Monthly Archives: February 2012

February 1862: Harper’s Weekly celebrates the capture of Fort Donelson

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Harper’s recaps the fall of Fort Donelson in their March 1 issue. WE illustrate on the preceding page a thrilling scene in the attack upon Fort Donelson, which took place on 14th, 15th, and 16th ult., the fort surrendering to … Continue reading →

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February 28, 1862: Camp life in Iowa for Cyrus Boyd

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Cyrus Boyd, 15th Iowa Cyrus Boyd continued with camp life in Keokuk, near the Missouri border. Until the river ice cleared, the 15th Iowa could not move south. As he anticipated, they would be headed for battle as soon as … Continue reading →

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February 27, 1862: A trip up the Cumberland on the gunboat Conestoga

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Allen Gathman

The SS Conestoga The New York Times correspondent reports on a trip to the captured capital of Tennessee. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 27, 1862. Tuesday, the gunboat Conestoga was ordered to proceed from Cairo to this place, for the purpose … Continue reading →

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February 26, 1862: Grant says captured slaves will work for Union

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Allen Gathman

In a reversal of earlier policy, General Grant decides that captured slaves will not be returned to their previous owners, but will be employed by the Union. It had become clear that the slaves were an important military resource in … Continue reading →

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February 25, 1862: Significance of the taking of Nashville

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Allen Gathman

51st Ohio on parade in Nashville From the New York Times: THE CITY OF NASHVILLE. By the capture of Nashville, we obtain possession of the largest city in the rebel States which has yet been occupied by our troops. Nashville, … Continue reading →

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February 24, 1862: Buell takes Nashville – a premature report

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Once the Cumberland River’s defenses at Fort Donelson fell, there was little to protect Nashville. It was the first Confederate capital to be captured by the Union. This dispatch in the New York Times was a day early, but Nashville … Continue reading →

Posted in A. S. Johnston, Don Carlos Buell, Gideon Pillow, John B. Floyd, John C. Breckinridge, Thomas C. Hindman, William J. Hardee | Leave a comment

February 23, 1862: Buell still heading for Nashville

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Allen Gathman

As usual, if you want to know what the Union army is up to, read the papers. Buell was indeed headed for Nashville, and fortunately there wasn’t a force available to offer much opposition. From the New York Times: THE … Continue reading →

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February 22, 1862: Buell finally heads for Nashville

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Buell, from a 3d viewer card, 1865 After continual urging from Henry Halleck, Buell finally moves toward Nashville. From the Official Record: BOWLING GREEN, February 22, 1862. To the COMMANDING OFFICER United States Forces, Clarksville: SIR: I am marching on … Continue reading →

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February 21, 1862: Halleck brags about taking the forts

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Halleck reports to McClellan to brag about his success at Forts Henry and Donelson. Note, though, that he still has little use for Grant; had Buell been there, they’d have Nashville already. From the Official Record: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE … Continue reading →

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February 20, 1862: Union takes Clarksville

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Andrew H. Foote The retreating Confederates abandoned Clarksville, TN, and Foote’s naval force easily took possession. Grant and his troops were headed for Nashville. From the Official Record: UNITED STATES FLAG STEAMER CONESTOGA, February 20, 1862 (via Cairo, February 21). … Continue reading →

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