From Tennessee

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 26. – A Fort Donelson dispatch to the Democrat of yesterday says a boat just from Clarksville reports the evacuation of Nashville.

The Union citizens of that place sent a boat to Clarksville, which towed one of our gunboats for their protection.

The rebels with Gov. Harris retreated to Murfreesboro.  Harris burnt all the State documents before leaving.

Gen. Grant declared martial law over Western Tennessee, with the understanding that when a sufficient number of citizens of the State return to their allegiance and show a desire to maintain law and order over the territory, all military restriction will be withdrawn.

Postal facilities are extended to Clarksville, and the mail bags will follow the flag.

CAIRO, Feb. 25. – Our killed and wounded will be much larger than at first supposed.  McClernand’s division alone will run over 1500.

Gen. Nelson’s Ky. brigade reached Ft. Donelson on Sunday and was immediately sent forward to Nashville.  Nelson and Crittenden’s brigade had gone up the Cumberland river to join Gen. Buell.

There were many rumors in relation to Nashville, but the one generally believed was, that Gen. Buell has not occupied it, but would reach it last night.

The rebels have retreated to Murfreysboro [sic], 40 miles from Nashville, and if they do so they will make no stand there, but will retreat further. – They are destroying bridges and other facilities for transportation.  At Murfreysboro commences a range of mountains whose passes can be easily defended by the enemy.

It was reported this morning that Gen. Grant had moved his headquarters from Ft. Donelson to Clarksville.

Gen. Buell sent a letter to Gen. Grant on Saturday stating that he, Buell, would be within nine miles of Nashville on Saturday night and that there would be no resistance to his occupation of the city.

The Federal troops occupied Nashville on Sunday.  Three gun boats from Ft. Donelson are also at Nashville.

Gen. Grant went up to Nashville today with a Messenger sent to him from Gen. Buell, but he took no troops with him.

The report that Gov. Harris wished an interview with Gen. Grant is an error.  Harris has fled from Nashville to Memphis, convened the Legislature of Tennessee, and it met in that city on Saturday last.  He delivered an intense war message to the Legislature, in which he declared that Tennessee must fight to the bitter end. – This was the report of his message telegraphed to Clarksville.

Gen. Buell’s timely arrival at Nashville, undoubtedly saved the city from utter destruction as Pillow could not have saved it from his desperadoes, if a Federal force had not been in the vicinity.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Further From Ft. Donelson

Two more Rebel Regiments, Captured, &c., &c.

FT. DONALSON [sic], Feb. 19, via CAIRO. – Two more regiments were captured to-day, east of the entrenchments, and a number of troops have come in and delivered themselves up.

About 12,000 stand of small arms have been taken.  Many of the rebel troops destroyed their arms, and large numbers were thrown in the river.  There are two water batteries, the upper one with a heavy rifled gun, 32 pound bore, two 32-pounder carronades.  The lower battery contains eight 32-poounders and one ten inch columbiad, mounted in embrasures.  Two thousand barrels of flour and 1200 boxes of beef, and a large amount of other provisions were found to-day.

All of to-day has been occupied in embarking prisoners and gathering up stores and munitions and burying the dead.  There are a great number of dead rebels still unburied, as it has all been thrown upon our men to do.

Capt. Lagone, aide to Gen. Grant, goes to Clarksville, to-morrow, under a flag of truce with the bodies of two colonels, and to effect an exchange of our wounded prisoners, who have been sent to Nashville.

Gen. Grant received official notice, last night of the creation of a new Military District, of Western Tennessee, of which he is appointed commander, with headquarters at Ft. Donelson.

Gen. Grant’s Staff remains as at present, with Maj. W. W. Leland attached, as chief of commissary.

Osband’s cavalry and Willard’s battery suffered no loss in killed.

Taylor’s battery acted nobly, and was charged on five times on Saturday, each time repulsing the enemy with great slaughter.

Among the killed, are the following officers:

Captain Wilson, Lieutenants Marsh, Sheets, Howell and Monroe, of the 8^th Illinois.  Capt. Shaw, Lieutenants Churchill, Voore, Boyer and orderly Sargeant Bedard, of the 11^th.  Adjutant Kirkpatrick, of the 30^th.

Cols. John A. Logan, M. K. Lawler and Lieut. Col. Ransom, slightly wounded.

Maj. Post, who was reported killed, was wounded and taken prisoner.

Capt. E. T. [sic] Slaymaker, of the 2d Iowa was killed.

The Confirmation of Gen. C. F. Smith, was received with great satisfaction by the soldiers. – His gallant charge of Saturday, has made him extremely popular among his men.

Gen. S. A. Hurlbut reported for duty to Gen. Grant, this evening, and has been assigned to a division.

It is currently reported that Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, has ordered all Tennesseans to lay down their arms.

The greatest indignation exists among the prisoners against Pillow and Floyd.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

A Nashville letter to the World says . . .

. . . “Bushrod Johnson is refused a command, and treated with contempt, for breaking his parole.  A. Sidney Johnston has been superseded by E. Kirby Smith, so reported.  Pillow and Floyd suspended, as you know.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 2

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, March 13.

The following is taken from Southern papers:

In the rebel House of Representatives, on Monday, a resolution passed advising planters to withdraw for cultivation of cotton and tobacco, and devote their energies to raising provisions, hogs, cattle, etc.

