It was this feature of the case which rendered the loss of Donelson so serious and so exasperating to the Confederate Government, as shown in the message of Jefferson Davis.
Another victory for the Union was gained on the coast of North Carolina under the joint efforts of the army and the navy.

General Burnside was in command of the former and Commodore Gouldsborough of the latter.

The battle of Roanoke Island was fought the day after the capture of Fort Henry, and the Union victory led to a lodgment of the national forces on the soil of North Carolina, which was held firmly to the end.

Events beyond the Mississippi were also favorable to the National Government.

General Sterling Price had been the cause of much trouble in Missouri, where he was personally popular.