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Division Cavalry Brigade, Inc. The Cavalry Brigade for the 1st Federal Division |
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Colonel Crowder
Shiloh Friday AAR Report # 1 0f 2 Sirs, I am happy to report that our recent adventure near Shiloh Tenn. Is now history. What a terrific time this Brigade had. The ground was near perfect. In all the years of reenacting, I have not seen such good ground. It made Perryville look like a kiddie park in perspective. No ill intended. The thoughts in this message are mine alone and based on what I seen and what was reported to me. The Saturday fights became a bit confused due to the fact that there were two CS armies attacking us from two sides. Other than that they went very well. Our Saturday fights began early (about 3:00 am) and ran all along a beautiful road through the hills and across a few more creeks, up a large hill and down another road until it opened into a very large field (about 600 acres) The battle raged for about ¾ mile across this and as we crossed the tree line at the end of this magnificent field, we entered into another small field and fought all the was back to yet another field where we joined the scripted battle that was taking place on still another field and across a split rail fence where there were over 55 cannon total (I think the actual number was 60 but not sure) It was astounding. I am so sorry that any reenactor missed this great opportunity to see how it really was. The weather was very cold and very windy as we all slept on the cold ground on Friday night and to make it worse was the fact that we only had a few hours of rest before being attacked. God, it was terrific…..More on the Sat fight later. Most of the dismounted Cav and sharpshooters reported they had spent over 400 rounds each in the battles fought. Everyone was more than satisfied in how much powder we burned. I must tell you that not only did the Infantry fight as I had never seen before on the roads and woods, sending a company to support the skirmishers etc., the site of these men crossing the very large fields of battle (Bigger than I have ever seen before) under extreme pressure from greater odds, they NEVER once faltered of strayed from the commands and movements they were given. To see all of them working together with the Cavalry filling holes and gaps, covering the flanks from right to left, it truly was a site to behold. I must also add that the CS boys we faced were almost as disciplined as our boys. They fought honorable fights the entire time. I had seen no farby movements, uniforms, maneuvers or actions for which any one should or could have been criticized for. All in all, any commanding officer from either side would have been very proud to have been in any part of this action the entire weekend. (Sundays scripted battle was les impressive and held on a far to tiny of a field considering the number of rennactors and cannon, when the larger fields could have been used with minor changes.) Friday engagement. We engaged the 2nd. CS Div. about ¼ mile S of a creek in the bottom land just N of where we found them in camp. As we engaged them, they began sending more and more mounted into our front until we were severely challenged to slow their progress The CS Cavalry in our front were very well trained and excellent fighters. They made very few mistakes if at all and gave us a terrific fight keeping constant pressure on us. As the road narrowed, they dismounted and moved thru the woods causing us to give up a couple of good positions. Considering the numbers we were facing I thought it prudent NOT to dismount our men as we could have been overrun quickly had they brought up more infantry support. As stated, the Cavalry were quick and ready for a fight, and their long rifles were spotted just a few hundred yards to their rear. It was decided that we should fall back to a better position near the creek where we were reinforced by two battalions of our Infantry as they brought up about the same number of CS Infantry to push the mounted back. As we crossed the creek the engineers dropped a considerable amount of timber to dissuade the advance and forced the enemy to ford the creek to our left of which we had considerable numbers of Inf. lodged in the creek bed and backed up by more in the heavy woods across the road. Our infantry boys were ferocious in their fight to hold them. Volley after volley rang out through the valley as they poured heavy fire into the face of overwhelming odds. So many brave boys. At an intersecting creek of larger size crossed the small creek we were defending and I sent a platoon of Cav. up the creek bed under the cover of heavy woods and steep banks to a point that allowed them to completely surprise the gray bellies on their extreme right flank. Most of them had their backs to our boys and we caused considerable damage to their number before a hasty recall back down the creek. At about the same time at the other end of the creek, one of our battalions were about to be overrun due to the fact the CS received more reinforcements. Our boys were cut off and had to fall back into the heavy woods several hundred yards at which point they turned and regrouped with the rest of the Fed along a parallel road. Here another strong stand was made and the Infantry boys fought hard and well. CS Cavalry was spotted in the rear so the mounted was deployed to brush them away and back along our flank until they fell back all the way to the cover of their Infantry. As our boys held another deep creek it was noted that there was high ground just beyond and a position of great defense would be obtained so they were ordered to fall back to this high position immediately. Once across the creek and up the narrow road of a steep incline and a cliff being on the front, we were able to control any further advance of the enemy and a holding plan was implemented as the day was nearing a late hour and many were running low on ammo. Our wagon was but a short distance to our rear above the heavy sloping woods where they