(1862) Sunday April 6th
 tion [direction] of Grant's army near Pittsburg Landing. At first we were led to believe that it was artillery practice as was usual daily - no battle had been in contemplation. But it being Sunday and so Early in the morning, we were confident that it was a battle. But we soon learned positively, from a boat that came down the river, that a battle was raging furiously. Our arms were in splendid order (having been prepared for inspection) we immediately prepared to leave, with 3 days rations, at a moments notice. At 12 M. we recd. orders to fall in line of march, and never before did men fall in ranks so quick, all seemed anxious for a fight. The day was calm, clear and not a cloud to be seen. We marched about 8 miles when we found that our men had been driven back to the river, and we were advancing in the direction of the entire rear of the rebel army; a desirable position, but Gen'l Wallace thought it best not to hazard an engagement on the rebel left and rear with his Div. of 9000 good fighting men, so
