Captain Louis D. Kelley of Company A had to make this report of the 15th Illinois' fighting at Shiloh on April 6, 1862, as he was the remaining senior officer. The report was dated April 10.
"Soon after breakfast heavy firing was heard to our left, and about the same time we received orders to fall in and take our position with your brigade. Our regiment numbered about 500 men; a heavy detail for fatigue duty had been made from our regiment early in the morning, reducing our numbers somewhat.
"After taking our position in the brigade, we were ordered to advance in the direction of where there was heavy fighting. Advancing a short distance, we were ordered to load our pieces and form in line of battle. We were drawn up in line directly in the rear of one of our batteries, numbering six pieces.
"No sooner had we prepared for operation than the battery gave way, part of the guns being taken by the enemy and the rest taken away by horses without riders, who dashed through our ranks at great speed. Although our lines were broken several times by horses and mules running away, yet they were immediately closed up again."
--Old Secesh
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