The Sun.
London, England, 1862-03-06 00:00:00

AMERICA.

THE CAPTURE OF FORT DONNELSON.
NEW YORK, FEB. 18 (PER AMERICA, via
QUEENSTOWN).
The steamship Teutonia arrived at New York on
Feb. 16, and the Edinburgh on the 18th. The
British gunboat Racer sailed from New York for
Bermuda on Feb. 16.
The main feature of the news is the further suc-
cess of the Federal forces in the capture of Fort
Donnelson, with a large number of prisoners and
munitions of war, the details of which will be found
below. The late continued successes of the Federal
forces has caused the greatest enthusiasm through-
out the principal Northern cities, and the most san-
guine and hopeful expectations of a speedy termi-
nation of the rebellion are entertained generally by
the people. The press also appear universally con-
vinced that the rebellion has culminated.
The effect of the news commercially is thus de-
scribed in the New York Times of Feb. 18:
" The street was wild with enthusiasm on the
news from the South-West of the capture of Fort
Donnelson. The Stock Exchange was happy and
tthhee announcement of
resounded with
ment of the news. The
fabePuePoliyPnalganutiss'eawonendll ni universal that the worst of our
civil war is over, find-that an early return of the
Border States to their allegiance is inevitable. The
Gulf States, it is believed, must follow at no distant
day, the first of them being Louisiana with her
sugar interest, and the renewal of the intimate rela-
tions of New Orleans with the upper valley of the
Mississippi and Ohio.
" The additional advances under this news in the
stock-market are 1 per cent. on the railway shares,
and 3 to 4 per cent, on the State stocks of Missouri,
Kentucky, and Tennessee. The last-named rose 6
per cent. on Saturday's sales, and 10 per cent. on the
rates current a week age-
"per cent, higher
on
per Cents.. of 1874, and steady on the Six per
"The National .
30c. per Securitiesc Cent.
nt.
Treasury were
Bends, and Five
Cents. of 1881. Another remarkable change in the
market was a fall of 1 per cent, in gold, which,
from 1044 to 1041 on Saturday afternoon, fell to
1032 to 1031 at the close of business to-day."
In the Senate yesterday (17th inst.)
various peti-
tions were presented, among them one asking that
the full rank of Major-General should be conferred
upon General Wood. Mr. Latham reported his
Bill authorising a survey with a view to construct
a telegraph line across Behring's Straits. The joint
resolution relative to the payment of the Oregon
and Washington war debt,. settling the method of
paying the awards, was passed.
A despatch received from General M'Clellan,
announcing the suirender of FOrt Donnelson, was
read, and caused the greatest excitement, the floors
and galleries joining unchecke(4-alid indiscriminately
in the applause. Mr. Johnson, of Tennessee, obtained
leave to offer a joint resolution, thanking the army
and navy for their heroic gallantry as exhibited is
recent battles, which was passed.
In the House the victory at Fort Donnelson first
claimed attention, and the news created so much
excitement that for a time it appeared impossible
that any business could be done. Two or three
motions to adjourn were made, but they were not

