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