I went to Madison and Racine, Wis., at which places I bought two hundred horses, which were shipped to St.Louis.

At Chicago I bought two hundred more, and as the prices paid at the latter point showed that Illinois was the cheapest market--it at that time producing a surplus over home demands--I determined to make Chicago the centre of my operations.
While occupied in this way at Chicago the battle of Shiloh took place, and the desire for active service with troops became uppermost in my thoughts, so I returned to St.Louis to see if I could not get into the field.

General Halleck having gone down to the Shiloh battle-field, I reported to his Assistant Adjutant-General, Colonel John C.Kelton, and told him of my anxiety to take a hand in active field-service, adding that I did not wish to join my regiment, which was still organizing and recruiting at Jefferson Barracks, for I felt confident I could be more useful elsewhere.

Kelton knew that the purchasing duty was but temporary, and that on its completion, probably at no distant date, I should have to join my company at the barracks; so, realizing the inactivity to which that situation of affairs would subject me, he decided to assume the responsibility of sending me to report to General Halleck at Shiloh, and gave me an order to that effect.
This I consider the turning-point in my military career, and shall always feel grateful to Colonel Kelton for his kindly act which so greatly influenced my future.

My desire to join the army at Shiloh had now taken possession of me, and I was bent on getting there by the first means available.