Today in History:

39 Series I Volume XXIII-I Serial 34 - Tullahoma Campaign Part I

Page 39 Chapter XXXVI. ATTACK ON FORT DONELSON, TENN.

at least 600; prisoners, 105, of which over 50 are wounded. We lost one gun, without caissons; 25 mules and 6 horses, belonging to the Eighty-third, were killed and wounded. Flood's battery lost 41 horses killed and disabled for service. A barge containing a large quantity of hay belonging to the United States was destroyed.

Many soldiers lost their blankets and clothing, which were taken from their quarters by the enemy. I have no accurate list of arm captured; some have been turned over and some have not. I have ordered all to be turned over to the post quartermaster. As soon as I can obtain a list of our loss of arms, I will send to you a report of the same.

A. C. HARDING,

Colonel, Commanding.

Colonel W. W. LOWE,

Commanding U. S. Forces at Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson.

[Inclosures.]


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY,
February 3, 1863.

Having invested Fort Donelson with a force sufficient to take it and desiring to prevent the effusion of blood, we have the honor to demand an immediate and unconditional surrender of the fort, with all the forces, stores, &c.

If you surrender, you will be treated as prisoners of war; if not, you must abide the consequences.

Very respectfully,

JOS. WHEELER,

Major-General, Chief Commander.

N. B. FORREST,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry Division.

JNO. A. WHARTON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry Division.

Commanding OFFICER OF FORT DONELSON.


HEADQUARTERS,
Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 3, 1863.

I decline to surrender the forces under my command or the post without an effort to defend them.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

A. C. HARDING,

Colonel, Commanding Eighty-third Illinois Volunteers.

General WHEELER.


Numbers 5. Report of Major General Joseph Wheeler, C. S. Army, commanding expedition.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY,
February --, 1863.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions, I ordered General Wharton's and a portion of General Forrest's


Page 39 Chapter XXXVI. ATTACK ON FORT DONELSON, TENN.