Nelson immediately took possession of the city.
After Nelson had gone and before I had learned of Buell's arrival, I sent word to department headquarters that I should go to Nashville myself on the 28th if I received no orders to the contrary.

Hearing nothing, I went as I had informed my superior officer I would do.

On arriving at Clarksville I saw a fleet of steamers at the shore--the same that had taken Nelson's division--and troops going aboard.

I landed and called on the commanding officer, General C.F.Smith.

As soon as he saw me he showed an order he had just received from Buell in these words: NASHVILLE, February 25, 1862.
GENERAL C.F.SMITH, Commanding U.S.Forces, Clarksville.
GENERAL:--The landing of a portion of our troops, contrary to my intentions, on the south side of the river has compelled me to hold this side at every hazard.