Numbers 4.

Statement of Company Officers of the Seventy-first Ohio Infantry, with War Department General Orders, Nos. 120, 133, of 1862, &c.

The undersigned, commissioned officers of the line, who were at Clarksville, Tenn., on duty at the time of the surrender, have read with deep regret a telegraphic dispatch purporting to come from Russellville and comments thereon, giving a basely false report of the action. To the end of obtaining simple justice we submit a faithful statement of the facts:

About ten days after the battle of Shiloh our regiment was sent from thence to garrison and hold Fort Donelson and Clarksville. Four companies were stationed at the former place, under Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews; the other six at Clarksville, under Colonel Mason. We had lost 137 men in the battle of Shiloh out of 510, balance of regiment being sick in hospital at the time.

We were divided to garrison the above places. After sending back to Ohio the sick we did not all told number 300 men fit for duty; still both places have been held for more than three months. Our number for duty has never at Clarksville numbered 200. Colonel Mason constantly called on superior officers for re-enforcements and for artillery, but because of supposed greater necessity at other places neither were sent. Rumors of designed attacks upon us were received for seven days, and by Colonel Mason's order several temporary rifle pits were constructed. A few days before the attack Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews came up from Donelson, 45 miles distant, and Major Hart was sent to take his place at the fort.

On the morning of the attack Colonel Mason was near the river attending to the duties of the post, and upon hearing of the enemy's approach made his way to the camp. Upon the approach of the enemy Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews immediately placed all men in camp in line of battle. Detachments had been sent to guard steamers with Government stores on the way to Nashville, others on telegraph line, and still others to guard Government stores on the landing, so that at the time not more than 125 were in line.

As Colonel Andrews was preparing to open fire upon the enemy Colonel Mason had by a circuitous route and rapid movements reached the camp. At the moment a flag of truce approached from the enemy.

Of course all movements were halted, and the messenger was sent to Colonel Mason. He immediately summoned us to his quarters in council. The messenger stated he was sent to demand a surrender, with the condition that private property should be respected and the force allowed to retain its colors.

The true condition of affairs was for a moment canvassed. It was certain that a force of from 800 to 1,000 was drawn up before us, supported by two batteries of artillery; the messenger said a greater number. Colonel Woodward, commanding, conjointly with Colonel A. R. Johnson, the enemy, was called, and Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews asked to be permitted to pass along the enemy's lines to ascertain the true number. After some parleying the request was granted. He returned and reported that as near as he could ascertain about 400 cavalrymen were drawn up in line some 400 yards distant, one company armed with new 16-shooter rifles, one company with carbines and sabers, balance with double-barreled shot-guns; at the left and rear were drawn up about 100 infantry; at other points of street crossings were stationed probably