The Senate passed a bill organizing a Supreme Court.

The President set a message to Congress stating that he had suspended Floyd and Pillow from their commands until they could give more satisfactory accounts of the Donelson affair.

Petersburg, Richmond and Norfolk are under martial law.

The Richmond Examiner of yesterday says that considerable uneasiness is felt at the reports of our forces falling back from Manassas and the Upper Potomac.  Positive assurances are given that these movements are purely [strategic], and not made on account of any pressure by the enemy. – The points for a new line of defence have not yet been selected, but it is thought will extend from Staunton to Gordonsville.

The same paper contains a severe article on Gov. Letcher, for his secret proclamation calling upon the whole body of militia, and says this is calculated to breed disloyalty.

The nomination of Gen. Lee as commanding General of the rebel army was sent to the Senate.

The Massilla Times of the 29^th gives the report of a revolution in New Mexico against the Federal authority, and that Mr. Otero is heading the movement.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 2 

Floyd and Pillow

We sincerely hope that Parson Brownlow, of Knoxville, is yet alive, and in reaching distance of Fort Donelson; and it is so, that he may find his way thither, and see those men who so fatally to themselves plotted against the Union and the noble men who are in it, among whom he is one.  What an era in his life would it be for him to find his printing press in the fort, and there to issue those powerful missiles again at those who so basely and so wantonly conspired against the liberties of their country!  The army should send for him and retain him in their service, not only in the fort but in their all conquering march to the extreme South.  Let his bulletins fly in every direction among his deluded brethren.  They would be more dreaded than our columbiads.

We trust Floyd and Pillow have not escaped, but are caught, and will be sent to Washington City and as far as Boston, that they may look into the eyes of hones men, and conscience stricken, feel the strength of that noble indignation which burns in the breast of freemen, against such betrayers and murderers of a nations honor and peace.  They would then, like Macbeth, exclaim:

“Better be with the dead

Whom we, to gain our place, have sent to peace,

Tan on the torture of the mind to be

In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave;

After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well;

Treason has done his worst.”

The retributions of justice may be slow, but sure.  It may have the feet of velvet, but it has also the hand of steel; and with all the certainty of doom, will the rebels and their sympathizers meet the punishment due to them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 2

Additional from Fort Donelson

FT. DONELSON via CAIRO, Feb. 17.

Two more regiments were captured to-day, and the rest of the entrenchments, and a number of troops have come in and gave themselves up.

About 12,000 stand of small arms have been taken.  Many of the rebel troops destroyed their arms, and large numbers were thrown in the river.

There are two water batteries – the upper one with the heavy rifled 32-pounders, two 32 lb carronades; the lower contains eight 32- pounders and one 10-inch columbiad, mounted on embrasures.

Two thousand bbls. of flour and twelve hundred boxes of beef with a large amount of other provisions were captured.

All of to-day has been occupied in embarking prisoners and gathering up stores of munitions and burying the dead.  There are a great number of dead rebels still unburied, as it has been thrown upon our men to do.

Capt. Logan, aid to Gen. Grant, goes to Clarksville to-morrow under flag of truce, with the bodies of two Colonels, and to effect an exchange of our wounded prisoners who have been sent to Nashville.

Gen. Grant received the official notice last night of the creation of a new military district – the district of Western Tennessee, – of which he is appointed commander, with headquarters at Fort Donelson.

Gen. Grant’s staff remains at present, with Maj. W. W. Leland attached as chief of commissary.

Ashland’s cavalry and Willard’s battery suffered no loss in killed.  Taylor’s battery acted nobly and was charged on five times on Sunday evening, every time repulsing the enemy with great slaughter.

Among the killed are the following officers: Capt. Wilson, Lieuts. Marsh, Sheats, Howell and Monroe of the 8th Ills.; Capt. Shaw, Sergt. Bendard of the 19th; Adjt. Kirkpatrick of the 30th.

Cols. John A. Logan, M. K. Lawler and Lt. Col. Ransam are but slightly wounded.

Maj. Post, who was reported killed was wounded and taken prisoner.

Capt. J. S. Slaymaker, of the 2d Iowa, was killed.

The Confirmation of Gen. C. F. Smith was received with great satisfaction by the soldiers.  His gallant charge of Saturday has made him deservedly popular among his men.

Gen. S. A. Hurlburt (sic) reported for duty to Gen. Grant this evening and has been assigned a division.

It is currently reported that Gov. Harris of Tenn., has ordered all Tennessee to lay down their arms.

The greatest indignation exists among the prisoners against Pillow and Floyd.

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 17.

The great fire, which was seen up the river from this point last night, was the burning fo the Tennessee rolling mills, some four miles from here, by our gunboats.  The works have been used by the rebels for the manufacture of shot and shell, and other materials of war.  It was an extensive concern.

Our soldiers have been engaged to-day in burying the dead on the battlefield.  The rebel dead will also be decently interred.  The spectacle on the field is a horrible one.

Gen. Grant has promulgated the most stringent orders against plundering from inhabitants, and also against stealing property taken in battle, all of which belongs to the government.

Before surrendering the rebels threw all their late mails into the river.   Col. Markland, U. S. Postal Director, succeeded, however, in seizing a number of mail bags and some outside letters, supposed to contain important information.