could claim additional water and powder. After a few hours, it was noted that the enemy was moving around the steep hill to our flanks and the General seen that just over the ridge was a narrow open field with a rise in the ground where we placed our heavy gun and decided to move back to this better position causing the enemy to attack us on open ground of our choosing with the support of the Weir Rifled cannon to aid us. After successfully moving the entire Army safely back to this position, we sustained a very heavy attack as we had planned with large numbers of CS attempting to cross the field. They did manage to briefly get enough men into the left of our line and near captured our gun but were pushed back by our reserve and our position was secured as they retreated back into the cover of the timbers for the night. Our Infantry boys fought as I had never seen before. We happened to have about 45 dismounted cavalry and about 8 sharpshooters which the General used as a quick response unit and they filled holes and closed gaps at a very rapid pace throughout the entire battles. They moved almost a quickly as the horse would only in a bit shorter areas. Just as we were moving to our position along the ridge in line with our gun, a cavalry scout rode up and informed us of a fairly large number of CS Cavalry about ½ mile to our rear. Since there was a large open field behind us with a narrow entrance between the heavy timber on both side, I placed all 45 of them in the woods with instructions to stay under cover until the CS Cav arrived and our mounted boys could antagonize them into chasing us. They seem to like the idea of hooping and shouting if they can get us to run. As the arrived at the open field, they spotted us as I had a company as decoys with their backs to the enemy at a distance of about 100 yards. As figured, they immediately began a charge and as our boys ran towards our line (about 300 yards) the gray coats followed as figured with their irritating screams which can only be described as the sound often heard by a woman in child berthing. So eager and distracted by their own screeches they failed to notice a full company of mounted cavalry come from the timbers on their right flank, As they realized the situation they were in, they halted and turned to face the newest onslaught with a glare in their eyes and a pale color came over their faces. Just as they were about to engage, the 45 brave boys that were hunkered down in the woods rose up and ran about 25 yards into a line, feel to their knees about 50 yards to the rear of the surprised gray coats who were about to be sent home from three sides of heavy concentrated fire. God Bless them all.. The few who managed to escape back the way they came were not screeching any more, but we all swear we could hear moans and cries as they hastily exited the field not to be seen again this day. Hats off to the boys in the woods. The entire Federal Army moved back across another very large field to a position behind a burm of about 3 ft in height and a narrow line of timber for more protection for the night The cavalry moved to the rear across another small open field into another thicker line of timber for the night. Here we thought we would be secure? All became quiet and the men rested, ate and re supplied for a few hours. At about 3:00 AM we were roused by heavy gunfire to our front and left.. Wow, a night fight! Can you imagine that there were NO Injuries????????? Amazing. Saturday fighting began.. Saturday and Sunday report to follow. With your permission, can I forward this to others of interest? Colonel Terry Crowder, Commanding Division Cavalry Brigade, Inc First Federal Division To:
Gen. Dolive Report # 2 of 2 Sirs, My apologies for the delay in completing this report. I assume you have received the Friday report? Saturday 3:00 am. After entering into the timbers at about 9:30 PM last evening, we made small fires as the weather turned very cold. The men wrestled with their blankets and searched for any available wood as the breath was quite visible from the cold. Once settled and the mounts attended to they gradually found enough warmth to fall into a deep sleep. The pickets were checked several times by my Adj. as we feared an early attack very possible. We were now camped between the 1st. CS Division which was but a few miles south of our location and the 2nd CS Division of which we had been making every attempt to delay in their joining before we could reach our 1st. Division for support. WE had extreme hope that we might see them before dawn so we kept a keen eye and ear out throughout the night. Somewhere around 2:30 am I noticed that Gen. Zimmer was up and adding more wood to the small fire as I am certain he was restless as well knowing the situation we were in. He finally laid his tired body on the ground next to me and we spoke of plans for the morning. We both gradually dozed for but a few moments when we heard several small arms fire to the South of our camp. It seemed as if it were very close. Our good soldiers who were camped above our location along the timber line and ridge were the first to react. They were up and about promptly. We realized that we were about to be struck from two sides and of course our main concern was being cut off so as not to receive support. Much to my pleasure, as rapidly as our first battalion struck the enemy, our second battalion was already in place and began retuning fire from our NW camp site. This left us free to guard the flank from the timber without nearly as much danger as our good Infantry boys. Our fear was that if they should move upon us thru the timber, they would be successful in dividing us and that would allow them to fire directly into the rear of the boys who were by now hotly defending our position. The distance between all four of our camp sites was an open field of about 200 yards so crouching in the tree line with carbines allowed us a full view and defensive position of which we were able to support the flanks and the rear at the same time. As our boys poured heavy fire into an