- Joined
- Feb 1, 2016
- Location
- North Florida
Note: I'm messing around, by no means perfect or completely accurate. 
March to Shiloh
Fairly long read, but a description of Buell's march from Nashville to Pittsburg Landing from the eyes of the 57th Indiana Infantry.
This was the 57th Indiana Infantry's first run at a battle, they had no ideal till 30 miles from the field. This was also a test for Buell's 20,000 men.
If I lived in the area I would spend some time trying to locate overnight camp sites that Buell's army had used and especially in area's where the men discarded items to lighten their loads, you never know, something could be found even after all these years?
I marked the approximate stops at the end of each days march for the 57th Indiana. I may be wrong, but I doubt the exact route taken by Buell can be determined today. I've looked at Google Earth and I'm not sure how close to the main roads of today are accurate, older roads litter the landscape and in some cases run parallel to the main four lane highway or were roads cut in as they marched?
Roughly a 130 mile march from Nashville to Savannah, after about 7 days I wonder if Grant was thinking, Buell left when???
Day 1....mar 29 - Sat.....left Nashville (marched 9 miles)
Day 2....mar 30 - Sun....marched 15 miles
Day 3....mar 31 - Mon...stopped at Rutherford Creek
Day 4....april 1 - Tue.....crossed Duck River into Columbia
Day 5....april 2 - Wed....left Columbia, marched a good ways
Day 6....april 3 - Thur....crossed a long, high ridge (between Mt. Pleasant and Summertown)
Day 7....april 4 - Fri.......heavy rain
Day 8....april 5 - Sat......sluggish roads stopped at noon
Day 9....april 6 - Sun.....30 miles from Savannah rushing
Day 10..april 7 - Mon....day 2 of battle
46 miles Nashville to Columbia
55 miles Columbia to Waynesboro
30 miles Waynesboro to Savannah
Source: "Annals of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers. Marches, Battles, and Incidents of Army Life." Asbury Kerwood,1868
Early on the morning of March 29th, 1862, our brigade was in line, ready for the long-expected move. Heretofore we had marched by brigades, but this morning the whole of the 6th division, consisting of three brigades of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and several batteries of artillery were ordered to move together. Marching out from their different camps, the troops passed through the suburbs of the city, and the head of the column took the road leading to Columbia. So many delays occurred that it was near the middle of the day before the entire column was in motion on the Columbia road. In the rear of the division was a battery of heavy siege-guns, each piece and caisson being drawn by ten horses. Immediately in rear of the artillery were the trains, in the following order: First, wagons belonging to division headquarters; second, baggage wagons of the different brigades, in the order in which they marched; third, supply and ammunition trains for the division, consisting of two or three hundred wagons. Thus it will be seen that the troops of our division, alone, with their trains, will occupy a road several miles in length.
During the first day, the division marched but nine miles from the city, and camped at sunset on each side of the road, near a small stream. Although the weather had begun to grow quite warm, the distance marched, and the length of time consumed, prevented excessive fatigue. In deed, a march that was not prolonged far enough to cause extreme weariness, was rather enjoyed than otherwise. The country through which we were now traveling was delightful. Some of the finest scenery in the southern states may be found in Middle Tennessee. The trees were newly dressed in their robes of green. Fields, orchards, and meadows were covered with the verdure of early spring. Birds were singing gaily through the branches of the trees, and the bright waters, as they flowed musically along over rocky beds, flashed in the morning sunbeams.
No rude hand had defaced the charming loveliness of the beautiful groves and lawns, for which this region is noted. Peace and plenty reigned on every hand; and were it not for the warlike columns of men, dressed in blue, moving slowly along the road, one could hardly believe that the desolating cloud of war was even then hovering over this beautiful country. But we are wandering. As the different brigades arrive upon the ground they are shown to their camps by the division commander, or members of his staff, and the regiments by commanders of brigades, until all have been as signed a stopping place for the night. Supply and ammunition trains are parked in some convenient position. Now a lively scene occurs — the bustle of the men, as they hurry to and fro, unloading wagons, pitching tents, carrying wood and water, building fires, grinding coffee, loud talking, neighing of horses, braying of mules, and, above all, the sharp, shrill notes of the cavalry or artillerymen's bugles, as they sound the call to "water and feed," ring out upon the gentle evening air, with a strange and mingled chorus. At night the encampment is brightened by the hundreds of camp-fires and lights in the tents, until, from brigade head-quarters, comes the sound of the "tatto" which is immediately taken up by the bugler in each regiment and battery. Half an hour later, " taps" are sounded, lights are put out, and all is still.
