Union - Civilian
In the north, news of the battles and their results begins to arrive. Preparation begins to receive the wounded expected to arrive.
The Surgeon General of the Army calls for women and children to scrape lint for bandages.
Confederate - Military
Virginia
Jeb Stuart's cavalry reviews the scene and reports to Lee, who plans to turn the Union right.
In the afternoon, Jackson moves to just west of Chantilly (with Longstreet to follow on Sep 1).
Union - Military
Virginia
General Pope gathers his defeated Army of Virginia on the Washington side of Bull Run at the heights of Centreville. Finally two fresh Union corps of the Army of the Potomac report to Pope, but too late to retrieve the victory.
There is a skirmish at Franklin.
Fredericksburg is evacuated with considerable loss of supplies.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Little River Bridge.
Alabama
There is a skirmish at Stevenson
Kentucky
There is a skirmish on the Kentucky river.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Roger's Gap.
On the Tennessee River, Union transport W. B. Terry, with a few troops, passengers and a load of coal, grounds on the Duck River Sucks [yes there is a locatoin called Duck River Sucks] and is attacked by Confederates. After a breief defense the vessel surrenders.
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Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
CSS Alabama
CSS Alabama was a screw sloop-of-war built for the Confederate States Navy at Birkenhead, United Kingdom, in 1862 by John Laird Sons and Company. Alabama served as a commerce raider, attacking Union merchant and naval ships over the course of her two-year career, during which she never laid anchor in a Southern port. She was sunk by the USS Kearsarge in 1864.
History
Construction
Alabama was built in secrecy in 1862 by British shipbuilders John Laird Sons and Company in North West England at their shipyards at Birkenhead, Cheshire. This was arranged by the Confederate agent James Dunwoody Bulloch, who was leading the procurement of sorely needed ships for the fledgling Confederate States Navy. He arranged the contract through Fraser, Trenholm Company, a cotton broker in Liverpool with ties to the Confederacy.
Initially known as hull number 290, the ship was launched without fanfare on 29 July 1862 as Enrica. Agent Bulloch arranged for a civilian crew and captain to sail Enrica to Terceira Island in the Azores. With Bulloch staying aboard to witness her recommissioning, the new ship's captain, Raphael Semmes, left Liverpool on 5 August 1862 aboard the steamer Bahama to take command of the new cruiser.
Semmes arrived at Terceira Island on 20 August 1862 and began overseeing the refitting of the new vessel with various provisions, including armaments, and 350 tons of coal, brought there by Agrippina, his new ship's supply vessel. After three days of back-breaking work by the three ship's crews, the new ship was transformed into a naval cruiser, designated a commerce raider, for the Confederate States of America.
Alabama's British-made ordnance was composed of six broadside, 32-pounder, naval smoothbores and two larger and more powerful pivot cannons. Both pivot cannons were positioned roughly amidships along the deck's centerline, fore and aft of the main mast. The fore pivot was a heavy, long-range 100-pounder 7-inch (178 mm) Blakely rifle, the aft pivot a heavy, 8-inch (203 mm) smoothbore.
The new Confederate cruiser was powered by both sail and by two John Laird Sons and Company 300 horsepower (220 kW) horizontal steam engines,[5] driving a single, Griffiths-type, twin-bladed brass screw. With the screw retracted using the stern's brass lifting gear mechanism, Alabama could make up to ten knots under sail alone and 13.25 knots (24.54 km/h) when her sail and steam power were used together.
Commissioning and voyage
The ship was purposely commissioned about a mile off Terceira Island in international waters on 24 August 1862: All the men from Agripinna and Bahama had been transferred to the quarter deck of Enrica, where her 24 officers, some of them Southerners, stood in full dress uniform. Captain Raphael Semmes mounted a gun-carriage and read his commission from President Jefferson Davis, authorizing him to take command of the new cruiser.
Upon completion of the reading, musicians that assembled from among the three ships' crews began to play the tune "Dixie" just as the quartermaster finished hauling down Enrica's British colors. A signal cannon boomed and the stops to the halliards at the peaks of the mizzen gaf and mainmast were broken and the ship's new battle ensign and commissioning pennant floated free on the breeze. With that the cruiser became Confederate States Steamer Alabama. Engraved in the bronze of the great double ship's wheel was Alabama's motto: "Aide-toi et Dieu t'aidera" (God helps those who help themselves).
Captain Semmes then made a speech about the Southern cause to the assembled seamen, asking them to sign on for a voyage of unknown length and destiny. Semmes had only his 24 officers and no crew to man his new command. When this did not succeed, Semmes changed his tack.
Semmes then offered signing money and double wages, paid in gold, and additional prize money to be paid by the Confederate congress for all destroyed Union ships. When the men began to shout "Hear! Hear!" Semmes knew he had closed the deal: 83 seamen, many of them British, signed on for service in the Confederate Navy. Confederate agent Bulloch and the remaining seamen then returned to their respective ships for their return voyage to England. Semmes still needed another 20 or so men for a full crew complement, but enough had signed on to at least handle the new commerce raider. The rest would be recruited from among captured crews of raided ships or from friendly ports-of-call. Of the original 83 crewmen that signed on that day, many completed the full voyage.
Under Captain Semmes, Alabama spent her first two months in the Eastern Atlantic, ranging southwest of the Azores and then redoubling east, capturing and burning northern merchant ships. After a difficult crossing, she then continued her path of destruction and devastation in the greater New England region. She then sailed south, arriving in the West Indies where she raised more havoc before finally cruising west into the Gulf of Mexico. There, in January 1863, Alabama had her first military engagement.
She came upon and quickly sank the Union side-wheeler USS Hatteras just off the Texas coast, near Galveston, capturing that warship's crew. She then continued further south, eventually crossing the equator, where she took the most prizes of her raiding career while cruising off the coast of Brazil. After a second Atlantic crossing, Alabama sailed down the southwestern African coast where she continued her war against northern commerce. After stopping in Saldanha Bay on 29 July 1863 in order to verify that no enemy ships were in Table Bay, she finally made a much-needed refitting and reprovisioning visit to Cape Town, South Africa.
She then sailed for the East Indies, where she spent six months destroying seven more ships before finally redoubling the Cape of Good Hope en route to France. Union warships hunted frequently for the elusive and by now famous Confederate raider, but the few times Alabama was spotted, she quickly outwitted her pursuers and vanished beyond the horizon.
All together, she burned 65 Union vessels of various types, most of them merchant ships. During all of Alabama's raiding ventures, captured ships' crews and passengers were never harmed, only detained until they could be placed aboard a neutral ship or placed ashore in a friendly or neutral port.
Expeditionary raids of the CSS Alabama
All together, Alabama conducted a total of seven expeditionary raids, spanning the globe, before heading back to France for refit and repairs and a date with destiny:
The CSS Alabama's Eastern Atlantic Expeditionary Raid (August–September, 1862) commenced immediately after she was commissioned. She immediately set sail for the shipping lanes southwest and then east of the Azores, where she captured and burned ten prizes, mostly whalers.
The CSS Alabama's New England Expeditionary Raid (October–November, 1862) began after Captain Semmes and his crew departed for the northeastern seaboard of North America, along Newfoundland and New England, where she ranged as far south as Bermuda and the coast of Virginia, burning ten prizes while capturing and releasing three others.
The CSS Alabama's Gulf of Mexico Expeditionary Raid (December, 1862 – January, 1863) was centered around a needed rendezvous with her supply vessel, CSS Agrippina. After that, she rendered aid to Texas during Major General Banks' invasion near Galveston, Texas. There, she quickly sank the Union side-wheeler USS Hatteras.
The CSS Alabama's South Atlantic Expeditionary Raid (February–July, 1863) was her most successful raiding venture, taking 29 prizes while raiding off the coast of Brazil. Here she recommissioned the bark Conrad as the CSS Tuscaloosa.
The CSS Alabama's South African Expeditionary Raid (August–September, 1863) occurred primarily while ranging off the coast of South Africa, as she worked together with the CSS Tuscaloosa.
The CSS Alabama's Indian Ocean Expeditionary Raid (September–November, 1863) was composed of a long trek across the Indian Ocean. The few prizes she gathered were in the East Indies.
The CSS Alabama's South Pacific Expeditionary Raid (December, 1863) was her final raiding venture. She took a few prizes in the Strait of Malacca before finally turning back toward France for a much needed refit and long overdue repairs.
Upon the completion of her seven expeditionary raids, Alabama had been at sea for 534 days out of 657, never visiting a single Confederate port. She boarded nearly 450 vessels, captured or burned 65 Union merchant ships, and took more than 2,000 prisoners without a single loss of life from either prisoners or her own crew.
Final Cruise
Sternpost of USS Kearsarge containing unexploded 100-pound shell fired by CSS AlabamaOn 11 June 1864, Alabama arrived in port at Cherbourg, France. Captain Semmes soon requested permission to dry dock and overhaul his ship, much needed after so long a time at sea and so many naval actions. Pursuing the raider, the American sloop-of-war, USS Kearsarge, under the command of Captain John Ancrum Winslow, arrived three days later and took up station just outside the harbor. While at his previous port-of-call, Winslow had telegraphed Gibraltar to send the old man-o-war USS St. Louis with provisions and to provide blockading assistance. Kearsarge now had Alabama boxed-in with no place left to run.
Having no desire to see his worn-out ship rot away at a French dock while quarantined by Union warships, and given his instinctive aggressiveness and a long-held desire once again to engage his enemy, Captain Semmes chose to fight. After preparing his ship and drilling the crew for the coming battle during the next several days, Semmes issued, through diplomatic channels, a bold challenge to the Kearsarge's commander,"my intention is to fight the Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than until to-morrow or the morrow morning at farthest. I beg she will not depart until I am ready to go out. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, R. Semmes, Captain."
