2. MICHIGAN STATE MONUMENT.

SHILOH NATIONAL MILITARY PARKTENNESSEE

The pyramid of cannon balls north of the monument marks the headquarters site of Gen. W. H. L. Wallace. When the battle opened, there were five Union divisions on the field. All of the divisional camps, except this one, were captured by the Confederates on the first day of the battle.

The siege guns southwest of the monument are the heaviest pieces used in this battle. They had an accurate range of about 2,000 yards whereas, the ordinary cannon were effective at only about 1,100 yards. These cannon represent the last Union line, formed late Sunday afternoon, extending from the river to Snake Creek Bridge, a distance of about 2 miles.

The small earthwork beyond the siege guns is the only one thrown up on this battlefield. The emplacement was not used, however, because the Federals took the offensive early the next morning.

Confederate Monument, erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Twenty-one States were represented in the Battle of Shiloh. Only 12 of those States have monuments on the battlefield. In 1918, the State of Michigan erected this memorial to her three regiments of infantry and one battery of artillery which participated in the battle. The crowning figure on the monument faces toward Corinth, Miss., the objective point of the campaign.

This monument, designed and sculptured by Frederick C. Hibbard, was erected in 1917 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in memory of all Southern troops who fought in the battle.

In the center of the massive pedestal is carved the bust of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, the Confederate commander who was killed during the afternoon of the first day.

At the extreme right, the figure in front represents the Confederate infantryman who has snatched up his flag in defiance of the Northern Army. The figure to his rear is the artilleryman who is calm as he appears to gaze through the smoke of battle.

To the left, the figure in front represents the cavalryman. His hand is spread, indicating frustration. He is eager to help, but cannot penetrate the heavy undergrowth. The figure back of the cavalryman represents the officers of the Confederate Army. He has his head bowed in submission to the order to cease firing when, it seemed, had it not been given the first day, there might have been a Confederate victory.

Duncan Field, between “Hell’s Hollow” and Ruggles’ Battery.

Confederate burial trench.

The central group represents a “Defeated Victory.” The front figure, representing the Confederacy, is surrendering the laurel wreath of victory to Death, on the left, and Night, on the right. Death came to their commander and Night brought reinforcements to the enemy; and the battle was lost.

The panel of heads on the right represents the spirit of the first day. How hopefully and fearlessly the 11 young Confederates rushed into battle!

The panel of heads on the left represents the second day of the battle and the sorrow of the men, now reduced to 10, over the victory so nearly won and so unexpectedly lost.

South of the monument, just inside the woods, is the spot where Union General Prentiss surrendered, with over 2,200 troops, at 5:30 p.m., on the first day.

The line of guns on the left represents Ruggles’ Confederate concentration of 62 cannon. This was the longest line of artillery ever formed in an American battle up to that time. Aided by these cannon, the Confederates succeeded in driving back the Union flanks and in capturing over 2,200 troops near the center of the Hornets’ Nest.

All of the Confederate dead are buried on the battlefield in five large trenches. In this, the largest, there are, reportedly, 721 bodies, stacked seven deep.

New Shiloh Church, stands on the site of the original church.

The day after the battle, General Beauregard dispatched a message to General Grant asking for permission to send a mounted party to the battlefield to bury his dead. In answer, Grant said: “Owing to the warmth of the weather I deemed it advisable to have all the dead of both parties buried immediately ... now it is accomplished.”

The Confederates and Federals were buried alike in separate trenches on the field. Four years after the battle the Union dead were removed to the newly established national cemetery. The Confederates still rest in the trenches where they were buried by the Federal troops.

This monument, sculptured by Richard W. Bock, was dedicated in 1904 to all Illinois troops who participated in the battle of Shiloh.

The crowning figure, designed to represent the State of Illinois, holds a book in her left hand containing a record of her sons’ achievements on this field. In her right hand is a sheathed sword. The scabbard is held with a firm grasp as if in readiness for release of the blade and a renewal of the battle should the occasion arise. Her gaze is bent watchfully toward enemy territory to the south.

The original “Shiloh Meeting House”—a one-room log structure with rude handmade furnishings—was built by the Southern Methodists about 1853, 9 years after the church had split over the slavery issue.

When the Union Army moved upon the field, General Sherman encamped his division along the ridge on either side of the church. It was along this same ridge that he formed his first line of battle on the morning of April 6, 1862, and where he was first attacked by the Confederates. He succeeded in holding the ridge for about 2 hours before he was forced to withdraw.

As soon as Sherman withdrew, General Beauregard established his headquarters at the church. He held the position until the Confederates began their retreat on the second day.

