Report of Major General Don Carlos Buell, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Field of Shiloh, April 15, 1862
Capt. N. H. McLEAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Mississippi
SIR: The rear division of the army under my command, which
had been delayed a considerable time in rebuilding the Duck River Bridge, left
Columbia on the 3d instant. I left the evening of that day, and arrived at
Savannah on the evening of the 5th. General Nelson, with his division, which
formed the advance, arrived the same day. The other divisions marched with
intervals of about 6 miles.
On the morning of the 6th the firing of cannon and musketry
was heard in the direction of this place. Apprehending that a serious engagement
had commenced, I went to General Grant's headquarters to get information as to
the best means of reaching the battle-field with the division that had arrived.
At the same time orders were dispatched to the divisions in rear to leave their
trains and push forward by forced marches. I learned that General Grant had just
started, leaving orders for General Nelson to march to the river opposite
Pittsburg Landing to be ferried across. On examination of the road up the river
I discovered it to be impracticable for artillery, and General Nelson was
directed to leave his to be carried forward by steamers.
The impression existed at Savannah that the firing was only
an affair of outposts, the same thing having occurred for the two or three
previous days; but as it continued I determined to go at once to the scene of
action, and accordingly started with my chief of staff, Colonel Fry, on a
steamer, which I had ordered to get under steam. As we proceeded up the river
groups of soldiers were seen upon the west bank, and it soon became evident that
they were stragglers from the army that was engaged. The groups increased in
size and frequency, until, as we approached the Landing, they amounted to whole
companies, and almost regiments, and at the Landing the banks swarmed with a
confused mass of men of various regiments. The number could not have been less
than 4,000 or 5,000, and later in the day it became much greater.
Finding General Grant at the Landing I requested him to send
steamers to Savannah to bring up General Crittenden's division, which had
arrived during the morning, and then went ashore with him.
The throng of disorganized and demoralized troops increased
continually by fresh fugitives from the battle, which steadily drew nearer the
Landing, and with these were mingled great numbers of teams, all striving to get
as near as possible to the river. With few exceptions all efforts to form the
troops and move them forward to the fight utterly failed.
In the mean time the enemy had made such progress against our troops that his
artillery and musketry began to play into the vital spot of the position, and
some persons were killed on the bank at the very Landing. General Nelson arrived
with Colonel Ammen's brigade at this opportune moment. It was immediately posted
to meet the attack at that point, and, with a battery of artillery which
happened to be on the ground and was brought into action, opened fire on the
enemy and repulsed him. The action of the gunboats also contributed very much to
that result. The attack at that point was not renewed, night having come on, and
the firing ceased on both sides.
In the mean time the remainder of General Nelson's division
crossed, and General Crittenden's arrived from Savannah by steamers. After
examining the ground as well as was possible at night in front of the line on
which General Grant's troops had formed and as far to the right as General
Sherman's division, I directed Nelson's and Crittenden's divisions to form in
front of that line, and move forward as soon as it Was light in the morning.
During the night and early the following morning Captain Bartlett's Ohio
battery, Captain Mendenhall's regular battery, and Captain Terrill's regular
battery, Fifth Artillery, arrived. General McCook arrived at Savannah during the
night of the 6th, and reached the field of battle early in the morning of the
7th. I knew that the other divisions could not arrive in time for the action
that day.
The patch of country on which the battles of the 6th and 7th
were fought is called Shiloh, from the little church of that name which stands
near the center of it. It consists of an undulating table-land, elevated some 80
or 100 feet above the river bottom. Along the Tennessee River to the east it
breaks into abrupt ravines, and towards the south, along Lick Creek, which
empties into the Tennessee River some 3 miles above Pittsburg Landing, rises
into a range of hills of some height, whose slopes are gradual towards the
battle-field and somewhat abrupt towards Lick Creek. Owl Creek, rising quite
near the source, e of Lick Creek, flows to the northeast around the battle-field
into Snake Creek, which empties into the Tennessee River 4 miles below Lick
Creek. The drainage is mainly from the Lick Creek Ridge and the table-land into
Owl Creek.