On 19 June, Alabama sailed out to meet the Union cruiser. As Kearsarge turned to meet her opponent, Alabama opened fire. Kearsarge waited patiently until the range had closed to less than 1,000 yards (900 m). According to survivors, the two ships steamed on opposite courses in seven spiraling circles, moving southwesterly with the 3-knot current, each commander trying to cross the bow of his opponent to deliver a heavy raking fire. The battle quickly turned against Alabama due to the superior gunnery displayed by Kearsarge and the deteriorated state of Alabama's contaminated powder and fuses. Her most important shot, fired from the forward 7-inch (178 mm) Blakely pivot rifle, hit very near Kearsarge's vulnerable stern post, the impact binding the ship's rudder badly.
That rifled shell, however, failed to explode. If it had done so, it would have seriously disabled Kearsarge's steering, possibly sinking the warship, and ending the contest. In addition, Alabama's too rapid rate-of-fire resulted in frequent poor gunnery, with many of her shots going too high, thus sealing the fate of the Confederate raider. As a result, Kearsarge benefited little that day from the protection of her outboard chain armor, whose presence Semmes later said was unknown to him at the time of his decision to issue the challenge to fight. In fact, in the years that followed, Semmes steadfastly claimed he would have never fought Kearsarge if he had known she was armor-clad.
This hull armor had been installed in just three days, more than a year before, while Kearsarge was in port at the Azores. It was made using 120 fathoms (720 feet) of 1.7-inch (43 mm) single link iron chain and covered hull spaces 49 feet (15 m), six-inches (152 mm) long by 6-feet, 2-inches deep. It was stopped up and down to eye-bolts with marlines and secured by iron dogs. It was concealed behind 1-inch deal-boards painted black to match the upper hull's color.
This chaincladding was placed along Kearsarge's port and starboard midsection down to the waterline, for additional protection of her engines and boilers when the upper portion of her coal bunkers were empty. This armor belt was hit twice during the fight: First in the starboard gangway by one of Alabama's 32-pounder shells that cut the chain armor, denting the hull planking underneath, then again by a second 32-pounder shell that exploded and broke a link of the chain armor, tearing away a portion of the deal-board covering.
If those rounds had come from Alabama's more powerful 100-pounder Blakely pivot rifle, the likely result would not have been too serious, as both struck the chain armor a little more than five feet above the waterline. Even if both shots had penetrated Kearsarge's side, they would have completely missed her vital machinery.
A little more than an hour after the first shot was fired, Alabama was reduced to a sinking wreck by Kearsarge's powerful 11-inch (280 mm) Dahlgrens, forcing Captain Semmes to strike his colors and to send one of his two surviving boats to Kearsarge to ask for assistance.
According to witnesses, Alabama fired 370 rounds at her adversary, averaging one round per minute per gun, while Kearsarge's gun crews fired less than half that many, taking more careful aim. During the confusion of battle, five more rounds were fired at Alabama after her colors were struck. (Her gun ports had been left open and the broadside cannon were still run out, appearing to come to bear on Kearsarge.)
Then a hand-held white flag came fluttering from Alabama's stern spanker boom, finally halting the engagement. Prior to this, she had her steering gear compromised by shell hits, but the fatal shot came later when one of Kearsarge's 11-inch (280 mm) shells tore open a mid-section of Alabama's starboard waterline.
Water quickly rushed through the defeated cruiser, eventually drowning her boilers and forcing her down by the stern to the bottom. Kearsarge rescued the majority of the survivors, but 41 of Alabama's officers and crew, including Semmes, were rescued by the Deerhound, a private yacht, while the Kearsarge stood off to recover her rescue boats while waiting for Alabama to sink. Captain Winslow was forced to stand by helplessly and watch Deerhound spirit away to England his much sought after adversary, Captain Semmes and his surviving shipmates.
The battle between the Alabama and Kearsarge is honored by the United States Navy with a battle star on the Civil War campaign streamer.
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Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
30 August 1862: Saturday (2nd Manassas Continued)
Union - Government
In Washington, President Lincoln waits anxiously for news from both Virginia and Kentucky.
Union - Military
Virginia
General John Pope, believing the Confederates had retreated, attacks Jackson's corps on the Southern left, but Longstreet on the right pushed ahead, taking Bald Hill and attacking Henry House Hill - the scene of bitter fighting in 1861.
Jackson repulses Porter's attack and then drives back the Union line. At nightfall the primary action of the Second Battle of Bull Run/Manassas is over, with the beaten Union troops stubbornly holding Henry House Hill and lines of retreat to Centreville.
Pope's army was beaten but not routed. Lee's army was victorious but had failed to destroy Pope.
In Alexandria, McClellan's feeble efforts to send support to Pope had also failed. There was nothing left for Pope but withdrawal and humiliation. Immediately the charges and countercharges began.
For the entire campaign Aug 27 - Sept 2, Union troops lost were 1,724 killed, 8,372 wounded, 5,958 missing for a total of 16,054 casualties, out of 75,000.
The Confederates lost 1,481 killed, 7,627 wounded and 89 missing for a total of 9,197 casualties out of 48,500 engaged.
Once more, Confederate armies stood near WAshington and the victories in the West did not look so bright.
Kentucky
South of Lexington and below the small city of Richmond, Confederate General E. Kirby Smith decided to attack. After attack and counter-attack, , the Union right and left began to give way. The Union troops, unable to disengage, withdrew in considerable confusion, formed a new defensive line, were driven from that, and retreated toward Louisville. William "Bull" Nelson arrived to command Union troops late in the battle.
206 Union troops were killed, 844 wounded. Captured or missing were put at 4,144, for total losses of 5,194, of 6,500 engaged.
78 were killed, 372 wounded and 1 missing for a total of 451 of 6,800 engaged.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Alramont.
North Carolina
There is a skirmish at Plymouth.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Marietta.
_________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
In Washington, President Lincoln waits anxiously for news from both Virginia and Kentucky.
Union - Military
Virginia
General John Pope, believing the Confederates had retreated, attacks Jackson's corps on the Southern left, but Longstreet on the right pushed ahead, taking Bald Hill and attacking Henry House Hill - the scene of bitter fighting in 1861.
Jackson repulses Porter's attack and then drives back the Union line. At nightfall the primary action of the Second Battle of Bull Run/Manassas is over, with the beaten Union troops stubbornly holding Henry House Hill and lines of retreat to Centreville.
Pope's army was beaten but not routed. Lee's army was victorious but had failed to destroy Pope.
In Alexandria, McClellan's feeble efforts to send support to Pope had also failed. There was nothing left for Pope but withdrawal and humiliation. Immediately the charges and countercharges began.
For the entire campaign Aug 27 - Sept 2, Union troops lost were 1,724 killed, 8,372 wounded, 5,958 missing for a total of 16,054 casualties, out of 75,000.
The Confederates lost 1,481 killed, 7,627 wounded and 89 missing for a total of 9,197 casualties out of 48,500 engaged.
Once more, Confederate armies stood near WAshington and the victories in the West did not look so bright.
Kentucky
South of Lexington and below the small city of Richmond, Confederate General E. Kirby Smith decided to attack. After attack and counter-attack, , the Union right and left began to give way. The Union troops, unable to disengage, withdrew in considerable confusion, formed a new defensive line, were driven from that, and retreated toward Louisville. William "Bull" Nelson arrived to command Union troops late in the battle.
206 Union troops were killed, 844 wounded. Captured or missing were put at 4,144, for total losses of 5,194, of 6,500 engaged.
78 were killed, 372 wounded and 1 missing for a total of 451 of 6,800 engaged.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Alramont.
North Carolina
There is a skirmish at Plymouth.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Marietta.
_________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Monday, August 29, 2011
29 August 1862: Friday -(Second Battle of Bull Run)
Union - Government
President Lincoln telegraphs his generals three times throughout the day, demanding to know what news?
Union - Government/Military
Brigadier General Frederick Steele assumes command of the Army of the Southwest.
Confederates - Government/Military
Beauregard is assigned to the Department of South Carolina and Georgia, relieving John C. Pemberton.
Union - Military
Virginia
A portion of Pope's command attacks Jackson's Confederates near Groveton, Virginia, in order to prevent their escape. However, the Confederates had no desire to escape. Pope's troops were dispersed over Northern Virginia and worn from constant marching.
Pope attempted to concentrate his army against Jackson, posted in a railroad cut near Sudley Springs north of Groveton and the WArrenton Turnpike.
The drive against Jackson was piecemeal and failed, but Second Bull Run/Manassas had begun.
Major GEneral Fitz John Porter is ordered to strike Jackson, but fails to do so. Later Pope and others will accuse him of disobeying orders and dragging his feet. Porter defended himself by saying that Longstreet had come up and outnumbered him. (The argument has not been settled to this day.)
Longstreet did come up about noon.
Pope handles his army badly, and at nightfall Lee's Confederates are strongly posted on their original line of battle. Meanwhile Halleck, in WAshington, urges McClellan to send the bulk of his forces from Alexandria. McClellan claimed he did all possible to comply, but many felt that his opposition to Pope was such that his effort was at best only half-hearted.
This day's action, as well as the following day, and indeed the entire campaign of Second Manassas will bring discredit to many Union leaders, including Halleck, Pope, McClellan, Porter and McDowell. On the Confederate side it was one of Jackson's brightest hours and one of Lee's greatest achievements.
Missouri
Skirmishes take place at Bloomfield and Iberia.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish near St. Charles Court House.
Also in Louisiana, there is an engagement between the Confederate batteries at Port Hudson and the USS Anglo-American.
Confederate - Military
Kentucky
Confederate E. Kirby Smith invades and his advance units fight with a Union brigade south of Richmond in the afternoon. The Confederates are driven back briefly and the Union troops take up a position defending Richmond.
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Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
President Lincoln telegraphs his generals three times throughout the day, demanding to know what news?
Union - Government/Military
Brigadier General Frederick Steele assumes command of the Army of the Southwest.
Confederates - Government/Military
Beauregard is assigned to the Department of South Carolina and Georgia, relieving John C. Pemberton.
Union - Military
Virginia
A portion of Pope's command attacks Jackson's Confederates near Groveton, Virginia, in order to prevent their escape. However, the Confederates had no desire to escape. Pope's troops were dispersed over Northern Virginia and worn from constant marching.