The church was reportedly torn down by the Union troops and the logs used to build bridges when the movement upon Corinth began.

The present structure, completed in 1949, stands on the site of the original church.

About 3 a. m. on Sunday, April 6, a reconnoitering party was sent out from Prentiss’ division to explore a small wagon trail to the front. The party, under Major Powell, advanced past Seay Field, crossed the main Corinth Road, and encountered the Confederate cavalry videttes at the corner of Wood and Fraley Fields at 4:55 a. m. There followed an engagement with the pickets, commanded by Major Hardcastle, from Wood’s brigade of Hardee’s corps.

About 6:30 a. m., the Confederate advance began. The reconnoitering party fell back slowly, making a stand at the corner of Seay Field. By 7:30 a. m., the Confederate line had advanced to within half a mile of Prentiss’ camps.

Pvt. John D. Putnam, Company F, 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, was killed on Monday, April 7, during a charge against a Confederate battery. He was buried where he fell, at the foot of a young oak tree.

Thomas Stone, one of the burying party, suggested that his name be carved into the tree sufficiently low so that in case the tree were cut down the name would remain.

When the national cemetery was established, Putnam’s body was removed to it. Because of the precautions of his comrades in 1862, his is one of the few graves marked with full name, company, and regiment.

In 1901, the Wisconsin Shiloh Monument Commission visited the field to select a site for the State monument. They found that the tree had been chopped down, but that the stump remained with the name of Putnam still legible. The Wisconsin Commissioners chose this spot because of its absolute correctness as to the position of the 14th Regiment. They decided to reproduce the stump in granite and to place it on the exact spot where the original had stood. This unusual monument to a private was placed in position April 7, 1906.

Putnam Stump.

J. D. PUTNAM, CO. F, 14THWISCONSIN VOL. INF., WAS KILLED HERE APRIL 7, 1862, WHILE REGIMENT WAS ADVANCING IN LINE OF BATTLE AGAINST A CONFEDERATE BATTERY. HIS COMRADES BURIED HIM WHERE HE FELL AND CUT HIS NAME IN AN OAK TREE WHICH STOOD HERE. IN 1901, THOMAS STEELE RECOGNIZED THE BURIAL PLACE, THE NAME HE HELPED TO CUT IN 1862 STILL BEING LEGIBLE ON THE STUMP. THIS ENABLED THE WISCONSIN COMMISSION TO FIX LINE OF REGIMENT’S ADVANCE, ITS LAST TABLET AND PLACE FOR STATE MONUMENT.

The Confederate soldiers named this area “Hornets’ Nest” because of the stinging shot and shell they had to face here. Parts of three Federal divisions were intrenched in this old sunken road, protected by a heavy rail fence and dense undergrowth.

General Ruggles, after having witnessed 11 unsuccessful attacks against the position, formed a line of artillery consisting of 62 pieces and concentrated its fire upon the Federal line. With the aid of these cannon, the Confederates were able to form a circle around the Sunken Road, surrounding and capturing General Prentiss, with more than 2,200 troops, at 5:30 p. m.

Within this area are the Arkansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin State Monuments.

On the afternoon of April 6, General Johnston ordered his reserves to go into action and advance on the right flank in an attempt to drive a wedge between the Federal troops and their base of supplies at Pittsburg Landing. He also hoped to make it impossible for reinforcements to come to Grant’s assistance from across the river. While personally directing his reserves, he was struck in the right leg by a Minié ball which cut the large artery.

Johnston’s Mortuary Monument.

At the time General Johnston was struck, he was sitting on his horse, “Fire-eater,” underneath the large oak tree now enclosed by an iron fence. He was taken to the ravine about 100 yards south of this monument. There, beneath the tree now protected by another iron fence, he died from loss of blood, a few minutes later.

Four other mortuary monuments are located in the park, marking the spots where Generals Gladden and W. H. L. Wallace and Colonels Peabody and Raith fell in action.

At the time of the battle, the Peach Orchard was in full bloom. It was here that some of the hardest fighting of the first day took place. While the fighting raged across the orchard, bullets were cutting the blossoms from the trees so thick and fast that the air appeared to be filled with falling snow.

This cabin formerly stood in Perry Field on the Federal right and in the immediate front of the last Union line established on Sunday afternoon, the first day of the battle. The battle-scarred logs reveal that it stood in the midst of heavy fighting. Of the many cabins on the field at the time of the battle, this is the only survivor.

The cabin was moved to the present location, a few weeks after the battle, to replace one that was burned during the engagement.