We are up early on Sunday morning preparing for the march. The brigade which on yesterday marched in front today takes the rear. The entire division is on the road by 7 o'clock, and by noon we have traveled as far as all day yesterday. Then the heat and dust become oppressive. Each man carries from forty to fifty pounds. As the march continues, the men commence to lighten their loads by throwing away all surplus clothing. Bed-quilts, blankets, and even overcoats, are thrown aside, with every article not essentially necessary to be carried. The pleasant march of the morning becomes a weary and harassing toil long before the close of day. It is no longer the mud that hinders us, but marching under heavy loads, over the stony pike, with blistered feet, and in the blinding dust which almost stops our breathing. When the few short moments for rest have passed, and the bugle sounds the advance, it takes urging to get the men into ranks. The ambulances at the rear of the regiment are filled, and then the men commence falling out. Finally the welcome news comes back of "camp ahead!" And this gives new vigor to those who are struggling to reach camp with their colors. I shall never forget that second day's march from Nashville. When the brigade halted for camp there were not more than enough men of the 57th present to make a company. Some, when within a few hundred yards of the color-line, stopped, declaring they could go no further "with out rest.
Our company stacked but seven guns when we halted. Soon after we reached camp the brigade commander rode up to Col. H., and asked him where his command was, to which he replied that "the majority of them were scattered along the road in the rear; that his men could, march, but when it came to racing, they could not keep up, as they were not accustomed to it." During the last few miles of the march the colonel dismounted, and by his own example urged the weary boys to keep their places in the ranks. No new regiment could undergo such hardships without failing.
On Monday the march was resumed at a more easy pace. Stopped for the night at Rutherford's Creek, four miles north of Columbia. The enemy, in their retreat, had destroyed the bridge at Duck River, and a pontoon bridge had been thrown across, on which the division crossed on the following day, and went into camp near town until Wednesday, when our journey was again continued. At Columbia we left the turnpike, and took the dirt-roads. Five miles from town we passed the farms of Gen. Pillow and Col. Polk. The latter was formerly owned by ex-President Polk. The battery of heavy guns was ordered back to Nashville, as it became impossible to move them on the road we were now following. A few miles below the Pillow farm we entered the wooded country extending from this point to the Tennessee River. Comparatively, there is little tillable land in that region. The country is broken by ridges, and covered with oak, pine, and chestnut timber, until within a few miles of the river. Waynesboro was the only town through which we passed between Columbia and Savannah.
Long, high ridge?
On Thursday we crossed a long, high ridge, and in the evening camped in a narrow valley near the road. In the afternoon Gen. Buell and staff' passed us on the march, and stopped for the night at a house near our camp, resuming their journey on the next morning in advance of the troops. Friday night a heavy rain fell, and the march on Saturday was made over sluggish roads. Halted at noon to camp and draw rations. Our division was on the road early on Sunday morning, April 6th. The 21st brigade had the front of the division, and the 57th the advance of the brigade, with company " F" thrown forward as advanced guard of infantry. In our front was Gen. Wood, with the cavalry as an escort. I do not now remember ever having seen a more beautiful spring morning. The troops were marching slowly along, talking, joking, and laughing, when the distant boom of cannon came floating on the morning breeze across the great valley of the Tennessee. In a few moments it was repeated. Again and again the sound came reverberating over the hills. Various speculations were indulged in concerning the cause of the firing. No one thought of a battle at that time. Our colonel supposed it was gun-boats practicing on the river. When the sounds were first heard we were at least thirty miles from Savannah. But as we advanced, they continued to increase and about noon a courier arrived, and informed Gen. Wood that the enemy had attacked our forces at Pittsburg Landing, and that a hard battle was going on.
Orders were immediately given for the troops to halt until the trains could come up, then take three days' lotions in haversacks, leave the knapsacks on the wagons, and hurry forward. Halting at the road-side, we awaited the arrival of our trains; and just as we were ready to proceed, instructions were received to come on as fast as possible with trains. Fully two hours were consumed before the division was again under way. The march was continued as before, until sunset, when positive orders were received to leave the trains, and push forward to the field. From the continual roar of artillery, it was evident that the battle was raging fiercely. For some time we had been able to distinguish the musketry from the heavy guns. Just before dark the gun-boats went into action, and we could plainly hear their heavy broadsides above the field-guns and the rattle of small arms. We were uneasy for the welfare of our army. Minutes seemed almost like hours, so terrible was the suspense. We knew it must have been a surprise by the enemy, for surely our commanders would not have given battle with their forces divided. As night came on the musketry ceased, and, except an occasional boom from the large guns, no sound could be heard in the direction of the field.