carried.
The Committee of Ways and Means, in a pro-
tracted session, this morning debated and voted
upon the several amendments made by the Senate
to the first two sections of the Legal Tender Bill.
MM. Corning, Morrill, Horton, and Stratton voted
throughout to concur in all the changes of principle.
MM. Stevens, Spaulding, Hooper, and Maynard ad-
hered to all the distinctive features of the Bill
as passed by the House, the vote thus standing 4 to
4. Those amendments of the Senate were not
concurred in which make the issue of new notes
100,000,000 dols., instead of 150,000,000 do's.,
which includes the 50,000,000 dols. autho-
rised July 17, require the interest on the
bonds and notes to be paid in coin, make the
20 year Bonds redeemable after five years, autho-
rise the conversion of notes in sums not less than
100 dols. into 7 3-10 Bonds, make the funded 6 per
Cents. redeemable after five years, and payable in
20 years instead of redeemable after 20 years, as
the house directed, and authorise the throwing of
the Bonds on the market for what they will fetch.
A special despatch to the New Fork Times, dated
Fort Donnelson, Feb. 16, gives the following ac-
count of the capture of that place by the Federals :
"Fort Donnelson surrendered at daylight this
morning (16th) unconditionally. We have Generals
Buckner, Johnston, Bushrod, and 15,000 prisoners
and 3,000 horses. Generals Pillow and Floyd, with
their brigades, ran away on steamers without letting
Buckner know of their intention. General Smith
led the charge on the lower end of the works, and
was the first inside the fortifications.
" The prisoners are loading on the steamers for
Cairo.
" The Federal loss is heavy, probably 400 killed
and 800 wounded. There is a large percentage of
officers.
" The enemy's loss is heavy, but not so large as
ours, as they fought behind intrenchments.
" The fort would have been taken by storming
on Saturday had not the ammunition of the Fede-
rals given out in the night.
"The enemy turned the Federal right for half an
hour, but this ground thus lost was afterwards more
than regained. Gen. Lanham's Brigade of General
Smith's Division was the first in the lower end of
the enemy's works, which were taken by a charge
of the bayonet.
" As nine-tenths of the rebels were pitted against
our right, our forces on the right were ready all
night to recommence the attack. On Sunday morn-
ing they were met on their approach by a white
flag, Gen. Buckner having sent early in the morn-
ing a deipatch to Gen. Grant, surrendering.
"The rebels lose 48 field-pieces, 17 heavy guns,
20,000 stand of arms, besides a large quantity of
Commissary stores.
" The alederal troops, from the moment of the
investment of the fort on Wednesday, lay on their
arms night and day, half the time without provi-
sions, all the time without tents, and a portion in
a heavy storm of rain and snow."
Another special despatch from Fort Donnelson,
dated Chicago, February 17, says :--
" The forces were about equal in numbers, but
of position, being
, with their fort
ground. From
twnheseal
rl rebelsftohret i fir hadievderoanol
nl
two tah el
iwamden
ivr ao
piece
e hillo f s
the foot of their intrenchments rifle pits and abattis
extended up the river behind the town of Dover.
Their fortifications on the land side back from the
river were at least four miles in length. Their
water battery in the centre of the fortifications,
where it came down to the river, mounted nine
heavy guns.
" The rebels were sure of success. In any other
cause and against less brave troops they could easily
have held the position against 100,000 men.
" The business of getting the different brigades
in position
for attaching
tookttach up t
ingthe new arrivals to the
he
greater portion of
Friday night. At daylight on Sunday the enemy
opened on the 18th Illinois, when Colonel Colesby's
different
brigade was soon engaged, and was soon followed
by Wallace's and M'Arthur's brigades, the latter
acting under General M'Clernand, as the position
of the troops had been changed during the night,
and General Grant had been called away to the
gunboats.
" The movements of the troops, except those at-
tached to M‘Clernand's division, were made with-
out anything except general orders.
" At a suggestion from General M'Clernand,

General Wallace sent up four regiments to support
his division, who were nearly out of ammunition.
"From the commencement till near ten o'clock
the fighting was terrific.
" The three brigades composing General M'Cler-
nand's division bore the brunt of the battle.

" It was found that the enemy was concentrating
his main force to turn our right, which was done by

our men getting out of ammunition, and in the con-
fusion of getting up reinforcements retreating about
half a mile. As soon as the division, which had
stood its ground manfully for three hours, retired,
the enemy occupied the field, when General Grant
ordered General Smith to move forward his division
and storm the enemy's works on our left. This
order was obeyed with great alacrity, and soon the
cheering of the soldiery was heard, and the Union
flag displayed from within the enemy's entrench-
ments.

" General Grant then sent word to General
111Tlernaud that General Smith was within the
enemy's entrenchments, and ordering their forces to
move forward and renew the attack on their right.

One of General Wallace's brigades—the 11th
Indiana, Bth Missouri, and some Ohio regiments--
was rapidly thrown into position, and Company A
of the Chicago Light Artillery was planted in the
road, and as the rebels, supposing the Federals were
in retreat, came out of their works into the road,
the Chicago soldiers poured a hailstorm of grape
and canister into their ranks, slaughtering dozens
of them.

" Simultaneously with this the infantry began
firing at will, and the rebels went pell-mell back
into their works, our men advancing and taking
possession of the ground lost, and of a hill besides.
Fresh troops who had not been in action Nv as then
thrown forward, and as night drew on the Federals
were in a strong position to participate in a simul-
taneous. attack to be made on Sunday morning.
Generals Ogelsby's, Wallace's, and M'Arthur's bri-
gades did the hardest fighting, and suffered terribly.
They would undoubtedly have held their first posi-
tion but for the failure of the ammunition. The
ammunition waggons were some distance off, the
hills preventing their being moved. The Federals
lost three lieutenant-colonels, and at least one-
quarter of all the other officers were wounded or
killed.

