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was estimated, two hundred and thirty-seven killed, and one thousand and seven wounded. The National loss was estimated at four hundred and forty-six killed, one thousand seven hundred and forty-five wounded, and one hundred and fifty prisoners. The latter had been sent across the river, and were not re-captured.1
The victory at Fort Donelson was of the greatest importance to the National cause, and the official announcement of it,2 spreading with speed of lightning over the land, produced intense joy in every loyal bosom.
Cities were illuminated, heavy guns thundered forth National salutes; and every — where the flag of the Republic was flung to the breeze, in token of profound satisfaction.
The news filled the conspirators with despair, and terribly depressed the spirits of the soldiers of the Confederate army.
By it Europe was made to doubt the success of the rebellion; and at some courts it produced the first serious thoughts of abandoning the cause of the conspirators.
Its effect, in all relations, was similar to that of the capture of Burgoyne and his army at Saratoga, in 1777.
So powerful was the impression, that the Confederate Commissioners abroad felt compelled to do all in their power to belittle the event, and, by taking advantage of the general deficiency of knowledge of American geography,3 to satisfy the ruling class that it was of no military importance whatever.
In that effort the Commissioners failed.
At Richmond the fall of Fort Donelson caused emotions of mingled anger and dismay.
The loss of Roanoke Island, a few days before, had greatly alarmed and irritated the conspirators; and now the chief of the Confederates,
1 Reports of Generals Grant, McClernand, Wallace, and subordinate officers; and of Floyd, Pillow, and Buckner, and their subordinates. Also written and oral statements to the author by participants in the action.
2 Commander Walke, in the Carondelet, carried the first news of the victory to Cairo, from which it was telegraphed to General McClellan by General George W. Cullum, Halleck's Chief of Staff, then at Cairo, saying: “The Union flag floats over Donelson. The Carondelet, Captain Walke, brings the glorious intelligence. The fort surrendered at nine o'clock yesterday (Sunday) morning. Generals Buckner, Bushrod R. Johnston, and 15,000 prisoners, and a large amount of materials of war, are the trophies of the victory. Loss heavy on both sides. Floyd, the thief, stole away during the night previous with 5,000 men, and is denounced by the rebels as a traitor.” He then spoke of the good conduct of Commodore Foote, and announced the fact that, notwithstanding his sufferings from the wound in his foot, he would immediately make an attack on Clarksville, an important post about forty miles above. He concluded by saying, “We are now firing a National salute from Fort Cairo, General Grant's late post, in honor of the glorious achievement.”
The women of St. Louis, desirous of testifying their admiration of General Halleck, in whose Department and by whose troops these victories had been achieved (and because of his energy in suppressing secession in Missouri), ordered an elegant sword to be made by Tiffany & Co., of New York, to be presented to him in their name. This was done in the parlor of the Planters' Hotel, in St. Louis, on the evening of the 17th of March, 1862, by Mrs. Helen Budd, who spoke in behalf of the donors. In his brief reply, General Halleck assured the women of St. Louis that it should be “used in defense of their happiness, their rights, and their honor, and solely in behalf of justice.” The weapon was an elegant one, richly ornamented with classical designs. |
| Halleck's sword. |
3 The amazing territorial extent of the United States is but little comprehended in Europe, and the relative position of places mentioned in connection with the war seemed to be very little understood, even by some of the best informed writers and speakers. This lack of exact information led writers on American affairs into the most absurd speculations as well as serious blunders. An illustrative example was found in the summary of war news from America in the Paris Moniteur, at about the time we are considering. Speaking of the capture of Roanoke Island, and of Elizabeth City, in Eastern North Carolina
Feb., 1862. |
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