pi. H. P. Brewster to GIDEON J. PILLOW, Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: Under date of March 11 the Secretary of War says, March 16, 1862

Brig. Gen. GIDEON J. PILLOW, Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: Under date of March 11 the Secretary of War says:

The reports of -Generals Floyd and Pillow are unsatisfactory, and the President directs that both these generals be relieved from command until further orders. . He further directs General Johnston in the mean time [to] request ‘ them to add to their [reports] such statements as they may deem proper on the following points: 1st. The failure to give timely notice of the insufficiency of the garrison of Fort ‘ Donelson to repel the attack. 2d. The failure of any attempt to save the army by evacuating the post when found untenable. 3d. Why they abandoned the command to their inferior officer instead of executing . themselyes whatever measure was deemed proper for the entire army. A 4th. What was the precise mode by which each effected his escape from the fort and ” what dangers were encountered in the retreat. 5th. Upon what prineiple a selection was made of particular troops, being certain regiments of the senior general’s brigade, to whose vse all the transpor tation on hand was appropriated. 6th. A particular designation of the regiments saved and the regiments abandoned – which formed a part of the senior general’s brigade. In obedience to this order I am directed by General Johnston to request your compliance with the wishes of the President in these par- = ticulars with as little delay as possible, and report to these headquarters. Under the same direction General Johnston has requested a report from Colonel Forrest, detailing particularly the time and manner of his escape from Fort Donelson, the road he took, and the number of the enemy he met or saw in making his escape, and the difficulties which existed to prevent the remainder of the army from following the route taken by him in his escape with his command. lam,

your obedient servant,