Saturday passed in our camps without any unusual event, the weather being wet and mild, and the roads back to the steamboat landing being heavy with mud; but on Sunday morning, the 6th, early, there was a good deal of picket-firing, and I got breakfast, rode out along my lines, and, about four hundred yards to the front of Appler’s regiment, received from some bushes in a ravine to the left front a volley which killed my orderly, Holliday.  About the same time I saw the rebel lines of battle in front coming down on us as far as the eye could reach.  All my troops were in line of battle, ready, and the ground was favorable to us.  I gave the necessary orders to the battery (Waterhouse’s) attached to Hildebrand’s brigade, and cautioned the men to reserve their fire till the rebels had crossed the ravine of Owl Creek, and had begun the ascent; also, sent staff-officers to notify Generals McClernand and Prentiss of the coming blow.  Indeed, McClernand had already sent three regiments to the support of my left flank, and they were in position when the onset came.

In a few minutes the battle of “Shiloh” began with extreme fury, and lasted two days.  Its history has been well given, and it has been made the subject of a great deal of controversy.  Hildebrand’s brigade was soon knocked to pieces, but Buckland’s and McDowell’s kept their organization throughout.  Stuart’s was driven back to the river, and did not join me in person till the second day of the battle.  I think my several reports of that battle are condensed and good, made on the spot, when all the names and facts were fresh in my memory, and are herewith given entire: 

Headquarters first division
Pittsburg landing, March 17, 1862

Captain Wm. McMICHAEL, Assistant Adjutant-General to General C. F
Smith, Savannah, Tennessee.

Sir:  Last night I dispatched a party of cavalry, at 6 p.m., under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Heath, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, for a strong reconnoissance, if possible, to be converted into an attack upon the Memphis road.  The command got off punctually, followed at twelve o’clock at night by the First Brigade of my division, commanded by Colonel McDowell, the other brigades to follow in order.

About one at night the cavalry returned, reporting the road occupied in force by the enemy, with whose advance-guard they skirmished, driving them back—­about a mile, taking two prisoners, and having their chief guide, Thomas Maxwell, Esq., and three men of the Fourth Illinois wounded.

Inclosed please find the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Heath; also a copy of his instructions, and the order of march.  As soon as the cavalry returned, I saw that an attempt on the road was frustrated, and accordingly have placed McDowell’s brigade to our right front, guarding the pass of Snake Creek; Stuart’s brigade to the left front, to watch the pass of Lick Creek; and I shall this morning move directly out on the Corinth road, about eight miles to or toward Pea Ridge, which is a key-point to the southwest.