Floyd’s brigade when taking their departure threw their arms into the river to prevent them from falling into our hands, as they expected to be caught by our gunboats.  Their arms were Minie rifles of the best kind.  The crews of our gun-boats are now engaged in fishing them out of the river.

Capt. Dickson, the rebel chief of artillery and the engineer who constructed the fortifications here, was killed in the bombardment of Friday in one of his own batteries.  He is represented to have been a superior officer, and a great strength of the fortifications here attest the truth of this representation.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Particulars of the Terrible Battle at Fort Donelson

The Troops Engaged.

Daring Bravery of the Iowa Boys.

The 2d and 7th Iowa Charge at the Point of the Bayonet.

They are the First to mount the Enemy’s Works.

The Correspondence relative to the Surrender.

BATTLE-FIELD NEAR FT. DONELSON,

February 16.

A most bloody battle was fought yesterday on the right wing of our force in the rear of the enemy’s works, in which the first and second brigades of Gen. McClernand’s division were engaged.  The fights commenced at daylight by the enemy firing some grape into the 31st & 29th Illinois regiments, which were encamped near the right.  The west brigade, Col. R. I. Oglesby commanding, was immediately drawn up in line, after the following order – the 18th Illinois, Col. Lander, on the extreme right; 8th Ills., Lieut. Col. Rhodes commanding; 38th Ills., Lieut. Col. Dennis commanding, followed by the 29th, Col. Reardon, which supported the right of Stewart’s battery of light artillery, with the 31st, Col. John A. Logan, on the extreme left and supporting the left of Stewart’s battery – all Illinois regiments.

The second brigade, Col. W H. Wallace commanding, consisted of the 11th, Lieut. Col. Ransom in command; 20th, Col. C. Carroll Marsh, and 45th – all Illinois regiments – with McAllister’s and Taylor’s batteries, and four siege guns.  The attacking force of the enemy was about 12,000 men.  The position of the ground was such that not more than one of our regiments could operate at the same time, while the rebels could bring nearly their whole force to bear against us.

The first regiment to receive the rebels was the 18th, which fought with a desperate courage until their ammunition became exhausted, when they were forced to retire with a loss of officers and men, and were replaced by the 8th regiment, which fought with like bravery, but they, too, were driven back after disbursing their ammunition and in turn were replaced by the 18th, which also fell back in turn.  Meanwhile the other regiments were lending such feeble aid as their position would admit.

Lew Wallace was then ordered to reinforce McClernand, and he sent two brigades of his division from the center.

The 31st regiment, Col. Logan, fought like veterans who never had any other occupation, and struggled, defending Capt. Schwartz’s battery, under the most galling fire of the enemy, until every horse at the battery was killed, with the officers who had charge of the guns, as well as Lieut. Col. White.

Capt. Rigby, acting Major, and seven Captains, and a number of Lieutenants, of the 31st had been killed, with Col. Logan wounded.

Being nearly surrounded by the rebels, Capt. Edwin S. Cook, who was left in command, drew the regiment, or what remained of it, off the field; but not until their last round was expended, and they had commenced to drive the rebels before them.

The second brigade now came up and took the place of the retired one and fought desperately, loosing a great number in killed and wounded, when, with the assistance of a portion of Wallace’s division, the 49th and 59th Ohio, with Taylor’s battery, which was stationed on a hill near by us, the rebels came up they opened fire upon them and drove a portion of them back into their entrenchments, while a large portion still occupied the ground they had gained.  The object of the rebels was evidently to cut their way through our troops.

In the afternoon Gen. Grant saw that something should be done to restore the spirits of our disheartened troops, and ordered Gen. Smith to make an assault on the west wing of the enemy’s works.  Gen. Smith, as quick as horse flesh could carry him, rode along his lines, and ordered his men to prepare for a charge, which caused shouts of joy to ring along his lines.  Without a moment’s unnecessary delay, Col. Lauman’s brigade – the 2d and 7th Iowa, and the 11th and 25th Indiana – charged up to the enemy’s redoubt, driving the rebels before them at the point of the bayonet like frightened sheep, and gaining possession of their outworks.

Gen. Smith behaved like one inspired with the determination of gaining continual victories.  He could be seen riding along the lines, with his hat swinging on the top of his sword, in the thickest of the fight, encouraging his men and cheering them on to victory, regardless of the deadly missiles flying around him.

The Colonel of the 2d Iowa was the first to mount the enemy’s works with his men close in his wake.

The storming was complete.  Our troops gained a position inside of their works when they lay on their arms all night, prepared to follow up their success in the morning.

The 7th Illinois, Col. Cook, followed up as a reserve and part of his regiment got into the action, while the balance acted as skirmishers with the sharpshooters.  After Gen. Smith had gained his position inside the entrenchments Gen. Grant sent word of his success to the right wing and ordered Gen. McClernand and Wallace to return their attack, when the 1st and 2d brigades, which had been in the bloody affair in the morning, with McClernand’s division and 2d brigade of Wallace’s division, made a fresh assault upon the enemy, regained the ground they had lost and pushed forward close to the left of their fortifications, and then lay on their arms prepared to act in concert with Gen. Smith’s column this Sunday morning, when a most desperate attempt will be made to carry the whole of the rebels batteries and fortifications.

