Editing Battle of Shiloh (section)

===Sherman and Prentiss===
[[File:BattleOfShilohDay1West9AM.png|thumb|upright=1.5|The divisions of Sherman and Prentiss were the first Union troops attacked|alt=Map showing Fraley Field, Shiloh Church, Crossroads, and troop positions]]
Sherman and Prentiss were the commanders of the first two Union divisions attacked, and those happened to be the most inexperienced of Grant's six divisions.<ref name="McPherson408"/> Sherman, who had been negligent in preparing for an attack, performed with "coolness and courage" while he inspired his raw troops.<ref name="McPherson409">{{harvnb|McPherson|1988|p=409}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Historian [[James M. McPherson]] cites the first day of the battle as the turning point of Sherman's life, helping him to become one of the premier Union generals.<ref name="McPherson409"/>|group=Note}} Facing artillery fire and a frontal attack from the corps of Hardee, Bragg, and Polk, Sherman's men performed reasonably well—if they fought.<ref name="Eicher226"/> The inexperienced colonel of the [[53rd Ohio Infantry Regiment]], which had just repelled two Confederate advances, yelled "retreat and save yourselves", and many from his regiment ran away.<ref name="Cunningham169">{{harvnb|Cunningham|2009|p=169}}</ref> Eventually, at least two companies of the calmer men from this regiment attached to another regiment.<ref name="Cunningham169-171">{{harvnb|Cunningham|2009|pp=169–171}}</ref> Sherman slowly moved the division back to a position behind Shiloh Church.<ref name="Eicher226"/> He became supported on his left by the Third Brigade from McClernand's division.<ref name="Cunningham174">{{harvnb|Cunningham|2009|p=174}}</ref>

Prentiss had his camps northeast of Seay Field.<ref name="Cunningham193">{{harvnb|Cunningham|2009|p=193}}</ref> On his right, his brigade commanded by Peabody was attacked by two Confederate brigades, and Peabody was wounded four times before being killed.<ref name="Daniel151">{{harvnb|Daniel|1997|p=151}}</ref> By 8:30{{nbsp}}am, the remnants of Peabody's brigade were pushed north, and the Confederate army occupied his camp.<ref name="Daniel152">{{harvnb|Daniel|1997|p=152}}</ref> Further east, Prentiss's other brigade was attacked by brigades commanded by Brigadier General [[Adley H. Gladden]] and Brigadier General [[James R. Chalmers]].<ref name="Cunningham193"/> Around 8:45{{nbsp}}am, Gladden was mortally wounded from cannon fire.<ref name="Daniel154">{{harvnb|Daniel|1997|p=154}}</ref> The Confederate troops suffered considerable casualties, especially from artillery fire.<ref name="Daniel154"/> However, the Confederate troops pushed on, and captured the remaining 6th Division camp sometime near 9:00{{nbsp}}am.<ref name="Daniel155">{{harvnb|Daniel|1997|p=155}}</ref> The Confederate soldiers had seen many of the Union soldiers running away from the front line, and now possessed the Union camps of Sherman and Prentiss. Looting became a problem, as Confederate soldiers found clothing, rifles, and food. Confederate leaders found it difficult to control their forces.<ref name="Cunningham199-200">{{harvnb|Cunningham|2009|pp=199–200}}</ref> They paused their attack, which enabled Prentiss to move further north.<ref name="Daniel156">{{harvnb|Daniel|1997|p=156}}</ref>

East of McClernand, Hurlbut had all three brigades ready for action at 8:00{{nbsp}}am. After being notified that Sherman was facing a strong attack on his left, Hurlbut sent his Second Brigade, commanded by Colonel [[James C. Veatch]], to assist Sherman.<ref name="Cunningham201">{{harvnb|Cunningham|2009|p=201}}</ref> Shortly after that first message, Hurlbut was advised that Prentiss was in trouble. Hurlbut brought his remaining two brigades south on the Hamburg-Savannah Road near Wicker Field, and he encountered a large number of panic-stricken men from Prentiss's division who were fleeing north. Unable to stop the retreat, he settled his brigades further south near a peach orchard.<ref name="Cunningham202">{{harvnb|Cunningham|2009|p=202}}</ref>