At eight o'clock in the morning
he arrived. But already it seemed as if his army was defeated. It
was, however, to be no easy victory for the Confederates. Many of
the Federals were only raw recruits, but after the first surprise
and flight they rallied repeatedly, making many a stubborn stand
against the onslaught of the foe, which from the first great charge
of early dawn till darkness fell never seemed to slacken.
In many coloured uniforms, with many coloured pennons waving over
them, the Confederates charged again and yet again. And with each
charge the air was rent with their wild yell, which could be heard
far and wide, even above the roar of the cannon. Bit by bit the
Union army was pressed back. They fought doggedly as they went
while from division to division rode Grant cheering them, directing
them, urging them to greater and ever greater efforts.
Some of the fiercest fighting raged round the little log meeting
house called Shiloh, and from this meeting house the battle takes
its name. Sherman commanded here, and he held his untried men
together with marvelous skill, handling them as no other commander
on the field could have done, said Grant later.
On the Confederate side through the thickest of the battle rode
Johnston. More than once his horse was shot under him, and his
clothes were torn to pieces, but still through the fray he rode
unharmed.
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