The color-bearer of the Fifty-second Illinois was wounded early in the battle.  A man who was under arrest for misdemeanor asked the privilege of carrying the colors.  It was granted, and he behaved so admirably that he was released from arrest as soon as the battle was ended.

General Halleck arrived a week after the battle, and commenced a reorganization of the army.  He found much confusion consequent upon the battle.  In a short time the army was ready to take the offensive.  We then commenced the advance upon Corinth, in which we were six weeks moving twenty-five miles.  When our army first took position at Pittsburg Landing, and before the Rebels had effected their concentration, General Grant asked permission to capture Corinth.  He felt confident of success, but was ordered not to bring on an engagement under any circumstances.  Had the desired permission been given, there is little doubt he would have succeeded, and thus avoided the necessity of the battle of Shiloh.

The day following my arrival at Pittsburg Landing I rode over the battle-field.  The ground was mostly wooded, the forest being one in which artillery could be well employed, but where cavalry was comparatively useless.  The ascent from the river was up a steep bluff that led to a broken table-ground, in which there were many ravines, generally at right angles to the river.  On this table-ground our camps were located, and it was there the battle took place.

Everywhere the trees were scarred and shattered, telling, as plainly as by words, of the shower of shot, shell, and bullets, that had fallen upon them.  Within rifle range of the river, stood a tree marked by a cannon-shot, showing how much we were pressed back on the afternoon of the 6th.  From the moment the crest of the bluff was gained, the traces of battle were apparent.

In front of the line where General Prentiss’s Division fought, there was a spot of level ground covered with a dense growth of small trees.  The tops of these trees were from twelve to fifteen feet high, and had been almost mowed off by the shower of bullets which passed through them.  I saw no place where there was greater evidence of severe work.  There was everywhere full proof that the battle was a determined one.  Assailant and defendant had done their best.

It was a ride of five miles among scarred trees, over ground cut by the wheels of guns and caissons, among shattered muskets, disabled cannon, broken wagons, and all the heavier debris of battle.  Everywhere could be seen torn garments, haversacks, and other personal equipments of soldiers.  There were tents where the wounded had been gathered, and where those who could not easily bear movement to the transports were still remaining.  In every direction I moved, there were the graves of the slain, the National and the Rebel soldiers being buried side by side.  Few of the graves were marked, as the hurry of interment had been great.  I fear that many of those graves, undesignated and unfenced, have long since been leveled.  A single year, with its rain and its rank vegetation, would leave but a small trace of those mounds.