A question, If you please...

[bama46]

I have been re-reading McDonough's book, "Shiloh, In Hell Before Night" particularily the description of the night of the 6th and the rain...
Now, my family owns some land about 10-12 miles upstream where we had a fishin camp. I have spent many a week in those hills and have seen it rain. It is the only area I have ever seen where you can have a torrential downpour with absolutely no wind...it just RAINS.... the creeks swell, mud is everywhere and life can get pretty miserable even with afull belly and a dry bed,

Given the horrific fight of the 6th, the fact that the ground was torn up from all the shells, balls, etc that had been fired and the torrential rain that soaked the men as well as creating a perfect "loblolly" of mud everywhere, how did they keep their powder dry? I know a flask will keep small amounts dry, but BP will almost abosrb moisture right out of the atmosphere and when it does it goes ..psssft instead of BOOM. Powder had to be resuppled to the men and if everyone is drippin wet, how does that get done?... furthermore, cannon had to be resupplied with enormous amounts of powder (yes I know the charges were pre formed and covered with wool, but it will still get wet

 

[larry_cockerham]

To quote an old movie: Shane! Were are you?

 

[whitworth]

Ever read a book on Shiloh

that mentions Union steamboats carrying supplies. The Union army had steamboat supplies shipped on the Tennessee River, from ports on the Mississippi River, all the way to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee.
And downriver from Pittsburg Landing is the former Fort Henry, also on the Tennessee River.

Some of their supplies of blackpowder had to be on those steamboats, nice and dry.

 

[bama46]

that mentions Union steamboats carrying supplies. The Union army had steamboat supplies shipped on the Tennessee River, from ports on the Mississippi River, all the way to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee.
And downriver from Pittsburg Landing is the former Fort Henry, also on the Tennessee River.

Some of their supplies of blackpowder had to be on those steamboats, nice and dry.

That is all well and good...as long as the powder stays on the boats it is dry, trouble is, it is needed in battle and all the soldiers are sopping wet after having been out in the rain all night... soldiers have to be resupplied with powder on a regular basis...those pretty dry containers of powder get exposed to wet conditions, and finally, the confederate army had no boats from which to draw powder.... so, again, how did the armies keep powder dry in that environment? Once again, BP is very susceptible to damp conditions, not to mention downpours

 

[ole]

My understanding, bama, is that the cartridge case did keep the powder dry. Yeah, I sometimes wonder about that, but it remains that the system worked. However hellacious the weather, you could touch off a shot or three because your cartridge and cap were dry.

Just a thought.

Ole

 

[trice]

My understanding, bama, is that the cartridge case did keep the powder dry. Yeah, I sometimes wonder about that, but it remains that the system worked. However hellacious the weather, you could touch off a shot or three because your cartridge and cap were dry.

This, BTW, is one of the major tactical differences between the ACW and earlier wars (the days of Marlborough, Frederick the Great, George Washington and Napoleon).

Flintlock muskets would almost certainly not be working in that kind of rain. Artillery had a better shot at working, but still had problems. This in turn led to a situation where infantry was almost helpless against cavalry and shows why infantry was sometimes in terror of Lancers.

I remember reading an incident in the Napoleonic Wars, somewhere in Germany, probably around 1805-06. Some French light cavalry is having a standoff with a Prussian or Austrian infantry battalion in a downpour. The infantry can't fire, so their only safety is to be where the cavalry can't get in among them. They've formed square, and it's a standoff.

The cavalry can't get close enough to do damage with their sabers: too short. The infantry can keep them off with the hedge of bayonets. But the infantry can't move (well, you can move very slowly in square, but the formation tends to become disrupted, and as soon as a gap develops in the bayonet wall the cavalry slashes through and the infantry dies.

The infantry can't fire, so they can't drive the cavalry off. They need to drive them back so they can try to move with a chance of surviving, so they're stuck. Infantry battalion safe for the moment, but unable to escape; cavalry prowling around mere yards away, unable to get at them.

Up comes a unit of French Lancers. They can ride along the edge out of bayonet range and strike with the lance. Infantrymen start going down. The square wavers; gaps develop. The light cavalry swarms in through the gaps, the square dissolves, the infantry battalion is dead.

Percussion caps and more reliable cartridges put an end to that, or at least a major crimp in it. Breechloaders/repeaters made it suicidal to be that close to formed infantry with cavalry.

Tim

 

[Glorybound]

Bama, your post reminds me of something I'd read in a book about Shiloh, I think it was by Daniels (last name) or something similar. Weren't the Confederates firing their rifles to find out if they were still usable, fearing the rain was fouling the powder? This was supposedly done within earshot of the Yankees the night before the attack, while they were waiting in the woods in attack formation. Supposedly those who were firing were reprimanded harshly, so it didn't go on for long. I remember being astounded that on the morning of April 6th the Yankees were still caught off guard when the attack commenced.

Correct me if I'm wrong. Thanx.



Lee

 

[johan_steele]

The cart boxes used by both the US & CS troops were very effective at keeping the individual rounds dry. About the only way they could be mussed up was to imerse them in water. The Ammo crates were also quite well built for keeping water out of the out of the individual cart packs. Those who were at a serious disadvantage were those w/out the standard Cart box and utilizing older flintlocks w/ civilian or non standard issue boxes; both sides had this issue at the battle but not overwhelmingly.

