The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1863-02-20
cen. Wheeler's Last Expedition.
Correspondence of the Rebel BannerJ
NEAR CHARLOTTE Feb 6. 1868.

NEAR CHARLOTTE, Feb. e, 1902
We are just re:urning from another
/ expedition down the Cumberland river
put as the mercury stands deg. Fahfen-
nett, you cannot expect very lengthy y
or interesting account oft Ats o'clock'
r NJ. on the Sd we came in the vicinity
OF Fort Donelson, and upon inquiry CIT
lzens informed us that the force was not
very large, and had no fortifcatlonSS'
whereupon it was concluded to attack
the point. Accordingly General Forrest
with three or four hundred men on the
right, and Gen. Wharton with about tn e
same number ON the left, commenced
the hight, which lasted with much ylgor
for two or three hours. II was but the
work OF a moment to capture a part ana
drive the remainder of the several COM
panles which were posted outside the tof-
tltlcations. Right bravely did our boys
move up to their work-General Forrest
charging once on horseback and then
again on foot-but SO strongly entrench-
ed were the Yankees in their fortlhca-
tons and rifle pits, that he retired al
though he had succeeded in entering the
streets of the town. Csn. Wharton with
his command had succeeded zir-z-t,,okI
into the townon the left, neXt.to theTJ.
cr,- after having captured quite Il number
OF prisoners, small arms, and a very SUI
perior l2-pound brass rifed piece with
its caisson, hor es and ammunition
Thus we drove them into small space.
but from their rifle pits and windows of
houses they poured very heavy fire upon
us, which | am happy to say was not very
disastrous to US.
Night was upon us, and the broad sill
yer moon gave US her cheering light bv
which to continue the attack-but find
ing our artillery ammunition nearly ex-
pended, and that of the small arms stead
lily decreasing, it was determined to re-
tire. Just then information reached us
that reinforcements were coming from
Fort Henry, and we distinctly heard the
shouts of those who were coming up and
down on the gunboats. All these con-
current circumstances combined to in
duce us to retire. Before our rear had
left the old Notifications, the gunboats
began a most furious Smelling, which con-
tinued during nearly the entire night
In summing up the results of the day,
we have much to be proud of, for seldom
were more galiantry and true bravery ex-
hibited than on this occasion. Gen. For
rest is one of the bravest men in any ma
ton. Gen. Wharton has all the fire of a
Scipio, and the Little Hero, as usual. was
almost ubiquitous, directing each move
ment, and from time to time appearing
IN the midst of the hottest fire to lead
on the brave and stimulate the Tagging
We would have been glad to have taken
the garrison, but 1900 men in rifle pits,
with fine battery of artillery, was rath-
er heavy for cavalry. but the expedition
resulted il the capture of nearly a hun
dred prisoners. among whom were FIVE
commissioned officers, a number of wag-
ons, ambulances, small arms, and. a fine
brass rified piece. Besides this, we burn
ed a fine tow-boat loaded with provender.
L cannot stop now to give an account, o.
the individual acts of gallantry or'7-fhe
part of officers and men; but suffice II to
say that numerous promotions will be
the result of that days labor. The enc
my are believed to be III possession of
Franklin several thousand strong.
SENpROE1rc