Dover, Tennessee 

Fort  Donelson National Military Park

Dover � February 22-23, 2003  

The Homespun Living History Guild was joined by the Salt River Rifles, and MOOCOWS at the hotel in Dover, TN near Ft. Donelson where we recreated the aftermath of citizens returning to their normal routines following the Battle of Ft. Donelson.

Citizens filed claims for lost or damaged property, some applied for passes through the lines so that they might return to their homes in other areas, and wrestled with the decision of whether or not to sign the Oath of Allegiance.  Miss Rinehardt signed and seemingly went about her business as usual whereas Mrs. Killen, and Mrs. Buckner refused to sign fearing it might strain the relationships between themselves and their sons who were in the Confederate army. 

Lee Walker portrayed the inn keeper, Mr. Cooley, who filed for restitution of large quantities of food stores, but it was unclear at the time what his chances of recovery were.  At one point Mr. Walker found himself in hot water with the Federals, but his wife refused to go to his aid saying he wasn�t much good to her in running the place anyway.

  Mrs. Killen was summoned to see Major Butler regarding a letter to her son which had been confiscated when Lieut. Henry Killen was taken prisoner.  The letter indicated Mrs. Killen�s willingness to accept some sort of papers from her son.  Maj. Butler was straightforward in his inquiry, but his air was one of authority and left no question that he would not be tolerant of such shenanigans.  A quick search of Mrs. Killen�s carpet bag would have uncovered other letters from her sons to their wives and one in particular from Henry.  The letter from Henry to his mother  stated he had no time to put together the papers he�d wanted to send by his mother to his wife, the nature of which were outlining what amounts were owed him through his business at home and how his wife and mother might collect these debts for their support until his return.  Since Mr. Killen, Sr., is deceased and the women left to their own devices Henry had advised they rely on his father-in-law�s assistance until whatever time he might return home.

 At one point Pvt. Steffan Miller was escorted to headquarters by two comrades after having been fired upon supposedly by a lone Confederate.

 Given the disadvantages of living in an occupied city and steady rain Uncle Asa did an amazing job in turning out vittles for all present.  Everyone, military and civilian alike, expressed their sincere gratitude for his kindness and generosity.  He will forever hold the position of patriarch of our little circle of friends

The civilians who had not signed the Oath did apply for a petition and were allowed to conduct business until it was decided whether or not it was granted.  Mrs. Buckner and Mrs. Killen hoped to make enough to pay for their passage out of Dover to Mrs. Killen�s home in northern Alabama.  There was a great deal of discussion as to how all the civilians present might walk some l2 miles to a friend of Uncle Asa�s who would loan them a boat which might get them home.

 Major Butler though firm in his resolution to carry out his duties as outlined by his superiors, was kind to the civilians present and made their existence far more enjoyable than it might have been.  He even loaned Mrs. Killen and Mrs. Buckner enough money (from his own pocket) for their support until they were able to gather enough money for the trip home.  We can only hope that our relations and friends who may find themselves in a similar predicament may have such a gentleman to apply to for assistance

. The civilians� lives were drastically different after the battle than they had been before.  They learned that their existence depended upon their ability to get along and trade with the soldiers left to guard the city.  They had put together several items to sell to the soldiers such as soap, ointments, shirts, baked goods, etc. and at the end of the weekend the money collected ($252.) was donated to the Ft. Donelson park.

 On Saturday night the military and civilians participated in a variety of parlor games from the l850�s and early l860�s, the highlight of which was a tableaux originally performed by ladies of Richmond.  While thus entertained a light snow fell adding a feeling of realism of what the soldiers injured in the battle had experienced afterward from the cold freezing rain and snow.  Tim Kimball and others sang several songs of the period, and Dan Colon delighted all present with life-like sketches of some of the participants. 

Major Jim Butler read aloud a letter written by his ancestor, Dietrich Smith, following the l862 battle in which he described the cold, snow and sleet which ironically was falling outside in very much the same manner some l4l years later.  Eli Geery told the story of one of the wounded soldiers whose blood had frozen to the ground the night following the battle.  By morning, however, all had cleared and those present had no trouble in their travels home. 

 HLHG member, Anne Buckner Burgamy, is the collateral descendant of Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner who signed the surrender in the hotel following the battle, so the weekend was an opportunity for her to participate in the very dwelling where her ancestor stepped into the pages of history in l862. 

 We can�t thank our friends enough for joining us.  I fear I am forever doomed to judge future events by the warmth and camaraderie I experienced during the weekend at the Dover Hotel.  The genuine friendships and appreciation for the history of the site along with the amiability of all present made for an almost magical weekend. 

Mrs. Susannah Killen

aka Victoria Rumble

 

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