Coming from Corinth, the principal road crosses Lick Creek at
two points some 12 miles from its mouth, and separates into three or four
principal branches, which enter the table-land from the south at a distance of
about a mile apart. Generally the face of the country is covered with woods,
through which troops can pass without great difficulty, though occasionally the
undergrowth is dense. Small farms or cultivated fields of from 20 to 80 acres
occur now and then, but as a general thing the country is in forest. My entire
ignorance of the various roads and of the character of the country at the time
rendered it impossible to anticipate the probable dispositions of the enemy, and
the woods were always sufficient to screen his preparatory movements from
observation.
Soon after 5 o'clock on the morning of the 7th General
Nelson's and General Crittenden's divisions, the only ones yet arrived on the
ground, moved promptly forward to meet the enemy. Nelson's division, marching in
line of battle, soon came upon his pickets, drove them in, and at about 6
o'clock received the fire of his artillery. The division was here halted and
Mendenhall's battery brought into action to reply, while Crittenden's division
was being put into position on the right of Nelson's. Bartlett's battery was
posted in the center of Crittenden's division in a commanding position, opposite
which the enemy was discovered to be formed in force. By this time McCook's
division arrived on the ground, and was immediately formed on the right of
Crittenden's. Skirmishers were thrown to the front and a strong body of them to
guard our left flank, which, though somewhat protected by rough ground, it was
supposed the enemy might attempt to turn, and, in fact, did, but was handsomely
repulsed, with great loss. Each brigade furnished its own reserve, and in
addition Boyle's brigade, from Crittenden's division, though it formed at first
in the line, was kept somewhat back when the line advanced, to be used as
occasion might require. I found on the ground parts of about two
regiments--perhaps 1,000 men--and subsequently a similar fragment came up of
General Grant's force. The first I directed to act with General McCook's attack
and the second was similarly employed on the left. I saw other straggling troops
of General Grant's force immediately on General McCook's right, and some firing
had already commenced there. I have no direct knowledge of the disposition of
the remainder of General Grant's forces nor is it my province to speak of them.
Those that came under my direction in the way I have stated rendered willing and
efficient service during the day.
The force under my command occupied a line of about 1½ miles.
In front of Nelson's division was an open field, partially screened toward his
right by a skirt of woods, which extended beyond the enemy's line, with a thick
undergrowth in front of the left brigade of Crittenden's division;
then an open field in front of Crittenden's right and McCook's left, and in
front of McCook's right woods again, with a dense undergrowth. The ground,
nearly level in front of Nelson, formed a hollow in front of Crittenden, and
fell into a small creek or ravine, which empties into Owl Creek, in front of
McCook.
What I afterward learned was the Hamburg road (which crosses
Lick Creek a mile from its mouth) passed perpendicularly through the line of
battle near Nelson's left. On a line slightly oblique to ours, and beyond the
open field, the enemy was formed, with a battery in front of Nelson's left, a
battery commanding the woods in front of Crittenden's left and flanking the
fields in front of Nelson, a battery commanding the same woods and the field in
front of Crittenden's right and McCook's left, and a battery in front of
McCook's right. A short distance in rear of the enemy's left, on high, open
ground, were the encampments of McClernand's and Sherman's divisions, which the
enemy held.
While my troops were getting into position on the right the
artillery fire was kept up between Mendenhall's battery and the enemy's second
battery with some effect. Bartlett's battery was hardly in position before the
enemy's third battery opened fire on that part of the line, and when, very soon
after our line advanced, with strong bodies of skirmishers in front, the action
became general and continued with severity during the greater part of the day
and until the enemy was driven from the field.
The obliquity of our line, the left being thrown forward,
brought Nelson's division first into action, and it became very hotly engaged at
an early hour. A charge of the Nineteenth Brigade from Nelson's right, led by
its commander, Colonel Hazen, reached the enemy's second battery, but the
brigade sustained a heavy loss from the fire of the enemy's batteries, and was
unable to maintain its advantage against the heavy infantry force that came
forward to oppose it. The enemy recovered the battery and followed up his
momentary advantage by throwing a heavy force of infantry into the woods in
front of Crittenden's left.
