Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, April 7, 1862

Last night was a doleful night as the soldiers laid in this wilderness by the Tennessee. All night long there was a chilling rain, and the April wind sighed mournfully around the suffering, wounded warriors. Many a wounded soldier died last night. During the weary hours the insatiate archer was making silent steps.

"One quivering motion, one convulsive throe,

And the freed spirits took their upward flight.”

Would that God would roll back the storms of war and temper the hearts of men ere any more human blood flows down like rivulets to crimson the beautiful waters of the Cumberland and Tennessee. But oh! it seems that more blood must flow; that away up yonder, in those cottage homes, where the prairie winds blow, more tears must sparkle, fall and perish; that more hearts must be broken-more hopes dashed down—more doomed

"In their nightly dreams to hear

The bolts of war around them rattle."

Hark! we hear a rumble and a roar. It is a rattle of musketry and the terrible knell from the cannon's mouth. We are marched to the front, where we find Nelson engaged. His hounds of war are let loose. Inroads are being made. The Seventh is filed into position and ordered to lie down. Though the enemy has given ground, they still show stubbornness. We are now in a sharp place; there is some uneasiness here. A cold chill creeps over the soldiers. How uncomfortable it is to be compelled to remain inactive when these whizzing minies come screaming through the air on their mission of death. From such places, under such circumstances, the Seventh would ever wish to be excused, for it grates harshly with the soldier, and is exceedingly distressing when he is prevented from returning compliment for compliment, as the Seventh will testify to-day. But we do not remain here long, for from this place of inactivity, we are moved to a place of action. The battle is raging furiously. The army of the Ohio and the army of the Tennessee are striking hand to hand. The tables are turning; step by step the rebels are being driven. Position after position the Seventh is now taking. The sharp, positive crack of their musketry makes a terrible din along their line. It is apparent that the rebels are retreating. Another day is waning; a day of sacrifice; a day in which has been held a high carnival of blood on Shiloh's plain. Many patriot, loyal soldiers died to-day, and as they died, many of them were seen to smile as they saw the old flag, the pride of their hearts, riding so proudly over the bloody field. Many shed a tear of joy as they beheld the beautiful streams of light falling on the crimson wings of conquest.

The rebels are now flying. Nelson is making a terrible wreck in the rear of the retreating army. Kind reader, stand with me now where the Seventh stands; look away yonder! Your eye never beheld a grander sight. It is the northwest's positive tread. They move firmly; there is harmony in their steps. Ten thousand bayonets flash in the blazing sunlight. They are moving in columns on the bloody plain. Their tramp sounds like a death knell. The band is playing “Hail to the chief.” Its martial anthems seem to float as it were on golden chords through air, and as they fall around the weary soldier their hopes of glory beat high. They are retreating now; the rear of the rebel army is fast fading from Shiloh's. field. Before the north west's mighty power how they dwindle into littleness, as turrets and spires beneath the stars. They are far away now, and the great battle of Shiloh is over; the fierce wild drama is ended; the curtain falls; the sun is hid, and night has come. The Seventh goes into camp on the battle-field; their camp fires are soon burning, and those noble ones, who have fought so well, lie down, worn and weary, to rest themselves. They have passed through two days of fearful battle; amid thunder, smoke and perils they bore their tattered flag, and when the storm-king was making his most wrathful strides, it still waved in the wind and never went down, for strong arms were there and they held it up. But how painful it is to know that some comrades who were with us in the morning, are not with us now. They have fallen and died-died in the early morning of life. And why did they die? A royal herald will answer, for a country, for a home, for a name. Come walk with me now while the tired soldiers are sleeping. Who is this who lays here beneath this oak, in such agony, such convulsive throes? It is a soldier in gray; a wounded rebel who fought against the old flag to-day. But he is dying; his life is almost gone; he is dead now. Oh! how sad it makes one feel to see a soldier die, and how we pity him who has just died; pity him because he has fallen in such a desperate cause; pity him because no royal herald will ever write his name on the sacred scroll of fame.