We will either be in possession of the fort this noon, or suffer the most bloody defeat that ever befell an army.  It is now six o’clock and yet I have heard no firing of any account this morning.  There appears to be a lull that is not understood.

The following are among the killed and wounded.  Killed – Lt. Col. Smith, 48th Illinois; Lt. Col. Cowan, 20th Illinois; Lt. Col. White, 31st Ill.  Wounded – Col. John A. Logan, 31st Illinois, slightly; Col. M. K. Lawless, 18th Ill., slightly; Col. O. Carroll Marsh, 20th Ill, slightly; Col. W. R. Morrison, 49th Ill., slightly; Lt. Col. Ransom, 11th Ill., slightly.

SECOND DISPATCH.

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 16.

Fort Donelson is ours.  The garrison, consisting of 15,000 men, and Gens. Buckner and Johnson, surrendered to Gen. Grant this morning.  Our troops now occupy the fort.

Floyd and Pillow have escaped.  Some say that Floyd was shot by his own men in attempting to do so.  Particulars will follow this as soon as they can be obtained.

The number of cannon captured is 48 field pieces, and 17 heavy guns in position; also, and incalculable amount of quartermaster and commissary stores.

THIRD DISPATCH.

FT. DONELSON, Feb. 16.

The force of the rebels quartered here according to the statement of their Adjutant General, was 25,000.  This whole force, with the exception of four regiments which escaped last night and those lost in action, have fallen into our hands.

The General Johnson taken is Gen. D. B. [sic] Johnson, of Tennessee.

The loss of the rebels in yesterday’s fight, according to their own accounts, range from 8,000 to 10,000.

As many of the prisoners as can be carried will immediately be sent to Cairo, in charge of Capt. W. S. [Hillyer], aid to Gen. Grant.

The following correspondence passed between Gen. Grant, commanding the Federal forces and Gen. S. B Buckner, commanding the Confederates:

GEN. BUCKNER TO GEN. GRANT.

HEADQUARTERS, FT. DONELSON,

Feb. 16.

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 ob’t serv’t,

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen’l C. S. A.

To Brig. Gen’l U. S. GRANT, Brig. Gen’l U. S. A.

LETTER OF INSTRUCITON TO THE BEARER OF THE DISPATCH.

HEADQUARTERS, FORT DONELSON,

February 16th.

Maj. 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 communication will reach him.  Also inform him that my headquarters will be for the present in Dover.

S. B. BUCKNER.

P. S. Have the white flag hoisted on Ft. Donelson, not on the battery.

(Signed,)

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen.

GEN GRANT’S REPLY.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,

NEAR FT. DONELSON, Feb. 16.

To Gen. 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 will be accepted.  I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am very respectfully, Your ob’t serv’t,

(Signed,)

U. S. GRANT,

Brig.-Gen. Commanding.

GEN. BUCKNER’S LETTER OF SURRENDER.

Headquarters, Dover, Tenn., Feb. 16.

Brig. Gen. 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 ob’t servant.

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen. C. S. A.

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

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

The despatches [sic] at headquarters reduce the number of the rebel garrison captured at Fort Donelson to ten thousand, and state that Gen. Pillow was not among the captured as at first reported.

A salute was fired from all the fortifications around the city, and at Benton barracks and the Arsenal, glorifying the victory.

Col. Thos. A. Scott, Assistant Secretary of war arrived to-day from Cairo, and remains here several days.

There was a holiday among the troops at Benton barracks.  Drills and parades were dispensed with.  Gen. Strong made a stirring speech to the soldiers.

Several of the Courts adjourned in honor of our victory, and all sorts of incidents of joy are repeated.

Troops are constantly going forward, bound southward.

The only additional item from Donelson is that the gunboats were present when the enemy raised the white flag.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

The Latest from Fort Donelson

A TERRIBLE BATTLE PROGRESSING.

The Loss Sever on both Sides.

Our men Fight like Tigers.

THE REBELS HOIST THE BLACK FLAG.

CUMBERLAND RIVER,

NEAR FORT DONALSON [sic], Feb. 15.

The Chicago Tribune, to relieve the anxiety of the people, presents the following special to be sent in advance of publication:

Our firing commenced again at daybreak and continued at intervals all day long up to 4 o’clock.  No Movement or assault by the land force had been made.  Night before last an attempt was made by the rebels to take Taylor’s battery of light artillery, but they were repulsed by two regiments and driven back beyond their entrenchments.  Our loss in wounded is considerable but not more than 3 or 4 are dangerously wounded.

Six gunboats arrived yesterday and commenced an attack on the fort at 2 p.m.  The firing was very rapid and severe, and lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes, when our gun boats fell back.

The four iron clad boats went within 300 yards of the Fort.

All of the river guns except six were either dismounted or silenced.  The first shot fired from the Louisville dismounted the rebels’ 128 pounder.  The Louisville received fifty-seven shots, two of which took effect, on striking the starboard side of her deck and passing through the length of the boat, and broke her tiller rope a short distance from the pilot house.  The rope was then managed by some of the hands, when a shell from the Taylor [sic], which lay some distance astern, burst over the Louisville, scattering the men at the tiller rope and so much disabled the steering tackle that the boat was compelled to drop astern.

