Colonel Winchester disappeared in the direction of General Grant's headquarters, but returned after a while and called his favorite aide, young Richard Mason.
"Dick," he said, "we have summoned the Southerners to surrender, and I want you to go with me to a conference of their generals.

You may be needed to carry dispatches." Dick went gladly with the group of Union officers, who approached Fort Donelson under the white flag, and who met a group of Confederate officers under a like white flag.

He noticed in the very center of the Southern group the figure of General Buckner, a tall, well-built man in his early prime, his face usually ruddy, now pale with fatigue and anxiety.

Dick, with his uncle, Colonel Kenton, and his young cousin, Harry Kenton, had once dined at his house.
Nearly all the officers, Northern and Southern, knew one another well.
Many of them had been together at West Point.

Colonel Winchester and General Buckner were well acquainted and they saluted, each smiling a little grimly.
"I bring General Grant's demand for the surrender of Fort Donelson, and all its garrison, arms, ammunition, and other supplies," said Colonel Winchester.