to, with that implicit faith the soldier learns, to lead them to battle.

Meanwhile there is a lull in the firing. For the first time since sunrise you fail to catch the angry rattle of musketry or the heavy booming of the field-guns. Either the enemy must be preparing for the grand, final rush that is to crown the day's success and save the Southern Confederacy, or they are puzzled by our last retreat, and are moving cautiously lest we spring some trap upon them. Let us embrace the opportunity, and look about the Landing. We pass the old-log house, lately post-office, now full of wounded and surgeons, which constitutes the “Pittsburgh” part of the Landing. General Grant and staff are in a group beside it. The General is confident. “We can hold them off till to-morrow; then they'll be exhausted, and we'll go at them with fresh troops.” A great crowd is collected around the building — all in uniforms, most of them with guns. And yet we are needing troops in the front so sorely!

Cowards.

On the bluffs above the river is a sight that may well make our cheeks tingle. There are not less than five thousand skulkers lining the banks I Ask them why they don't go to their places in the line: “Oh! Our regiment is all cut to pieces.” “Why don't you go to where it is forming again?” “I can't find it,” and the hulk looks as if that would be the very last thing he would want to do.

Officers are around among them, trying to hunt up their men, storming, coaxing, commanding — cursing I am afraid. One strange fellow — a Major, if I remember aright — is making a sort of elevated, superfine Fourth of July speech to [394] everybody that will listen to him. He means well, certainly: “Men of Kentucky, of Illinois, of Ohio, of Iowa, of Indiana, I implore you, I beg of you, come up now. Help us through two hours more. By all that you hold dear, by the homes you hope to defend, by the flag you love, by the States you honor, by all your love of country, by all your hatred of treason, I conjure you, come up and do your duty now!” And so on for quantity. “That feller's a good speaker,” was the only response I heard, and the fellow who gave it nestled more snugly behind his tree as he spoke.

I knew well enough the nature of the skulking animal in an army during a battle. I had seen their performances before, but never on so large a scale, never with such an utter sickness of heart while I looked, as now. Still, I do not believe there was very much more than the average per centage. It was a big army, and the runaways all sought the Landing.

Arrival of Gen. Buell.

Looking across the Tennessee we see a body of cavalry, awaiting transportation over. They are said to be Buell's advance, yet they have been there an hour or two alone. But suddenly there is a rustle among the runaways. It is! it is! You see the gleaming of the gun-barrels, you catch amid the leaves and undergrowth down the opposite side of the river glimpses of the steady, swinging tramp of trained soldiers. A division of Buell's army is here! And the men who have left their regiments on the field send up three cheers for Buell. They cheering! May it parch their throats, as if they had been breathing the simoon!

Here comes a boat across with a Lieutenant and two or three privates of the Signal Corps. Some orders are instantly given the officer and as instantly telegraphed to the other side by the mysterious waving and raisings and droppings of the flags. A steamer comes up with pontoons on board, with which a bridge could be speedily thrown across. Unaccountably enough, to on-lookers, she slowly reconnoitres and steams back again. Perhaps, after all, it is better to have no bridge there. It simplifies the question, takes escape out of the count, and leaves it victory or death — to the cowards that slink behind the bluffs as well as to the brave men who peril their lives to do the state some service on the fields beyond. Preparations go rapidly forward for crossing the division (Gen. Nelson's, which has the advance of Buell's army) on the dozen or so transports that have been tied up along the bank.

We have spent but a few minutes on the bluff, but they are the golden minutes that count for years. Well was it for that driven, defeated, but not disgraced army of Gen. Grant's that those minutes were improved. Col. Webster, Chief of Staff, and an artillery officer of no mean ability, had arranged the guns that he could collect of those that remained to us in a sort of semi — circle, protecting the Landing, and bearing chiefly on our centre and left, by which the rebels were pretty sure to advance. Corps of artillerists to man them were improvised from all the batteries that could be collected. Twenty-two guns in all were placed in position. Two of them were heavy siege-guns, long thirty-twos. Where they came from I do not know; what battery they belonged to I have no idea; I only know that they were there, in the right place, half a mile back from the bluff, sweeping the approaches by the left, and by the ridge Corinth road; that there was nobody to work them; that Dr. Cornyn, Surgeon of Frank Blair's old First Missouri artillery, proffered his services, that they were gladly accepted, and that he did work them to such effect as to lay out ample work for scores of his professional brethren on the other side of the fight.

Remember the situation. It was half-past 4 o'clock--perhaps a quarter later still. Every division of our army on the field had been repulsed. The enemy were in the camps of four out of five of them. We were driven to within little over half a mile of the Landing. Behind us was a deep, rapid river. Before us was a victorious enemy. And still there was an hour for fighting. “Oh! That night or Blucher would come!” Oh! that night or Lew. Wallace would come! Nelson's division of Gen. Buell's army evidently couldn't cross in time to do us much good. We didn't yet know why Lew. Wallace wasn't on the ground. In the justice of a righteous cause, and in that semi-circle of twenty-two guns in position, lay all the hope we could see.

Suddenly a broad, sulphurous flash of light leaped out from the darkening woods; and through the glare and smoke came whistling the leaden hail. The rebels were making their crowning effort for the day, and as was expected when our guns were hastily placed, they came from our left and centre. They had wasted their fire at one thousand yards. Instantaneously our deep-mouthed bull-dogs flung out their sonorous response. The rebel artillery opened, and shell and round-shot came tearing across the open space back of the bluff. May I be forgiven for the malicious thought, but I certainly did wish one or two might drop behind the bluff among the crowd of skulkers hovering under the hill at the river's edge.

Very handsome was the response our broken infantry battalions poured in. The enemy soon had reason to remember that, if not

Still in their ashes live the wonted fires,

at least still in the fragments lived the ancient valor that had made the short-lived rebel suecesses already cost so dear.