Remember that eve at Spotsylvania where both sides continued to blaze away at each other in a driving downpour? That is another example where you'd think the rain would have cut the bloodshed... but the men continued to kill each other w/ great gusto.

I've done some shooting in the rain, it's hell on blanks but live fire that graesed minnie does a good job of sealing the barrel pretty well.

 

[bama46]

Bama, your post reminds me of something I'd read in a book about Shiloh, I think it was by Daniels (last name) or something similar. Weren't the Confederates firing their rifles to find out if they were still usable, fearing the rain was fouling the powder? This was supposedly done within earshot of the Yankees the night before the attack, while they were waiting in the woods in attack formation. Supposedly those who were firing were reprimanded harshly, so it didn't go on for long. I remember being astounded that on the morning of April 6th the Yankees were still caught off guard when the attack commenced.

Correct me if I'm wrong. Thanx.


Lee

Yes it did happen, as well as potshottin rabbits and the like...
I had not considered the paper cartridge as a deterrant to water, but maybe so... I was thinkin more in terms of loose powder ...so maybe that is the answer..

 

[ole]

Loose powder is more in line with the flintlock. Granted, at Shiloh there might have been a number of them, so the question has validity. But the destruction of bodies might show that it was possible to keep your powder dry in the worst of circumstances.

Just a thought.

Ole

 

[bama46]

Loose powder is more in line with the flintlock. Granted, at Shiloh there might have been a number of them, so the question has validity. But the destruction of bodies might show that it was possible to keep your powder dry in the worst of circumstances.

Just a thought.

Ole

Not necessarily,... the paper cartridge was a pre packaged deal with one bullet and one loose powder charge, wrapped up in the paper. To load, the soldier bit off the end of the paper, poured the loose powder into the barrel, then seated the bullet...
That is exactly the same procedure as the loading of a flintlock....except the powder was kept in a horn instead of a precharged piece of paper... and of course, the ignition systems were different.....

sidearms were indeed charged from powder flasks, not paper cartridges... were some longarms as well?
We did not get true water resistant cartridges until the widespread use of the metallic cartridge

The destruction of bodies definitely showed that more guns went bang than went pfsst...

 

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members;

This may be of help...

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/1 [S# 10]
April 6-7, 1862.--Battle of Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn.
No. 3. -- Reports of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee, with abstracts from the field returns of the several divisions, April 4-5 and April 10-15, 1862.
Pittsburg, April 9, 1862.
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, the other for its destruction. It is pleasant to record the success of the army contending for the former principle.
[excerpt]
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, &c. This point was guarded by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, Captains Gwin and Shirk, U.S. Navy, commanding, four 20-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-General Buell's column (a part of the division under General Nelson) arrived, the two generals named both being present. An advance was immediately made upon the point of attack and the enemy soon driven back. In this repulse much is due to the presence of the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, and their able commanders, Captains Gwin and Shirk.
[excerpt]
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 heavy rain, making the roads impracticable for artillery by the next morning. General Sherman, however, followed the enemy, finding that the main part of the army had retreated in good order.
Hospitals of 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.
[excerpt]
Of the part taken by each separate command I cannot take special notice in this report, but will do so more fully when reports of division commanders are handed in.
General Buell, coming on 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, Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman, to make a special mention. He not only was with his command during the entire two days' action, but displayed great judgment and skill in the management of his men. Although severely wounded in the hand 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 the other division commanders, Maj. Gens. John A. McClernand and Lewis Wallace, and Brig. Gens. S. A. Hurlbut, B. M. Prentiss, and W. H. L. Wallace, all of whom maintained their places with credit to themselves and the cause.
General Prentiss was taken prisoner in the first day's action, and General W. H. L. Wallace severely, probably mortally, wounded. His assistant adjutant-general, Capt. William McMichael, is missing; probably taken prisoner.
My personal staff are all deserving of particular mention, they having been engaged during the entire two days in conveying orders to every part of the field. It consists of Col. J. D. Webster, chief of staff; Lieut. Col. J. B. McPherson, chief engineer, assisted by Lieuts. W. L. B. Jenney and William Kossak; Capt. J. A. Rawlins, assistant adjutant-general; Capts. W. S. Hillyer, W. R. Rowley, and C. B. Lagow, aides-de-camp; Col G. G. Pride, volunteer aide, and Capt. J.P. Hawkins, chief commissary, who accompanied me upon the field.
The medical department, under the direction of Surgeon Hewitt, medical director, showed great energy in providing for the wounded and in getting them from the field regardless of danger.
Colonel 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 a position of doing most valuable service, and where it would not have been but for his exertions.
Lieutenant-Colonel McPherson, attached to my staff as chief engineer, deserves more than a passing notice for his activity and courage. All the grounds beyond our camps for miles have been reconnoitered by him, and plats carefully prepared under his supervision give accurate information of the nature of approaches to our lines. During the two days' battle he was constantly in the saddle, leading 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 Pittsburg, 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 1,500 killed and 3,500 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 200 homes killed.
The loss of the enemy in killed and left upon the field was greater than ours. In wounded the estimate cannot be made, as many of them must have been sent back to Corinth and other points.
The enemy suffered terribly from demoralization and desertion.
A flag of truce was sent in to-day from General Beauregard. I inclose herewith a copy of the correspondence.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant
U. S. GRANT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Capt. N.H. McLEAN,
A. A. G., Dept. of the Miss., Saint Louis, Mo.
-----------------------------------------------------
HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,
Pittsburg, April 9, 1862.
Your dispatch 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 now it is accomplished. There cannot, therefore, be any necessity of admitting within our lines the parties you desire 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, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U.S. GRANT,
Major-General, Commanding.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Comdg. Confederate Army of the Mississippi, Monterey, Tenn.
-----
NOTE: SEEMS THAT AFTER THE RAINS, IT WAS VERY HOT.
----------------------
continued

