Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-04-04
LATE NEWS FROM THE souru

ana nearly the entire democratic ticket
LATE NEWS FROM THE SOUTH.
DISCUSSION OF THE CONFEDERATE GENERALS AT
FORT DoNELsoN-AN INTERESTING HISTORY OF
THE SURRENDER.
A correspondent of the New Orleans Picayune.
writing from Decatur, Ala, on the 18th, makes
the following statement, which, whether true or
not, Is Interesting:
The denunciations, wrongs and ipiystice
heaped upon Gen A &. Johnston, for his retro
grade movement, are In every way undesefved
Long before Gen. Johnston was compelled To
make mis- reIograde movement, he addressed
letters to the Governors Of the different States In
forming them of the condition of affairs, and was
thus compelled to expose his feeble condition; out
neither the people nor the government listened to
bis admonitions. As have before stated Gen
Johnston had become convinced that neither
Bowling Green nor Donelson were tenabe, and
with the hope Of saving the latter be sent all the
feinforcements he could TO Dover, reserying for
himself force hardly sufficient 10 cover bis own
retreat had the enemy fallen upon him.
1t 10 stated that the message of President Davis,
In relation to Fort Donelson SAYS that the reports
OF Floyd apd Pillow do not state that reinforce.
ments were asked for and 1t is not shown that the
position could not be evacuated, and the whole
army saved as well as part. Nor Is Ii shown by
what authority the two senior generals abandoned
their responsibility by transferring their COM
mands to Junior officers. In explanation I'm mart
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 surrender, which will be
read with interest:
On the morning Of the 18th Of February, about
O'Clock, 1t had been determined by the com
manding officers to cut our way through the enc
my's lines, destroy the army stores and retreat
from Dover to Nashville. For this purpose scouts
were sent out to ascertain whether the enemy
occupied the ground they had been driven from
the day previous, and some of Forests men were
ordered to inspect slough covered with back
Water from the rver to see II 1t was passable for
infantry. The scouts returned soon after, and re-
ported that the roads were perfectly alive with
troops, and that their camp fires were burning in
every direction; also that the slough was halfleg
deep In mire, and the water reaching to the sad.
die skirts. This information produced change
Of operations, and a conference then took place,
at which were present Gems. Floyd Pillow and
Buckner, Coils. Forrest and John c. Burch, Ma.
Jors Gilmer, Henry, Haynes and Jones, and Lieu
aids of Gen Pillow.
Notwithstanding that communication was thu,
cut Oh, Gen. Pillow urged the necessity of making
me attempt to cut our way out, or make fight
we could get stea mboats enough to put the whole
command across the river and make our escape
by GAINESVILLE.
Gen. Buckner then said that from the vermont
and distressed condition Of his men, and the oc-
cupation Of his rife pits on the extreme right by
the enemy, he could not hold bis position for half
On neuI ~ atackeo py the enemy at daylight,
zen. Pillow replied, ''Why can't you? | think
you can, sir )" and added that the occupation of
our rife pits by the enemy left an open gateway
70 our river battery, and he thought we ought to
cut our way through at all hazards.
Gen. Buckner retorted, saying 81 know nv
position; can only bring to bear against the en-.
envy 4,OOo men: while he can oppose me with any
General Pillow then said: "welI, gentlemen.
what do you intend to do am in favor Of fight.
ing out"
General Floyd then asked General Buckner
what he had to say?
General Buckner replied quickly that to attempt
to cut our way through the enemy's lines would
cost a sacrifice Of three fourths of the command.
and that no General had the right to make such a
sacrifice OF human life.
General Floyd admitted the fact and concurred
with General Buckner on this point
Generai Pillow then remarked that there was
but one alternative left, and that is equalization;
"Sir, shall neither surrender the command nor
myself; will die 8rst."
Gen. Floyd then said he also would no. sur
Ienoer himself, adding, "You know my TeIa-
uons with the Federal Government and Il would
not do" tAlluding to his course when Secretary
OF war In discussing 10 the South Its quota Of
arms.
Gen. Buckner replied that he thong hit no per.
sonal feeling ought TO control official action.
Gen. Floyd admitted 10, aud said nevertheless
Ii was bis determination.
zen. Buckner said " Then gentlemen SID
pose the surrender will devolve on me''
Gen. lloyd, addressing Buckner, said: f" GEN.
erai, IL you are put In command, will you allow
me to take out my brigade! ''
Gen. Buckner replied eyes, sir, IL Won move
your command before send my offer Of capitu-
lation to the enemy.n
"fhen, !" said General Floyd, al surrender the
commando
General Pillow, upon whom the command next
devoived, said, 81 will not accept IL, as nv pur.
pose Is dxed never to surrender
General Buckner immediately replied al will
accept II, and will share the fate Of NV com
mand and at once called for pen, ink and "a per.
and bugie to sound parley, 1t being too dari
TO send flag Of truce.
General Pillow then asked If Il would be nrop
eI Tor him TO make his escape; to which General
Floyd replied that was question for every man
70 decide for himself, but that he would be glad
Tor every man to make his escape that could
Col. Forrest, addressing Gen. Buckner. said.
II think, General, there 10 more fight In our men
than you suppose, but II you will let me, will
also take out nv command" To which Buckner
ana Floyd both assented
Turning to Gen. Pillow, Forrest then sa,a.
Senefai, 1 have fought under your command;
Gen. Pillow answered, "Cut your way out,,,
To which Forrest replied, sI wfll.D
All the ofhcefs retired, leaving Gen Buckne,
alone with the command. The ohaciai corresncn.
dence that ensued In regard 10 the surrender hs.
alrefdv been published. an well an fhe .ec,-i