This shallow pool of water was in the path of the retreating Federal Army as it was pushed back toward the river on Sunday. Being the only water in the immediate vicinity, the wounded from both sides crawled here to quench their thirst and bathe their wounds. So many bled in and around the pond that the water is said to have become stained the color of blood.

There are about 30 mounds in this area, 7 of which are large, ranging in height from 5 to 15 feet. With one exception, all are flat-topped platform mounds. The one having a different form is an oval-shaped burial mound.

The mounds were excavated in 1934 under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution. Quantities of broken pottery, bone implements, stone tools, and weapons were removed. Twelve skeletons were found in the oval burial mound.

The effigy pipe, now on display at park headquarters, was removed from the burial mound in 1899 under the direction of the Park Commission.

This 100-foot bluff affords the best view of the Tennessee River and the adjoining country. From this point one can see the east bank of the river where the advance of General Buell’s army, following its march from Savannah, Tenn., embarked to cross to the battlefield late Sunday afternoon.

War cabin.

Red stone effigy pipe found in one of the burial mounds.

Down the river, to the north, one can see Savannah where General Grant had his headquarters. On clear days, Pickwick Dam may be seen up the river, to the south.

Even before the Battle of Shiloh, this was an important landing. Merchants of Corinth, Purdy, and the adjacent country received most of their merchandise from boats which tied up at this point. When the boats went back downstream, they were laden with passengers, cotton, and produce which had been transported to the Landing over the roads which converged here.

When the Union armies began preparations for the move against Corinth, Pittsburg Landing was selected as the concentration point because of its good camp sites and the good roads which led to the Confederate stronghold. The Army of the Tennessee, with the exception of Lew Wallace’s 3d Division, debarked at Pittsburg Landing. General Buell’s army, brought to Grant’s aid under the stress of battle, arrived at the field on such a large number of transports that the Landing would not accommodate them. Consequently, all of the riverbank within the Union lines was used as a boat landing.

Excursion boat departing from Pittsburg Landing.

Because of the importance of the Landing, the engagement was called “Battle of Pittsburg Landing” in most Northern newspapers and reports. The Southern name “Battle of Shiloh” is now almost universally accepted.

Shiloh National Cemetery was established in 1866 and embraces an area of 10.2 acres. In the cemetery are interred 3,695 bodies, two-thirds of whom are unidentified. Besides the Union soldiers killed in the Battle of Shiloh, the cemetery holds many of the dead from nearby battlefields. In addition, a number of those who served in the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and one from the Revolutionary War are buried here. Only two Confederates are buried in the cemetery. Both died while being held as prisoners of war.

The Wisconsin Color Guard Memorial is located at the east end of the cemetery on the bluff overlooking the Tennessee River. Another interesting feature of the cemetery is the pyramid of 32-pounder cannon erected by the United States Government to mark the site of the tree used by General Grant as headquarters on the night of April 6.

Shiloh National Military Park is situated on the west bank of the Tennessee River at the intersection of State Highways Nos. 22 and 142. It is 13 miles east of U.S. No. 45, and 5 miles south of U.S. No. 64.

Graves of six Wisconsin color bearers, overlooking Tennessee River.In Shiloh National Cemetery.

Shiloh National Military Park is administered by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior. A superintendent, whose address is Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., is in immediate charge.

Shiloh National Military Park, containing about 3,730 acres of Federal land, was established by act of Congress in 1894. At the time of its establishment only Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Ga.-Tenn., had been dedicated in memory of the western campaigns of the War Between the States. In subsequent years othernational military parks dealing with the Civil War in the West have been established. Those most closely related to Shiloh are Vicksburg National Military Park, Miss., and Stones River and Fort Donelson National Military Parks, Tenn.

An exhibit room and library are located in the administration building, situated near Pittsburg Landing. They may be visited by the public every day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Here are to be found interesting relics, books, and maps relating to the Battle of Shiloh and the Civil War. Free literature concerning this area may also be secured at park headquarters. Orientation and historical talks are given daily by members of the park staff. Free guide service is usually available. Special service is provided for groups and organizations if arrangements are made in advance with the superintendent.

Administration building.

For the first two or three decades following the Battle of Shiloh many literary men, following the dictates of popular demand, based their compositions, both prose and poetry, upon events of that bloody battle. Since Shiloh was significant for the bravery of the young untrained men of the North and South alike, writers frequently wrote about the youngand otherwise undistinguished soldiers rather than the time-worn theme of the brave and gallant leaders. The drummer boy, often a mere lad who had run away from home to seek adventure in the ranks, became the subject of some of the most popular literature of the day. Many of these productions were based upon incidents which actually happened during the engagement, but those destined to become most famous were drawn largely from the imaginative minds of the authors.

