lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 16, 2023 3:02:00 GMT
Day 188 of the United States Civil War, October 16th 1861
Virginia
(Confederate States) President Jefferson Davis was having difficulties with state – conscious soldiers in the Army, and was trying to maintain the state regiments and at the same time create strong army corps.
A party of federals seized 21,000 bushels of wheat stored in a mill near Harper's Ferry but on their return encountered a band of Confederates and a sharp brisk fight ensued before the Yankees were able to get back to Harper's Ferry.
From rudimentary beginnings, Confederate States Postmaster General John Henniger Reagan had been organizing postal service in the South for months before starting to sell the Confederacy's first postage stamps. The Richmond firm of Hoyer and Ludwig had the contract and produced lithographed five cent stamps, in unperforated sheets of one hundred, bearing the likeness of (Confederate States) President Jefferson Davis.
(Virginia) - Battle of Bolivar Heights
On October 15th, United States Army, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks ordered United States Army, Colonel John White Geary to cross the Potomac River from Maryland Heights, part of Elk Ridge (Maryland) and capture wheat stored by the Confederate States Army near Bolivar Heights. Geary crossed the river with 600 men but sent 500 of them back that night. On October 16th, a Confederate force of 300 militia men armed with obsolete flintlock muskets, 2 companies of regular Confederate infantrymen and 230 cavalrymen under Confederate States Army, Colonel Turner Ashby attacked Geary's force, drove them back to Bolivar and nearly surrounded them. The United States force then flanked the inexperienced Confederates and in turn forced them to withdraw. The United States troops captured a Confederate 24-pound cannon that had broken down during the fight. Ashby claimed that he had withdrawn in the face of heavy United States reinforcements after holding his position for four hours. Geary greatly exaggerated the size of the Confederate force (3,000) and the number of casualties his men inflicted on them (about 150). In turn, Ashby exaggerated the United States dead, stating that his men had killed 25 United States soldiers.
Ashby reported that he lost one dead and nine wounded. Geary reported his losses at four dead, seven wounded and two taken prisoner. Geary himself was one of the wounded, having been cut to the bone below the knee by a shell fragment. He stayed on the field despite the wound, from which he recovered quickly.
West Virginia
Thomas Heaton, special agent for the Treasury Department, issued directions to Thomas Hornbrook, Surveyor of Customs in Wheeling, concerning the shipment of goods during wartime.
Louisiana
The gunboat USS SOUTH CAROLINA under the command of United States Navy, Commander James Alden, captured the schooner EDWARD BARNARD with a cargo of turpentine on board at South West Pass.
Missouri
Expedition to Lexington ended. United States forces reoccupied Lexington, which had fallen to the Confederates after a siege on September 20th 1861.
Skirmish at Linn Creek, involving United States Army, Major Clark Wright (Fremont Battalion Missouri Cavalry).
Skirmish at Warsaw.
Texas
Operation at Fort Inge ended.
Bahamas
The Confederate privateer SALLIE under the command of Master Henry S Lebby, captured the American brig BETSEY JAMES opposite the Bahama Banks, with a cargo including machinery.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 17, 2023 2:49:47 GMT
Day 189 of the United States Civil War, October 17th 1861
District of Columbia
United States Navy, Flag Officer Du Pont declare that Port Royal South Carolina was the most useful as a federal naval and coaling base.
From the Executive Mansion, (United States) President Abraham Lincoln forwards the names of two young people with a time-honored commentary on the work-ethic of youth: “The lady—bearer of this—says she has two sons who want to work. See them at it, if possible. Wanting to work is so rare a merit, that it should be encouraged.”
West Virginia
United States Army, Colonel J. V. Guthrie, commanding officer at Charleston, issued a proclamation urging citizens to organize municipal government.
Florida
The gunboat USS CONNECTICUT under the command of United States Navy, Commander Maxwell Woodhull, captured the British schooner ADELINE loaded with military stores and supplies, off Cape Canaveral.
Kentucky
Skirmish at Cypress Bridge near Rumsey.
United States Army, Brigadier General Horatio Gouverneur Wright assumed command of the District of Western Kentucky, succeeding United States Army, Brigadier General Charles Ferguson Smith.
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Post by lordroel on Oct 18, 2023 2:51:44 GMT
Day 190 of the United States Civil War, October 18th 1861
District of Columbia
In Washington, D.C. a cabinet meeting discussed United States Army, General-in-Chief Major-General Winfield Scott's possibly voluntary retirement. (United States) President Abraham Lincoln was having problems between United States Army, Major General McClellan and United States Army, Brigadier General Thomas W. Sherman regarding troops for the South coastal expedition. Sherman was asking for more and McClellan was refusing to furnish them from his army.
Virginia
Lloyd Tilghman, is appointed Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army.
Confederate States Army, Lieutenant Colonel Fitzhugh Lee (1st Virginia Cavalry) skirmished at Fairfax Court House and on the Falls Church Road.
Pennsylvania
The Philadelphia press reported that up to October 18th 1861, the Committee of Councils on the Safety and Defense of the City had purchased 1,600 infantry rifles, including a thousand Enfields, 1,800 muskets, 250 sabres, 500 pistols, and ten artillery pieces to arm local militia units. The Committee had acquired a former market house on Broad and Race Streets as an armory for citizen organizations defending the city.
