lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980 
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jun 28, 2024 3:20:02 GMT
Day 444 of the United States Civil War, June 28th 1862
District of Columbia
In the midst of all other developments, (United States) President Abraham Lincoln pauses to send a note to a distant relative by marriage who is wavering about his entrance into West Point: “Allow me to assure you it is a perfect certainty that you will, very soon, feel better—quite happy—if you only stick to the resolution you have taken to procure a military education. I am older than you, have felt badly myself, and know, what I tell you is true. Adhere to your purpose and you will soon feel as well as you ever did. On the contrary, if you falter, and give up, you will lose the power of keeping any resolution, and will regret it all your life.”
To McClellan, the commander-in-chief observes: “Save your Army at all events. . . . I feel any misfortune to you and your Army quite as keenly as you feel it yourself. If you have had a drawn battle, or a repulse, it is the price we pay for the enemy not being in Washington.”
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln is also in communication with Secretary of State William Seward about the current state of affairs: “What should be done is to hold what we have in the West, open the Mississippi, and, take Chattanooga & East Tennessee, without more [troops]—a reasonable force should, in every event, be kept about Washington for it’s protection. Then let the country give us a hundred thousand new troops in the shortest possible time, which added to McClellan, directly or indirectly, will take Richmond, without endangering any other place which we now hold—and will substantially end the war. I expect to maintain this contest until successful, or till I die, or am conquered, or my term expires, or Congress or the country forsakes me. . . .”
Virginia
United States Army, Major General Franz Sigel, assumes the command of the 1st United States Army Corp, the Army of Virginia.
Expedition from Fort Monroe began.
Operation at Tunstall Station.
A large United States force burned White House, the estate of Confederate States Army, Colonel William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, a son of Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee. UNADILLA-class gunboat USS MARBLEHEAD under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant S Nicholson and UNADILLA-class gunboat USS CHOCURA under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant Thomas H Patterson, provided support for the withdrawal of troops from White House on the Pamunkey River.
United States gunboats moved up the James River for close support of the Army of the Potomac as it transferred its base to Harrison’s Landing, and to provide offshore protection for the new depot.
During the night, the United States Army of the Potomac had begun a general withdrawal toward the James River, preceded by their supply trains of 3,600 wagons, 700 ambulances, and 2,500 beef cattle. Unlike most other observers, United States Army, Major General George Brinton McClellan did not view this movement as a retreat but rather described it as a change of his base of operations to a safer location. The bulk of the United States Army of the Potomac moved to concentrate around Savage’s Station on the Richmond & York River Railroad, and prepared for a difficult crossing through and around White Oak Swamp. By 4 am, United States Army, Brigadier General Fitz John Porter’s exposed V Corps had withdrawn south of the Chickahominy, burning the bridges behind it. Confederate scouts reported the withdrawal of the United States Army from its positions north of the Chickahominy River. Among the deserters and stragglers,that they captured was United States Army, Brigadier General John Fulton Reynolds, who had overslept in the woods and been left behind. Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee was unable to cross the burned bridges behind the retreating enemy and ordered his cavalry under Confederate States Army, Brigadier General James Ewell Brown Stuart to explore past his left flank, checking whether the retreat was headed back down the peninsula or to the James River. Confederate States Army, Major General Richard Stoddert Ewell’s division was to follow Stuart’s route towards Dispatch Station where an advanced supply depot had been set up by the United States on the railway. Stuart’s cavalry soon arrived at Tunstall Station. His forward pickets asked Stuart to inspect personally a United States position at Black Creek where a United States cavalry squadron and an artillery position further back, were located on the opposite creek bank. Stuart discovered that the bridge across the creek had been burned and the creek banks were very steep with miry approaches, preventing attack by fording the creek. Stuart called for Confederate States Army, Major John Pelham and his artillery battery to engage the United States position. Pelham’s gunners dislodged the United States cavalry and exposed a hidden ambush that had been set for the Confederates. Stuart sent dismounted skirmishers across the creek to scout further. Discovering that the Chickahominy Bridge was burnt, Stuart added to Ewell’s report that heavy United States columns were seen heading south, confirming that their destination was the James River and not eastwards down the Yorktown peninsula.
