Army memoirs of Lucius W. Barber, Company "D", 15th Illinois volunteer infantry. May 24,1861, to Sept. 30, 1865

6–7 April 1862

Battle of Shiloh

TOTAL.

that nothing could exceed the fright of the rebels. Order and dis- cipline were at an end. Thus ended the memorable battle of Shiloh. We now turned our weary steps toward camp, and just as the even- ing shades began to fall? we reached it. Our camp showed plainly the marks of war. Our tents was riddled by shot and shell and everything was turned upside down. The rebs had stayed there the night before and the uncivil rascals had helped themselves to what they wanted. I could stand in camp and count two hundred dead rebels. There had been a sharp fight on this very ground. Slowly the shades of evening began to fall around us. An unbroken stillness reigned where a short time before echoed the peals of battle. How changed the scene! Out in the darkness lay thousands sleeping their last long sleep. No bugle blast could wake them now. No more will they heed the war cry. The sound of battle will fall unheeded on their ears. They have gone where there is no war. Their tired spirits are at rest.

CHAPTER XII.

Col. Hall, 14th Illinois, was now in command of the brigade. We were all happy to welcome back to the brigade at this time Major Nase, old captain of Company K. He had been wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh and had his leg ampu- tated below the knee. He was finally exchanged and was promoted for meritorious conduct on the battle-field. Never was promotion more nobly earned. After being taken prisoner, he was taken to Memphis where he was so fortunate as to fall into a Union lady's hands. She nursed him with the most assiduous care until he re- covered from the effects of his wound or until it was healed. She probably saved his life, and the Major was very extravagant in her praise. While we were at Memphis, she came to camp to see him and she was greeted by all with demonstrations of respect. She was one of the very few genuine ladies we found in the South. About

EXTRACT FROM DIARY.

Very warm. Up all night. The gnats and mosquitoes nearly ate me up. The gnats are the worst. They crawl through our gar- ments and bury themselves in our skin, their bites creating a red blotch. It is poisonous. Went on company drill this after- noon. To-day is the anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. Have seen northern papers of the 30th ult.

OF THE 15TH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

Lieutenant-Colonel James Kaney.— Vice Geo. C. Rogers, promoted, vice Lieutenant-Colonel E. F. W. Ellis, killed at Battle of Shiloh.