Utah
The advance of the continuous telegraph line across the United States, almost complete, reached Salt Lake City. Immediately, the Mormon leader Brigham Young sent a celebratory message to (United States) President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Sovereignty Convention of Confederate sympathisers met at Russellville and remained in session for three days, ultimately voting to secede from the Union. This resulted in the existence of two rival state governments with opposing loyalties, similar to the situation in Missouri, North Carolina, and western Virginia.
The side-wheeled steamer USS CONESTOGA under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant Samuel L Phelps, made an expedition up the Cumberland River. It dispersed some Confederate forces and silenced a battery at Canton.
Missouri
Reconnaissance to Texas County and Wright County ended.
Skirmish at Palmyra.
Confederate raiders attacked the steamer Platte Valley at Price’s Landing.
A United States wagon train travelling near Warrensburg was attacked and captured by a group of Confederates.
North Carolina
The Hatteras Convention of Pro-United States loyalists met in North Carolina and elected Pro-United States Marble Nash Taylor as the United States congressional representative.
Three United States vessels filled with rocks were sunk in the Ocracoke Inlet to block the port to Confederate blockade runners. The rapid deterioration of the wooden ships’ frames meant that their stone ballast soon collapsed and weakened the obstacle.
The wooden screw steamer USS MONTICELLO engaged a Confederate battery near New Inlet.
USS GEMSBOK under the command of United states Navy, Acting Master Cavendy, captured brig ARIEL off Wilmington with cargo of salt.
Tennessee
United States raiders were arrested and charged with burning bridges at Doe River.
Department of Louisiana (Confederate States)
Confederate States Army, Major General Mansfield Lovell, supersedes Confederate States Army, Major General David Twiggs, in the command of Department Number 1, consisting of Louisiana and Texas.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 19, 2023 2:51:26 GMT
Day 191 of the United States Civil War, October 19th 1861
Virginia
(Confederate States) President Jefferson Finis Davis tries to quell an on-going dispute between Confederate States Army, General Johnston and Confederate States Army, General P.G.T. Beauregard.
Operation in Kanawha Valley began between United states army, Brigadier General William Starke Rosecrans and Confederate States Army, Brigadier General John Buchanan Floyd.
Incident at New River.
Missouri
Action at Big Hurricane Creek.
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Post by lordroel on Oct 20, 2023 7:18:32 GMT
Day 192 of the United States Civil War, October 20th 1861
Virginia
(Confederate States) President Jefferson Finis Davis continued to have problems with Confederate States Army, General Johnston and Confederate States Army, General P.G.T. Beauregard over rank, distribution of regiments, and military planning.
Incident at New River.
Reconnaissance to Herndon Station, Hunter’s Mill, Thronton Station, and Thornton’s Mills.
United States Army, Major-General George Brinton McClellan was informed by a United States signal station on Sugar Loaf Mountain that the Confederates appeared to have moved away from Leesburg. McClellan ordered United States Army, Brigadier General Charles Pomeroy Stone to conduct what he called “a slight demonstration” in order to see how the Confederates might react. Stone moved troops to the river at Edwards Ferry, positioned other forces along the river, had his artillery fire into suspected Confederate positions, and briefly crossed about a hundred men of the 1st Minnesota Infantry to the Virginia shore just before dusk. Seeing no reaction from the Confederates, Stone recalled his troops to their camps and the “slight demonstration” came to an end. Stone then ordered United States Army, Colonel Charles Devens of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (United States) which was stationed on Harrison’s Island facing Ball’s Bluff to send a patrol across the river at that point to gather information about enemy deployments. Devens sent United States Army, Captain Chase Philbrick and approximately 20 men to carry out Stone’s order. Advancing in the dark nearly a mile inland from the bluff, the inexperienced Philbrick mistook a row of trees for the tents of a Confederate camp and without verifying what he saw, returned and reported the existence of a camp. Stone immediately ordered Devens to cross some 300 men and, as soon as it was light enough to see, attack the camp and then return. Devens had permission to stay on the Virginia side of the river and to proceed to Leesburg if he found it unguarded. Devens requested reinforcements for that purpose.
California
United States Army, Major William Scott Ketchum’s Regular Army soldiers were relieved at Camp Latham by three volunteer companies of the 1st Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry (United States). The Californians were also sent to San Bernardino County to establish Camp Carleton and later Camp Morris and to suppress any secessionist uprising. Volunteer troops were also sent to Camp Wright in San Diego County to watch the southern overland approach into California across the Colorado Desert from Fort Yuma, located on the west bank of the Colorado River. They were also ordered to intercept secessionist sympathisers travelling east to join the Confederate Army.