Three bridges just outside Savannah
We were ordered to march in profound silence. No man was allowed to speak above a whisper. Night grew on, and the black darkness was impenetrable. Long before midnight the mutterings of distant thunder were heard ; the lightning's vivid glare disclosed the weary column, and the dashing rain increased the difficulties of the night march. The roads, which at first were only muddy, now became wet and slippery with the increasing rains. Small streams became swollen, and the gullies were full of water. Artillery horses gave out, and men were required to assist in helping forward with the guns. The advance were on the alert for the lurking foe, and halted at intervals to wait on the rear, who were toiling over the slippery roads. Arriving at the bank of a small stream, we awaited the gleam of light to see if the bridge was still there; and we thought a lucky light it would be, as we ventured upon the swimming logs, only to find ourselves half submerged in water, astride the floating timbers. Water over head, water under foot, water on every side, mixed alone with the murky darkness. Growing reckless, we plunged forward through mud and water, over rocks, and into gullies. Wearied with twenty hours' constant marching, we trudged on till three o'clock, tumbling down and gathering ourselves up times almost innumerable. A halt was now ordered until daylight, when the rain ceased falling, and the rear was well closed up.
With the dawn of day the battle again commenced and we were now near enough to hear the noise very distinctly. Soon after starting we came up with the trains of the other divisions, struggling along through the mud. Teamsters were coaxing, cursing, and whipping their mules. Some were stuck fast in the mud, and were carrying their baggage on their shoulders, over the worst places to better ground. Several miles from town we came to a deep and narrow stream of water. The rickety log-way of an old saw-mill, which here spanned the stream, and on which but one man at a time could cross safely, was the only substitute for a bridge. Considerable time was consumed here, and as soon as all of our own brigade were across, we hurried forward, and reached Savannah at 9 o'clock. The town was filled with wounded, and a constant procession came up from the hospital boats at the landing. Many were carried on litters, and others were walking around with heads and arms bandaged. Rumors were flying thick and fast, but we could learn nothing reliable, until we reached the landing at town. Here another delay , and here we learned of the almost total destruction of Gen. Grant's army, and the timely arrival of troops from Buell's command. At 10 o'clock the brigade embarked on transports, and moved up the river. There were a number of persons on board who had been up to the field, and they told a variety of stories concerning the battle.
The desperate resistance of our troops, on Sunday the terrible havoc made in the ranks of the enemy by our gunboats and the opinion of prominent generals, that the engagement already surpassed the great battles of Montebello and Solferino, were among the leading topics of conversation. One rumor stated that there were fifteen thousand men there who would not fire a gun and that sounded like a curious story to hear about volunteers. Another was, that regiments, when they arrived on the field, were sent in singly, and soon cut to pieces by superior numbers of the rebels. Finally we reached the landing, and the band of the 15th Indiana played a national air as we marched to the top of the bank, amid the welcoming shouts of the wounded, and the thousands of stragglers who had taken refuge beyond the reach of danger. Plenty of aids were present, to give instructions, and dictate what should be done. " This way with that regiment!" "Hurry up there!" "What are you waiting for?" and such Uke expressions, could be heard on all sides, but Col. Wagner decided to wait until he could "go in with all the brigade."
All around us were scattered knapsacks, clothing, haversacks, guns, canteens, pieces of broken wagons, ambulances, and dismounted artillery—all under foot, and being trampled in the mud. Hundreds of wounded were coming from the field ; cavalry and artillery reserves were forming, and hurrying off' to the scene of action. Shouts and cheers from the front, mingled with the noise of battle, told that the enemy were being repulsed and driven back. On every hand there was constant bustle and confusion. As soon as the regiments of our brigade could land, throw aside oil-cloths, and form their companies, we were off at the double-quick for the front. In less than half a mile from the river we commenced passing over the dead bodies of our men, who were killed on Sunday evening; and a little further on came the ground held by the enemy during the previous afternoon and night. Along the roads, and in the woods, we passed men coming to the rear, who
were wounded in every conceivable manner. Some would tell us "Our men are cut to pieces!" others, "You'll soon get to where there's hot work!" The nearer we approached to the front, the more favorable would be the news, and at last we would hear such reports as, " Hurry up, boys, and go in!" " Give it to 'em good!" "We give 'em hell!" A run of four miles brought us to the rear of our lines.
