Shiloh October 10 2012

October 09,2012 started out very foggy and cold here in Iuka Mississippi. Bill and I had a hearty breakfast then began our morning chores on the boat because today we will use the courtsy van and travel to Shiloh.

We left the marina at 1000am and arrived at the site at 1030am. This is one of the highlights we were looking forward to for this trip. Shiloh does not dissapoint, it is awesome and humbling. Just the thought of what this war represented and the number killed as we fought against each other goes straight to the heart. A sign near the cemetary represents it as hollowed ground. The respect those men and women desreve that sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom. Not only are civil war veterans buried there but many from other wars. ANYWAY.... our tour started out with a movie about the battle on April 6th and 7th 1862. Then Bill and I toured the grounds walking some and taking the driving tour. There are 5 known mass graves marked with elaborate stones.

Bill standing by a cannon.

Joy standing at the gate.

Here is a picture of a 10 year old boy who served in the civil war. I bet his mama prayed hard over him daily. He lived and and served a long time after the war.

Shiloh battle was named for this church.

This next part of the battle was one that really interisted Bill and I know Brent, Trey and Taylor (our grandchildren)will like these pictures, my hope is that they are studying this in school history. What happened here? Why are we fighting this war? What happened in this battle to give it the name- "The Hornets Nest". was Grant's army caught off guard? It was a long 13 hour day for both sides. 23,746 casualties, Confederate south thought the won and the war was over only to face Grants men again on April 7th.

The last picture is of Pittsburg landing where union solders were brought in by steamer boats from the Tennessee River.

Grant's army was watchful and preparing for the battle but they did not know Johnson was going to strike early that morning...I thought of a lot of scripture that the Bible tells us to be watchful and viligant. Luke 12:37 says, "Blessed are those servents, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird (wrap himself) and make them (the watchful people) to sit down to meat (or a meal with Him) and He (Jesus) will come forth and serve them. AWESOME!