Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-04-15
Discussion of the Confederate Generals at
Fort Donelson---An Interesting His
tory of the Surrender.

A correspondent of the NeP Orleans Picayune,
writing from Decatur, Alabama, on the 10Th uli.,
makes the following statement, which, whether
true or not is interesting:
The denunciations wrongs and injustice
heapel upon General A. s. johnson for his ret
rograde movement are in every way undeseryed.
Long before General Johnston was compelled to
make his retrograds movement, be addressed let
to the Governors Of the different States, in
forming them Of the condition Of affairs, and was
thus compelled to expose his feeble condition
but neither the people nor the Government lis
tened to his admonitOns. As have before
stated Gen. Johnston had become convinced
that neither Bowling Green nor Donelson were
tenable, and with the hope of saving the latter,
he sent all the reinforcements he could to Dover,
feserving for himself force hardly sufficient to
cover his own retreat had the enemy fallen upon
him.
ltis stated that the message of President Davis
in relation TO Fort Doneson says that the reports
of Floyd and Pillow do not state that reinforce
ments were asked for, and it is not shown that
the position could not be evacuated, and the
whole army saved, as we'll as part. Nor is it
shown by what authority the seuior Generals
abandoned their responsibility by transferring
their commands 10 junior oiioers. ln eXplana-
tOn in part of the omission thus stated, and As
part of the history Of the surrender Of Fort
Donelson, have obtained from junior officer,
who was present on that occasion, the following
reliable statement of the particulars of the sur
render, which will be read with interest:
On the morning of the 10th of February,
about one O'Clock, il had been determined by
the commanding officers to cut our way through
the enemy's lines, destroy the army stores aud
retreat from Dover to Nashville. For this pur-
pose scouts were sent out to ascertain whether
the euemy occupied the ground they had been
driven from the day previous, and some Of For
nrda IN al !,
covered with hack water from the river, to see
Il it was passable for infantry. The scouts re-
turned soon after, and reported that the roads
were perfectly alive with troops, and that their
camp fires we're burning in every direction; also
that the slough was half leg deep in mire, and
the water reaching to the saddle sklTIs. THIS
information produced a change of operations,
and conference then took place, at which were
present Generals Floyd, Pillow and Buckner,
/ Golonols Forrest and John G Burch, Mai ,rs
6lmer Henry, Haynes and Jones' and Lieu
tenants Martin and Nicholson, the last two he
ing aids of General Pillow
Notwithstanding that communication was thus
cut off, General Pillow urged the necessity Of
making the attempt to cut our way ont, or make
a ighI for one day more, in which time lie
thought that We could get steamhOats enough to
put the whole command across the river and
make our escape by Clarksvie.
General Buckner then said that from the worn
out and distressed condition of his men, and the
occupation Of his rife pits OIL the extreme right
by the enemy, he could not hold his position for
half an hour it attacked by the enemy Mt daylight
: which he would certainly do.
General Pillow replied, "Why can't you?
think you can, sir" and added that the occupa-
tion of our rife pits by the enemy, left an open
gateway to our river battery, and he thought we
ought to cut our way through at all hazards
General Buckner retorted, saying; know
: my position | can only bring to bear against
the enemy 1900 men, while he can oppose me
J with any given number"
a General Pillow then said: "Well gentlemen,
what do you intend to do am in favor of fight.
ing out"
, General Floyd then asked General Bucknei
what he had to say
: General Buckner replied quickly, that to at-
tempt to cut our way through the enemy's lnet
would cost sacrifice Of three. .fourths of the
: command, and that no General the right to make
such sacrifice Of human life.
General Floyd admitted the fact and ooncurred
u with General Buckner on this point
General Pillow then remarked that there wa,
but one alternative left, and that is capiluation
9 and addressing himself to General Floyd, said
"Sir, l shall neither surrender the command mol
myself, will die first"
:, Cen Floyd then said he also would not sur
; render himself, adding, "You know my reationl
i with the Federal Government, and it would moi
), do" Alluding to his course when Secretary Of
Q War in dsbursing to the South its quota Of
IS arms
General Buckner replied that he thought ne
personal feeling ought to control official action
a Gen. Floyd admittedit and said nevertheless
a ii was his determination.
Gen. Buckner said, "Then, gentlemen, sup
pose the surrender will devolve n me-"
Gen. Floyd, addressing Buckner, said -
: "General, il you are put in command, will you
b allow me to take out my brigade ?"
General Buckner, ayes, sir, If you move youl
k command before send my offer of capitulatior
d 10 the enemy"
"Then," said General Floyd, al surrender the
. command"
General Pillow, upon whom the command next