The left brigade (Col. W. S. Smith) of that division advanced
into the woods, repulsed the enemy, and took several prisoners. In the mean time
Captain Terrill's battery, Fifth Artillery, which had just landed, reached the
field, and was ordered into action near the left, with Nelson's division, which
was very heavily pressed by the greater numbers of the enemy. It belonged,
properly, to McCook's division. It took position near the Hamburg road, in the
open ground in front of the enemy's right, and at once began to act with decided
effect upon the tide of battle in that quarter. The enemy's right battery was
silenced. Ammen's brigade, which was on the left, advanced in good order upon
the enemy's right, but was checked for some time by his endeavor to turn our
left flank and by his strong counterattack in front. Captain Terrill, who in the
mean time had taken an advanced position, was compelled to retire, leaving one
caisson, in which every horse was killed or disabled. It was very soon
recovered. Having been re-enforced by a regiment from General Boyle's brigade,
Nelson's division again moved forward and forced the enemy to abandon entirely
his position. This success flanked the enemy's position at his second and third
batteries, from which he was soon driven, with the loss of several pieces of
artillery, by the concentrated fire of Terrill's and Mendenhall's batteries and
an attack from Crittenden's division in front. The enemy made a second stand
some 800 yards in rear of this position and opened fire with his artillery.
Mendenhall's battery was thrown forward, silenced the battery, and it
was captured by General Crittenden's division, the enemy retreating from it.
In the mean time the division of General McCook on the right,
which became engaged somewhat later in the morning than the divisions on the
left, had made steady progress until it drove the enemy's left from the
hotly-contested field. The action was commenced in this division by General
Rousseau's brigade, which drove the enemy in front of it from his first position
and captured a battery. The line of attack of this division caused a
considerable widening of the space between it and Crittenden's right. It was
also outflanked on its right by the line of the enemy, who made repeated strong
attacks on its flanks, but was always gallantly repulsed. The enemy made his
last decided stand in front of this division in the woods beyond Sherman's camp.
Two brigades of General Wood's division arrived just at the
close of the battle, but only one of them (Colonel Wagner's) in time to
participate actively in the pursuit, which it continued for about a mile and
until halted by my order. Its skirmishers became engaged for a few minutes with
skirmishers (cavalry and infantry) of the enemy's rear guard, which made a
momentary stand. It was also fired upon by the enemy's artillery on its right
flank, but without effect. It was well-conducted by its commander, and showed
great steadiness.
The pursuit was continued no farther that day. I was without cavalry, and the
different corps had become a good deal scattered in a pursuit over a country
which screened the movements of' the enemy, and the roads of which I knew
practically nothing.
In the beginning of the pursuit, thinking it probable the
enemy had retired partly by the Hamburg road, I had ordered Nelson's division to
follow as far as Lick Creek, on that road, from which, I afterwards learned, the
direct Corinth road was separated by a difficult ravine which empties into Lick
Creek. I therefore occupied myself with examining the ground and getting the
different divisions into position, which was not effected until some time after
dark.
The following morning, in pursuance of the directions of
General Grant, General Wood was sent forward with two of his brigades and a
battery of artillery to discover the position of the enemy, and press him if he
should be found in retreat. General Sherman, with about the same force from
General Grant's army, was on the same service, and had a spirited skirmish with
the enemy's cavalry, driving it back. The main force was found to have retreated
beyond Lick Creek, and our troops returned at night.
The loss of the forces under my command is 263 killed, 1,816
wounded, 88 missing; total, 2,167. The trophies are twenty pieces of
artillery, a greater number of caissons, and a considerable number of
small-arms. Many of the cannon were recaptured from the loss of the previous
day. Several stand of colors were also recaptured.
There were no idlers in the battle of the 7th. Every portion
of the army did its work. The batteries of Captains Terrill and Mendenhall were
splendidly handled and served; that of Captain Bartlett was served with great
spirit and gallantry, though with less decisive re-salts.
I specially commend to the favor of the Government, for their
distinguished gallantry and good conduct Brig. Gen. A. McD. McCook, commanding
Second Division` Brig. Gen. William Nelson, commanding Fourth Division; Brig.
Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden, commanding Fifth Division; Brig. Gen.
