TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE SEVENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE DAYS OF 1861-1866, WHILE TOGETHER IN CAMP-ON THE MARCH-IN BATTLE-AND IN CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 188236 TO THE READER. TH HE Pennsylvania Shiloh Battlefield Commission," having completed all the work and duties, for the performance of which, it was appointed; now as a proper finale, herewith presents to the Comrades and the Public, the following pages; containing a full report of all the work and proceedings of the Commission. The dedication of the monument, erected by the State to the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, on Shiloh bat tlefield. A brief, but complete history, together with list of casualties in action and roster of all enlistments of the Regiment. An accurate and impartial description of the Battle of Shiloh, compiled after much research and labor, by Major David W. Reed, the Secretary and Historian to the National Shiloh Military Park Commission. This is doubtless the very best history of the Battle of Shiloh yet produced, and is here given to the reader by the kindly permission of the compiler. We also give representative reports from Commanders of all the armies that were engaged in this great battle, viz: General W. T. Sherman, of the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by General Grant, who, however, made no report on the Battle of Shiloh, therefore this duty fell upon his second in command, General Sherman. Generals Buell and McCook, of the Army of the Ohio, and General Beauregard, of the Army of the Mississippi, Confederate. These reports, if carefully read, will be a great help to the reader and will enable him to better understand the various movements of the armies of both sides, during the engagement. This work has been very arduous and trying by reason of defective and, in some instances, of the entire absence of reports bearing on the movements of the Regiment, it was at times, very difficult to arrive at exact facts. We have, however, in the writing of this Regimental History, used our utmost endeavor and diligence, to secure, as nearly as possible, absolute truth and correctness, but possibly may have erred in some instances, if so, it was not intentional, and all we ask, is that the reader will, in such instances, kindly exercise that greatest of all virtues, "Charity." As a whole, we flatter ourselves, that, we have, all circumstances considered, here produced a volume, which, we trust, will meet with the approval of all its readers; and one, that will be a permanent addition to the History of the old Keystone State in the great war between the States. To the members of the "Shiloh National Military Park Commission," Colonels Cadle and Patterson, Majors Ashcraft and Reed, Captain Irwin and Mr. Atwell Thompson, Engineer in charge of the Park, his efficient assistant, Mr. W. S. Keller, and such other members of the Staff whom we have met while on our visits of duty to Shiloh, we feel very much indebted for their very kindly and valuable asistance and for the many courtesies shown us while with them. We do here desire to express our most sincere thanks and high appreciation, with the assurance that the very pleasant and agreeable friendships thus formed, will ever be cherished as some of the brightest spots in memory until we shall all have been called from this to a better world. JOHN OBREITER, Chairman Penn. Shiloh Battlefield Commission. Lancaster, Pa., May 10, 1905. CONTENTS. Recruiting for the Regiment-Camp Slifer Camp Wilkins-On to Kentucky-Camp Nevin-Company K-Reorganization of the Army-General Buell in Command-Munfordville-Division Page. Bragg moves Northward-Buell follows-Louisville, Kentucky- Re-organization of the Army-Fern Creek-Clay Village, Frank- Buell relieved from Command-Rosecrans succeeds him-Reconnois- |