Nelson, held back by Buell's orders, had listened long to the booming of the cannon off in the direction of Shiloh.

Nothing could convince him that a great battle was not going on, and all through the morning he chafed and raged.

And as the sound of the cannon grew louder he believed that Grant's army was losing.
Nelson obtained Buell's leave at last to march for Shiloh, but it was a long road across hills and creeks and through swamps.

The cannon sank deep in the mire, and then the ardent Nelson left them behind.

Now he knew there was great need for haste.