February 6, 1862 (Thursday): Fort Henry Is Ours

Bombardment of Fort Henry

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CAIRO,

Fort Henry, February 6, 1862.

  Fort Henry is ours.  The gunboats silenced the batteries before the investment was completed.  I think the garrison must have commenced the retreat last night.  Our cavalry followed, finding two guns abandoned in the retreat.

  I shall take and destroy Fort Donelson on the 8th and return to Fort Henry.

       

              U. S. GRANT,

                                     Brigadier-General.

   Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 7, Part 1, Page 124.

Because of high water in the fort from flooding, only one company of Tennessee artillery was left to oppose the Union flotilla's attack.  The rest of Tilghman's command, about 3,000 troops was withdrawn and headed for Fort Donelson.  Tilghman stayed on, asking the artillery to hold the Union off for an hour.  They did better, actually inflicting some damage on the Union gunboats.  Finally, one of the heavy guns burst and, having exceeded expectations, the sixty men surrendered to Union officers who entered the fort in a rowboat to accept the surrender.