 The army had spent the entire night making a camp in order of battle within of the Union camp near Sherman's headquarters at Shiloh Church.Despite several contacts, a few minor skirmishes with Union forces, and the failure of the army to maintain proper noise discipline in the days leading up to the 6th, their approach and dawn assault achieved a strategic and tactical surprise.Grant wanted to avoid provoking any major battles until the linkup with Buell's Army of the Ohio was complete.