One shot struck the Pittsburg in the bow and stove an immense hole in her, which caused her to withdraw out of action.  The leak however, has been stopped.

One shot struck the pilot house of the St. Louis, passing through it between the pilot’s legs without injuring him.  All of the boats were more or less injured, but none but the Louisville seriously.  There were 5 killed and two wounded on the Louisville.

The gunboats will not be in condition to renew their attack before to-morrow morning.  In consequence of the [height] of the bluffs on which their fortifications are built, our shot cannot have as much effect on them as those of Fort Henry; therefore it will require a much longer time to reduce this fort.

The rebels have raised the black flag.  It can be seen flying from the bank, a short distance above here.

CAMP IN THE FIELD, near Ft. Donelson,

Feb 15th, p.m.

The right wing of our forces commenced the storming of the right wing of Fort Donelson about noon, and have taken the right wing of the enemy’s fortification, over which the stars and stripes are now floating in triumph.  The opposing forces are now almost breast to breast, ready to open the work of death on each other almost at any moment.

We have lost two Lieut. Cols. Killed, one of whom is Lieut. Col. Smith, of the 48th Illinois and two Cols. Wounded.  The 18th regiment fought like tigers, and are [badly] cut up.  The loss on both sides is pretty severe.  More particulars soon.

Schwartz’s battery captured by the rebels this morning has been retaken.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 15.

Assistant Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott arrived here to-night from Cairo.  He reports that the fighting at Fort Donelson was suspended on both sides yesterday. – Our troops are suffering considerable from exposure, being unprovided with tents. – They are in excellent spirits, however, and are eager to resume the battle.

Dispatches to Gov. Yates, from the commanding officer at Cairo, state that the fort is completely invested, the enemy driven in from their outworks, and all chances for retreat or reinforcements cut off.

Col. Morrison is said to be severely, but not mortally wounded.

The success of the army is considered beyond the possibility of doubt.

The supposition at Cairo is, that Columbus will be attacked at once by land forces from below and by the river from above.

Gen. Grant is said to have at least 50,000 men under his command.

Several mortar boats are leaving Cairo daily.

Gen. Halleck telegraphs Gen. McClellan that the fort is completely invested – retreat form it and reinforcements to it being cut off.

Surrender or extermination appear to be the alternative.

Pillow, Floyd, Buckner and other noted rebels are in the fort.

Four Brigadier Generals are reported now in the Fort.  Gens. Pillow, Buckner, Floyd and Johnston [sic].

Altogether out loss to-day is about 250 in killed and wounded.  Capt. Mitchell of the 7th Ills. Was killed early in the morning.

Col. Ogelsby says, we came here to take that fort, and we do not intend to leave until we do it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

The War News

GLORIOUS NEWS.

Fort Donelson Captured.

15,000 Prisoners Taken.

CAPTURE OF GENS. PILLOW, BUCKENER AND JOHNSTON.

The Loss Severe on both Sides.

FLOYD, THE THIEF AND COWARD, ESCAPES.

Great Rejoicing throughout the North.

Gens. Curtis and Siegel close on Price’s Heels.

CAPTURE OF A PORTION OF HIS MEN.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

By Telegraph

WASHINGTON, February 17.

Gen. McClellan has received a dispatch fully confirming the capture of Fort Donelson.

ST. LOUIS, February 17.

Dispatches from Gen. Grant to Gen. Halleck announce the surrender of Fort Donelson with 15,000 prisoners, including Johnston [sic], Pillow and Buckner.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

Further official advices from Fort Donelson say Gen. Floyd escaped during the night with 5,000 men, and the rebels in the fort denounced him as a black hearted traitor and coward.

The enemy are known to have had thirty thousand troops, fifteen thousand of whom are our prisoners.  Five thousand escaped, and the balance are reported killed, wounded or otherwise disabled.

Our loss is not stated, but the slaughter in our ranks is mentioned as terribly severe.

Previous to the surrender our forces en route had most all arrived.

Gen. Halleck intended to leave to-day, but orders for preparations were countermanded on receipt of Fort Donelson dispatches.

The steamer John Warner left to-day with Gen. Hamilton, the 25th Mo. Regiment and 3d Mich. Battery, for the Tennessee river.

The greatest activity prevails at the Arsenal here, backing cartridges and loading shell for shipment down the river.

It is reported on high military authority that Gen. Curtis captured most of Price’s men after leaving Springfield, including his Chief Adjutant.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

Fort Donelson surrendered at 9 o’clock yesterday morning to the land force.  The gun boats were present at the time.

An immense amount of war material is among the trophies of the victory.

Floyd skulked away the night before the surrender.

The gun boat Carondolet, Capt. Walker, arrived at Cairo with the news.

A large number of our wounded have been brought to the Paducah and Cairo Hospitals.

This city is wild with excitement and joy.  The news was received at the Union Merchants exchange, creating the most intense enthusiasm.  The Star Spangled Banner, the flag of our Union, and Red White and Blue were sung by all present, after which they adjourned and marched to the army headquarters, 120 to 150 strong, where three rousing cheers were given for Halleck and Foote.  Halleck appeared at the window and thanked the people for their hearty demonstrations and said: “I promised, when I came here, that with your aid I would drive the enemies of our flag from your State.  This has been done and they are virtually out of Kentucky and soon will be out of Tennessee.”