Pope attempted to concentrate his army against Jackson, posted in a railroad cut near Sudley Springs north of Groveton and the WArrenton Turnpike.
The drive against Jackson was piecemeal and failed, but Second Bull Run/Manassas had begun.
Major GEneral Fitz John Porter is ordered to strike Jackson, but fails to do so. Later Pope and others will accuse him of disobeying orders and dragging his feet. Porter defended himself by saying that Longstreet had come up and outnumbered him. (The argument has not been settled to this day.)
Longstreet did come up about noon.
Pope handles his army badly, and at nightfall Lee's Confederates are strongly posted on their original line of battle. Meanwhile Halleck, in WAshington, urges McClellan to send the bulk of his forces from Alexandria. McClellan claimed he did all possible to comply, but many felt that his opposition to Pope was such that his effort was at best only half-hearted.
This day's action, as well as the following day, and indeed the entire campaign of Second Manassas will bring discredit to many Union leaders, including Halleck, Pope, McClellan, Porter and McDowell. On the Confederate side it was one of Jackson's brightest hours and one of Lee's greatest achievements.
Missouri
Skirmishes take place at Bloomfield and Iberia.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish near St. Charles Court House.
Also in Louisiana, there is an engagement between the Confederate batteries at Port Hudson and the USS Anglo-American.
Confederate - Military
Kentucky
Confederate E. Kirby Smith invades and his advance units fight with a Union brigade south of Richmond in the afternoon. The Confederates are driven back briefly and the Union troops take up a position defending Richmond.
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Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Sunday, August 28, 2011
28 August 1862: Thursday
Union - Civilian/Espionage
Confederate spy Belle Boyd is released from Old Capitol Prison in Washington for lack of evidence.
Confederates - Military
Virginia
On the night of August 27-29, Stonewall Jackson did not wait to be attacked at Manassas but withdrew, taking up a position along the Warrenton Turnpike west of the old Bull Run battlefield.
Union General John Pope and some of his troops, hurrying north from the Rapahannock, reached Manassas about noon to find Jackson and his men gone. Receiving conflicting reports as to the new location of the Confederates, Pope finally ordered his scattered troops to concentrate on Centreville, erroneously thinking the enemy to be there.
Union general Rufus King's division moved along the Warrenton Turnpike and late in the afternoon was fired on by Jackson and his troops, near Groveton/Brawner's Farm. The fierce fight resulted in heavy casualties.
In mid-afternoon, Lee and Longstreet arrived at Thoroughfare Gap, to the west of Jackson, and after a brief engagement bypassed the enemy.
There are also skirmishes at Centreville, Lewis' Ford and Haymarket.
Tennessee
From just north of Chattanooga, General Braxton Bragg led his Army of Tennessee (though not yet officially given that name) northward into Central Tennessee over Walden's Ridge. Bragg intended to recover eastern Tennessee and Kentucky as well as draw back Don CArlos Buell's threat to Chattanooga.
Union - Military
Minnesota
H. H. Sibley and his men relieve Fort Ridgely in their effort to put down the Sioux uprising.
Missouri
There are skirmishes at Ashley and in Howard County.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish at Corinth.
Arkansas
From this day until 2 Sept, a Federal expedition heads from Helena to Eunice, Arkansas.
_______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Confederate spy Belle Boyd is released from Old Capitol Prison in Washington for lack of evidence.
Confederates - Military
Virginia
On the night of August 27-29, Stonewall Jackson did not wait to be attacked at Manassas but withdrew, taking up a position along the Warrenton Turnpike west of the old Bull Run battlefield.
Union General John Pope and some of his troops, hurrying north from the Rapahannock, reached Manassas about noon to find Jackson and his men gone. Receiving conflicting reports as to the new location of the Confederates, Pope finally ordered his scattered troops to concentrate on Centreville, erroneously thinking the enemy to be there.
Union general Rufus King's division moved along the Warrenton Turnpike and late in the afternoon was fired on by Jackson and his troops, near Groveton/Brawner's Farm. The fierce fight resulted in heavy casualties.
In mid-afternoon, Lee and Longstreet arrived at Thoroughfare Gap, to the west of Jackson, and after a brief engagement bypassed the enemy.
There are also skirmishes at Centreville, Lewis' Ford and Haymarket.
Tennessee
From just north of Chattanooga, General Braxton Bragg led his Army of Tennessee (though not yet officially given that name) northward into Central Tennessee over Walden's Ridge. Bragg intended to recover eastern Tennessee and Kentucky as well as draw back Don CArlos Buell's threat to Chattanooga.
Union - Military
Minnesota
H. H. Sibley and his men relieve Fort Ridgely in their effort to put down the Sioux uprising.
Missouri
There are skirmishes at Ashley and in Howard County.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish at Corinth.
Arkansas
From this day until 2 Sept, a Federal expedition heads from Helena to Eunice, Arkansas.
_______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Saturday, August 27, 2011
27 August 1862: Wednesday
Union - Government
President Lincoln, cut off the day before from communication with Pope, wires General Burnside at Falmouth for news.
Union - Military
Virginia
In the morning, Pope abandons his now outflanked Union lines on the Rapahannock and sends troops northward toward Manassas and other points.
Confederacy- Military
Virginia
Nearly half of the Confederate army is now between Pope and Washington. However, in Washington, troops under McClellan are disembarking and regrouping after having come north on the James.
Other portions of McClellan's army, which had landed at Aquia Creek, move to aid Pope.
Most of Stonewall Jackson's troops begin destroying stores and facilities at Manassas.
Lee, with Longstreet's corps, which had also left the Rapahannock, marches to support Jackson. Union troops attempt to halt these operations in various skirmishes, but are badly outnumbered. These skirmishes take place at Bull Run Bridge, Kettle Run near Bristoe Station, Buckland Bridge/Broad Run, Salem and Waterford.
Alabama
There is a skirmish at Bridgeport on the Tennessee River.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Fort McCook/Battle Creek, Reynold's Station, Richland Creek near Pulaski, near Murfreesboro, at Round Mountain near Woodbury, and near Cumberland Gap.
Most of the fighting is a result of the Confederate Army under General Braxton Bragg undertaking preliminary dispositions for what was to be his fall invasion of Tennessee and Kentucky.
E. Kirby Smith, cooperating with Bragg, moves from northeastern Tennessee toward central Kentucky.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Kossuth.
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Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
President Lincoln, cut off the day before from communication with Pope, wires General Burnside at Falmouth for news.
Union - Military
Virginia
In the morning, Pope abandons his now outflanked Union lines on the Rapahannock and sends troops northward toward Manassas and other points.
Confederacy- Military
Virginia
Nearly half of the Confederate army is now between Pope and Washington. However, in Washington, troops under McClellan are disembarking and regrouping after having come north on the James.
Other portions of McClellan's army, which had landed at Aquia Creek, move to aid Pope.
Most of Stonewall Jackson's troops begin destroying stores and facilities at Manassas.
Lee, with Longstreet's corps, which had also left the Rapahannock, marches to support Jackson. Union troops attempt to halt these operations in various skirmishes, but are badly outnumbered. These skirmishes take place at Bull Run Bridge, Kettle Run near Bristoe Station, Buckland Bridge/Broad Run, Salem and Waterford.
Alabama
There is a skirmish at Bridgeport on the Tennessee River.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Fort McCook/Battle Creek, Reynold's Station, Richland Creek near Pulaski, near Murfreesboro, at Round Mountain near Woodbury, and near Cumberland Gap.
Most of the fighting is a result of the Confederate Army under General Braxton Bragg undertaking preliminary dispositions for what was to be his fall invasion of Tennessee and Kentucky.
E. Kirby Smith, cooperating with Bragg, moves from northeastern Tennessee toward central Kentucky.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Kossuth.
_____________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Friday, August 26, 2011
26 August 1862: Tuesday
Confederates - Military
Virginia
The Second Manassas Campaign is considered to have opened on this day. Confederate cavalry under Fitzhugh Lee enter Manassas Junction and capture the rail point.
Stonewall Jackson's troops hurry their march, begun August 25, from below the Rapahannock to the area of the Battle of First Bull Run/Manassas the year before.
There are skirmishes at Bristoe Station, Bull Run Bridge, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas Junction and Silver Springs.
By evening Jackson's main force which had pushed through Thoroughfare Gap in the Bull Run Mountains, arrives at Bristoe Station.
At Manassas the Confederates capture a few hundred prisoners and large amounts of quartermaster and commissary supplies.
Union - Military
Virginia
Pope's Federal Army of Virginia rests, as its leaders do not comprehend Jackson's movements.
McClellan's Federal Second Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac leaves Fort Monroe for the north, continuing evacuation of the James position.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at the Cumberland Iron Works and Cumberland Gap.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Rienzi.
___________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Virginia
The Second Manassas Campaign is considered to have opened on this day. Confederate cavalry under Fitzhugh Lee enter Manassas Junction and capture the rail point.
Stonewall Jackson's troops hurry their march, begun August 25, from below the Rapahannock to the area of the Battle of First Bull Run/Manassas the year before.
There are skirmishes at Bristoe Station, Bull Run Bridge, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas Junction and Silver Springs.
By evening Jackson's main force which had pushed through Thoroughfare Gap in the Bull Run Mountains, arrives at Bristoe Station.
At Manassas the Confederates capture a few hundred prisoners and large amounts of quartermaster and commissary supplies.
Union - Military
Virginia
Pope's Federal Army of Virginia rests, as its leaders do not comprehend Jackson's movements.
McClellan's Federal Second Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac leaves Fort Monroe for the north, continuing evacuation of the James position.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at the Cumberland Iron Works and Cumberland Gap.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Rienzi.
___________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Thursday, August 25, 2011
25 August 1862: Monday
Union - Government/Military
Secretary of War Stanton authorizes the commander of the Southern Department to "receive into the service of the United States" Negro soldiers up to five thousand in number and to train them as guards for plantations and settlements.
Union - Military
Kentucky
There are skirmishes at REd Bird Creek and Madisonville.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Fort Donelson.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish at Bolivar.
