45

-41-

retreated to Fort Donalson Genl Telmon & abt 80 prisoners

Feby 13 recd letter from William & Thomas at Fort Donalson dated the 8th Feby inst, they had hard fighting

1 Feby 13th Dispatch at 3 oclock evening the battle commenced in ernest at Fort Donalson, daylight in the morning, by land & Watter at 12 oclock Still progressing with greate energy upon all sides at night. The enemy gave way

2 Feby15 awful fighting all day greate loss on all sides the Federals reinforced to 50,000 the Confederates reinforced to. the Southerners gane the day. Dispatch late at night terable Slaughter & loss of live Doct Pillow, Brown & Hays gone to Ft Donalson

3 Feby 15 I sent a letter to William & Thomas by Mack Esq to Fort Donalson

Feby 16 4 oclock in the evening not one word from ft. Donl this (Sunday) is the most heart rending day to me I have ever experienced in all my whole life the awful state of affairs and the greate uncertainty of events, & the Suspence is truly almost too much for me to beare O God help us

1862 War
Feby 16th Recd Intelligence at 6 oclock P.M. the fall of Fort Donalson after fighting all night & all day, to day, enemy had 75,000 men, all either killed or taken prisoners (See Wm B. Wilsons note.)

Mon. Feby 17 after going to Town My feelings somewhat relieved