Troop Movements

Dear Freddy,

The build up in and around Fort Donelson continued steadily on 11 February, 1862. 

Grant's troops advanced from Fort Henry. In the lead was General John McClernand's men. I go ahead and mention this here, for these men would be deployed into battle in but two days. 

In the meantime, Commodore Foote's gunboats were steaming along the Cumberland. I stumbled upon a picture of Andrew Foote. I thought Charles and yourself might like to see the man who had successfully lead the navel attack on Fort Henry and who would soon be in charge of the attack on another Confederate river fort.

Charles held up the photograph and squinted one eye at it. Flipping it around for Fred to see, he remarked, "Tough ol' sea-bird, right there...eh, mate?"

Fred chuckled at his friend's lively humor and turned back to the letter...

While the Yankee's were on the move, so were the Confederates. General Simon B. Buckner arrived at Fort Donelson. Bowling Green, Kentucky was abandoned by the Confederates.

The weather was freezing. 

It may be more "appropriate" to send you this map in tomorrow's post, but a day early will not hurt. Study it. The 26th Alabama would be on the left flank, in the earthworks around the southern area here...roughly across from Yankee General Wallace's command. 

The build up continues tomorrow...

Love your Grandfather

"Hey, Freds...why did he particularly mention the 26th Alabama?" 

Chuck, sprawled upon his stomach, was deeply engrossed in the map as he spoke, so he hadd not noticed the straightening of his companions shoulders and the lifting of his chin.

Fred's voice was level, though it rang with an almost defensive tone, "The 26th was his own unit."

Charles bolted upright into a sitting position, eyes wide.

"You mean he was there?"

History had reached out a tentacle and doubly awakened a keen, personal, interest in a young New Yorker's breast.