More cheers were given for the Union, the Star Spangled Banner was repeated, and the crowd dispersed.

Judge Holt wept for joy when he heard the news.  Many stores are closed, and the city is being decorated with flags, and evidences of great joy are everywhere manifest.

Gov. Yates, Sec. Hatch and Auditor Dubois, of Ills., left for Ft. Donelson this forenoon, to look after the wounded Illinois troops.

A requisition has been made for all the steamboats in this vicinity, to be held in readiness for the transportation of troops and Government stores.

ST. LOUIS, February 17.

The casualties on the gun-boats at Fort Donelson are as follows: St. Louis, 3 killed, including P. R. Riley of Cincinnati.  Two wounded, among them Lieut. Kendall, slightly.  Louisville, 5 sailors killed; 4 slightly wounded and 2 severely, each having both arms shot away.  Carondelet, 4 killed and 6 badly wounded, including Wm. Hunter.  Pilot, 2 severely.  Pittsburg, 2 wounded.

The force en route for Fort Donelson, had mostly come up and were located on the left.

Gen. Lew Wallace, with the 8th Missouri and 11th Indiana arrived Friday.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, Feb. 16.

By a flag of truce to-day, we learn that Fort Donelson surrendered to General Grant yesterday.  Generals Pillow, Floyd, Johnston [sic] and Buckner were taken, with fifteen thousand other prisoners.

We are also informed that fighting has been going on near Savannah, and that the city has probably been captured.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

From Grant’s Expedition

FORT DONELSON INVESTED.

A Battle Progressing.

THE SEVENTH IOWA AGAIN WINNING LAURELS.

CAIRO, Feb. 14.

Capt. C. M. Williard, Co. A. Chicago Light Artillery, left Fort Henry day before yesterday, at half-past ten o’clock, and has just reached this city.

From him we learn that the Artillery left Fort Henry for Fort Donelson between three and four o’clock on the morning of the 12^th, with six regiments of infantry.  Gen. Grant, Staff, and Body Guard left at ten a. m. on the same day.  The rear guard left at two p. m.  The whole force was 40,000 men, with twenty-seven pieces of light artillery.

At four o’clock in the morning of the same day, eleven regiments left Paducah under convoy of the gunboats, to go up the Cumberland river, making the whole force over 50,000 men.  The gunboats expected to reach Fort Donelson at seven o’clock yesterday.  It was designed to attack Fort Donelson with the whole force yesterday afternoon.

Eight regiments of Infantry, two batteries of artillery, and six companies of cavalry (including two of Regulars), have petitioned the United States Senate to confirm Brigadier General Smith, as they would rather serve under him than any other General in the West.  Every commissioned officer in the two brigades signed the application except two.

Ferree, the Chicago Tribune’s correspondent at Paducah, was ordered to leave that place [instantly] on the first boat, up or down.  The first boat happening to be going up the Tennessee river, the “Chevalier” left on the first boat upstream, which was the way he did not want to go, but the order was imperative.

CAMP IN FIELD, NEAR FT. DONELSON,

Feb. 13 – 12:30 P. M.

Fort Donelson is invested by our troops. – Our lines are formed from right to left, from north to south, nearly surrounding the fort.

Heavy cannonading and skirmishing has been going on since 7 1-2 o’clock a. m.  Owing to the extent of our line of action, little can be learned of the result.  I hear however, that the Captain of Company I, 7^th Illinois has been killed.

Gen. McClernand’s division is opening on the right, Maj. Gen. Smith on the left.

We had but one gun boat to play upon the fort until within the last half hour, since when the other gun boats are firing on the fort.

The force estimated within the breastworks from the best information is about 15,000.  No reinforcements can now arrive.  All communication is cut off.

It is now thought that their left redoubt has fallen into our hands.  All the officers are acting with great valor, exhibiting a fearlessness highly creditable to our western army.

Gen. Grant and staff have been riding along the lines all the morning, regardless of the grape that is being showered in every direction.

SECOND DISPATCH

CAMP IN FIELD, NEAR FT. DONELSON,

Feb. 13 – 8 P. M.

The cannonading and skirmishing have continued briskly all day, but have lately discontinued.  A considerable number have been wounded on both sides.

Capt. Walker, of the Carondelet, says he has dismounted three of the enemy’s river guns.  The other gun-boats had not arrived up to six o’clock this morning.

Capt. Brink, with a company of cavalry, went around to the left bank of the river, this afternoon, and reports the gun-boat Carondelet received a 10-inch mortar-ball through her casement, which wounded eight men, but did not injure the boat materially.

The 25^th Indiana, which marched boldly up to the entrenchments had, during the day, forty-two of their men wounded – all slightly.  The 7^th Illinois and the 7^th Iowa, who have been close to the enemy’s fire, lost some men.  Among the killed is Capt. Wendell, of Co. I, 7^th Illinois, and Colonel Morgan of the 9^th Illinois, is wounded.

Birge’s Sharp Shooters have done good service by picking off the connoniers as fast as they appeared at the guns.

