Evansville Daily Journal, Volume 14, Number 126, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, 24 February 1862 — Page 2

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. KDITNiU ......ASSOCIATE EDITa MONDAY MOBNINO FEBROART 34 The Star Spangled Banner la Triumph y O'er tbe Hnd of tbe FnM and the homo of tlie Bravs." TIKE NOTICE, EVERYBODY ! If yon want anything. If yon have anything to sell. If yon want to buy anything, If yon want to rent a House, If you want Boarders, If you have lost anything. If you have found anything, T ILL TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE BY ADVERTISING IN THE EVANSVtLLE JOURNAL. AU wants supplied by advertising in the JOCBSAI.. SUBSCRIPTION TRIOK FOB DAILY: Delivered In the City. Der week.. ..0 10 By mall or in the City, per year -Tin advance) 6 00 FOB WKIKLV: By mail per year, single subscriber ............SI 50 .4 cib of Bve (to one address) 6 00 ADVERTISING!. For Terra see first page, tabular lorm. AGENTS: The following SHutleuinu are oar authorised Agents iu the pUcea named : Dr. Balaton, Boonville, Warrick Co. John M. Lock wood, Bit. Vernon, Posey Co. John B. IiHiigherty, Bock port, Spencer Co. James L. Thornton, Princetou, Gibson Oo. Jobu B. Handy, Newburg, Warrick Oo. EwyMorphy, New Harmouv, Posey Oo. A.TI. WilkiMSOB.Cynthiana. Preston Talbott, Poeeyville, Posey t)o. H. H. Custen, Petersburg, Pike Oo. ' Mark Grant, Canal P. O., Warrick 0o. G. P. Cavanah, Oweueville, Gibson Oo. ' A VOYAGE TO FORT DONELSON A reporter for the Evakstillb Journal accompanied a large party of our citizen who took passage on the steamer Courier, on Tuesday, Feb. 18tb, for Fort Donelson, Tenn. A detailed account of the observa. tions of the party we think will be of more interest to our readers than anything else we can publish ; hence, we make no apolo gy for the length of the report. ' The steamer left our landing at 2 p. u with over 300 passengers on board, from Vanderburgh and the neighboring counties, interested in the Twenty-fifth Indiana Regiment, which took an active part and suf. fered badly in the siep;e and capture of Fort Donelson. Considerable additions were made to the passenger list at Henderson, Mount Vernon Shawneetown, and other towns down the river. The glorious news of the capture of Fort Donelson fired the people of the river towns into a glow of enthusiasm. We laid at Paducah about an hour. There were about fire hundred sick and wounded Indiana and Illinois soldiers in the hospitals t'lere, but the shortness of our stay. nod tne formalities necessary to gain admittance prevented us from visiting them, Fresh arrivals of wounded were constantly coming in from Fort Dont-.Uon. Several got on our boat to ga to Cairo and way points. The boat arrived at Cairo at half-past one p. m. The weather was very disagreeable and the mud fathomless. The place was alive with military preparation. Several gunboats and mortar-boats were at the wharf, some of the former showing evi dences of the battles of Forts Uenry and Donelson. Repairs were under way, bowever, which would soon conceal these. The ladies of our party and their attendants were kindly shown through the Cincinnati, one of the boats engaged at Fort Henry. All were amazed at her prodigious strength, and the skill shown io her construction. The sides being slanting and the bow and Stern flaring, this boat and others of her class are invulnerable to a horizontal but not to a plunging fire. The Benton, another gunboat, with no exposed points, and entirely covered with iron, might be safely pitted against anything in the shape of artillery. We saw a long train r.f cars loaded with mortars lor the mortar-boats, and there were several hundreds of shells for them on one of the wharf-boat3. These were thirteen inches in diameter, and Ominous of death and carnage. The first move of Capt. Dexter after land ing, was to see uen. fame and try to get Mis permission to go up Uum'jerlaud river. The writer went with the Captain to head quarters, and after some delay we were admitted to the presence. The General a tall and dark-looking man, with grey hair and black whiskers politely but firmly d clined to allow the boat to go to Fort Don elson, saying he had positive orders from uen. urant not to allow civilians to bo there. He had refused passes to Governors Yates of Illinois and Morton of Indiana, and a large number of physicians and nurses they brought with them to look after the wounded. Entreaty availed not, and when the word cf.a communicated to the passengers that the ol'ject of their expedition was likely to ba Jeiwue.J, great was the disappointment. While the boat was discharging and receiving freight, a number of the passengers went to look at a boat load of " Secesh " piisouers just brought from Fort Donelson. . There were fully a thousand of them. They were clothed in every variety of costume. Some Texan Rangers h:td on Mexican variegated scrapes. Other prisoners bad on quilts, comforts and carpeting for blankets. Blankets of every imaginable color were worn hats of all shapes and sizes breeches of all hues, with and without stripes. It seemed as if no two prisoners were clothed alike. There was no attempt at uniformity in dress. The prisoners were as a whole of full average stature. They were weather-beaten, dirty, unc-orubed atul down-hearted. The mass of them seemed ignorant and depraved. They were guarded by armed soldiers, and were of course themselves unarmed. The writer went amongst them aud talked with half a dozen, oue by one. Oa the question being aaked, "Do you really thieve you were lighting in a just cause when you took up arms against the best government that ever existed ?" only one attempted to justify himself. The others would not answer yes or no. Some confessed that tbey did not understand the merits of the case. Some stood and made no intelligible answer to questions asked them, or tu&intained a dogged silence. Persona on the wharf-boat and a number

