William A. Quarles to Gideon J. Pillow, August 1, 1863

General GIDEON J. PILLOW: In accordance with your request I make the following statement of a conversation with you on the morning of the day of the surrender of the troops at Fort Donelson: f I called at the general headquarters for orders, and while there heard that we were about to be surrendered.

nar. XVI] CAPTURE OF FORT DONELSON, TENN.

I immediately approached you and asked you if it was true You replied it was. I then asked you if there was no possible way to prevent it and fight out. Your reply was, “No; I have fought against the

surrender in the council, but my senior and junior in command overrule me. I can do nothing; I am powerless; the surrender has been positively determined on; had I my way I would fight the troops; I believe I could get them out.” Your words are impressed upon my memory, and I think I give your very language. I am, general, very respectiully,

your obedient servant,