"During Saturday night a contraction of ah our
lines was made for a simultaneous assault from
every point, and orders were given by General
Grant to take the enemy at the point of the bayonet.
Every man was at his post. The 57th Illinois was
on the extreme right.
" At daylight the advance was made, and when
the full light of day broke forth white flags were
hung at many places along the enemy's works.
"An officer at a convenient point was informed
that they had stacked their arms and surrendered
early in the morning, the following correspondence
having passed between the commanders :
" GENERAL BUCKNER TO GENERAL GRANT.
" Head-quarters, Fort Donnelson, Feb. 16.

" Sir,—ln 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 at
this post under my command. In that view I sug-
gest an armistice until 12 o'clock to-day.
" I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
" L. B. BUCKNER, Brigadier-General, C.S.A.
" To Brigadier-General U. S. Grant, commanding
the United States' forces near Fort Donnelson."
" GENERAL GRANT TO GENERAL BUCKNER.
" Head-quarters on the Field, Fort Donnelson•

Feb. 16.

" Sir,—Yours of this date, proposing an armistice
and the appointment of Comm!ssioners for settling
terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms
except unconditional and immediate surrender can
be accepted.
" I propose to move immediately on your works.
" I am, very respectfully, your obedient servt.,

" U. S. GRANT, Brigadier-General Commanding.
" To General S. B. Buckner."

:Per America, by 'Telegraph from New York to
Halifax.)
NEW YORK, FEB. 21.

Lord Palmerstoß's statement that England would
remain neutral has caused a favourable effect poli-
tically.
The New York Times states it is rumoured that
Mr. Carl Schuz will go as Minister to Russia, in-
stead of Mr. Cameron. Mr. Wilmot will go to
Spain, instead of Mr. Schuz.

It is rumoured through Southern sources that
the Confederate General Johnstone had offered to
evacuate Nashville providing that private property
were respected. No answer has yet been given to
this offer.

From Missouri it is reported that the Federals
had attacked Price and another General in Arkan-
sas, and that after a short engagement Gen. Price
had fled, leaving behind a quantity of baggage.
The New York Times reviews the Queen's pro-
clamation closing the British ports to Federal ves-
sels, and compares this course with the shelter and
cordial treatment afforded to [British vessels in
Federal ports, and with Mr. Seward's permission
for British troops to pass through Maine. It
argues that the masses of the English people are
friendly to America, but that the British Ministry
is at open war with the United States.

The New York press generally is indignant at
the proposed monarchy in Mexico. The New York,
World considers it an insult to the Federal Govern-
ment, which at any other time would be resisted
with the whole power of the American nation. It
thinks that a Monarchy in Mexico can only be sup-
ported by European bayonets.
"In the meantime," it continues, " the Southern
rebellion is about to be crushed, and as soon as this
is accomplished nothing would be so likely to
cement the alienated• North and South as the union
of :their arms in common effort to maintain the
Monroe doctrine, any infringement of which would
formerly have been resented by North and South,
but with more warm and vigour by the South
than by the North."

According to an Associated Press despatch from
Washington, the Secretary of State sees in the late
European advices a satisfactory reaction in Eng-
land and the Continent in favour of the United
States. Special satisfaction is felt at the congratu-
lations from Rasssia and Italy on the settlement of
the Trent affair, " which is regarded :as the bow of
promise of peace and freedom of commerce."
The American Geographical Society have asked
the intercession of Congress in reference to a ship
canal connecting the River St. Lawrence nucl. the
Great Lakes on the Northern boundary with the
Atlantic Ocean in New York Bay in any future ad-
justment of commercial relations between America
and England.
The New York 7ribune considers that, deeply as

it is to be deplored, it will be the slow work of years
to place England and America on the same footing
as 16 months ago : _

" If civil war were ended to-morrow the respect
America would regain in English political circles
would neither be due to blood relationship nor com-
mon commercial interests,
.but to the victorious
naval and military force now asserting the power
of the Federal Government. In mutual relation-
ships England and America have travelled back
many fears."
The Tribune fears that neither friendly protocols
nor joint telegraph expeditions can make it other-
wise, and thinks that the progress of the European
invasion of Mexico, and the newly-developed policy
of its promoters, add new incentives to vigorous
prosecution against rebellion.
The New York Times says that since the Donnel-
son victory the popular cry is for the old Union, no
confiscation, no vengeance, but the banishment of
the rebel leaders, and a general amnesty for all who
will return to the old flag.
" America should present to Europe, not a

weakened, but an aggrandised Republic. Not 34
States only, but as many as can conveniently be
added. Let North and South be friends again,

