his whole force
over the eleven miles of dreadful roads, and on the 12th began investing
the stronghold, an earthwork inclosing about 100 acres, with outworks on
the land and water sides, and defended by more than 20,000 men commanded
by General Floyd, who had been President Buchanan's Secretary of War.
The investing force had its right near the river above the fort. The
weather was alternately wet and freezing cold. The troops had no
shelter, and suffered greatly. On the 14th, without serious opposition,
the investment was completed. At three o'clock in the afternoon of the
14th, flag officer Foote began the attack, the fleet of gunboats
steaming up the river and firing as rapidly as possible; but several
were disabled by the enemy's fire, and all had to fall back before
nightfall. The enemy telegraphed to Richmond that a great victory had
been achieved.

On the next day, Grant, riding several miles to the river, met Foote on
his gunboat, to which he was confined by a wound received the day
before. Returning, he found that a large force from the fort had made a
sortie upon a part of his line, but had been driven back after a severe
contest. It was found that the haversacks of the Confederates left on
the field contained three days' rations. Instantly, Grant reasoned that
the intention was not so much to drive him away as to break through his
line and escape. He ordered a division that had not been engaged to
advance at once, and before night it had established a position within
the outer lines of defense. Surrender or capture the next day was the
fate of the Confederates.

During the night General Floyd and General Pillow, next in command, and
General Forest made their escape with about 4000 men. Before light the
next morning, General Grant received a note from General S. B. Buckner,
who was left in command of the fort, suggesting the appointment of
commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation, and meanwhile an
armistice until noon. To this note General Grant sent the curt reply:
"No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be
accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works." General
Buckner sent back word that he was compelled by circumstances "to accept
the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms" which had been proposed.

This victory electrified the whole North, then greatly in need of cheer.
General Grant became the hero of the hour. His name was honored and his
exploit lauded from one