The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-02-28
The Fall Of Fort Donels0n.
GEN. GRANTS OFFICIAL REPORT
HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,
Fort DONELsoN. Feb. l6, 1862.

General G. w. Cullom, Chief of Staff, Depart.
ment OF Missouri;
GENERALS L am pleased to announce to
you the unconditional surrender this morn
ing Q; For DOuelson, with twelve to fifteen
thousand prisoners, at least forty pieces OF
artillery, and large amount OF stores,
horses, mules, and other public property.
/ left Fort Henry on the 18th inst, with
force of about $4,000 men, divided into
two divisions under the command of Gems
erals McClernand and Smith. Six regi.
ments were sent around by water the day
defore. conveyed by ganboat or rather
started one day later than one of the gun
boats, and with instructions not to pass it.
The troops made the march 10 good or
der. the head of the column arriving within
two miles OF the Fort at II o'clock M. At
this point tie enemy's pckets were met and
driven in.
The lortiications of the enemy we're from
this point gradually approached and sur
rounded, with occasional skirmishing on the
line. The following day, owing to the nom
arrival OF the gunbOat and reinforcements
sent by water, no attack was made but
the inv estmeDt was extended on the fanks
of the enemy, and drawn closer to his works,
with skirmishing all day. The evening of
the 18th the gunboats and reinforcements
arrived On the l4th gallant attack was
made by Flag Officer Foote upon he enc.
my's works with bis fleet. The engage
ment lasted probably one hour and half,
and bid fair to result favorably to the cause
of the Union, when two uniucky shots dis
ahled two OF the armored gunboats, so that
they were carried back by the current. The
remaining two were.very much disabled also,
having received a number of heavy shots
about the pilot house, and other parts OF
the vessels. After these mishaps | con
cluded to make the investment of Fort Don
elson as perfect as possible, and partially
fortify and await repairs to the gunboats.
This plan was frustrated, however, by the
enemy making most vigorous attack upon
our right wing, commanded by General J..
A. McClornand, with portion of the force
under General l.. Wallace. The enemy
were repelleu after closely contested bat
tie of several hours, in which our loss was
heavy. The officers, and particularly field
officers, suffered out of proportion. l lave
not The means yet OF determining our loss
even approximately, but it cannot fell far
short OF 1000 killed, wounded and miss
ing. OF the latter l understand through
General Buckner about 25O were taken
prisoners. l shall retain enough of the enc
my to exchange for them, as they were i'm
mediately shipped off and not left for recap
ture.
In nf anti 1n
munition in the catridge-boxes gave out,
which with the loss OF many field officers,
produced great confusion in the ranks. See
ing that the enemy did not take advantage
of this fact, ordered charge upon the left
--enemys right-with the division under
General q. F. Smith, which was most brill
lianty executed, and gave to our arms the
full assurance OF victory. The battle last
ed until dark, giving US possession of part
of their entertainments. An attack was
ordered upon their other flank, after the
charge by General Smith was commenced.
by the divisions under General Nc cClernand
and Wallace, which, Notwithstanding the
hours of exposure to a heavy fire in the fore
part OF the day, was gallantly made and the
enemy still further repulsed At the points
thus gained, night having come on. all the
troops encamped for the night, feeling that
complete victory would crown their labors
at an early hour in the morning. This
morning, at very early hour, General s B.
Buckner sent message to our camp under
flag of truce, proposing an armistice. SC.
A copy of the correspondence which ensu-
ed is herewith accompanied.
cannot mention individuals who spe-
cially distinguished themselves, but leave
that to division and brigade officers, whose
reports will be forwarded as soon as receivs
ed. To division commanders, however
Generals McClernand, Smith and Wallace,
l must do the justice to say that each OF
them we're with their commands in the
midst of danger, and were always ready to
execute all orders, no matter what the exc
posure to themselves.
At the hour the attack was made on
den. Netherlands command / was absent,
having received note from Flag-Oficer
Foote, requesting me to 60 and see him, he
being unable to call.
My personal Staf-Col. j. D. Webster,
Chief of Staff; Col. J. Riggin, Jr., volun>
teer Aid; Capt. j. A. Rawiins, A. A.
General Oapts. Q. B. Lagow and w. s.
Hillyr, Aids, and Lieut.. Col. V. B. Nc
Pherson, Chief Engineers are deserving
OF personal mention for their gallantry and
services.
For full details and reports and particu-
lars, reference is made to the reports of the
Engineer, Medical Director, and comman.
ders of Brigades and Divisions, to follow.
I am. General. very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
q. s. GRANT, Brig. Gen,