Ft. Donalson   Feb. 16 (1862) 
We suffered suffered from cold in the extreme last night, lying on the frozen ground and snow, without being allowed a spark of fire - pen cannot describe what we have suffered the last 2 knights. At daylight this morning we fell in line of battle, and were marching to the extreme right, to storm the works of the rebels, when we received the intelligence that the whole garrison of Ft. Donalson had been surrendered without condition, we immediately marched inside the intrenchments. Our troops gave cheer after cheer, threw their hats in the air, while the rebels looked grim and sullen. Union and rebel soldiers met and talked over, in a friendly manner the last 3 days of fighting.
 Ft. Heiman Feb. 17" 
We passed a miserable night again last night, inside the rebel works. It rained and sleeted the greater portion of the night. At early dawn we were in line of march, and were soon retracing our steps back to this place. Arrived here at 8 P.M. after a toilsome tramp through mud and water. - men all hungry.