Kentucky
Alarmed by the Confederate incursion into eastern Kentucky by Confederate States army, Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer, United States Army, Brigadier General George Henry Thomas sent a detachment under United States Army, Colonel Theophilus Toulmin Garrard from Camp Dick Robinson at Lancaster to secure the ford on the Rockcastle River near London. Garrard was ordered to establish a camp (Camp Wildcat) at the heavily forested Wildcat Mountain. His mission was to obstruct the Wilderness Road passing through the area and to hold the ford. Garrard informed Thomas that if he did not soon receive reinforcements, he would have to retreat because he was outnumbered seven to one. Thomas sent forward United States Army, Brigadier General Albin Francisco Schoepf with the equivalent of a brigade, raising Garrard’s total force to about 7,000 men. The United States troops awaited the Confederates who had to pass by their stronghold before they could penetrate into central Kentucky. Zollicoffer’s Confederate troops had to pass Camp Wildcat but he was unaware that the camp had been greatly reinforced. He mistook the column of United States reinforcements spotted during the afternoon to be the entire United States force preparing for battle and underestimated the strength of his opposition. United States pickets skirmished with the Confederates during the evening and returned to camp to report that a large Confederate force was nearby.
Missouri
Two United States columns, one under United States Army, Colonel Joseph Bennett Plummer with 1,500 men and a second under United States Army, Colonel William Passmore Carlin with 3,000 men, were sent in pursuit of Pro-Confederate States Missouri State Guard, Brigadier General Meriwether Jefferson Thompson’s partisans after they had burned the Iron Mountain Railroad Bridge over the Big River. Thompson learned of the pursuit and withdrew south of Fredericktown. In the evening he decided to turn and resist the United States advance.
Department of the Pacific (United States)
United States Army, Brigadier General Edwin Vose Sumner, relinquishes the command of the Department of the Pacific to United States Army, Colonel George Wright (9th US Infantry).
Department of the Potomac (United States)
The District of Harper’s Ferry and Cumberland was established in the Department of the Potomac, with responsibility for the protection of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, and Cumberland, Maryland, including a strip of land twenty miles wide along the south bank of the Potomac River.
United States Army, Brigadier General Frederick West Lander assumed command of the District of Harper’s Ferry and Cumberland.
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Post by lordroel on Oct 21, 2023 6:27:25 GMT
Day 193 of the United States Civil War, October 21st 1861Virginia The following are appointed Brigadier Generals in the Confederate States Army: - Philip St. George Cocke. - Nathan George Evans. - Robert Emmett Rodes. - Richard Taylor. - James Heyward Trapier. - Louis Trezevant Wigfall. - Cadmus Marcellus Wilcox. Reconnaissance to Thornton’s Station. Incidents at New River, Warwick Road, Leesburg, and New Market Bridge. Skirmish at Young’s Mill near Newport News. (Virginia) McClellan's Operations in Northern Virginia - Battle of Ball's BluffOn the morning of October 21st 1861 United States Army, Colonel Charles Devens raiding party discovered the mistake made the previous evening by the patrol; there was no camp to raid. Opting not to recross the river immediately, Devens deployed his men in a tree line and sent a messenger back to report to Stone and get new instructions. On hearing the messenger's report, Stone sent him back to tell Devens that the remainder of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (United states) with another 350 men would cross the river and move to his position. When they arrived, Devens was to turn his raiding party back into a reconnaissance and move toward Leesburg. While the messenger was going back to United States Army, Colonel Charles Devens with this new information, United States Army, Colonel and United States Senator from Oregon, Edward Dickinson Baker showed up at Stone's camp to find out about the morning's events. He had not been involved in any of the activities to that point. Stone told him of the mistake about the camp and about his new orders to reinforce Devens for reconnaissance purposes. He then instructed Baker to go to the crossing point, evaluate the situation, and either withdraw the troops already in Virginia or cross additional troops at his discretion. On the way upriver to execute this order, Baker met Devens' messenger coming back a second time to report that Devens and his men had encountered and briefly engaged the enemy, one company (Co. K) of the 17th Mississippi Infantry Regiment (United states). Baker immediately ordered as many troops as he could find to cross the river, but he did so without determining what boats were available to do this. A bottleneck quickly developed so that Union troops could only cross slowly and in small numbers, making the crossing last throughout the day. Meanwhile, Devens's men (now about 650 strong) remained in its advanced position and engaged in two additional skirmishes with a growing force of Confederates, while other Union troops crossed the river but deployed near the bluff and did not advance from there. Devens finally withdrew around 2:00 p.m. and met Baker, who had finally crossed the river half an hour later. Beginning around 3:00 the fighting began in earnest and was almost continuous until just after dark. United States Army, Colonel Edward Dickinson Baker was killed at about 4:30 p.m. and remains the only United States Senator ever killed in battle. Following an abortive attempt to break out of their constricted position around the bluff, the Federals began to recross the river in some disarray. Shortly before dark, the fresh 17th Mississippi Infantry Regiment (Confederate states) arrived and formed the core of the climactic assault that finally broke and routed the Union troops. Many of the United States soldiers were driven down the steep slope at the southern end of Ball's Bluff and into the river. Boats attempting to cross back to Harrison Island were soon swamped and capsized. Many Federals, included some of the wounded, were drowned. Bodies floated downriver to Washington and even as far as Mount Vernon in the days following the battle. A total of 223 Federals were killed, 226 were wounded, and 553 were captured on the banks of the Potomac later that night. Map: A map of the battle (Kentucky) Operations in Eastern Kentucky - Battle of Camp WildcatOn September 19th 