February 14, 1862---The Battle of Fort Donelson: Day Four

FEBRUARY 14, 1862:          

The Battle of Fort Donelson (Day Four):          Although the morning was quiet, the afternoon was shattered by a furious roar  as the Union gunboat fleet exchanged what the officers sardonically called "iron valentines" with the eleven big guns in the fort. The fort’s guns inflicted such extensive damage upon the gunboats that they were forced to withdraw. Although the Confederates cheered their “victory,” it was damped by the fact that Grant continued receiving reinforcements and was surrounding the fort. Rebel commanders began planning a breakout maneuver.