On this date 150 years ago, the Secretary of War, with the President's approval, issued orders releasing political prisoners who would take the oath of allegiance to the United States. A general amnesty was proclaimed for all those who complied with the oath and agreed to give no further aid to the rebellion.

The battle at Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River was expanded by the arrival of four Union ironclads and several wooden ships, although the easy victory which General Grant expected was not forthcoming. The Union general saw a temporary withdrawal of his river forces as shore batteries threatened serious damage to the Federal vessels. The Union ironclads "St. Louis" and "Louisville" were badly hit and rendered virtually useless. Flag Officer Andrew Foote, who so ably performed at Fort Henry, was wounded in the rain of Southern shelling. Bowling Green, Kentucky, was taken by the Federals. A meeting of Confederate commanders recommended that Gideon Pillow's forces attack the Federal right flank which was to the south of Fort Donelson.