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 8 [S# 8]
FEBRUARY 28--APRIL 8, 1862.---Operations at New Madrid, Mo., and Island No. 10, and descent upon Union City, Tenn.
No. 21. -- Reports of Flag-Officer Andrew H. Foote, U. S. Navy.
UNITED STATES STEAMER BENTON,
Off Island No. 10, April 2, 1862.
GENERAL: Last night an armed boat expedition was fitted out from the squadron and the land forces at this point, under command of Colonel Roberts, of the Forty-second Illinois Regiment. The five boats comprising the expedition were in charge of First Master J. T. Johnson, of the Saint Louis, assisted by Fourth Master G. P. Lord, of the Benton; Fourth Master Pierce, of the Cincinnati; Fourth Master Morgan, of the Pittsburgh, and Master's Mate Scoville, of the Mound City, each with a boat's crew of 10 men from their respective vessels, and carrying in all 100 men, exclusive of officers, under command of Colonel Roberts.
At midnight the boats reached the upper or No. I fort, and pulling directly in face, carried it, receiving only the harmless fire of two sentinels, who ran on the discharge of their muskets, while the rebel troops in the vicinity rapidly retreated, whereupon Colonel Roberts spiked the six guns mounted in the fort and retired with the boats uninjured.
The commanding officer represents all under his command, from their coolness and determination, as being ready to perform more hazardous service had it been required to the fulfillment of the object of the expedition.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag. Officer.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Comdg. Dept. of the Mississippi, &c., Saint Louis, Mo.
-----------
UNITED STATES STEAMER BENTON,
Off Island No. 10, April 3, 1862.
GENERAL: This morning the Benton, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh, with three mortar boats, opened and continued for more than an hour a fire on the rebels' heavy floating battery at Island No. 10, when the battery, having received several shells from the rifles and mortars, cut loose from her moorings and drifted 2 or 3 miles down the river. The shells were thrown from the flotilla on different parts of the island and into the rebel batteries lining the Tennessee shore. The return fire produced no effect upon the squadron. No more men than were actually necessary to man the rebel batteries were visible.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag-Officer.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Comdg. Dept. of the Mississippi, &c., Saint Louis, Mo.
-----
FLAG-STEAMER BENTON,
Off Island No. 10, April 6, 1862.
GENERAL: I inclose several papers in relation to our operations here. I have written Commodore Porter that, in consideration of my having authority to modify the Eastport, now preparing for a gunboat at Mound City, into a ram, and the two boats you refer to as being built also for that purpose, he had better not attempt to fit out the steamer Choctaw, at Saint Louis, as he proposes, into a ram, but to confine himself to fitting out and getting the Essex ready to join us as soon as possible. If under your authority you wish Commodore Porter to fit out the Choctaw, he will of course do it under your directions. I have no authority to act in the matter except what may be authorized and directed by you.
As you will perceive by the accompanying papers, there is so much hazard in running the blockade with our badly-protected gunboats, and the rebels being so much on the alert, I consider it injudicious to hazard another boat in attempting to reach New Madrid.
I am not yet informed of the condition of the Carondelet.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag-Officer.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Commanding Army of the West, Saint Louis, Mo.

continued-------

 

[M E Wolf]

