17 July 1862: Thursday

Government - Union
President Lincoln signs the Second Confiscation Act after lengthy and acrimonious congressional debate and after weighing a possible veto. Supported by the Radicals and the ultra-abolitionist forces, it could readily be interpreted as a viertual act of emancipation. The measure provided that slaves of all those who supported or aided the rebellion wwould be free when they came within Union control.

It also called for confiscation of other forms of property, gave the President power to "employ" Negroes for suppression of the rebellion, and authorized the President to provide for colonization "in some tropical cuntry beyong the limits of the United States of such persons of African race, made free by the provisions of this act, as may be willing to emigrate."

The bill also authorized the President to tender pardon and amnesty to those he saw fit. Lincoln approved some provisions and wording, but last-minute changes took care of most of the objections. The measure later gave rise to a political struggle between the President and Congress over who was to handle the slavery and reconstruction measures. Manu provisions of this confiscation act were never enforced.

Another measure that the President signs this day, upon the adjournment of Congress, authorizes calling up men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five for nine months' militia service. This was later interpreted as a draft, although it was never put into effect.

Another bill provided for the use of postage stamps as money, due to the shortage of metal coins.

Union - Military
Major General U. S. Grant assumes command of all troops in the Army of the Tennessee and Army of the Mississippi, and in the District of the Mississippi and Cairo.

Confederacy - Military
Confederate GEneral D. H. Hill is assigned to command the Department of North Carolina.

Kentucky
Morgan's raiders take Cynthiana.

Virginia
A Confederate supply base in Gordonsville is captured the troops of General Pope.

Tennessee
There are skirmishes in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant and Columbia.
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971