(Virginia) Peninsula Campaign - Battle of Garnett's & Golding's Farms
(YouTube) Civil War Week By Week - Battle of Garnett's & Golding's Farm (June 28th 1862)
James M. Garnett's farm, near Old Tavern, was situated on the edge of the bluffs at the banks of the Chickahominy River. Near the Garnett farm was Golding's Plain, belonging to Simon Gouldin. Between the two farms was a precipitous ravine, a creek and a hill named Garnett's Hill. United States soldiers from United States Army, Brigadier General William T. H. Brooks's brigade of William F. "Baldy" Smith's 2nd division of the VI Corps began placing artillery pieces on Garnett's Hill the night before the battle. This activity was resumed by United States Army, Brigadier General Winfield Scott Hancock's brigade of the same Corps the following morning–June 27th, 1862. Six batteries of reserve artillery were placed.
While the Federals worked, Confederate soldiers of Confederate States Army, Major General David R. Jones's division began taking up positions in the area. Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Robert Toombs's brigade positioned themselves at the west side of the ravine, while Confederate States Army, Colonel George T. Anderson's brigade took up a position northwest of the area, less than a mile from the Garnett house. Anderson's and Toombs's artillerists were ordered to fire on the United States soldiers whenever the opportunity presented itself. The Federals, now preparing for a general engagement, were told to avoid a clash with the Confederates. The result was a brisk shelling that lasted about an hour, and ended in a Confederate withdrawal. The United States twenty-three, well-positioned guns withstood the Confederates's ten guns, which were situated in an open field. Later, some of Confederate States Army, Major General Lafayette McLaws's men advanced towards the United States line at the Garnett farm at about 4 pm, but withdrew after ten minutes under heavy fire. There was a lull in the subsequent hours, ending with Toombs's attack on the United States line at about 7 pm. Toombs was ordered to reconnoiter or "feel the enemy". Instead, he engaged the Federals in a "sharp and sustained fight". After nightfall, Toombs's advance was repelled by Winfield Hancock's brigade after about an hour and a half of fighting. The Confederates suffered some 271 casualties during the day's conflict. The action at the Garnett farm accomplished little.
The following day, June 28th, United States and Confederate soldiers clashed again near the Golding house. Jones suspected that the Federals near the house were withdrawing, and authorized Toombs to perform a reconnaissance-in-force to ascertain whether this was true. However, Toombs turned the reconnaissance operation into a full engagement and advanced with some of Anderson's men. Before he could be countermanded, the Confederates had already been repulsed by the VI Corps.
Mississippi
United States cavalry pickets from United States Army, Major General William Starke Rosecrans’ command were attacked by Confederates at Blackland and forced to pull back to the main lines.
United States Navy, Captain David Glasgow Farragut’s fleet ended its ineffective mortar bombardment of Vicksburg. The United States bombardment inflicted 22 casualties among the Confederates and temporarily disabled two guns. Farragut now prepared to pass the heavy batteries at Vicksburg to make rendezvous with the Western Gunboat Flotilla north of the city. Eleven warships (three heavy sloops, two light sloops, and six gunboats) formed the column to pass the batteries with the smaller vessels clinging to the western banks while the heavier sloop-of-war USS HARTFORD and the sloop-of-war USS BROOKLYN took the middle channel behind the lead of the wooden steam sloop-of-war USS RICHMOND (1 × 80-pounder Dahlgren smooth bore gun, 20 × 9 in (230 mm) Dahlgren smooth bore guns and 1 × 30-pounder Parrott rifle). The fleet departed at about 2 am and from 5 am onwards they were subjected to heavy fire from the Confederate guns. All of the United States ships were struck repeatedly and BROOKLYN and two gunboats lost power and were forced to drift back downstream. However, eight ships passed to safety beyond the bend for a loss of 15 men killed and 30 wounded.
Missouri
United States operation began in Johnson County under orders to shoot every armed bushwhacker on the spot.
