March 11, 1862.] [Footnote 576: _Ibid._, p.266.Fort Henry was taken by Grant on February 6 and Fort Donelson on the 15th.

The capture of these two places gave an opening for the advance of the Western army southwards into Tennessee and Mississippi.] [Footnote 577: Mason Papers.

Spence to Mason, March 18, 1862.] [Footnote 578: Richardson, II, 207.

Slidell to Hunter, March 26, 1862.] [Footnote 579: Mason Papers.].