“The Drummer Boy of Shiloh,” written in 1862, was one of more than 300 songs published by Will S. Hays.

The Drummer Boy, Page 1

The Drummer Boy, Page 2

THE DRUMMER BOY.BY WILL. S. HAYS.Play (MIDI)Display Score (PDF)

INTRODUCTION. Andante. Moderato.On Shiloh’s dark and bloody groundThe dead and wounded lay;Amongst them was a drummer boy,Who beat the drum that day.A wounded soldier held him upHis drum was by his side;|: He clasp’d his hands, then rais’d his eyes,And prayed before he died. :|

INTRODUCTION. Andante. Moderato.

On Shiloh’s dark and bloody ground

The dead and wounded lay;

Amongst them was a drummer boy,

Who beat the drum that day.

A wounded soldier held him up

His drum was by his side;

|: He clasp’d his hands, then rais’d his eyes,

And prayed before he died. :|

2. Look down upon the battle field,Oh, Thou our Heavenly Friend!Have mercy on our sinful souls!The soldiers cried, “Amen!”For gathered ’round a little group,Each brave man knelt and cried.|: They listened to the drummer boyWho prayed before he died. :|

2. Look down upon the battle field,

Oh, Thou our Heavenly Friend!

Have mercy on our sinful souls!

The soldiers cried, “Amen!”

For gathered ’round a little group,

Each brave man knelt and cried.

|: They listened to the drummer boy

Who prayed before he died. :|

3. “Oh, mother,” said the dying boy,“Look down from Heaven on me,Receive me to thy fond embraceOh, take me home to thee.I’ve loved my country as my God;To serve them both I’ve tried.”|: He smiled, shook hands—death seized the boyWho prayed before he died. :|

3. “Oh, mother,” said the dying boy,

“Look down from Heaven on me,

Receive me to thy fond embrace

Oh, take me home to thee.

I’ve loved my country as my God;

To serve them both I’ve tried.”

|: He smiled, shook hands—death seized the boy

Who prayed before he died. :|

4. Each soldier wept, then, like a child,Stout hearts were they, and brave;The flag his winding sheet, God’s BookThe key unto his grave.They wrote upon a simple boardThese words: “This is a guide|: To those who’d mourn the drummer boyWho prayed before he died.” :|

4. Each soldier wept, then, like a child,

Stout hearts were they, and brave;

The flag his winding sheet, God’s Book

The key unto his grave.

They wrote upon a simple board

These words: “This is a guide

|: To those who’d mourn the drummer boy

Who prayed before he died.” :|

5. Ye angels ’round the Throne of Grace,Look down upon the bravesWho fought and died on Shiloh’s plain,Now slumb’ring in their graves!How many homes made desolate?How many hearts have sighed?|: How many, like that drummer boy,Who prayed before they died. :|

5. Ye angels ’round the Throne of Grace,

Look down upon the braves

Who fought and died on Shiloh’s plain,

Now slumb’ring in their graves!

How many homes made desolate?

How many hearts have sighed?

|: How many, like that drummer boy,

Who prayed before they died. :|

Samuel J. Muscroft’s playThe Drummer Boy of Shiloh, written in 1870, was apparently based upon “what might have been” rather than facts. The play—a pleasing mixture of drama, pathos, and comedy—was staged in cities and towns all over the Northern States for almost 40 years. It was ordinarily staged as a home-town production rather than by professional actors and actresses—a factor which tended to increase its popularity. In fact, contemporary accounts say that the play was second in popularity only toUncle Tom’s Cabin.

Numerous poems about Shiloh were of immediate, if not lasting, popularity. Herman Melville, author ofMoby DickandTypee, attracted by the multitude of inviting subjects presented by the Civil War, turnedto Shiloh for inspiration. “Shiloh,” published 4 years after the battle, is one of his most famous poems of the War Between the States era.

“The Men of the West” by Richard Coe; “Our Boys who Fell at Shiloh” and “General Albert Sidney Johnston” by H. Pleasants McDaniel; and “The Old Sergeant” by Forceythe Willson are typical examples of the trend in poetry immediately following Shiloh.

