Our Recent Victory

In the general agitation of the public mind, it is needless to attempt to write anything with the expectation of it being read, unless it relate[s] directly to the present condition of national affairs and the recent glorious achievement of the Federal arms.  We surrender much of our space to-day to the interesting details of the battle at Fort Donelson.  This is the most terrible engagement, we presume, ever fought on the American continent, – terrible from its long continuance and the hard fighting that characterized both sides.  The battle of Bull Run was probably a harder contested field during the continuance of the fight and more troops were engaged, and – we truly hope – the list of killed and wounded was much greater; still for stern determination, duration and bravery it did not equal the storming of Fort Donelson.

It is useless to attempt to speculate upon the result of this overwhelming defeat upon the enemy.  Already disheartened, the time of enlistment of about one-half their number expiring, no cheering ray of hope in the distance, if they continue to fight, it will be with the desperation of madmen.

We cannot think the common sense of the people will listen to the deplorable alternative submitted by Cobb & Co. in their address --- despoil their own possessions, and like a flock of sheep huddle together and lay down their lives on the altar of Jeff. Davis’ ambition.

Where the next Federal forces will make their attack remains to be seen, and that very shortly.  Gen. Buell’s troops are yet fresh, and those engaged at Fort Donelson, who were not killed or wounded, are ready  to start on the next point, and at the moment’s warning.  Their blood is warm, and they are eager for the contest.  Clarksville or Nashville, or probably Memphis, will be the next point attacked, but we shall hear in a few days, as the policy now seems to be to follow up one victory after another until the rebels throughout all Secessia surrender on the same terms that General Buckner did, though we hope with a better grace than did that irate gentleman.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2