Virginia
There is a skirmish at Sulphur Springs.
Minnesota
After two days of fighting, the Sioux Indians attacking Neww Ulm were driven off. The garrison and civilian population of New Ulm were then evacuated as they feared another attack.
Confederates - Military
Virginia
Stonewall Jackson and his troops head north from below the Rapahannock, followed by Longstreet's corps. Lee's offensive had begun in earnest.
_______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Secretary of War Stanton authorizes the commander of the Southern Department to "receive into the service of the United States" Negro soldiers up to five thousand in number and to train them as guards for plantations and settlements.
Union - Military
Kentucky
There are skirmishes at REd Bird Creek and Madisonville.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Fort Donelson.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish at Bolivar.
Virginia
There is a skirmish at Sulphur Springs.
Minnesota
After two days of fighting, the Sioux Indians attacking Neww Ulm were driven off. The garrison and civilian population of New Ulm were then evacuated as they feared another attack.
Confederates - Military
Virginia
Stonewall Jackson and his troops head north from below the Rapahannock, followed by Longstreet's corps. Lee's offensive had begun in earnest.
_______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
24 August 1862: Sunday
Confederacy - Military/Navy
Near the Azores in the Atlantic, CSS Alabama is commissioned as a cruiser of the Confederate Navy and receives its armament and supplies.
Confederate - Military/Army
Missouri
There is a skirmish on Coon Creek near Lamar, on Crooked Creek near Dallas, and near Bloomfield.
Virginia
There is a skirmish today and on the 25th at Waterloo Bridge.
Union - Military
Missouri
A Union scout goes from Salem to Current River and back, from now until the 28th.
______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Near the Azores in the Atlantic, CSS Alabama is commissioned as a cruiser of the Confederate Navy and receives its armament and supplies.
Confederate - Military/Army
Missouri
There is a skirmish on Coon Creek near Lamar, on Crooked Creek near Dallas, and near Bloomfield.
Virginia
There is a skirmish today and on the 25th at Waterloo Bridge.
Union - Military
Missouri
A Union scout goes from Salem to Current River and back, from now until the 28th.
______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
23 August 1862: Saturday
Confederate - Military
Virginia
Confederates capture a train between Harper's Ferry and Winchester.
Union - Military/Government
Union major general Horatio G. Wright assumes command of the Department of the Ohio.
Union - Military
Missouri
Skirmishes occur at Four Mile, Hickory Grove, and near Wayman's Mill/Spring Creek.
West Indies
The US sloop of war Adirondack is wrecked on a coral reef near Little Abaco, but the crew was saved.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish at Bayou Sara
Kentucky
There is a skirmish at Trinity
Tennessee
There is a skirmish near Fort Donelson
Virginia
Skirmishes occur at Rappahannock Station, Beverly Ford, Fant's Ford, Smithfield, and Sulphur/Warrenton Springs.
________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Virginia
Confederates capture a train between Harper's Ferry and Winchester.
Union - Military/Government
Union major general Horatio G. Wright assumes command of the Department of the Ohio.
Union - Military
Missouri
Skirmishes occur at Four Mile, Hickory Grove, and near Wayman's Mill/Spring Creek.
West Indies
The US sloop of war Adirondack is wrecked on a coral reef near Little Abaco, but the crew was saved.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish at Bayou Sara
Kentucky
There is a skirmish at Trinity
Tennessee
There is a skirmish near Fort Donelson
Virginia
Skirmishes occur at Rappahannock Station, Beverly Ford, Fant's Ford, Smithfield, and Sulphur/Warrenton Springs.
________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Monday, August 22, 2011
22 August 1862: Friday
Union - Government
President Lincoln replies to Horace Greeley's "The Prayer of Twenty Millions by writing to the New York editor: "...I would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution. The sooner the national authority can be restored ; the nearer the Union will be 'the Union as it was.' If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would do that."
Military - Union
Virginia
McClellan's vast army continues to march into Aquia Creek and Alexandria.
Skirmishes take place between the armies of Lee and Pope, along the Rapahannock.
There is a raid on Catlett's Station. Jeb Stuart captures General Pope's baggage train, papers and all.
Alabama
There is a skirmish at Trinity.
Minnesota
There is more fighting at Fort Ridgely between the Sioux and Federal troops.
Louisiana
General Butler in New Orleans authorizes enlisting free Negroes as Federal soldiers.
Confederate - military
Western Virginia and Ohio
Confederate troops make a lengthy expedition - it lasts until September 19.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
President Lincoln replies to Horace Greeley's "The Prayer of Twenty Millions by writing to the New York editor: "...I would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution. The sooner the national authority can be restored ; the nearer the Union will be 'the Union as it was.' If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would do that."
Military - Union
Virginia
McClellan's vast army continues to march into Aquia Creek and Alexandria.
Skirmishes take place between the armies of Lee and Pope, along the Rapahannock.
There is a raid on Catlett's Station. Jeb Stuart captures General Pope's baggage train, papers and all.
Alabama
There is a skirmish at Trinity.
Minnesota
There is more fighting at Fort Ridgely between the Sioux and Federal troops.
Louisiana
General Butler in New Orleans authorizes enlisting free Negroes as Federal soldiers.
Confederate - military
Western Virginia and Ohio
Confederate troops make a lengthy expedition - it lasts until September 19.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Sunday, August 21, 2011
21 August 1862: Thursday
Confederacy - Government/Military
President Davis proclaims that Federal Major General David Hunter and Brigadier General John W. Phelps should be treated as outlaws and if captured should be held as felons because they were organizing slaves for the Union army. (Phelps will resign from the Union army on this day because President Lincoln disavows this policy.)
Confederacy - Military
Tennessee
Braxton Bragg crosses the Tennessee River above Chatanooga preparatory to the start of a new campaign.
Union - CivilianThe issuing of postage stamps for small currency begins.
Union - Military
Virginia
McClellan's army proceeds north toward Washington and Pope's men skirmish with Lee's along the Rappahannock again, as well as at Kelly's, Beverly and Freeman's fords.
Louisiana
Union troops evacuate Baton Rouge.
South Carolina
There is a skirmish on Pinckney Island.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Neosho.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
President Davis proclaims that Federal Major General David Hunter and Brigadier General John W. Phelps should be treated as outlaws and if captured should be held as felons because they were organizing slaves for the Union army. (Phelps will resign from the Union army on this day because President Lincoln disavows this policy.)
Confederacy - Military
Tennessee
Braxton Bragg crosses the Tennessee River above Chatanooga preparatory to the start of a new campaign.
Union - CivilianThe issuing of postage stamps for small currency begins.
Union - Military
Virginia
McClellan's army proceeds north toward Washington and Pope's men skirmish with Lee's along the Rappahannock again, as well as at Kelly's, Beverly and Freeman's fords.
Louisiana
Union troops evacuate Baton Rouge.
South Carolina
There is a skirmish on Pinckney Island.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Neosho.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Saturday, August 20, 2011
20 August 1862: Wednesday
Confederacy - Government/Military
The Confederate Department of the Trans-Mississippi is set up to include Missouri, Arkansas, the Indian Territory, Louisiana west of the Mississippi, and Texas. Major General Richard Taylor is assigned to command the District of West Louisiana.
Union - Military
Virginia
The Federal Army of the Potomac under McClellan is still on the move from the Peninsula toward Aquia Creek and Alexandria, in support of Pope's threatened Army of Virginia.
Along the Rapahannock, Pope's men skirmished with the advancing forces of Lee at Raccoon Ford, Stevensburg, Brandy Station, Rapahannock Station and near Kelly's Ford.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish at Baton Rouge.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Pilot Knob and Edgefield.
Minnesota
The Sioux successfully attack Fort Ridgely.
Missouri
From Aug 20-27, there is a Union scout in Wayne, Stoddard and Dunklin counties.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
The Confederate Department of the Trans-Mississippi is set up to include Missouri, Arkansas, the Indian Territory, Louisiana west of the Mississippi, and Texas. Major General Richard Taylor is assigned to command the District of West Louisiana.
Union - Military
Virginia
The Federal Army of the Potomac under McClellan is still on the move from the Peninsula toward Aquia Creek and Alexandria, in support of Pope's threatened Army of Virginia.
Along the Rapahannock, Pope's men skirmished with the advancing forces of Lee at Raccoon Ford, Stevensburg, Brandy Station, Rapahannock Station and near Kelly's Ford.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish at Baton Rouge.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Pilot Knob and Edgefield.
Minnesota
The Sioux successfully attack Fort Ridgely.
Missouri
From Aug 20-27, there is a Union scout in Wayne, Stoddard and Dunklin counties.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Friday, August 19, 2011
19 August 1862: Tuesday
Union - Military/Government
The Federal Department of the Ohio is created, made up of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana. Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky east of the Tennessee River and including Cumberland Gap. Major General H. G. White is named to the command.
Union - Civilian
New York
Horace Greeley of the New York Tribune in a letter dated the nineteenth and printed in the paper on the 20th, and labeled "The Prayer of Twenty Millions" questions the President's policy on slavery. "We complain that the Union cause has suffered...from mistaken deference to Rebel slavery...All attempts to put down the Rebellion and at the same time uphold its inciting cause are preposterous and futile."
Union - Military
Tennessee
Union troops carry out an extensive raid on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad from August 19-21, with skirmishes at Pilot Knob, Drake's Creek, and Manscoe Creek, near Edgefield Junction, and on the Hartsville Road near Gallatin.
Mississippi
Also from 19-21 Aug, a Union expedition operates from Rienzi to Marietta and Bay Springs.
Alabama
There is a Union scout today and tomorrow from Woodville to Guntersville.
Idaho
A Union expedition against the Snake Indians lasts from this day until October 11.
Arkansas
There is a skirmish on Clear Creek
Minnesota
The Sioux move past Fort Ridgely toward New Ulm, killing and burning the homes of settlers.
____________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
The Federal Department of the Ohio is created, made up of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana. Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky east of the Tennessee River and including Cumberland Gap. Major General H. G. White is named to the command.