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 54-7

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, April 6, 1862

A beautiful, bright, pleasant morning. The men of the Tenth Brigade are putting their guns in order and brushing their uniforms for the parade. The officers are busy with their commands to have all in readiness, and Jesse Crane is polishing my spurs and preparing my horse and his rider to appear to the best advantage at the review and inspection ordered. The sound of distant cannon in the direction of Pittsburg Landing is heard; not an uncommon occurrence when near a large army. The reports are more numerous and the intervals less, and soon there is almost a continuous roar of artillery; distant, it is true, but as it continues and increases without any cessation, all conclude that a battle has commenced and is raging. The officers and men of the Tenth Brigade are more diligent in preparing themselves to march, to have arms and ammunition ready for the conflict. The preparation for parade and review is abandoned and all attention given to what is required in battle. General Nelson comes dashing to our camp at the head of his staff, and gives me orders to be ready to proceed to the assistance of the Army of the Tennessee at Pittsburg Landing either by the boats or through the swamp, if the officers and cavalry sent by General Buell and himself found a practicable route through the swamp. He went to the landing on the river to watch for the boats and said he would send me orders. The Tenth Brigade was soon under arms and inspected, cartridge boxes filled, every gun examined. The Thirty-sixth Indiana, Sixth Ohio, and Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; also Cox's Indiana battery, six pieces, horses harnessed, regimental teams ready to move, all prepared. If the teams and battery had to be left, a guard was detailed to remain with them. Having my arms and ammunition in order and the men ready to march and no orders from General Nelson, I rode to the brick house (headquarters), on the river, and there met Generals Buell and Nelson, both very impatient, as there was no appearance of boats coming down the river from the battle-field. Part of those sent to the swamp had returned and reported unfavorably. The others were anxiously looked for, and it was hoped would find a route practicable for infantry at least. The roar of artillery continued and rumors of our defeat were numerous. The boats appeared to be the only means of our reaching our companions in arms. I ascertained that my friend General C. F. Smith was upstairs, a cripple, and obtained permission to see him. He was in fine spirits; laughed at me for thinking that a great battle was raging; said it was only a skirmish of pickets, and that I was accustomed to small affairs. He said it was a large and hot picket skirmish. As there was no cessation, no diminution, and the sounds appeared to be coming nearer and growing more distinct, he said a part of the army might be engaged.

At this point an orderly came to the door and said General Nelson wanted to see me. I bade General Smith adieu, and was at once with Generals Buell and Nelson. A small steamer was approaching the landing from below and was soon to proceed up the river. The remainder of the officers and men had returned from the swamp without success, but a large, fine-looking Tennesseean, who professes to be a strong Union man and a desperate hater of rebels, is with the two generals. He says he knows every pass through the swamp; that he can conduct the infantry to the battlefield, but that wagons and artillery cannot get through the deep mud. It is about noon. General Buell orders General Nelson to march through the swamp if the boats do not soon appear in sight. General Buell and staff take passage on the steamer and start up the river for Pittsburg Landing. General Nelson orders me to my camp, to have my command formed ready to march either by boat or by land. About 1 p.m. an officer came with the guide and orders from General Nelson to march through the swamp, as no boats were in sight. The column being ready the forward is sounded; the march is commenced along a ridge. The teams, artillery, and guard are left in camp. General Nelson goes to start the other brigades of his division. The Tenth Brigade marches at a good rate, on a dry road at the beginning, to the music of the cannons' roar. On we go; the battle is evidently nearer, and we imagine the sound of small-arms can at times be heard. Three miles of good road on the ridge and our fine-looking guide leads down into the black-mud swamp, and consoles me by saying there are only about 5 miles more of it to the Landing. On the men march through the mud; cross a log bridge across a ditch full of water (bridge fastened down), to get into mud again. Our guide leads through a forest; no improvement.. If there is a road, the subsiding waters leave but indistinct traces. The roar of cannon continues; the volleys of musketry can be distinguished. The men appear cool, yet marched a good rate through the mud; appear anxious to meet the foe. The Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Col. W. Grose, is in front. This regiment has not been under fire; has not seen much service. The Sixth Ohio, Lieut. Col. N. L. Anderson, is next; has seen more service than the Thirty-sixth, but has not been under fire as a regiment, although has had skirmishes, &c. The Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. F. C. Jones, brings up the rear. This regiment has been under severe fire several times; behaved well, but does not appear as anxious as the other regiments to get into a fight. In spite of the mud and water we are making our way through the dense forest. General Nelson comes dashing along, followed by his staff and escort. Says to me. “I will take your guide; hurry on; you can follow our trail. A hundred horsemen moving rapidly by twos over such ground left a trail that we had no difficulty in following. Heavy as the marching is the men do their best to hurry on; no stop at the end of the hour; no lagging behind; all the men are eager to comply with the wish of their brave, impetuous general; rough at times, but always takes good care of the men under his command, and they have full confidence in his skill to direct their movements in battle, and to extricate them, if necessary, in good order, &c. The sound of the guns is more distinct; imagination hears the shout of the combatants; the field of strife is much nearer. Some distance in front of the head of the column a courier at full speed meets, halts, and says, "Colonel Ammen, the general sends his compliments, to hurry up or all will be lost; the enemy is driving our men.”