By order of Gen. Huriburt, the 57th was detached from the brigade, and sent to assist his division. As soon as we could load our pieces the regiment moved out and formed on the left of an Illinois regiment. In our front lay an open field several hundred yards wide, and the enemy were in the timber on the other side. To our right and rear was a battery, which kept up a constant fire, shelling the woods in front. When the line was formed the command was given to advance across the open field on double-quick, raise the yell, and drive the enemy from the woods. Our colors were unfurled, and with a cheer the line advanced briskly across the open ground, until we reached the timber, when we gave them a sharp volley of musketry, to which they gave a feeble reply, and immediately started on the retreat. The fire of the enemy was both weak and scattering. But four men were wounded in the regiment, and those but slightly.
We got but a glimpse of the foe before they were gone from our sight in the forest. We continued the pursuit some distance when, they opened on us with artillery; but on account of our being on lower ground, and a heavy timber between us, their shells were all too high, and caused no damage. Lying down on the ground we awaited their advance; but none was made, and in a few moments we withdrew a short distance, with the hope of drawing their battery into an ambuscade and capturing it, but they declined following, and soon after left the field. A line of skirmishers was now thrown forward, which followed some distance, when the pursuit was abandoned, and the men were ordered to rest on their arms. Thus ended the part taken by our regiment in the battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing.
After our arrival on the field there was no fighting done sufficient to test the bravery of the men or the skill of the commander, and the name of the field was never inscribed on our banners. However, the regiment marched more than thirty miles after the fighting commenced, did all that could be done to reach the field, and was now ready, had its services been required.
Army of the Ohio - MG Don Carlos Buell
V
Sixth Division - BG Thomas J. Wood
V
20th Brigade - BG James A. Garfield
21st Brigade - Col George D. Wagner
V
15th Indiana: Col Gustavus A. Wood
10th Indiana: Col Mahlon D. Manson
57th Indiana: Col Cyrus C. Hines
24th Kentucky: Col Louis Grigsby
March to Shiloh
Fairly long read, but a description of Buell's march from Nashville to Pittsburg Landing from the eyes of the 57th Indiana Infantry.
This was the 57th Indiana Infantry's first run at a battle, they had no ideal till 30 miles from the field. This was also a test for Buell's 20,000 men.
If I lived in the area I would spend some time trying to locate overnight camp sites that Buell's army had used and especially in area's where the men discarded items to lighten their loads, you never know, something could be found even after all these years?
I marked the approximate stops at the end of each days march for the 57th Indiana. I may be wrong, but I doubt the exact route taken by Buell can be determined today. I've looked at Google Earth and I'm not sure how close to the main roads of today are accurate, older roads litter the landscape and in some cases run parallel to the main four lane highway or were roads cut in as they marched?
Roughly a 130 mile march from Nashville to Savannah, after about 7 days I wonder if Grant was thinking, Buell left when???
Day 1....mar 29 - Sat.....left Nashville (marched 9 miles)
Day 2....mar 30 - Sun....marched 15 miles
Day 3....mar 31 - Mon...stopped at Rutherford Creek
Day 4....april 1 - Tue.....crossed Duck River into Columbia
Day 5....april 2 - Wed....left Columbia, marched a good ways
Day 6....april 3 - Thur....crossed a long, high ridge (between Mt. Pleasant and Summertown)
Day 7....april 4 - Fri.......heavy rain
Day 8....april 5 - Sat......sluggish roads stopped at noon
Day 9....april 6 - Sun.....30 miles from Savannah rushing
Day 10..april 7 - Mon....day 2 of battle
46 miles Nashville to Columbia
55 miles Columbia to Waynesboro
30 miles Waynesboro to Savannah
Source: "Annals of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers. Marches, Battles, and Incidents of Army Life." Asbury Kerwood,1868
Early on the morning of March 29th, 1862, our brigade was in line, ready for the long-expected move. Heretofore we had marched by brigades, but this morning the whole of the 6th division, consisting of three brigades of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and several batteries of artillery were ordered to move together. Marching out from their different camps, the troops passed through the suburbs of the city, and the head of the column took the road leading to Columbia. So many delays occurred that it was near the middle of the day before the entire column was in motion on the Columbia road. In the rear of the division was a battery of heavy siege-guns, each piece and caisson being drawn by ten horses. Immediately in rear of the artillery were the trains, in the following order: First, wagons belonging to division headquarters; second, baggage wagons of the different brigades, in the order in which they marched; third, supply and ammunition trains for the division, consisting of two or three hundred wagons. Thus it will be seen that the troops of our division, alone, with their trains, will occupy a road several miles in length.
