And a Nickname is Born

Most of you probably know that Ulysses S. Grant was nicknamed "Unconditional Surrender" Grant by the northern press after he took Fort Donelson. What some of you might not know is the exchange of dispatches between the opposing commanders that brought this about. Found this in the TimeLife "Voices of the Civil War" series of books.

Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant:
"Before daylight General Smith brought to me the following letter from General Buckner: 'Sir, in consideration of all the circumstances governing the present situation of affairs at this station, I propose to the Commanding Officer of the Federal forces the appointment of Commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation of the forces and fort under my command, and in that view, suggest an armistice until 2 o'clock today."

Major John H. Brinton (Brigadier General on Grant's staff):
"The night was inclement. Our troops slept on their arms, General C.F. Smith's division being absolutely within the lines of defense around Fort Donelson. All apparently passed quietly enough, no sorties by the enemy and no attack by us. General Grant slept at his headquarters in a feather bed in the kitchen, and I remember that I was curled up on the floor near the fire with my head resting in the seat of my saddle. Early, very early, an orderly entered, ushering in General C.F. Smith, who seemed very cold, indeed half frozen. He walked at once to the open fire on the hearth, for a moment warmed his feet, then turned his back to the fire, facing General Grant who had slipped out of bed, and who was quickly drawing on his outer clothes.

'There's something for you to read, General Grant," said Smith, handing him a letter and while he was doing so, Smith asked us for something to drink. My flask, the only liquor on the Staff, was handed to him, and he helped himself in a soldier-like manner. I can almost see him now, erect, manly, every inch a soldier, standing in front of the fire, twisting his long white moustache and wiping his lips.

'What answer shall I send to this, General Smith,' asked Grant.

'No terms to the damned rebels," replied Smith. Those were his actual words. General Grant gave a short laugh, and drawing a piece of paper, letter size, and of rather poor quality, began to write. In a short time, certainly, not many minutes, he finished and read aloud as if to General Smith, but really so that we understrappers could all hear, his famous "Unconditional surrender" letter, ending with,

'I propose to move immediately upon your works.'

General Smith gave a short emphatic 'Hm!' and remarking, "It's the same thing in smoother words," stalked out of the room to deliver the letter, which was shortly followed by the return answer of surrender.

Brigadier General Simon Bolivar Buckner:

Headquarters Dover, Tenn.,
February 16, 1862
To Brig.-Gen. U.S. Grant, U.S.A.:
Sir: The distribution of the forces under my command, incident to an unexpected change of commanders, and the overwhelming force under your command, compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success of the confederate arms yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you propose. I am, sir, your very obedient servant,

S.B. Buckner
Brig.-Gen. C.S.A.

Well played, sir. Bully!