terday, to accept the
ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you propose.

I am, Sir, your very obedient servant,
S. B. BUCKNER,
_General commanding C. S. A._

_____

_General Orders No. 2._ (p. 375)

Headquarters, District of West Tennessee,
Fort Donelson, February 17th, 1862.

The general commanding takes great pleasure in congratulating the
troops of this command for the triumph over rebellion gained by
their valor on the 13th, 14th, and 15th instant.

For four successive nights, without shelter during the most
inclement weather known in this latitude, they faced an enemy in
large force in a position chosen by himself. Though strongly
fortified by nature, all the safeguards suggested by science were
added. Without a murmur this was borne, prepared at all times to
receive an attack, and with continuous skirmishing by day,
resulting ultimately in forcing the enemy to surrender without
conditions.

The victory achieved is not only great in breaking down
rebellion, but has secured the greatest number of prisoners of
war ever taken in one battle on this continent.

Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in capitals on the maps of
our united country, and the men who fought the battle will live
in the memory of a grateful people.

U. S. GRANT,
_Major-General commanding_.

_____

_General Grant to the Assistant Adjutant-General._

To Headquarters, Department of the Tennessee,
COLONEL J. C. KELTON, Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 6, 1863
Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.

Colonel: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of the Army of the Tennessee, and co-operating forces,
from the date of my assuming the immediate command of the
expedition against Vicksburg, Mississippi, to the reduction of
that place.

From the moment of taking command in person I became satisfied
that Vicksburg could only be turned from the south side, and, in
accordance with this conviction, I prosecuted the work on the