To Mrs. Lyon
Mound City, Monday noon, Feb. 17, 1862.—The regiment is now all at Cairo except Company K and about 100 men who, with Col. Murphy, went yesterday to Alton with the prisoners taken at Fort Henry. They are having a desperate fight at Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland river. General Paine came down yesterday, bringing intelligence that we have already lost 2,000 killed and wounded, among whom are several Illinois Colonels and other officers. Several gunboats came down from there last night and this morning; but, not stopping here, we got no news from above.
There has been heavy firing at Cairo within an hour. At first we thought the place had been attacked from Columbus, but as it ceased all at once we have concluded that they had heard that we had taken Fort Donelson and were firing a national salute in honor of the victory. The boys chafed like chained lions when they heard the firing at Columbus this morning.
Evening.—It is true that Fort Donelson is taken, and with it 10,000 to 15,000 prisoners. The backbone of this rebellion is broken. Now for Columbus and home! Our hearts bound as we begin to see the end of this war.