“How far to the river?”  “A mile and a half or two miles.” “Return, and tell the general we are coming as fast as possible.” I ordered my staff officers to continue in front and stop couriers if any more came; not to let such news get to the troops in column. I rode to the side and let the troops file by, asking them if they could march faster without too much fatigue, as they were needed. “O, yes, colonel; we are not tired. Do you think the fight will be over before we get there?” My answer, “I hope so, if it goes right.” They answer, “You have seen the elephant often; we want to see him once, anyhow.” The Thirty-sixth Indiana and Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry were eager for the fight. The Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry had seen the elephant several rimes, and did not care about seeing him again unless necessary. All three regiments were cheerful; considerably excited, yet cool.

Our pace was accelerated, and I was again at the head of the column, when another courier came with a message of the same import as the first, and soon another. Both were sent back, and the head of the column emerged from the dense forest into a field that bordered on the Tennessee River. Now at intervals the shouts of men could be heard, the steam-whistle, discharge of all kinds of arms—a confused noise. In we went to a point opposite the landing at Pittsburg. The pioneers were put to work to cut a road down the bank to enable men and horses to get on the boats. The northeast bank is low, the opposite bank is high—100 feet or more. The space between the top of the bank and the river, up and down a half a mile or more, was crowded with men; the river was full of boats with steam up, and these boats had many soldiers on them; men in uniform on the boats and under the river bank (10,000 to 15,000) demoralized. Signals urging us to hurry over, which could not understand, as there were so many on the boats and under the bank not engaged of the reserve, as I supposed then. General Nelson went over on the first boat with a part of the Thirty-sixth Indiana, Colonel Grose. General Nelson ordered me to remain and see my brigade over and give orders to the commanders of the other brigades (Colonels Hazen and Bruce) to bring their brigades after the Tenth. I instructed Colonel Grose to be certain to keep guides at the river to conduct all our command to the same point on their arrival by boat. Part of the Tenth had been sent over; orders had been given to Colonels Hazen and Bruce, and I crossed half of the Tenth. On each side the boats were crowded with demoralized soldiers, so that only three or four companies could cross on a boat. On our passage over they said their regiments were cut to pieces, &c., and that we would meet the same fate, &c. The vagabonds under the bank told the same story, and yet my new troops pressed through the crowd without showing any signs of fear. In crossing the river some of my men called my attention to men with uniforms, even shoulder-straps, making their way across the stream on logs, and wished to shoot the cowards. Such looks of terror, such confusion, I never saw before, and do not wish to see again.

