Just after the battle of Shiloh, Major General Sherman defends himself from reports in the press that he falsely discredited Ohio troops. He describes a letter fueling those reports published by Colonel Rodney Mason, commander of the 71st Ohio, who had been accused of cowardice. Sherman explains how brigades were assigned to various commanders from Ohio and Illinois, determined by seniority. He tells the story of Mason's cowardly inaction during the battle, but comments that he declined to include a discussion of it in his official report. He also denies the accusation that Shiloh was a surprise attack, saying it "was not a surprise, but a bold and well designed & well executed attack" by the Confederates. He chastises those who mistakenly thought the war would be easy. Ewing was Sherman's adoptive brother.