Union - Civilian
New York
Horace Greeley of the New York Tribune in a letter dated the nineteenth and printed in the paper on the 20th, and labeled "The Prayer of Twenty Millions" questions the President's policy on slavery. "We complain that the Union cause has suffered...from mistaken deference to Rebel slavery...All attempts to put down the Rebellion and at the same time uphold its inciting cause are preposterous and futile."
Union - Military
Tennessee
Union troops carry out an extensive raid on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad from August 19-21, with skirmishes at Pilot Knob, Drake's Creek, and Manscoe Creek, near Edgefield Junction, and on the Hartsville Road near Gallatin.
Mississippi
Also from 19-21 Aug, a Union expedition operates from Rienzi to Marietta and Bay Springs.
Alabama
There is a Union scout today and tomorrow from Woodville to Guntersville.
Idaho
A Union expedition against the Snake Indians lasts from this day until October 11.
Arkansas
There is a skirmish on Clear Creek
Minnesota
The Sioux move past Fort Ridgely toward New Ulm, killing and burning the homes of settlers.
____________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Thursday, August 18, 2011
18 August 1862, Monday
Government - Confederacy
The second session of the Confederate Congress met in Richmond. President Davis sent a message reviewing the progress of the war and of the Confederate nation. He said the prospects "give assurance to the friends of constitutional liberty of our final triumph in the pending struggle against despotic usurpation."
Davis inveighed against the alleged atrocities of the Yankees, naming especially Benjamin Butler. He called for increasing the army and did not minimize the difficulties facing the Confederacy. "We have never-ceasing cause to be grateful for the favor with which God has protected our infant Confederacy," he concluded.
Military - Confederacy
Missouri
There is a skirmish at White Oak Ridge.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish at Milliken's Bend.
Virginia
There are skirmishes at Rapidan Station and Clark's Mountain.
Western Virginia
There is a skirmish at Huttonsville.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Dyersburg and on the Tennessee River near Waggoner's.
Colonel Rodney Mason of the 71st Ohio surrendered the important city of Clarksville, Tennessee to Confederate forces, without a fight. Mason was later dismissed from the service "for repeated acts of cowardice in the face of the enemy."
Union - Military
Minnesota
At Redwood Ferry, 19 soldiers out of 46 survive a Sioux ambush. Around Fort Ridgely houses were in flames, victims were mutilated, and the settlers fled to the fort.
Union - Military
Virginia
General Pope's Army of Virginia, pressed by Lee's advancing Confederates, pulled back to the north bank of the Rappahannock and awaited reinforcements from McClellan's Army of the Potomac.
______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
The second session of the Confederate Congress met in Richmond. President Davis sent a message reviewing the progress of the war and of the Confederate nation. He said the prospects "give assurance to the friends of constitutional liberty of our final triumph in the pending struggle against despotic usurpation."
Davis inveighed against the alleged atrocities of the Yankees, naming especially Benjamin Butler. He called for increasing the army and did not minimize the difficulties facing the Confederacy. "We have never-ceasing cause to be grateful for the favor with which God has protected our infant Confederacy," he concluded.
Military - Confederacy
Missouri
There is a skirmish at White Oak Ridge.
Louisiana
There is a skirmish at Milliken's Bend.
Virginia
There are skirmishes at Rapidan Station and Clark's Mountain.
Western Virginia
There is a skirmish at Huttonsville.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Dyersburg and on the Tennessee River near Waggoner's.
Colonel Rodney Mason of the 71st Ohio surrendered the important city of Clarksville, Tennessee to Confederate forces, without a fight. Mason was later dismissed from the service "for repeated acts of cowardice in the face of the enemy."
Union - Military
Minnesota
At Redwood Ferry, 19 soldiers out of 46 survive a Sioux ambush. Around Fort Ridgely houses were in flames, victims were mutilated, and the settlers fled to the fort.
Union - Military
Virginia
General Pope's Army of Virginia, pressed by Lee's advancing Confederates, pulled back to the north bank of the Rappahannock and awaited reinforcements from McClellan's Army of the Potomac.
______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
17 Aug 1862, Sunday
Civilian/Military - Union
Minnesota
In southwestern Minnesota on this day, an uprising of Sioux begins and will last until September 23. The Sioux, facing starvation on their reservations, revolt. After killing settlers near Acton, the warriors continue their depredations for some weeks.
Troops under former Minnesota governor Henry Hastings Sibley move in and successfully defend New Ulm and Fort Ridgely and defeat the Sioux at Woods Lake on Sept 23. More than 1,000 Indians were captured and on Dec 26, 38 Sioux were executed at Mankato. The uprising took from 450-600 lives of white settlers and soldiers - exact figures are unknown.
Military - Confederates
Virginia
Major General James E. B. Stuart was assigned to command all the cavalry of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
A reconnaissance takes place toward Forge Bridge.
Kentucky
There is a skirmish near Mammoth Cave.
___________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Minnesota
In southwestern Minnesota on this day, an uprising of Sioux begins and will last until September 23. The Sioux, facing starvation on their reservations, revolt. After killing settlers near Acton, the warriors continue their depredations for some weeks.
Troops under former Minnesota governor Henry Hastings Sibley move in and successfully defend New Ulm and Fort Ridgely and defeat the Sioux at Woods Lake on Sept 23. More than 1,000 Indians were captured and on Dec 26, 38 Sioux were executed at Mankato. The uprising took from 450-600 lives of white settlers and soldiers - exact figures are unknown.
Military - Confederates
Virginia
Major General James E. B. Stuart was assigned to command all the cavalry of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
A reconnaissance takes place toward Forge Bridge.
Kentucky
There is a skirmish near Mammoth Cave.
___________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
16 Aug, 1862: Saturday
Union - Military
Virginia
The Union Army of the Potomac under McClellan completes the evacuation of Harrison's Landing as its troops moved north to Aquia Creek and Alexandria, to assist Pope's forces against Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, which was advancing from Gordonsville.
Arkansas
On this day (and lasting until the 26th) a Union gunboat expedition, with some troops, leaves Helena, via the Mississippi, and capture a Confederate steamer at Millikin's Bend.
Texas
Union naval vessels begin to bombard Corpus Christi. (The bombardment will continue until the 18th.)
Confederates - Military
Tennessee
The Confederate Army of Kentucky under under Major General Edmund Kirby Smith crossed the Cumberland Mountains into Kentucky, from Tennessee. (From Aug 16-22 there will be skirmishes about Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.)
There is a skirmish at Meriwether's Ferry, Obion River.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish at Horn Lake Creek.
Missouri
Near Lone Jack, Confederate raiders defeat Union troops, before being driven off by Northern reinforcements.
Western Virginia
There is a skirmish at Wire Bridge.
_____________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Virginia
The Union Army of the Potomac under McClellan completes the evacuation of Harrison's Landing as its troops moved north to Aquia Creek and Alexandria, to assist Pope's forces against Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, which was advancing from Gordonsville.
Arkansas
On this day (and lasting until the 26th) a Union gunboat expedition, with some troops, leaves Helena, via the Mississippi, and capture a Confederate steamer at Millikin's Bend.
Texas
Union naval vessels begin to bombard Corpus Christi. (The bombardment will continue until the 18th.)
Confederates - Military
Tennessee
The Confederate Army of Kentucky under under Major General Edmund Kirby Smith crossed the Cumberland Mountains into Kentucky, from Tennessee. (From Aug 16-22 there will be skirmishes about Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.)
There is a skirmish at Meriwether's Ferry, Obion River.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish at Horn Lake Creek.
Missouri
Near Lone Jack, Confederate raiders defeat Union troops, before being driven off by Northern reinforcements.
Western Virginia
There is a skirmish at Wire Bridge.
_____________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Monday, August 15, 2011
15 August 1862: Friday
Union - Military
Arkansas
There is a skirmish at Clarendon.
Virginia
Union troops conduct an expedition from Fredericksburg to Port Royal.
______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Arkansas
There is a skirmish at Clarendon.
Virginia
Union troops conduct an expedition from Fredericksburg to Port Royal.
______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Sunday, August 14, 2011
14 August 1862: Thursday
Union - Government
President Lincoln receives a deputation of free Negroes at the White House. One of his comments: "But for your race among us there could not be war...It is better for us both, therefore, to be separated. He advocated colonization in Central America and promised them help in carrying out the project.
Union - Military
Virginia
Two army corps of McClellan's Army of the Potomac, the Third and the Fifth, move from Harrison's Landing to Aquia Creek, arriving there on the 15th.
North Carolina
A reconnaissance takes place from Newport to Swansborough.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Barry.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Mount Pleasant.
_______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
President Lincoln receives a deputation of free Negroes at the White House. One of his comments: "But for your race among us there could not be war...It is better for us both, therefore, to be separated. He advocated colonization in Central America and promised them help in carrying out the project.
Union - Military
Virginia
Two army corps of McClellan's Army of the Potomac, the Third and the Fifth, move from Harrison's Landing to Aquia Creek, arriving there on the 15th.
North Carolina
A reconnaissance takes place from Newport to Swansborough.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Barry.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Mount Pleasant.
_______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Saturday, August 13, 2011
13 August 1862: Wednesday
Confederacy - Military
Virginia
Preliminary orders are issued for the movement of the remainder of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia from the Peninsula toward Gordonsville, as what was to become the Second Manassas Campaign got under way.
Union - military
Virginia
The steamers George Peabody and West Point collide in the Potomac River, with the loss of 73 lives, many of them convalescent soldiers of Burnside's corps.
There are reconnaissances and skirmishes toward Orange Court House.
Missouri
There are skirmishes on Yellow Creek/Muscle Fork, Chariton River.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Huntsville and Medon.
South Carolina
There is a skirmish on Black River.
___________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Virginia
Preliminary orders are issued for the movement of the remainder of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia from the Peninsula toward Gordonsville, as what was to become the Second Manassas Campaign got under way.
Union - military
Virginia
The steamers George Peabody and West Point collide in the Potomac River, with the loss of 73 lives, many of them convalescent soldiers of Burnside's corps.