On top of the banks, near some buildings, I found the Thirty-sixth Indiana partly formed in line, persons running from the front passing through the line and breaking it. Here, too, were Generals Grant, Buell, and Nelson, all of them cool and calm. General Grant directed me to support a battery about 60 to 100 yards to the left of the road, which was done as soon as the line could be formed—probably in three or four minutes—Generals Buell and Nelson assisting. The Thirty-sixth Indiana and part of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry were placed in position behind the crest of the hill, near the battery, the left protected by a deep ravine parallel to the river and having water in it; the right about 300 yards from the landing. General Buell, that cool and clear-headed soldier, selected the position, and was with us when the rebels reached the crest of the hill, received our fire, were shaken, fell back, advanced again, &c. The assaults of the enemy were met by our troops and successfully resisted. About five minutes after we were in position the rebels made the first attack, and kept on a quarter to haft hour (dusk), when they withdrew. Our loss was only 1 man killed. We were down the slope of the hill, and the enemy firing before they depressed their pieces, the balls went over our heads. Our men, in the hurry, fired in the same way. The balls followed the slope of the ground and were destructive. [?] The extreme left of the line of battle, which we occupied and where we repelled the attacks of the enemy, had not one soldier on it when we took position---open for the advance of the enemy. Lieut. R. F. Wheeler, of my staff, and some men of my escort were detailed to watch the boats and bring the troops of the Tenth Brigade to us as they arrived. The remainder of the Sixth was formed in rear of our line of battle, but the Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was ordered about half a mile to our right, where the enemy was making a desperate attack. Their position was watched and reported to me by some men of my escort. The night was soon very dark, and slight rain at first, then heavy at times. The other brigades of the Fourth Division were over or crossing. Ammunition was brought to a large tree close to our lines, the cartridge boxes were filled and 20 additional rounds given to every man to carry on his person. This done, General Buell directed me to send scouts to the front and ascertain if the enemy was near our front, and, if possible, advance our line of battle several hundreds yards and as near the deep bayou that was reported in our front as practicable. One company of the Thirty-sixth Indiana and one company of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry were deployed as skirmishers on our front and ordered to advance cautiously and in order, but not to bring on an engagement—to advance to the opposite bank of the bayou and halt, sending back couriers to report from time to time. These companies moved cautiously and promptly, taking into account the darkness of the night and the difficulties of the ground, found no force between us and the bayou, and remained as our picket line until morning.

About 10 o'clock at night we commenced forming our new line of battle beyond the crest of the hill, in advance of our old line about 300 yards. Too dark to see, we prolonged our line by touch. The line was formed in a short time, although, if the ground could have been seen, it would have been a very long line—front line, Thirty-sixth Indiana and Sixth Ohio. About 10.30 o'clock at night Generals Buell and Nelson returned and asked if I was almost ready to commence forming my advance line. The answer was, “It is about formed,” which gratified them. The Nineteenth was formed on the right of the Tenth and the Twenty-second on the right of the Nineteenth Brigade. The Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was brought back about midnight and formed my second line and reserve. The troops had orders to lie down in line with their arms and get such rest as they could in the rain, the pickets in front keeping watch. The Tenth Brigade is together again, formed in battle order; has had supper, and is supplied (every man) with 60 rounds of ammunition, to commence the battle to-morrow. The men are as comfortable as the enemy in front and the falling rain and want of shelter will permit, and certainly much more cheerful and prompt and obedient than I could expect. My staff officers, my escort, and myself are between the two lines of the Tenth Brigade. The guns fired at intervals from the gunboats break the stillness of the night, but do not prevent sleep. It is after midnight, rain falling, and I am sitting at the root of a large tree, holding my horse, ready to mount if necessary. Sleep, sweet, refreshing sleep, removes all my anxieties and troubles for two hours. During the night Crittenden's and McCook's divisions crossed the river.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 331-5