Song writers of the period also looked to Shiloh for the themes of their melodies. The most successful endeavor in this field was made by Will S. Hays in “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh.” Like the play by that name, the song is undoubtedly based upon fancy rather than facts. The title was chosen because of its certain musical quality and not because of its connection with any incident of the engagement. Hays, a correspondent of theLouisville Democrat, wrote the song in 1862 while the story of the battle was still news rather than history. It is not known whether he was at the battle of Shiloh or whether his sympathies were with the North or the South. However, his song immediately became famous throughout the country and remained popular for a number of years.

The song and the play, “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh,” may possibly be credited with the creation, or at least the perpetuation, of the popular legend about “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh.” After the publication of these works several claimants to the title came to the fore. Needless to say, these men had not been killed at the battle, but each maintained that his presence at the engagement as a youthful drummer had inspired the authors. From time to time, as years passed, newspapers in widely scattered sections of the country announced “The Drummer Boy ofShiloh Dies.” A recent study by Ray H. Mattison, former historian at Shiloh National Military Park, proved that many of the claimants were ineligible for the designation. In the final analysis, John Clem, “The Drummer Boy of Chickamauga,” was found to have the strongest claim to the Shiloh title.

“Look down upon the battlefield,Oh Thou, Our Heavenly Friend,Have mercy on our sinful souls.”The soldiers cried, “Amen.”There gathered ’round a little group,Each brave man knelt and cried.They listened to the drummer boy,Who prayed before he died.

“Look down upon the battlefield,

Oh Thou, Our Heavenly Friend,

Have mercy on our sinful souls.”

The soldiers cried, “Amen.”

There gathered ’round a little group,

Each brave man knelt and cried.

They listened to the drummer boy,

Who prayed before he died.

“Oh, Mother,” said the dying boy,“Look down from heaven on me.Receive me to thy fond embrace,Oh, take me home to thee.I’ve loved my country as my God.To serve them both I’ve tried!”He smiled, shook hands—death seized the boy,Who prayed before he died.

“Oh, Mother,” said the dying boy,

“Look down from heaven on me.

Receive me to thy fond embrace,

Oh, take me home to thee.

I’ve loved my country as my God.

To serve them both I’ve tried!”

He smiled, shook hands—death seized the boy,

Who prayed before he died.

Each soldier wept then like a child.Stout hearts were they and brave.They wrapped him in his country’s flagAnd laid him in the grave.They placed by him the Bible,A rededicated guideTo those that mourn the drummer boyWho prayed before he died.

Each soldier wept then like a child.

Stout hearts were they and brave.

They wrapped him in his country’s flag

And laid him in the grave.

They placed by him the Bible,

A rededicated guide

To those that mourn the drummer boy

Who prayed before he died.

Ye angels ’round the throne of grace,Look down upon the braves,Who fought and died on Shiloh’s plain,Now slumbering in their graves.How many homes made desolate,How many hearts have sighed.How many like that drummer boy,Who prayed before he died.

Ye angels ’round the throne of grace,

Look down upon the braves,

Who fought and died on Shiloh’s plain,

Now slumbering in their graves.

How many homes made desolate,

How many hearts have sighed.

How many like that drummer boy,

Who prayed before he died.

—Will S. Hays.

The years intervening between the Battle of Shiloh and the present have softened the harshness of the engagement and wrapped it in a shroud of sentimental romanticism. Most twentieth-century writers are content to view the battle from that perspective. Occasionally a realist, such as Shelby Foote in his historical novel, “Shiloh,” penetrates the rosy glow and brings forth interesting and all-but-forgotten facts. Dr. Merrick F. McCarthy, another twentieth-century writer, presents an accurate and vivid picture of the battle in the following poem:

Stern Johnston came in April from the SouthTo spread the Shiloh fields with threatening Gray!Hard Sherman set his unrelenting mouth,And Grant knew not the season or the day,Though spring had come! A turmoil held the LandIn vast confusion, out of which these threeCame on, with purpose clear, with sword in hand,To meet on Shiloh Field their destiny!

Stern Johnston came in April from the South

To spread the Shiloh fields with threatening Gray!

Hard Sherman set his unrelenting mouth,

And Grant knew not the season or the day,

Though spring had come! A turmoil held the Land

In vast confusion, out of which these three

Came on, with purpose clear, with sword in hand,

To meet on Shiloh Field their destiny!

Where their lines struck live now but squirrel and bird!Calm April has her way with flower and tree,—But there are lasting voices to be heardAt Pittsburg Landing on the Tennessee!

Where their lines struck live now but squirrel and bird!

Calm April has her way with flower and tree,—

But there are lasting voices to be heard

At Pittsburg Landing on the Tennessee!