During the first day, the division marched but nine miles from the city, and camped at sunset on each side of the road, near a small stream. Although the weather had begun to grow quite warm, the distance marched, and the length of time consumed, prevented excessive fatigue. In deed, a march that was not prolonged far enough to cause extreme weariness, was rather enjoyed than otherwise. The country through which we were now traveling was delightful. Some of the finest scenery in the southern states may be found in Middle Tennessee. The trees were newly dressed in their robes of green. Fields, orchards, and meadows were covered with the verdure of early spring. Birds were singing gaily through the branches of the trees, and the bright waters, as they flowed musically along over rocky beds, flashed in the morning sunbeams.
No rude hand had defaced the charming loveliness of the beautiful groves and lawns, for which this region is noted. Peace and plenty reigned on every hand; and were it not for the warlike columns of men, dressed in blue, moving slowly along the road, one could hardly believe that the desolating cloud of war was even then hovering over this beautiful country. But we are wandering. As the different brigades arrive upon the ground they are shown to their camps by the division commander, or members of his staff, and the regiments by commanders of brigades, until all have been as signed a stopping place for the night. Supply and ammunition trains are parked in some convenient position. Now a lively scene occurs — the bustle of the men, as they hurry to and fro, unloading wagons, pitching tents, carrying wood and water, building fires, grinding coffee, loud talking, neighing of horses, braying of mules, and, above all, the sharp, shrill notes of the cavalry or artillerymen's bugles, as they sound the call to "water and feed," ring out upon the gentle evening air, with a strange and mingled chorus. At night the encampment is brightened by the hundreds of camp-fires and lights in the tents, until, from brigade head-quarters, comes the sound of the "tatto" which is immediately taken up by the bugler in each regiment and battery. Half an hour later, " taps" are sounded, lights are put out, and all is still.
We are up early on Sunday morning preparing for the march. The brigade which on yesterday marched in front today takes the rear. The entire division is on the road by 7 o'clock, and by noon we have traveled as far as all day yesterday. Then the heat and dust become oppressive. Each man carries from forty to fifty pounds. As the march continues, the men commence to lighten their loads by throwing away all surplus clothing. Bed-quilts, blankets, and even overcoats, are thrown aside, with every article not essentially necessary to be carried. The pleasant march of the morning becomes a weary and harassing toil long before the close of day. It is no longer the mud that hinders us, but marching under heavy loads, over the stony pike, with blistered feet, and in the blinding dust which almost stops our breathing. When the few short moments for rest have passed, and the bugle sounds the advance, it takes urging to get the men into ranks. The ambulances at the rear of the regiment are filled, and then the men commence falling out. Finally the welcome news comes back of "camp ahead!" And this gives new vigor to those who are struggling to reach camp with their colors. I shall never forget that second day's march from Nashville. When the brigade halted for camp there were not more than enough men of the 57th present to make a company. Some, when within a few hundred yards of the color-line, stopped, declaring they could go no further "with out rest.
Our company stacked but seven guns when we halted. Soon after we reached camp the brigade commander rode up to Col. H., and asked him where his command was, to which he replied that "the majority of them were scattered along the road in the rear; that his men could, march, but when it came to racing, they could not keep up, as they were not accustomed to it." During the last few miles of the march the colonel dismounted, and by his own example urged the weary boys to keep their places in the ranks. No new regiment could undergo such hardships without failing.
On Monday the march was resumed at a more easy pace. Stopped for the night at Rutherford's Creek, four miles north of Columbia. The enemy, in their retreat, had destroyed the bridge at Duck River, and a pontoon bridge had been thrown across, on which the division crossed on the following day, and went into camp near town until Wednesday, when our journey was again continued. At Columbia we left the turnpike, and took the dirt-roads. Five miles from town we passed the farms of Gen. Pillow and Col. Polk. The latter was formerly owned by ex-President Polk. The battery of heavy guns was ordered back to Nashville, as it became impossible to move them on the road we were now following. A few miles below the Pillow farm we entered the wooded country extending from this point to the Tennessee River. Comparatively, there is little tillable land in that region. The country is broken by ridges, and covered with oak, pine, and chestnut timber, until within a few miles of the river. Waynesboro was the only town through which we passed between Columbia and Savannah.
