Personal memoirs of John H. Brinton, major and surgeon U.S.V., 1861-1865

11–16 February 1862

Battle of Fort Donelson

X.— INCIDENTS OF THE SIEGE OF FORT DONELSON 124

X.— INCIDENTS OF THE SIEGE OF FORT DONELSON 124 Medical problems — Removal of the wounded — Overcrowd- ing — Methodist valor — Forty-five shots — ^Warrior surgeons — French Frank to the rear — "Fort Donelson will surrender to-morrow" — A historic interruption — "No terms to damned rebels" — Grant under suspicion — My report to McPherson — Grant and the relics — The future president and a war doctor dream of diplomacy — ^The lamentable catastrophe of Gen. Rawlins' horse — ^Arrival of Nelson's troops — ^Incidents on field and water — A "Secesh" pony — A question of per- sonal courage — Troubles for Grant — ^The sword from his Belmont Colonels — A remarkable occurrence — "Doctor, wherever I go, I want you to come."

FORT HENRY — FORT DONELSON

We occupied the headquarters house on the afternoon of the I2th of February and here we remained until after the capture of Fort Donelson, and of the little town of Dover, which was included within the enemy's lines of defence. The kitchen had in it a double feather-bed and this was occupied by the General, — some small rooms in the other parts of the house were crowded by other members of the staff. I think for one night the General slept somewhere else than the kitchen, but came down because of the bed and the warmer temperature. The big open fireplace was attractive. On the 13th, I was busy fixing my hospitals and doing the best I could. The whole of this day was employed in establishing the posi- tions of our forces, and in strengthening their lines. We threw up no breastworks, but depended upon the natural strength of the ground, and its "lay" for our protection, should the enemy attempt any sortie. But the idea of a sortie never entered General Grant's head, or if it did, it found no lodgment there. His ideas were fixed, that

FORT HENRY — FORT DONELSON

i6th (Sunday), surrender of Fort Donelson to the Union forces under General Grant.*

FORT HENRY — FORT DONELSON

Dr. Hewitt was, therefore, during the Fort Donelson campaign the acting Medical Director in the field of Gieneral Grant's forces, although himself attached to the staff of General Smith, outranked by General Grant. Dr. Hewitt and I arranged matters between ourselves. He would remain with General Smith to whom he was strongly attached, while I was to look after the hospitals, to see to their organization, the transportation of the wounded, and to the general surgery of the field, and this I did thoroughly, to the best of my ability. A great many operations I performed myself, and many others I assisted and directed in performing.