“The Battle of Shiloh”

Description

A southerner tells of the southern "victory" at Shiloh and the Yankee "retreat"

Notes

The Confederates could claim victory on the first day at Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing); they had thrown Grant's army back to the edge of the river and left him with only a few thousand soldiers in hand. On the second day of the battle, however, reinforcements from Buell allowed Grant to counterattack and repel the Confederates.

What's more, while the battle was close to a draw in terms of casualties, it was an overwhelming strategic defeat for the Confederates; had Grant's superior General Halleck pursued his win, the war might have been over in 1862. - RBW

Historical references

  • April 6-7, 1862 - Battle of Shiloh. The army of U.S. Grant is forced back but, reinforced by Buell, beats off the army of A.S. Johnston. Johnston is killed. Both sides suffer heavy casualties (Shiloh was the first battle to show how bloody the Civil War would be)

References

  1. Laws A10, "The Battle of Shiloh"
  2. SharpAp 136, "The Battle of Shiloh" (1 text, 1 tune)
  3. DT 587, BATSHILO*
  4. Roud #2199
  5. BI, LA10

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1918 (Cecil Sharp collection)
Keywords: Civilwar battle
Found in: US(SE)