The National tribune., 1906-04-12

Col. James B. Fry, was taking a delib-
crate breakfast in Gen. Nelson's camp
Oh Sunday morning when the increas-
ing sound Of artillery from up the river
strongly impressed their minds. The
assurances which had been received
made them confident that no general
battle was impending, but after finishing
their meal they walked over to Gen.
Grants quarters to find that he had
gone up the river. They found there
Gen. c. F. Smith upon his sick bed.
but he had no apprehensions and said
that the noise was merely some SQUAD
bic between the Outposts. Still Gen.
Buell. thought 1t prudent to put his
troops under arms. and as the volume
or sound constantly rose he decided to
order boat to take him to the scene.
Gen. Nelson was also convinced that
something unusual was happening and
had his division ready to march up the
river to point opposite Pittsburg
Landing as soon as he could find q
guide to lead him through the intrica-
cies Of swamp and back water made
by the flooded state of the river. 1t
was decided that he should not attempt
to take his artillery through, but send
It. up the river on steamboats,. Buell.
also sent couriers to his other divi-
sions to drop their trains and march
forward rapidly. On the way up the
river Gen. Buell. was met by a descend
ing steamboat. which ran alongside
and delivered letter from Gen. Grant
addressed to the "Commanding Officer,
advanced forces, near Pittsburg,
Tenn.," and saying:
"Pittsburg. April 6, 1862.
General: The attack on my forces
has been very spirited since early this
| morning. The appearance of fresh
| troops on the field now would have n
powerful effect. both by inspiring our
| men and disheartening the enemy. II
you will get upon the field, leaving all
your baggage on the east bank of the
river, it will be move to our advan-
tage and possibly save the day to us.
The rebel forces are estimated at over
100000 men. My headquarters will be
| In the log building on top of the hill,
| where you will be furnished q staff
| officer to guide you to your place on
| the field.
VERY respectfully ETC.,
~. S. Grant. Major General"
DIsnster Impending.
About halfway up the river 1t be-
came apparent to Gen. Buell. that a
terrible combat was in progress and
not going favorabiy to the Union
| forces There were crowds Of strag-
glers along the banks. and some men
were seen swimming across Snake
Creek In their frightened efforts to
escape. How many there were OF
| these and to what extent the Army OF
the Tennessee was demoralized became
a matter of very bitter dispute between
| the officers and men Of the two armies
Gen. Buell. says: 1.-The mouth OF Snake
Creek was full OF them swimming
across" He arrived at Pittsburg Land
ing about 1 o'clock and found Gen.
Grant on his headquarters boat with
two or three members of his staff. AS
to Gen. Grants demeanor, Gen. Buell.
says:
| HE appeared to realize that he was
beset by pressing danger. and mani
tested by manner more than in words
that he was relieved by my arrival as
indicating the near approach of sue
cor; but there was nothing in his de-
pertinent that the circumstances would
not have justified without disparage-
| ment to the character OF courageous
| soldier. Certainly there was none Of
that mastery confidence which has
! since been assumed with reference to
the Occasion ,
/ Gen. Grant had just come from the
front, and after telling Buell. that
steamers would be sent to bring up
Crittenden's Division. which was arr
irving at Savannah, Grant and hts staff
mounted and rode away. while Buell.
and Col. Fry walked up the hill. Tho
the last assault In the evening. Gen.
was crowded with stragglers, and that
arrival the crowd Increased 80 1900