Last updated: December 3, 2022
Place
Daniel Davis Wheatfield - Tour Stop #15
PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR, VOL. 2
Quick Facts
Location:
Shiloh National Military Park
Significance:
Historic Farm Field
Designation:
National Park
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Confedrates seized this area on April 6 during the assaults on the Hornets' Nest to the north. On the second day, Buell's forces proceded rather easily over the battlefield until running into the first major Confederate defensive line at this postion on the Hamburg-Purdy Road. Here on April 7, the famed Washington Light Artillery from New Orleans unlimbered and reportedly fired 60 rounds at the approaching enemy.
The attacking Federals of Hazen's Brigade neared the muzzles of the Washington Artillery taking heavy casaulties, including four color bearers of the 41st Ohio shot down. In fact, Hazen's three regiments suffered more casualties than any of Buell's or Lew Wallace's other reinforcing brigades on this day.
Hazen's men captured the guns of the Washington Artillery shooting down many cannoneers and horses, but the victory was short lived. A counterattack by the Crescent Regiment and 19th Louisiana Infantry retook the guns from the 41st Ohio pushing them back through the field.
However, even with the determined Confederate defense in this area, the southerners lacked the power or numbers to push the fresh Federals off the field. Even so, Union general Thomas Crittenden would say that the fighting he witnessed in the Daniel Davis Wheatfield was the fiercest he saw during the entire war.
The death of one Confederate private here, Samuel B. Todd, of the Crescent Regiment, would personally touch the White House, for Samuel's half-sister was First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
The attacking Federals of Hazen's Brigade neared the muzzles of the Washington Artillery taking heavy casaulties, including four color bearers of the 41st Ohio shot down. In fact, Hazen's three regiments suffered more casualties than any of Buell's or Lew Wallace's other reinforcing brigades on this day.
Hazen's men captured the guns of the Washington Artillery shooting down many cannoneers and horses, but the victory was short lived. A counterattack by the Crescent Regiment and 19th Louisiana Infantry retook the guns from the 41st Ohio pushing them back through the field.
However, even with the determined Confederate defense in this area, the southerners lacked the power or numbers to push the fresh Federals off the field. Even so, Union general Thomas Crittenden would say that the fighting he witnessed in the Daniel Davis Wheatfield was the fiercest he saw during the entire war.
The death of one Confederate private here, Samuel B. Todd, of the Crescent Regiment, would personally touch the White House, for Samuel's half-sister was First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.