There are reconnaissances and skirmishes toward Orange Court House.
Missouri
There are skirmishes on Yellow Creek/Muscle Fork, Chariton River.
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Huntsville and Medon.
South Carolina
There is a skirmish on Black River.
___________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Friday, August 12, 2011
12 August, 1862: Tuesday
Confederates - Military
Tennessee
John Hunt Morgan and his raiders capture the town of Gallatin and the Union garrison there.
Missouri
There are skirmishes between Stockton in Cedar County and Humansville, and at Van Buren.
Union - Military - Naval
Texas
The USS Arthur captures the Southern vessel Breaker at Aransas Pass, and their Southern crews burn the Elma and Hannah to avoid capture by Union troops off Corpus Christ, Texas.
____________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Tennessee
John Hunt Morgan and his raiders capture the town of Gallatin and the Union garrison there.
Missouri
There are skirmishes between Stockton in Cedar County and Humansville, and at Van Buren.
Union - Military - Naval
Texas
The USS Arthur captures the Southern vessel Breaker at Aransas Pass, and their Southern crews burn the Elma and Hannah to avoid capture by Union troops off Corpus Christ, Texas.
____________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Thursday, August 11, 2011
11 August 1862: Monday
Union - Military
General Grant, at Corinth Mississippi, orders that fugitive slaves coming into the lines be employed in various departments.
Confederates - Military
Missouri
Confederate guerrillas capture Independence, in a daring raid.
There are skirmishes at Compton's Ferry/Little Compton, Grand River and Taberville.
Virginia
Stonewall Jackson's corps withdraws briefly from north of the Rapidan River to the vicinity of Gordonsville.
Arkansas
There is a skirmish near Helena.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Brown's Plantation.
Texas
There is a skirmish near Velasco
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Saulsbury, Kinderhook, and Williamsport.
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
General Grant, at Corinth Mississippi, orders that fugitive slaves coming into the lines be employed in various departments.
Confederates - Military
Missouri
Confederate guerrillas capture Independence, in a daring raid.
There are skirmishes at Compton's Ferry/Little Compton, Grand River and Taberville.
Virginia
Stonewall Jackson's corps withdraws briefly from north of the Rapidan River to the vicinity of Gordonsville.
Arkansas
There is a skirmish near Helena.
Mississippi
There is a skirmish near Brown's Plantation.
Texas
There is a skirmish near Velasco
Tennessee
There are skirmishes at Saulsbury, Kinderhook, and Williamsport.
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
10 August 1862: Sunday
Confederates - Military - Ground
Virginia
Skirmishing continues at Cedar Run.
Missouri
There are skirmishes at Switzler's Mill and Linn Creek.
Texas
There is a skirmish on the Nueces River near Fort Clark.
Louisiana
There are skirmishes at Bayou Sarah and Donaldsonville.
Confederates - Military - Naval
Georgia
The Confederate steamer General Lee is captured near Fort Pulaski, Savannah.
Union - Military
Tennessee
A Union reconnaissance begins on this day from Brownsville, Tennessee toward the mouth of the Hatchie River.
__________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Virginia
Skirmishing continues at Cedar Run.
Missouri
There are skirmishes at Switzler's Mill and Linn Creek.
Texas
There is a skirmish on the Nueces River near Fort Clark.
Louisiana
There are skirmishes at Bayou Sarah and Donaldsonville.
Confederates - Military - Naval
Georgia
The Confederate steamer General Lee is captured near Fort Pulaski, Savannah.
Union - Military
Tennessee
A Union reconnaissance begins on this day from Brownsville, Tennessee toward the mouth of the Hatchie River.
__________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
9 August 1862: Saturday: Battle of Cedar Mountain
Government - Confederacy
News reaches Richmond that McClellan has been ordered north from his position on the James.
Union - Government/Military
Recruiting in the North continues at a rapid pace although there are reports of individuals mutilating themselves to avoid the proposed militia draft, and others attempting to flee to Canada.
Union - Military
Virginia
The Army of Virginia under John Pope advances from the general arrea of Culpepper, south toward Orange Court House and Gordonsville. Stonewall Jackson's large corps was posted south of Culpepper, north of the Rapidan, intending to attack separate Union corps.
But Nathanial Banks got in the first blow at Cedar Mountain (also known as Slaughter Mountain, Cedar Run, Cedar Run Mountain, or Southwest Mountaun.)
Banks' corp of Pope's army drove in sharply and successfully against two of Jackson's divisions until the third, under A. P. Hill, came upp to stem the tide and counter attack.
Banks pulled back, but the battle, poorly fought on both sides, told the Confederates again that Pope was moving south in a major offensive.
Union casualties: 314 killed, 1,445 wounded, 622 missing for 2381 of the 8,000 engaged.
The Confederates had about 16,800 men and suffered 1341 casualties.
Missouri
Skirmishes take place at Walnut Creek, Sears' Ford omn the Chariton River, and at SAlem.
Louisiana
A skirmish takes place at Donaldsonville.
________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
News reaches Richmond that McClellan has been ordered north from his position on the James.
Union - Government/Military
Recruiting in the North continues at a rapid pace although there are reports of individuals mutilating themselves to avoid the proposed militia draft, and others attempting to flee to Canada.
Union - Military
Virginia
The Army of Virginia under John Pope advances from the general arrea of Culpepper, south toward Orange Court House and Gordonsville. Stonewall Jackson's large corps was posted south of Culpepper, north of the Rapidan, intending to attack separate Union corps.
But Nathanial Banks got in the first blow at Cedar Mountain (also known as Slaughter Mountain, Cedar Run, Cedar Run Mountain, or Southwest Mountaun.)
Banks' corp of Pope's army drove in sharply and successfully against two of Jackson's divisions until the third, under A. P. Hill, came upp to stem the tide and counter attack.
Banks pulled back, but the battle, poorly fought on both sides, told the Confederates again that Pope was moving south in a major offensive.
Union casualties: 314 killed, 1,445 wounded, 622 missing for 2381 of the 8,000 engaged.
The Confederates had about 16,800 men and suffered 1341 casualties.
Missouri
Skirmishes take place at Walnut Creek, Sears' Ford omn the Chariton River, and at SAlem.
Louisiana
A skirmish takes place at Donaldsonville.
________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Monday, August 8, 2011
8 August 1862: Friday
Foreign - England
British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston states at a banquet that Britain would continue to preserve "a strict and rigid neutrality."
Union - Government/Military
The Federal War Department issues orders to prevent evasion of military duty and for suppression of disloyal activities.
Maryland
Arrests are made in Baltimore to prevent those trying to evade the draft from leaving the area.
Alabama
In Huntsville, after a series of firing into trains by Confederate guerillas, the Federal authorities order that ministers and leading churchmen who had been active seccessionists be arrested and one each day be placed on board the trains.
Union - Military
Missouri
There is fighting on Panther Creek, near Newtonia, and near Stocktonn in Macon County.
Virginia
There are skirmishes at Slaughter's House and near Madison Court House
_________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston states at a banquet that Britain would continue to preserve "a strict and rigid neutrality."
Union - Government/Military
The Federal War Department issues orders to prevent evasion of military duty and for suppression of disloyal activities.
Maryland
Arrests are made in Baltimore to prevent those trying to evade the draft from leaving the area.
Alabama
In Huntsville, after a series of firing into trains by Confederate guerillas, the Federal authorities order that ministers and leading churchmen who had been active seccessionists be arrested and one each day be placed on board the trains.
Union - Military
Missouri
There is fighting on Panther Creek, near Newtonia, and near Stocktonn in Macon County.
Virginia
There are skirmishes at Slaughter's House and near Madison Court House
_________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Sunday, August 7, 2011
7 August 1862: Thursday
Foreign - England
At Blackburn, a public meeting advocates the recognition of the Confederate States of America because "it was impossible for the North to vanquish the South."
Union - Military
New Mexico Territory
Near Fort Fillmore, Union troops under E. R. S. Canby defeat the Confederate forces retreating from Santa Fe.
Missouri
Fighting takes place at Rocky Bluff in Platte County, and near Montevallo.
Virginia
There is fighting in Wolftown.
Union troops withdraw again from Malvern Hill.
Alabama
There is fighting in Decatur.
Tennessee
There is fighting at Wood Springs near Dyersburg.
___________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
At Blackburn, a public meeting advocates the recognition of the Confederate States of America because "it was impossible for the North to vanquish the South."
Union - Military
New Mexico Territory
Near Fort Fillmore, Union troops under E. R. S. Canby defeat the Confederate forces retreating from Santa Fe.
Missouri
Fighting takes place at Rocky Bluff in Platte County, and near Montevallo.
Virginia
There is fighting in Wolftown.
Union troops withdraw again from Malvern Hill.
Alabama
There is fighting in Decatur.
Tennessee
There is fighting at Wood Springs near Dyersburg.
___________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Isaac N. Brown, Captain of the Arkansas
From Wikipedia
Isaac Newton Brown (May 27, 1817 – September 1, 1889) was a naval officer in both the United States Navy and the Confederate States Navy. He received the Confederate Medal of Honor for his distinguished service during the American Civil War.
Isaac N. Brown was born in Caldwell County, Kentucky, but spent part of his later youth in western Tennessee. In March 1834, shortly after his father died, he joined the United States Navy as a midshipman. He received a commission as a lieutenant in 1846 and later participated in the Mexican-American War. He married, owned property on the Mississippi Delta, and had three sons. He remained in the Navy and made several trips around the world on various ships.
Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, he resigned his commission. In June, he accepted a commission as a lieutenant in the fledgling Confederate States Navy. Brown was assigned to the Mississippi River region by the Confederate Naval Department.
In May 1862 he was ordered to Yazoo City, Mississippi, to take command of the unfinished ironclad CSS Arkansas and complete her construction in the worst of conditions. After successfully accomplishing this difficult task, Brown commanded her dramatic breaking of the Federal naval blockade of Vicksburg, Mississippi, on July 15, 1862.