Let mutual prosperous trade be restored, and with
a mllion of men inured to arms, with cotton and
cold steel they would rule the world."
The news of the capture of Savannah has not
been confirmed. The latest Southern accounts state
that preparations for an attack was still proceeding.
Numerous steamers with supplies for Burnside's
expedition continue to leave Fortress Monroe.
General Halleck, in thanking the troops for the
victories on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers,

said :
" The war is not ended. Prepare for new con-
flicts and new victories. Troops are concentrating
from every direction. We shall soon have an army
which will be irresistible. The Union flag must be
restored everywhere, and the enthralled Union men
in the South must be set free. The soldiers and
sailors of the great West are willing to do this. The
time and place have been determined on. Victory
and glory await the brave."
On the 19th inst., in the Senate, the resolution
tendering the thanks of Congress to Captain Wilkes
was indefinitely postponed. •
Mr. Wilson will propose a resolution to present
a silver medal, in the name of Congress, to the
Volunteers who have distinguished themselves
during the war.
Washington will be illuminated on the 2211 inst.

A Springfield despatch announces that General
Curtis had driven the Confederates out of Missouri,
beyond the Arkansas line, and that a son of General
Price had been captured.
According to despatches from Frederick, Mary-
land, Mr. Faulkner, late Minister to Paris, had
made a speech saying that secession, as carried out,
was a failure. "It had been accompanied by un-
necessary waste of life and the best blood of the
South." Mr. Faulkner said he had no affiliation
with those who wished the war to continue, and
had no doubt his remarks reflected the true senti-
ments of nine-tenths of the people of the upper
counties of the Potomac.

The House of Representatives has passed the
Bill making Treasury notes a legal tender, and has
agreed to the Senate's amendment making the in-
terest payable in coin.
The Confederate General Buckner, captured at
Fort Donnelson, has been arrested on a Federal
civil warrant on a charge of treason. The Confe-
derates have evacuated Clarksville, and are supposed
to have removed everything to Nashville, where
the next stand would be made.
Rumours are current of l ie evacuation of Colum-
bus by the Confederates.
The Californian Legislature has passed a resolu-
tion protesting against the policy of taxing Califor-
nian gold mines by the general Government, as
proposed by the Secretary of the Interior.
Considerable popular excitement exists concern-
ing the execution of Captain Gordon, which is ap-
pointed for to-morrow morning. Numerous peti-
tions have been forwarded to Washington to com-
mute the sentence.

Vera Cruz advices to the Bth inst. report consi-
derable sickness among the European troops. The
allies were preparing to advance, and the Mexicans
consolidating for resistance.
President Lincoln has issued a proclamation
urging the people throughout the United States to
assemble in their customary places for public
solemnities on the 22d of February, to celebrate
Washington's birthday, by causing to be read
Washington's farewell address. The Secretary for
War has written the following letter to the editor
of the New York Tribune :

Syiro,
official
- acia
action.nno t
The
eg undueglory yo f meritoto
our
r recentbe ascribed
victo-
ries to ‘mi
belongs to the gallant officers and soldiers that
fought the battles. No share of it belongs to
me. Much has recently been said of military
combinations and organising victory. I hear
such phrases with apprehension. They com-
menced in infidel France with the Italian cam-
paign and resulted in Waterloo. Who can
organise victory ? Who can combine the elements
of success on the battle field ? We owe our recent
victories to the spirit of the Lord that moved our
soldiers to rush into the battle field, and filled the
hearts of our enemies with terror and dismay. The
inspiration that conquered in battle was in the
hearts of the soldiers, and from on high; and wher-
ever there is the same inspiration there will be the
same results. A,patriotic spirit, with resolute cou-
rage in officers and men, is a combination that never
failed. We may well rejoice at the recent victories,
for they teach us that battles are to be won now,
and by us, in the same and only manner that they
were ever won by any people or in any age since
the days of Joshua, by boldly pursuing and striking
the foe. What, under the blessing of Providence,
I conceive to be the true organisation of victory and
military combination to end this war was declared
in a few words by Gen. Grant's message to Gen.
Buckner—' I propose to move immediately on your
works: —Yours truly,

" EDWIN M. STANTON,"

The Kangaroo arrived out on Feb.l9. The Asia
and Bohemian have also arrived out. The British
steamer Medea has arrived at New York.

