Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-02-21

through our troops. The troops engaged
in the Fight we're nearly all from Illinois and
they are rivoing Bcuna Vista by their
vaior They use the bay 1t is thought
that the contest will be renewed on sunday,
by land and water. and that in spite of the
black flag which the rebels are flying, they
will surrender.
THE SURRENDER.
Fl Donelson surrendered at 9 o'clock Sun
day morning, Internationally We have Gems.
Buckner and Buscherod Johnson, and l5,-
600 prisoners, and 900 horses. Gems. Pill
low and Floyd, with their brigades, ran away
on steamers without letting Buckner know
their intention. The Fort Henry runaways
were bagged here. Our loss is heavy--prob-
ably 400 killed and 800 wounded We lose a
large per oentage Of officers. Maj Post Of
the Sth ILL.,, with 100 privates are prisoners,
and have gone to Nashville. having been taxi
en- the night before the surrender. The enc
my's loss was heavy but not so large as ours,
as they fought behind entertainments. The
rebels lose 48 feld-pieccs. II heavy guns,
10000 stand Of arms. besides large quanti-
" of commissary stores. We should have
taken them by storming, on Saturday, If
our ammunition had not given out in the night.
The scene within the captured Fort after
the surrender showed how terribly the rebel
garrison had suffered. Everywhere we're ly-
ing fragments of shells. round shots half
buried in the earth, and tents were torn
in pieces, gun-carriagos broken IN and
blood scattered around In the left redouDt,
where the assault had taken place, dead bod
les lay thickly, and abundant evidence of
the stern resistance and gallant attack were
visible On the extreme right, and half Ia mile
distant, where the desperate sorie was
made by the garrison, similar scenes we're
visible The rebel troops are completely de-
morahzed. aud have no confidence in their
leaders. as they charge Pillow and Floyd with
deserving them. The rebels were sure OF
success. in any other cause, and against less
brave troops, they could easily have held the
place against 100 600 men The gallantry OF
the Union troops has been well and severely
tested, and they have proved more than equal
to the task before them From the moment
Of the investment Of the Fort on Wedne. day,
our troops laid on their arms night and day,
half the time without provisions, and all the
time without tents. A portion Of the time
there was a heavy storm of rain and snow.
Never, perhaps, on the American continent
has a more bloody battle been fought. An
officer who participated and was wounded in
the fight, says the scene beggars description.
So ihiclly was the battlefield strewn with
the deod and wounded. that he could have
travelled across it, stepping at almost every
step upon PROSTATE body. The rebels
fought with desperation. Their artillerists
welded their pieces with most fearful effect
On either side could be heard the voices Of
those in command, cheering on their men.
In St Louis the news of the capture of Ft.
Doneson was received with great enthu-
sinsm The city is wild with excitement and
JOY The news was received at Union Mcr.
chants exchange, creating the greatest enthu-
siasm. The Star Spangled BANNER Flag
of our Union, and "Red, White and Blue
were sung by all present. The people, SOC
strong. then marched to the headquarters
where three rousiug cheers were given iol
Hallcck and Foote. Gen Halleok appeared
at a window and thanking he people for then
hearty demonstrations, said, IL promised
when came here, with your aid. to drive tho
enemy's flag from your State. This has been
one, and it is now virtually out Of Kentucky
and will soon be out of Tennessee Cheers
for the Union.) The "Star Spangled Banner
was played ard the crowd then dispersed -
Gen Holt wept for joy when he heard the news
Many of the stores are closed, and the city
is being decorated with flags.
New York city is full of JOY, flags are out
and everybody is congratulating everybody
OF the UnitS bucsess at Fort Donelson.
The victory at Fort Donelson was ceebrat
ed in Montpelier by the firing of cannon, tn,
ringing of bells and the jubulant shouts o
men, women aud children. None were dis
posed to restrain their manifestations Of de
light at the result The widest enthusiasm
prevailed Truly the day is dawning and th
rebellion is on its waine. Let the people re
joice