1861, Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer sent about 800 men under Confederate States Army, Colonel Joel A. Battle against Camp Andrew Johnson, which had largely been vacated, with the United States recruits having moved to nearby Camp Dick Robinson, where several thousand Federal troops were gathered under the command of United States Army, Brigadier General George H. Thomas. As Battle's men approached Camp Johnson, they met a force of 300 pro-United States Kentucky Home Guard under Captain Isaac J. Black, who hastily removed the planking from the bridge to prevent the Confederates from crossing it. Sharp skirmishing broke out, but Battle's superior numbers prevailed and Zollicoffer's Confederates drove off Black's men, with the United States force suffering 1 killed, 1 wounded and 13 captured and the Confederates losing 7 dead. His men seized the camp, destroyed the buildings, and captured the arms and equipment left behind by the retreating recruits. Although Zollicoffer briefly withdrew to his camp at Cumberland Ford near Cumberland Gap, he sent a detachment of his men to drive off another United States Home Guard force at a camp at Laurel Bridge, in Laurel County, Kentucky soon after the Battle of Barboursville On September 28th 1861 another Confederate detachment seized 200 barrels of salt and destroyed the Goose Creek Salt Works in Clay County, Kentucky. They returned to camp at Cumberland Ford on September 30. On October 16th 1861 Zollicoffer returned to the offensive in an effort to move into central Kentucky. In response to Zollicoffer's actions, United States Army, Brigadier General George H. Thomas sent troops under United States Army, Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard to set up Camp Wildcat at Rockcastle Hills, near London, Kentucky, at the base of Wildcat Mountain 30 miles (48 km) north of the salt works, in order to secure the ford on the Rockcastle River, and to obstruct the Wilderness Road passing through the area. United States Army, Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard informed United States Army, Brigadier General George H. Thomas that if he did not receive reinforcements, he would have to retreat. He reported he was outnumbered seven to one. Thomas sent United States Army, Brigadier General Albin F. Schoepf with what amounted to a brigade of men to United States Army, Colonel Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard, bringing the total United States force to about 7,000. Schoepf arrived on October 20th 1861, a day before Zollicoffer moved against the camp. The United States force awaited Zollicoffer's Confederate troops who had to pass the stronghold at Camp Wildcat to proceed into central Kentucky. Zollicoffer was unaware that the camp had been reinforced and further mistook a column of United States reinforcements arriving during the afternoon of October 20th 1861 as the entire United States force preparing for battle. United States pickets skirmished with the Confederates on the evening of October 20th 1861 and returned to camp to report that a large Confederate force was nearby. As the Confederates started up the Wilderness Road on the morning of October 21st 1861, United States Army, Brigadier General Albin F. Schoepf moved four companies of the 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment (United States), 350 men, 1.21 km to the east of Camp Wildcat to Round Hill, a steep, high point along the road. Confederate pickets attacked the United States force just after they arrived at Round Hill, but the Confederates soon withdrew to report the situation to Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer. Zollicoffer sent most of two regiments, the 11th Tennessee Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) and several companies of the 17th Tennessee Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) to attack the United States detachment at Round Hill. Just before the attack, the companies from the 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment (United States) were reinforced by 250 men of the 1st Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (United States) and a small number of home guards. The Confederate regiments attacked the steep hill but after an hour of fighting the 11th Tennessee Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) retreated. Soon thereafter United States reinforcements arrived, forcing the 17th Tennessee Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) to retreat as well. Zollicoffer then sent the 29th Tennessee Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) and several companies of the 17th Tennessee Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) to attack a location called the South Rim across the road from Round Hill. By then, the United States had fortified this point and the Confederate attack on this point also failed. Later, the Confederates failed to detect a gap between the 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment (United states) and the 7th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry Regiment (United States) before United States Army, Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard sent reinforcements to close it. With casualties mounting to no effect, Zollicoffer ceased attacking the United States position. The Confederates withdrew during the night. They continued their retreat to Cumberland Ford, which they reached on October 26th 1861. United States casualties were 5 killed and 20 wounded while the Confederates suffered 11 killed and 42 wounded or missing. (Missouri) Operations to Control Missouri - Engagement at FredericktownIn October 1861, Pro-Confederate State, Missouri State Guard Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson led a 1500-man force into southeastern Missouri. On October 15th 1861 he burned the Iron Mountain Railroad bridge over the Big River in Jefferson County, capturing many of the bridge guards. Two United States columns, one under United States Army, Colonel Joseph B. Plummer with 1,500 men and another under United States Army, Colonel William P. Carlin with 3,000 men, were sent in pursuit. By October 20th 1861 Thompson had learned of the United states pursuit and withdrew south of Fredericktown. That evening, however, he decided to attack the Federal advance with his infantrymen. Pro-Confederate State, Missouri State Guard Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson spent the early morning hours trying to determine the enemy's numbers and disposition. Unable to do so, he placed his troops and artillery in ambush along the road and awaited the United States forces. The bulk of the Pro-Confederate State, Missouri State Guard force was hidden from view on wooded high