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idaho native
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jul 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Boise, Idaho USA |
| Posts: | 813 |
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Posted: Mon Feb 16th, 2009 12:38 pm |
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Before daylight General C F Smith brought to me the following letter from General Buckner:
Headquarters, Ft. Donelson
February 16, 1862
Sir - In consideration of all the circumstances governing the present situation of affairs at this station, I purpose to the Commanding officer of the Federal forces the appointment of Commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation of the forces and the fort under my command, and in that view suggest an armistice until 12 o'clock to-day:
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your ob't se'v't
S. B. Buckner
Brig. Gen. CSA
To this I responded as follows:
Headquarters Army in the Field
Camp near Donelson
February 16, 1862
General S. B. Buckner,
Confederate Army,
Sir - Yours of this date, proposing armistice and appointment of Commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I purpose to move immediately upon your works.
I am, sir, very respctfully,
Your ob't se'v't,
U. S. Grant
Brig. General
To this I received the following reply:
Headquarters, Dover, Tennessee
February 16, 1862
To Brig. Gen'l U. S. Grant,
U.S. Army
Sir - The distribution of the forces under my command, incident to an unexpected change of commanders, and the overwhelming force under your command, compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success of the Confederate arms yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you purpose.
I am, sir,
Your very ob't se'v'r,
S. B. Buckner,
Brig. Gen. C.S.A.Last edited on Mon Feb 16th, 2009 12:40 pm by idaho native
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"In our youth our hearts were touched with fire." - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
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Ron
Member
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Posted: Mon Feb 16th, 2009 01:41 pm |
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Sharon:
This shows Grant's determination to force the surrender of the confederate forces and to gain the victory. Buckner hoped and expected more consideration from Grant because they knew each other. Grant's determination would not allow any consideration but, after the surrender, he was very generous with Buckner even to the point of offering his purse to Buckner.
I know Grant was determined in military operations which were all offensive, with a single -minded purpose but generous to a defeated foe.
Ron
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Ron
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