...veral days, and, by Colonel Mason's order, several temporary rifle-pits were constructed. A few days before the attack, Lieut.-Colonel Andrews came up from Donelson, (forty-five miles distant,) and Major Hart was sent to take his place at the Fort. On the morning of the attack, Col. Mason was near the river, attending to the duties of the post, and upon hearing of the enemy's approach, made his way to t...