ground that formed a U overlooking the road. Forward of the main body, Pro-Confederate State, Missouri State Guard Colonel Aden Lowe's infantry regiment waited in a cornfield as bait. Close behind was a supporting 12-pounder cannon as well as three 6-pounders farther to the rear and flank. About noon Plummer arrived with his column and a detachment of United States Army, Colonel William P. Carlin's troops. United States Army, Captain Stewart's Illinois cavalry company made the initial contact. United States Army, Colonel Ross's 17th Illinois Infantry Regiment (United States) engaged Lowe's troops first with skirmishers, then the main line of the regiment. A section of United States) artillery was brought into service against the Missourians' 12-pounder, which responded. The 20th Illinois Infantry Regiment (United States) and 11th Missouri Infantry Regiment (United States) applied pressure to both flanks of Lowe's force as more Union artillery joined the battle. Lowe, having waited too long to disengage, was killed by a shot to the head, and his regiment retreated taking heavy casualties. The 1st Indiana Cavalry Regiment (United States) attempted to pursue and to capture the exposed 12-pounder, but were stopped with heavy casualties by the fire of Thompson's forces on both ridges. They called for infantry support and the 17th Illinois Infantry Regiment (United States) surged forward to claim the now abandoned piece. As more United States infantry poured onto the field, Thompson began an orderly withdrawal of the guardsmen. In this he mostly succeeded, except for some routing cavalry. Pro-Confederate State, Missouri State Guard Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson's forces under his command suffered a total of 145 casualties during the battle, including 25 dead, 40 wounded, and 80 captured. They also lost one artillery piece, an old iron 12-pounder. United States casualties were reported as 7 killed and about 60 wounded. There were a number of other casualties (primarily United states) in skirmishes before and after the battle. MarylandThe United States joint Army and Navy expedition to Port Royal began. United States Army, brigadier General Thomas West Sherman commanded the army element as it left Annapolis and headed for the South Carolina coast. MissouriIncident at Ironton. FloridaConfederate States Army, Brigadier General John Breckinridge Grayson, dies at Tallahassee, from lung disease, three days after his 55th birthday.
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Post by lordroel on Oct 22, 2023 7:34:52 GMT
Day 194 of the United States Civil War, October 22nd 1861
District of Columbia
Joseph Bennett Plummer is appointed Brigadier General in the United States Army.
Virginia
Incident at Goose Creek.
United States Navy, Captain Thomas Tingey Craven commanding the United States Potomac River Flotilla, reported that the Potomac River was commanded by Confederate batteries at all important points below Alexandria.
The Confederate War Department issued General Orders, No. 15 creating the Department of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston:
General Orders, No 15.
Adjt. and Insp. General ‘s Office,
Richmond, Va., October 22, 1861.
1. A department is established, to be known and designated as the Department of Northern Virginia. It will be composed of the three following district, viz: The Valley District, the Potomac District, and the Aquia District. The Valley District will embrace the section of country between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghany Mountains, the Potomac District between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the left bank of Powell’s River, and the Aquia District between Powell’s River and the mouth of the Potomac, including the Northern Neck, and embracing the counties on either side of the Rappahannock River from its mouth or Fredericksburg.
2. General J. E. Johnston is assigned to the command of the Department of Northern Virginia, General P. G. T. Beauregard to the command of the Potomac District, Major General T. H. Holmes to the command of the Aquia District, and Major General T. J. Jackson to the command of the Valley District.
3. The troops saving in the Potomac District will be brigaded and formed into divisions, as follows: First division, under command of Major-General Van Dorn: First Brigade, Brigadier-General Clark, to consist of four Mississippi regiments, Second Brigade, Brigadier-General Whiting, to consist of five Mississippi regiments; Third Brigade, Brigadier-General Stuart, to consist of the cavalry of the army of this district, to be united in one brigade; Fourth Brigade, the Hampton Legion, under Colonel Hampton. Second Division, under command of Major General G. W. Smith: First Brigade, Brigadier-General Ewell, to consist of four Virginia regiments; Second Brigade, Brigadier General S. Jones, to consist of four Virginia regiments; Third Brigade, Brigadier-General Early, to consist of four Virginia regiments; Fourth Brigade Brigadier-General Crittenden, to consist of two Virginia regiments, two Tennessee regiments, and one Kentucky regiment. Third Division, under command of Major-General Longstreet: First Brigade, Brigadier General D. R. Jones, to consist of four South Carolina regiments; Second Brigade, Brigadier-General Bonham, to consist of four South Carolina regiments; Third Brigade, Brigadier-General Wilcox, to consist of four Alabama regiments; Fourth Brigade, Brigadier-General Rodes, to consist of four Alabama regiments; Fifth Brigade, Brigadier-General Taylor, to consist of five Louisiana regiments. Fourth Division, under the command of Major General E. K. Smith: First Brigade, Brigadier-General Walker, to consist of four Georgia regiments; Second Brigade, Brigadier-General Toombs, to consist of four Georgia regiments; Third Brigade, Brigadier-General Elzey, to consist of three Georgia regiments and on Maryland regiment; Fourth Brigade, Brigadier-General Evans, to consist of five North Carolina regiments; Fifth Brigade, Brigadier-General Wigfall, to consist of three Texas regiments and one Louisiana regiment.
The particular regiments of these several brigades will be designated by the commanding general of the Department of Northern Virginia, in conformity to this programme, according to States. The arrangements will be gradually carried into effect as soon as, in the judgment of the commanding general, it can be safely done under present exigencies.*
By command of the Secretary of War:
S. Cooper,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
West Virginia
United States Army, Brigadier General Benjamin Franklin Kelley, is assigned to the command of the Federal Department of Harper's Ferry, WV, and Cumberland, MD.
