Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/57

 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 33 escape at the same time. On the 16th Buckner wrote proposing that commissioners be appointed to arrange for terms of capitulation. General Grant replied: &quot;No terms other than an uncondi tional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.&quot; The garrison was surrendered the same day, un conditionally. The capture included 14,623 men, 65 cannon, and 17,600 small-arms. The killed and wounded numbered about 2,500. Grant s loss was 2,041 in killed, wounded, and missing. This was the first capture of a prominent strategic point since the war began, and indeed the only substantial victory thus far for the National arms. It opened up two important navigable rivers, and left the enemy no strong foothold in Kentucky or Tennes see. Grant was soon afterward made a major- general of volunteers, his commission dating from February 16, and his popularity throughout the country began from that day. He urged a prompt following up of this victory, and set out for Nash ville, February 28, without waiting for instructions, but telegraphing that he should go if he received no orders to the contrary. For this, and under the pretence that he had not forwarded to his superiors in command certain reports showing the strength and positions of his forces, he was deprived of his command, and ordered to remain at Fort Henry. He was not restored to command until March 13,