Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-04-17
THE SURRENDER oF FORT poNE1soN.

THE SURRENDER OF FORT DONELsoN.
a correspondent Of The N. o. Picap,ne.
writing from Decatur, Alabama, gives addition
al details Of the conference of the relel Cen
erals at Fort Donelson, on the night before the
surrender. 1t is no wonder that Floyd was
averse to a capilulation that included himself
His "pecuar relations TO the Federal Govern
ment" would have placed him in a position SO
very peuuliar that he thought discretion the
better part of valor and wisely for his own
safety stole away The correspondent aforesaid
writes
Notwithstanding that communication vas
thus cut off, Gen. Pillow urged the necessity of
making the attempt to cut our way out, or make
n fight for one day more, in which time he
thought that we could get steamboats, enough
to put the whole command across the river,
aud make our escape by Clarksvie.
Gen. Buckner then said that from the worn
out and distressed condition of his men. and
the occupation of his riie-pits on the extreme
right by the enemy, he could not hold his po-
sition for half an h ,ur, If attacked by the en-
emy at daylight, which he would certainly do.
Gen. Pillow replied, "Why can't you? |
think you can, Sir = and added that the occu-
patton of our rifle 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.
Gen. Buckner retorted, saying, 81 know my
position can only bring to bear against the
enemy 1000 men, while he can oppose me with
any given number"
Gen. Pillow then said, "Well, gentlemen,
what do you intend to do? | am in favor of
fighting out"
Gen. Floyd then asked Gen. Buckner what
he had to say?
Gen. Buckner replied quickly that to attempt
TO cut our way through the enemys lines would
cost sacrifice of three-fourths of the COM
mand, and hat no General had right to make
such sacrifice o human life.
/ Gen. Floyd admitted the fact, and concurred
with Gen. Buckner on this point.
Gen. Pillow then remarked that there was
but one alternative left, and that was cipitua-
ton and addressing himself to Gen. Floyd,
said "Sir, shall neither surrender the COZ
mand nor myself; will die first"
Gel. Floyd then said he also would not sur
render himself, adding "You know my rela-
tions with the Federal Government, and it
would not do" [Alluding to mis- course when
Secretary Of War, in distributing to the South
its quota of arms.
Gen. Buclner replied that he thought no
personal feeling ought to control official action
Gen. oyd admitted it, and, said neverthe-
less it was his determination.
Gen. Buckner said: "lhen. gentlemen,
suppose the surrender will devolve on me-"
Gen. Floyd, addressing Buckner, said: Gen
eral, if you are put in command will you allow
me to take out my nrigade?"
Gen. BuckEer replied: "Yes, Sir, il you
move your command before send my offer OF
capituation to the enemy"
"rhen." said G n. Floyd, 81 surrender the
command" d"
Gen. Pillow, upon whom the command next
devolyed, said II will not except it, as my
purpose is fixed never to surrender"
Gen. BIckner i'm nediatey replied 81 will
accept it, and will share the fate of my COM
mand," and at once called for pen, ink and pa
per, and bugler to sound a parley, it being
too dark to send flag oFtruce.
Gen. Pillow was then asked if it would be
proper for him to make his escape; to which
Gen. Floyd replied that was a question for
every man to decide for himself, but that he
would be glad for every man to make his es
cape hat could.
COL Forrest, addressing Gen. Buckner, said
81 think General, there is more fight in oul
men than you suppose. but if you will let ME
| will also take out NV command" 10 which
Buckner and Floyd both assented.
Turning to Gen. Pillow, Forrest then said
General, have fought under your command
what shall do ?''
Gen. Pillow answered, "Cut your way out =
To which Forrest replied, 81 will"
All the officers retired, leaving Gen. Buck.
! ner alone with the command. Inc official cor
reSpondence that ensued in regard to the sur
render has already been published, as wei! a
the sequel which followed.