this most splendid victory. And, although the tide seemed turned against them during the early part of the battle, everything seemed to favor them on the second day; and, after two days fighting they had regained all they had lost, and driven back and conquered the rebels.

The troops engaged in this battle, were the divisions of Prentiss, Sherman, and Mc Clernand, who were in advance, and Hurlbut's and Smith's, the latter, under command of General W. H. L. Wallace. Hurlbut's and Wallace's divisions were stationed between the Tennessee River and the others. On the second day, these were joined by the divisions of Generals Lewis Wallace, Nelson, Crittenden, and McCook.

On the evening of the fourth of April, the enemy made a reconnoissance with two of their regiments, and, after a slight skirmish, retired, as their forces under Price and Van Dorn had not yet arrived. Although the generals commanding the rebel army had fixed upon the fifth of April for the day of attack, they resolved to wait one day longer, until their reënforcements should arrive. This gave General Buell time to reach Grant, and, without doubt, saved the country from a terrible disaster which must have been the result, had his reënforcements failed to arrive. Johnston, and Beauregard were aware that Buell was advancing from Nashville, to

join Grant, and for this reason, at first resolved to attack him before Buell should arrive.

Just at break of day, on Sunday morning, the 6th of April, the pickets of Prentiss and Sherman were driven in by the enemy, and the rebels were almost instantly in our camp. They found the troops entirely unprepared for anything like an attack. The officers and men were scattered about, some still in their beds, some dressing, and some eating their breakfast, and none in readiness for their early and unexpected visitors.

The five divisions stationed at this point, were hurriedly drawn up in line of battle, and, without a moment's preparation, met the enemy. Many of the regiments were new troops, their officers inexperienced, and many of them became panicstricken. General Prentiss, and the greater part of his division, were at this time, taken prisoners. Sherman used all his energies to rally his men. Riding along the lines, encouraging them, and exposing his own life, he did much to save the division from utter destruction. Although our forces returned their fire most vigorously, our men were driven back from their camp. The enemy bringing up a fresh force, opened fire upon our left wing, under General McClernand. Along the whole line, for a distance of over four miles, this fire was returned with terrible effect, by both infantry and artillery.

General Hurlbut's division was then brought forward, and a most desperate conflict ensued. The rebels were first driven back, with great loss of life, but rallied, and in turn, drove our men back.

The rebel forces, commanded by able generals, were handled with a skill that drew admiration from all, and although repulsed, again and again, they continued sending fresh troops to the front, and again bent their energies to the work.

Late in the afternoon, the most desperate fighting that had occurred during the entire day, took place. The rebels undoubtedly thought that if they failed in defeating us on that day, that their chances for success would be doubtful, as a part of General Buell's army had arrived on the opposite side of the river. The rebels could see the reënforcements from the river bank, and to this place they directed their attention. The Union troops were, indeed, contending against fearful odds, their army numbering about thirty-eight thousand men, while that of the rebels exceeded sixty thousand.

Many of the panic-stricken, and the skulkers, were gathered near the river, and no appeals from their officers could rally them.

.

General Lewis Wallace's division, which was at Crump's Landing, was ordered up in the morning, but being led by a circuitous route, failed to reach the scene of action until night.

join Grant, and for this reason, at first resolved to attack him before Buell should arrive.

Just at break of day, on Sunday morning, the 6th of April, the pickets of Prentiss and Sherman were driven in by the enemy, and the rebels were almost instantly in our camp. They found the troops entirely unprepared for anything like an attack. The officers and men were scattered about, some still in their beds, some dressing, and some eating their breakfast,-and none in readiness for their early and unexpected visitors.

The five divisions stationed at this point, were hurriedly drawn up in line of battle, and, without a moment's preparation, met the enemy. Many of the regiments were new troops, their officers inexperienced, and many of them became panicstricken. General Prentiss, and the greater part of his division, were at this time, taken prisoners. Sherman used all his energies to rally his men. Riding along the lines, encouraging them, and exposing his own life, he did much to save the division from utter destruction. Although our forces returned their fire most vigorously, our men were driven back from their camp. The enemy bringing up a fresh force, opened fire upon our left wing, under General McClernand. Along the whole line, for a distance of over four miles, this fire was returned with terrible effect, by both infantry and artillery.

General Hurlbut's division was then brought forward, and a most desperate conflict ensued. The rebels were first driven back, with great loss of life, but rallied, and in turn, drove our men back.

The rebel forces, commanded by able generals, were handled with a skill that drew admiration from all, and although repulsed, again and again, they continued sending fresh troops to the front, and again bent their energies to the work.

Late in the afternoon, the most desperate fighting that had occurred during the entire day, took place. The rebels undoubtedly thought that if they failed in defeating us on that day, that their chances for success would be doubtful, as a part of General Buell's army had arrived on the opposite side of the river. The rebels could see the reënforcements from the river bank, and to this place they directed their attention. The Union troops were, indeed, contending against fearful odds, their army numbering about thirty-eight thousand men, while that of the rebels exceeded sixty thousand.

Many of the panic-stricken, and the skulkers, were gathered near the river, and no appeals from their officers could rally them.

General Lewis Wallace's division, which was at Crump's Landing, was ordered up in the morning, but being led by a circuitous route, failed to reach the scene of action until night.