The National tribune., 1902-09-25
LETTER FROM 4nk FIELD.
A Lieutenant.s Observations At Fort Donel-
elson and Dover.
DOVER, near FORT DoNELsoN, Tenn.

DOVER, near FORT DONELS0N, Tenn,
Friday night, Feb. 81, 1862.
This night one week ago the rebels were
in possession Of this Place, confident in
their strength to hold itA Ag8inst any Fed
eral force that might be bfOught against
them; but their fond and cherished hopes
have ended in disappointment Their
stronghold has been taken.e Their forces
have been scattered in every direction, es-
pecially to the North, Sand tonight the
flag of our Union floats proudly to the
breeze from Fort DOnels6n while our own
brave boys rest in perfect security with
in the entertainments. ~
Our regiment is eneamped near the
town and one mile from the main fort.
Our tents were pitched in mud half knee
deep, and since last Tuesday evening we
On Sunday morning we left the steamers
Tecumseh and Neptune at an early hour
and started for the scene of action. just
here let me say that our beloved Maj,
Carahan was very sick during Saturday
and Saturday night, and when Sunday
morning came he was but little better. be-
ing scarcely able to stand, but before our
lines were formed, to the surprise and de-
light of all, the Major appeared on his
spirited horse ready to accompany us to
the battlefield and share with us the
fate of the day, whatever it might be.
After marching eight miles over a mud
dy circuitous and tOilsome road, we reach
ed the outer intrenchments of the fort
and there learned that the rebels had sur
rendered, Internationally, to Gen. Grant,
and l assure you that, notwithstanding
we had fully expected to join in the strug
gle, before the day ended, the news Of the
surrender was joyful news to every one,
and our boys joined in giving three rOus-
ing cheers for Gen. Grant and his vic
tOrious little army.
After remaining on the road an hour we
were ordered back few hundred yards
to piece of bottom land, where we took
supper; one cracker to the man, with
creek water for dessert, after which we
made our beds of rails, corlgstalks. leaves
and weeds. Most of us slept comfortably
until near daybreak, despite Il heavy rain
which began falling at midnight. When
dawned our blankets and clothes
We're wet, our fires nearly eXtinguished.
and the prospect for breakfast anything
but flattering. Some had whole crackers.
others a half, while many had none. Yet
all concluded to make the best of circnm-
stances, and very soon a general division
was made of the prOvender on hand which
consisted of coffee and hardtack, there
being a little of each for every man in the
regiment.
Our breakfast being finished. we sat
down to await further developments and
orders. and after waiting an hour or two
Gen. Leggett (who had gone to Gen.
Grants headquarters) returned with the
that the boats with our lug
gage and rations had gone mp the river to
Dover, and that the regiment would
march a few rods into the woods and re-
main until our tents and provisions could
reach us. About this time disinterested
spectator could have discovered. without
the aid of a glass, few long. WY faces:
but kicking was useless in such Il place.
md under such conditions. Empty stom
lchs were numerous. and crackers scarce
rs melons in April, but lin affew minutes
4 detail of 40 men was made up to go to
Dover and unload our belongings.
Next day (Tuesday) the work was COM
Dleted, and at night, in in9acGordance with
orders, the regiment marched over the
battlefield into Dover and pitched our tents
" candelight. On the samecday G ]. Leg
,ett was appointed Provost Marshal of the
own, and since that time his duties have
,een numerous and arduous, so much
80 that his whole time has heen occupied.
1e has already brought Ordenout of confu-
'iOn, and while his administration thus
ar has been gratifying ito the General in |
he has convinced all with whom |
lie has come in contact thnt his ability and |
are equal to any emergency. |
AS you have already received the par
iculars of the last bloody and desperate |
lighting at this place, L. shall, therefore. |
nly add few items which have come |
lnder my notice. The fort with its in |
extends over a space of sew |
raj miles and is as formidable for de- |
ense as could well be made of earth and |
wood. Around the inner works trees have |
'een felled one over another and the limbs |
happened, SO that it was almost impOs- I
ible for human being to work himself
through them. Yet the bodies of many
allant Union soldiers were found in the
cry midst of them, and where they had
allen while fighting for the salvation of
he land they loved. Many homes have
een made sad and desOlate and many
owed ones have been left to mourn over
he departed heroes. Yet perhaps this is
My beginning of the sorrow and woe for
he American people. To simply hear of
his place one can form no correct idea
I its magnitude nor of the immense
mount of labor and money it has cost the
O-called Confederate States.
When came on the battlefield on Mon
ay morning the ground was covered in
ANY places with dead men. Dead horses.
'agons. guns, cartridge-boxes, belts. can
on-balls, shells, gun-carriages, caissons.
our barrels meat barrels, harness of every
and in fact everything ever
itive in some shape lying over the field.
he results to the Union army are of i'm
lense proportions, and are sufficient 10
ause rejoicing not only in Gen. Grants
rmy, but throughout the entire loyal
'orth, as We learn through the
ewspapers, it has done. On the
ther hand the great victory won
yer the flower of the Southern army
lust be having Il most depressing {
nd discouraging effect throughout ali +,
,beldom. Look at the results of the |
Dlendid victory. Sixty pieces of artillery,
1000 stand Of small arms, large num-
er of wagons, horses and mules, and an
immense amount of provisions and forage,
'gether with 1900 prisoners, including t
en-. Buckner, who has been sent North. /
wo or three hundred prisoners are still 4
re taking care of their sick and wounded, S
nd doing what they can with our help, {
n the relief Of their suffering soldiers j
en. Grant has ordered that all such must |
ave care and attention shown them, until '
ley are able to be moved away. This 1
lows that his heart is in the right place, |
nd many blessings will follow him even {
ON th> cots of our late enemies.
For two days l was III command of a
luad of soldiers having in charge Gen
mOn Il. Buckner and staff. and just [
'evious to their being sent North, on
le evening of the last day before they
ere sent away l had half-hour's con-
rsation with Gen. Bucknet, during which {
, talked very freely, anu among other
lings he said: Your mdn fight we'll =
our resources are greater than ours. {
our army is better clothed, better fed :
nd better armed than ours YOu can fur ,