Maryland
United States engagement at Budd’s Ferry against Confederate shore batteries near Shipping Point between the Chopawamsic Creek and Quantico Creek.
In an attempt to recover some credit after the debacle at Ball’s Bluff, United States Army, Brigadier General Frederick West Lander led a reconnaissance in force to Edward’s Ferry. Lander was seriously wounded while his force was being extricated to the northern bank of the Potomac.
Missouri
Skirmish at Buffalo Springs.
Tennessee
After seeking approval from (United States) President Abraham Lincoln for his raiding plans, William Blount Carter entered East Tennessee to recruit raiding parties to destroy nine strategic railroad bridges. These attacks were supposed to be followed by an invasion by United States Army forces forming in southeastern Kentucky. The conspirators managed to destroy five of the nine targeted bridges but the Union Army failed to move. The destruction of the bridges, all of which were quickly rebuilt, had a negligible military impact. However, the attacks did prompt a shift in the Confederate treatment of Pro-United States sympathisers in East Tennessee. Martial law was imposed in some areas and some known Pro-United States sympathisers were arrested and jailed. Several suspected bridge burners were convicted and sentenced to death.
Department of Middle and East Florida (Confederate States)
Confederate States Army, Brigadier General James Hey ward Trapier, is assigned to the command of the Confederate Department of Middle and East Florida.
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Post by lordroel on Oct 23, 2023 2:53:56 GMT
Day 195 of the United States Civil War, October 23rd 1861
Virginia
Samuel Gibbs French, is appointed is appointed Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army.
United States troops began a five-day reconnaissance in the Kanawha Valley from Gauley Bridge.
Skirmish at Gauley.
United States Army, Major General George Brinton McClellan made a personal reconnaissance of the area around Edwards’ Ferry . He decided that the United States positions on the Virginia shore were unfavourable and unnecessary, and ordered a withdrawal at nightfall.
New York
The trial began of the crew of the SAVANNAH as a test case for the legal status of Confederate privateers.
Kentucky
Capture of Hazel Green.
Skirmish at Hodgensville
United States Army, Brigadier General William Nelson’s command was involved in a skirmish at West Liberty.
Department of the Pacific (United States)
United States Army, Lieutenant colonel Albemarle Cady (7th US Infantry), relieves United States Army, colonel Benjamin L. Beall (1st US Cavalry), in the command of the District of Oregon.
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Post by lordroel on Oct 24, 2023 2:52:49 GMT
Day 196 of the United States Civil War, October 24th 1861
District of Columbia
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln attends the funeral for United States Senator
from Oregon and United States Army, Major General Edward D. Baker who was killed on October 21st 1861, at the Battle of Ball's Bluff, or Leesburg, VA.
Virginia
The Richmond Whig tells its readers to be prepared for a long war: “We of the South, who were to attack, have adopted a system of defence, and, so far, have uniformly awaited the advance of the foe .... Our conviction is, that a victorious advance into the enemy’s country is the only road to a lasting and honorable peace. We must fight, and we must conquer, before we can make a treaty.”
West Virginia
People of West Virginia vote overwhelmingly in favor of creating a new state as spelled out by the Wheeling Convention.
California
Western Union completes the final segment of the transcontinental telegraph from Denver to Sacramento.
Kentucky
Confederate States Army, Colonel R D Allinson (14th Tennessee Infantry) made a raid on Camp Joe Underwood.
Missouri
Incident at Johnstown.
Tennessee
The Nashville Union and American publishes a speech by Governor of Tennessee, Isham G. Harris
: “Our people have done more in the work of raising, organizing, arming and equipping an army than was ever before accomplished by any State in the same length of time .... within less than two months ... thirty thousand volunteers were organized and thrown into the field ... making in the aggregate thirty-eight infantry regiments, seven cavalry battalions, and sixteen artillery companies, which Tennessee has contributed to the common defence.”
Missouri
Incident at Johnstown.
