"Battle of Shiloh: Shattering Myths" Topic

"The Battle of Shiloh, which took place on April 6-7, 1862, is one of the Civil War's most momentous fights, but perhaps one of the least understood. The standard story of the engagement reads that Union troops were surprised in their camps at dawn on April 6. Defeat seemed certain, but Union Brigadier General Benjamin M. Prentiss saved the day by holding a sunken road some 3 feet deep. Thanks to the tenacious fighting in that area, it came to be known as the Hornet's Nest.

Prentiss eventually capitulated, leaving Rebel commander General Albert Sidney Johnston in a position to drive on to victory. General Johnston, however, was soon mortally wounded and replaced by General P.G.T. Beauregard, which cost the Confederates vital momentum. Beauregard made the inept decision to call off the Confederate attacks, and the next day Union counterattacks dealt Rebel hopes a crushing blow…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Good find, Armand!

I am very old, and lost all faith in the New York Times when their reporter arrived at Pittsburgh Landing, and interviewed the broken, terrified soldiers hiding along the river bank. They told him they were asleep in their tents, many others killed before they could get out of their blankets – which was a total lie.

Also, few seem to note that the Confederate attack had a major flaw: They attacked with a full "division" spread across the entire front, followed by the next "division," etc. No commander could control and reinforce his units when he had to cover miles of the front. Generals had to take control of a norrow frontage, with units hopelessly intermixed. And this was organized by "The greatest US soldier of the time – Albert Sidney Johnston!"

But everyone has a bad day once in a while. Johnston's was so bad, he died.

GdeP

Fascinating article.

Shiloh was a battle of rookie errors. The Confederate deployment was a lulu.

But, it is a great battle to game.

GdP nailed it with regards to the initial Confederate deployment. The heavy, marshy terrain exacerbated the problem tremendously.

I live close to the battlefield, and on very dark, moonless nights, parts of the park glow green and purple due to fox fire. When I was young, the old folks used to tell us it was the spirits of the slain.

People always say Gettysburg is haunted, but if ever a battlefield looked like it should be haunted, it's Shiloh.

Happy you enjoyed it boys!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

I am very old, and lost all faith in the New York Times when their reporter arrived at Pittsburgh Landing …

Wow! And I thought I was old!

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

Shiloh was a battle of rookie errors. The Confederate deployment was a lulu.

Keep in mind that Wellington deployed battle lines with one division behind the other in several late war battles. It probably was the wrong deployment for such a wooded area and with the loss of Johnston, things were bound to become confused. Just saying.

Good point.

Amicalement
Armand