Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-02-21
THE FIGHT AT FT. DONELSON.


Thursday morning by the land forces, under |
the command of Gems. Grant, Smith and Nc |
Cornand. The fort is surrounded by high, |
steep hills, heavily wooded, and protected by
two redoubts, trenches and rifle pits
Gen. McClernands division is operating on
the right wing, and Gen. Smiths on the left.
The force estimated to be within the breast
works, from the best information. is 10000.
The forces are about equal in numbers, but
the rebels have all tho advantage of position,
being well fortified on two hills, with their
Fort near the river, on lower piece Of ground.
From the foot of their entertainments, rife
pits and abattes extended mp the river behind
the town of Dover. Their fortfcaions on the
land side, back from the river, are at least
four miles in length Their water battery is
in the centre Of the fertilization, where it
extends down to the river, and mounts guns
No reiniorcements can arrive as all communi-
cation has been cut of All the officers are
acting with great valor, exhibiting fearless
ness highly creditablc TO our western my
Gen Grant and staff have been riding along
the lines all the morning, regardless OF the
grape that is being showered in every direc-
ton. A portion Of the ground occupied by
our troops in the attack was such that not
more than one regiment could operate al the
same time, while the rebels could bring
nearly their whole force to- bear against u.s.
The FIRST regiment to receive the rebels was
the 18th Michigan, who fought with des-
pcrate courage until their ammunition was
completely exhausted, when they were com
PEELED to retire, but were replaced by the Sth.
They, too, were tepulsed alter firing their
last round of ammunition. In the meanwhil
the other regiments were lending such feeble
aid as ;heir positions would admit.
On Friday the cannonading and diminishing
was renewed with undated energy, assist
ed by Commodore Foote's gunboats charg-
ing the river battery. A large number have
been wounded on both sides The 25th In
diana, which rushed boldly up to the en-
trenchments, had 40 Of their number wound
ed, all slightly The 9TH Illinois and 18th
Iowa, who have been close to the enemys
fire, have lost some men Among the killed
is Capt Wordell, and Col. Morrison, of the
4th illinois, is wounded. Burgess Sharp
Shooters got within IS yards Of rebel
battery, and completely silenced it the entire
afternoon, by killing every man who attempted
to work the guns. Capt. Birnh, with a Co. of
cavalry, went around TO the left bank of the
river this 2. NJ l., and reports that the gunboat
Carondalt received ten-inch ball through
her casemate, which wounded men, but did
not injure the boat materially Capt Walk
er Of the Carosdald says he has dismounted
three of the rebels river guns. The other
gunboats had not arrived up to 6 7. NJ. The
rebels rihed shots and grape have been flying
thick and fast about here all day. Some six
shots struck about Gen Grant and staff this
p. NJ. while they were riding along the lines.
One bullet hit one Of the horses of the body
guard near by. The rebels were driven out
Of the Fort three times and forced back
again by Gen. Grant. A desperate advance
was made on one redoubt by the 18th and
22d Illinois regiments, under Col. Morrison.
They made two gallant charges, getting close
to the enemy's breastworks, but were obliged
to retire in both instances, under heavy
cross fire of heavy artillery and Infantry
Both regiments suffered considerable loss, and
Col. Morrison was severely wounded. Great
quantities Of brush have been piled before the
breastworks, which it was impossible to PEN
citrate. A heavy rain has set in, which will
try the men, they having no tents, aud in
many cases, owing to their position, not be-
ing able to build fires. General Grant says:
'not one of them can get away--if the fort
falls the road to New Orleans is open. -
Commodore Foote, whife standing on the
plot-house of the S. Louis, his flagship, was
slightly wounded.
Saturday morning the battle was resumed
with unusual yigor and determinat on. The
lSth 2Oth and 2lst regiments occupied po-
sition above the Fort. They were preparing
little food, when the rebels opened upon
them with fire of musketry. 4 line OF bat
tie was at once formed, and the storm Of lead
= en- hail returned perceptibly thinned the reb-
= ell ranks. The rebels, from their advantage
5 Gus position, showeted upon our ranks most
4 murderous volleys of musket, grape and can
y mister, killing and wounding our men almost
by companies at every round, yet every man
I stood his ground bravely and determinedly
t without Anching, These four regiments held
# their ground, fighting against appalling odds
+ and in face Of every disadvantage. The 18Th
d regiment seems to have resisted the severesi
G storm. Against their ranks the rebels direc-
Il ted their heaviest fire, but instead Of falling
/, back they advanced to the very face Of the
h enemy, and there stood in the very jaws OF
f. death, with scarcely prospect that single
h man could escape, for three hours. These
regiments numbering scarcely three thousand
men, held their ground against the whole rebe
at garrison. At one time the 18th being partial
n ly thanked, was exposed to a cross fire Of bott
musketry and artillery, but our right wing
Z securing the rebels left, at once relieved them
ir At this critical moment Col. Lawler fell anC
Capt. Bush, acting Lieut.. Col. assumed com
mand, but was soon wounded, Capt. Crus,
3 was shot dead. Col. Lawler was mortalll
wounded, Lieuts. Mansford and Thompson
s. killed, and Capts. Dillon and Wilson, ant
AZ Lieuts. Kelley and Scanland wounded, st
re that the daring Egyptian regiment stood be
/ fore an overwhelming foe, almost withou
"a officers. They fell in heaps of dead an'
H. wounded. Companies we're berett of Capt
es and Lieuts.. and Capts, were almost bereft o
Co.'S Logan's 3lst III. regiment fought ik
veterans, defending Schwartz's battery undo
the most CALLING fire, until every horse at thu
batteries was killed, together with all the OF
fcers who had charge of the guns, as well a.
n Lieut.. Colonel, Major, seven Captains and
s. number of Lieutsnsnts of the lst, and th'
p Colonel were wounded being nearly sur
rounded Capt. Cook, in command drew OF
m what was left of the regiment, not howeve
Is until the last round Of ammunition, and the
tn had commenced driving the rebels befor
s. them. The other three regiments did their du
is ty noby. Coils. Ogesby, Marsh and Loga
MS dashed along the ranks waving their hats AM
ey cheering their men to the conflict. SUITE