Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/134

 126 Son t In r a Historical Soeitti/ f'ti/>ers.

Alabama, ist Missouri, some small detachments and a section of artillery.

The gallant colonel of the ist Missouri, Lucius L. Rich, having been mortally wounded, the regiment was now commanded by Major Olen F. Rice.

The enemy were in heavy masses in my front, but they showed no disposition to advance, and the firing was at long range and with- out much effect.

General Buell (page 295) speaks of this firing, but says: "The pursuit was continued no further that day. ' '

General Grant (page 109) speaks of the fight continuing till 5 P. M. He also says his force was too fatigued to pursue immediately. I remained on the field until dark, and then withdrew about three miles, and at midnight General Bragg gave me verbal instructions to hold that position.

On the next morning, the 8th, Generals Sherman and Wood, each with a division, advanced, but, after feeling our lines, retired. I remained in the position close up to the enemy for about a week, and, with the exception of scouting parties, which approached our lines, the enemy remained quietly in their camp.

General Breckenridge had halted his command between my posi- tion and Monterey, and the day after the battle rode down to my bivouac, and the following day continued his march to Corinth. General Withers, in his report of the withdrawal from the field (Vol. X, page 535), says:

" The remainder of the troops marched to within a mile of Mick- ey's, where they were placed under command of Colonel Wheeler, who throughout the fight had proved himself worthy of all trust and confidence, a gallant commander and an accomplished soldier."

And General Bragg (page 468) speaks of the noble service of "the excellent regiment of Colonel Joseph Wheeler."

The public seem to have regarded the surrender of General Pren- tiss, with 3,400 Federal soldiers, as the leading feature in the battle of Shiloh, and discussions have taken place as to what troops are enti- tled to the most credit and also as to the hour that the surrender took place.

William Preston Johnston (page 620), in speaking of Prentiss' surrender, says:

"Each Confederate commander division, brigade and regimen-