Most of our readers have formed, from recent reports, a pretty accurate idea where Fort Donelson is. It is a fortification made of earth, and was constructed about the same time last summer as Fort Henry. – Situated at Dover, on the west bank of the Cumberland, where that river washed and obtuse angle, it is twelve miles south east of the latter fort, and mounts about ten 24 and 32-pounders. Some seven or eight post roads interest at this point, and the Memphis and [Clarksville] railroad passes but four miles south of it. The position is important as controlling the river as far up as Clarksville, and, in conjunction with Fort Henry and Tennessee bridge, as breaking off from the rebels some twenty miles of railroad communication.
Clarksville, where the railroad crosses the Cumberland, is about thirty miles from Dover. Extensive and formidable rebel works have been in construction here for two or three months, and a large number of heavy guns shipped thither, it is said for the protection of the bridges and communication with Nashville.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2
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