Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1864-06-01
Surrender of Fort Donelson.

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ing field of life.
Surrender Of Fort Donelson.
A correspondent Of the Appeal perpe,
trates the following reminiscence:
see the, enemy have failed to dislodge
Forrest from West Tennessee and Kentucky
yet, Notwithstanding their boasts, and the
fact that reiDforcements have been sent
them from Chattanooga. Forrest is too
much for them. He is the hardest nut
they have cracked at yet. By the way,
speaking of this gallant officer, I have heard
an interesting account Of the capture of
Fort Donelson, in which he figured promi-
nently, and which, if true, entities him to
great credit for his daring enterprise and
determination. My author is prominent
member of Congress, who was one of the
investigating committee on the Fort Donel;
son disaster. Although would by no
means give his name, yet do not hesitate
to- give these unpublished particulars, as
they. are bound to leak out some day or
other.
% Saturday night before the surrender
a council was called Pillow, Floyd, Buck
ner and a number of brigadiers composed
this body. There was much confusidn and
an exciting debate for while. Some
thought it necessary to surrender, and some
didn't. 1t was midnight, and no definite
understanding was come to-. Gen. Floyd,
seeing this, dismissed the council, request.
ing Pillow and Buckner to remain. The
three sat down gloomily by the fire, to pom
der over the sad aspect Of affairs. A long
silence ensued.a At last Floyd said;
"Well, gentlemen, it remains with Us to
decide this matter, and We must. do it at
once. 1t is now midnight, and if we re-
treat, we have not moment to lose."
81 say retreats" said Pillow.
81 say surrender We have shed enough
blood already to no. purpose" said Buck
| ner.
teWell, gentlemen" said Floyd, ~ see
you. are still divided, and as 1 have the
casting vote, I will settle the matter at
once. I favor a surrender myself, provided
the duty does not devolve upon me. I
can't surrender, because the United States
Government have indicted me for treason,
and the probability is that if they we're to
get me they would hang me. transfer
the command to you, General Pillow"
"Well, General" said Pillow, "Tm in
the same fix as yourself. The Yankees
have got me indicted for shipping guns and
munitions of var to the Confederate Gov
ernment. So you see I can't surrender,
either; they would hang me as quick as
they would you, and if you arc exeusable,
1 guess I am too. So transfer my right
of command to you, General Buckner."
Gen. Buckrer bowed, but said nothing.
At that moment q noise was heard without
The door opened and courier announced
an officer who desired admittance. He
was ordered to show him in, and the next
moment Col. Forrest, all splashed with mud
and water, with high topped boots and az
old slouched hat, made his appearance
He walked to the fire place and seated him
self without saying a word. After q few
moments, Floyd said: "Well, Colonel,
have you anything important to communi-
cate that you come here at this late hour,
or has your curiosity led you to pay us this
visit in order to find out what we have de-
oided upon ?" "Both," replied Forrest,
drily, then rising from his chair he said:
"But is it possible, gentlemen, as have
already heard whispered this night, that
you intend to surrender" 2" ,.
eyes," was the reply, "we have just ar
rived at that conclusion" " -
"But," said Forrest, "there is no occa-
sion for it, gentlemen, the whole army can
easily escape without the loss of man
not an hour ago crossed the river on my
horse where it vas not waist deep. L cross.
ed it going, on horseback, and waded it
coming back. It is free from Yankee pick
cts, also, and there is no danger to be fear
ed.", .., ~ .s-sa.. -. ;, .
"Yes, but Colonel" said General Floyd,
."my scouts have reconuoisered the entire
river, and an: officer, who arrived not half
an hour ago, told me that he hadstssted the
river everywhere, and nospot had he found
that was fordable." FT
u. 81 don't care General, if he dig" " said
Forrest, .sshs told you d-d lie, as Iams
ready to swear thztI Hadsd the river not
half an hour ago, as my wet clothes will
testify. And now, gentlemen, as tits get
ting: late, it is high time you should sbea
acting. Will; you take my advice, and
make your escape?" I