M. THAYEB, .... K. DKKW .

',, Hie prisoners began to tislfc to and taunt

each Other. Home o t ne latter mjosuuo cry boisterous and in;"'..4. throwing epithets in abundance, urn! s' ow tag the rattle-snake . in their nature. They, and all that can be i accommodated with room, are bound for the Alton penitentiary. The boat started at lour o clock-, ana dropped down to give the passengers a Bieht of Fort Defiance oq the point. She then steamec up, auu, ueing nauea at tne upper wharf-boat, stopped and fouud there Gov. Morton and forty-four other gentlemen from Indianapolis, on their way to Fort Donelson, to see the wonnded ot In diana. We were in luck, for without the Governor's aid we could not expect to reach the Fort. The Governor and his party had given up Gen. Paine in despair, and concluded to ask pas3e3-ftom Gen. Sherman at raJocab. ,- When the boat arrived at Mound City, a party of U3 went to the hospital, situated iu the long; handsome row of brick stores belonging to the Mound City Co. The arrangements for taking care of the sick. and wounded were good, and several hundred of the wounded had been brought- from Fort Donelson. The steamer Diamond had just arrived with one hundred and sixtythree, three having died on; the passage, The wounded were being carried to the hos pital on Utters. The following is a list of the Indianians in this hospital, including those brought by the Diamond: - - David J. Temple, Co. E, 52d Regiment; Charles Gootee, Co. A,- 52d do.; Thos. Sin-c-leton. Co. E, 52d do.: Wm. Hodson, Co. B, 52d do.; Thos. Dowdoll, Co." D, 52d do.; Edwards, Co. C, 52d do.; John Hoaghland, Co. F. 52d do.; Thos. Cox, Co. V, 5 2d do, John P. Lonergan, Co I, 52d do.: John Milholland, Co. B, 52d do.; J. H. Keeghler, Co. G, 52d do.; James Alexander, Co. B, 52d do.; Wm. M. llama, uo. a, taa ao.; E. H. Franklin, Co. E, 52d do.; Merritt Bvan (or RyanY, Co. F, 52d do.; Bern. F, Lav ton, Co. E, 44th do ; Jas. W. Shepherd, Co. K, 31st do.; John Dunn, Co. I), 31st do.; Henry Merce, Co. C," 25th do.; George Oaborn, Co. K, 25th do.; Isaac vv. brinton, Co. A, 25th do.; W m. Moore, Co. r , 25tn do.; Christian Vistmeier, Co. B, 25lh do.; Frank Brown, Co. c, inn uo. ----- The following names were given to us as belonging to the 25th Indiana wounded but as they were not in the official list ob tained from Surgeon Walker through Ad jutant Walker, tbey must have belonged to some other mate. "t. v. at." means Indi ana, Illinois, and Iowa Volunteer Militia, and "la." means ' Iowa and Indiana. In the hurry of moving the wonnded there necessarily will be mistakes. . - -r - Jasper Franklin, CoJ A, 25th Indiana: Andrew Muth, Co. B, do.; Fred Smith, Co. B, do., Wm. Boos, Co. B, do.; H. Lnbeck, same regiment, no company given. Chaplain M. Bigger, of the 50th Illinois, who had the wounded of the Diamond in charge, stated that a largejier cent, of them wereinjuied in the legs and arms,. and that but few of the operations bad been " capital." But few amputations bad been performed. He also said there bad been but little complaint on the part of our wounded. They endured their pnfftrings heroically. He said onf wounded iebd on board made more fua :i r of our boys. - - Dr. Atio:i, loiiii'-rly of our Insane Hospital, is at the Mound City Hospital to assist in taking care of the wounded.; , So is Bayless W. Hanna, formerly of Evansville. Letters of inquiry directed to either will doubtless be promptly answered. The nature of some of the wounds of the above were ascertained. Those of the wounded on the Diamond could not be ascertained, owing to lack of time. Frank Brown, of the 11th. Uvea in Terre Hante. The writer talked with him. He received a ball in the knee, but was not seriously hurt. George Osboro, of the 25tb, was hurt severely in back of neck. I. W. Brinton, of the 25tb, was injured in left hip. Wm. Moore, of the 25th, had the secoud noger ot ms right nana snot away. Christian Vistmeier, of the 25th, had the tibia of his lower leg fractured. Wm. M, Harris, of tbe 52d, had his left elbow shat tered.. E. H, Franklin, of the 52J, was shot in the shoulder. Merritt Byau (or Ryan) had his four front teeth carried away. - The unfortunate men are faring as well as could be ex pected. Aootner ooat ioaa arrived just as we were leaving Mound City, too late for us to get their names. She bad on 193. The Courier arrived at Paducah at 10J p. m. The Governor and his aids Messrs, Andrew Wallace and Lawrence M. Vance, of Indianapolis went up to fee General Sherman, and returned in due time with permission to visit Fort Donelson, and to be accompanied by the boat and those on board Tbe Governor made himself personally re sponsible for the conduct of the party while at tbe Fort. Tbe boat left in an hour, and was soon steaming up the Cumberland from Southland (12 miles above), under, tbe guidance ot Capt. Throop, who knows that and the Tennessee river " like a book When daylight came, we . found ourselves well up the river, and successively passed uvcusourgu, r.uuyviue, Miiman's Iron Works, and Canton.. The river is skirted by narrow bottoms, running back to ranges of hills, in the sides of which may be seen traces of iron. Rocky knobs occasionally project out towards the river. The shores give evidence of the high and sudden fresh ets to which the Cumberland is liable. The people along the banks, ou tbe great union question, were so-so sort o half and half. The women, I must say, were for the Union almost to a -man j but the other sex showed frequent signs of indifference. The star spangled banner floalinw from the jack-statf of uj oourier aid not elicit the enthusiasm that it should. Our boat took np several Union refugees. One gentleman got off at Eddyville who had been driven irom nonie nve months ago. He went ashore with a Union