An unidentified soldier in the 14th Wisconsin Infantry chronicles the transition from the excitement of fighting to the horror on the battlefield during the second day of the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee on April 7, 1862.

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McCormick "Battle of Shiloh" Advertising Poster, 1885

View the original source document: WHI 4603

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Civil War Cannon

Madison, Wisconsin. This Civil War cannon is now on display at Camp Randall near the corner of Randall Street and Dayton Street. View the original source document: WHI 31894

From Original Text: "We started on "double quick" and soon arrived on the battle ground. At first we were unable to see the enemy, as they were concealed among the trees and bushes; but they soon made us aware of their presence, by sending into our ranks showers of shot and shell… Our boys fought like tigers, with all the nerve and coolness of veteran soldiers.

The result of the battle, however, was uncertain, until about three o'clock p.m., when we were reinforced by infantry and artillery, and then we began to drive them back. And oh, such shouting and cheering! The roar of battle was fairly drowned out for a few moments…

May I never again be compelled to witness the horrible spectacle that was presented to us during the battle and after its close. Men were mangled, and bleeding, and dying by scores and hundreds. One poor rebel, during the battled, under took to run away "on all fours" when a cannon ball struck him, tearing him in pieces, and scattering his limbs in different directions."