The gunboats open fire.

The rebel infantry gained no ground, but the furious cannonading and musketry continued. Suddenly new actors entered on the stage. Our Cincinnati wooden gunboats, the A. O. Taylor and the Lexington, had been all day impatiently chafing for their time to come. The opportunity was theirs. The rebels were attacking on our [395] left, lying where Stuart's brigade had lain on Licking Creek in the morning, and stretching thence in on the Hamburgh road, and across toward our old centre as far as Hurlbut's camps. Steaming up to the mouth of the little creek, the boats rounded to. There was the ravine, cut through the bluff as if on purpose for their shells.

Eager to avenge the death of their commanding General, (now known to have been killed a couple of hours before,) and to complete the victory they believed to be within their grasp, the rebels had incautiously ventured within reach of their most dreaded antagonists, as broadside after broadside of seven-inch shells and sixty-four-pound shot soon taught them. This was a foe they had hardly counted on, and the unexpected fire in flank and rear sadly disconcerted their well-laid plans. The boats fired admirably, and with a rapidity that was astonishing. Our twenty-two land-guns kept up their stormy thunder; and thus, amid a crash and roar and scream of shells and demon-like hiss of Minieballs, that Sabbath evening wore away. We held the enemy at bay; it was enough. The prospect for the morrow was foreboding; but sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. We had had plenty of evil that day — of course, therefore, the text was applicable. Before dark the Thirty-sixth Indiana, from Nelson's advance brigade, had crossed, advanced into line with Grant's forces at the double-quick, and had put in fourteen rounds as an earnest of what should be forthcoming on the morrow.

The enemy suddenly slackened his fire. His grand object had been defeated; he had not finished his task in a day; but there is evidence that officers and men alike shared the confidence that their morning assault would be final.

The night between two battles.

As the sounds of battle died away, and division generals drew off their men, Buell had arrived, and Lew. Wallace had been heard from. Both would be ready by morning. It was decided that as soon as possible after daybreak we should attack the enemy, now snugly quartered in our camps. Lew. Wallace, who was coming in on the new road from Crump's Landing, and crossing Snake Creek just above the Illinois Wallace's (W. H. L.) camps, was to take the right and sweep back toward the position from which Sherman had been driven on Sunday morning. Nelson was to take the extreme left. Buell promised to put in Tom. Crittenden next to Nelson, and McCook next to him by a seasonable hour in the morning. The gap between McCook and Lew. Wallace was to be filled with the reorganized divisions of Grant's old army; Hurlbut coming next to McCook, then McClernand, and Sherman closing the gap between McClernand and Lew. Wallace.

Stealthily the troops crept to their new positions and lay down in line of battle on their arms. All through the night Buell's men were marching up from Savannah to the point opposite Pittsburgh Landing and being ferried across, or were coming up on transports. By an hour after dark Lew. Wallace had his division in. Through the misdirection he had received from Gen. Grant at noon, he had started on the Snake Creek road proper, which would have brought him in on the enemy's rear, miles from support, and where he would have been gobbled at a mouthful. Getting back to the right road had delayed him. He at once ascertained the position of certain rebel batteries which lay in front of him on our right, that threatened absolutely to bar his advance in the morning, and selected positions for a couple of his batteries, from which they could silence the one he dreaded. Placing these in position, and arranging his brigades for support, took him till one o'clock in the morning. Then his wearied men lay down to snatch a few hours of sleep before entering into the valley of the Shadow of Death on the morrow.

By nine o'clock all was hushed near the Landing. The host of combatants that three hours before had been deep in the work of human destruction had all sunk silently to the earth, “the wearied to sleep, the wounded to die.” The stars looked out upon the scene, and all breathed the natural quiet and calm of a Sabbath evening. But presently there came a flash that spread like sheet-lightning over the ripples of the river-current, and the roar of a heavy naval gun went echoing up and down the bluffs, through the unnatural stillness of the night. Others speedily followed. By the flash you could just discern the black outline of the piratical-looking hull, and see how the gunboat gracefully settled into the water at the recoil; the smoke soon cast up a thin veil that seemed only to soften and sweeten the scene; from the woods away inland you caught faintly the muffled explosion of the shell, like the knell of the spirit that was taking its flight.

We knew nothing then of the effect of this gunboat cannonading, which was vigorously kept up till nearly morning, and it only served to remind us the more vividly of the day's disasters, of the fact that half a mile off lay a victorious enemy, commanded by the most dashing of their generals, and of the question one scarcely dared ask himself: “What to-morrow?” We were defeated, our dead and dying were around us, days could hardly sum up our losses. And then there came up that grand refrain of Whittier's — written after Manassas, I believe, but on that night, apparently far more applicable to this greater than Manassas--“Under the cloud and through the sea.”

Sons of the Saints who faced their Jordan flood,
     In fierce Atlantic's unretreating wave--
Who by the Red Sea of their glorious blood
     Reached to the Freedom that your blood shall save!

O countrymen! God's day is not yet done!
     He leaveth not his people utterly!
Count it a covenant, that he leads us on
     Beneath the clouds and through the crimson sea!

[396]

The battle on Monday, April 7. our muster-roll.

I have given the line of battle agreed upon for our forces on Monday: right wing, Maj.--Gen. Lew. Wallace; left wing, Brig.-Gen. Nelson. Between these, beginning at the left, Brig.-Gens. Tom. Crittenden, A. McD. McCook, Hurlbut, McClernand and Sherman. In the divisions of the three latter were to be included also the remains of Prentiss's and W. H. L. Wallace's commands — shattered, disorganized, and left without commanders, through the capture of one, and the probably mortal wound of the other.

