[598]
There cannot therefore be any necessity of admitting within our lines the parties you desire to send on the grounds asked.
I shall always be glad to extend any courtesy consistent with duty, especially so when dictated by humanity.
I am, General, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
U. S. Grant, Major-General
Grant's congratulatory order after Shiloh.
General orders, no. 34.
headquarters, District of West Tennessee, Pittsburg, April 8, 1862.
The general commanding congratulates the troops who so gallantly maintained their position, repulsed and routed a numerically superior force of the enemy, composed of the flower of the Southern army, commanded by their ablest generals, and fought by them with all the desperation of despair.
In numbers engaged no such contest ever took place on this continent.
In importance of result but few such have taken place in the history of the world.
Whilst congratulating the brave and gallant soldiers, it becomes the duty of the general commanding to make special notice of the brave wounded and those killed upon the field.
Whilst they leave friends and relations to mourn their loss, they have won a nation's gratitude and undying laurels not to be forgotten by future generations, who will enjoy the blessings of the best government the sun ever shone upon, preserved by their valor.
By command of General Grant to General Buell.
headquarters, District of West Tennessee, Pittsburg, April 7, 1862.
Major-General D. C. Buell, commanding Army of the Ohio:
When I left the field this evening, my intention was to occupy the most advanced position possible for the night with the infantry engaged through the day, and follow up our success with cavalry and fresh troops, expected to arrive during Major-General D. C. Buell, commanding Army of the Ohio:
