in the midst of a roll-call and shouted “General Grant has captured Fort Donelson.” Then followed a scene which defies description. Members sprang to their feet with the wildest cheers. The Senators hearing the great shout, came rushing into the House and catching the contagion, all joined in the most extravagant expressions of delight. For ten minutes pandemonium reigned and no one thought of legislative dignity. When order was finally restored the two houses adjourned. In the afternoon, by a common impulse, State officers, members of the Legislature and citizens gathered at the old Des Moines House and joined in celebration of the great victory. Those of the present generation can scarcely realize the intense anxiety that pervaded the entire North at this period of the war. The depression of repeated defeats and doubts as to the final result, which had long oppressed the hearts of the loyal were suddenly lifted; hope and confidence were again inspired. Governor Kirkwood and others were called out for speeches and the rejoicings were kept up to a late hour of the night.
A general had at last been found who, without display, could not only fight brilliant battles, but could strike powerful blows at the Rebellion by capturing a large army with all of its equipments. Grant had proved more than a match in this campaign for the confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston, who was regarded by the South as the equal of General Lee. Johnston was in command of this department with headquarters at Nashville, while Halleck, from St. Louis, directed the Union armies of the West. Grant, with a subordinate command, early realized that Forts Henry and Donelson blocked the river route to the heart of the Confederacy. In January, he asked permission of Halleck to capture these forts and open the river to Nashville. His request was at first refused, but seeing so clearly the great results to be obtained, a month later he again urged the importance of the project and obtained Halleck’s consent. His
