, 1862-02-18

SUBSTANCE OF OFFICIAL DISPATCHES.
CHICAGO OFFICE, 18th, 2P4
The telegraph lines southwark are 60 occu-
pied by Government business that it is impos-
sible TO get any news or pzigate messages over
them at present.
From the Government dispatches, however,
we are Permitted to CLEAN tho following cheer
ing facts:
Fort Done1sonwass surrendered By the rebels
On Sunday unconditionally.
The officers and meu in the Fort-an army
Of fifteen thousand traitors-arc now pri.on-
cts in our hands, including Generals PILLOW,
Buckncr and johnson.
Our troops are in pursuit Of Floyd and 9th
er fleeing rebels, and will probably oyertakc
and capture them.
The joy and excitement at Cairo, Springfield
-eEe.Jwhe1c- indescribab1c. "
Col. G. c. Marsh, Of this city, is reported to
have been made q B1gadier General on the
field, for gallantry while leading his Goth Hi
nois regiment in battle -.
Our troops on Saturday fought with degree
Of bravery that has never: been. excelled
There arc heavy losses IN killed and wounded,
but the numbers and names arc not yet re-
ported.
It is reported that scouts have come in who
state that as soon rs the news was received at
Columbus, the evacuation Of that STRONGHOLD
was Immediately commenced The rebels
therr, both nlIlitary aud civilians, arc panic
| stricken.
DISPATCH TO GEN. MCCLELLAN.
| WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.-Gen. Mcclellan has
received dispatch fully confirming the cap
| turc Of Fort Donclson.
REJOICLNGS At STLoUIS.
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.-FoEt Donelson surrcn.
dered at 9 O'Clock yesterday Sunday morning
10 the land forces The gunboats were present
at the time An immense amount of WAT u,a-
teria1 is among the trophies Of the victory
| Floyd skulksd away the night before the
surrender.
The gunboat Carondo1et, Capt. Walker ar
rived at Cairo with the news.
| i large number Of our wounded have been
brought to the Paducah and Cairo hospitals
= This city is wild with excitement and joy.
The news VAS received at the Union Mer.
chants' Exchange, creating the most intense
| enthusiasm. The 'Star Spangled Banner II
:sF1ag Of Our Union,'' and * Red, White and
Blue,'' were sung By al present; after which
! they adjourned and marched to the army
headquarters, 200 or ], 500 strong, where three
rousing cheers were given for Halleck aud
Foote. General Ha11eck appeared at the
window and thanked the people for their
hearty demonstrations, and said: "I prom
ised, when came here, that with your aid
would drive the enemies Of our flag from your
State. THIS has been done, and they are viz
tual1y ont OF Kentucky, and ECON will be out
Of Tennessee
More cheers were given for the Union, the
"star Spanglcd Banner WAS repeated, and
the crowd dispersed.
Judge Holt wept for joy when he heard the
news. Many stores are closed, aud the city i:
being decorated with flags, and evidences oi
joyare everywhere manifest.
Gor. Yates, Secretary Hatch, and Auditor
Dubois Of Illinois, left for Fort Donelsor
this morning, TO look after tile wounded Illi
Lois troops.
Requlsi1ion has been made fora11 the steam
boats in this vicinity: and they will be held II
readiness for the transportation of troops ant
Government stores.
GOV. YATES EN- ROUTE TO DONELsON
| TELEGRAPH OFFICE.
| CHICAGO, February Ii.
The following message was received from
The Governor this evening.
PULASKI, H. February II.
Am on my way with Auditor Dubois, Sec
re.aIy Hatch and General Wood to Fort Don
elson- Many sad hearts today, but g1oriou
victory. People bJ thousands on the road aut
at the stations, with shoutings and with flags
Thank God that our Union is safe now ant
forever: Send surgeons, friends and clothine
| for the wounded.
(Signed) RICHARD YATES, Governor.