With characteristic audacity—and characteristic trust

This I consider the turning-point in my military career, and shall

always feel grateful to Colonel Kelton for his kindly act which so

greatly influenced my future. My desire to join the army at Shiloh

had now taken possession of me, and I was bent on getting there by

the first means available. Learning that a hospital-boat under

charge of Dr. Hough was preparing to start for Pittsburg Landing, I

obtained the Doctor's consent to take passage on it, and on the

evening of April 15, I left St. Louis for the scene of military