Albert S. Johnston to Judah P. Benjamin, February 18, 1862

SIR:

In conformity with the intention beds 1 to the Department, the corps under the command of Major-General Hardee completed the evacuation of Bowling Green on the 14th instant, and the rear guard erossed the Cumberland at this point yesterday morning in good order. I have ordered the army to intrench to-night midway between this place and Murfreesborough. My purpose is to place the force in such a position that the enemy cannot concentrate his superior strength against the command, and to enable me to assemble as rapidly as possible sueh other troops in addition as it may be in my power to collect. The complete command which their gunboats and transports give them on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers renders it necessary for me to retire my line between the rivers. I entertain the hope that this disposition will enable me to hold the enemy in check, and when my forces are sufficiently increased to drive him back.

In a previous dispatch I informed you of my anticipation of the fall of Fort Donelson. These movements were commenced under that impression. The enemy attacked the fort-on the 13th instant at sunrise in great force with gunboats and by troops on land. ‘The assault was continued with vigor and the enemy repulsed with loss

On the morning of the 15th our forces, under the command of General Floyd, about 10,000 strong, advanced from their trenches upon the enemy, more than double their number, and drove him back about 2 miles, capturing his artillery, taking prisoners, and forcing his positions. The conflict was one of the most sanguinary of the war, and continued trom dawn until night-fall, with a loss of about 1,000 killed and wounded on our part.

During the night the enemy was heavily re-enforced by thirteen transports coming to his relief loaded with fresh troops, while our men were exhausted by cold, privation, and three days? continued battle.

During the night, the position being found no longer tenable in consequence of the exhaustion of the men, and the enemy having obtained a lodgment on the extreme right in the intrenchments, the tort being uninjured, General Floyd and a portion of his command withdrew and General Pillow retired, leaving General Buckner in command of the place and the remaining troops.

General Buckner informed me that at 4 o’clock on the morning of the 16th he had sent a flag of truce, which 1 presume was for the purpose of surrendering, though I have not received official information of the fact.

I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,