The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-06-26
THE SHILOH CAMPAIGN
General Nelson's Division to the
Rescue.

er, were thus withstanding as best they could
the persistent assaults of the Confederate army,
and another, misled by an order so ambiguously
worded AS to be left to choose its own route
to the battlefield, the 4th division of the Army
OF the Ohio, under its heroic leader, Brigadier-
General William Nelson, was pushing its way
through the swamp on the east shore of the
river TO the rescue of their sorely pressed COM
rades ON the field of Shiloh. Why this division
was left TO drag its huge length along through
the miry ooze like Veritahle serpent, when
feet of transports lay idly moored 10 the wharf
st PittSburg Landing, Is mystery. Ii formed
the climax TO this day of military bluaders.
General Grant arrived ON the field at about
O'Clock on the morning Of the 9th. A mo-
ments glance at the situation convinced him
of the necessity of ordering Lew Wallace to the
field An order to the feet Of transports at the
landing would have sent them steaming down
tie river TO Savannah, whence within five
hours they could have returned laden with
two divisions of Buell's army, or in ample time
20 turn the tide of battle and save the lives of
hundreds Of brave men wasted in the vain
attempt to stem the torrent of defeat in john
stOn's attack on Sunday afternoon.
There can be but one explanation of this
most atrocious blunder. Either General Grant
was determined TO repulse the enemy with his
own troops including Lew Malaces division,
which he momentariiy expected on the field,
without aid from a rival commander; or be-
Ieying that an emergency might arise in which
il would be necessary to cross the river with
his troops under cover of the gunboats he re-
tanned the transports for that purpose.
TIE MARCH THOUGH TIE SWAMP.
No description OF that terrible march can
equal in graphic delineation that of the conf
mander of the leading brigade, Colonel Jacob
Ammen, to whose diary the writer is indebted
for the following account of the movements of
Nelson's division:
April Ga beautiful, bright, pleasant morn
ing. The men of the 10th brigade are putting
their guns in order and brushing their uniforms
for the parade. The officers are busy with
their commands 10 have all in readiness, and
Jesse Crane is polishing my spars and prepar-
ing 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
continuous OF artillery; distant, it is true,
but il continues and increases without any
cessation, all conclude that a battle has com
Denced and is raging. The officers and men
of the 10th brigade are more diligent in pre-
pairing themselves TO march, TO have arms and
ammunition ready for the conflict. The pre-
paratlon for parade and review is abandoned
and all attention given TO what is required in
hattie. General Nelson comes dashing to our
camp at the head of his staff, ard gives me
orders 10 be ready TO proceed TO the assistance
of the Army of the Tennessee at Pittsburg
Landing. either by the boats through the
swamp, If the officers aud cavalry sent by
General Buell. and himself found 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.
READY FOR THE MARCH.
"The 10th brigade was soon under arms and
inspected, cartridge-boxcs flied, every gun ex-
amined. The Both Indiana, 9Th Ohio and oath
Ohio volunteer infantry; also Cox's Indiana
battery six pieces, horses harneSSed, regi-
mental teams ready to move, all prepared. If
the teams and battery had TO be left, a guard
was detailed 10 remain with them. Having
my arms and ammunition ia order and the
men ready 10 march and no orders from Gen
eral Nelson, rode 10 the brick house head
quarters on the river, and there mel Generals
Buell. and Nelson, both very inpatient, as
there was no appearance Of boats coming down
the river from the battlefield. Part OF those
sent 10 the swamp had returned and reported
unfavorably. The Others were anxiousiy looked
for, and il WIS hoped would find a route prac-
ficable for infantry at least. The roar Of artil-
leTy continued aud rumors Of our defeat were
numerous. The boats appeared TO be the only
means Of cur reaching our companions in arms
ascertasDed that my friend General c. T. Smith
was upstairs, cripple, and obtained permission
70 see him. He was Ia fine spirits: laughed at
me for thinking that great battle was raging:
said il was only q skirmish of pickets, and that
j was accustomed to small affairs. He said it
was large aud hot picket sEirmish As there
was 10 cessation, no diminutiOn, and the sounds
appeared 10 be coming nearer and growing
more distinct he said part Of the army might
be engaged.
AWAITING ORDERS.
-.
and said General Nelson wanted TO see me-
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 70 proceed UP the river. The re-
nainder Of the officers and men had returned
from the swamp without success but large,
Enc-lO0kiDg Iennesseean, who processes to be
strong Union man and a desperate hater of
rebels, j. with the two generals. He says he
knows every pass through the swamp; that be
can conduct The infantry TO the battlefield, but
that wagons and artillery cannot get through
the deep mad. 1t 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 Pitts
burg Landing. General Nelson orders me to
my camp, 10 have my command formed ready
10 march either by boat or by land. About /
y. II. an officer came with the guide and orders
the
swamp. as no boats were in sight. The column
being ready the forward iss0unded: the march
is commenced along ridge. The teams, artil-
lery, and guard are left in camp. General Mel
son goes 10 start tho other brigades Of his di-
vision.
on THE MARCH
"The 10th brigade marches at a good rate on
ery road at the beginning, TO the music Of the
cannon Is 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 fne-looking guide
leads down into the black-mud swamp and
consoles US by saying there are only about five
miles more OF il 10 the landing On the men
march through the mud; cross log bridge
acrOss ditch full Of water bridge fastened
DOWN TO get into mud again. Our guide leads
through forest; no Improvements. If there
A. road, the subsiding waters leave but indis-
tnct traces. The roar Of cannon continues :
the volleys OF mnskctry can be distinguished.
The men appear cool, yet marched good rate
through the mud; appear anxious 10 meet the
Zoe. The Both Indiana volunteer infantry.
Colonel w. Grose, is in front. This regiment
has not been under fire: has not seen much
service. The 9Th Ohio Lieutcnant-C Colonel n
H. Anderson, is next; has seen more service
than the Seth. but has not been under ire as a
regiment, although has had skirmishes &C. The
zath Ohio infantry, Lieutenant-C Colonel f. c.
Jones, brings UP the rear. This regiment has
been under severe fre eauo-.al ffrnae. hah.va1