As they took position here two gunboats in the river began to send huge shells over their heads at the attacking Southern columns, maintaining a rapid and heavy fire which shook assailants and strengthened defenders.

Again the water had come to the help of the North, and at the most critical moment.

The whole Northern line was now showing a firmer front, and Grant, himself, was directing the battle.
Fortune, which had played a game with Grant at Donelson, played a far greater one with him on the far greater field of Shiloh.

The red dawn of Shiloh, when Johnston was sweeping his army before him, had found him at Savannah far from the field of battle.

The hardy and vigorous Nelson had arrived there in the night with Buell's vanguard, and Grant had ordered it to march at speed the next day to join his own army.