Grant's Army of the Tennessee numbered roughly 45,000, while Johnston's Army of the Mississippi was about 40,000 and organised into four corps. Nearly half of Grant's infantry regiments, half his artillery batteries, and most of his cavalry already had combat experience. Confederate equipment ranged from Enfield rifles to shotguns, hunting rifles, flintlock muskets, pistols, and pikes, while some newly issued weapons had arrived too late for adequate training. Johnston assigned Leonidas Polk, Braxton Bragg, William Hardee, and John Breckinridge distinct roles, but the planned formation became confused during the approach and battle.
Chapter · 48:18-52:38
The armies and Johnston's attack plan
The opposing armies' strengths, experience, equipment, corps structure, and planned Confederate attack are set out before the battle.