In a short time the army was ready to take the offensive.
We then commenced the advance upon Corinth, in which we were six weeks moving twenty-five miles.

When our army first took position at Pittsburg Landing, and before the Rebels had effected their concentration, General Grant asked permission to capture Corinth.
He felt confident of success, but was ordered not to bring on an engagement under any circumstances.

Had the desired permission been given, there is little doubt he would have succeeded, and thus avoided the necessity of the battle of Shiloh.
The day following my arrival at Pittsburg Landing I rode over the battle-field.

The ground was mostly wooded, the forest being one in which artillery could be well employed, but where cavalry was comparatively useless.

The ascent from the river was up a steep bluff that led to a broken table-ground, in which there were many ravines, generally at right angles to the river.