flag. TL. 1 1 i - l , . auo uuuiuuuuu is quite crooaeci, and in summer is a beautiful river, embellished with island-gems. Our business men know mat oeiore tue reoeuion it was a great stream tor business. Since the capture of tort Donelson, it begins to look lively again. God grant that our glorious army majr soon unng xvasuviue unuer their con trol, iioerate lennessee, and restore the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers to trade and prosperity ! Ihe Courier reached Dover a mile be low which is Fort Donelson at half past one o'clock Thursday afternoon. The river was high, the current rapid, and the bank steep and rocky. By good management, the boat was landed at a practicable ascent, and the Governor and stair went to head quarters to obtain permission for our passengers to visit tbe battle-field. Two or three mortar-boais, and two gun boats were at tbe landing;' also, some ten or twelve ordinary steamers. Dover bore a busy appearance. - i .-- Soon after the boat lanria.L Col ' Veatch Major Foster, Adjutant Walker, and QbarterMaster Alex. H. Foster came riding to the bank, having eapied the Conrier from their camp at the Fort. The rejoicing on all sides knew oo bounds. Questions as to the welfare of friends and relativea flew thick and fast, and one was not answered before

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a dosen others were proposed. Col. Veatch bos nearly recovered from his late sicknes?, and begins to look hearty. The others named look fat and robust. The Governor soon came with tbe wel- I come intelligence that we were lo have ac cess to the battle-field and entrenchments. Six o'clock was fixed upon as the time of departure. . The boat dropped down to the Fort, and at two o clock the passengers in fact, "all .handa and the cook" went ashore the gentlemen with pants in their boots, and the ladies with overshoes on and dresses clo3e-reefed, so as to be able to navi gate the mud of the battle-field. , lonr reporter went first to get the offi cial list of killed and wounded of the 25th Indiana (which was published in Saturday's Daily journal.) Then came a tour over the battle-ground, of which a description will be attempted. ' r ort Donelson proper, compared to the whole vast line of entrenchments composing the noted rebel strong-hold, is a small work. It is situated about half way u? a hill between eighty and a hundred feet high, which hill stands boldly out on tbe margin of the Cumberland river at the foot of a bend, a mile below the town of Dover, and on the same side the western. The river flows down from the south-east and at the Fort sweeps off to the north. The Fort commands over a mile of the river, which makes another sham bend. The Fort is a semi circular structure, and is an earth-work with no masonry. Its embankment is made of gunny-bags filled with sand, to give it permanence, and over these is piled earth. There are 'openings for the guns to work through, platforms for them to move upon, and everything complete, after ' the most approved style of scientific engineering-. Below this Fort is a water-battery with a formidable armament. . In the Fort was a rifled 128-pounder and two bronze cannon, captured by Gen. Jackson, at the battle of New Orleans. The big rifled piece was managed by a Pol sa gunner a professional soldier, who happened to be in tbe South at the commencement of the war. He proved a dead shot, for at every discharge tbe whirling and ponderous missiles hit one of the gunboats, and worked havoc aboard, iron clad as tbey were. The boats did but little execution in the Fort proper, with their hour's firing, killing only one man the engineer who-planned the fortifications wounding two others, and dismounting a enn. They bad to draw off. The credit of the victory belongs to the land forces. This Polish artillerist was captured with tbe Fort, and was tbe guest of tbe field of ficers of the 25th until the day before our boat was there, when he was shipped off down the river. . The whole site of tbe fortifications is covered with bills and hollows, those back from the river - originally densely wooded There is no level ground." From the hill on the side of which is Fort Donelson nroper. a long ridge extends back westwardly, with a final southern turn. Alongside of this ridge a slough of back-water penetrates, several miles perhaps. An extensive earth work follows this ridge in a semi-circular sweep for perhaps a mile. It is composed of sand-bags, and filled out with earth, and so elaborate is it that it is boarded up and shielded on tbe sides with wicker-work of cane and hickory poles, plaited together, to prevent it from washing away in rainy weather. There is a dry ditch on the out side, say twelve feet wide and eight feet deep. The breastwork itself on the inside is about four feet high, and bas scientific angles, in which are placed cannon of va rious sizes, in such a way that tbey sweep around in every direction, and rake advanc ing columns with deadly effect. This im perfect description will give a faint idea of the labor and care and skill bestowed upon tbe numerous entrenchments of this won derfully strong position, now, when it is known that these fortifications follow the slough over a mile, then run at right angles three or four miles, and extend southwardly and eastwardly clear around tbe town ot Dover to the Cumberland . river on the south said Dover being a town formerly containing 500 inhabitants; and when it is known further that between the onter line of fortifications and the river tbe hills are surmounted by similar entrenchments, and their sides literally covered with fallen timber, brush, and ether obstructions it is utterly astonishing how our brave boys were able to overcome the enemy and capture their position. This result can be attributed to only oue cause : " Conscience makes cowards of us all." Southern men are, on an average, as brave in a good cause as Northern men, but on this occasion the rebels knew they were fighting in an unholy cause, and hence they made a cowardly surrender of what was really an impregnable position, if properly defended. They were undoubtedly outnumbered. Tbe best accounts give them from 20,000 to 26,000, while we most probably had between 30,000 and 35,000. But the extraordinary strength of their defenses really ought to have made one man as good as five in the right kind of a cause. 