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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

31 August, 1861: Saturday

The Confederacy
Virginia
Richmond: The Confederate Congress adjourns. The government announces the appointment of five full generals in order of seniority:
Samuel Cooper from May 16
Albert Sidney Johnston from May 28
Robert E. Lee June 14
Joseph E. Johnston from July 4
P. G. T. Beauregard from July 21

Virginia
A skirmish takes place at Munson's Hill, otherwise known as Little River Turnpike, Virginia.

Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Monday, August 30, 2010

30 August, 1861: Friday

Missouri
St Louis: Major General John Charles Fremont writes and then issues an emancipation proclamation and order of confiscation. He does this without authorization from President Lincoln's government.

This proclamation declares martial law throughout Missouri and confiscates all property of "those who shall take up arms against the United States." Slaves held by those individuals were declared free.

Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Sunday, August 29, 2010

29 August, 1861: Thursday

Missouri
Minor skirmishing takes place at Lexington, Missouri.
Minor skirmishing takes place at Morse's Mills, Missouri.

North Carolina
Hatteras Inlet: Federal troops consolidate their victory over the Confederates here.

New Jersey
A "Peace" meeting in Middletown, New Jersey "fails to come off."

New York
A "Peace" meeting in Long Island, New York "fails to come off."


Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Saturday, August 28, 2010

28 August, 1861: Wednesday

Union Naval Action
North Carolina

Off Cape Hatteras, Federal vessels open fire on Fort Hatteras. The fort suffers severe damage and eventually surrenders. Casualties are light on both sides, however.

The fall of Fort Hatteras, along with that of Fort Clark, seals off an important blockading route. This successful invasion of North Carolina/Confederate soil by the Federals has a propaganda effect "out of all proportion to its military value."

Missouri
There is a skirmish at Ball's Mills, Missouri.

Virginia
There is a skirmish at Bailey's Cross Roads, Virginia.

St. Louis, Missouri
Union General Nathaniel Lyon, killed at Wilson's Creek on August 10, 1861, is celebrated in St. Louis with pomp and circumstance. He was the first Union general to be killed in the war. (According to Wikipedia: In the confused aftermath of the Union retreat from Wilson's Creek, Lyon's body was mistakenly left behind on the battlefield and discovered by Confederate forces. It was briefly buried on a Union soldier's farm outside Springfield until it could be returned to Lyon's relatives. Eventually the remains were interred at the family plot in Eastford, Connecticut, where an estimated crowd of 15,000 attended the funeral. A cenotaph stands in memory of Lyon in the Springfield National Cemetery, Missouri.)

Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Friday, August 27, 2010

Who was John Rodgers?

From Wikipedia:

John Rodgers (8 August 1812–5 May 1882) was an admiral in the United States Navy.

Early life and career
Rodgers, a son of Commodore John Rodgers, was born near Havre de Grace, Maryland. He received his appointment as a Midshipman in the Navy on 18 April 1828. Service in the Mediterranean on board Constellation and Concord opened his long career of distinguished service, and he commanded an expedition of Naval Infantry and Marines in Florida during the Seminole Wars. In the mid-1850s he succeeded Commander Ringgold in command of the North Pacific Exploring and Surveying Expedition, which added greatly to the knowledge of far eastern and northern waters. Following his promotion to Commander in 1855, he married and settled to work in the Navy's Japan Office in Washington, D.C., where he was serving when the Civil War broke out.

Civil War service
Commander Rodgers' first war assignment was to go with Commodore Louis M. Goldsborough to Gosport Navy Yard on April 20, 1861, where with other officers he was to remove Naval vessels and assets so they could not be used by the Confederates. Virginia had only just declared her secession from the Union. Upon arrival they found the yard in shambles, as Commodore McCauley had already ordered the vessels at Gosport scuttled, including the Merrimack, since he considered the yard indefensible. Commodore Goldsborough made the decision to destroy the yard, and Commander Rodgers and Army Captain of Engineers Horatio G. Wright were given the job of destroying the drydock.