Long, high ridge?
On Thursday we crossed a long, high ridge, and in the evening camped in a narrow valley near the road. In the afternoon Gen. Buell and staff' passed us on the march, and stopped for the night at a house near our camp, resuming their journey on the next morning in advance of the troops. Friday night a heavy rain fell, and the march on Saturday was made over sluggish roads. Halted at noon to camp and draw rations. Our division was on the road early on Sunday morning, April 6th. The 21st brigade had the front of the division, and the 57th the advance of the brigade, with company " F" thrown forward as advanced guard of infantry. In our front was Gen. Wood, with the cavalry as an escort. I do not now remember ever having seen a more beautiful spring morning. The troops were marching slowly along, talking, joking, and laughing, when the distant boom of cannon came floating on the morning breeze across the great valley of the Tennessee. In a few moments it was repeated. Again and again the sound came reverberating over the hills. Various speculations were indulged in concerning the cause of the firing. No one thought of a battle at that time. Our colonel supposed it was gun-boats practicing on the river. When the sounds were first heard we were at least thirty miles from Savannah. But as we advanced, they continued to increase and about noon a courier arrived, and informed Gen. Wood that the enemy had attacked our forces at Pittsburg Landing, and that a hard battle was going on.
Orders were immediately given for the troops to halt until the trains could come up, then take three days' lotions in haversacks, leave the knapsacks on the wagons, and hurry forward. Halting at the road-side, we awaited the arrival of our trains; and just as we were ready to proceed, instructions were received to come on as fast as possible with trains. Fully two hours were consumed before the division was again under way. The march was continued as before, until sunset, when positive orders were received to leave the trains, and push forward to the field. From the continual roar of artillery, it was evident that the battle was raging fiercely. For some time we had been able to distinguish the musketry from the heavy guns. Just before dark the gun-boats went into action, and we could plainly hear their heavy broadsides above the field-guns and the rattle of small arms. We were uneasy for the welfare of our army. Minutes seemed almost like hours, so terrible was the suspense. We knew it must have been a surprise by the enemy, for surely our commanders would not have given battle with their forces divided. As night came on the musketry ceased, and, except an occasional boom from the large guns, no sound could be heard in the direction of the field.
Three bridges just outside Savannah
We were ordered to march in profound silence. No man was allowed to speak above a whisper. Night grew on, and the black darkness was impenetrable. Long before midnight the mutterings of distant thunder were heard ; the lightning's vivid glare disclosed the weary column, and the dashing rain increased the difficulties of the night march. The roads, which at first were only muddy, now became wet and slippery with the increasing rains. Small streams became swollen, and the gullies were full of water. Artillery horses gave out, and men were required to assist in helping forward with the guns. The advance were on the alert for the lurking foe, and halted at intervals to wait on the rear, who were toiling over the slippery roads. Arriving at the bank of a small stream, we awaited the gleam of light to see if the bridge was still there; and we thought a lucky light it would be, as we ventured upon the swimming logs, only to find ourselves half submerged in water, astride the floating timbers. Water over head, water under foot, water on every side, mixed alone with the murky darkness. Growing reckless, we plunged forward through mud and water, over rocks, and into gullies. Wearied with twenty hours' constant marching, we trudged on till three o'clock, tumbling down and gathering ourselves up times almost innumerable. A halt was now ordered until daylight, when the rain ceased falling, and the rear was well closed up.
With the dawn of day the battle again commenced and we were now near enough to hear the noise very distinctly. Soon after starting we came up with the trains of the other divisions, struggling along through the mud. Teamsters were coaxing, cursing, and whipping their mules. Some were stuck fast in the mud, and were carrying their baggage on their shoulders, over the worst places to better ground. Several miles from town we came to a deep and narrow stream of water. The rickety log-way of an old saw-mill, which here spanned the stream, and on which but one man at a time could cross safely, was the only substitute for a bridge. Considerable time was consumed here, and as soon as all of our own brigade were across, we hurried forward, and reached Savannah at 9 o'clock. The town was filled with wounded, and a constant procession came up from the hospital boats at the landing. Many were carried on litters, and others were walking around with heads and arms bandaged. Rumors were flying thick and fast, but we could learn nothing reliable, until we reached the landing at town. Here another delay , and here we learned of the almost total destruction of Gen. Grant's army, and the timely arrival of troops from Buell's command. At 10 o'clock the brigade embarked on transports, and moved up the river. There were a number of persons on board who had been up to the field, and they told a variety of stories concerning the battle.
