Saturday, April 14, 2012
14 April 1862
Monday, 14th Pleasant. We landed at Paducah and I went ashore. Several of the officers stopped here. I saw Lieut. Britt. I bought a trunk here and some other necessaries. Saw many of my acquaintances. We started again this morning for Mound City. We arrived there at 1 P.M. where the wounded were unloaded and taken to hospitals. I went to Cairo on a ferry boat and stopped at the St. Charles hotel.
Friday, April 13, 2012
13 April 1861
Sunday, 13th Pleasant. This morning we took on more wounded then started down the river and reached Paducah in the night. We were well cared for on the boat by doctors and nurses from Chicago. They had many little necessaries to make the boys comfortable and we fared very well.
[orders and circular Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]
Head Quarters Dist of the Miss. Pittsburg, Tenn. Apl. 13, 1862
General Order No. 16 } the Maj Gen Commanding the Dpt. Thanks Maj. Genl Grant and Maj Genl Buell, and the officers and men of their respective commands for the bravery and endurance with which they sustained the several attacks of the enemy on the 6th and for the heroic manner in which on the 7th instant they defeated and routed the entire rebel Army. The soldier of the Great West have added laurels to those that they had already won on numerous fields.
2nd - Whilst congratulating the Troops on the glorious success the Commanding Genl. Desires to impress upon all officers as well as men the necessity of greater discipline and order. These are as essential to the success as to the health of the Army : and without these we cannot long expect to be victorious but with them we can march forward to new fields of honor and glory till this wicked rebellion is completely crushed out and peace returned to Our Country.
3rd - Maj. Genls. Grant and Buell will retain the immediate command of their respective armies in the field.
By Command of Maj. Genl. Halleck
[Official Records - Chapter xxii - Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn. No. 22]
Report of Colonel August Mersy, Ninth Illinois Infantry (of the Second, Brigade, Second Division)
Headquarters Ninth Regiment Illinois Infantry
Pittsburg Landing, April 13, 1862
Sir : The following is a report of the part taken in the action of the 6th and 7th instant by the Ninth Regiment Illinois infantry, which I have the honor to command :
About 8 o’clock on Sunday morning, there having been heavy firing in progress for some time previously along the left or center of our lines, the regiment was ordered to form and await orders. We formed with the brigade on the open ground near the camp of the Second Iowa Infantry, and found our force to be an aggregate of 600 officers and men. At 9 o’clock the regiment, in company with the Twelfth Illinois Infantry, were ordered by Brigadier-General McArthur to a part of the lines about one-fourth of a mile in advance of General Hurlburt’s headquarters. We there formed, and afterward marched about half a mile to the left flank, when we encountered a heavy force of the enemy, strongly posted in a deserted camp and skirt of timber.
While taking up a position in a ravine to the left of the Twelfth Illinois we received a severe fire of musketry and shell, which killed and wounded a number of men. After taking up this position we maintained a steady and destructive fire upon the enemy for an hour and thirty minutes, when our ammunition began to fail, and at the same time and most murderous cross-fire poured into our ranks from the left, which we were unable to silence by a partial charge of front of the two left companies. We were then compelled to fall back some five hundred yards to the rear. The enemy were constantly re-enforced during this period, and fresh regiments were seen deploying to relieve those which had been some time under fire. Our loss up to this time was about 50 killed and over 200 wounded. We were ordered at this time by General W. H. L. Wallace, commanding our division, to retire to our camp, replenish the cartridge-boxes, clean the guns, and be in readiness for action as speedily as possible.
At about 3 o’clock p.m. were we again ordered forward to support the right wing of General Sherman’s division. Here we again entered action, our regiment numbering about 300 men, and for about an hour aided in checking the advance of the enemy’s force, disputing the ground inch by inch, until compelled to retire on account of a flank movement by the rebels and a destructive artillery fire, in all which the enemy suffered terribly.
On Sunday night the regiment laid in line of battle near the camp of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, on the main road leading to Pittsburg Landing, and during the greater part of Monday were stationed as a reserve on the right of the Forty-first Illinois Infantry. At about 4 o’clock we were ordered forward, but the enemy having been driven from our lines, we were ordered to return and re-enforce the position of Colonel Marsh, after which we were ordered to our camp.
The gallantry of the officers under my command admits of no discrimination, and I bear cheerful testimony to the heroic courage and fortitude with which they, without exception, stood the enemy’s fire, the severity of which is fully attested by the loss of our regiment. This terrible destruction was only caused by the most determined bravery, such as I have never seen equaled.
To the men under my command I must award the praise of bravery not excelled by their officers. They stood unflinchingly until ordered to retire, and I have to state that but very few were to be numbered among the stragglers.