Buell's three divisions were not full when the battle opened Monday morning, but the lacking regiments were gradually brought into the rear. To save future delay I give here a list of his troops, and of Lew. Wallace's, engaged:

Brig.-Gen. Nelson's division--First brigade, Col. Ammon, Twenty-fourth Ohio, commanding--Thirty-sixth Indiana, Col. Gross; Sixth Ohio, Lieut.--Colonel Anderson; Twenty-fourth Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Fred. C. Jones.

Second brigade, Saunders D. Bruce, Twentieth Kentucky, commanding--First Kentucky, Col. Enyart; Second Kentucky, Col. Sedgwick; Twentieth Kentucky, Lieut.-Col.--commanding.

Third brigade, Colonel Hazen, Forty-first Ohio, commanding--Forty-first Ohio, Sixth Kentucky, and Ninth Indiana.

Brig.--Gen. Tom. Crittenden's division: First brigade, Gen. Boyle; Nineteenth Ohio, Col. Beatty; Fifty-ninth Ohio, Colonel Pfyffe; Thirteenth Kentucky, Col. Hobson; Ninth Kentucky, Col. Grider. Second brigade, Col. William S. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio, commanding; Thirteenth Ohio, Lieut.--Col. Hawkins; Twenty-sixth Kentucky, Lieut.-Col. Maxwell; Eleventh Kentucky, Col. P. P. Hawkins; with Mendenhall's regular and Bartlett's Ohio batteries.

Brig.-Gen. McCook's division: First brigade, Brig.-Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau; First Ohio, Col. Ed. A. Parrott; Sixth Indiana, Col. Crittenden; Third Kentucky, (Louisville Legion;) battalions Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Nineteenth regulars. Second brigade, Brig.-Gen. Johnston; Thirty-second Indiana, Col. Willich; Thirty-ninth Indiana, Col. Harrison; Forty-ninth Ohio, Col. Gibson. Third brigade, Col. Kirk, Thirty-fourth Illinois, commanding; Thirty-fourth Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Badsworth; Twenty-ninth Indiana, Lieut.--Col. Drum; Thirtieth Indiana, Col. Bass; Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, Col. Stambaugh.

Maj.-Gen. Lew. Wallace's division, right of army: First brigade, Col. Morgan L. Smith commanding; Eighth Missouri, Col. Morgan L. Smith, Lieut.--Col. James Peckham commanding; Eleventh Indiana, Col. George F. McGinnis; Twenty-fourth Indiana, Col. Alvin P. Hovey; Thurber's Missouri Battery. Second brigade, Col. Thayer, First Nebraska, commanding; First Nebraska, Lieut.-Col. McCord commanding; Twenty-third Indiana, Col. Sanderson; Fifty-eighth Ohio, Col. Bausenwein; Sixty-eighth Ohio, Col. Steadman; Thompson's Indiana battery. Third brigade, Col. Chas. Whittlesey, Twentieth Ohio, commanding; Twentieth Ohio, Lieut.-Col.--commanding; Fifty-sixth Ohio, Col. Pete Kinney; Seventy-sixth Ohio, Col. Charles R. Woods; Seventy-eighth Ohio, Col. Leggett.

The work of Sunday night.

With the exception of the gunboat bombardment, the night seemed to have passed in entire quiet. A heavy thunder-storm had come up about midnight, and though we were all shivering over the ducking, the surgeons assured us that a better thing could not have happened. The ground, they said, was covered with wounded not yet found, or whom we were unable to bring from the field. The moisture would to some extent, cool the burning, parching thirst, which is one of the chief terrors of lying wounded and helpless on the battle-field, and the falling water was the best dressing for the wounds.

The regiments of Buell's divisions were still disembarking at the Landing. Many had taken their places, the rest hurried on out as fast as they landed, and fell in, to the rear of their brigade-lines, for reserves. I stood for a few moments at the Landing, curious to see how these fine fellows would march out to the field where they knew reverses had crowded so thickly upon us the day before, and where many of them must lie down to sleep his last sleep ere the sun, then rising, should sink again. There was little of that vulgar vanity of valor which was so conspicuous in all the movements of our rawer troops eight or nine months ago. There was no noisy and senseless yelling, no shouting of boasts, no calling on on-lookers to “show us where the cowardly Secesh is, and we'll clean 'em out double-quick.” These men understood the work before them; they went to it as brave men should, determinedly, hopefully, calmly.

It soon became evident that the gunboat bombardment through the night had not been without a most important effect in changing the conditions under which we renewed the struggle. The sun had gone down with the enemy's lines clasping us tightly on the centre and left, pushing us to the river, and leaving us little over half a mile out of all the broad space we had held in the morning. The gunboats had cut the coils, and loosened the constriction. As we soon learned, their shells had made the old position on our extreme left, which the rebels had been pleasantly occupying, utterly untenable. Instead of being able to slip up on us through the night, as they had probably intended, they were compelled to fall back from point to point; each time as they had found places, they thought, out of range, a shell would come dropping in. Nowhere within range could they lie, but the troublesome visitors would find them out; and to end the matter, they fell back beyond our inner camps, and thus lost more than half the ground they had gained by our four o'clock retreat the afternoon before.

Less easily accounted for was a movement of theirs on our right. They had held here a steep [397] bluff, covered with underbrush, as their advanced line. Through the night they abandoned this, which gave them the best position for opposing Lew. Wallace, and had fallen back across some open fields to the scrub-oak woods beyond. The advantage of compelling our advance over unprotected openings, while they maintained a sheltered position, was obvious, but certainly not so great as holding a height which artillery and infantry would make as difficult to take as many a fort. Nevertheless they fell back.

Want of system on our side.

The reader who is patient enough to wade through this narration, will scarcely fail to observe that thus far I have said little or nothing of any plan of attack or defence among our commanders. It has been simply because I have failed to see any evidences of such a plan. To me it seemed on Sunday as if every division general at least — not to say in many cases, every individual soldier — imitated the good old Israelitish plan of action, by which every man did what seemed good in his own eyes. There may have been an infinite amount of generalship displayed, in superintending our various defeats and re-formations and retreats, but to me it seemed of that microscopic character that required the magnifying powers of a special permit for exclusive newspaper telegraphing on government lines to discover.