Inclosure No. 1.]
UNITED STATES FLAG-STEAMER BENTON,
Off Island No. 10, March 30, 1862.
Commodore H. WALKE,
Commanding Carondelet :
COMMODORE: You will avail yourself of the first fog or rainy night and drift your steamer down past the batteries on the Tennessee shore and Island No. 10 until you reach New Madrid. I assign you this service, as it is vitally important to the capture of this place that a gunboat should soon be at New Madrid for the purpose of covering General Pope's army while he crosses that point to the opposite or to the Tennessee side of the river, that he may move his army up to Island No. 10 and attack the rebels in rear while we attack them in front. Should you succeed in reaching General Pope, you will freely confer with him and adopt his suggestions, so far as your superior knowledge of what your boat will perform will enable you to do, for the purpose of protecting his force while crossing the river. You will also, if you have coal and the current of the river will permit, steam up the river when the army moves for the purpose of attacking their fortifications. Still you will act cautiously here, as your own will be the only boat below. You will capture or destroy the rebel steamer (gunboat) Gram pus and the transports, if possible, between this place and [Island] No. 10 at such time as will not embarrass you in placing yourself in communication with General Pope at the earliest possible time after leaving this place.
On this delicate and somewhat hazardous service I assign you. I must enjoin upon you the importance of keeping your lights secreted in the hold or put out, keeping your officers and men from speaking at all, when passing the forts, above a whisper, and then only on duty, and of using every other precaution to prevent the rebels suspecting that you are dropping below their batteries.
If you successfully perform this duty assigned you, which you so willingly undertake, it will reflect the highest credit upon you and all belonging to your vessel, and I doubt not but that the Government will fully appreciate and reward you for the service which I trust will enable the army to cross the river and make a successful attack in rear, while we storm the batteries in front of this stronghold of the rebels.
Commending you and all who compose your command to the care and protection of God, who rules the world and directs all things, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag-0fficer.
P. S.--Should you meet with disaster, you will, as a last resort, destroy the steam machinery, and, if possible to escape, set fire to your gunboat or sink her and prevent her from falling into the hands of the rebels.
---------------------------------------
Inclosure No. 2.]
UNITED STATES GUNBOAT TYLER, Pittsburg, Tenn., April 1, 1862.
Flag-Officer ANDREW H. FOOTE,
Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters:
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that this vessel and the Lexington are actively employed cruising up and down the Tennessee River from within sight of Eastport, Miss, down to a place called Perryville, 50 miles below Savannah [Tenn.]
The Tyler, with the Lexington, Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, proceeded up the river within 2 miles of Eastport on the 30th instant. We found the battery silenced by the Tyler on the 25th ultimo deserted and the mounted gun removed. Although this vessel fired a few shells in the direction of the battery below Eastport, no response was elicited. On our way down we were fired upon by some of their scouts. I suppose 15 or 20 cavalry were seen. Rounding to, we shelled the woods and landing from whence the shot proceeded and returned to this place. The Cairo arrived at Savannah last evening.
General Grant contemplates attacking the two small batteries at and near Eastport with the gunboats, in conjunction with a land force of 1,000 men.
Hoping soon to have the pleasure of congratulating you on being in possession of Island No. 10, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. GWIN,
Lieutenant-Commander, U.S. Gunboat Tyler.
P. S.--Communications addressed to us care of General Grant will be promptly delivered.

continued

 

[M E Wolf]

[Inclosure No. 3.]
APRIL 2, 1862.
SIR: This report having been brought back to this place through mistake, I will add that yesterday the Cairo, Tyler, and Lexington, followed by two transports, carrying a force of 1,000 men, proceeded up the river as high as Chickasaw, Ala. All of their batteries were found to be deserted. General Sherman landed there with a small force, and also at Eastport, Miss.(*) No rebels were visible, they having abandoned both places. They state at Chickasaw that all their forces have gone back to the railroad--Memphis and Charleston.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. GWIN.
[Inclosure No. 4.]
I am informed that the Cairo (iron-clad steamer) has returned to Cairo, having been sent there by General Grant. I shall order her to join me here when it is repaired.
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag-Officer.
[Inclosure No. 5.]
UNITED STATES FLAG-STEAMER BENTON,
Off Island No. 10, April 4, 1862.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Commanding Army at New Madrid, Mo.:
GENERAL: The gunboat Carondelet, Commander Walke, left her anchorage this evening at 10 o'clock in a heavy thunder-storm, for the purpose of running the fire of the batteries on Island No. 10 and those lining the Tennessee shore, to join your forces at New Madrid: By a previous concerted signal of three minute-guns twice fired at intervals of five minutes, which have since been heard as far as the heavy thunder would enable us to ascertain, leads me to hope that the blockade has been run successfully, although the batteries opened on her with forty-seven guns while passing. I am therefore so exceedingly anxious to hear the fate of the noble officers and men who so readily were disposed to attempt the hazardous service, that I beg you will immediately inform me by bearer if Commander Walke has arrived with his vessel and the condition in which you find her and her officers and men.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag-Officer.

continued

 

[M E Wolf]