South Carolina
The United States operation at James Island ended end in the evacuation of the island and the decision to attempt further offensive moves towards Charleston by a more promising route.
Tennessee
Skirmish at Sparta.
Arkansas
Their experience in the navigation of the White River made it apparent to the United States naval forces that control of the tributaries of the Mississippi, especially during the dry season, required a large fleet of gunboats of lesser draught than those currently available. The new gunboats were to be better protected around the machinery and pilot houses against musket fire and were fitted to mount howitzers, field pieces, and light guns.
Georgia
The gunboat USS BRAZILLIERA (6 × 32-pounder smoothbore guns) under the command of United States Navy, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. F. W. Behm captured the schooner CHANCE with a cargo of salt off Wassaw Sound.
Louisiana
Incidents at Amite River and Williams’ Bridge.
New York
Governor of New York, Edwin D. Morgan joined governor’s from 16 other states in urging President Abraham Lincoln to call up 300,000 more men for service in the United states Army:
"The undersigned, governors of States of the Union, impressed with the belief that the citizens of the States which they respectively represent are of one accord in the hearty desire that the recent successes of the Federal arms may be followed up by measures which must insure the speedy restoration of the Union, and believing that, in view of the present state of the important military movements now in progress, and the reduced condition of our effective forces in the field, resulting from the usual and unavoidable casualties in the service, the time has arrived for prompt and vigorous measures to be adopted by the people in support of the great interests committed to your charge, respectfully request, if it meets with your entire approval, that you at once call upon the several States for such number of men as may be required to fill up all military organizations now in the field, and add to the armies heretofore organized such additional number of men as may, in your judgment, be necessary to garrison and hold all the numerous cities and military positions that have been captured by our armies, and to speedily crush the rebellion that still exists in several of the Southern States, thus practically restoring to the civilized world our great and good government. All believe that the decisive moment is near at hand, and to that end the people of the United States are desirous to aid promptly in furnishing all reinforcements that you may deem needful to sustain our government."
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jun 29, 2024 5:38:17 GMT
Day 445 of the United States Civil War, June 29th 1862VirginiaUnited States Army, Major General Franz Sigel, assumes the command of the 1st United States Army Corp, the Army of Virginia. Confederate States Army, Brigadier General James Ewell Brown Stuart received word that 5,000 United States soldiers were guarding the supply depot near White House. At daylight, Stuart’s cavalry came within sight of the White House and found the United States soldiers gone and the immense depot in flames. About a quarter of a mile away they discovered the United States gunboat USS MARBLHEAD under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant S Nicholson. Stuart ordered a detachment of 75 men to attack the ship. Some United States troops disembarked to add their fire to that of the ship’s guns. Confederate States Army, Major John Pelham opened fire with his battery and one shell exploded above the ship. The USS MARBLHEAD gathered steam and recalled its skirmishers and then withdrew downstream. The United States expedition up the Pamunkey River had ended in flames. Stuart was able to confirm with certainty that the United States army was now retreating in that direction, nor towards Fort Monroe and Yorktown but was departing southwards for the James River. Operation at Forge Bridge began. United States reconnaissance from Front Royal to Luray began. Skirmish at Moorefield. Skirmishes at the Peach Orchard near Fair Oaks Station, Charles City Cross Road, Turkey Bend, Jones’ Bridge, Jordan’s Field, near Fair Oaks Station on the Williamsburg Road, at Willis Church on the James River Road, and Bottom’s Bridge. The United States submarine ALLIGATOR was sent back down the James River to Hampton Roads. Although the potential of the submarine was apparent, it was felt that the Appomattox River was too shallow for the ALLIGATOR to operate in shoal areas as it would be too easily seen and sunk or captured. Its mission to attack the Railroad Bridge over the Appomattox was cancelled. As operations around Richmond continued, Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee consolidated the field forces of several departments into the Army of Northern Virginia. (Virginia) Peninsula Campaign - Battle of Savage's Station(YouTube) Battle of Savage's Station (June 29th 1862)