Sunday night there was a council of war, but if the Major-General commanding developed any plans there beyond the simple arrangement of our line of battle, I am very certain that some of the division commanders didn't find it out. Stubborn fighting alone delayed our losses on Sunday; stubborn fighting alone saved us when we had reached the point beyond which came the child's “jumping-off place;” and stubborn fighting, with such generalship as individual division commanders displayed, regained on Monday what we had lost before.

To those who had looked despairingly at the prospects Sunday evening, it seemed strange that the rebels did not open out on us by day-break again. Their retreat before the bombshells of the gunboats, however, explained the delay. Our own divisions were put in motion almost simultaneously. By seven o'clock Lew. Wallace opened the ball by shelling, from the positions he had selected the night before, the rebel battery, of which mention has been made. A brisk artillery duel, a rapid movement of infantry across a shallow ravine, as if to storm, and the rebels enfiladed and menaced in front, limbered up and made the opening of their Monday's retreating.

Nelson's advance.

To the left we were slower in finding the enemy. They had been compelled to travel some distance to get out of gunboat range. Nelson moved his division about the same time Wallace opened on the rebel battery, forming in line of battle, Ammon's brigade on the extreme left, Bruce's in the centre, and Hazen's to the right. Skirmishers were thrown out, and for nearly or quite a mile the division thus swept the country, pushing a few outlying rebels before it, till it came upon them in force. Then a general engagement broke out along the line, and again the rattle of musketry and thunder of artillery echoed over the late silent fields. There was no straggling this morning. These men were better drilled than many of those whose regiments had broken to pieces on the day before, and strict measures were taken, at any rate, to prevent the miscellaneous thronging back to places of safety in the rear. They stood up to their work and did their duty manfully.

It soon became evident that, whether from change of commanders or some other cause, the rebels were pursuing a different policy in massing their forces. On Sunday the heaviest fighting had been done on the left. This morning they seemed to make less determined resistance here, while toward the centre and right the ground was more obstinately contested, and the struggle longer prolonged.

Till half-past 10 o'clock, Nelson advanced slowly but steadily, sweeping his long lines over the ground of our sore defeat on Sunday morning, and forward over scores of rebel dead, resistlessly pressing back the jaded and wearied enemy. The rebels had received but few reenforcements during the night, their men were exhausted with their desperate contest of the day before, and manifestly dispirited by the evident fact that notwithstanding their well-laid plans of destruction in detail, they were fighting Grant and Buell combined.

Gradually, as Nelson pushed forward his lines under heavy musketry, the enemy fell back, till about half-past 10, when, under cover of the heavy timber and a furious cannonading, they made a general rally. Our forces, flushed with their easy victory, were scarcely prepared for the sudden onset, where retreat had been all they had been seeing before. Suddenly the rebel masses were hurled against our lines with tremendous force. Our men halted, wavered, and fell back. At this critical juncture Capt. Terrell's regular battery came dashing up. Scarcely taking time to unlimber, he was loading and sighting his pieces before the caissons had turned, and in an instant was tossing shell from twenty-four-pound howitzers into the compact and advancing rebel ranks.

Here was the turning-point of the battle on the left. The rebels were only checked, not halted. On they came. Horse after horse from the batteries was picked off. Every private at one of the howitzers fell, and the gun was worked by Capt. Terrell himself and a corporal. Still the rebels advanced, till, in the very nick of time, a regiment dashed up from our line, and saved the disabled piece. Then for two hours artillery and musketry at close range. At last they began to waver. Our men pressed on, pouring in deadly volleys. Just then Buell, who assumed the general direction of his troops in the field, came up. [398] At a glance he saw the chance. “Forward at double-quick by brigades!” Our men leaped forward as if they had been tied, and were only too much rejoiced at suddenly finding themselves able to move. For a quarter of a mile the rebels fell back. Faster and faster they ran, less and less resistance was made to the advance. At last the front camps on the left were reached, and by half-past 2 that point was cleared. The rebels had been steadily swept back over the ground they had won, with heavy loss as they fell into confusion; we had retaken all our own guns lost here the day before, and one or two from the rebels were left as trophies, to tell in after-days how bravely that great victory over treason in Tennessee was won.

Advance of Crittenden's division.

I have sketched the advance of Nelson. Next to him came Crittenden. He too swept forward over his ground to the front some distance before finding the foe. Between eight and nine o'clock, however, while keeping Smith's brigade on his left up even with Nelson's flank, and joining Boyle's brigade to McCook on the right, in the grand advance, they came upon the enemy with a battery in position, and well supported. Smith dashed his brigade forward; there was sharp, close work with musketry, and the rebels fled, leaving us three pieces — a twelve-pound howitzer, and two brass six-pounders. But they cost the gallant Thirteenth Ohio dear. Major Ben. Piatt Runkle fell, mortally wounded. Softly may he sleep, and green grow the laurels over his honored grave. None worthier wear them living.

For half an hour perhaps the storm raged around these captured guns. Then came the reflex rebel wave that had hurled Nelson back. Crittenden, too, caught its full force. The rebels swept up to the batteries, around them, and on down after our retreating column. But the two brigades, like those of Nelson to their left, took a fresh position, faced the foe, and held their ground. Mendenhall's and Bartlett's batteries now began shelling the infantry that alone opposed them. Before abandoning the guns so briefly held, they had spiked them with mud, and the novel expedient was perfectly successful. From that time till after one o'clock, while the fight raged back and forth over the same ground, the rebels did not succeed in firing a shot from their mud-spiked artillery.