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, April 7, 1862

3 a.m.—Less rain. General Nelson, that energetic and wide-awake officer, is at my headquarters, near a large tree, and issues his orders to me verbally: “Colonel Ammen, you will put the Tenth Brigade in motion, as soon as you can see to move, at dawn; find the enemy and whip him.” He went towards the Nineteenth Brigade. The Tenth Brigade is in line, ready to meet an attack, and preparing the best possible breakfast that their haversacks, culinary advantages, &c., will afford; the skirmish line strengthened and advanced several hundred yards beyond the bayou in our front, and the brigade commences the march through the undergrowth, crosses the bayou, ascends the steep, high bank; first line advances far enough to let the second cross, halts, adjusts alignment, &c., the skirmishers advancing slowly and cautiously in the mean time. Our left is to rest on the marsh or Tennessee River, and our line of march is to be up the river. It is now light, and we are again in motion through the wet undergrowth and forest. Rain has ceased. An occasional shot is fired by our skirmishers, and now we are at a clearing, and some cabins and tents are standing, from which our troops were driven yesterday. We cross the open space and halt in the forest. The battle has commenced miles to the right. The fire is extending along the line, and has been coming nearer and nearer, and now we hear the shouts of the distant combatants. The Tenth is again in motion. Our skirmish line has some work, but the enemy falls back; does not advance on our front in force. The advance is slow and cautious; the position of our left flank is examined carefully and is near a swamp; cannot be easily turned. The undergrowth, the forest, and the clearing a short distance in front are favorable to us. About a mile from our position this morning; our advance has not been interrupted. The confidence of the men increased, if I may judge from their cheerful salutes and happy countenances as I pass along the Nines. The roar of artillery and small-arms is extending to our left rapidly. The brigade on our right is engaged furiously. A battery is brought to the support of the Nineteenth, and the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry is taken from my front line to support the battery. The Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry takes position in the front line.

No sooner is our line formed than the enemy assault fiercely, but the brave men and officers of the Tenth Brigade stand cool and firm, and hurl the foe back again and again, as often as he reaches the crest of the small rise immediately in our front. The attacks of the enemy are frequent and desperate, but our new troops have the coolness of veterans. Captain Mendenhall's battery, Fourth U.S. Artillery, comes to our support when we need assistance. Right good service did Captain Mendenhall and his well-drilled and efficient battery perform. The troops on our right are hard up to hold their position, and are not able to dislodge the enemy in their front. We of the Tenth have our hands full. The enemy is massing in our front, apparently determined to carry our left flank. The Tenth is placed on the best ground for defense, concealed as far as practicable, and ready to receive the attack of superior numbers. On the rebels come with loud shouts, and when they are at the proper place the men of the Tenth rise, the front rank fires, loads; the rear rank fires, &c. The rebels find the aim too accurate and the balls to numerous to continue the advance; they fall back, renew the attack repeatedly, but are each time repulsed by the brave men and officers under my command. Generals Buell and Nelson come along; call my attention to the great force in my front, which we had seen and been fighting some time. They were uneasy for the safety of the left, but when they witnessed the fierce assault of the rebels and the cool and determined courage of the men and officers of the Tenth and the decided repulse of the rebels, their expressed their admiration and promised me re-enforcements. Captain Mendenhall's battery was taken to another part of the line of battle which was sorely pressed. The battle rages with us; no cessation; no diminution of numbers in our front; no appearance of retreat, but evident signs of another attack. They come, but cannot move our line; another effort without success; our left baffles all their courage and skill. We have fought long against superior numbers; the men are weary; ammunition is nearly exhausted. Our brave and noble Generals (Buell and Nelson) have taken good care of their troops. Ammunition is close to our line; the boxes are taken to the line; the cartridge boxes are filled and each man has 20 more cartridges on his person. The gallant Captain Terrill, with his battery, Fifth U.S. Artillery, dashes in and takes position at the right of our line; opens fire on the enemy just at the decisive moment; dismounts several pieces of one of their batteries in our front. The fire of the infantry is also constant and protracted. The line of battle was more than 4 miles long; a partial cessation; distant firing suddenly all along the line; an incessant roar of fire-arms; shouts of men, &c. The left of our line and the right of the rebels are as busy, as determined, and as anxious as at any other part of the line of battle. The fire is terrible on both sides. The Tenth Brigade advances slowly, but is gaining ground. The rebels fall back slowly, stubbornly, but they are losing ground. Terrill's battery helps us greatly. We advance more rapidly; push the rebels across the field; pass the tents deserted by our troops early Sunday. The rebels take ammunition from the boxes as they tarry among the tents, where they made a stand for some minutes. Our troops rout the rebels, and also replenish their cartridge boxes from the ammunition at this camp. We pursue a short distance; the rebels are re-enforced; are too strong for us, and we in turn fall back slowly in good order to the forest we left an hour or more before. The fight continues, but our position is strong; we could not be driven from it. Re-enforcements were sent to me by the generals; the left advanced; the rebels fell back. The troops under my command made a charge; the rebels retreated in haste; disappeared in the forest, and the battle was at an end for that day about 3.30 p.m. Parties were sent in pursuit, but there was no fighting except slight skirmishing. The troops bivouacked about 2 miles in advance of our starting point this morning. General Nelson goes to the gunboats and leaves the division under my command. General Buell comes to prepare for to-morrow's fight; I accompany him; he selects line of battle; orders me where and how to form division; accompany him to Crittenden's division, &c.; get back about midnight. General Buell is indefatigable, careful of his men, cool in battle, labors hard to get the best positions, and sees and examines for himself. Rains hard. General Thomas division arrived on boats at 11 a.m.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 335-6