Brown was promoted to commander in August 1862 in recognition of his bold and audacious actions at Vicksburg. Commander Brown served as captain of the ironclad CSS Charleston, which operated in defense of Charleston, South Carolina, during 1863–1865.
At the end of the Civil War, Brown took up farming in Mississippi and later moved to Texas. He died at Corsicana, Texas, and was buried there.
_________
BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Isaac Newton Brown (May 27, 1817 – September 1, 1889) was a naval officer in both the United States Navy and the Confederate States Navy. He received the Confederate Medal of Honor for his distinguished service during the American Civil War.
Isaac N. Brown was born in Caldwell County, Kentucky, but spent part of his later youth in western Tennessee. In March 1834, shortly after his father died, he joined the United States Navy as a midshipman. He received a commission as a lieutenant in 1846 and later participated in the Mexican-American War. He married, owned property on the Mississippi Delta, and had three sons. He remained in the Navy and made several trips around the world on various ships.
Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, he resigned his commission. In June, he accepted a commission as a lieutenant in the fledgling Confederate States Navy. Brown was assigned to the Mississippi River region by the Confederate Naval Department.
In May 1862 he was ordered to Yazoo City, Mississippi, to take command of the unfinished ironclad CSS Arkansas and complete her construction in the worst of conditions. After successfully accomplishing this difficult task, Brown commanded her dramatic breaking of the Federal naval blockade of Vicksburg, Mississippi, on July 15, 1862.
Brown was promoted to commander in August 1862 in recognition of his bold and audacious actions at Vicksburg. Commander Brown served as captain of the ironclad CSS Charleston, which operated in defense of Charleston, South Carolina, during 1863–1865.
At the end of the Civil War, Brown took up farming in Mississippi and later moved to Texas. He died at Corsicana, Texas, and was buried there.
_________
BibliographyThe Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
The CSS Arkansas
From Wikipedia
History
Construction
Her keel was laid down at Memphis, Tennessee, by J.T. Shirley in October 1861. In April 1862, Arkansas was removed to Greenwood, Mississippi on the Yazoo River to prevent her capture when Memphis fell to the Union Navy. Her sister ship, CSS Tennessee, was burned on the stocks because she was not near enough to completion to be launched.
In May 1862 Capt. Isaac N. Brown of the Confederate States Navy received orders at Vicksburg from the Navy Department in Richmond, Virginia, to proceed to Greenwood, and there assume command of the Arkansas. His orders were to finish and equip the vessel. When Captain Brown arrived, he found a mere hull, without armor, engines in pieces, and guns without carriages. Supplies of railroad iron, intended as armor for the ship, were lying at the bottom of the river. A recovery mission was ordered, and the armor was pulled up out of the mud. Captain Brown then had the Arkansas towed to Yazoo City, where he pressed into service local craftsmen, and also got the assistance of 200 soldiers from the Confederate Army as construction crews.
After five strenuous weeks of labor under the hot summer sun, the ship had to leave due to falling river levels. She had been fully outfitted, except for the curved armor intended to surround her stern and pilot house. Boiler plate was stuck on these areas "for appearances' sake".
Breaking through to Vicksburg
During this time, the Federal Navy had attacked Vicksburg with a large force made up of a squadron of ships, under Flag Officer David G. Farragut, that had come up from the Gulf of Mexico and a flotilla of United States Army gunboats and rams, under Flag Officer Charles H. Davis, from upriver.
Soon thereafter, General Earl Van Dorn, commanding the Confederate Army forces at Vicksburg, and as such in control of Arkansas, ordered Captain Brown to bring his ship down to the city. Brown filled out the crew of Arkansas with more than 100 sailors from vessels on the Mississippi, plus about 60 Missouri soldiers. These soldiers had never served big guns, and most of them had probably never even served aboard a ship before. Brown stated, "The only trouble they ever gave me was to keep them from running the Arkansas into the Union fleet before we were ready for battle." He then set sail for Vicksburg and the Union fleet.
After approximately 15 miles (24 km), it was discovered that steam from the boilers had leaked into the forward magazine and rendered the gunpowder wet and useless. Captain Brown and his men found a clearing along the bank of the Yazoo River, landed the wet powder and spread it out on tarpaulins in the sun to dry. With constant stirring and shaking the powder was dry enough to ignite by sundown. Arkansas proceeded on her way.
Shortly after sunrise on 15 July 1862, three Federal vessels were sighted steaming towards Arkansas—the ironclad Carondelet, the wooden gunboat Tyler, and the ram Queen of the West. The Federal vessels turned downriver, and a running battle ensued. Carondelet was quickly disabled with a shot through her steering mechanism, causing her to run aground. Attention was turned to Tyler and the ram, which ran for their fleet with the Arkansas pursuing.
Soon the Federal fleet came into view around the river bend above Vicksburg, "a forest of masts and smokestacks." Captain Brown determined to steam as close to the enemy vessels as possible in order to prevent his vessel being rammed and to sow confusion. The Federal ships were largely immobile, as they did not have their steam up. They and Arkansas exchanged shots at close range, but she soon passed to safety beyond them. Arkansas arrived at Vicksburg to the sound of enthusiastic cheering from the citizens and within sight of the lower Federal fleet.
That night, Farragut's fleet ran past the batteries at Vicksburg and attempted to destroy Arkansas while doing so. They did not move until so late in the day, however, that they could not see their target. Only one shell hit home, killing two men and wounding three.
Although Arkansas did not destroy any enemy vessels, she inflicted severe losses among the personnel of the Federal fleets. In the engagement on the Yazoo and her passage of the fleet at Vicksburg, their total loss was 18 killed, 50 wounded, and an additional 10 missing (probably drowned). Farragut's fleet lost another 5 killed and 9 wounded when they ran past the Vicksburg batteries. The cost to Arkansas for the entire day's action was 12 killed and 18 wounded.
Under the Vicksburg bluffs
After repairs, the Arkansas again appeared to threaten her enemies, forcing them to keep up steam 24 hours a day in the hottest part of the summer. To remove the problem, the Union fleet tried once again to destroy the ironclad at her mooring. At this time, the severely reduced crew of Arkansas could man only three guns, so she depended for protection on the shore batteries. On the morning of 22 July, USS Essex, Queen of the West, and Sumter mounted an ill-coordinated attack. First Essex attempted to ram, but as she approached, the Arkansas crew were able to spring her. As a result, Essex missed her target and ran aground instead, where for ten minutes she remained under fire from both Arkansas and the shore batteries. The armor on Essex protected her crew, however, so she lost only one man killed and three wounded. On the other hand, one of her shots penetrated the iron plating on Arkansas, killing six and wounding six. When Essex worked off the bank, she continued downstream, where she joined Farragut's squadron.
Meanwhile, Queen of the West was making her run. Her captain misjudged her speed, so she ran past Arkansas and had to come back and ram upstream. Although she struck fairly, her reduced momentum meant that the collision did little damage. She then returned to the flotilla above the city. She had been riddled by shot from the batteries, but surprisingly suffered no serious casualties.
Farragut had already been pressing the Navy Department for permission to leave Vicksburg. It was clear that he would need assistance from the Army to capture the city, assistance that was not forthcoming. Sickness among his sailors, unacclimatised to the heat of summer in Mississippi, reduced their fighting strength by as much as a third. Furthermore, the annual drop in the level of the river threatened to strand his deep-draft ships. The constant vigilance now necessitated by the presence of Arkansas finally tipped the balance. He got permission to return to the vicinity of New Orleans, and on 24 June his fleet left.
With nothing his flotilla could do, Davis also withdrew. He took his vessels back to Helena, Arkansas, where he could still watch the river north of Vicksburg.
Final fight at Baton Rouge
With the Federal fleet gone, Captain Brown requested and was granted four days of leave, which he took in Grenada, Mississippi. Before leaving, he pointed out to General Van Dorn that the engines of his ship needed repairs before she could be used. He also gave positive orders to his executive officer, Lt. Henry K. Stevens, not to move her until he returned.
Unfortunately for the ship, Van Dorn disregarded his subordinate. He ordered Lt. Stevens to take Arkansas down to Baton Rouge, where she would support an attack on the Union position there by a Confederate Army force led by General John C. Breckinridge. Stevens demurred, citing his orders from Brown, and referred the question to "a senior officer of the Confederate navy." The "senior officer" chose not to intervene. Stevens, now under the orders of two superior officers, had to rush the ship down the river.
Confirming Brown's fears, the engines broke down several times between Vicksburg and Baton Rouge. Each time, the engineer was able to get them running again, but it was clear that they were unreliable. Nevertheless, the ship was able to get all the way to Baton Rouge, where she prepared for battle with a small Federal flotilla that included her old opponent USS Essex. On the morning of 6 August, Essex came in sight, and Arkansas moved into the stream to meet her. Just at this time, crank pins on both engines failed almost simultaneously, and Arkansas drifted helplessly to the shore.
Stevens prepared to abandon ship. He ordered the engines to be broken up, the guns to be loaded and excess shells spread around, and then the ship set afire. The crew then left. About this time, the ship broke free and began to drift down the river, and Stevens, the last man to leave, had to swim ashore. The burning vessel drifted down among the attacking Federal fleet, which watched from a respectful distance. At about noon, Arkansas blew up.
Current whereabouts
The Arkansas currently rests, aligned north/south, deep under a levee roughly 1.4 miles south of the auto/rail bridge just below Free Negro Point. The wreck is 690 feet past river mile 233.
__________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
6 August, 1862: Wednesday - Loss of CSS Arkansas
Union - military/Naval
Louisiana
The Union ironclad Essex and four other vessels attack Arkansas at Baton Rouge. The Arkansas' engines fail again, rendering her an easy target. Badly damaged, the Arkansas fights back despite a raging fire on board. Soon, however, the crew abandons her and she is blown up. In 23 days the Arkansas had "carved a career that became legend in the river war."
Union - Military/Ground
Virginia
There is more skirmishing at Malvern Hill and around Thornburg.
Western Virginia
There is skirmishing at Beech Creek,Packs Ferry on New River.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Kirksville.
