What became a Union target after the Battle of Shiloh?

Answer 1

The problematic situation after the Battle of Shiloh, caused Union Major General Henry Halleck to arrive from St. Louis to take full command of Union forces after Shiloh. Halleck had lost his confidence in General Grant and Grant would not have responsibility for the duration of upcoming events. General Halleck set his sights on Corinth where Confederate General Beauregard held that city. Unfortunately, Halleck was an extremely cautious commander and led his almost 100,000 troops on a slow march towards Corinth. Each day, he would order a halt in the march to dig fortifications. Beauregard's troops numbered less than 35,000 men. A more expeditious advance would have allowed for a quick victory at Corinth and perhaps a siege causing all of the South's troops there to be captures or destroyed in a battle.The terrain and other circumstances caused weeks of delay. Not all of which was Halleck's sole responsibility. Either way, the North failed to take advantage of its troops strength and allowed Beauregard to prepare his forces.