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, March 31, 1862

General Nelson directs me to conduct the march so as to reach Savannah, Tenn., Monday, April 7, as we are not wanted there before that time. Marched 10 miles, passed Mount Pleasant, encamp by a large stream; hear of some provisions about 3 miles off, belonging to the Confederates; send a detachment, and get six wagon loads of salt pork, &c.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, April 5, 1862

Marched 9½ miles over bad roads, and reached Savannah, Tenn., before 12 m. General Grant was not at his headquarters (Savannah), and no one to give orders. General Nelson ordered me to go into camp. The-Tenth Brigade encamped on the southwest side of the town, about half to three-fourths of a mile from the brick house on the river (headquarters). About 3 p. m. General Grant and General Nelson came to my tent. General Grant declined to dismount, as he had an engagement. In answer to my remark that our troops were not fatigued and could march on to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., if necessary, General Grant said, “You cannot march through the swamps; make the troops comfortable; I will send boats for you Monday or Tuesday, or some time early in the week. There will be no fight at Pittsburg Landing; we will have to go to Corinth, where the rebels are fortified. If they come to attack us, we can whip them, as I have more than twice as many troops as I had at Fort Donelson. Be sure and call at the brick house on the river to-morrow evening, as I have an engagement for this evening.” He and General Nelson then rode off. General Buell arrived about sundown. I called on him at his headquarters, about a quarter of a mile from my tent. The Nineteenth and Twenty-second Brigades encamped near the road before reaching the town. I was not at these camps. As the division is to remain here some days, I issue orders to the Tenth Brigade for review and inspection, to take place Sunday, April 6, 9 a. m.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330-1

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, March 27, 1862

Late in the evening General Nelson in returning from General Buell’s headquarters, informed me that he had General Buell’s permission to take the advance, and gave me a verbal order to cross Duck River at daylight the 29th.  I inquired if the bridge would be done.  He answered “No.” “Are there any boats?” He said “No, but the river is falling; and damn you, get over, for we must have the advance and get the glory.”  He enjoined secrecy, lest we should be prevented from taking the advance.

SOURCE: Allen Nevins, “The War for the Union: War Becomes Revolution 1862—1863,” p. 80

Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier-General George W. Cullum, February, 25, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,

Fort Donelson, February 25, 1862.

Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Cairo, Ill.:

I wrote you that General Nelson's division had been sent to Nashville. Since that I have learned that the head of General Buell's column arrived there on Monday evening. The rebels have fallen back to Chattanooga, instead of Murfreesborough, as stated in a former letter. I shall go to Nashville immediately after the arrival of the next mail, should there be no orders to prevent it.

