1 December 1862: Monday

Union - Government
The third session of the 37th Congress of the US convenes and receives the State of the Union message from the President. President Lincoln reports that foreign relations are satisfactory, commerce is generally in good shape, and Federl receipts are exceeding expenditures.

He also recommends 3 constitutional amendments:
1. Every state which abolishes slavery before 1900 would receive compensation
2. All slaves who gained freedom during the war would remain free
3. Congress would provide for colonization outside the country for free colored persons with their consent.

He concluded: "As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country. Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history...in giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free-honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall noble save, or meanly lose, the last best, hope of earth."

Union - military
Virginia
There are skirmishes at Beaver Dam Church, Grove Church near Hartwood, and an expedition to Westmoreland County.

Western Virginia
There is a skirmish at Romney. Union troops also mount a 10-day expedition toward Logan Court House.

Tennessee
There is a skirmish at Nolensville.

Confederacy - Military
Virginia
After their march from the Shenandoah Valley troops of Stonewall Jackson's corps move into position to form the right of Lee's army at Fredericksburg.

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