Navy O.R.-- Series 1--Volume 22 [S# 22]
Naval Forces On Western Waters.
From May 8, 1861, To April 11, 1862. pp. 751-807
Naval operations at the battle of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing), Tenn., April 6-7, 1862.
Extract from report of Flag-0fficer Foote, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of commanding officers.
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON,
Island No. 10, April 11, 1862.
SIR: I also enclose reports from Lieutenants Commanding Gwin and Shirk, of the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, in the Tennessee, giving a graphic account of that great battle and the assistance rendered our army by those boats near Pittsburg, stating, that when the left wing of our army was being driven into the river, at short range they opened fire up on them, silencing the enemy, and, as I hear from many army officers on the field, totally demoralizing his forces and driving them from their position in a perfect rout in the space of ten minutes.
These officers and men, as well as those of Commander Walke and the officers and men of the Carondelet and Pittsburg, behaved with a degree of gallantry highly creditable to them and the Navy.
I proceed to-day with the entire flotilla to New Madrid and hope to leave to-morrow for Fort Pillow, or the next point down the river which may attempt to resist the raising of the blockade.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag-Officer.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
-----
Report of Lieutenant Gwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tyler.
U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER,
Pittsburg, Tenn., April 8, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the enemy attacked our lines on our left the morning of the 6th instant at 6:30 and by his overwhelming numbers forced our men to fall back in some confusion. At 9:25. finding that the rebels were still driving our left wing back, I steamed up to a point 1 mile above Pittsburg, taking a good position to support our troops should they be forced down to the banks of the river. At 10:15 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 1:25 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 Hurlbut, who commanded on our left, sent me word to do so, giving me directions how to fire, that I might do it with no damage to our troops, and expressing himself grateful for this offer of support, saying that without reinforcements he would not be able to maintain the position he then occupied for an hour. Therefore, at 2:50, I opened fire in the line directed with good effect, silencing their batteries on our left. At 3:50 ceased firing and dropped down opposite the landing at Pittsburg; sent Mr. Peters, gunner, on shore to communicate with General Grant for further instructions. His response was to use my own judgment in the matter. At 4. p.m. the Lexington, Lieutenant. Commanding. Shirk, having arrived from Crump's Landing, the Tyler, in company with the Lexington, took position three-fourths of a mile above Pittsburg and opened heavy fire in direction of the rebel batteries on their right, the missiles of
which were falling all around us. We silenced them in thirty minutes. At 5:35, the rebels, having succeeded in gaining a potation on the left of our line, an eighth of a mile above the landing at Pittsburg and a half a mile from the river, both vessels opened a heavy and Well-directed fire on them, and in a short time, in conjunction with our artillery on shore, succeeded in silencing their artillery, driving them back in confusion.
At 6 p.m. the Tyler opened deliberate fire in the direction of the rebel right wing, throwing 5-second and 10-second shell. At 6:25 ceased firing.
At 9 p.m. the Tyler again opened fire by direction of General Nelson (who greatly distinguished himself in yesterday's engagement), throwing 5-second, 10-second, and 15-second shell, and an occasional shrapnel from the howitzer, at intervals of ten minutes in direction of the rebel right wing until I a.m., when the Lexington relieved us and continued the fire at intervals of fifteen minutes until 5 a.m., when our land forces having attacked the enemy, forcing them gradually back, it made it dangerous for the gunboats to fire. At 7 I received a communication from General Grant (enclosed is a copy) which prevented the gunboats from taking an active part throughout 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 5:35 p.m. the enemy were forced to retreat in haste, having contested every inch of the ground with great stubbornness during 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 6th instant to the land forces. Gunner Herman Peters deserves great credit for the prompt and courageous manner in which he traversed our lines, conveying communications from this vessel to the commanding generals.
The rebels had a force of 100,000 men, A. S. Johnston (killed, body found on the field), Beauregard, Hardee, Bragg, and Polk, being their commanding generals. Governor George W. Johnson, provisional governor of Kentucky, is a prisoner in our hands, mortally wounded. Loss severe on both sides; ours, probably 10,000. 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 either of the gunboats.
The Tyler expended 188 shell, 4 solid shot, 2 stand of grape, and 6 shrapnel. Enclosed I send you Lieutenant Commanding Shirk's report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. GWIN,
Lieut., Comdg. Division o/Gunboats, Tennessee River.
Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE,
Comdg. Naval Forces, Western Waters.
-----
continued

 

[M E Wolf]

Navy O.R.-- Series 1--Volume 22 [S# 22]
Naval Forces On Western Waters.
From May 8, 1861, To April 11, 1862. pp. 751-807
Report of Lieutenant Shirk, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Lexington.
U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON,
Pittsburg, Tenn., April 8, 1862.
SIR: On the morning of the 6th instant, while lying at Crump's Landing, I heard severe cannonading in the direction of Pittsburg. I got underway and stood up the river to communicate with Lieutenant Commanding Gwin, of the Tyler.
Upon my reaching this 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 General Lew. Wallace, when I found that his division had proceeded to join the main force back of Pittsburg 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 forced back and completely turned, and the rebels getting so near the river that 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 4:10 and 4:40 [p.] m. Again, at 5:35 [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 army officers on the field, totally demoralizing his forces and driving them from their position in a perfect rout in the space of ten minute
The firing on the part of the land forces then ceased. At 8 o'clock I went down to Crump's Landing, and finding that everything was quiet there, returned to this place.
&t I a.m. on the 7th I relieved the Tyler, Lieutenant 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 5 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,
JAMES W. SHIRK,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy,
Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters, Cairo, Ill.
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Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, expressing the thanks of the Department.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 19, 1862
SIR: Yours of the 11th instant, enclosing reports from Lieutenants Commanding Gwin and Shirk, of the steamers Tyler and Lexington, on the Tennessee River, giving a graphic account of the battle at Pittsburg Landing on the 6th and 7th instant, and the signal assistance rendered to the army and the country by the gunboats under their command, has been received and read with interest. This is another evidence of the gallant and invaluable service rendered by the Navy on the Western waters. Although the force was small and auxiliary to the army, the successful efforts of the gunboats in checking the enemy and repelling their advance are felt and acknowledged by the country.
You will communicate the thanks of the Department to the officers and men of your command who participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WELLES.
Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE,
Cairo, Ill.
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[continued]

 

[M E Wolf]