They were thwarted in this attempt when the fuse was extinguished by water in the pumping gallery. Commander Rodgers and Captain Wright were captured by General William B. Taliaferro of the Virginia State Militia, but since Virginia had not yet joined the Confederate States, and was therefore not at war against the United States, Governor John Letcher returned the two officers to Washington.

Commander Rodgers was then sent to the Western Rivers, where he organized the Western Flotilla and supervised construction of the City Class Gunboats, the first ironclad gunboats on the western rivers. He was relieved by Captain Andrew Hull Foote, a more senior officer being required by the Navy to deal with the prickly Major General John C. Fremont.

After blockading operations off of Savannah in command of the Flag, he assumed command of the experimental ironclad Galena in April 1862, operating with distinction in the James River. He commanded the James River Flotilla, including the USS Galena, the ironclad Monitor, and the 90-day gunboat Aroostook in an expedition up the James River in May 1862, which was stopped eight miles shy of Richmond by Confederate fortifications at Drewry's Bluff. The damage that the Galena suffered in the ensuing battle caused him to report, "We demonstrated that she is not shotproof", and made him disdainful of trying experiments in the fires of war. Thereafter he supported General McClellan's Peninsula Campaign with Naval bombardment, preventing Confederate forces from overunning the Army of the Potomac's position.

John Rodgers was promoted to Captain on July 16 1862 and took command of the ironclad monitor Weehawken. After successfully navigating her from Brooklyn to Charleston through the same storm that sank the USS Monitor, he distinguished himself during the attack on Fort Sumter in May 1863, and in capturing the Confederate ram Atlanta on June 17, 1863. The latter service won him the Thanks of Congress and promotion to Commodore. This was his last active service in the Civil War. After recovering from an illness, he took command of the ironclad monitor Dictator. Design and construction problems with that vessel kept him occupied for the remainder of the war, though he earnestly desired a more active post.

Postbellum career
Commodore Rodgers then commanded the Boston Naval Station until 1869. He was elevated to Rear Admiral in December 1869 and given command of the Asiatic Squadron. In 1871 he commanded the American squadron in the United States expedition to Korea. Returning to the United States, assumed command of Mare Island and was Superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory. While serving in that post, Rear Admiral Rodgers died in Washington, D.C. on 5 May 1882.

Namesake
Rodgers' father was Commodore John Rodgers (1772–1838), and he was the grandfather of pioneering Naval aviator Commander John Rodgers (1881–1926). Six ships of the United States Navy have been named in their honor; either as USS John Rodgers or USS Rodgers.

August 27, 1861, Tuesday

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
The Confederates had erected two sand and wood fortifications, Fort Clark and Fort Hatteras, to protect Hatteras Inlet, an important waterway gor blockade runners.

The Federals occupy Fort Clark with no opposition, the Confederate garrison having abandoned it.

The Navy duels with the batteries in Fort Hatteras on this day, with little impact.

Maryland
There is skirmishing at Antietam Iron Works in Maryland, north of the Potomac.

Virginia
There is skirmishing at Ball's Cross Roads, Virginia.


BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Thursday, August 26, 2010

August 26, 1861, Monday

Hawaii
King Kamehameha IV of the Hawaiian Islands proclaims the neutrality of his country in the war.

Washington, DC
Navy Captain Andrew Foote is assigned to command of the Federal gunboat forces on Western rivers, replacing John Rodgers. Rodgers had done well (according to author E. B. Long) but there had been personality clashes.

Western Virginia
Fighting breaks out at Cross Lanes near Summerville.

Skirmishing takes place at Wayne Court House and at Blue's House.

Hampton Roads, Virginia
A federal naval squadron and army transports leave Hampton Roads, Virginia, en route for Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Commodore Silas H. Stringham is in command of the naval portion of eight ships, General B. F. Butler is in charge of the army portion of 900 men.

BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

August 25, 1861, Sunday

Great Falls, Maryland
A Federal scout party ventures from Great Falls, Maryland into Virginia.

Western Virginia
Skirmishing ocurrs near Piggott's Mill.