The Seven Days Battles began with a United States attack in the minor Battle of Oak Grove on June 25th 1862, but United States Army, Major General George B. McClellan and his Army of the Potomac quickly lost the initiative as Confederate States Army, General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia began a series of attacks at Beaver Dam Creek on June 26th, Gaines' Mill on June 27th, and the minor actions at Garnett's and Golding's Farm on June 27th and June 28th. The Army of the Potomac continued its retreat toward the James River. The bulk of McClellan's army concentrated around Savage's Station on the Richmond and York River Railroad, preparing for a difficult crossing through and around White Oak Swamp. It did so without centralized direction because McClellan had personally moved south of Malvern Hill after Gaines' Mill without leaving directions for corps movements during the retreat nor naming a second in command. Clouds of black smoke filled the air as the United States troops were ordered to burn anything they could not carry. United States morale plummeted, particularly so for those wounded, who realized that they were not being evacuated from Savage's Station with the rest of the Army. Lee devised a complex plan to pursue and destroy McClellan's army. While the divisions of Confederate States Army, Major Generals James Longstreet and A.P. Hill looped back toward Richmond and then southeast to the crossroads at Glendale, and Confederate States Army, Major General Theophilus H. Holmes's division headed farther south, to the vicinity of Malvern Hill, Confederate States Army, Brigadier General John B. Magruder's division was ordered to move due east along the Williamsburg Road and the York River Railroad to attack the Federal rear guard. Stonewall Jackson, commanding his own division, as well as the divisions of Confederate States Army, Major General D.H. Hill and Confederate States Army, Brigadier General William H. C. Whiting, was to rebuild a bridge over the Chickahominy and head due south to Savage's Station, where he would link up with Magruder and deliver a strong blow that might cause the United States Army to turn around and fight during its retreat. McClellan's rear guard at Savage's Station consisted of the II Corps, commanded by United States Army, Brigadier General Edwin V. Sumner (two divisions), the III Corps, under United States Army, Brigadier General Samuel P. Heintzelman (two divisions), and the VI Corps, under United States Army, Brigadier General William B. Franklin (one division). McClellan considered his senior corps commander, Sumner, to be incompetent, so he appointed no one to command the rear guard Initial contact between the armies occurred at 9 a.m. on June 29th. On the farm and orchards owned by a Mr. Allen, about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Savage's Station, two Georgia regiments from the brigade of Confederate States Army, Brigadier General George T. Anderson fought against two Pennsylvania regiments from Sumner's corps for about two hours before disengaging, suffering 28 casualties to the Pennsylvanians' 119. The highest ranking casualty was Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Richard Griffith, who was mortally wounded by a United States shell fragment. Magruder, who was alleged to be under the influence of morphine to combat a bout of indigestion, was confused and became concerned that he might be attacked by a superior force. He requested reinforcements from Lee, who ordered two brigades from the division of Confederate States Army, Major General Benjamin Huger to assist, under the condition that they would have to be returned if they were not engaged by 2 p.m. Meanwhile, Jackson was not advancing as Lee had planned. He was taking time to rebuild bridges over the Chickahominy and he received a garbled order from Lee's chief of staff that made him believe he should stay north of the river and guard the crossings. These failures of the Confederate plan were being matched on the United States side, however. Heintzelman decided on his own that his corps was not needed to defend Savage's Station, Sumner's and Franklin's being sufficient, so he decided to follow the rest of the army without informing his fellow generals. Confederate States Army, Brigadier General John B. Magruder was forced to give up the two brigades from Huger's division at 2 p.m. and was faced with the problem of attacking Sumner's 26,600 men with his own 14,000. He hesitated until 5 p.m., when he sent only two and a half brigades forward. Confederate States Army, Brigadier General John B. Magruder Joseph B. Kershaw commanded the left flank, Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Paul J. Semmes the center, and Confederate