Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-11
TILES md EADERS q THE CYL WARslA
THE CAPTURE OF FORT DONELSON. 1912 ~z''@'

brave men inside the works that night.
A council of generals and field officers
was held at headquarters. which result
ed In a unanimous resolution that If the
position in front of Gen. Pillow had no.
been reoccupied by the Federals in
strength the army should effect its re-
treat. A reconnaissance was ordered 10
make the test Col. Forrest conducted
it He reported that the ground was
not only reoccupied. but that the enemy
were extended yet farther around the
Confederate left. The council then held
Q final session.
Gen. Simon r. Buckner gave his opin-
ion first: he thought he could not sue
be made by daylight by a vastly SUI
perior force But he further remarked
that as he understood the principal oh
ject OF the defense Of Donelson was to
ney Johnston's army from Bowling Green
to. Nashville, IL that movement was not
completed he was Of opinion that the de-
tense should be continued at the risk OF
the destruction of the entire force. Gen.
Floyd replied that Gen. Johnstons army
had already reached Nashville, where
upon Gen. Buckner said that cit would
be wrong to subject Il e army to q virtual
massacre when no good could result from
the sacrifice and that the general off,
GERS owed IT to their. men. when fur
Their resistance was unavailing, to OBJ
tain the best terms of capitulation pos
sible for Them
Both Gems. Floyd and Pillow ac-
guessed in the opinion. Ordinarily the
council would rave ended at this point.
and the commanding general would have
addressed himself to the duty of obtain
ing terms. But as this was the first
surrender of armed men banded together
for war upon the general government.
what would the Federal authorities do
with the prisoners? This question was
of application to all the gentlemen in the
council. 1t was lost TO view. however.
when Gen. Floyd announced his purpose
to leave with two steamers which We're
to be down at daylight, and to take with
him as many Of his division as the steam
ers could carry away.
Gen. Pillow then remarked that there
were no two persons in the Ccnfederacy
whom the Yankees would rather capture
than himself and Gen. Floyd (who had
been Buchanan Secretary of War. and
was under indictment at Washington,.
As to the propriety of his accompanying
Gen. Floyd. the latter said, cooily. that
the question was one for every man To
decide for himself Buckner was of the
same view, and added that as for him
self he regarded il az his duty to STAY
with his men and share their fate. what
ever it might be. Pillow persisted in
leaving Floyd then directed Gen. Buck
ner to consider himself in command.
Immediately after the council was con-
cluded, Gen. Floyd prepared for his de-
parture. A short time before daylight
the two steamboats, arrived Without los
of time the general fastened to the river.
embarked with his Virginians. and i'm
good time, and safely, he reached Nash
vile.
Col. Forrest was present at the council.
and when the final resolution was taken
Nt,nf he nnft hnF
could nor would surrender his command.
He assembled his men. all as hardy as
himself and moved out and plunged into
a slough formed by backwater from the
the wind blew fiercely, and the darkness
was unre'ieved by star There was
fearful floundering as the command foi-
lowed him. At length he struck dry land.
Nashville.
Gen Buckner ordered the troops back
to their positions and opened commun-
cations with Gen. Grant, whose laconic
demand of unconditional surrender be-
came at once watchword of the war.
The I'd Division was astir very early
on the 10th of February. The regiments
began to form and close up the intervals
between them. the intention being 10
charge the breastworks south of Dove
about breakfast time In the midst of the
preparation a bugle was heard and
white flag was seen coming from the
town toward the pickets. l sent my ad
jutant general to meet the flag half way
and inquire Its purpose. Answer was re-
turned that Gen. Bucxner had captulated
during the night and was now sending
information of the fact to the commando
of the troops in this quarter. that there
might be no further bloodshed.
The division was ordered to advance
and take possession of the works and OF
all public property and prisoners. Leav-
ing that agreeable duty to the brigade
the flag. and, with my staff, rode across
the trench and into the town. till w
came to the door of the old tavern, where
/ disnounted. The tavern was the head
quarters of Gen. Buckner. to whom |
sent my name. and. being an acquaint-
ance. I was a. once admitted.
| found Gen. Buckner with his staff a.
breakfast. He met me with politeness
and dignity. Turning to the officers at
tie table. he remarked: Gen. Wallace
it is not necessary to introduce you to
these gentlemen; you are acquainted with
them all. They arose, came forward
one by one, and gave their hands i'm salu-
tation. ! was then invited to breakfast.
which consisted of corn bread and coffee.
We sat at the table about an hour and
a half when Gen. Grant arrived and
took temporary possession of the tavern
as lis headquarters. Later in the morn
ing the army marched i'm and completed
the possession.
Copyright 1912. by The Century Company