March 22, 1862 (Saturday): Buell Begins to Move Toward Grant

The Shiloh Campaign

Map by Hal Jespersen, www.cwmaps.com

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Nashville, March 23, 1862.

Major General U. S. GRANT,
Commanding at Savannah:
    GENERAL: I received your letter of the 19th this morning. I some days ago directed my advance to open communication with you. My advance is at Columbia. Our progress has been retarded by high water and the absence of bridges, almost every one on the road, however small, having been destroyed by the enemy. I shall be at Columbia myself by the time the bridge there is ready for crossing, probably three or four days yet.
    The information I get indicates that Johnston is withdrawing the principal part of his force from Decatur and concentrating at Tuscumbia. I find there is still a gunboat here. If needed she can be sent to you, though if you had not immediate use for her it might be well to let her remain until you have.
    I do not deem it safe to give detailed information in this way in regard to my force, dispositions, &c. I shall soon be able to communicate more fully on that point.
    Please inform me whether the bridge at Florence has been destroyed.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


    D. C. BUELL,
    Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 10, Part 2, Page 58.

Halleck's plan for Grant and Buell was for them to eventually move to break the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.  Grant was still at Pittsburg landing waiting for Buell's arrival, which was delayed by high water and destroyed bridges.  Also, the weather in late March in Tennessee in 1862 was still unsettled, and there was still snowfall in the area during the week this was written.