Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1862-02-25

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Fort Doneison Captured by The Enemy.
When the paper of last week was Issued we
had received the news of the terrific fight at
Fort Donelson up to Saturday night, to which
time we had succeeded in repu.sing the enemy
with heavy loss. We had also received intelli-
gence of the fact that the enemy had been so
strongly reinforced as to make the chances of
success preponderate in their favor in the event
OF q renewal of the contest. When the force OF
the enemy was 1000 aud ours $4,000, we re.
pulsed them and covered the ground thick with
their killed and wounded. But when they were
reinforced till they numbered 10000 and sue
ceeded in surrounding the Fort, our Generals
seeing that farther resistance would be fatile and
would eventuate in a useless sacrifice OF mary
hundreds of valuable lives, reluctantly came to
the conclusion to surrender. Our loss is suppo-
sed to be in killed and wounded about five hun
dred, that of the enemy to be about fifteen hun
dred. The number of our men captured is not
known, but is supposed to be between twelve
and fifteen thousand, with their arms, equip
ments, &c. This is a sad misfortune, but it
should not discourage us, On tie contrary, it
should increase our determination to put forth
greater exertions. All is Eot lost that is in dan
ger. The bold hand will from the nettle, dan
ger, pluck the flower, safety" 'The darkest hour
is just before day." If there were no darkness,
we would not appreciate the blessing of light
if we had no reverses, We could not appreciate
the blessing of victory-if our freedom and in
dependence be not purchased at heavy sacri-
fee of blood and treasure we would Lot be able
to value them as we should. Our Confeceraey,
Just starting upon its career, must pass through
q Red Sea of blood before it can reach the Ca
naan of Freedom and Independence. The motto
of our soldiers should be, Liberty or DEATH .
and their watchword that of the famous "Guard
of Napoleonn-"The Ola Guard may die, but
surrender, never" If we fight with this spirit,
if we do not command success, we will do more,
we will deseroe it.
ssThe hour has come for manly deeds,
And not for pulling words"
We append the telegraphic dispatches which
relate to the fight at Fort Donelson:
NASHVILLE, Feb 16, 11.3O P. M.-The Fort
surrendered at o'clock this morning, to 70, 900
of the enemy; 1900 of the enemy killed and
wounded. Our loss 800.
Large rentorcements were received by the
enemy during the night.
The general officers believing it impossible to
hold the Fort decided to capitulate to save great
loss of life.
Ger. Floyd, with part of his command,
arrived in Clarksville By river.
Gen. Pillow is retrealing by land with a large
body of troops, and will make stand at Olarks,
Vile.
Gen. Buckner, who is reported to have been
captured, cut his way through, and is now at
Clarksvill,.
Gen. Forrest, with part of his command, also
cut their way through, ahd is now at Olarksville.
NASHVILLE, Feb. l7'-Ths Federals received
immense reinforcements on Saturday, and Sun
day morning Fort Donelson was surrendered.
Generals Pillow and FLOYD, and portions of their
commands escaped 1t is said to have been the
bloodiest fight on record. All is lost there
Pillow and Floyd arrived here last night. A
terrible panic prevailed here yesterday. The
Governor, Heads of Departments and Legislature
left for Memphis last evening. Large numbers
of citizens have fed from the city.
LATER.-A dispatch from Memphis, dated
Feb. goth, states that our loss during the four
days of fighting was 1000, and the enemy's loss
1000. Late IN Saturday night council of war
was held, and it was determined to surrender
the Fort General Buckner remained with our
army at the Fort, and $4,000 capitalated on
Sunday.
A despatch from the same place, dated the
22nd says the Federal army was expected to
reach Nashville by Monday, yesterday.
Gen. job nston, it is reported, is at Murfrees-
boro', % miles southeast of Nashville, where he
will be joined By Gen. George B. Crittenden.