I have only to add that the report of casualties was forwarded several days ago, but regret t say that since that time 6 or 8 of my wounded have died of their wounds.
Respectfully submitted.
Aug. Mersy
Colonel, Commanding Ninth Illinois Volunteers
(Lieut. Geo. L. Paddock, A.A.A.G., Second Brig., Second Div., West Tenn.)
[orders and circular Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]
Head Quarters Dist of the Miss. Pittsburg, Tenn. Apl. 13, 1862
General Order No. 16 } the Maj Gen Commanding the Dpt. Thanks Maj. Genl Grant and Maj Genl Buell, and the officers and men of their respective commands for the bravery and endurance with which they sustained the several attacks of the enemy on the 6th and for the heroic manner in which on the 7th instant they defeated and routed the entire rebel Army. The soldier of the Great West have added laurels to those that they had already won on numerous fields.
2nd - Whilst congratulating the Troops on the glorious success the Commanding Genl. Desires to impress upon all officers as well as men the necessity of greater discipline and order. These are as essential to the success as to the health of the Army : and without these we cannot long expect to be victorious but with them we can march forward to new fields of honor and glory till this wicked rebellion is completely crushed out and peace returned to Our Country.
3rd - Maj. Genls. Grant and Buell will retain the immediate command of their respective armies in the field.
By Command of Maj. Genl. Halleck
[Official Records - Chapter xxii - Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn. No. 22]
Report of Colonel August Mersy, Ninth Illinois Infantry (of the Second, Brigade, Second Division)
Headquarters Ninth Regiment Illinois Infantry
Pittsburg Landing, April 13, 1862
Sir : The following is a report of the part taken in the action of the 6th and 7th instant by the Ninth Regiment Illinois infantry, which I have the honor to command :
About 8 o’clock on Sunday morning, there having been heavy firing in progress for some time previously along the left or center of our lines, the regiment was ordered to form and await orders. We formed with the brigade on the open ground near the camp of the Second Iowa Infantry, and found our force to be an aggregate of 600 officers and men. At 9 o’clock the regiment, in company with the Twelfth Illinois Infantry, were ordered by Brigadier-General McArthur to a part of the lines about one-fourth of a mile in advance of General Hurlburt’s headquarters. We there formed, and afterward marched about half a mile to the left flank, when we encountered a heavy force of the enemy, strongly posted in a deserted camp and skirt of timber.
While taking up a position in a ravine to the left of the Twelfth Illinois we received a severe fire of musketry and shell, which killed and wounded a number of men. After taking up this position we maintained a steady and destructive fire upon the enemy for an hour and thirty minutes, when our ammunition began to fail, and at the same time and most murderous cross-fire poured into our ranks from the left, which we were unable to silence by a partial charge of front of the two left companies. We were then compelled to fall back some five hundred yards to the rear. The enemy were constantly re-enforced during this period, and fresh regiments were seen deploying to relieve those which had been some time under fire. Our loss up to this time was about 50 killed and over 200 wounded. We were ordered at this time by General W. H. L. Wallace, commanding our division, to retire to our camp, replenish the cartridge-boxes, clean the guns, and be in readiness for action as speedily as possible.
At about 3 o’clock p.m. were we again ordered forward to support the right wing of General Sherman’s division. Here we again entered action, our regiment numbering about 300 men, and for about an hour aided in checking the advance of the enemy’s force, disputing the ground inch by inch, until compelled to retire on account of a flank movement by the rebels and a destructive artillery fire, in all which the enemy suffered terribly.
On Sunday night the regiment laid in line of battle near the camp of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, on the main road leading to Pittsburg Landing, and during the greater part of Monday were stationed as a reserve on the right of the Forty-first Illinois Infantry. At about 4 o’clock we were ordered forward, but the enemy having been driven from our lines, we were ordered to return and re-enforce the position of Colonel Marsh, after which we were ordered to our camp.
The gallantry of the officers under my command admits of no discrimination, and I bear cheerful testimony to the heroic courage and fortitude with which they, without exception, stood the enemy’s fire, the severity of which is fully attested by the loss of our regiment. This terrible destruction was only caused by the most determined bravery, such as I have never seen equaled.
To the men under my command I must award the praise of bravery not excelled by their officers. They stood unflinchingly until ordered to retire, and I have to state that but very few were to be numbered among the stragglers.
I have only to add that the report of casualties was forwarded several days ago, but regret t say that since that time 6 or 8 of my wounded have died of their wounds.
Respectfully submitted.
