Monday, February 17. — A most delightful day in some respects, although cloudy and rainy. We received the cheering news from Tennessee of our success there.[1] The general instantly dispatched messengers, or rather orderlies, to the different brigadiers under his command, and ordered them to call out their respective brigades, and read them the “glorious news.” The order was obeyed, and such cheers I never heard before. The men were delighted, and received in honor of the event a ration of whiskey. General Porter was extremely pleased, and had several colonels in his tent, to whom he gave whiskey, etc. I unfortunately could not drink, but I made up for it in wishing. We also heard that Savannah had been taken, but whether this was true or not, I am unable to say. We had Captain Allen of the 5th Massachusetts Battery here to dinner, and as far as I could judge he was a very gentlemanly person. I received a letter from Alice[2] to-day, extremely well written both as to the handwriting and mental part. Her letters will bear reading twice.
[1] The capture of Forts Henry and Donelson.