The enemy’s rifle shots and grape have been flying thick and fast about here all day.  Some six shots struck around Gen. Grant and staff.  This afternoon while they were riding along the lines, one bullet hit one of the horses of the body-guard near by.

The fort will be stormed in two days, if not surrendered before.

One company has been within 75 yards of the enemy’s entrenchments.

FORT HENRY, Feb. 12.

Gen. Lew Wallace has been left in command of this post and its dependences.

The steamer Illinois, which left here yesterday morning for Paris Landing and the mouth of the Sandy, in charge of Col. Jon Riggins, Jr., aid to Gen. Grant, with two companies of Birge’s sharp shooters, commanded by Capt. Campbell, returned here this evening loaded down with provisions, flour, tobacco, and all manner of stores and goods, the whole camp equipage and baggage of the regiments.

The value of property brought down will exceed one hundred thousand dollars.

The Memphis Avalanche, of the 8^th has the following dispatches in reference to the Fort Henry affair:

NASHVILLE, Feb. 7.

A dispatch from Hon. John Bell, from Fort Donelson, this morning, says that Gen. Pillow was expected at Fort Donelson with 8,000 or 10,000 more troops, by 8 o’clock Saturday morning.

Not many lives were lost at Fort Henry.  Our forces were driven out principally by shells from the enemy’s gunboats.  The Tennessee bridge was burned between five and six o’clock last evening.  Our forces retreating upon Fort Donelson were pursued by the enemy.

It is reported here in Nashville, this evening, that Fort Henry is inundated.

Gen. Pillow has been assigned to the command at Fort Donelson.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 17, 1862, p. 1

Additional Details of the Gun-Boat Expedition up Tennessee River

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 13.

The Republican’s Fort Henry correspondent gives further particulars of the Tennessee river gunboat expedition. At every village the people insisted upon loading their visitors with presents, and as far as Florence the river can be navigated almost as safely as the Ohio.

Blessings, cheers and the wildest enthusiasm greeted the gunboats everywhere. – Numbers of prominent men came forward and said that should the Union army enter Tennessee, 50,000 men were ready and anxious to protect their homes, and would at once cluster around it. Under the laws commanding them to join the rebel army or lose their property, they were obliged to succumb in self-defence.

The officers of the gunboats say that it is impossible to doubt the genuineness of the greetings that everywhere met them. The rebel press is wholly under the control of the politicians, and don’t speak the people’s feelings. The secession element is principally composed of lawless portions of the community, who overawe by violence the order loving Union citizens.

At Sarama Lt. Phelps learned that a rebel cavalry regiment was encamped about a mile distant. He immediately ordered a company of 130 men, under Col. Gwin, to march against them, but the rebels hearing of the movement fled in a panic, leaving everything behind them. Their camp was burned, and a considerable quantity of arms and stores were captured.

Only one steamer, the Dunbar, now floats on the Upper Tennessee.

The Appleton Belle had 4,000 lbs. powder aboard, and when fired was purposely anchored opposite the fine residence of Judge Creevatt, a noted loyalist, and which was just completed. The building was much shattered by the explosion.

A partially finished rebel gun-boat, Eastport, is a fine fast steamer 250 feet long, very staunch, and constructed so as to be rendered shot proof, by compressed bales of cotton and iron plates.

The steamer Illinois, brought down a quantity of tobacco yesterday from Paris. A large quantity of pig iron near there will be removed as soon as possible.

The Nashville Union and American of the 5th inst. says that Gens. Beauregard, Pillow and Cheatham were there. It also contains Beauregard’s plan of battle at Manassas, and prodigious speculations as to what he will do at Columbus.

Numerous articles are copied from Southern papers, asking their government to take some measures to keep the soldiers in their service, as their term of enlistment is expiring and they are fast becoming demoralized. The papers also state that a large amount of Confederate stores are lying on the Banks of the Cumberland.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 1

Since the breaking out of the rebellion . . .

. . . the southern confederacy have lost the following named rebel Generals:

Major Gen. David E. Twiggs, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Henry B. Jackson, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Robert S. Garnett, killed.
Brigadier Gen. W. H. T. Walker, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Bernard E. Bee, killed.
Brigadier Gen. Gideon J. Pillow, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Thomas T. Fauntleroy, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. John B. Crayson, died.
Brigadier Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer, killed.
Brigadier Gen. Philip St. George Cocke, committed suicide.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

The Latest News

We have deferred to the latest moment making up our summary of news. The reader will find but few additional particulars from the battlefield of Shiloh.

It appears that Gens. Johnston, Beauregard, Polk and Bragg had effected a union of their forces at Corinth, Mississippi, a few days before the battle. Corinth is about 90 miles East of Memphis, Tenn., at that point on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad where the Mobile & Ohio Railroad crosses it.

Gen. Grant, commanding the left wing of the Federals, supposed to be 60,000 strong, had pushed his column up the Tennessee River, and landed at Pittsburg, Tenn., a small town on the river, about twenty miles from Corinth. Of this movement our generals were fully aware. The were also advised that Gen. Buell had pushed on his column of 70,000 from Nashville, South, but with the evident design of forming a junction with Grant, at Pittsburg.

Gen. Johnston therefore determined to attack Gen. Grant before Buell could re-inforce [sic] him, destroy his army and return to Corinth.