'In addition to these great advantages enjoyed by the rebels, they had a telegraphic wire around the whole line, which also connected this fort with Fort Henry on the Tennessee river, and also no doubt with the southern system of telegraph lines. Our forces bad to fight on grouud which they were unacquainted with, . over high hills and across deep hollows, in thick woods, over fallen timber and stumps, and across rifle pits, while the extent of their line9, with all the other disadvantages, rendered it very difficult to keep up communication between their various corps. In addition, they laid out in the rainy, snowy and cold weather over two days, without overcoats or blankets, without fire, and almost without food, while the rebels were comfortably provided with everything in abundance. The hardest part of the battle or series of battles was on our right, which was te rebels' left southwest, about a mile and a half from Dover, Here is where the enemy attempted to break through our lines to escape. Tbe place where the 25th Regiment of Indianians the one in which our readers are mostly interested was engaged, was on the extreme left, near tbe slough spoken of, and abreast the main fort and strongest entrenchments. Gen. Grant had brought some fifteen regiments across from Fort Henry, andj!aced them mostly on our right. Then the immense force that went up the Cumberland by boat, were landed five or six miles below the Fort, and marched across the slough on a wooden footbridge and joined on our left and whereever needed. A detailed account of the battle will not be attempted, as you have already copied an excellent one from the Missouri Democrat. I will speak more particularly of our 25tb, and ofthe incidents of the battle and the appearance of the field as seen by the excursionists. - The 25tb covered themselves all over with glory. Everybody we talked to gave them credit for the utmost bravery.. Exposed to a terrific cross fire of-artillery and musketry, having to charge through the difficulties I have described right np in the teeth of the rebel batteries and into their murderous volleys, they passed through the fiery ordeal like veterans, and were the first regiment to make the rebals show the whits

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flag, and, it is asserted, to raise in its place the star spangled banner. On their end of the line the rebels first proposed to surrender, and to them belongs a large part of the glory of the victory. This honor is conceded to them. " It is hard, and would be invidious, to mention particular cases of gallantry in the 25th, where all did their duty so well. The field officers all did their duty nobly. For coornes3 and determination Major Foster i3 the theme of general praise. Amongst the.Captains, Rheinlander is said to have shown pre-eminent courage and coolness. He sighted the guns of bis men when the range did not suit him, and, being a dead shot himself, picked off several rebel artillerists, amongst them a Captain Porter, whose thigh he broke, at a distance it is said of near half a mile. Capt. ttheiolander was the first man on the rebel entrenchments. His brothers-in-law Alex and D. W. Darling first and second lientenants also distinguished themselves. Five killed and sixteen wounded in their company, and the marks of bullets in their clothincr. attest the bravery of Co. B. It was jast such gallantry all through the r. - : iment that rendered it so conspicuous. The j noble example of Col. Veatch, the military i skill and bravery of Lieut. Colonel Moroni.', and the cool courage of Major FoBter in spired all to heroic deeds. Surgeon John T. Walker is almost idolzed by his men. Possessing a kind heart, and very superior skill and ample experience as an army surgeon, bis men pronounce him the surgeon of the day. He was the only Burgeon in his neighborhood on the field at work during the fight Quartermaster Foster and Chaplain Mu ring (of Spencer county) made themselves very useful, and showed great courage in attending to the dead and wounded on tbe field. The boys generally look well, and are ready when called on to again vindicate the honor of the old flag. They are comfortably situated in some log huts near tbe main fort, kindly left fo- their use by the Secesh; Their position is high, easily drained, and ought to be healthy. Rumors were afloat, however, that they were not long to enjoy these cabins, but would soon make an on ward movement further down into Dixie. Indiana had a large share in that battle. Her troops have gathered new laurels for her brow. The deeds of the 11th, 25th, 31st, 44th, and 52d, will shine bright ly in history. The official list of killed and wounded of the 25th shows fonrteen killed and one hundred and one wonnded. Several other persons received slight wounds, but were not included. The bravery and discretion of Gen. Lew. Wallace in tbe battle wa3 admirable, and the " bully Eleventh " outdid even their former fame. It is said, I know not with how much truth, that Gen. Wallace brought his brigade from Fort Henry to the battlefield, also a buttery, without orders, and that this act did much to decide the victory. Lew. and his