Of the division commanders, however, Generals Smith, McClernand and Wallace, I must do the justice to say that all of them were with their commands in the midst of danger, and were always ready to execute all orders, no matter what the exposure to themselves.

At the hour the attack was made on General McClernand's command, I was absent, having received a note from flag officer Foote, requesting me to go and see him, he being unable to call on me, in consequence of a wound received the day before.

My staff: Colonel J. D. Webster, first Illinois artillery, chief of staff; Captain J. A. Rawlins, assistant adjutant-general; first lieutenants C. B. Lagone and William S. Hillyer, aids; and Lieutenant Colonel J. B. McPherson, chief engineer and Colonel John Riggin, junior, volunteer aid, are all deserving of personal mention for their gallantry and services.

For details, see reports of engineers, medical director and commanders of divisions and brigades to follow.

I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully your obedient servant,

U. S. Grant,
Brigadier-General U.S.A., commanding.

[Copy.]

General Buckner to General Grant.

Headquarters, Fort Donelson,
February 16th, 1862.
To
Brigadier-General U.S. Grant,
Commanding United States Forces near Fort Donelson.