The desperate resistance of our troops, on Sunday the terrible havoc made in the ranks of the enemy by our gunboats and the opinion of prominent generals, that the engagement already surpassed the great battles of Montebello and Solferino, were among the leading topics of conversation. One rumor stated that there were fifteen thousand men there who would not fire a gun and that sounded like a curious story to hear about volunteers. Another was, that regiments, when they arrived on the field, were sent in singly, and soon cut to pieces by superior numbers of the rebels. Finally we reached the landing, and the band of the 15th Indiana played a national air as we marched to the top of the bank, amid the welcoming shouts of the wounded, and the thousands of stragglers who had taken refuge beyond the reach of danger. Plenty of aids were present, to give instructions, and dictate what should be done. " This way with that regiment!" "Hurry up there!" "What are you waiting for?" and such Uke expressions, could be heard on all sides, but Col. Wagner decided to wait until he could "go in with all the brigade."
All around us were scattered knapsacks, clothing, haversacks, guns, canteens, pieces of broken wagons, ambulances, and dismounted artillery—all under foot, and being trampled in the mud. Hundreds of wounded were coming from the field ; cavalry and artillery reserves were forming, and hurrying off' to the scene of action. Shouts and cheers from the front, mingled with the noise of battle, told that the enemy were being repulsed and driven back. On every hand there was constant bustle and confusion. As soon as the regiments of our brigade could land, throw aside oil-cloths, and form their companies, we were off at the double-quick for the front. In less than half a mile from the river we commenced passing over the dead bodies of our men, who were killed on Sunday evening; and a little further on came the ground held by the enemy during the previous afternoon and night. Along the roads, and in the woods, we passed men coming to the rear, who
were wounded in every conceivable manner. Some would tell us "Our men are cut to pieces!" others, "You'll soon get to where there's hot work!" The nearer we approached to the front, the more favorable would be the news, and at last we would hear such reports as, " Hurry up, boys, and go in!" " Give it to 'em good!" "We give 'em hell!" A run of four miles brought us to the rear of our lines.
By order of Gen. Huriburt, the 57th was detached from the brigade, and sent to assist his division. As soon as we could load our pieces the regiment moved out and formed on the left of an Illinois regiment. In our front lay an open field several hundred yards wide, and the enemy were in the timber on the other side. To our right and rear was a battery, which kept up a constant fire, shelling the woods in front. When the line was formed the command was given to advance across the open field on double-quick, raise the yell, and drive the enemy from the woods. Our colors were unfurled, and with a cheer the line advanced briskly across the open ground, until we reached the timber, when we gave them a sharp volley of musketry, to which they gave a feeble reply, and immediately started on the retreat. The fire of the enemy was both weak and scattering. But four men were wounded in the regiment, and those but slightly.
We got but a glimpse of the foe before they were gone from our sight in the forest. We continued the pursuit some distance when, they opened on us with artillery; but on account of our being on lower ground, and a heavy timber between us, their shells were all too high, and caused no damage. Lying down on the ground we awaited their advance; but none was made, and in a few moments we withdrew a short distance, with the hope of drawing their battery into an ambuscade and capturing it, but they declined following, and soon after left the field. A line of skirmishers was now thrown forward, which followed some distance, when the pursuit was abandoned, and the men were ordered to rest on their arms. Thus ended the part taken by our regiment in the battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing.
After our arrival on the field there was no fighting done sufficient to test the bravery of the men or the skill of the commander, and the name of the field was never inscribed on our banners. However, the regiment marched more than thirty miles after the fighting commenced, did all that could be done to reach the field, and was now ready, had its services been required.
Army of the Ohio - MG Don Carlos Buell
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Sixth Division - BG Thomas J. Wood
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20th Brigade - BG James A. Garfield
21st Brigade - Col George D. Wagner
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15th Indiana: Col Gustavus A. Wood
10th Indiana: Col Mahlon D. Manson
57th Indiana: Col Cyrus C. Hines
24th Kentucky: Col Louis Grigsby
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