almost invisible enemy due to the overcast and very dark night, we waited until the movements came nearer our camp. As the enemy slowly pushed our 1st Battalion Northward to meet with our second Battalion it opened up a small bit of the filed between us and of course the enemy being very bold as usual rapidly marched into the small gap not knowing we had about 125 carbines within about 40 yards of their flank. As they wheeled to face the infantry in their most anxious moments thinking they for sure would take this engagement within moments, our second company which was on our left flank opened with a deadly barrage of carbine fire directly into their right and rear flanks. It was a site to see the shadows falling, running, yelling and orders abounding from all over. As they began a very rapid retreat our Infantry boys opened again with a volley that shook the tallest of timbers. A few prisoners were taken and we discovered that it was but a couple of battalion of infantry and about a company of CS cavalry from the 1st. Cs division which had been on a scout to locate their second division. As we watched them falling back to the South, we sent a platoon to tour north to see if the 2nd Cs division had heard the heavy fire and if they were coming. This fight lasted until about 6:30 am at which time the cavalry rode out to search in several directions and to follow the retreating Cs until we were certain the 2nd Div was not coming and all was to regain quiet. As our solid and weary Infantry boys re grouped and replenished their supplies, we felt they could not move on without some rest but their officers came to immediate attention and stated that they were ready and anxious to move forward in our endeavor to reach our own support. The cavalry skirmished against light resistance throughout the morning as they pushed the CS 1st Division back and until they seen them disappear and out of range. As we returned to the camp site we saw our boys marching down the road in an Easterly direction. We followed giving them plenty or rear guard. A company of mounted was sent past them to scout our forward position and to look for any of our support. After but a few miles of marching thru steep hills and lots of dirt road that appeared to have not had any recent movement, the cavalry ran into our 1st division infantry much to their pleasure. What a terrific site to see all of those neat and clean blue uniforms as they stood on top of a very large hill , waiting and watching for us. I will tell you sir, at that moment, our boys would have fought all week just from the exuberance they felt upon this site. To our rear at about the same moment our rear guard of cavalry struck a fight with the lead elements of the entire CS 2nd Division. They sent about 90 mounted forward along the road and our boys struck first about a quarter mile out from the heavy, hilly timber. Not knowing we had reached our support, our mounted held the road at the entrance of the wood, forcing the CS cavalry to halt and send up some of their infantry to help clear the opening. As we fell back down into the woods, we were aided by the steep hills and rough terrain on either side with a deep and almost impassable creek which twisted and turned at the bottom of the hill. I ordered our dismounted and our sharp shooters to begin construction of fallen timbers at the vortex of the creek and the road just as it turned. As our mounted slowly came back down the steep incline, they were able to turn and go up the creek about 30 yards which gave them a very steep cliff for cover to fall back across the creek. Our dismounted and sharpshooters being dug in the banks of the creek just in front of the road and along the heavy timbers on both sides. Thus, we were able to hold the entire CS Div for a considerable time causing severe damage and causalities to their front and left flank. They were forced to send infantry forward, as well as dismounting all of the cavalry and thrusting them into the steep hill and rough terrain. Their advance slowed to a halt as we poured it to them with no mercy. The boys felt this was a payback for the lack of sleep and wanted very much to teach them a lesson. A very bitter one it was. As the Capt of our Tenn. dismounted came to me and exclaimed that our boys were running very low on ammo. I received a courier from our 1st division that they were sending a company of Infantry to support us and that we should begin falling back slowly as to force the enemy into fighting the terrain some more. I knew that would take a lot of the fight out of them and began pulling men back by platoons. As we had but 40 or so men left on the front barricade in the creek, the dismounted CS cavalry were gradually making their way thru the heavy timber along the creek which turned along our left flank and our front. They had been traversing the terrain for about 45 minutes so I knew they were either much worn or very angry for the suffering we had forced them to endure. The moment became very anxious as they began pressing us hard once they seen how thin our lines had become and just about the time we were within 50 yards of being face to face, I looked up and here was a company of blue infantry coming at us at the quick step and to once again save our front and allow us to begin a complete falling back. The young Capt. of this company was very excited and at first it caused me concern as he appeared to be far too young but with his first bark of a command and seeing his men respond as rapidly as I had ever seen my concern disappeared. I wish I had had a moment to receive his name but did not wish to distract him as he moved his men into a strong position, looked around and quickly understood the terrain and the enemy position. I would gladly recommend him for a promotion and or a medal as he and his men were as brave and apt as I have seen. The road from the creek we were holding to the bend in the road which turned and moved up another very steep hill where our 1st division was anxiously waiting was but three quarters to a mile in distance. This young Capt. and all of