Why was there controversy over the Confederate surrender?
After the defeat at Fort Henry, all hope was placed in the survival of Fort Donelson. Being outnumbered and seeing how easily Fort Henry fell, some Confederate leaders began to fear the worst. Many wanted to retreat to protect Nashville with its valuable factories and surrounding farms lands, but as the fighting began on February 14, 1862 their chances became more difficult. In the early hours of the morning, the three highest Confederate commanders, Generals John Floyd, Gideon Pillow, and Simon Buckner, discussed surrender plans. Floyd suggested that he escape since as a former U.S. secretary of war, he would be too great of a capture. Pillow said he had made a vow of liberty or death, so he needed to escape. Pillow completely abandoned his men, while Gen. Floyd only escaped with less than half of his troops. In comparison, Lt. Col. Nathan Bedford Forrest escaped with his entire cavalry. Both Floyd and Pillow were court-martialed (a military trial) and found guilty of neglect of duty.