Letter from Leonard Swett, esq., to the President, giving special credit to the Navy.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, July 30, 1862.
DEAR SIR: I went to Pittsburg Landing immediately after the battle there and spent three days riding over the field. From all I could learn I believe the gunboats Lexington and Tyler, commanded by Lieutenants Gwin and Shirk, saved our army from defeat. At least it is within bounds to say they rendered us invaluable services.
It seems to me very clear that these gentlemen ought to be promoted for their gallant bearing in this action.
Yours, truly,
LEONARD SWETT.
His Excellency President LINCOLN.
==============
Report of Fourth Master Kellogg, regarding the Confederate fortifications on the Mississippi River.
ON BOARD STEAMER TIGRESS,
Tennessee River, April 8, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor of reporting upon the fortifications on the Mississippi River upon this my first opportunity, as follows:
The Southern batteries in the bend at Island 10, as well as upon the island, comprised, on the 17th March last, 37 guns, mounted and in position; two new batteries, marked on the map as" E" and "D," were incomplete at that time (since finished), and now mount six or eight guns on barbette carriages, mostly, if not all, 32s. Most of the rebel batteries are composed of barbette guns; the battery marked "D" is built with sand-bag traverses. A breastwork starting from the battery marked "A," extends in the direction of Reelfoot Lake, several hundred yards; from the
battery "A" to point of Island 10 is 3,220 yards; from battery marked "F" to point of towhead on opposite side, high-water mark, is 4,000 yards; from point of island to point of towhead, 3,330 yards. From battery "A" to battery "F" by land is something over a mile and a half.
These distances I take from a map made for the rebel commanding officer at No. 10 (then General McCown), now General Mackall, which I was enabled to see, being at work with the rebel topographical engineers, and chaining many of the distances and base lines for triangulations, as well as the meandering of the lower end of Reelfoot Lake, personally. At No. 10 (March 17) were stationed about 4,000 troops, including artillerists, and the Twelfth Arkansas at Point Pleasant. There is also a small barbette battery at Tiptonville, probably from 4 to 6 guns. At Tiptonville also were (March 17) the rebel gunboats General Polk, four guns. (rifled Parrotts); the Pontchartrain, seven guns (one 9-inch Dahlgren); the Livingston, six guns; the McRae, six or seven guns; the Ivy, three guns. I am not sure, but think there was one other.
The floating battery, Captain Guthrie commanding, lies off Island 10, mounts 10 guns (one 9-inch, two or three rifled Parrotts, 52-pound caliber). The floating battery can also be sunk to water's edge at pleasure: her engine was too weak to enable her to maintain any position in the current. The scout boat Grampus mounts two or three fieldpieces (brass). There is also on the island some iron field-pieces (about six), 32s and 24-pounders.
Reelfoot Lake is distant from Battery "A" nearly 2 miles; from Tiptonville, 2 miles by chain.
The meandering of the lake by Southern engineers extended nearly 4 miles below Tiptonville, and the country below reported overflowed and impassable until September. The river also at the upper end of the lake overflows to it, submerging a large tract of land.
The fortifications at Fort Pillow (85 or 90 miles above Memphis) are located on top and at the foot of steep bluffs, and consist, inland, of a long line of breastwork (some 3 to 5 miles) running from ridge to ridge, with a ditch and timber felled before it. There are also quite a number of guns of small caliber placed along the breastwork at the salient points. On the river there are a few guns on the summit of the bluffs., but most of the batteries are cut from the face of the bluffs at the water's edge.
To the best of my knowledge the extreme upper battery is also the highest from the water line, mounting 6 guns, embrasured, and with heavy sand-bag traverses. The next is at the water's edge, partly submerged, mounting 9 guns on barbette carriages.
Next lower is a battery mounting 4 guns on ship carriages, about 2 feet higher than the last. Below, and some distance apart, are from 5 to 8 guns, 4 of which are 10-inch columbiads: there are, however, parapets built for nearly 40 guns, and more than 1,200 negroes are daily employed on the works. General Villepigue is in command (April 3).
With the above report is an accompanying map of No. 10, for which I must apologize, on account of its roughness, but it was drawn entirely from memory and without any scale.
Hoping the above will be of service, I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
S. KELLOGG,.
Captain W. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy.
Commanding Gunboat Essex.
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[Telegram. ]
CAIRO, April 8, 1862.
We have plenty of howitzer shrapnel. Send in all 20 boxes each of shell and canister for howitzer. The short-sight boxes required were for VIII-inch guns.
A. H. FOOTE,
Flag-Officer.
Captain J. A. DAHLGREN,
Navy Yard, Washington.
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[M E Wolf]

