The fight at Fort Donelson commenced.
the Federal force 12,000 strong.
Nashville, Feb. 12.
--P. M.--A dispatch received from Cumberland City, this evening, states that one Federal gunboat appeared in sight of Fort Donelson this morning, and about ten o'clock opened fire on the fort, but without injury to the fort.
The fort returned the fire and the gunboat retired.--The Federals have landed in force, and a battle with light artillery commenced this evening.
It is reported that the Federals have a force of ten or twelve thousand.
When the steamer which conveyed the news to Cumberland city left Fort Donelson, the battle was raging, but no particulars were known.
[second Dispatch.]
Nashville, Feb. 13.
--A dispatch was received here to-night, dated at Fort Donelson to-day, at half-past 11 o'clock A. M. It states that the firing of artillery commenced this morning before sunrise, and had continued unceasingly up to that time.
A number of pieces are rapidly firing.
Occasionally the enemy keeps at a respectful distance.
Field artillery are engaged all along the line.
Fort Donelson, Feb. 13--2 o'clock and 45 minutes.--The firing has ceased — possibly that the enemy may change position.
We have, so far, repulsed the enemy at every point on our line.
Our loss is small.
The Federal gunboats retired and we think they are severely injured.
Our men are in fine spirits.
Fort Donelson, Feb. 13.--Afternoon. --The day has almost past, and we still hold our own. We have repulsed the enemy and driven back their gunboats, and whipped them by land and water.
He still lies around, probably to attack us to-morrow again.
Our loss is not very great, while the enemy's must be heavy.
We have had lively fighting and heavy cannonading all around the line all day. We have repulsed the enemy everywhere, and we are satisfied we have injured their gunboats materially, as they retired twice.
Our lines are entrenched all around. 