Aug. Mersy
Colonel, Commanding Ninth Illinois Volunteers
(Lieut. Geo. L. Paddock, A.A.A.G., Second Brig., Second Div., West Tenn.)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
12 April 1862
Saturday, 12th Rainy. Many wounded were brought aboard the boats to day. More troops came up the river. The gun boats fired a salute for Gen. Halleck.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
11 April 1862
Friday, 11th Rainy. many more of the wounded were brought in to day. Gen. Halleck arrived to day. News of the capture of Island No. 10 is confirmed. I received my leave of absence to day. All is quiet here and very muddy.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
10 April 1862
Thursday, 10th Rainy. Nothing was done to day but getting the wounded aboard of boats. My ankle is very sore to day. All is quiet here. Rumor is that Island No. 10 is taken.
Monday, April 9, 2012
9 April 1862
April, Wednesday, 9th 1862 Cool and damp. Gen. Buell, Gen. McCook, Gen. Thomas were on board here to day. They are all fine looking men. Many more of the wounded were brought in to day and also prisoners. My foot is quite sore to day. Several boats arrived with troops and preparations are making to advance soon. Gen. Nelson arrived to day with his Division.
[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]
St. Louis April 9th, 1862
From War Department to Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Pittsburg, Tenn.
Order giving thanks for the recent victories and overthrow of Traitors } Order first - That at the meridian of the Sunday next after receipt of this Order, at the head of every regiment in the Armies of the United States, there shall be offered by its Chaplain a prayer giving thanks to the Lord of Hosts for the recent manifestations of his power in the overthrow of rebels and traitors and invoking the continuance of his aid in relation to the nation by Armies of Patriot Soldiers from the Horrors of treason and civil war.
Order second - That the thanks and congratulations of the War Department are rendered to Maj. Gen. Halleck for the signal ability and success that have distinguished all the Military Operations of his Department and for the Spirit of Courage manifested by the Army under his command under every hardship and against every odds of attacking, pursuing and destroying the enemy wherever found.
Order third - That the thanks of the Dpt. Are also given to Genls Curtis and Siegel and the officers and soldiers of their commands for matchless gallantry at the battle of Pea Ridge and Maj. Generals Grant, Buell and their forces for the glorious repulses at Pittsburg in Tennessee; to Maj Genl. Pope, his officers and soldiers for the bravery and skill manifested in their operation against the Rebels and Traitors entrenched at Island No. 10 on the Mississippi River - for daring courage and diligence prosecution, valor and military results whose achievements are unsurpassed.
Order fourth - There shall be this day a salute of one hundred guns from United States Arsenal, Washington, in honor of these great victories.
(signed) Edwin M. Staunton, Secretary of War
Sunday, April 8, 2012
8 April 1862
Tuesday, 8th Last night it rained nearly all night. Our wounded were gathered up and attended to. I saw many of our wounded officers to day. I was put on board the Hiawatha and found very good quarters. More prisoners were brought in to day. The rebels had fallen back to Corinth entirely disconcerted and the prisoners verify that they will not make much more resistance, but think they will yield ere long.
[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]
Head Quarters Dist of West Tenn. Pittsburg, April 8th, 1862
General Orders no. 34 } The General Commanding congratulates the troops who so gallantly maintained their position, repulsed and routed a numerically superior force of the enemy, composed of the Flower of the Southern Army, commanded by their ablest Generals and fought by them with all the desperation of despair. In numbers engaged, no such conflict ever took place on this continent; the importance of results but few such have taken place in the History of the World.
Whilst congratulating the brave and gallant soldiers it becomes the duty of the General Commanding to make Special Notice of the brave wounded and those killed upon the field. While they leave friends and relatives to mourn their loss they have now a nation’s gratitude and undying laurels not to be forgotten by future generations who will enjoy the blessings of the best Government the sun ever shone upon, by their valor.
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Comdg.
[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]
Head Quarters Dist of West Tenn. Pittsburg, April 8th, 1862
General Orders no. 34 } The General Commanding congratulates the troops who so gallantly maintained their position, repulsed and routed a numerically superior force of the enemy, composed of the Flower of the Southern Army, commanded by their ablest Generals and fought by them with all the desperation of despair. In numbers engaged, no such conflict ever took place on this continent; the importance of results but few such have taken place in the History of the World.
Whilst congratulating the brave and gallant soldiers it becomes the duty of the General Commanding to make Special Notice of the brave wounded and those killed upon the field. While they leave friends and relatives to mourn their loss they have now a nation’s gratitude and undying laurels not to be forgotten by future generations who will enjoy the blessings of the best Government the sun ever shone upon, by their valor.
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Comdg.
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