Captain William Moore of Black River Falls recalls a harrowing story about two Kentucky brothers who confront each other at the Battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862.

An incident occurred on the day of the Battle that ought to make Secession tremble beneath the weight of its own guilt.

A Kentuckyan in the Federal army was concealed behind a tree, picking off those of the Confederates who might be unfortunate enough to come in range of his "old Kentucky Rifle," when he discovered a man a short distance from him, in the act of firing at him. He instantly fired on his adversary, and brought him down, badly wounded.

In the mean time the wounded man recognised in the person of his adversary, his own blood Brother, and seeing him draw his gun up to shoot again, called to him by name and begged him for Gods sake not to shoot in that direction again "for that's Father."

This is one of the many painful incidents that occurred within my own acquaintance, and gives a practical illustration of the beauties of Secession and Southern rights.

Source: Moore, William P. "Civil War Diary, 1861-1862," pages 47-48.

View the full document