“The Battle of Shiloh Hill”

Description

A survivor of the Battle of Shiloh describes the difficult and bloody campaign, hoping that there will be no more such battles. The sufferings of the wounded men are alluded to, as are the prayers of the dying.

Notes

The battle of Shiloh is named for Shiloh Church, around which much of the fighting centered. It is also called Pittsburg Landing, after the site where Grant made his last stand before reinforcements arrived from Buell.

Some versions of this song refer to the "second battle that was fought on Shiloh hill." This actually refers to the second day of the battle, when the reinforced Yankees drove the Confederates back.

To tell this song from Laws A10, consider this first stanza:

"Come all you gallant soldiers, a story I will tell

About the bloody battle that was fought on Shiloh hill;

It was an awful struggle and will cause your heart to chill,

It was the famous battle that was fought on Shiloh hill." - 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Historical references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 A11, "The Battle of Shiloh Hill"
2. Randolph 220, "The Battle on Shiloh's Hill" (1 text, 1 tune)
3. BrownII 229, "The Battle of Shiloh Hill" (1 text)
4. Lomax-FSNA 181, "The Battle on Shiloh's Hill" (1 text, 1 tune)
5. Silber-CivWar, pp. 56-57, "The Battle of Shiloh Hill" (1 text, 1 tune)
6. DT 674, SHILOHIL
7. Roud #2200
8. BI, LA11