were greatly superior to any good fortune which had at that time befallen the national arms, and were hardly surpassed, in a purely military point of view, by the result of any operations of the war. The great rebel line being penetrated at the centre, its extremities were both turned, while the region behind was uncovered. The whole of Kentucky and Tennessee at once fell into the possession of the national forces; the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers were opened to national vessels for hundreds of miles; Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, and a place of immense strategic importance, fell; Bowling Green had become untenable as soon as Donelson was attacked, and was abandoned on the 14th, the day before the rebel works on the Cumberland were carried; while Columbus, at the other end of the line, was evacuated early in March, thus leaving the Mississippi free from the rebel flag, from St. Louis to Arkansas.

The country was unacquainted at this time with the principles of military science; and as city after city fell, and stronghold after stronghold was abandoned, all legitimate consequences of the capture of Fort Donelson, the national amazement and gratifica tion knew no bounds. The effect on the spirits of the soldiers and of the people, was indeed quite equal to the purely military results. This was the first success of any importance since the beginning of the war. An inferior force had marched boldly up to a strongly fortified post, and for three days besieged an army larger than itself; then, after being reënforced, it had not only defeated the enemy in the open field, converting what had nearly been disaster into brilliant victory, but compelled the unconditional surrender

of one of the largest garrisons ever captured in war. These were considerations which naturally enough elated and cheered the country, and absolutely inspired the army, depressed before by long delays and defeats on many fields. The gratitude felt towards Grant was commensurate with the success. He stepped at once into a national fame.

CHAPTER III.

Grant and Sherman-Beginning of their friendship-Grant goes to NashvilleIs relieved from command by Halleck-Smith placed in charge of expedition up the Tennessee-Grant supplies Smith from Fort Henry-Grant reinstated in command-Removes his headquarters to Savanna-Buell ordered to reenforce him-Buell's delay-Skirmishing at Pittsburg Landing-The Battle of Shiloh-Furious attack of the rebels-The national forces prepared-Grant arrives on the field-Sherman's line breaks-Sherman's skill and personal gallantry-Terrible fighting all over the field-The national troops everywhere forced back-Grant's anxiety for Nelson and Lewis Wallace's support-Those commanders repeatedly ordered up, but do not arriveCapture of Prentiss-Buell's arrival in person-His conversation with Grant -The last attack of the rebels repulsed-Grant at Sherman's front-The situation at close of Sunday-Arrival of Buell's army in the night-Also of Lewis Wallace-Attack by Grant on Monday-The rebels everywhere repulsed-Grant leads a regiment-Rebels ask permission to bury their deadResults of the battle of Shiloh-Reflections.

On the 15th of February, Grant was assigned to the new military district of West Tennessee, with "limits not defined,"* and Brigadier-General William T. Sherman to the command of the District of Cairo. Sherman had been at West Point with Grant, but graduated three years earlier, and they had not since

* HEADQUARTERS, DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, FORT DONELSON, February 17, 1862.

General Orders, No. 1. By virtue of directions from headquarters, Department of the Missouri, dated February 15, 1862, the undersigned has been assigned to the command of the new military district of West Tennessee. Limits not defined.

(Signed)

U. S. GRANT, Major-General Commanding.

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 reënforcements 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 sending more, until I know the pleasure of General Halleck

on the subject." On the 25th, he said: "I wrote you that General Nelson's division (of Buell's army), had been sent to Nashville; since then, I have learned that the head of General Buell's column had arrived, on Monday evening. The rebels have fallen back to Chattanooga, instead of to Murfreesboro, as stated in a former letter. I shall go to Nashville immediately after the arrival of the next mail, should there be no orders to prevent it. I am getting anxious to know what the next move is going to be." He went to Nashville, accordingly, on the 27th. His object was to consult with Buell about the disposition of their troops, the jurisdiction of the two commands having become somewhat confused during the recent movements. On the 28th, he wrote: "I have just returned from Nashville this morning. My impression is, from all I can learn, the enemy have fallen back to Decatur or Chattanooga. I have informed General Cullum that General Buell ordered General Smith from Clarksville, to join him at Nashville." On the 1st of March: “I have informed the general commanding the department, generally through his chief of staff, every day since leaving Cairo, of my wants, what informa tion was obtained of the enemy," etc. The same dispatch contained a detailed declaration of the needs of the command, for the information of General Halleck. Up to this time, no hint of dissatisfaction had been received by Grant.

The same day Halleck, with his usual caution, wrote: "It will be better to retreat than to risk a general battle. Avoid any general engagement with strong forces." He then gave detailed instructions. to move the whole command from the Cumberland back to the Tennessee, with a view to an expedition