CHAPTER XVII.
THE BATTLE OF SHILOH.
A Surprise upon the Federal Army at Pittsburg Landing arranged. -- A brilliant Victory expected. -- I start for the Front, and encamp for the Night at Monterey. -- My Slumbers disturbed by a Rain-storm. -- I find General Hardee near Shiloh Church, and ask Permission to take a Hand in the Fight. -- The Opening of the Battle. Complete Surprise of the Federals. -- I see my Arkansas Company, and join it. -- A Lieutenant being killed, -- I take his Place, amid a hearty Cheer from the Men. -- A Secret revealed. -- I fight through the Battle under the Command of my Lover. -- Furious Assaults on the Enemy's Lines. -- The Bullets fly thick and fast. -- General Albert Sydney Johnston killed. -- End of the first Day's Battle, and Victory for the Confederates. Beauregard's Error in not pursuing his Advantage. -- I slip through the Lines after Dark, and watch what is going on at Pittsburg Landing. -- The Gun boats open Fire. -- Unpleasant Effect of Shells from big Guns. -- Utter Demoralization of the Federals. -- Arrival of Buell with Re-enforcements. -- General Grant and another general Officer pass near me in a Boat, and I am tempted to take a Shot at them. -- I return to Camp, and wish to report what I had seen to General Bureaugard, but am dissuaded from doing so by my Captain. -- Uneasy Slumbers. -- Commencement of the second Day's Fight. -- The Confederates unable to contend with the Odds against them. -- A lost Opportunity. -- The Confederates defeated, and compelled to retire from the Field. -- I remain in the Woods near the Battle-field all Night.
FORT DONELSON was to be avenged. After the capture of that position, the Federals had swept in triumph through Tennessee, the Confederates having been compelled to abandon their lines in that state and in Kentucky, and to seek a new base of operations farther south. The Federals were now concentrating in great force at Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennessee River, their immediate object of attack evidently being Corinth, and General Albert Sydney Johnston, who was in command of the entire Confederate army, resolved upon striking a vigorous blow at once, with a view of turning the tide of victory in our favor before the enemy were as-
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