At last our brigades began to gain the advantage again. Crittenden pushed them steadily forward. Mendenhall (with his accomplished First Lieutenant Parsons, one of our Western Reserve West-Pointers) and Bartlett poured in their shell. A rush for the contested battery, and it is ours again. The rebels retreated toward the left. Smith and Boyle, holding the infantry well in hand, Mendenhall again got their range, and poured in shell on the new position. The fortune of the day was against them as against their comrades to Nelson's front, and they were soon in full retreat.

Just then Brig.-Gen. Thomas J. Woods' advance brigade from his approaching division came up. It was too late for the fight, but it relieved Crittenden's weary fellows, and pushed on after the rebels, until they were found to have left our most advanced camps.

McCook's advance.

Thus the left was saved. Meanwhile McCook, with as magnificent regiments as ever came from the Army of the Potomac, or from any army of volunteers in the world, was doing equally well toward the centre. His division was handled in such a way as to save great effusion of blood, while equally important results were attained. Thus the reserves were kept as much as possible from under fire, while those to the front were engaged. The lists of killed and wounded will show that, while as heavy fighting was done here as anywhere on the right or centre, the casualties are fewer than could have been expected.

It would scarcely be interesting to prolong details where the course of one division so nearly resembled that of the others. But let me sketch the close. An Illinois battery, serving in the division, was in imminent danger. The Sixth Indiana was ordered to its relief. A rapid rush; close musketry firing; no need of bayonets here; the battery is safe. The enemy are to the front and right. Advancing and firing right oblique, the Sixth pushes on. The rebel colors fall. Another volley; they fall again. Another volley; yet once more the colors drop. There is fatality in it; so the rebels seem to think at least, as they wheel and disappear.

And then Rousseau's brigade is drawn off, in splendid style, as if coming in from parade, conscious of some grand master of reviews watching their movements. So there was — the rebel general. As he saw the brigade filing back, he pushed his forces forward again. Kirk's brigade advanced to meet them, coming out of the woods into an open field to do so. They were met by a tremendous fire, which threw a battalion of regulars in front of them (under Major Oliver, I think) into some confusion. They retire to reform, and meanwhile down drops the brigade, flat on the ground. Then, as the front is clear, they spring up, charge across the open field — never mind the falling — straight on, on to the woods — under cover, with the enemy driven back by the impetuous advance. And now he rallies. Fierce musketry firing sweeps the woods. They advance--thirty rods perhaps — when the Twenty ninth Indiana gets into a marsh, and falls partially to the rear. Heavier comes the leaden hail. Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth both fall back fifteen or twenty rods; they rally and advance; again they are hurled back; again they start forward; and this time they come in on the vulnerable points. The enemy flees. Col. Waggoner's Fifteenth Indiana comes up to the support; the enemy disappear; fresh troops take their places, and for them the fight is ended. I might describe similar deeds of Willich's and Harrison's regiments, but “from one learn all.”

[399]

McClernand and Hurlbut.

Farther to the right, McClernand and Hurlbut were gallantly coming on with their jaded men, the soldiers would fight--that was the great lesson of the battle. If surprised, and driven off in consequence of surprise, that can hardly be wholly charged on them. Four times McClernand regained and lost again the ground to the front of his division. Similar were Hurlbut's fortunes.

But I must abandon these details. Beginning at the left, we have followed the wave of successes that swept us forward again, from spot to spot, over the hard-lost fields of Sunday--our paeans of victory, the wild cheers of our successful soldiers, sounding the requiem of the fallen rebels, who have atoned for their treason by the brave man's death. Nelson, Crittenden, McCook, Hurlbut, McClernand have borne their divisions through the fray. It lasted longer on the right, and was as rarely interesting as the chess-game of a master. Let us trace it through.

Lew. Wallace's movements.

In speaking of the beginning of Monday's battle, I mentioned Major-Gen. Lew. Wallace's opening the ball at seven o'clock, by shelling with enfilading fires a rebel battery. A few shots demonstrated to the rebels that their position was untenable. The instant Sherman came in to protect his left, Wallace advanced his infantry. The rebel battery at once limbered up and got out of the way. The advance had withdrawn the division from Sherman. Making a left half-wheel, to get back into the neighborhood of our line, they advanced some two hundred yards, which brought them to a little elevation, with a broad open stretch to the front.

As the division halted on the crest of the swell, there passed before them a rare vision. Away to the front were woods. Through the edge of the timber, skirting the fields, the head of a rebel column appeared, marching past in splendid style on the double-quick. Banner after banner appeared ; the “stars and bars” formed a long line, stretching parallel with Wallace's line of battle. Regiment after regiment followed on, the line lengthened, and doubled and trebled; the head of the column was out of sight, and still they came. Twenty regiments were counted passing through these woods. The design was plain. The rebels had abandoned the idea of forcing their way through our left, and now the manifest attempt was to turn our right.

Batteries were ordered up — Thompson's and Thurber's — and the whole column was shelled as it passed. The rebels rapidly threw their artillery into position, and a brisk cannonading began. After a time, while the fight still rested with the artillery, the rebels opened a new and destructive battery to the right, which our men soon learned to know as “Watson's Louisiana battery,” from the marks on the ammunition-boxes they forced it from time to time to leave behind.

Batteries, with a brigade of supporting infantry, were now moved forward over open fields under heavy fire, to contend against this new assailant the batteries opened, the sharpshooters were thrown out to the front to pick off the rebel artillerists, the brigade was ordered down on its face to protect it from the flying shell and grape. For an hour and a half the contest lasted, while the body of the division was still delayed, waiting for Sherman. By ten o'clock Sherman's right, under Col. Marsh, came up. He started to move across the fields. The storm of musketry and grape was too much for him, and he fell back in good order. Again he started on the double, and gained the woods. The Louisiana battery was turned; Marsh's position left it subject to fire in flank and front, and it fled. The other rebel batteries at once did the same; and Wallace's division, up in an instant, now that a master move had swept the board, pushed forward. Before them were broad fallow fields, then a woody little ravine, then corn-fields, then woods.

