Today in History:

272 Series I Volume LII-II Serial 110 - Supplements Part II

Page 272 Chapter LXIV. SW. VA., KY., TENN., MISS., ALA., W. FLA., & N. GA.

sanquine of victory, though I am not fully ready. I have done all that it was possible to do, and think I will drive back the enemy.

GID. J. PILLOW,

Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

Operator will repeat to General Johnston and Governor Harris.

GID. J. PILLOW.

[7.]

CUMBERLAND CITY, [February] 12, [1862.]

Governor ISHAM G. HARRIS, Nashville, Tenn.:

One gun-boat made its appearance in sight of Fort Donelson this morning about 10 o'clock and opened a fire on the fort without injury, which fire the fort returned, when the boat retired. The Federals have landed in force, and the battle with light artillery commenced this evening. They are reported to have 10,000 or 12,000. We have the same number, probably more, to meet them. The steamer giving this news says when it left the battle was raging, but knows nothing further. I will telegraph you as fast as the news comes. Generals Pillow and Buckner are there.

R. C. WINTERSMITH.

[7.]

CUMBERING CITY, February 13, 1862-1,30 a. m.

General JOHNSTON:

I antipated your order which overtook me here. Spipping the balance of the troops from this point to fort Donelson. I will reach there before day, leaving a small guard here.

John B. FLOYD,

Brigadier-General.

[7.]

FORT DONELSON, February 13, [1862]-9,50 a. m.

General JOHNSTON:

The enemy's gun-boats are advancing. They are in force around our entire works. Our field defenses are good. I think we can sustain ourselves against the land forces. I reached here this morning at daylight.

FLOYD,

General.

[7.]

FORT DONELSON, February 13, 1862.

General JOHNSTON:

After two hours' cannonade the enemy has hauled off their gun-boats; will commence probably again. The attack on our intrenchmenst has been feeble, confined almost exclusively to field pieces up to this hour (11,30).

John B. FLOYD,

Brigadier-General.

[7.]

FORT DONELSON, February 13, 1862-Night.

General JOHNSTON:

I learn from what seems to be reliable authority gathered from different sources that the enemy are concentrating upon the Tennessee River a force of 50,000 men or even more. They are said to be bring-


Page 272 Chapter LXIV. SW. VA., KY., TENN., MISS., ALA., W. FLA., & N. GA.