Western Department (United States)
United States Army, Major General David Hunter, is ordered to supersede United States Army, Major General John Charles Fremont, in the command of the Western Department, MO.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 25, 2023 2:53:44 GMT
Day 197 of the United States Civil War, October 25th 1861Virginia(Confederate States) President Jefferson Davis continued to have difficulty with ambitious commanders including United States Army, General Beauregard who did not receive the commissions or commands they expected. PennsylvaniaThe wooden sidewheel steamer USS KEYSTONE STATE arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard with its prize, the Confederate blockade runner SALVOR, in tow. The KEYSTONE STATE, under the command of United States Navy, Commander Gustavus S. Holt, had captured her off the Tortugas Islands bound from Havana, Cuba to Tampa Bay, Florida with a cargo of coffee, cigars, and munitions on October 13th 1861. Her cargo reportedly included 600 pistols, 500,000 percussion caps, and 400,000 cigars. California Telegraph message sent from St Louis to San Francisco. New York At Greenpoint Long Island the keel of the ironclad USS MONITOR was laid. Florida USS RHODE ISLAND under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant Stephen D Trenchard, captured the schooner ARISTIDES off Charlotte Harbour. Missouri Operation at Ironton ended. Operation at Fredericktown ended. (Missouri) Operations to Control Missouri - Action at SpringfieldUnited states Army, Major General John Charles Frémont’s command approached Springfield, where the local Missouri State Guard commander Colonel Julian Frazier had sent out requests to nearby localities for reinforcements. Frémont camped on the Pomme de Terre River about fifty miles from Springfield. Zagonyi’s column (Major Frank J White’s Prairie Scouts and Frémont’s Body Guards under Major Charles Zagonyi) continued on towards Springfield and Frazier’s force of 1,000 to 1,500 prepared to meet it. Frazier set up an ambush along the road that Zagonyi followed. The United states force charged the Confederates immediately, sending them fleeing. Zagonyi’s men continued into town, hailed by United states sympathisers, and released some United states prisoners. Wary of a Confederate counterattack, Zagonyi departed Springfield before night but Frémont’s army returned with a stronger force of 21,000 men a few days later to set up camp in the town. Drawing: Zagony's "death attack" at Springfield, October 25, 1861 United States casualties were reported as 15 killed, 27 wounded, and 10 missing/captured for Fremont's Body Guard, and 33 killed, wounded and missing/captured for White's command, for a total of 85. Confederate casualties are unknown but estimated as 133.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 26, 2023 2:49:38 GMT
Day 198 of the United States Civil War, October 26th 1861
Virginia
William Henry Carroll is appointed Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army.
Skirmishes at Springfield Station, Springfield, and South Branch Bridge.
United States troops under the command of United States Army, Brigadier General Benjamin Franklin Kelley arrived at Romney, an important post in the northern part of western Virginia. They met a small Confederate force at Mill Creek Mills and drove them away with few losses.
Kentucky
Expedition to Eddyville.
Incident at Saratoga.
The side-wheeled steamer USS CONESTOGA under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant Seth Ledyard Phelps, transported United States troops to Eddyville.
Kentucky
United states Army, Brigadier General Charles Ferguson Smith skirmished with Confederate cavalry at Saratoga.
Confederate troops from Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer’s Brigade reached Cumberland Ford during their retreat from Camp Wildcat.
South Carolina
The NASHVILLE was a 1,200 ton former passenger side-wheeler that had run between Charleston and New York. Originally assigned to take the Confederate commissioners Slidell and Mason to England, the NASHVILLE now under the command of Confederate States Navy, Lieutenant Robert B. Pegramwas instead fitted as a commerce raider (2 × 12-pounder (5 kg) cannons) and slipped out of Charleston, running the blockade.
Missouri
United states Army, Major General John Charles Frémont concluded an agreement for the exchange of prisoners of war with Pro-Confederate State, Missouri State Guard, Major-General Sterling Price.
South Carolina
In preparation for the United States naval expedition to Port Royal, 25 ships carrying coal and ammunition departed from Hampton Roads, accompanied by two warships, the 18-gun sloop-of-war USS VANDALIA and the gunboat USS GEM OF THE SEA (six 32-pounder guns).
New York
United states Army, Major General and Governor of New York, Edwin Denison Morgan, assumed command of the Department of New York.
The 80th New York Infantry Regiment (United States), also known as the "Twentieth New York State Militia" ore "Ulster Guard", recruited principally from Ulster County’s 20th New York State Militia Regiment (United States) left the state under the command of United States Army, Colonel George W. Pratt to three years United States service.
Department of the Pacific (United States)
United States Army, Colonel George Wright (9th US Infantry), assumes the command of the Department of the Pacific from United States Army, Brigadier General Edwin Vose Sumner who was transferred to Virginia.
Department of Georgia (Confederate States)
Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Alexander Robert Lawton, is assigned to the command of the Confederate Department of Georgia.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 27, 2023 2:38:12 GMT
Day 199 of the United States Civil War, October 27th 1861
Virginia
A boat expedition from the propeller-driven steamer USS LOUISIANA led by United States Navy, Lieutenant Alfred Hopkins surprised and burned three Confederate vessels at Chincoteague Inlet.
Missouri
A United States force commanded by United States Army, Major General John Charles Frémont was advancing toward Springfield. Near Spring Hill they encountered a retreating Confederate force commanded by Pro-Confederate Missouri State Guard, Major General Sterling Price. After the resulting skirmish, the Confederates continued their retreat. Anxious to keep his command, Frémont reported inaccurately that the Confederates were advancing towards Springfield rather than retreating and implied that he had saved the town.
Skirmish at Plattsburg.
Texas
USS SANTEE under the command of United States Navy, Captain Henry Eagle, captured the brig DELTA off Galveston.
Atlantic Ocean
The Confederate commerce raider CSS SUMTER captured and burned the American schooner TROWBRIDGE, after removing five months’ supply of provisions.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 28, 2023 2:12:47 GMT
Day 201 of the United States Civil War, October 29th 1861
Virginia
Hugh Weedon Mercer is appointed Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army.
A United States expedition sailed in 17 vessels under the command of United States Navy, Captain Samuel Francis Du Pont from Hampton Roads. Du Pont’s flagship was the steam screw frigate USS WABASH leading a total of 77 vessels. This was the largest fleet ever assembled in the United States until that date and its primary objective was Port Royal Sound, equidistant from Savannah in Georgia, and Charleston in South Carolina. It was also one of the first locations to be fortified by the Confederates against the ingress of United States ships. The 13,000 soldiers being transported for coastal and amphibious operations were commanded by United States Army, Brigadier General Thomas West Sherman. Sherman’s force was organized into three brigades under United States Army, Brigadier General Egbert Ludovicus Vielé, United States Army, Brigadier General Isaac Ingalls Stevens, and United States Army, Brigadier General Horatio Gouverneur Wright.