States Army, Colonel William Barksdale (Griffith's Brigade) the right. Franklin and United States Army, Brigadier General John Sedgwick were on a reconnaissance to the west of Savage's Station when they saw Kershaw's brigade approaching. Their immediate assumption was that these were men from Heintzelman's corps, but they soon realized their mistake. This was the first indication of Heintzelman's unannounced departure and Sumner, for one, was particularly outraged, refusing to speak to Heintzelman the following day. United States artillery opened fire and pickets were sent forward to meet the assault. Magruder's attack was accompanied by the first armored railroad battery to be used in combat. Earlier in June, General Lee had hoped to counter the approach of McClellan's siege artillery by rail by using his own weapon: a 32-pounder Brooke naval rifle, shielded by a sloping casemate of railroad iron, nicknamed the "Land Merrimack." It was pushed by a locomotive at about the speed of the marching infantry. However, even with this impressive weapon, which outgunned anything the Federal artillerists possessed, the results of Magruder's decision to send only part of his smaller force against a much larger enemy were predictable. Sketch: 1862 Battle of Savage's Station The first United States unit to engage was one of Sedgwick's brigades, Philadelphians led by United States Army, Brigadier General William W. Burns, but his defensive line proved inadequate to cover the two brigade front of Kershaw and Semmes. Sumner managed this part of the battle erratically, selecting regiments for combat almost at random. He sent in two of Burns's regiments, and then the 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment (United States) from another brigade in Sedgwick's division, and finally one regiment each from two different brigades in United States Army, Brigadier General Israel B. Richardson's division. By the time all of these units reached the front, the two sides were at rough parity—two brigades each. Although Magruder had been conservative about his attack, Sumner was even more so. Of the 26 regiments he had in his corps, only 10 were engaged at Savage's Station. The fighting turned into a bloody stalemate as darkness fell and strong thunderstorms began to move in. The Land Merrimack bombarded the United States front, with some of its shells reaching as far to the rear as the field hospital. The final actions of the evening were by the Vermont Brigade, commanded by United States Army, Colonel William T. H. Brooks, of United States Army, Brigadier General William F. "Baldy" Smith's division. Attempting to hold the flank south of the Williamsburg Road, the Vermonters charged into the woods and were met with murderous fire, suffering more casualties of any brigade on the field that day. The brigade as a whole took 439 casualties; the 5th Vermont Infantry Regiment (United States), commanded by United States Army, Lieutenant colonel Lewis A. Grant, lost nearly half of its men, 209 of 428. Map: Plan of the Battle of Savage Station MississippiBombardment of Vicksburg. Reconnaissance to Amite River ended. Expedition to Ripley. Confederate States Army, Braxton Bragg received instructions from (Confederate States) Secretary of War George Wythe Randolph to start an offensive with the Army of Mississippi. Bragg had concentrated his forces around Tupelo with the main aims of training, restoring morale and discipline, and reducing the levels of sickness in the army by camping in a healthier region. His efforts were successful and had raised the strength of the army from about 45,000 men to nearer 60,000 by the return of convalescents and the restoration of discipline. Bragg instigated a rigorous programme of training for the troops and also for his inexperienced regimental and brigade commanders. Severe discipline was imposed which reduced the level of desertion but it also provoked resentment among many of the troops. Bragg’s high command had also changed. Confederate States Army, Major General Earl Van Dorn had been sent to organise the defence of Vicksburg, Confederate States Army, Major General John Cabell Breckinridge was soon to depart with 6,000 men to oppose the United States advance from Louisiana, and Confederate States Army, Major General Thomas Carmichael Hindman was sent to raise a new army in Arkansas. Confederate States Army, Major General Leonidas Polk was named as Bragg’s second-in-command by seniority. Confederate States Army, Major General William Joseph Hardee, and Confederate States Army, Major General Samuel Jones were in charge of the three unofficial “Corps” that made up the main body of his army. Confederate States Army, Major General Sterling Price led the Army of the West, which was protecting the Mississippi Valley. Alabama The sidewheel steam frigate USS SUSQUEHANNA under the command of United States Navy, Commander Robert Bradley Hitchcock, captured the British blockade-running schooner ANN under the guns of Fort Morgan near Mobile, with its cargo of arms and ammunition. Arkansas Confederate troops fired on the timberclad gunboat USS LEXINGTON under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant James W Shirk, on White River between St Charles and Clarendon.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jun 30, 2024 5:41:51 GMT