Fort Craig, New Mexico Territory
Skirmishing ocurrs near Fort Craig.

Fort Stanton, New Mexico Territory
Confederates conduct operations against the Indians from Aug 25 to Sept 8, 1861.

BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

August 24, 1861, Saturday

Richmond, Virginia
President Jefferson Davis names commissioners to Europe:
Pierre A. Rost to Spain
James M. Mason to Great Britain
John Slidell to France
Their task is to attempt to obtain foreign recognition of the Confederacy. In addition, they are to act as purchasing agents for guns, ammunitions, and supplies.

Washington, DC
Several people are arrested, including Mrs. Phillips Phillips, and Mrs. Rose Greenhow, on charges of corresponding with the Confederates.

President Lincoln tells Governor Beriah Magoffin of Kentucky that he can not and will not remove the pro-Union forces being organized in Kentucky despite claims of the state to neutrality.

General northern cities
Raids continue on "seccessionist" newspapers in the North.

BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Monday, August 23, 2010

August 23, 1861, Friday

Potomac Creek, Virginia
An engagement occurs between two Federal steamers, Yankee and Release, with Confederate batteries at the mouth of Potomac Creek.

Springfield, western Virginia
Skirmishing breaks out.

Medoc, Missouri
Skirmishing breaks out.

Fort Craig, New Mexico Territory
Skirmishing breaks out.

Tennessee
Governor Isham Harris of Tennessee appealed to mothers, wives and daughters for clothing and blanketrs for the solfdiers in the field.

BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Sunday, August 22, 2010

August 22, 1861, Thursday

Paducah, Kentucky
Two vessels, W. B. Terry and Samuel Orr, are seized by pro=Confederates.

New York, NY
Alleged pro-Southern northern newspapers are confiscated.

Canton, Ohio
Alleged pro-Southern northern newspapers are confiscated.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alleged pro-Southern northern newspapers are confiscated.

BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Saturday, August 21, 2010

April 21, 1861. Wednesday

Washington, DC
The Federal government orders copies of New York newspapers suppressed, for allegedly aiding rebellion should not be carried by the mails.

Philadelphia
Newspapers from New York are confiscated, on order from Washington, DC.

Jonesboro, Missouri
A skirmish takes place here.

CONDERACY

Richmond, Virginia
Brigadier General Roswell S. Ripley is named to command the Confederate Department of South Carolina.

Brigadier General John B. Grayson is named to command the Department of Middle and East Florida.

President Davis approves an act of the Confederate Congress to name two more commissioners to Europe. He also signs a measure authorizing the President to cooperate and extend aid to Missouri.

BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Friday, August 20, 2010

August 20, 2010, Tuesday

Washington, DC
Major GEneral George B. McClellan assumed command of the newly organized Department and the Army of the Potomac for the Uniuon.

Wheeling, western Virginia
A convention is held to provide for setting up a new pro-Union state to be called Kanawha.

Hawks Nest, western Virginia, and Laurel Fork Creek, western Virginia
Skirmishes occur at each of these two locations.

Fish Lake, Missouri
A skirmish occurs at this location.

Lookout Station, Missouri
Confederates attack a railroad train near this location.

Richmond, Virginia
President Davis writes General Joseph E. Johnston at Manassas about complaints in the Confederate Army of improper food and lack of care for the sick.

Davis approves a bill increasing Confederate artillery and calling for other military measures.

Springfield, Missouri
General Sterling Price proclaims the great Southern victory at Wildon's Creek and said Northern oppressors of Missouri had been defeated.


BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Thursday, August 19, 2010

August 19, 1861, Monday

Richmond, Virginia
The Confederate Congress held at Richmond agreed to an alliance with Missouri, and "virtually" admitted the state into the Confederacy. Missouri thus effectively has two governments, one Union and one Confederate.

Another act authorizes a produce loan of $100,000,000 to be taken up by planters to help finance the war.