FIRST VOICE(That of a young man from the North)

FIRST VOICE

(That of a young man from the North)

If Grant and Sherman push on through,We’ll cut the Southern States in two!It’s not a question of white or black,—But when States leave, we’ll bring them back!They talk and talk in Washington,While in the South they’re training men!We had ’em whipped at Donelson,—But now they’re ready to fight again!

If Grant and Sherman push on through,

We’ll cut the Southern States in two!

It’s not a question of white or black,—

But when States leave, we’ll bring them back!

They talk and talk in Washington,

While in the South they’re training men!

We had ’em whipped at Donelson,—

But now they’re ready to fight again!

When the brood mare foals, I’ll be away,—I always spaded the garden in spring!And what of the oats, the wheat and the hay?Who will shock as the reapers swing?Or mend the roads in thicket and copse,Or boil the syrup from maple drops?

When the brood mare foals, I’ll be away,—

I always spaded the garden in spring!

And what of the oats, the wheat and the hay?

Who will shock as the reapers swing?

Or mend the roads in thicket and copse,

Or boil the syrup from maple drops?

Timber to fell, fires to make,—Ice to cut on the frozen lake!I wonder if Dad will be able to plow,—And whether Mother is living now?

Timber to fell, fires to make,—

Ice to cut on the frozen lake!

I wonder if Dad will be able to plow,—

And whether Mother is living now?

Why do we stay on Shiloh hill,With our backs to the muddy river;With Rebels to fight and Rebels to kill,Why camp in the woods and shiver?We drilled with Sherman in Ohio,And now by the Tennessee!Where do the Southern pickets goThat fire on you and me?I reckon to Corinth to drill in the mud,—But we have drilled a fewWho stained the Michie hill with bloodTo remember me and you!

Why do we stay on Shiloh hill,

With our backs to the muddy river;

With Rebels to fight and Rebels to kill,

Why camp in the woods and shiver?

We drilled with Sherman in Ohio,

And now by the Tennessee!

Where do the Southern pickets go

That fire on you and me?

I reckon to Corinth to drill in the mud,—

But we have drilled a few

Who stained the Michie hill with blood

To remember me and you!

SECOND VOICE(That of a young Southern man)

SECOND VOICE

(That of a young Southern man)

Hang all Yanks to the end of a limb!One of us equals ten of him!What’s a Southern man to doBut load his rifle and see this through?The Yankee Buell is miles away,While Sherman here on Shiloh creek,Has no entrenchments, so they say!Let’s hit the Yanks while they are weak!But winter is here and times are hard,—I wonder who’ll slaughter and render the lardWith me in Corinth? Who’ll tend the mill,With corn on hand and orders to fill?Dragging guns through water and mud,With cotton to plant and rice to flood!The Army’s taken our horses and mulesAnd the children walk to the parish schools!General Johnston’s almighty slowGettin’ this army ready to go!

Hang all Yanks to the end of a limb!

One of us equals ten of him!

What’s a Southern man to do

But load his rifle and see this through?

The Yankee Buell is miles away,

While Sherman here on Shiloh creek,

Has no entrenchments, so they say!

Let’s hit the Yanks while they are weak!

But winter is here and times are hard,—

I wonder who’ll slaughter and render the lard

With me in Corinth? Who’ll tend the mill,

With corn on hand and orders to fill?

Dragging guns through water and mud,

With cotton to plant and rice to flood!

The Army’s taken our horses and mules

And the children walk to the parish schools!

General Johnston’s almighty slow

Gettin’ this army ready to go!

And who in hell made the Corinth road?Horse to leather, man to rope,—Slither, stagger with the load,—Through rain, the mud and darkness grope!Timber the ruts where the freshets run—Dam off the floods; move up, move on,—Live or die, but every gunMust reach the ridge with its caisson!Cover your powder from the wet;Keep hammers clean and barrels dry,—Wipe your pistol and bayonet!Tomorrow watch the Yankees die!

And who in hell made the Corinth road?

Horse to leather, man to rope,—

Slither, stagger with the load,—

Through rain, the mud and darkness grope!

Timber the ruts where the freshets run—

Dam off the floods; move up, move on,—

Live or die, but every gun

Must reach the ridge with its caisson!

Cover your powder from the wet;

Keep hammers clean and barrels dry,—

Wipe your pistol and bayonet!

Tomorrow watch the Yankees die!

THIRD VOICE(That of an old army sergeant)

THIRD VOICE

(That of an old army sergeant)

Privates sleep where the rain pours down!Generals have a bed in town!Hayfoot, strawfoot never knowsWhether his gun is loaded or not!Load again and if she blows ...Dead and buried, and soon forgot!

