Was MG Buell's arrival at Shiloh necessary for Grant's army?

I hear a lot of people say that major general Buell saved Grant's army. But after I read about Grant's defensive line, Buell's arrival seemed unnecessary. Let's say Buell's army is ,somehow, delayed and general Beauregard does not call off the assault and launches his army at Grant. How will the Confederates fare against the defensive line?
 

TinyTartar

Banned
Grant likely could have driven the Confederates from the field on the second day even without Buell. The disorganization in Beauregard's command was immense, and the Federal artillery advantage was substantial enough that I think a second day attack would have succeeded. Remember that a lot of stragglers at the river who were separated from their units on the first day in the initial collapse during the night returned to their units or makeshift units that joined the attack on day 2. Grant was getting the better of the fighting towards the end of the day, and on day 2, his forces were more potent.

However, in terms of the strategic level of the campaign, without Buell's troops, meaningful pursuit could not have been given on the road to Corinth (not that Halleck was all that aggressive anyways). Grant could have driven Beauregard from Tennessee, but that was about it. With Buell, a general advance on Corinth was made possible.
 

jahenders

Banned
My thoughts exactly. Buell wasn't essential to saving Grant at Shiloh and probably not to drive the rebels off. However, he was important in enabling broader objectives.

That being said, the fact of his arrival certainly contributed to the rebels pulling out, even if he didn't get engaged quickly.

Grant likely could have driven the Confederates from the field on the second day even without Buell. The disorganization in Beauregard's command was immense, and the Federal artillery advantage was substantial enough that I think a second day attack would have succeeded. Remember that a lot of stragglers at the river who were separated from their units on the first day in the initial collapse during the night returned to their units or makeshift units that joined the attack on day 2. Grant was getting the better of the fighting towards the end of the day, and on day 2, his forces were more potent.

However, in terms of the strategic level of the campaign, without Buell's troops, meaningful pursuit could not have been given on the road to Corinth (not that Halleck was all that aggressive anyways). Grant could have driven Beauregard from Tennessee, but that was about it. With Buell, a general advance on Corinth was made possible.
 
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