The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1862-05-09
ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
From the Field of Shiloh.

The following letter from the pen of T. r.
Smith, son of John Smith, Esq, of SchelLsburg,
gives graphic description of the terrible battle
of Shiloh the writer having been in the thickest of
the fight:
PIrrsBURG LANDING, Aprik10, 1852.
liy Dear Pa1eats:-
Another battle has been fought and ano-
ther victory won, and came out unharmed,
while thousands were killed and wounded. When
last wrote, little did l think we would SO soon
meet the enemies of our flag. We expected to
make the attack, but were much mistaken
Last Saturday evening, ut dress parade, the or
ders were read for preaching in camps at eleven
O'clock, Sabbath morning, hy tho clroria'r vf
the Eighth Iowa Reg't. We had just eaten our
breakfast and were preparing for the services,
when we heard heavy firing some three miles
West of our camps. The enemy had surprised
our pickets, cut them off and come on those
camped near the lines before they were up. A
great many were killed in their beds, some be-
fore they could get their guns, some taken pris-
oners and some escaped and gave the alarm 1t
was but Il short time until we were ordered to
prepare for action. The long roll was heard all
giving orders All was excitement. Our di-
vision was formed and marched about mip,
and then formed into line Of battle We had
not long to wait. Very soon we saw them
coming skulking from tree to tree and watching
for an opportunity to pick off a Yankee. We
left them come close enough to sec the white Of
their eyes, when the order was given to fire
You may rest assured the order was instantly
obeyed. The bullets whzzcd around us thick
and fast. Our men Immediately fell fiat and
reloaded. We held our position three or four
hours The enemy came pouring in by thou
sands. AS fast as one fell another took his
place. Our men were falling fast. We soon
found they had three or four to one of us. We
were about the centre. They tried to break our
centre several times but were each time repulsed
They then bore toward the left wing and succee-
ded in breaking through. We were then forced
TO fall back or be taken prisoners Our men
fought like demons. Loaded and fired as we
fell back. In doing so we were almost surroun-
ded and finally had to run for our lives. A great
many of our regiment fell in that retreat We
passed over our camp through cross fire from
the enemy. Onr tents were lying down and
they had fair aim. Our captain fell, also four or
NV iioiO VI Soi'i)tiily. N'Ht WIS SIiOl WltU-
in five feet of his own tent. About this time
we concludedit was going to be another Bull
Run affair and were in full retreat toward the
river. Gen. Grant was in command of our for
ces, and as far as can learn, acted most dis
graceful part. lie was intoxicated all day and
it was owing to his careessness that we were
surprised. We had been lokng for Gen. Buell.
for two or three days before we were attacked,
and fortunately for us he was within eight
miles of us on Sunday and heard the firing
He made forced march, but owing to the bad
roads, did not reach us till about four o'clock,
but still in time to prevent us all from being ta-
ken prisoners. Herun his men on hill, planted
some heavy siege guns and drove the enemy
back from their position,when they were shell
ing Us. By this time it was almost dark. The
firing had almost ceased. The gunboats had
gone up the river and got within range of their
line, and from what the prisoners we took on
Monday morning, said, cut their right wing all
to pieces We rested on our arms all night.
General Buell. formed his line of battle and
planted his artillery during the night The en-
envy took possession of our tents and had high
time, eating our provisions which were left in
abundance. Some of them said afterward they
had tho first coffee they had tasted since they
had been in the service. During the night we
had heavy shower of rain. We took it all,
but not in IA pleasant n mood as we might have
done. We had not even blanket or coat, and,
of course, got wet through. Monday morning,
at day break, we commenced the action, and
then the fight began in earnest. The enemy
had been reinforced the night before and were
led on by Beauregard Bragg, Broctinridge, and