Privates sleep where the rain pours down!

Generals have a bed in town!

Hayfoot, strawfoot never knows

Whether his gun is loaded or not!

Load again and if she blows ...

Dead and buried, and soon forgot!

(A ringing rifle volley is heard)

Volley fire! That’s what you hear!And that means more than a picket brush!Turn your head away from the rearAnd set yourself for their first rush!(Load your guns, if you know how,With your fingers stiff with fright!Northern boys from yard and mow,Southern boys from field and plow,God forbid, your time is now!)Dress your line! The guide is right!

Volley fire! That’s what you hear!

And that means more than a picket brush!

Turn your head away from the rear

And set yourself for their first rush!

(Load your guns, if you know how,

With your fingers stiff with fright!

Northern boys from yard and mow,

Southern boys from field and plow,

God forbid, your time is now!)

Dress your line! The guide is right!

(The sounds of battle rise to a crescendo then fade to the silence of the woods)

FOURTH VOICE(That of an elderly farmer)

FOURTH VOICE

(That of an elderly farmer)

Pray God they never march againAcross my farm, tearing the land to bits,—Wheeling their guns and leaving broken menBlasted and burned wherever shell-fire hits!I have the papers now about the fightThat rolled across my orchard, ridge and hill!Half of the truth is all they dare to writeAbout what happens when men fight to kill!

Pray God they never march again

Across my farm, tearing the land to bits,—

Wheeling their guns and leaving broken men

Blasted and burned wherever shell-fire hits!

I have the papers now about the fight

That rolled across my orchard, ridge and hill!

Half of the truth is all they dare to write

About what happens when men fight to kill!

Now this: “Cleburne advanced across the stream”!Advanced! He met a line that crashed and flamedNot loud enough to cover up the scream,As those in front fell over dead and maimed!Over the fallen who still shrieked and cried,The Mississippi troops moved in the flashOf Sherman’s powder, burning as they died,Meeting the fire with stab and saber slash!

Now this: “Cleburne advanced across the stream”!

Advanced! He met a line that crashed and flamed

Not loud enough to cover up the scream,

As those in front fell over dead and maimed!

Over the fallen who still shrieked and cried,

The Mississippi troops moved in the flash

Of Sherman’s powder, burning as they died,

Meeting the fire with stab and saber slash!

“Sherman fell back”! They ran from tree to treeAlong the greening ridge, now blue with smoke,Where struggling wounded staggered desperately,Holding torn arms or legs that bent and broke!Fell slowly back through burning oak and beech,Carrying an officer shot through the chest!Behind my orchard bright with blooming peach,“Prentiss took line across the Hornets’ Nest”!

“Sherman fell back”! They ran from tree to tree

Along the greening ridge, now blue with smoke,

Where struggling wounded staggered desperately,

Holding torn arms or legs that bent and broke!

Fell slowly back through burning oak and beech,

Carrying an officer shot through the chest!

Behind my orchard bright with blooming peach,

“Prentiss took line across the Hornets’ Nest”!

Out of the “Sunken Road” men rose to fireInto the faces of advancing menWho found the flaming leaves a funeral pyre,—While those who lived rallied and charged again!Around my little pond they clubbed and firedUntil the banks were beaten into mud,Where lay the crying wounded, trapped and mired,Bleeding until the water stained with blood!

Out of the “Sunken Road” men rose to fire

Into the faces of advancing men

Who found the flaming leaves a funeral pyre,—

While those who lived rallied and charged again!

Around my little pond they clubbed and fired

Until the banks were beaten into mud,

Where lay the crying wounded, trapped and mired,

Bleeding until the water stained with blood!

“Then Ruggles massing his artilleryOpened his fire upon the Union line,”Shaking the earth with blazing batteryThat razed the trees, the thickets and the vine!Men and my fence dissolved in splintering soundTo red-stained rubble! Then “General Wallace fell,”—And when his men saw him knocked to the ground,The center broke, and both the wings as well!

“Then Ruggles massing his artillery

Opened his fire upon the Union line,”

Shaking the earth with blazing battery

That razed the trees, the thickets and the vine!

Men and my fence dissolved in splintering sound

To red-stained rubble! Then “General Wallace fell,”—

And when his men saw him knocked to the ground,

The center broke, and both the wings as well!

Pushed to the river bank, for one last stand,Artillery and infantry stood side by side,Guarding the only place where boats might land!“Hold now”! Or drown in the Confederate tide!Then on this wild confusion, darkness came,And with the darkness, rain and piercing chill,Lit only by the sudden, thundering flame,As Union gunboats fired across the hill ...