Tennessee
Brigadier General Robert L. McCook, of the famous McCook clan of Ohio, dies from wounds after being attacked by a party of Confederate guerillas while he was riding ill in an ambulance from Athens, Alabama to Dechard, Tennessee.
__________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Louisiana
The Union ironclad Essex and four other vessels attack Arkansas at Baton Rouge. The Arkansas' engines fail again, rendering her an easy target. Badly damaged, the Arkansas fights back despite a raging fire on board. Soon, however, the crew abandons her and she is blown up. In 23 days the Arkansas had "carved a career that became legend in the river war."
Union - Military/Ground
Virginia
There is more skirmishing at Malvern Hill and around Thornburg.
Western Virginia
There is skirmishing at Beech Creek,Packs Ferry on New River.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Kirksville.
Tennessee
Brigadier General Robert L. McCook, of the famous McCook clan of Ohio, dies from wounds after being attacked by a party of Confederate guerillas while he was riding ill in an ambulance from Athens, Alabama to Dechard, Tennessee.
__________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Friday, August 5, 2011
5 August 1862: Tuesday
Confederate - Government
Jefferson Davis writes of some of the problems of his administration, stating, "Revolutions develop the high qualities of the good and the great, but they cannot change the nature of the vicious and selfish."
Union - Government/Military
Recruiting for old and new regiments proceeds briskly in the North after Lincoln's call for 300,000 more men.
Confederates - Military
Louisiana
Confederate forces once more control the Mississippi north and south of Vicksburg from Helena, Arkansas to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Moving southward toward Baton Rouge, Major General John C. Breckenridge and about 2,600 men attack 2500 Union troops under Brigadier General Thomas Williams. The fighting takes place in a dense fog. After heavy fighting the battle ends in mid-morning. On the Union side, the ground troops are assisted by gunboats on the Mississippi. On the Confederate side, the ram Arkansas, ordered down from Vicksburg, arrived too late to be of help due to continual breakdown of her faulty engines.
Union losses were 84 killed (including GEneral Williams), 266 wounded, and 33 missing for 383
Confederate losses were 84 killed, 315 wounded, and 57 captured or missing 456.
Breckinridge pulled back a few miles north and began to fortify Port Hudson on the bluffs.
Military - Union
Virginia
There is a light engagement at Malvern Hill, and a skirmish at White Oak Swamp Bridge on Virginia's Peninsula. There is also a skirmish at Thornburg/Massaponax Church.
Missouri
There is fighting at Montevallo and near Cravensville.
______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Jefferson Davis writes of some of the problems of his administration, stating, "Revolutions develop the high qualities of the good and the great, but they cannot change the nature of the vicious and selfish."
Union - Government/Military
Recruiting for old and new regiments proceeds briskly in the North after Lincoln's call for 300,000 more men.
Confederates - Military
Louisiana
Confederate forces once more control the Mississippi north and south of Vicksburg from Helena, Arkansas to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Moving southward toward Baton Rouge, Major General John C. Breckenridge and about 2,600 men attack 2500 Union troops under Brigadier General Thomas Williams. The fighting takes place in a dense fog. After heavy fighting the battle ends in mid-morning. On the Union side, the ground troops are assisted by gunboats on the Mississippi. On the Confederate side, the ram Arkansas, ordered down from Vicksburg, arrived too late to be of help due to continual breakdown of her faulty engines.
Union losses were 84 killed (including GEneral Williams), 266 wounded, and 33 missing for 383
Confederate losses were 84 killed, 315 wounded, and 57 captured or missing 456.
Breckinridge pulled back a few miles north and began to fortify Port Hudson on the bluffs.
Military - Union
Virginia
There is a light engagement at Malvern Hill, and a skirmish at White Oak Swamp Bridge on Virginia's Peninsula. There is also a skirmish at Thornburg/Massaponax Church.
Missouri
There is fighting at Montevallo and near Cravensville.
______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Thursday, August 4, 2011
4 August 1862: Monday
Union - Government
President Lincoln orders a draft of 300,000 militia to serve for nine months, unless discharged sooner. (This draft was never put into effect.)
The President also orders the military to get rid of incompetent persons holding commission, and to promote worthy officers.
Lincoln tells a delegation of "Western gentlement" who offered two Negro regiments from Indiana that he was nort prepared to enlist Negroes as soldiers, although he suggested employing them as laborers.
Union - Military/Governing
Louisiana
In New Orleans, General Benjamin F. Butler, commanding the Federal occupation forces, issues an order assessing "secessessionnists" $341,916 to provide for the poor of the city.
Union - Military
Virginia
Ambrose Burnside's corps from North Carolina arrive at Aqui Creek to assist Pope in defending against Robert E. Lee's advance into northern Virginia.
Missouri
Skirmishing takes place at Gayoso and on the White River.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
President Lincoln orders a draft of 300,000 militia to serve for nine months, unless discharged sooner. (This draft was never put into effect.)
The President also orders the military to get rid of incompetent persons holding commission, and to promote worthy officers.
Lincoln tells a delegation of "Western gentlement" who offered two Negro regiments from Indiana that he was nort prepared to enlist Negroes as soldiers, although he suggested employing them as laborers.
Union - Military/Governing
Louisiana
In New Orleans, General Benjamin F. Butler, commanding the Federal occupation forces, issues an order assessing "secessessionnists" $341,916 to provide for the poor of the city.
Union - Military
Virginia
Ambrose Burnside's corps from North Carolina arrive at Aqui Creek to assist Pope in defending against Robert E. Lee's advance into northern Virginia.
Missouri
Skirmishing takes place at Gayoso and on the White River.
__________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
4 August 1862:
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Guide Promotes Civil War Sites in Appalachian Region
From ABC News: Guide Promotes Civil War Sites in Appalachian
A newly released map will guide history buffs to Civil War historical attractions all around the Appalachian region to mark the 150th commemoration of the war.
Tennessee Department of Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker will discuss the impact of Civil War tourism in Tennessee during the rollout of the map at the Andrew Johnson Early Home in Greeneville on Wednesday.
The Appalachian Regional Commission developed the guide to highlight the diversity of tourist attractions and boost tourism. An online interactive of the map can be found at www.visitappalachia.com .
_______________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
3 August 1862: Sunday
Union - Military
Virginia
General Halleck orders General McClellan to move his Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula north to Aquia Landing near Fredericksburg and to Alexandria. McClellan was to aid in the defense of Washington and in opposing the Confederate offensive against Pope's Army of Virginia. McClellan protested vehemently against this order, maintaining that he should remain on the Peninsula.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Chariton Bridge.
Arkansas
There are skirmishes at L'Anguille Ferry, Jackson and Scatterville.
Kentucky
There is a skirmish at Morganfield.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Nonconah Creek.
South Carolina
A blockade runner is captured off Charleston as the effectiveness of the Union blockade steadily develops.
The Bahamas
The British vessel Columbia, carrying twelve pieces of artillery, several thousand Enfield rifles, and other munitions, was captured after a seven-hour chase, by the Union steamer Santiago de Cuba.
_______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Virginia
General Halleck orders General McClellan to move his Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula north to Aquia Landing near Fredericksburg and to Alexandria. McClellan was to aid in the defense of Washington and in opposing the Confederate offensive against Pope's Army of Virginia. McClellan protested vehemently against this order, maintaining that he should remain on the Peninsula.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Chariton Bridge.
Arkansas
There are skirmishes at L'Anguille Ferry, Jackson and Scatterville.
Kentucky
There is a skirmish at Morganfield.
Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Nonconah Creek.
South Carolina
A blockade runner is captured off Charleston as the effectiveness of the Union blockade steadily develops.
The Bahamas
The British vessel Columbia, carrying twelve pieces of artillery, several thousand Enfield rifles, and other munitions, was captured after a seven-hour chase, by the Union steamer Santiago de Cuba.
_______
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
2 August 1862: Saturday
Government - Union - Diplomacy
England
Secretary of State Seward instructed Minister to Great Britain Charles Francis Adams to neither receive nor discuss any offers of mediation of the war by Great Britain.
Union - Military
Virginia
Elements of the Army of Virginia under John Pope advance on Orange Court House and skirmish with Confederates.
Forces from Harrison's Landing reoccupy Malvern Hills.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Clear Creek, near Taberville.
Arkansas
There is a skirmish at Jonesborough.
Mississippi
There are skirmishes near Totten's Plantation, Coahoma County and at Austin in Tunica County
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
England
Secretary of State Seward instructed Minister to Great Britain Charles Francis Adams to neither receive nor discuss any offers of mediation of the war by Great Britain.
Union - Military
Virginia
Elements of the Army of Virginia under John Pope advance on Orange Court House and skirmish with Confederates.
Forces from Harrison's Landing reoccupy Malvern Hills.
Missouri
There is a skirmish at Clear Creek, near Taberville.
Arkansas
There is a skirmish at Jonesborough.
Mississippi
There are skirmishes near Totten's Plantation, Coahoma County and at Austin in Tunica County
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
Monday, August 1, 2011
1 August 1862: Friday
Confederate - Government/Military
President Davis again writes General Robert E. Lee, "protesting against alleged atrocities to civilians and soldiers and the arming of slaves by Union authorities."
Union - Government/Military
South Carolina
A Federal official in South Carolina announces the issuance of papers indicating their freedom to Negro soldiers, not yet legally enlisted.
Military - Union
Missouri
Skirmishes take place at Ozark, Grand River and Carrollton.
Virginia
There is a skirmish at Barnett's Ford.
________________
Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
President Davis again writes General Robert E. Lee, "protesting against alleged atrocities to civilians and soldiers and the arming of slaves by Union authorities."
Union - Government/Military
South Carolina
A Federal official in South Carolina announces the issuance of papers indicating their freedom to Negro soldiers, not yet legally enlisted.
Military - Union
Missouri
Skirmishes take place at Ozark, Grand River and Carrollton.
Virginia
There is a skirmish at Barnett's Ford.
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Bibliography
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865. E.B. Long with Barbara Long, De Capo, 1971
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