DRAMAJIC, EQUESTRIAN, AND
MUSICAL .ASSOCIATION.

The anniversary festival of this association was held
last evening at Willis's Rooms. At the first blush
it might appear strange that an occasion to the rest
of the world bearing somewhat of a solemn and
penitential character should be selected, but a
moment's reflection will show that ordinary rules
against
tg
the holiadeacy,
u.,
do not apply to the theatrical 'profession. In this
p
rt ahveeys t a or
e willing
f callings,
to they
de ye
devote
re
respect
limited
mankindat
t o la
be large
set is g
abnudsieisttiws
haefn act entitled
mations charged upon the votaries of the stage, that
oftheire c
t resembling the
one night to the sacred cause of charity. Had the
celebration taken place one eveni • ng earlier, it
would have fallen on the concluding•
night of the
Carnival, with the mysterious rites of which the
Germans, [under the name of Faschings, associate
the origin of their dramatic literature. Be the
merits of the question what they may, one fact is
beyond dispute, that the members of the profession
mustered strongly in support of an association
which seeks to provide a sick fund for the relief of
dramatic, equestrian, and musical performers.
Conventional usage being laid aside, ladies were in-
vited to join in the proceedings, and Mrs. Stirling
and Miss Amy Sedgwick occupied seats to the
right and left of the chairman, Sir Charles
Taylor. The following members of the corps
dramatique were likewise among those present :
—Miss Fanny Stirling, Miss Rosina Wright,
Miss Charlotte Saunders, Miss Sarah Booth,
Miss Clara Fisher, Mr. B. Webster, Mr. P. Bed-
ford and Mrs. Bedford, Mr. and Mrs. Toole,
Mr. and Mrs. Swanborough, Miss Button, &c. An
excellent dinner was provided, at the conclusion of
which, grace having been said and the usual loyal
toasts given, the chairman, in proposing the toast
of the evening, said that of all the charities to be
found in this wonderful city of London there was
none in which the money was applied more directly
to the object in view than that which he had the
honour to advocate. It was especially deserving of
support, because those who were relieved, instead
of becoming completely broken up, were often en-
abled by its means to work on prosperously to the
end of their days. During the five years over which
the accounts extended, it had relieved 2,575 days of
sickness, it had met 155 cases of distress, and had
Paid for 266 journeys to places
had been provided for necessitous •
applicants. Its
beneficial operation extended to all, whether it
were the gentleman who played Hamlet or Mac-
beth, the humbler f
per ormer who went on with a
banner at 18. a night, or the carpenter who sus-

tained an injury from a "vamp
went of 12s.'6d. a year, or 3d.
weekly was insured in case of s.
Cover- funeral expenses. Through thkinftek.
rosity of patrons they were enabled to give
where a benefit society could, at the most, pru-
dently and properly offer 2s. Mr. B. Webster,
whose name had been coupled with the toast, in re-
sponding, assured the company that he felt an in-
terest in the welfare of the association deeper than
many persons could possibly imagine. He had
known the want of a bit of bread ; he had wan-
dered by the seashore, glad to get the smallest frag-
ment the waters might cast up; he had suffered
and worked on industriously and honourably in a
career which had at length led him up to his pre-
sent position. Mr. Webster warmly eulogised the
association, and concluded by proposing " The
Health of the Secretary, Mr. Anson." In the course
of his remarks Mr. Anson stated that owing to the
prevalence of sickness, the cases relieved during the
last six months were almost as numerous as in tize
whole of the previous year. Assistance had been
afforded in 31 cases,and 72 journeys had been paid for.
Mr. Webster proposed the chairman's health, who
gave in return that of Mr. Roberts, coupling his
name with the toast of" The Fine Arts." Mr. Thos.
Taylor then introduced a toast which he said was
always welcome,
but was that night attended with
peculiar interest-.." The Ladies." Mrs. Stirling, on
behalf of her professional sisters, thanked the Dra-
matic Association for the change in the order of
their dining, and in a short speech, delivered with
feeling and great ease of manner, touched on the
evils from which the association was calculated to
rescue poor actresses. The company shortly after-
wards adjourned to the balkreom, where the festi-
vities were prolonged to an' advanced hour. Under
the leadership of Mr. Genge, several well-known
musical artistes contributed to the success of the
festival ; and Mr. Toole, as usual, volunteered his
serviees as toastmaster. Upwards of £l7O was col-
lected in tie course of the evening.