The National tribune., 1886-08-19
SHILOH.
Comrade NickOlai Insists that the Union Troops
Were SURPRISED.

To THE EDITOR: As your columns seem to
be open for the boys TO discuss matters per-
tanning 10 the late unpleasautness, perhaps
you will allow me, an eyewitness of at least
the opening services of that famous and bloody
battle, TO give my views on the mooted point
10 the many who participated in the battle of
Shiloh.
In a recent communication in THE TRIBUNE
by Maj. Boring, of the Asth Ohio, he stoutly
claims that the rebel attack at Shiloh was not
a surprise, but was known to the troops. If
such was the case we ask the Major in all can
dor, why were the troops not apprised of this
facty Our Captain, j. c. Kelsey, of Co. l., 4Sth
Ohio who took the command of the company
on the death Of Capt. John J. Ireland, which
occurred but a short time previously. assured
us that he knew nothing about il further than
that some skirmishing had been going on
for several days and few boys had been taken
prisoners by the rebels But he told US day
or two before the battle that il was expected a
big battle would be fought at or near Cornth,
Miss
On Sunday morning April g. 1862. the sun
rose upon rs quiet a camp as could easily be
imagined. Many Of the soldiers were yet in
their tents making their toilet, or were just
outside by their fires cooking breakfast, whilst
Others We're eating. Well do ] remember that
memorable ceremony Of opening that grand
ball. 1t was not heralded by martial music
or trumpet blast, but instead the rehs handed
us across the creek few hot balls and shells
while we were busy drinking coffee. Not being
disposed TO catch these friendly missiles on the
fly, was ordered being an invalid) TO the
landing with the hospital corps by the Steward,
John j. Boone, little thinking that general
battle OF two days duration had burst upon us
with such fury. Such, sir, was the case with
US OF the 4sth Ohio, Fourth Brigade, Filth Di-
vision, Army of tho Tennessee, Il. 7. Buckland
commanding Our brigade consisted of the
4Stb, 10Th and I'D Ohio. As stated, was
yet in my little dog-tent supping a cup Of hot
coffee when she'll began shrieking among the
tree-tOps outside, and minie-balls piercing the
walls OF the tent and passing clear through it.
Would any body Of soldiers who had been
drilled as we had been have been so careless
and thoughtless rs not 10 have made any
preparation for such an occurrence? / think
not. And IL our commanding officers, from
General 10 Captain, knew this, they certainly
were very culpaple and careless not 10 make il
known. If it WAS not a surprise (which we
claim il was, we ask Mai. Boring what was III
We were taken unawares so completely that
the sick in the field hospital were hustled out
in an incredibly short space of time and sent
10 the rear and TO the landing; and among them
the wife OF one of the 4sth boys was helped
upon horse and, in company with the Sur
geons, sent 10 the rear, while shot and shell
MNlC AutCklg ~ llp aDOuh
j can prove ali have said by one Of my
Go. comrades, VIM. Tracy, who now lives at
COyington, Ky. John /. Boone himself came
10 my tent and cried out, For Gods sake get
out Of this in hurry. as the rebels are coming
into camp"i got out" and don't you for
getit"; and the getting out was so urgent that
L took nothing with me except what few
clothes ! had on and an old canteen. The
knapsack, containing blanket, overcoat shirt,
socks, aud few letters and pictures of my
loved ones at home, which | had preserved 10
that time, all were taken by the rebel horde rs
soon as they got into our camp and willfully
and maiciously destroyed by them. In fact.
Major, il was the biggest surprise party" we
ever attended, or wish to attend again, on
that bloody field Of Shiloh in April, o. The
surprise party of this our day is an innocent
toy in the hands of few harmless ladies and
gentlemen, while that at Shiloh, or Pittsburg
Landing, was inaugurated by $4,000 or 6O,OOO
rebel troops against $4,000 or 10000 Of the
boys in blue, aud the entertainment was on a
grand scale, aud the dishes served were so con-
vincing that none were disposed 10 doubt the
sincerity OF the enemy in the least.-GEoRGE
p. NIcKoLAI, Corporal, Co. L, iSth Ohio, lola,
Kan.