brave Zouaves heard the din of war, and could not remain cooped np in Fort Henry. They reached the ground in time for decisive service. The 52d the "Railroad Regiment "--had lefsIndiana but a few days before, and got into hot business on railroad time. Their loss was severe. Our Twenty-fourth did not get to the field in time for the battle, and officers and men have all got the blues, because they could not be in the fight. It is loo bad that they too canuot share the glory. Col. Hovey attends closely to his regiment. Captains Connett and Grill and their com panies are on the ground, ready for anything that may turn up, even the Secesh. The 2 4 ih is encamped on an island just above the town of Dover. Shackleford's aod McHenry'a Kentucky regiments wefVYti Ihe action on one of the days, in Cruft s Brigade, aud sustained heavy losses. Tbe appearance of the battle-field is fear fully indicative of tbe awful struggle. For four or five square mile3 occupied in the siege, trees may be seen cut off by cannonballs and pierced by hundreds of bullets Little twig3 are cutoff by balls, and in some places tbe tops of the underbrush seem all shot Off. Secesh tents (by tbe way, all our boys, except a few regiments, found tents and cabins ready for tbem) are literally riddled with balls. The ground is plowed up by shells and round shot. Grape shot and cannon balls, rebel clothing, knapsacks, guns, boots, hats, etc., etc., strew tbe ground. Hats are-found with ballet holes in them. and one was seen by one of our party with human brains strewed on the ground beside it. Dead horses and mules may be seen and harness in abundance has been found. And, horrible to relate, even as tate as Thursday afternoon, when our party were there, a number of dead rebels were seen by some of our passengers in the woods back of Dover, where the hottest fighting was done, uae aead DOdy laid, black aud charred, on what bad been a fire. Evi dences of the dreadful conflict could be seen in att directions, and air and earth were reeking with death and desolation. Out army is scattered all over the hills for six or eight square miles. No one ex cept tbe commanders know how many there are, but tbe Union troops number probably 40,000. Provisions, arms and ammunition were taken in vast quantities. The men are pickiug up guns, knapsacks, , cartridgeboxes, bayonets, bayonet sheaths, &c, even yet, and shipping tbem down the river. Stacks of guns, &c, may be seen through the woods. Large piles of wooden boxes of cartridges may aiso oe seen, and there is powder iu abundance. Sixty-eight cannon were found by the victors. Immense quantities of poik, sugar (much of U whiter, fined), browned coffee, the nicest rice, and other provisions were captured. The value of the whole acquisition is incalculable. A million of dollars is not too high an estimate. The victors can subsist on tbe provisions captured for several weeks, and have munitions of war in great abundance, all ready for use. Trophies of the battle and relic3 of the dead abound everywhere about the camps. Our excursionists came away loaded down with them. The mucb-talked-of bowie knives f the "Mississippi Tigers" were plenty. Hundreds of them were found after the surrender. They are murderous looking weapons, averaging from eighteen inches to two feet in length, made of old files, scythe blades, and other such articles, and from their appearance were fabricated by country blacksmiths. But the famous Tigers could not stand the cold lead of our marksmen and the cold steel of our bayonets. They dropped their "cleavers" aud "skedaddled." They fouud that Northern soldiers were not to be frightened even by bowie-knives. Your reporter was presented with a bowie knif by Capt. Hastings. . The gallant Captain is as kind to his lriends as be is brave in the field. Estimates amongst those engaged in tbe fight vary in regard to the number of killed and wounded. Our loss in killed ranges between five hundred and a thousand probably six er seven hundred. Our killed and wounded will go as high as two thousand. Our own men admit that the ene

my's loss is not so great sa onrs. They had tbe advantage of being behind defenses, while our men were wholly unprotected except the skirmishers and sharp-shooters, who were able to "tree." Then their batteries, planted so as to rake our ranks and cross-fire through our columns, advancing np steep slope3 with the timber cut off, made terrible havoc in our ranks: Birge's Sharpshooters some of them Indianians immortalized themselves. By their splendid rifle practice from behind trees, they prevented rebel artillerists from manning their batteries, and thus saved many lives amongst our forces. It is said the Sharpshooters climbed trees by means

of iron spurs on their boots, and fired from that position, remaining there hour after hour. Bat for them, our loss would have been much greater. The prisoners taken by our forces in the general capitulation are given at 13,300, Since that time, two regiments, 800 men, marched in and surrendered their arms. It is said they came as reinforcements, and did not know the Fort had been captured. it was siatea mat tne reDeis drew wagon loads of their dead to the river and threw them in. Floyd is said to have escaped at night by tbe river, with only a body-guard. Pillow left on tbe night before the surrender, with two regiments about 900 men. (The rebel regiments do not average over 400 or 500.) Forrest s Cavalry escaped, numbering 1,500, borne say they swam the river, but a gen tleman of Henderson from whom 1 got much information, and who spent nearly two days at Dover and talked with the rebel officers captured says they escaped through our lines. They must have gone through next to the river, before our line of circum vallation extended completely around the beleaguered post. The circumstances of the capitulation are about these : A council of war was held by the rebel commanders on Saturday evening, the 15th. The position was held to be untenable. Pillow, tbe General in command, lavored a surrender. Buckner apposed it. aud insisted that the garrison should cut its way out. Pillow opposed this plan' saving half of them would be killed. Buckner said that would be prefer able to tLe disgrace of a surrender. The council broke nil, and Pillow being the ranking oHi.