2

The Fight at Fort Donelson.

We give elsewhere such intelligence as we have received, by telegraph or otherwise, of the investment of Fort Donelson by the Union forces. One report is that the enemy are but ten or fifteen thousand, while another is that they have as strong a force as the Union army, which is some fifty thousand. The enemy are surrounded in their entrenchments and are making a desperate resistance. All their principal generals, including Beauregard and Johnson, are reported to be at Fort Donelson. The conflict, doubtless, will be a desperate and bloody one — probably it has already taken place. We shall, perhaps get further advices to-day, though it is reported that restrictions have been put upon the telegraph lines which may leave us in suspense as to the progress of the contest, until something decisive has transpired.

The most painful anxiety pervades all classes here, as it doubtless does throughout the state, to hear from the field of operations; Illinois being so largely represented there, doing battle for the Union and the constitution. God give them strength and nerve for brave deeds, and send them victory that may effectually crush treason and shed upon themselves and state imperishable honor.

— Since the above was in type a dispatch has been received announcing that the Union forces had taken the upper fort, that two Illinois generals were killed, that Com. Foote was wounded and the gunboats badly cut up. The lower fort was to be attacked this morning.