The left brigade was sent forward. It crossed the fallow fields, under ordinary fire, then gained the ravine, and was rushing across the corn-fields, when the same Louisiana steel rifled guns opened on them. Dashing forward they reached a little ground-swell, behind which they dropped like dead men, while skirmishers were sent forward to silence the troublesome battery. The skirmishers crawled forward till they gained a little knoll, not more than seventy-five yards from the battery. Of course the battery opened on them. They replied, if not so noisily, more to the purpose. In a few minutes the battery was driven off, with artillerists killed, horses shot down, and badly crippled every way. But the affair cost us a brave man--Lieut.-Colonel Garber--who could not control his enthusiasm at the conduct of the skirmishers, and in his excitement incautiously exposed himself. All this while rebel regiments were pouring up to attack the audacious brigade that was supporting the skirmishers, and fresh regiments from Wallace's division came up in time to checkmate the game.

But the battery was silenced. “Forward,” was the division order. Rushing across the corn-fields under heavy fire, they now met the rebels face to face in the woods. The contest was quick, decisive. Close, sharp, continuous musketry for a few minutes, and the rebels fell back.

Here, unfortunately Sherman's right gave way. Wallace's flank was exposed. He instantly formed Col. Wood's (Seventy-sixth Ohio) in a new line of battle, in right angles with the real one, and with orders to protect the flank. The Eleventh Indiana was likewise here engaged in a sharp engagement with the enemy attempting to flank, and for a time the contest waxed fierce. But Sherman soon filled the place of his broken regiments; again Wallace's division poured forward, and again the enemy gave way.

By two o'clock the division was into the woods again, and for three quarters of a mile it advanced under a continuous storm of shot. Then another contest or two with batteries — always met with skirmishers and sharp-shooting — then, by four o'clock, two hours later than on the right, a general [400] rebel retreat — then pursuit, recall, and encampment on the old grounds of Sherman's division, in the very tents from which those regiments were driven that hapless Sunday morning.

The camps were regained. The rebels were repulsed. Their attack had failed. We stood where we began. Rebel cavalry were within half a mile of us. The retreating columns were within striking distance. But we had regained our camps. And so ended the battle of Pittsburgh Landing.

The killed and wounded.

I do not pretend to give more than an estimate; but I have made the estimate with some care, going to the adjutants of different regiments that had been in as heavy fighting as any — getting statements of their losses, sure to be very nearly if not quite accurate, and approximating thus from the loss of a dozen regiments to the probable loss of all. I have ridden over the grounds, too — have seen the dead and wounded lying over the field — have noted the numbers in the hospitals and on the boats. As the result of it all, I do not believe our loss in killed and wounded will number over five thousand The question of prisoners is another matter.

The numbers engaged.

The best opinions of the strength with which the rebels attacked us place their numbers at sixty thousand. They may have been reinforced five to ten thousand Sunday night.

Grant had scarcely forty thousand effective men on Sunday. Of these, half a dozen regiments were utterly raw — had scarcely had their guns long enough to know how to handle them. Some were supplied with weapons on their way up.

Buell crossed three divisions that took part in the action — Nelson's, Crittenden's, and McCook's. They numbered say twenty thousand--a liberal estimate. Lew Wallace came up on Monday, with say seven thousand more. That gives us, counting the Sunday men as all effective again, sixty-seven thousand on Monday, on our side, against sixty to seventy thousand rebels. It was not numbers that gained us the day, it was fighting. All honor to our Northern soldiers for it.

sir: I have the honor to report, in brief, the part taken by my division in the battle of the sixth and seventh April.

On Sunday morning, April sixth, about half-past 7 A. M., I received a message from Brig.-Gen. Sherman, that he was attacked in force, and heavily upon his left.

I immediately ordered Col. J. C. Veatch, commanding the Second brigade, to proceed to the left of Gen. Sherman. This brigade, consisting of the Twenty-fifth Indiana, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Forty-sixth Illinois, was in march in ten minutes, arrived on Gen. Sherman's line rapidly, and went into action. I must refer to Col. Veatch's report for the particulars of that day.

Receiving in a few moments a pressing request for aid from Brig.-Gen. Prentiss, I took command in person of the First and Third brigades, respectively commanded by Col. N. G. Williams, of the Third Iowa, and Brig.-Gen. J. G. Laumann.

The First brigade consisted of the Third Iowa, Forty-first Illinois, Twenty-eighth Illinois, and Thirty-second Illinois.

The Third brigade, of the Thirty-first Indiana, Forty-fourth Indiana, Seventeenth Kentucky, and Twenty-fifth Kentucky. In addition, I took with me the first and second battalions of the Fifth Ohio cavalry; Mann's light battery, four pieces, commanded by First Lieut. E. Brotzmann; Ross's battery, Second Michigan, and Meyer's battery, Thirteenth Ohio.

As we drew near the rear and left of Gen. Prentiss's line, his regiments, in broken masses, drifted through my advance, that gallant officer making every effort to rally them.

I formed my line of battle — the First brigade thrown to the front on the southerly side of a large open field — the Third brigade continuing the line with an obtuse angle around the other side of the field, and extending some distance into the brush and timber. Mann's battery was placed in the angle of the lines, Ross's battery some distance to the left, and the Thirteenth Ohio battery on the right and somewhat advanced in cover of the timber, so as to concentrate the fire upon the open ground in front, and waited for the attack.

A single shot from the enemy's batteries struck in Meyer's Thirteenth Ohio battery, when officers and men, with a common impulse of disgraceful cowardice, abandoned the entire battery — horses, caissons, and guns — and fled, and I saw them no more until Tuesday. I called for volunteers from the artillery, the call was answered, and ten gallant men from Mann's battery and Ross's battery brought in the horses, which were wild, and spiked the guns.

