February 16, 1862---The Battle of Fort Donelson: Day Six

FEBRUARY 16, 1862:       

 The Battle of Fort Donelson (Day Six): There was a fierce debate among the Confederate commanders inside Fort Donelson. Brigadier Generals Floyd and Pillow declared a victory in holding the fort, and even wired General Joseph E. Johnston in Nashville of their success, but Brigadier General Simon Bolivar Buckner was more realistic. He realized that Grant was still receiving reinforcements, and that the battle was going to become a siege very quickly. After inventorying his food supplies, ammunition and other material with his fellow generals, all realized that surrender was their only option. Gideon Pillow, John Floyd and Nathan Bedford Forrest decided to flee with small groups of handpicked men, and managed to evade Union pickets. After their escape, Buckner asked for terms.

Grant famously wired back

Sir:

Yours of this date proposing Armistice, and appointment of Commissioners, to settle terms of Capitulation is just received. No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am Sir:

very respectfully

Your obt. sevt.

U.S. Grant

Brig. Gen.

a telegram which gained him the nickname of “Unconditional Surrender” Grant. The fall of Fort Donelson restored United States control of the Cumberland River, and this led directly to the fall of Nashville.  The victory was celebrated wildly in the North, and was considered a complete humiliation in the South.

Grant himself wrote in satisfaction:

“Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in Capitals on the maps of our United Country..."

Union losses were 2,691 (507 killed, 1,976 wounded, 208 captured/missing). Confederate losses were 13,846 (327 killed, 1,127 wounded, 12,392 captured/missing).