1862 | Tennessee

Q & A

Ulysses S. Grant proposes to move immediately upon Simon Bolivar Buckner’s works.

Headquarters, Fort Donelson
February 16
To Brigadier-General U. S. Grant, Com’ding U.S. Forces Near Fort Donelson

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 twelve o’clock today.

I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your ob’t se’v’t,
S.B. Buckner,
Brig. Gen., C.S.A.

 

Headquarters, Army in the Field Camp near Donelson
February 16
To General S.B. Buckner, Confederate Army

sir: Yours of this date, proposing armistice and appointment of commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your ob’t se’v’t,
U.S. Grant,
Brig. Gen.

 

Headquarters, Dover
February 16
To Brig. Gen’l U.S. Grant, U.S. Army

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 ob’t se’v’t,
S.B. Buckner,
Brig. Gen., C.S.A.

Contributor

Simon Bolivar Buckner and Ulysses S. Grant

From letters sent between Simon Bolivar Buckner and Ulysses S. Grant. Generals Grant and Buckner were friends who had known one another since they were fellow students at West Point. The ultimatum earned Grant the nickname “Unconditional Surrender.”