Day 446 of the United States Civil War, June 30th 1862District of ColumbiaWilliam Bowen Campbell is appointed Brigadier General in the United States Army. (United States) President Abraham Lincoln issues a Executive Order - Call for Troops: June 30, 1862
New York
To the Governors of the several States:
The capture of New Orleans, Norfolk, and Corinth by the national forces has enabled the insurgents to concentrate a large force at and about Richmond, which place we must take with the least possible delay; in fact, there will soon be no formidable insurgent force except at Richmond. With so large an army there, the enemy can threaten us on the Potomac and elsewhere. Until we have reestablished the national authority, all these places must be held, and we must keep a respectable force in front of Washington. But this, from the diminished strength of our Army, by sickness and casualties, renders an addition to it necessary in order to close the struggle which has been prosecuted for the last three months with energy and success. Rather than hazard the misapprehension of our military condition and of groundless alarm by a call for troops by proclamation, I have deemed it best to address you in this form. To accomplish the object stated we require without delay 150,000 men, including those recently called for by the Secretary of War. Thus reenforced our gallant Army will be enabled to realize the hopes and expectations of the Government and the people.
Abraham Lincoln.
June 28 1862
The President:
The undersigned, governors of States of the Union, impressed with the belief that the citizens of the States which they respectively represent are of one accord in the hearty desire that the recent successes of the Federal arms may be followed up by measures which must insure the speedy restoration of the Union, and believing that, in view of the present state of the important military movements now in progress and the reduced condition of our effective forces in the field, resulting from the usual and unavoidable casualties in the service, the time has arrived for prompt and vigorous measures to be adopted by the people in support of the great interests committed to your charge, respectfully request, if it meets with your entire approval, that you at once call upon the several States for such number of men as may be required to fill up all military organizations now in the field, and add to the armies heretofore organized such additional number of men as may, in your judgment, be necessary to garrison and hold all the numerous cities and military positions that have been captured by our armies, and to speedily crush the rebellion that still exists in several of the Southern States, thus practically restoring to the civilized world our great and good Government. All believe that the decisive moment is near at hand, and to that end the people of the United States are desirous to aid promptly in furnishing all reenforcements that you may deem needful to sustain our Government.
Isreal Washburn, Jr., Governor of Maine; H. S. Berry, Governor of New Hampshire; Frederick Holbrook, Governor of Vermont: William A. Buckingham, Governor of Connecticut: E. D. Morgan, Governor of New York; Charles S. Olden, Governor of New Jersey; A. G. Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania; A. W. Bradford, Governor of Maryland; F. H. Peirpoint, Governor of Virginia; Austin Blair, Governor of Michigan; J. B. Temple, President Military Board of Kentucky; Andrew Johnson, Governor of Tennessee: H. R. Gamble, Governor of Missouri; O. P. Morton, Governor of Indiana; David Todd, Governor of Ohio: Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota; Eichard Yates, Governor of Illinois; Edward Salmon, Governor of Wisconsin.Virginia United States Army, Brigadier General George Sykes’ division (1/V) was assisted by the wooden-hulled broadside ironclad USS GALENA and UNADILLA-class gunboat USS AROOSTOOK to defeat a Confederate attempt to envelop the Union southern flank during the action at White Oak Swamp. Confederate Major-General Theophilus Hunter Holmes’ troops were making no progress against Porter at Turkey Bridge or towards Malvern Hill and were halted by artillery fire and disconcerted by large calibre shells from the Union gunboats USS Galena and USS Aroostook on the James. Naval gunfire support was controlled through a system of liaison in which fall-of-shot information was sent by Army signal personnel ashore to