The Surrender of Ft. Donelson

The following is the correspondence which preceded the surrender of the rebel army at Ft. Donelson:

GEN. BUCKNER TO GEN. GRANT.

Headquarters Fort Donelson,

February16, 1862.

SIR:– In consideration of all the circumstances governing the present situation of affairs at this station, I propose to the commanding officer of the Federal forces, the appointment of Commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation of the forces and post under my command, and in that view suggest an armistice until 2 o’clock to-day.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brigadier General, C. S. A.

To Brigadier General U. S. GRANT, Commanding

U. S. Forces near Fort Donelson.

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS TO BEARER OF DISPATCH.

Headquarters Fort Donelson,

February 16, 1862.

Major Crosby will take or send by an officer to the nearest picket of the enemy, the accompanying communication to Gen. Grant, and request information of the point where future communications will reach him; also inform him that my headquarters will be for the present in Dover.

S. B. BUCKNER, Brig. Gen.

GEN. GRANT’S REPLY.

Headquarters Army in the Field,

Near Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862.

To Gen. S. B. BUCKNER, Confederate Army

Yours of this date proposing an armistice and appointment of Commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received.

No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.  I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT,

Brigadier General Commanding.

GEN. BUCKNER’S LETTER OF SURRENDER.

Headquarters, Dover, Tennessee,

February 16, 1862.

To Brig. Gen. U. S. Grant, U. S. A.

SIR:– The distribution of the forces under my command, incident to an unexpected change of commanders and the overwhelming force under your command, compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success of the Confederate arms yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you propose.

I am, dear sir,

Your very obedient servant,

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brigadier General, C. S. A.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2