Pushed to the river bank, for one last stand,

Artillery and infantry stood side by side,

Guarding the only place where boats might land!

“Hold now”! Or drown in the Confederate tide!

Then on this wild confusion, darkness came,

And with the darkness, rain and piercing chill,

Lit only by the sudden, thundering flame,

As Union gunboats fired across the hill ...

All night they carried wounded back to town,—By barge and boat,—and some they put to knifeIn that small shack, near where the steps go down,With screaming I’ll remember all my life!Their General Grant just couldn’t stand the soundThe wounded made! He sat out by a treeUnder a little tent and nearly drownedIn rain; sitting as close as you to me!

All night they carried wounded back to town,—

By barge and boat,—and some they put to knife

In that small shack, near where the steps go down,

With screaming I’ll remember all my life!

Their General Grant just couldn’t stand the sound

The wounded made! He sat out by a tree

Under a little tent and nearly drowned

In rain; sitting as close as you to me!

Fresh Yankee troops crossed over through the night,—Buell’s troops, come down from Nashville way!Grant sent them in and started up the fightAs soon as there was light, come break of day!Then hell broke loose again across my farm,—More frightened, screaming men came running back,Coughing and bloody,—broke in leg or arm,—And some with powder burns, completely black!

Fresh Yankee troops crossed over through the night,—

Buell’s troops, come down from Nashville way!

Grant sent them in and started up the fight

As soon as there was light, come break of day!

Then hell broke loose again across my farm,—

More frightened, screaming men came running back,

Coughing and bloody,—broke in leg or arm,—

And some with powder burns, completely black!

By afternoon, they said it was a rout,—But no one followed far, that I could see!While Beauregard got his Confederates out,The Yankees seemed content to let them be!And when they told me General Johnston diedIn my ravine, I thought: “The South is dead”!And so thought those who took that Corinth rideWith their dead general in a wagon-bed!

By afternoon, they said it was a rout,—

But no one followed far, that I could see!

While Beauregard got his Confederates out,

The Yankees seemed content to let them be!

And when they told me General Johnston died

In my ravine, I thought: “The South is dead”!

And so thought those who took that Corinth ride

With their dead general in a wagon-bed!

And I thought too: this farm is dead to me!I’ll never cross my orchard lot againBut I’ll remember how it looked to seeMy pasture spread, with fallen, silent men!But there is fruit again; the grass is high,—I guess by fall I’ll have my fences set!I’ve got some hay down, lying cut to dry,—And hard work helps a man who must forget!

And I thought too: this farm is dead to me!

I’ll never cross my orchard lot again

But I’ll remember how it looked to see

My pasture spread, with fallen, silent men!

But there is fruit again; the grass is high,—

I guess by fall I’ll have my fences set!

I’ve got some hay down, lying cut to dry,—

And hard work helps a man who must forget!

And I keep thinking that it may not beThe South has met her end! This may beginA time when men no longer feel so freeTo say to other men: you live in sinFor which there’s need to cure you with a gun!It could be here was born a brotherhood,—That from this waste and ruin we have wonA hope for us as yet not understood!

And I keep thinking that it may not be

The South has met her end! This may begin

A time when men no longer feel so free

To say to other men: you live in sin

For which there’s need to cure you with a gun!

It could be here was born a brotherhood,—

That from this waste and ruin we have won

A hope for us as yet not understood!

I wonder too about this Lincoln man!He must have feelings just as you and I!He must have thought when all this fight began:O God Almighty, now more men must die!He’s uglier than sin, but maybe heWill keep his will above the sound of gunsAnd not turn arrogant in victory,Remembering how the South, too, lost her sons!

I wonder too about this Lincoln man!

He must have feelings just as you and I!

He must have thought when all this fight began:

O God Almighty, now more men must die!

He’s uglier than sin, but maybe he

Will keep his will above the sound of guns

And not turn arrogant in victory,

Remembering how the South, too, lost her sons!

I wept and prayed while I threw in the deadLike lumps of soil: “O God of all Creation,—Let it not be in vain our sons have bled!In your Son’s name,MAKE US AGAIN A NATION!”

I wept and prayed while I threw in the dead

Like lumps of soil: “O God of all Creation,—

Let it not be in vain our sons have bled!

In your Son’s name,

MAKE US AGAIN A NATION!”

[2]Copyright by author.

“Johnny Shiloh” or “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh.” John Clem {1851-1937}, 10 years old at Shiloh, later served at Chattanooga and is sometimes called “The Drummer Boy of Chickamauga.”

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