The Number of our forces is not known; some say 90,000, but we judge that is a large estimate. Our forces moved against Grant on the 6th instant, whose advance column was within 18 miles of Corinth, at Shiloh Church. At an early hour the troops were engaged, and the battle was fiercely contested on both sides during the entire day.

Where all did so well, it would be invidious to particularize, but Gens. Johnston, Polk, Pillow, Breckinridge and Gladden are specially spoken as signalizing themselves. About 2 ½ o’clock, General Johnston fell, a ball having cut the large artery of his leg; he continued in the saddle until he fainted with loss of blood, and expired very soon after. – Gen. Breckinridge is said to have had two horses killed under him, and his clothes were badly torn. Special mention is made of the great valor of the Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana troops, but we have no doubt all fought well. Dispatches state that only 35,000 of Grant’s forces were engaged. – How many of ours is not mentioned. The loss on both sides is said to be heavy, but nothing is mentioned except that our loss is about 3,000, and that we took between 4 and 6,000 prisoners, among whom was Gen. Prentice [sic] and a number of other officers. Eleven car loads of Federal prisoners arrived at Chattanooga on the 9th.

The enemy was completely routed on the 6th, and driven to their boats, leaving in immense amount of ammunition, stores, and guns in our possession, and 100 cannon captured.

On Sunday night Gen. Buell arrived with heavy re-inforcements and attacked Gen. Beauregard vigorously on Monday morning. The battle raged on until 1 o’clock, when both parties seemed to haul off. Gen. Beauregard fell back to Corinth according to General Johnston’s plan, not having been able to save all of his ammunition, supplies and cannon taken from the enemy the day before.

A dispatch from Corinth on the 9th, to the Richmond Dispatch, says, we still hold the battlefield, and it is not though that the enemy will advance. It says that Morgan’s Cavalry on the 8th attacked the enemy in camp and killed a large number of them, and burned the tents of our forces which they had left.

It says that Gens. Gladden, Bushrod Johnson and Hindman were wounded, and at 2 o’clock the firing ceased mutually on both sides on Monday, and both armies fell back.

It is also stated that Gen. Van Dorn had joined Beauregard at Corinth with re-inforcements. Near that point the great battle is yet to be fought.

A gentleman of this City has received a letter from a friend in the west, who states that Ft. Smith had been evacuated by our forces on account of the destitution of forage and provisions in that region, and that Gen. Price had retired to the Arkansas river to obtain supplies. This therefore discourages the rumor of another fight with Curtis.

We learn from dispatches received by the Charlotte Bulletin on the 10th, that Com. Hollins had communicated to the War Department at Richmond that three of the enemy’s gunboats had passed Island No. 10. Of course they will encounter breakers below.

It is states also, that five Yankee batteries commenced the bombardment of Fort Pulaski below Savannah at 6 o’clock A.M., on that day. No fears were felt for the Fort.

We have nothing from the neighborhood of Newbern, except the skirmish given in another article.

A rumor prevailed in Norfolk, which however was believed to be unfounded, that about 300 of our militia had been captured by the Yankees between Elizabeth City and South Mills.

It is also reported that the Burnside fleet was concentrating at Edenton for a supposed advance upon Suffolk. It needs confirmation.

No news about Norfolk or from the Merrimac.

The reported fights on the Peninsula are believed to have been only skirmishes. The enemy was said to be entrenching four miles below Yorktown.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 1

Company I, Sixth Iowa

Camp of the 6th Iowa Reg’t
near Pittsburgh Landing, Tenn.
April 8, 1862

Editor Hawk-Eye: - The following is a list of killed and wounded of Company I, in the battle of the 6th and 7th:

Killed. – Privates – Archibald Conner, George W. Clark, C. C. Philbrook, David Key, Augustus Johnson, Louis Owens.

Wounded. – Capt. Fabrian Brydolf, in the neck and right arm, (I learn today that his arm has been amputated,) Lieut. Halliday, to the right thigh, dangerous, John Harpman, right arm, H. H. Herron, two ribs broken, very dangerous, Wm. P. Patterson, right arm, slight, Frank Hamilton, right shoulder, slight, Wm. Baker, right shoulder, slight, Albert Wentworth, right breast, dangerous, Chas. Jericho, both hands, Henry Milligan, right arm.

Jasper H. Munroe, musician, taken prisoner.

The 6th was under the most galling fire for about five hours on the 6th, and did themselves great credit. The killed of the Regiment are about seventy-five, and wounded about two hundred.

Gen. Beauregard is reported wounded and Gen. Johnson [sic] killed. Gen. Breckinridge is reported killed, also Gen. Johnson. Gens. Polk, Hardee and Pillow were here. The loss on both sides is terrible. Prisoners say this is the last stand that will be made, as they brought to bear all the forces they could get together.

Capt. Brydolf was wounded while cheering his men on under the fire of three rebel regiments. Lieut. Halliday was wounded early in the engagement.

At last report the enemy were perfectly panic-stricken, fleeing towards Corinth, throwing everything away that would impede their flight, with Gen. Buell in hot pursuit.

The 8th and 12th and 14th are nearly all taken prisoners. Capts. Williams and Glenn are wounded. Lieut. Grimes, wounded slight.

The enemy’s force is variously reported to have been for 120,000 to 175,000.

P.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862