New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-04-07
THE SURRENDER OF FORT DONELsON


A correspondent Of TIE ". O. P.cayuHr, writing
from Decatur, Ala, gives the following additional
detailed account of the conference of the Rebel Cen
erals at Fort Donelson on tho night before the sur.
render:
Notwithstanding that communication was thus cui
OF Gen. Pillow urged the necessity of making the
attempt 10 cut our way ont, or make fight for one
day more, IN which time lie thought that we couli
get steamboats, enough to pet the whole command
across The river, and make escape by Carksyille
Gen. Buckner then said that, from the WORKOUT
ind distressed condition Of hi] men, and the occu-
patton of his fle-pts on the extreme right by the
enemy, he could not hold his position for bali an
hour, attacked by the enemy AT daylight, which hc
wonld certainly do.
Gen. Pillow replied, "why can't youl think
Won can, SIR and added that the occupation OF our
ihe-pits 10y tie enemy left open gateway to our
river battery, aud he thought we ought to cut our
way through at oil hazards.
Cen Buckncr retoried, saving, " | know my po-
stioa; eau Only bring 10 bear agalnst the enemy
1000 men, While he can oppose rne with any gwen
number
Gen Pillow then raid, "WeIl, gentlemen, what
do you intend to dol an in favor of fighting out"
Gen. Floyd then asked Gen. Buchner what nc
had 10 ssy
Gen. Buclner replied quickly that to attempt to
cut our way through the enemy's lines would cost
sacrifice OF thrce-fourths OF the command, and that
40 Gtn,nl had light to mako such saeHhce Of
human life.
Gcu. Floyd admitted the fact, aud coucurIed with
Gen. l}ueknlr on tits point.
Cen Pillow then remarked that there was bit one
alternative e', and that was capitulst.on; aud adj
dressing himself 10 Gen. Fioyd rad Sir, shall
rei'ho- surrender the command uor myself, VIII
ole hrst."
GEN. Floyd then said lie also would not surrender
himself, adding: " You know my relations with the
Federal Government, snd it would not do al
luIlng 10 liza cogre VIXEN Secretary OI W IL, "A dis
trihrting % tie South il quota Of arms.
Gen. Buckner replied that he thought no personal
feeling ought 10 control ofl,isl action.
Cos. Floyd admitted II, AID said nevertheless II
was ms determination.
Gen. Buckuer Sid - Then, gentlemen, ] suppose
he surrender viii ceyove on me-
Gen Tlo,d. Addressing Bnckner, ssid: " General,
II yol ae pat in command WIN you allow no 10 take
Cea. Backner replied: Yes, Sir, II ron move
your command .eiofe ,end NY oler Of capitulaiion
&" Ten, saiI Gen. Floyd, / Surrender the CONF
l.@u1.'
G,r Pillow. upon whom The command next
iegol,ed said: " vii. hot accept it. as my purpose
j.. faxed mover to surrender"
CO.. Bu,knor Immediately replied. " VIII &C. s.,
cent IT, aud viii share tie fate oil my e0hhdh9i
aud 40 once called for zen, INK aN5 per Lan 2"
Lu.l.f TO souud barley, II being 100 dhfE 20 aepi
Zen. pillow war then asked If it would be proper
TO- hiia TO make biz os,ape, 70 which 6' d. iot
rctI.ei That ssna question 'or every Ian 20 cr'ot
~ Lia.ell bat thai he would be glad for every man
20 make hi- c,caIe tllat could.
col Fors.st. addressing Gen. Buckncr, sail,
think. General there :, more Fight n our men man
Nan .,fpp.fe but n Won will let ne, VIII alec 'ake
a,t t.. command" To when BncAner and Floyd
both l'.cu.cd. ~
Tanning TO Gen. Pillow, Forrest then said: Gen,
emil. have fought uuder your coumhDdi what Shall
DO % 80
Gen. Pillow answered, " Cut your WY on, = To
wish Forrest replied " will"
An 'he officers retired, leaving Gen. Buckner
alone with The command. Tie official correspondence
thai cu-ued IN regard % the surrender hs. ALREADY
been published, well as the seqne! which FOL
lowed.