The soldiers of the Eighth Missouri Volunteers who were disguised and sent to Memphis have just returned. They went by the way of Nashville and Decatur. Saw Beauregard at Decatur sick; he has since gone to Columbus. They were in Fort Donelson before the attack commenced, and say the force was estimated at 40,000.

Since the battle the people through the country are much disposed to return to their allegiance. Orders have been given for the evacuation of Columbus. This I learn not only from the men themselves, but from Memphis papers which they bring with them. I send two of these papers to General Halleck. I am growing anxious to know what the next move is going to be. The Southern papers advise the Columbus forces to fall back on Island No. 10 and to Fort Pillow. The force at Memphis is said to be about 12,000.

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 666

Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier-General William Nelson, February 24, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,

Fort Donelson, February 24, 1862.

General NELSON,

Commanding Division, Department of the Ohio:

GENERAL: You will proceed with the division under your command to Nashville, Tenn., keeping in rear of the gunboat Carondelet with all your transports.

From Nashville you will put yourself in immediate communication with General Buell, and if you find that his command is not within two days' march of you, your command will not debark, but fall back down the river some miles on the transports, and remain to form a junction with General Buell when he does arrive.

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

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 662-3

Brigadier-General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, April 3, 1862

Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.

Camp.  April 3, 1862.

Dearest Ellen,

I have really neglected writing for some days.  I don’t know why, but I daily become more and more disposed to stop writing.  There is so much writing that I am sick & tired of it & put it off on Hammond who is sick cross and troublesome.  I have plenty of aids but the writing part is not very full.  I have been pretty busy, in examining Roads & Rivers.  We have now near 60,000 men here, and Bragg has command at Corinth only 18 miles off, with 80 Regiments and more coming.  On our Part McCook, Thomas & Nelsons Divisions are coming from Nashville and are expected about Monday, this is Thursday when I Suppose we must advance to attack Corinth or some other point on the Memphis & Charleston Road.  The weather is now springlike, apples & peaches in blossom and trees beginning to leave.  Bluebirds singing and spring weather upon the hillsides.  This part of the Tennessee differs somewhat from that up at Bellefonte.  There the Alleghany Mountains still characterized the Country whereas here the hills are lower & rounded covered with oak, hickory & dogwood, not unlike the Hills down Hocking.  The people have mostly fled, abandoning their houses, and Such as remain are of a neutral tint not Knowing which side will turn up victors.  That enthusiastic love of the Union of which you read in the newspapers as a form of expression easily written, but is not true.  The poor farmers certainly do want peace, & protection, but all the wealthier classes hate us Yankees with a pure unadulterated hate.  They fear the Gunboats which throw heavy shells and are invulnerable to their rifles & shotguns, and await our coming back from the River.

I have been troubles some days by a Slight diarrhea but am well enough for work.  My Division is very raw and needs much instruction.  Brigade commanders are McDowell, Stuart, Hildebrand & Buckland.  Genl. Grant commands in chief, and we have a host of other Generals, so that I am content to be in a mixed crowd.

I don’t pretend to look ahead far and do not wish to guide events.  They are too momentous to be a subject of personal ambition.

We are constantly in the presence of the enemys pickets, but I am satisfied that they will await our coming at Corinth or some point of the Charleston Road.  If we don’t get away soon the leaves will be out and the whole country an ambush.

Our letters come very irregularly I have nothing from you for more than a week but I know you are well and happy at home and that is a great source of consolation.  My love to all

Yrs. ever

W. T. Sherman

SOURCES: William Tecumseh Sherman Family Papers, Archives of the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, Box 1, Folder 144, image #’s 03-0046 & 03-0047; M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 219-20; Brooks D. Simpson, Jean V. Berlin, Editors, Sherman's Civil War: Selected Correspondence of William T. Sherman, 1860-1865, p. 170-1; 

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, April 5, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,

Savannah, April 5, 1862.

