Gid. J. Pillow to George W. Randolph, May 15, 1862

Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

I had expected the decision of the President on the case in which I was suspended from command at an earlier day, and I had hoped that when the facts were all known that he would see nothing in my conduct at Fort Donelson deserving censure. But I am not able to understand the delay in his action except upon the supposition that he is not yet satisfied.

All the facts are before him. I know of no material conflict between my statements and those of any other officers. There are several statements in General Floyd’s report to the Secretary?s order in which my memory and his are at variance; but these statements of his in no way affect me, and can have no possible influence in-the decision of the President in my branch of the case. If, however, there were contradictory statements between General Floyd and myself, it would seem to me that they ought to be settled by the sworn testimony of five officers, whose testimony accompanies my reply to the Secretary’s interrogatories. Ifthe facts of the case had not been thus clearly made out, Ishould have felt it my duty to demand a court of inquiry; but as such a court could only find the facts and give opinion thereon, and as the President already had these faets before him, I have deemed a court unnecessary, even if one could be ordered without i injury to [the] service.

When it was determined by Generals Floyd and Buckner [that the command] could not be saved, but must be surrendered; when General Floyd, before parting with the command, had stipulated with General Buckner (not to myself), what could I do but acquiesce? If I had attempted to defeat their purpose, General Floyd would have resumed command and arrested me for insubordination. At least such was my understanding of his rights and powers and of my position and responsibilities as his junior in rank. General Floyd, in his late published reply to the Secretary’s interrogatories, as well as in his telegram to – General A. S. Johnston, says that he turned over the command ‘to General Buckner; that he and General Buckner agreed that it was determined that the command could not be saved, &e., but he nowhere says I agreed with him or pretends that I was in favor of surrenderin g the command. Under the proof as it is before the President, I cannot understand in his mind (?) as to the facts. I feel conscious of having tried to do my duty at Donelson and of having served the Government of my country faithfully, and I confess I did not expect its censure.

When I was suspended from command I believed [the President] had acted under misapprehension of my position. As promptly as possible I answered the interrogatories of the Secretary, and sustained the statements by the sworn testimony of five officers as reputable as belong to the Army. In reply I was informed that the case could not be taken up until answer was received. Having rested under the displeasure of the Government for more than two months, it ought not to excite surprise that I am anxious to be relieved from his order.

I understand that the President has been informed that my horses. and servants were taken across the river some time before I crossed myself. This statement is untrue, as my report and the proof in his possession will show. I had but one horse and one servant there; the horse was borrowed of General Clark. I did not leave Dover until the command was turned over and General Buckner had commenced preparing his communication to the Federal commanders, asking terms of

20 R R—VOL VII capitulation. I then left the garrison, crossed the river in a small hand flat, leaving my horse and servant in Dover. At that time no steamboat had reached Dover; my horse was brought over by the steamboat that arrived afterwards. When it erosséd over, General Floyd, my trunk (all the baggage I had), and my servant were brought up the river in the steamboat in which General Floyd and a portion of his command reached Clarksville.

These facts all appear in the proofs now in your possession, and are susceptible of proof by more than one hundred witnesses. .If, from all the facts, the President thinks my conduct censurable, it is my duty to submit to his judgment; but if I cannot serve the Government satisfactorily, I would prefer to retire. Indeed, but for the interest I felt in the issues involved in this great revolution I would not have aecepted the commission I now hold. The fortunes of war have placed [me] as the principal actor in two hard-fought and bloody fields (of Belmont and Donelson), where we fought most unequal numbers. In what I considered the most meritorious service of my life—the battle of Donelson or Dover—it was my misfortune to have been placed after the battle was fought in a position which brings upon me the displeasure of the Government.

While resting under this displeasure, two of my brother general officers from my own State, who came into the Tennessee army under me, as its commanding general, and neither of whom had then performed any distinguished services or fought any battle, are promoted over me. I originally thought this was done under misapprehension of my position. If it shall turn out this impression of mine was erroneous, it becomes questionable if my honor às an offieer is not so far compromised as to make it my duty to retire. Until I know the decision of the President I cannot determine my own course. Painful as would be the necessity of retiring ata time of so much peril to the country, yet I could not hesitate in my course if satisfied that I was the object of intentional injustice., To. be just is the highest duty of government. I yet have the fullest confidence in the Presidents sense of justice. If any part of my conduct is not properly understood by him, or if he has received from any quarter statements contradictory to mine, [I] ask at his hands infor- . mation of the fact, that I may have an opportunity of explanation or refutation.

My apology for troubling you with this long communication must be found in the circumstances in which I am placed. The great delay and uncertainty of the mails induces me to send Major Nicholson, my aide- – de-eamp, with it. Itrust you will find it convenient to place in his hands such orders as in the Presidents judgment are proper. ;

with great respect, your obedient servant,