The attack commenced on the Third brigade through the thick timber, and was met and repelled by a steady and continuous fire, which rolled the enemy back in confusion after some half-hour of struggle, leaving many dead and wounded. The glimmer of bayonets on the left and front of the First brigade showed a large force of the enemy gathering, and an attack was soon made on the Forty-first Illinois and Twenty-eighth, on the left of the brigade, and the Thirty-second Illinois and Third Iowa on the right. At the same time a strong force of very steady and gallant troops formed in columns, doubled on the centre, and advanced over the open field in front. They were allowed to approach within four hundred yards when fire was opened from Mann's and Ross's batteries, and from the two right regiments of the First brigade, and Seventeenth and Twenty-fifth Kentucky, which were thrown for-ward slightly, so as to flank the column. Under [401] this withering fire they vainly attempted to deploy, but soon broke and fell back under cover, leaving not less than one hundred and fifty dead and wounded as evidence how our troops maintained their position. The attack on the left was also repulsed, but as the ground was covered with brush the loss could not be judged.

Gen. Prentiss having succeeded in rallying a considerable portion of his command, I permitted him to pass to the front of the right of my Third brigade, where they redeemed their honor by maintaining that line for some time while ammunition was supplied to my regiments. A series of attacks upon the right and left of my line were readily repelled, until I was compelled to order Ross's battery to the rear, on account of its loss in men and horses. During all this time Mann's battery maintained its fire steadily, effectively, and with great rapidity, under the excellent handling of Lieut. E. Brotzmann.

For five hours these brigades maintained their position under repeated and heavy attacks, and endeavored with their thin ranks to hold the space between Stuart's and McClernand's, and did check every attempt to penetrate the lines.

When, about three o'clock, Col. Stuart, on my left, sent me word that he was driven in, and that I would be flanked on the left in a few moments, it was necessary for me to decide at once to abandon either the right or left. I considered that Gen. Prentiss could, with the left of Gen. McClernand's troops, probably hold the right, and sent him notice to reach out toward the right, and drop back steadily parallel with my First brigade, while I rapidly moved Gen. Laumann from the right to the left, and called up two twenty-pounder pieces of Major Cavender's battalion to check the advance of the enemy upon the First brigade. These pieces were taken into action by Dr. Corvine, the surgeon of the battalion, and Lieut. Edwards, and effectually checked the enemy for half an hour, giving me time to draw off my crippled artillery, and to form a new front with the Third brigade. In a few minutes two Texan regiments crossed the ridge separating my line from Stuart's former one, while other troops also advanced.

Willard's battery was thrown into position, under command of Lieut. Wood, and opened with great effect on the Lone Star flags, until their line of fire was obstructed by the charge of the Third brigade, which, after delivering its fire with great steadiness, charged full up the hill, and drove the enemy three hundred or four hundred yards. Perceiving that a heavy force was closing on the left between my line and the river, while heavy fire continued on the right and front, I ordered the line to fall back. The retreat was made quietly and steadily, and in good order. I had hoped to make a stand on the line of my camp, but masses of the enemy were pressing rapidly on each flank, while their light artillery was closing rapidly in the rear. On reaching the twenty-four-pounder siege-guns in battery, near the river, I again succeeded in forming line of battle in rear of the guns, and by direction of Major-Gen. Grant I assumed command of all troops that came up. Broken regiments and disordered battalions came into line gradually upon my division.

Major Cavender posted six of his twenty-pound pieces on my right, and I sent my Aid to establish the light artillery--all that could be found — on my left. Many officers and men unknown to me, and whom I never desire to know, fled in confusion through the line. Many gallant soldiers and brave officers rallied steadily on the new line. I passed to the right, and found myself in communication with Gen. Sherman, and received his instructions. In a short time the enemy appeared on the crest of the ridge, led by the Eighteenth Louisiana, but were cut to pieces by the steady and murderous fire of the artillery. Dr. Corvine again took charge of one of the heavy twenty-four-pounders, and the line of fire of that gun was the one upon which the other pieces concentrated. Gen. Sherman's artillery also was rapidly engaged, and after an artillery contest of some duration the enemy fell back.

Capt. Gwin, U. S. N., had called upon me by one of his officers to mark the place the gunboats might take to open their fire. I advised him to take position on the left of my camp-ground, and open fire as soon as our fire was within that line. He did so, and from my own observation and the statement of prisoners his fire was most effectual in stopping the advance of the enemy on Sunday afternoon and night. About dusk the firing ceased. I advanced my division one hundred yards to the front, threw out pickets, and officers and men bivouacked in a heavy storm of rain. About twelve P. a. Gen. Nelson's leading columns passed my line and went to the front, and I called in my advanced guard. The remnant of my division was reunited, Col. Veatch with the Second brigade having joined me about half-past 4 P. M.

It appears from his report, which I desire may be taken as part of mine, that soon after arriving on the field of battle in the morning, the line of troops in front broke and fled through the lines of the Fifteenth and Forty-sixth Illinois, without firing a shot, and left the Fifteenth exposed to a terrible fire, which they gallantly returned. Lieut.-Col. Ellis and Major Goddard were killed here early in the action, and the regiment fell back. The same misfortune, from the yielding of the front line, threw the Forty-sixth Illinois into confusion, and although the fire was returned by the Forty-sixth with great spirit, the opposing force drove back this unsupported regiment, Col. Davis in person bringing off the colors, in which gallant act he was severely wounded.

The Twenty-fifth Indiana and Fourteenth Illinois changed front and held their ground on the new alignment until ordered to form on the left of Gen. McClernand's command. The Fifteenth and Forty-sixth were separated from the brigade, but fell into line with Gen. McClernand's right.

