Special Dispatch to the Republican, February 9, 1862

FORT HENRY, February 9.

Preparations go forward rapidly.

Gen. Grant and Staff, with Colonels McPHERSON and WEBSTER, are now out reconnoitering.

This morning a mound just outside the fort here was opened and nineteen bodies found buried within.  They were mutilated by shot, and had been killed during the bombardment.  This makes the total rebel loss twenty-five.

It will be remembered that the Secession officers denied having any more men killed than the few found lying within the fort—still more were probably killed and secretly buried.

The weather is pleasant and the roads becoming more passable.  River rising rapidly.

Several regiments have just arrived from St. Louis; among others the Forty-third Illinois and  BIRGER’S [sic] Sharpshooters.

SOURCE:  “Special Dispatch to the Republican,” The Missouri Republican, St. Louis, Missouri, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 3.