our dismounted and sharpshooters began the finest leap frog movements every imposed. The mounted would move to the right and allow them to fall back to the left and cover in between each movement these men made. It was a textbook foray of cavalry and mounted working as one army. As we made the last turn in the road, I noticed that there was a very large tree laying across the creek which would impede our quick movement up the hill. A hasty path about 20 yards to the right was found by the rear mounted and they stood by the trail to direct our boys on foot to safety. As we masked the road as long as possible leading up to this final creek crossing and the long road up the hill, I noticed that our 1st division had built several timber covering crossing about half way up the hill and about every 50 yards or so. As the last soldier made his way behind the protection of the first wall, the mounted scampered up the road as well which by this time the entire CS was hastily marching toward the creek in the narrow road in front. Within a split second, our fine infantry boys rose and laid a very heavy volley in the face of the enemy. It was as if a curtain was thrown in their face and their advance screeched to a halt. From the top of the hill looking straight down the road, with the roar of a giant came the belch of our heavy cannon which our General had so smartly placed. At the second round leapt from the barrel, the fire and smoke slowly moved to the side to reveal the enemy making a quick movement into the heavy rough terrain along the side of the road once again. They were forced to deploy on very uncomfortable ground for the second time. This allowed us time to re supply and regroup at the top. Our dismounted cavalry after doing so was sent forward again to cover the right flank of the road along the hill as some mounted Cs cavalry were trying desperately to move thru the horrid terrain. Their attempt was in vain as to be very slow moving and our boys from an elevated position were able to open their carbines from protected lines all the way up the hill. On our left flank was a very steep hill as well with a cliff and creek at the bottom. While I can only imagine the dismay of the CS officers, I could hear them screaming orders for their boys to get up that cliff at all cost and cost it was. The only way it was possible was with sever loss and extreme pain, but I must give them credit as they slowly and painfully began to appear at the edge of the hill. I ordered our mounted to support the Infantry boys as they were beginning to slowly fall back in the heavy fire they were receiving and than sent the dismounted to our left as well to slow the oncoming gray coats. A tremendous fight for well over an hour ensued. Our losses were very light but the number of CS seemed to continue to grow. As it became more clear that they must have been receiving support from the 1st CS division, the General felt it prudent to begin falling back in an effort to reach the remainder and support of our 1st division. Orders were issued and the movement began. At the top of the hill the road narrowed again with very steep terrain and went for about half a mile at which it opened into a very large field but with a very narrow gap to enter. As our men made their way into this gap, a fair contingent of CS cavalry appeared on our left flank. Somehow they had made their way up the very difficult and steep terrain that was actually behind us during the fight. Our cavalry being busy holding the road in our front the boys with the long rifles opened fire on them but did suffer a few losses before repulsing them. Our cavalry quickly smashed into them as they were falling back to the safety of the wood and their support. As the army moved back the field opened up considerably. Being about 1 mile long and 1 mile wide it was lined by trees which at first caused concern. Cavalry was quickly dispatched to ascertain any enemy in the rear or the flanks. Once cleared, our General organized and placed the battalion into a very suitable defensive positioning to move us safely as possible across this very large field. Within moments, the CS lines began to form. As they were moving from the road to the field. Their Cavalry had not made it back as yet and it left them rather exposed. I sent our cavalry forward with orders to stop out of rifle range but close enough to force them to deploy into what I hoped would be a poor position in order to allow our boys some more time to put distance between us. It worked well, causing much confusion and much screaming on their officer’s part. That only lasted a few moments and they were formed and my good Captains quickly retreated behind and on the flanks and safety of our boys on the ground. As our army slowly moved to the rear, around a corner of the woods we noticed an entire brigade of blue infantry, hidden by a line of timber from the enemy. The General began positioning the men on the field in order to draw the enemy in the direction of this masked brigade. He was successful in his movement. Once they realized their position, it was too late. They enfiladed them with a heavy volley. The movement began to close the gap between our brigades and our movement toward our main body became less of a fight. The enemy was slowing down with their movement and the battle began to loose its intensity. The size of this field made both armies small in appearance. We had fought for over 7 hours on ground of our choosing with minimal losses and in so doing inflicted severe and heavy loss to our enemy. I must add that this CS Division which we had faced all morning and afternoon had great stamina, tremendous officers and fought extremely well given the terrain and the difficulties they faced and seemed never to give up. It was a glories fight and honorable in every realm of battle. We faced a very worth opponent this day on great ground of which none shall easily forget. Respectfully
submitted, Colonel Terry Crowder, Commanding Division Cavalry Brigade, Inc First Federal Division
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