The battle was sustained in this position — the left resting near my headquarters until the left [402] wing was driven in. The Second brigade fell back toward the river, and was soon followed by the First and Third, and reunited at the heavy guns. This closes the history of Sunday's battle, so far as this division is concerned.

On Monday, about eight o'clock A. M., my division was formed in line close to the river-bank, and I obtained a few crackers for my men. About nine A. M., I was ordered by Gen. Grant to move up to the support of Gen. McClernand, then engaged near his own camp with the First brigade and Mann's battery. I moved forward under the direction of Captain Rowley, Aid-de-Camp, and formed line on the left of Gen. McClernand, with whom that brigade and battery remained during the entire day, taking their full share of the varied fortunes of that division in the gallant charges and the desperate resistance which checkered the field. I am under great obligations to Gen. McClernand for the honorable mention he has personally given to my troops, and have no doubt that his official report shows the same, and as they fought under his immediate eye, and as he was in chief command, I leave this to him.

The Second and Third brigades went into action elsewhere, and again I am compelled to refer to the reports of their immediate commanders, only saying the Second brigade led the charge ordered by Gen. Grant, until recalled by Major-Gen. Buell, and that the Third brigade wa's deeply and fiercely engaged on the right of Gen. McClernand, successfully stopping a movement to flank his right, and holding their ground until the firing ceased. About one o'clock of that day, (Monday,) Gen. McCook having closed up with Gen. McClernand, and the enemy demonstrating in great force on the left, I went, by the request of Gen. McClernand, to the rear of his line, to bring up fresh troops, and was engaged in pressing them forward until the steady advance of Gen. Buell on the extreme left, the firmness of the centre, and the closing in from the right of Generals Sherman and Wallace determined the success of the day, when I called in my exhausted brigades, and led them to their camps. The ground was such on Sunday that I was unable to use cavalry. Col. Taylor's Fifth Ohio cavalry was drawn up in order of battle until near one o'clock, in the hope that some opening might offer for the use of this arm. None appearing, I ordered the command withdrawn from the reach of shot.

They were not in action again until the afternoon of Monday, when they were ordered to the front, but returned to their camps. Their subsequent conduct will be no doubt reported by the officer who conducted the special expedition of which they made part. On Sunday the cavalry lost one man killed, six wounded, and eight horses before they were withdrawn. The greater portion of Ross's battery was captured on Sunday in the ravine near my camp.

For the officers and men of my division I am at a loss for proper words to express my appreciation of their courage and steadiness; where all did their duty so well, I fear to do injustice by specially naming any. The fearful list of killed and wounded officers in my division shows the amount of exposure which they met, while the returns of loss among the privates who fell, unnamed, but heroic, without the hope of special mention, shows distinctly that the rank and file were animated by a true devotion and as firm a courage as their officers.

Col. Williams, Third Iowa, commanding First brigade, was disabled early in the action of Sunday, by a cannon-shot, which killed his horse and paralyzed him, from which he has not yet fully recovered. The command of the brigade devolved on Col. Pugh of the Forty-first Illinois, who led it steadily and well through the entire battle. Col. Pugh desires special mention to be made of Lieut. F. Sessions of Third Iowa, A. A. A. General. My own observations confirm his report, and I recommend Lieut. Sessions to the favorable consideration of the department.

Col. A. K. Johnston, Twenty-eighth Illinois, was under my own eye during both days. I bear willing testimony to the perfect coolness and thorough handling of his regiment throughout the whole time, and to the fact that his regiment halted as a rear-guard on Sunday afternoon, during the retreat, by his personal order, and reported to me for orders before he closed into line.

Col. Logan, of the Thirty-second, was severely wounded on Sunday; the Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty-first fell about the same time, both in discharge of duty.

So great were the casualties among the officers, that the Third Iowa went into action on Monday in command of a First Lieutenant.

To Col. Veatch, commanding Second brigade, my thanks are due for the skill with which he handled his brigade on detached duty, and I refer to his report for the conduct and special notice of his officers. The Government, as I am informed, has recognised his former services by promotion; if not, he has won it now.

Brig.-Gen. J. G. Lauman, commanding Third brigade, took command only the day before the battle. The brigade and their commander know each other now. I saw him hold the right of my line Sunday, with this small body of gallant men, only one thousand seven hundred and seventeen strong, for three hours, and then when changed over to the left, repel the attack of twice his force for a full hour of terrible fighting, closing by the most gallant and successful charge, which gave him time to draw off his force in order, and in comparative safety. His report renders full justice to his officers, among whom Col. Reed of the Forty-fourth Indiana was especially distinguished.

My own thanks have been personally tendered on the field of battle to First Lieutenant E. Brotz mann, commanding Morris's battery, and to this command. This battery fought both days under my personal inspection. It was always ready, effective in execution, changing position promptly when required, and officers, men, and horses steady in action.

Having lost our piece on Sunday, it was easy to distinguish the fire of this battery throughout [403] Monday, in position first on Gen. McClernand's right, then on his centre, and then on the left, they everywhere fulfilled their duty.

I specially recommend this officer for promotion. Capt. Mann of this battery was unable to be in action.

I recommend that the officers of the Thirteenth Ohio battery be mustered out of service, and that the men and material remaining may be applied to filling up the ranks of some battery which has done honor to the service.

My personal thanks are due to my personal staff. Capt. S. D. Atkins, A. A. A. General, who rose from a sick-bed and was with me until I ordered him to the rear. He was absent about three hours and returned and remained throughout the battle.

Lieut. J. C. Long, Ninth Regular infantry, my Aid, was peculiarly active, energetic, and daring in conveying my orders under a heavy fire. He was fortunate in receiving no wound, although one ball passed through his cap, and one through his sleeve. Lieut. Beaver, my acting A. Q. M., acted as Aid with great coolness and courage, and had his horse killed under him. Lieut. W. H. Dorchester joined me as a volunteer Aid on Sunday, and rendered valuable aid on Monday.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,