-er, gave the order for a capitu lation in the morning, and preparations were made accordingly. I hat night Pil low ignomioiously fled on steamboats, tak ing with hiui 900 men. The command then devolved on Buckner, but it was tco late to reverse the action of Pillow. The men, with curses on Pillow for his cowardice and meanness, had commenced to stack their arms, and early in the morning the white nag was raised and an armistice asked for. Buckner s proposition for an armistice and the appointment of commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation was re jected by Gen. Graot, who required " an unconditional and immediate surrender, saying be was ready to move immediately on tbe woiks. Buckner replied as follows : "The distribution of the forces under my command, incident to an unexpected change of commanders, and the overwhelming forces under your command, compels me notwithstanding the brilliant succe33 of the Confederate army yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and nncbivalrous terms which you propose." The enthusiasm of our troops when tbey learned of the capitulation knew no bounds. But the joy was not unmixed with sadness, for their dead comrades laid thick around them, and their thinned ranks attested the terrible loss of life and limb. But the victory was worth ten thousand times more than it cost dear as was that price - for it gave a fatal blow to the rebellion. Amongst tbe prisoners are several former residents of Evansville. Amongst those we heard mentioned are Clay Stinson, Wm. H. Hedden, D. McCutcheon, Chas. Woods, Robt. C. Slaughter, and Frank Coffman. Several others are mentioned. ClayStinson was the first and Wm. H. Hedden the second lieutenant of Green's Battery. The Captain was Green of Mobile. A man named Gfrge Davis, formerly of Rockporf, was also captured. Also several formerly from Posey county. The Lee Guards from Henderson were bagged. Their Captain was James Ingram, first Lieutenant James Wilson, second do. Wash Owen. Col. Roger Hanson amongst the prisoners. Buckner of Kentucky, son of Tennessee not bert S. Johnston. of Kentucky, AI30 Gen's S. and Bnshrod Jobnthe able Gen. A IC larks villa was taken after tbe surrender of Fort Donelson, without a struggle. One of the gun-boats the St. Louis had gone up near mere and ourned a large shot and shell toundery, which had been sapplying the rebels with these articles. A gun-boat was aiterwaras sent, with one of General Grant s aids on board Clark Lagow, formerly of Evansville to Clarksville, when white nags were seen flying all over the town, for fear tbe boat would shell the place. Lagow went to .a hotel and stayed mere an nigni unmolested. The place is now in possession of the Union forces. On Thusday, one of the secesh prisoners who had been allowed the freedom of the battle-ground to bury some of his dead comrades, found the body of a Union sol dier in the woods. He kicked it contempt uously, and was seen by a guard, who in stantiy shot the gentleman dead. "Served him right, was the verdict of all who knew of the act. The Sallie List, with a delegation from tne oincinnati Branch ot the Sanitary Com mission, and hospital stores, arrived at Do ver the day the Courier was I hero. Gov. Morton left L. M. Vance at Dover, to iook atter me comtort and interests of the Indiana troops. The landing at Dover was literally covered with captured arms and supplies, and with those articles sent up from tbe depots. Wagon loads of guns were being unloaded, rusty from exposure on the battle-field, where they had been left by the rebels. Dover was entirely deserted by its regular inhabitants. None remained, and the houses were occupied by our army for their sick and wounded. Incidents by the hundred could be related bod we the space to spare. Anv inacenracv of detail is to be attributed to the short stay of the writer at the Fort, and the difficulty of obtaining reliable information in the hnrry and confusion and secrecy of military operations. The Courier started on her return at sixp. m., of Thursday. She ran up to the en campment of Ihe 24th Indiana, when Gov. Morton visited Col. Hovey and his staff. After a short interview he returned to the boat. The regiment lined the bank, and the band played national airs. The Gov ernor was called on for a speech, and addressed the regiment briefly and eloquently. ne was replied to by Col. Hovey in soulstirring style. The Governor complimented the regiment highly, and urged them on to brave deed?, andCoI. Hovey praised the Governor for his zeal and energy in behalf of our flag, our State, and onr volunteers. xne boat then shoved off amidst the cheers and good-byes of those present and

the inspiring strains oi the Band. The sight of numerous camp-fires on shore was exhilarating. After a pleasant voyage of a