GENERAL: Just as my letter of yesterday to Captain McLean, assistant adjutant-general, was finished, notes from Generals McClernand's and Sherman's assistant adjutants-general were received, stating that our outposts had been attacked by the enemy, apparently in considerable force. I immediately went up, but found all quiet. The enemy took 2 officers and 4 or 5 of our men prisoners and wounded 4. We took 8 prisoners and killed several; number of the enemy wounded not known. They had with them three pieces of artillery and cavalry and infantry. How much cannot of course be estimated.

I have scarcely the faintest idea of an attack (general one) being made upon us, but will be prepared should such a thing take place. General Nelson's division has arrived. The other two of General Buell's column will arrive to-morrow and next day. It is my present intention to send them to Hamburg, some 4 miles above Pittsburg, when they all get here. From that point to Corinth the road is good, and a junction can be formed with the troops from Pittsburg at almost any point.

Colonel McPherson has gone with an escort to-day to examine the defensibility of the ground about Hamburg, and to lay out the position of the camps if advisable to occupy that place.

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

U.S. GRANT,

Major-General.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,

Commanding Department of the Mississippi, Saint Louis, Mo.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 89

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Julia Dent Grant, May 4, 1862

Monterey Ten. May 4th 1862

D EAR J ULIA ,

Olando Ross has just arrived bringing a letter for me from you and also one from father. The latter seems very anxious that I should contradict the statements made by the newspapers! Dont he know the best contradiction in the world is to pay no attention to them? I am in the best health in the world. I think I must be twenty pounds heavyer than when first arrived at Savanna. I was then much reduced however from Diareah. My weight now must be 150 pounds. Orley says that Missy is one of the smartest little girls to learn in Covington. I wrote to you that when you heard of my arrival any place on the Mississippi river you might join me. We now have our advance within three miles of Corinth. Every day our column moves up closer to the enemy. It is a big job however to get a large Army over country roads where it has been raining for the last five months. If we could go strung along the road where there was no enemy to meet it would be different. Here however the front must be kept compact and we do well to approach a few miles every day. Yesterday Gen. Pope had quite a skirmish with the rebels in getting possession of the town of Farmington three miles of Corinth. Pope lost two men killed & twelve wounded whilst the enemy left thirty dead on the field and lost quite a number taken prisoners. You will hear the result of the attack on Corinth, by telegraph, before this reaches you.—I sent you $250.00 by express the other day. Draw the $100.00 you got from Mr. Safford as a matter of course. I want you to let father have all you can for us to start on at the close of the war but dont stint yourself. I want you and the children to dress well. You can say to father that Nelsons troops made a good march on Saturday and were ordered that evening to march up the river to opposite Pittsburg Landing the next morning, which they did starting at an early hour. After the attack commenced orders were sent hurrying them up. But it is no small matter to march 10,000 men nine miles and cross a river with them when there are no ferry boats and but a small landing overcrouded with steamers.

The papers will get done with this thing after awhile and look upon the first days fight at Pittsburg Landing as one of the best resistances ever made. The enemy outnumbered us three to one that day and we held the field.

Kiss the children for me. Give my love to all at home. Did you get Simp’s watch? I shall not want my citizens clothing until my return to the loyal states. I hope and feel that my return there is not going to be long defered. After one more big battle it certainly cannot be necessary to keep this large army together and I am anxious to go either to Texas or on the coast someplace. Kisses for yourself.

U LYS.

The letter I sent you from Gen. Smith was probably the last he ever wrote. That was written by himself but seeing how badly it was done he had it copied and signed it himself. He was a gallant soldier and one whos esteem was worth having. In Gen. Sherman the country has an able and gallant defender and your husband a true friend.

U

SOURCES: Bruce Catton, “Grant Writes Home,” American Heritage, October 1973, Volume 24, Issue 6, p. 18; John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 5: April 1-August 31, 1862, p. 110-1;