CHARGE THOUGH THE PEACH ORCHARD April 6, 1862 The battle of
Pittsburg Landing began as a complete surprise to the Federal
Army encamped around the Shiloh church. Despite a Confederate
force of nearly 40,000 men, concealed less than two miles to
their front, no one in the Union force seemed aware of the
danger. However, young inexperienced Southern troops yelled,
blew their bugles, beat their drums, and even fired their damp
weapons to see if the powder was dry. The Confederate Army had
been arranged in three battle lines. The Third Corps under
General William J. Hardee would constitute the front line. The
second line would be led by General Braxton Bragg, and follow
the first line by several hundred yards. At a similar distance
behind Bragg would follow General Leonidas Polk's First Corps,
and the reserves would consist of three brigades under General
John C. Breckinridge. The suddenness and ferocity of the attack
forced the Federals out of their camps. Federal officers began
to regroup their brigades and ral