Washington, DC
President Lincoln makes several appointments:
--George H. Thomas of Virginia - named Brigadier General
--Maj. General Henry W. Hellbeck, then in California, is ordered to report to Washington. It is thought that he will be named to a top command

West Chester, PA and Easton, PA
Newspapers in these towns are raised by Unionists.

Haverhill, Massachusetts
A newspaper publisher is tarred and feathered by a mob for alleged pro-Southern sentiments.

Klapsford, Missouri
Skirmish takes place here.

Charleston, Missouri
Federal forces from Bird's Point, opposite CAiro, railroaded to Charleston, Missouri and defeated a force of Missouri state troops.
BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

August 18, 1861, Sunday

Pohick Church, Virginia
A callvary skirmish takes place here between Confederates and Federals.

Sandy Hook, Maryland
A minor Confederate attack is launched near here.



BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Monday, August 16, 2010

August 17, 1861, Saturday

Washington, DC
Federal departments of Northeastern Virginia, of Washington, and of the Shenandoah were merged into the Department of the Potomac. This is why the name of the main Northern army in Virginia was called the Army of the Potomac.

President Lincoln appoints Henry Wager Halleck a major general in the regular Army and also secretly provided for a commission as Brigadier General of Volunteers for Simon Bolivar Buckner of Kentucky. Buckner declined and will later join the Confederate army.

Major General John E. Wool supersedes Benjamin F. Butler in command of the Department of Virginia. Butler will go on to head forces organizing to attack the Cape Hatteras area.

Orders are issued providing for 40 cents a day and one ration for nurses in the Northern Army.

Hunnewell, Palmyra
There is minor fighting here.

Brunswick, Missouri
There is minor fighting here.


Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De CApo, 1971

August 16, 1961, Friday

Washington, DC
President Lincoln proclaims that the inhabitants of the Confederate States "are in a state of insurrection against the United States, ad that all commercial intercourse," with certain exceptions, between loyal and rebellious states was unlawful.

Charges of disloyalty are brought against the New York Journal of Commerce, Daily News, Day Book, Freeman's Journal and Brooklyn Eagle in U. S. Circuit Court.

Saybrook, Connecticut
An alleged pro-secessionist or peace meeting is broken up.

Fredericktown, Missouri
Federal troops maneuver in the area.

Kirksville, Missouri
Federal troops maneuver in the area and will continue to do so for three more days.

California
Federal troops continue to operate against Indians from Fort Crook to the Pitt River. This begain on August 15 and will continue to August 22.


Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De CApo, 1971

Sunday, August 15, 2010

August 15, 1861, Thursday

Washington, DC
Federal Brigadier General Robert Anderson (who had commanded Fort Sumter) is named Commander of the Department of the Cumberland. This department consists of Kentucky and Tennessee, with headquarters at Cincinatti.

Missouri
Unionists in Missouri, led by John C. Frémont (1813-1890), fearing that Confederate forces led by General Ben McCulloch and General Sterling Price will invade. Frémont asks Washington for reinforcementys. President Lincoln told the War Department to request the governors of western states to aid him.

Dry Tortugas, FL
Sixty men of the Second Maine who had refused to obey orders are transferred to fatigue duty on Dry Tortugas off Key West, Florida.

California
Federal troops search for Indians from Fort Crook to the Pitt River. They will do this from August 15 to August 22, 1861.


Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De CApo, 1971

Saturday, August 14, 2010

August 14, 1861, Wednesday

St. Louis, Missouri
Major General John Charles Fremont declares martial law in St. Louis city and county, which is followed by the suppression of two allegedly pro-Southern newspapers.

Washington, DC
Members of the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers mutinied near Washington and refused to obey orders. Their desire for a furlough was one of the grievances. A number of soldiers were arrested and the entire regiment was put under guard.

Richmond, Virginia
President Jefferson Davis proclaims the banishment of enemy aliens who did not ackowledge the authority of the Confederate States of America.

Brigadier General Paul O. Hebert is assigned to command Confederate forces in Texas.

BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Manifesto

This blog will consist of a chronological history of the American Civi war, photos of battlefields and other historic sites, and so on.