Grant’s Fame at Fort Donelson or Good Press in New York

Grant’s fame began with his victory at Fort Donelson and good press in a New York newspaper documented his great genius. After a long and cold march on February 15, 1862, General Grant called his staff to meet, in order to discuss the strategy and possibilities of an attack the next morning.

The majority of the officers felt that their men needed a day of rest. Grant contemplated the alternatives and finally said, according to a reporter with the New York Daily Tribune;”There was a deserter came in this morning. Let us see him and hear what he has to say.”

The man was summoned and the General examined his haversack and then asked;”Where are you from?” and the prisoner replied; “Fort Donelson.” Grant inquired; “Got six days rations in your haversack, have you not?” The deserter replied; “Yes sir.” Grant asked; “When were they served out.?” “Yesterday morning.” said the prisoner  and Grant posed his final question; “The same to all troops?” and the Confederate response was “Yes sir.”

The rebel soldier was dismissed and Grant addressed his staff;

“Gentlemen, troops do not have six days rations served out to them in a fort if they mean to stay there. These men mean to retreat-not to fight. We will attack at once.”

So it was, that General Grant’s order to attack Fort Donelson was filed by a reporter from the New York Daily Tribune. Grant and Sherman’s history with embedded newsmen in the future would be tenuous at least and this experience might be one of the few that might have been accurate.

Bummer