They had to ford or swim over the back-water in the little creek just south of Dover.
Before daylight General Smith brought to me the following letter from General Buckner: HEADQUARTERS, FORT DONELSON, February 16, 1862.
SIR:--In consideration of all the circumstances governing the present situation of affairs at this station, I propose to the Commanding Officer of the Federal forces the appointment of Commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation of the forces and fort under my command, and in that view suggest an armistice until 12 o'clock to-day.
I am, sir, very respectfully, Your ob't se'v't, S.B.BUCKNER, Brig.
Gen.

C.S.

A.
To Brigadier-General U.S.Grant, Com'ding U.S.Forces, Near Fort Donelson.
To this I responded as follows: HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD, Camp near Donelson, February 16, 1862.
General S.B.BUCKNER, Confederate Army.
SIR:--Yours of this date, proposing armistice and appointment of Commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received.

No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.
I propose to move immediately upon your works.
I am, sir, very respectfully, Your ob't se'v't, U.S.GRANT, Brig.

Gen.
To this I received the following reply: HEADQUARTERS, DOVER, TENNESSEE, February 16, 1862.
To Brig.