Navy O.R.-- Series 1--Volume 22 [S# 22]
Naval Forces On Western Waters.
From May 8, 1861, To April 11, 1862. pp. 751-807
Abstract log of Mortar Division of the Western Flotilla, March 14 to April 10, 1862.
The fleet left Cairo, Ill., on the 14th day of March, 1862, composed of the flagship Benton, Commodore A. H. Foote, commanding; the Carondelet, Mound City, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburg, Conestoga, and Louisville; the ordnance boats Judge Torrence and Great Western: and fourteen mortar boats in tow of the Ike Hammitt, Wisconsin No. 2, V. F. Wilson, Pike, and Lake Erie. The fleet was also accompanied by several transports, two containing troops.
The officers in command of the mortar fleet were: Captain Henry E. Maynadier, of the Tenth Regular Infantry, commanding; Captain E. B. Pike, superintendent; Second Masters George L. Johnson, G. B. Simonds, T. B. Gregory, Henry A. Glassford, and E. W. Wheelock.
On the same afternoon arrived at Columbus, took in tow two mortar boats--11 and 12--and then proceeded on toward Island No. 10.
March 15, 1862.--Arrived within 2½ miles of the island. During the afternoon the mortar boats 11 and 12, under the command of <nor22_770>Captain Henry E. Maynadier and Captain E. B. Pike, assisted by Second Master Johnson and Acting Second Master E. W. Wheelock, opened fire on the enemy's batteries. No. 11 fired 18 and No. 12 fired 16 shell in one and a half hours.
March 16.--Mortars 7, 5, 19, 22, 23, 27, 36, and 38 were engaged with the enemy the entire day Under the command of Captains Buford, Maynadier, and Pike, assisted by Second Masters Glassford, Simonds, and Gregory. The firing was heavy, as the annexed report of the number of shells will show: Boat No. 5 threw 36, No. 7 threw 33, No. 19 threw 35, No. 22 threw 38, No. 23 threw 32, No. 27 threw 47, No. 36 threw 45, and No. 38 threw 33 shell.
March 17.--Ten mortar boats were engaged with the enemy during the entire morning and afternoon. The number of shell thrown was over 400, and did great execution amongst the enemy's batteries, having beyond a doubt silenced two of them in the afternoon.
March 18.--The mortar boats 11 and 12, under command of Second Master George L. Johnson, were engaged all the previous night shelling the enemy's extreme right batteries. The two mortars threw 24 shell. To-day a fleet of 10 mortars was actively engaged from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the number of shells thrown exceeded 400. It is ordered that hereafter the second master do report the number of shell thrown to the officer of the day, who will enter them on this log book.
March 19.--The mortar boats Nos. 5, 19, 22, 23, 11, 12, 27, and 36 each received 35 shell, 7 kegs of mortar powder, and 3 kegs of shell powder. There was very little firing during the day. The enemy's batteries opened upon us at l2 noon, but were silenced at once; only one shot being fired after our mortars commenced firing. Between 9 and 10 p.m. a false alarm of the approach of the enemy by land was raised. The Judge Torrence slipped her moorings from the shore, got underway, and stood out into the middle of the stream. Quiet was soon restored, and the boat returned to her anchorage.
March 20.--No firing this day.
March 21.--Mortars 7, 38, and 22 were engaged during the morning until 1 p.m. The number of shell fired was as follows: No. 7 fired 12, No. 38 fired 7, and No. 22 fired 11 shell. Second Master Simonds was ordered for duty during the night.
March 22.--Mortar boats Nos. 11 and 19, Second Master George L. Johnson and Second Master T. B. Gregory, were engaged shelling the enemy's batteries from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mortar boats Nos. 7, Second Master E. W. Wheelock: and 38, Second Master H. A. Glassford, were engaged during the afternoon. Annexed is a report of the several firings: No. 11 threw 24, No. 19, 17: No. 7, 16; and No. 38, 17 shell. Second Master T. B. Gregory was ordered for duty during the night.
March 23.--Mortars 11, 12, and 5, under their respective commands, were engaged during the morning. The number of shell thrown were: No. 11, 1; No. 12, 10: and No. 5, 10 shell. During the afternoon mortars 38 and 7, under command of Second Masters Glassford and Wheelock, threw each 7 shell. John Smith, of No. 11 mortar crew, had his leg accidentally broken by the falling of a tree, cut down by the crew of the Dauntless. During the morning the enemy favored us with a few shots, doing no damage.
March 24.--Mortar boats Nos. 5 and 38, with crews from 19 and 27, under command of Second Masters Glassford and Gregory, were engaged during the day. Not any other boats were on duty. No. 5 threw 7 and 38 threw 8 shell. Second Master Wheelock was engaged all the previous night shelling the enemy with mortar 23, throwing 13 shell. This morning the Judge Torrence moved across the river from the Missouri to the Kentucky shore.
March 25.--At about 3 p.m. balloon ascensions were made in Captain Steiner's balloon Eagle, to the height of 500 feet. The day being hazy they could not define fully the position of the enemy, but the experiment proved satisfactory. Second Masters G. B. Simonds and E. W. Wheelock report having fired, respectively, from No. 23, 17 and from No. 38, 13 shell.
March 26.--Mortars 12 and 38, under command of Second Masters George L. Johnson and H. A. Glassford, were on duty all day. No. 12 threw 8 and 38 threw 7 shell.
March 27.--Mortar boats Nos. 23 and 5 were on duty during the morning. No. 23 fired 8 and No. 5, 6 shell.
March 28.--Mortar squad 37 on board No. 38 fired 10 shell. Nos. 7 and 23 fired, respectively, 4 shell.
March 29.--Mortar boats Nos. 5 and 23 fired, respectively, 9 and 11 shell.
March 30.--Mortar boats 5 and 23 fired to-day 10 and 38 shell.
March 31.--Mortar boats 5. 7, 38 and 23 threw 14, 3, 23, and 13. At 7 p.m. got into battery line and fired each 3 shell for the inspection of the Assistant Secretary of War, Thomas A. Scott; all fired at Island No. 10.
April 1.--Mortar boats 38 and 12 threw 6 shell each.
April 2.--Mortar boats 23, with crew of 36, and 5, with crew of 19, fired 11 and 9 shell.
April 3.--Second Masters E. W. Wheelock and H. A. Glassford, accompanied by pilots of 7 and 8 mortar boats, made a reconnoissance in a skiff off Island No. 10 and boarded the sunken rebel steamer Winchester, which they set fire to and burned to the water's edge. Mortar boats 7, 38, and 23 were on duty and fired 21, 23, and 25 shell. Nos. 11 and 12 were also in action and threw 14 and 17 shell.
April 4.--Mortar boats 23 and 7 fired 8 shell, respectively. April 5.--Mortar boat 7 fired 19 shell. The gunboat Carondelet ran the blockade of Island No. 10 on the night of the 4th, amid a heavy storm and a severe fire from the enemy's batteries.
April 6.--Whole crew mustered by purser's clerk, Mr. Watson, and Articles of War read by Captain Richardson in the presence of Captain Fitch. Mortar boat 38 fired 14 shell. Officers were reconnoitering to-day near the island.
April 7.--Mortar boats Nos. 11 and 38 fired 9 and 5 shell, respectively.
April 8.--At 10 p.m. of the 7th the rebel steamer De Soto came up with a flag of truce, when its officers surrendered possession of the Island [No.] 10 and shore batteries to Commodore Foote, and our forces are now in possession of them.
April 9.--Island No. 10, with all its stores and munitions of war, being now in our possession, the crew were granted liberty.
April 10.--At 2 p.m. our fleet of mortar boats (16) were put in tow of steamers Ike Hammitt, V. F. Wilson, Wisconsin No. 2, Keystone, W. H. Brown, and Alps, and taken down to New Madrid. Arrived at 4 p.m.
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Respectfully added to the interesting discussion.