httla over twenty-four hours, we arrived safely at home, without an accident to mar the pleasure of the trip. The Governor and party proceeded borne the night of arrival on an extra train. We believe tbe visit or tne party had good effect. It was very cheering to "the boys" to see their friends and hear from home, and to know that they were remem bered and cared for. They will serve their country all the better for it. The excursionists returned with a new sense of their responsibilities to their coun try, a new devotion to its welfare, confirm ed laitn in the triumph of the Union cause, increased conndence in tbe invincibility ot the leg'ons of the Republic, and a firm deter mination to stand by the old nag througn sunshine and storm, even at the sacrifice of lite itseii. Testimonial. We, the undersigned, passengers on the steamer Courier, on a recent voyage to the battle-held of Hort Donelson, Tennessee. hereby teuder our thanks to Capt. Dsxteb of the Courier, for the facilities he afforded to render tbe trip pleasant to us. We also tender our acknowledgements to Capt Throop, Clerks Dnsonchet and Wheeler, Mail Agent Kercheval, and all others en gaged on the boat, for their untiring efforts for our safety, comfort, and gratihcatieo We also give especial thanks to Governor Morton and staff, for their services in ob taining far the excursionists tbe privilege of visiting tbe battle-field and fortifications, and seeing their friends and relatives who. at the siege and capture of said r ort, did themselves immortal honor, and rendered their country inestimable service. Chas. Viele, wife, and family, Chas. Babcock, wife, and family, Mrs. Reid, Mrs Wheeler, Wm. .Caldwell and wife, Mrs Kate Brickley and daughter. Anthony Re: and wife, M. A. Lawrence and family, Wm Capelle, James H. McNeely, Harriet Park George Wolflm, Christian Kratz. F. W, Cook, D. S. Anderson, James Scantlin, jr. A. C. Pushee, F. W. Sawyer. Levi Iglehart, Jamea Steele, Evansville; W. R. Ellis, La fayette, Ind.; John M. Clark and wife, Vincennes, ind. ; Stearns r isner, VV abash, ind. ; Mrs. W. Ejm Wheeler, Uniontown, Ky. ; Ira Delano, F. Banksmitb, V. M. Mayer, Robert Young, Henderson, Ky. ; Sam. C. Hughes, Morganfield, Ky.; H. Fairbanks, Edward Cruft, Byron Deming, F. H. McElfresh, Terre Haute, Ind. ; M. A. Wier, R. F. Dunn, Mt. Vernon, Ind. ; O. P. Squier, New York ; J. O. Rose, Angola, Ind. ; Ed. LeRoy Brown, Rockport, Ind.; V. M. L. McBane, Metropolis, 111.; Wm. Edwards, Shawneetown, 111.; B. R. Briggs, Hartford, Ky.; John Fellows, Warrick county, Ind. ; John A. Colestock, Samuel P. Daniels, Jesse Copeland, Indianapolis ; and many others. HUIttK INTEHEaTi. Secesli Prisoners. Tbe steamer Argonaut, with over 200 Secesh prisoners from Fort Donelson, passed here Saturday evening for Jefferson ville. The prisoners are en rovle for Indianapolis, Company E, 25th Indiana Regiment, Capt Walker commanding, was in charge of the boat and prisoners. We are indebted to Capt. Walker for tbe following list of the rebel onicers on board tne Argonaut. Most of them are from Kentucky, and are well known along the river: Brig. Gen. S. B. Buckner, Major George Cosby, Major James Hays, Major Alex. Cassiday, Capt. Tom J, Clay, Capt. Charley Johnson Capt. E. H. McDonald and J. N. Gallier, Buckner's Private Secretary. The six officers mentioned above comopse Gen Buckner's staff. Major Herbert S. Dallam, of Gen. Tilghman'a staff, and Capt. Geo. Triplett Moorman, ejf Gen. Johnson's staff. Capts. Rice E. Graves, Frank Maney, (formerly aid-de-camp to Garibaldi), Jas. Ingraham, Louis Gerard, J. W. Biggins, and Stephen Chipley. Lieutenants A. C. Gibson, S. M. Spencer, James Wilson, John S. Chapman, Edward Rankin, Clay Stinson, John Hostetterf and Wm. H. Hedden. Surgeons W. G. Owens and Charley Medney. fg3 The clipper packet Charley Bowen, and the J. H. Done, Capt. Davis, leave for Cairo to-day at noon. jgg?" All the - troops In the vicinity of Foit Donelson have marching orders, and are anxiously awaiting the forward movement to Nashville. Sy Our Fortress Monroe dispatch Indicates that Savannah has been taken by the Union forces. y Dobell has received the latest number of Harper's Weekly, Frank Leslie's Pictorial and all the late newspapers. Capt. Dexter bas obtained permission to make another excursion with the Courier to Fort Donelson, and intends to go there again next Tuesday eveuing after the arrival of tbe down train. He will doubt less have many passengers from tbe terior. in.Niagara. Hosb Company, No. 1. The regular meeting of this Company will be held at the Engine House this (Monday) evening, at 74 o clock, fcvery member is requested to be promptly on hand, as Important business will be transacted. By order. J. W. Nbxsek, Sec'y. KA1LROAO rkcbipts. Febsoast 22. - 21 bxs D goods, 6 bales mdse, ftlackey, benniug Jfc Co; 9 bxs dry goode, J H Aiaghee ft Co, 4 bxs II min t , 4 bxs codes mills, Chas 8 Wells; 1 box ciKars, V Kfndrich A Bros: 1 bx hardware J Mraub A Sod: 1 bxs D Roods, fihauklin A Belllv. 2 bxs thread, Keen ft Preston; 1 bx mdse; A Ueis; hxa V cards, Jo V Beimao; 2 bxs paper. J Dobell; 1 bx H ware, C Babcock; 5 bxs i&k, 1 bx paper, John Healy; 2 bxs hardware. Wolf ft B; 62 bxs oysters, 25 dos seics, Bement it Veile: 1 boa goods, Adams Express Co; 3 bxs mdse, J M Genheld: S bxs hooks and eyes, C Q Mooro; 1 bx drw goods, Thos JBvans, Henderson; 1 bbl eundrits. 1 trunk, s M. Speer; 1 horse, Capt Sherwood; 1 horse Preetan Bros; 1 bx dressed fowles. H A CuiV; r,ox sacks bran, Chas Mcjohnston; 13 packages H H goods, John Donnelly; 1 car load coal, Jno L White; 3 bbls egs, 1 coop chickens Michael Keitz; 30 sacks flour, S3 sacks a ran. J P Enimt32 sacks floor. John E Menl: lhhlftnnr. htt..-

Ryni 17 sacks bran, J" Goedge. A. K. MHSADXB, Agent.

NEW ADVERTISEMENT