Lovell H. Rousseau, commanding Fourth Brigade; Brig. Gen. J. T. Boyle,
commanding Eleventh Brigade; Col. J. Ammen, Twenty-fourth Ohio, commanding Tenth
Brigade; Col. W. S. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio, commanding Fourteenth Brigade; Col.
E. N. Kirk, Thirty-fourth Illinois, commanding Fifth Brigade; Col. W.H. Gibson,
Forty-ninth Ohio, temporarily commanding Sixth Brigade; Capt. W. R. Terrill,
Fifth Artillery; Capt. John Mendenhall, Fourth Artillery; Capt. Joseph Bartlett,
Ohio Volunteer Battery. For the many other officers who won honorable
distinction I refer to the reports of the division, brigade, and regimental
commanders, transmitted herewith, as also for more detailed information of the
services of the different corps. I join cordially in the commendations bestowed
by those officers on those under their command. The gallantry of many of them
came under my personal observation.
The members of my staff, Col. James B. Fry, chief of staff;
Capt. J. M. Wright, assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. C. L. Fitzhugh, Fourth
Artillery, aide-de-camp; Lieut. A. F. Rockwell, New York Chasseurs,
aide-de-camp; Lieut. T. J. Bush, Twenty-fourth Kentucky, aide-de-camp; Capt. J.
H. Gilman, Nineteenth Infantry, inspector of artillery; Capt. E. Gay, Sixteenth
Infantry, inspector of cavalry; Capt. H. C. Bankhead, Fifth Infantry, inspector
of infantry; and Capt. Nathaniel Michler, Topographical Engineers, were
distinguished for gallant bearing throughout the battle, and rendered valuable
service. The gallant deportment of my orderlies, Privates A. J. Williamson,
Fourth Cavalry, and N.M. Smith, J. R. Hewitt, J. A. Stevenson, and V. B. Hummel,
of the Anderson Troop, also deserves to be mentioned. I am particularly indebted
to Colonel Fry, chief of staff, for valuable assistance in the battle, as well
as for the ability and industry with which he has at all times performed the
important duties of his position. Surgeon Murray, medical director, always
assiduous in the discharge of his duties, was actively engaged on the field in
taking the best care of the wounded the circumstances admitted of. Capt. A. C.
Gillem, assistant quartermaster, is entitled to great credit for his energy and
industry in providing transportation for the troops from Savannah. Lieut. Col.
James Oakes, Fourth Cavalry, inspector of cavalry, and Capt. C. C. Gilbert,
First Infantry, acting inspector-general, who have rendered zealous and valuable
service in their positions, were detained at Savannah, and unable to be present
in the action.
The troops which did not arrive in time for the battle,
General Thomas' and part of General Wood's divisions (a portion of the latter,
as I have previously stated, took part in the pursuit, and the remainder arrived
in the evening), are entitled to the highest praise for the untiring energy with
which they pressed forward night and day to share the dangers of their comrades.
One of those divisions (General Thomas') had already under his command made its
name honorable by one of the most memorable victories of the war--Mill
Springs--on which the tide of success seemed to turn steadily in favor of the
Union.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General, Commanding.
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GENERAL ORDERS No. 6.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Field of Shiloh, Tenn., April 8, 1862.
The general congratulates the army under his command on
the imperishable honor which they won yesterday on the battle-field of Shiloh,
near Pittsburg Landing. The alacrity and zeal with which they pressed forward by
forced marches to the succor of their comrades of a sister army imperiled by the
attack of an overwhelming force; the gallantry with which they assaulted the
enemy, and the persevering courage with which they maintained an incessant
conflict against superior numbers from 6 o'clock in the morning until evening,
when the enemy was driven from the field, are incidents which point to a great
service nobly performed.
The general reminds his troops again that such results are
not attained by individual prowess alone; that subordination and careful
training are essential to the efficiency of every army, and that the success
which has given them a brilliant page in history is greatly due to the readiness
with which they have seconded the labors of their division, brigade, and
regimental commanders, who first disciplined them in camp and then led them
judiciously and gallantly in battle.
By command of Major-General Buell:
JAMES B. FRY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Chief of Staff.
Text
Source - The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Image Source - The Library of Congress
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