Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 1

[58] been intimate; their first official intercourse occurred during the siege of Fort Donelson, when Sherman forwarded troops and supplies to Grant with extraordinary dispatch. Sherman was the senior, but, on the 13th of February, he wrote: ‘I will do every thing in my power to hurry forward your reenforcements and supplies; and if I could be of service myself, would gladly come, without making any question of rank with you or General Smith.’ After the fall of Fort Donelson, Sherman congratulated Grant warmly on his success, and Grant replied: ‘I feel under many obligations to you for the kind terms of your letter, and hope that should an opportunity occur, you will earn for yourself that promotion which you are kind enough to say belongs to me. I care nothing for promotion so long as our arms are successful, and no political appointments are made.’

This was the beginning of a friendship destined thereafter never to flag, to stand the test of apparent rivalry and public censure, to remain firm under trials such as few friendships were ever subjected to, to become warmer as often as it was sought to be interrupted, and in hours of extraordinary anxiety and responsibility and care, to afford a solace and a support that were never lacking when the need arose. On the 21st of February, General C. F. Smith, by Grant's direction, took possession of Clarksville, about fifty miles above Fort Donelson, and Grant wrote to Cullum announcing the fact, and proposing the capture of Nashville, but said, ‘I am ready for any move the general commanding may suggest.’ On the 24th, he reported that Smith was at Clarksville, with four small regiments, and added: ‘I do not purpose send. ing more, until I know the pleasure of General Halleck ’