Nelson's March

One site we visited was something that was entirely new to us.  We decided to try to follow Nelson's march.  Armed with a local map we followed roads that had to have been on the old roadbed.  Much of it was still dirt roads which was an exciting experience.

Eventually we ended up in a spot where we thought we were close to the river but would need to cross a farmer's field to get there.  The crops were long since out and there was a truck path through the field.  It was a bit muddy so we decided to walk it instead of risking the rental car.  A short distance into the field some locals came along, they were bowhunters and were glad to chat with us.  They offered us a ride in the back of their truck as they said it was probably too muddy for us to walk to the river.  We gladly accepted the ride and ended up at the river a bit south of where Nelson crossed.

Directly across from us was where Dill branch entered the Tennessee River.  In 1862 it would have looked a lot different as that rock wall wouldn't have existed (I would assume that's a TVA improvement) but one can easily imagine what it would have looked like.

And then looking north one can somewhat see where Pittsburg Landing is. 

All in all I think this might have been my favorite part of the Shiloh visit as it was something we had never seen before.  And something we might not have seen without the help of a few local bowhunters.

9th Indiana

On back of monument:
9th Infantry
Commanded by Col. Gideon C. Moody.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 9 p.m., April 6, 1862, moved upon the enemy at daylight of the 7th, was hotly engaged at this place 10 a.m. Repulsed a heavy attack from the front (south), and charged with brigade to the right (west), and drove back the enemy. At 12.30 p.m. was sent by Gen. Nelson across the road to the left to the aid of Col. Ammen. Casualties--killed, 1 officer and 16 men; wounded, 7 officers and 146 men; total, 170.

36th Indiana

On back of monument:
36th Infantry
Commanded by Col. William Grose.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 5.30 p.m., April 6, 1862; was ordered by Maj. Gen. Grant 150 yards to the left to support Capt. Stone's battery, where it was engaged until dark. At 5.30 a.m., April 7th, it moved forward in line of battle, arriving at this position about 10 a.m. Regiment charged the enemy and assisted in driving him from the field. Casualties-- killed, 1 officer and 8 men; wounded, 1 officer and 35 men; total, 45.

24th Ohio

24th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. F. C. Jones

On back of monument:
This regiment advanced to this point Monday, April 7, 1862, where it went into action about 10 p.m. Its loss was 5 men killed; 5 officers and 60 men wounded; 6 men missing; total, 76.

6th Ohio

6th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. N. L. Anderson

On back of monument:
This regiment advanced to this point Monday, April 7, l862, where it was engaged at 10 a.m., supporting Terrill's U. S. Battery. Its loss was 2 men killed; 5 wounded; 2 missing; total, 9.

41st Ohio

41st Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. George S. Mygatt

On back of monument:
This regiment advanced to this point Monday morning, April 7, 1862, where it became engaged at 10 a.m. It had present 18 officers and 355 men. Its loss was 1 officer and 20 men killed; 6 officers and 105 men wounded; 1 man missing; total, 133.

The 41st Ohio's first commander was its brigade commander at Shiloh, William Hazen. Hazen would end up as one of the top division commanders in the West and commanded the XV Corps at the end of the war. Hazen was a Regular Army officer who trained his volunteers very well and the 41st Ohio ended up being one of the very good regiments in the West.