Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1862-02-28
LATE NORTHERN INTELLIGENCE.

We continue this morning our selections
from New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore
papers, Of dates as late as the cath inst:
BATTLES AT FORT DoNE1soK.
THE OFFICIAL REPORT.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY m THE FIELD,
FORT DoNELsoN, Fob. l6, 1862.
Gen. G. w. OuLLox. Chief of Staff,
Department of Missouri !:
General-I am pleased to announce to you
tho unconditional surrender, this morning, of
Fort Donolson, with twelve to fifteen thousand
prisoners, at least forty pieces of artillery,
and other public property.
left Fort Henry on the 18th inst, with q
force Of about 5000 mon, divided into two
divisions, under the command Of Generals
McClernand and Smith. Six regiments were
sent around by water tho day before, convoy
ed by s. gunboat, OF, rather, started one day
later than one Of tho gunboats, and with in
structions not to pass her.
The troops made tho march in good order,
the head Of the column arriving within two
miles Of the Fort at twelve o'clock, N. At
this point the encwy's pickets were met and
driven in.
The Notifications Of the enemy were from
this point gradually approached and sur
rounded, with occasional skirmishing on tho
line. The following day, owing to the nom
arrival OF tho gunboass and endorsements
sent by water, he stack WAS made but the
investment vas extended on the tanks of
the cneuy, and drawn closer to his works,
with skirmishing all day. The evening OF
tie 18Th, tho gunbosts and reinforcewents
arrived. On the 14th a gallant attack was
made by Flag Officer Foote upon tho ensmy's
works with his fleet. The engagement last
ed, probably, one hour and u halt, and bid
fair to result tavnrably to tho cause of the
Union when two uulucky shots disabled two
Of the armored ~gunbuats, so that they were
carried back by the current. Tha remaining
two were very much disabled also, having re-
ceivcd = number Of heavy shots about tho
pilot house and other parts of the vessels
After these mishaps, I concluded 10 make the
investment Of Fort Donelson as perfect as pos
sible, and partially fo'tiiJ and await repairs to
gunhoats.
This plan was frustrated, however, by the
enemy making q most vigorous attack upon
our :igt. wing, commanded BY General j. A.
NcClernand, With B portion ofthe force under
General L. Wallace. T.hs enemy were repell.
cd, after a closely contested battle of several
hours, III which our loss Wss heavy. The Of
scers, and particularly field officers, suffered
on. Of proportion. have not msaus vet of
determining cur loss even approximately, but
II cannot ia!l short Of 1900 killed, wounded
and missing. OF ths latter, | understand,
through Gen. Rucknsr, about two hundred
and fifty were taken prisoners. Shall retain
enough CT the enemy 20 exchange, them, as
they were immediately shipped "a. and not
loft Tor ~recapture.
About the close OF the action the amuuni.
ton liz the carriage boxes gavo out, which,
With the loss ii uisny Of the field officers.
produced great confusion in the ranks. Sesing
tia: TIE e2em: did not take advantage of this
fact, / ordered q ca.rge upon the left-enemy's
rlght-with the division under General F. q.
Smith, which was most brilliantly executed,
and gave to our arms full assurance of victory.
Tla battle lasted until dark, giving US posses.
sion Of part OF their entertainments. An at
tack was ordered upcc their other flank, after
the charge By General Smith mas commenced,
by The division. under Generals McClelland
and Wallace, which, 60. Notwithstanding the hours
ct exposure TO a heavy fire in the fore part of
sES 'syi "as Sa!IauSiy uiaOe auu tG6 enemy
fcrih.r repulsed. A: tho points thus gained,
nigh; having come on, ail the troops encamped
!or n. night, feeling that 6 complete victory
would cfcEH their laboEs at Ri carly hour in
tbs morning. This !norIing, at a very early
hour, Gen. $. 3. Buckrer ssnt C message to
cur camp uuier e Gag Of truce, proposing an
arnist'cc. sc, 4 copy of the correspondence
which ensued is herewith accompanied.
cannot mention individuals who specially
distinguished themselves, but leave that to
division and brigade officers, whose reports will
10 forwarded as soon as received. To division
commanders, however, Generals McClernand,
Smith and Wallace, / must do the justice to
sag that eacn OF them wers With their com
nsnds in the midst of dapgo and were al
ways ready to execute al orders, no matter
what the exposure to themselves.
Al the HOUR tho attack was made on Gen.
Netherlands command ] was absent, having
received a note fTom F!sg-0ficer Foo.e, re-
ouestiag ne TO % and $50 him, he bsing un.
able 10 cali.
For full details snd reports, and particulars,
reference is made to tbs reports Of tho en-
ginesr, medical director, and commanders Of
brigades ami divisions, 10 fellow.
aE, General, very respectfully, your ODE
dicn: servant
US. CRANE: Brig. General,