Kentucky
Skirmishes at and near Woodbury and at Morgantown.
Pro-Confederate sympathizers held a secret conference at Russellville for two days. They recited the unconstitutional and oppressive acts of the Kentucky state legislature. They proclaimed a revolution, provided for a Sovereignty Convention at Russellville on November 18th 1861, recommended the organisation of county guards in the service of the Confederate government, and pledged resistance to all taxes raised for the prosecution of the war on the part of the United States.
New York
The 51st New York Infantry Regiment (United States) recruited principally in New York City left the state under the command of United States Army, Colonel Edward Ferrero to serve in the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of North Carolina for three years United States service.
The 54th New York Infantry Regiment (United States) recruited principally in New York City and composed mainly of Germans left the state under the command of United States Army, Colonel Eugene A. Kozaly for service in the Provisional Brigade, Casey"s Division, Army of the Potomac for three years of United States service.
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Blockading Squadron of the United States Navy was discontinued and its patrols divided between the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, with the dividing point being Cape Fear in North Carolina.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 29, 2023 0:24:02 GMT
Day 201 of the United States Civil War, October 29th 1861
Virginia
Hugh Weedon Mercer is appointed Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army.
A United States expedition sailed in 17 vessels under the command of United States Navy, Captain Samuel Francis Du Pont from Hampton Roads. Du Pont’s flagship was the steam screw frigate USS WABASH leading a total of 77 vessels. This was the largest fleet ever assembled in the United States until that date and its primary objective was Port Royal Sound, equidistant from Savannah in Georgia, and Charleston in South Carolina. It was also one of the first locations to be fortified by the Confederates against the ingress of United States ships. The 13,000 soldiers being transported for coastal and amphibious operations were commanded by United States Army, Brigadier General Thomas West Sherman. Sherman’s force was organized into three brigades under United States Army, Brigadier General Egbert Ludovicus Vielé, United States Army, Brigadier General Isaac Ingalls Stevens, and United States Army, Brigadier General Horatio Gouverneur Wright.
Kentucky
Skirmishes at and near Woodbury and at Morgantown.
Pro-Confederate sympathizers held a secret conference at Russellville for two days. They recited the unconstitutional and oppressive acts of the Kentucky state legislature. They proclaimed a revolution, provided for a Sovereignty Convention at Russellville on November 18th 1861, recommended the organisation of county guards in the service of the Confederate government, and pledged resistance to all taxes raised for the prosecution of the war on the part of the United States.
New York
The 51st New York Infantry Regiment (United States) recruited principally in New York City left the state under the command of United States Army, Colonel Edward Ferrero to serve in the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of North Carolina for three years United States service.
The 54th New York Infantry Regiment (United States) recruited principally in New York City and composed mainly of Germans left the state under the command of United States Army, Colonel Eugene A. Kozaly for service in the Provisional Brigade, Casey"s Division, Army of the Potomac for three years of United States service.
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Blockading Squadron of the United States Navy was discontinued and its patrols divided between the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, with the dividing point being Cape Fear in North Carolina.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Oct 30, 2023 1:13:05 GMT
Day 202 of the United States Civil War, October 30th 1861
District of Columbia
A hero long past his prime, United States Army, General Winfield Scott informs (United States Army), President Abraham Lincoln that he wishes to step down as commander of the United States armies. A new war has put the old general out of the way to make room for other figures to step forth.
The War Department, responding to concerns expressed by United States Army, Major general Benjamin Butler issues an order encouraging the employment of contraband labor, compensating them or their masters (if they are Union loyalists) for their work. “This does not, however, mean a general arming of them for military service.”
Virginia
Humphrey Marshall is appointed Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army.
Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee was recalled to Richmond after his operations against Sewell Mountain were abandoned. The Confederate army in western Virginia was dispersed. One brigade went later with Lee to South Carolina, three brigades under Confederate States Army Brigadier General William Wing Loring were sent to the Shenandoah Valley, and the brigades of Confederate States Army Brigadier General Floyd and Confederate States Army Colonel John McCausland had already departed for Bowling Green, Kentucky. Confederate States Army Brigadier General Henry Alexander Wise took his brigade to Norfolk. This effectively ended Confederate attempts to recapture western Virginia, although raids were launched intermittently until the final year of the war.
Missouri
The Pro-Confederate forces in Missouri led by Missouri State Militia, Major General Sterling Price and Governor-in-exile Claiborne Fox Jackson formally joined the Confederate cause. A session of exiled elements of the Missouri legislature convened in the southwest Missouri town of Neosho and claimed to have passed an Ordinance of Secession which Jackson signed into supposed action on 31 October 1861.
Tennessee
The Confederates sank stone-filled barges near Fort Donelson to obstruct the Cumberland River against the passage of United States gunboats.
Atlantic Ocean
The Confederate privateer SALLIE captured the American brig B K EATON.
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