JiLw 25 dos Horns Brushes, assorted. 25 dos. bhoe Brashes, sHsortod. 20 dos. Scrub Brushes, BStortrd. 16 dus. Cloth Braahar, assoptd. 6 doc. Counter Brushes, assorted. 15 dos. White Wash Brushes, assorted. To Grocers Cincinnati wholesale prions. . JACOB 8TRACB gON, tt2t Wholesale Dealers, 74 Uln st. &oleli2s9 Claims BEN. STINSON AND JOHN TENNIS, jkriN-sviixa, ind.. Procure INVALID PENSIONS, BOUNTY MONEY. ABBKAES OF PAT. Land Warrants, and other Government primises, for claimants justly entitled. Mo charges until claims are sveursd, Orrics : On Ttilrd Street, near Halo. feb5-3md Notice of Dissolution. rmBM copjBTJVJSRsasp hbbhJL to fore existing under the nams of Oeors f-. K reuse dt Co. , is this day diasolrod by tbe with drawal of William Beesel. Tbs accounts of the old firm will be settled by Geo. Ij. Kru e, who la authorized to collect all claims and pay all tbe debts ot' said firm. GEO. L. KBACSE CO. EvANgviixft, February 20, 1862. The ancsrslgoed will continue the bunlncM of the old firm, at the old stand, corner of 9eund sod Mala streets, and will be hnpyy to receive the atr jnage of old as well as new friends. ieb20-lmd GEO. t,. KRA19E. "WtlS JiJV KVTTHIti doMD una jCIf fresh Egxs ior 25 cents, and 2 pounds choke Butler for quarter, at VICK KB Y BUGS, Jn2S No. bl Mlo street. JgJVJVB Vf. p-jtJVMJi BUCKWBKAT XOCE io any auant!tis to snit tbs trade, fresh and good, at YICKEKY'S. Jaa23 23 It O ZJBJV JiSSOBTJXO C tJ 1, Oil Lams, from 45 cents to Si. 50, Liberal ditsount to wholesale trade. BICU Country Bran 500 tacks very rtcb, hairy Bran, Just received. BYE Floar. 25 bbls choice rye flour. PRIME Bite. 2 tcs prima rice, 10 lbs for II. CHOICE Leaf Lard. 15 tcs extra leaf Urd, put op expressly tor my trade. CI'OICE loose pickles. 8,000 extra looss pickles, In vinegar, Jot received. COAL OIL. 25 bbls best coal oil, for sale cheap, iu quantities to suit. PINK Eye Potatoei. 1,2 9 bushels extra tab's Potatoes, for sale cheep. FIVE bbls very choice saur kraut, for shIs at feb!8 II. A. COOET8. OBJJY&BS iJ'It LJtiM OJ-. A boxes orangei. 6 toxes Umon, received per Kashviile. HJJVBBBRMJBB. 2 bbls choice Cranberries, iut received. 0 BOXES full weight Star Cuadisj. av la boxes oxtra Tallow do. VftfffM BKJJVS 150 bu.he's prims ifw white beans just received. jryOB THE BBBT MVSTJnn JVY - the city, go to leblS B. A.CGOJTB. Trustee Notice. mmOTlCB MS MIBBUBTC GIVEJV W W that tbe dutirs of my office, as Trustee of Pigeon Townchip, will be performed by 8. K. Leavitt during the remainder of my term. A. O. 80LL1 VAN, Trnstee. Evansvillk, Feb. 14th, 1862. febl7 lw MUIHH POTJ TOUti. At 600 hush prime Irish Potatoes, I nut received at foblS ELLIOTT'S Family Grocery. i.OVMJ 50 sacks XXX white wheat flour, for ile at KLLIOTI S. feblft W9MBBOJVS, MO&MtS, S'LVOtHH, tier. jas We have just opened a large stock of Bonnst and Trimming Bibhons, French Flowers, Boses, Plumes, Hashes, and Millinery Goods enc rally. 8CHAPK.EII A BleolJid, ttovaO ' 4j Main 8t VOMJV.U T Bushel, at.. . VIC&itY BHOd., So. fc'i Main Street. oct24 ytVHCT M O TJt TUH bO bushels very Jo7 11. A. COOK'S. A. RUSH'S CONFECTIONERY Removed to Second Street, near Main. WMAVK BXMOVMB JttV COJVJPJBC JL tionery to tbe above Bsmed pi&ca, and in addition to my old bnstoess have siso openod a FIRST-CLASS BAKERY, And promise to my old and nsw patrons, that whoever may give me an order for Cakes and Confectioneries,! will furnish thm In snch a style as would be creditable at the " White Uoaiw." A. K05H. ' foblSdCin Second Street, pear Kai n . Poultry! Poultry ! 3J AT ELLIOTT Oo early in the morning; aud get first choice. Ihsy are always received Tuesdays and Fri inys. O BBK.S. JPJBJiBZ. JiJI l mm 2 bbls split peas. 1 do farina. s uu peari sago, just received. CHEESE. 15 boxes extra catting chsass, Just received, per steamer Nashville. CANDLES. Coal OU Candles for sals cheap. MOLASSES. 20 bbls choice re-botfed molasses, for sale at 50 cts per gallon. MAPLE MOLASSES. I bbl extra maple molasses, ths first of the season. CLEAN UP. 25 bxs Hill 4 Co.' extra Ho. 1 soap; 10 bxs do German; 10 bxs do tancy bar tjap. LARD OIL. 2 bbls winter strained lard oil, at fcbl8 II. A. COOK'S. M VS. tJOJftJHU. M bush choice Ohio freed Bye. received car steamer Nashville, at feblM) U.A.eoOh H O 1 bbl coarse oat meal, 1 ttl foblS a. A. COOK'S. fine do. JfVOCOJ JA CBOCOLATB i ' 60 pounds Baker's Chocolate. OO pounds jrrenca Chocolate. 60 pounds Baker's Cocoa. For sale at ELLIOTT'S. 12 doz Bishourkk's Bnkloe: Powders. In pounds, half pounds, aud quarter pounds, inat received at febnj ELLIOTT'S. A large aseortment of Saddles, Bridles, and Harness, ef every description, on band at lay Manufactory, on Main 8lxeot, over my Grocery Slere. feb!7 J. Y. ELLIOTT. 'Mill TUB BBST tfi'MVJt', V most go to Cook's and set some of tbs ' Exceisior." COFf EE. 15 bogs prims Bio coffee. 6 bgs Laguira do. 10 bags roast do. CHOICE Nsw Orleans sugar, Just rsceived. TEAS. full assortment cf all kinds, for sale cheap. SWEET C1DEE. Tbs best jou ever saw. MOW is the time for something nice. SOdoa cans frnsh peaches. 16 dozen cans freh tomatoes. 10 dozen cans blackberries . PURE Cider Vinegar, 20 bbls warranted pure cider vinegar. EBE8H EM8. 500 dozen eggs, received this day at febia jj. A. COOK'ti. CO All! COAL ! W II J VK JVHT BBCBMt-BO JUI M. am unloading at tbe Lauiaaco V barf a superior artf-le of Pittsburgh Coal, wbicb I will delirer to aiiv next nf tit A i:tm b t 111? cents per bushel. While unloading orders will 1 received at P. Hornbrookjs Store oral the Buat. TKKM3 CASH. A, JTtlUTCHESON Jt CO. JauJl 000 Mt O i B V , li I- JfMiiaM EGOS, just received at VlCKEHy BSU'S, No. ki Main street. lobtJ H teJ en tous oi ttint rich country t-iu, febl3 av.eiveu, ana ror ettie el VfCKKBY EROS., 83 Main 8t. j ( MtOXBjyr Coal Oil Chimniee, assorted ''V sizes, ccmorlsinir some new kinds not vat offered the public in this nlaca. lust rttcaiv-Afi r.ar steamer Lancaster, and for sale at ,., VICKERT BB03., rol, No. 83 Main Street. 500 pouuds, nice and fresn, for sale at fubl5 JtULlOIT'S tirocery. JfBBJBgr JT.VW BMJH8 I MJt 600 pounds sugar cured Beef. 2,000 lbs hams for sale at ' feblS ' ELLIOTT'S. fWltVBMB -S, Efot, Butter, asd Jots ot ether M. nice things, can be had at