M. E. Wolf

 

[M E Wolf]

More!
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/1 [S# 10]
April 6-7, 1862..--Battle of Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn.
No. 11. -- Report of Col. C. Carroll Marsh, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, command ing Second Brigade.
[excerpt]
Shortly after this a severe cannonading was commenced on the extreme left, which continued uninterruptedly till darkness ended the fight for the day.
Being notified that we would hold this position during the night, I threw out a large party of skirmishers, and instructed my command to lay on their arms in line, to be ready for any emergency that might occur. Wearied with the several struggles of the day they gladly seized this opportunity for a little rest, but a drenching rain soon setting in prevented much sleep. Their hardships, however, were borne with exemplary patience.
At daylight on Monday morning the men in line were supplied with some provisions. While this was being done firing opened on our right, afterwards ascertained to come from a portion of General Lewis Wallace's command. Directly afterwards firing commenced to our left and front, both artillery and musketry, supposed by me to be a portion of General Buell's command, who I had been informed during the night had taken position on our left and considerably in advance.
[excerpt]
And now, sir, I proceed to my most unpleasant duty. The accompanying list of killed and wounded in my little command is itself a sorrowful though proud record of their bravery. Going into action on Sunday morning with but 1,514 officers and men, I have to report 571 killed, wounded, and missing. The few missing show how closely together the brigade remained during the battle. I inclose with this report that of Surgeon Goodbrake, acting brigade surgeon.(*) There were taken by my command during the action two brass 6-pounder field pieces, with caissons complete. There have been picked up within the limits of my brigade camp 1,363 rifles, muskets, and shot-guns, a large portion of which bear unmistakable marks of having belonged to the rebels. There have been buried within the same limits by my command 437 rebels and 115 of our own troops.
Congratulating you on the brilliancy of our success, and mourning with you in the loss of so many of our brave troops, I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
C. C. MARSH,
Col. Twentieth Illinois Infantry, Comdg. Second Brig., First Div.
Maj.. M. BRAYMAN,
A. A. G., First Division.
------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/1 [S# 10]
April 6-7, 1862..--Battle of Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn.
No. 14. -- Report of Lieut. Col. Enos P. Wood, Seventeenth Illinois Infantry.
[excerpt]
As we came up to form in line the regiments on our right and left broke up in great confusion. Our ammunition being nearly gone, and having no support, I felt compelled to order a retreat. Facing by the rear rank we moved back near the first field, when I gave the order to move by the left flank, now become our right. The men not all understanding the order alike, here the regiment was for the first time thrown into some confusion. Having lost my horse in the early part of the engagement, and being on foot and also quite weak from previous illness. I could do but little to remedy this. I, however, ordered Major Smith to ride on in advance and halt and form our men at the first convenient place, and when I came up found the major had succeeded in getting most of our regiment into line. At this point I found Colonel Marsh, with the remnants of his regiment; also the remains of the Fifteenth Illinois and some batteries of artillery. Major Taylor not having men enough to work his guns, I detailed all that were left of Company G, of the Seventeenth, about 20 men, to assist his batteries, and after consulting with my officers decided to move off nearer the river and get a new supply of ammunition.
[end of excerpt]
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