Army signal personnel afloat in the gunboats using the Myers system of signalling. Holmes’ division and Brigadier-General Henry Alexander Wise’s brigade were repelled after a short engagement. Watercolor: USS GALENA- 1862 early ironclad experimental ship, depicting the ship as she appeared in mid-1862, while serving on the James River, Virginia Reconnaissance to Strasburg and Winchester ended. Reconnaissance to White Oak Swamp ended. Reconnaissance to Luray ended. Operation at Forge Bridge ended. Incident at Jones’ Bridge. Reconnaissance to Moorefield and New Creek ended. Incidents at Brackett’s, Jordon’s Ford, New Kent Court House, and Forge Bridge. United States Army, Major General George Brinton McClellan boarded the the wooden-hulled broadside ironclad USS GALENA at Haxall’s to confer with his United States Navy counterparts about the availability of supply vessels on the James River. McClellan believed that the army should fall back below City Point, as the channel was too near the southern shore for transports to pass safely. He chose Harrison’s Landing instead as the nearest suitable point for his army to concentrate. United States Navy, Captain John Rodgers agreed to provide all necessary naval assistance. (Virginia) Peninsula Campaign - Battle of White Oak Swamp(YouTube) Battle of White Oak Swamp (June 30th 1862)
Jackson's men marched south on the White Oak Road with their artillery chief, Confederate States Army, Colonel Stapleton Crutchfield, at the head of the column. They marched slowly because they were accompanied by thousands of wounded United States prisoners and many of the stores that they obtained at Savage's Station. They found that the single bridge over the swamp had been burned two hours earlier. Jackson arrived at noon and approved Crutchfield's gun emplacement that was designed to fire diagonally from a ridge across the swamp against the Union batteries and infantry positions that they saw about 300 yards (270 m) away. At 2 p.m. on June 30th, seven Confederate batteries of 31 guns opened fire, catching the United States troops by surprise and disabling several of their cannons. After ordering his engineers to begin rebuilding the bridge, Jackson directed Confederate States Army, Colonel Thomas T. Munford's 2nd Virginia Cavalry to cross the swamp and capture some of the United States guns abandoned during the bombardment. As the men and horses waded through water that was belly deep and fouled with debris, Jackson and Confederate States Army, Major General D.H. Hill crossed the river to perform a personal reconnaissance. A United States artillery shell exploded only a few feet away from the generals mounted on horseback, although neither was injured. Jackson saw that United States artillery and infantry was reinforcing the position, and that Federal sharpshooters would play havoc with his engineers on the bridge. He realized that this was not a place that he could make an opposed crossing. Munford reported that he found a ford (Fisher's Ford) a quarter of a mile downstream that would be suitable for the infantry to cross. Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Wade Hampton found a closer point at which a simple bridge could be built for infantry. Jackson ordered him to build the bridge, but took no specific action to cross the swamp, having decided that it was infeasible to attack if he could not cross his artillery. While the artillery duel across the swamp escalated to over 40 guns, and while the battle at Glendale raged less than 3 miles (4.8 km) away, Jackson sat beneath a large oak tree and fell asleep for over an hour. (Virginia) Peninsula Campaign - Battle of GlendaleYouTube (Glendale (Frazier's Farm): Richmond Animated Battle Map)As with most of the Seven Days Battles, Lee's elaborate plan was poorly executed by his field commanders. Huger was slowed by felled trees obstructing the Charles City Road, a result of the efforts of pioneers from United States Army, Brigadier General Henry W. Slocum's division. Rather than clearing the path, Huger had his men spend hours chopping a new road through the thick woods in what became known as the "Battle of the Axes". He failed to take any alternative route, and, fearing a counterattack, failed to participate in the battle. By 4 p.m., Lee ordered Confederate States Army, Major General John B. Magruder to join Holmes on the River Road and attack Malvern Hill, the left flank of the United States line, then later ordered him to assist Longstreet; as a result, Magruder's division spent the day countermarching. Jackson moved slowly and spent the entire day north of the creek, making only feeble efforts to cross and attack Franklin's VI Corps in the Battle of White Oak Swamp, attempting to force the enemy back by a fruitless artillery duel so that a destroyed bridge could be rebuilt, despite the presence of adequate fords nearby. (In spite of his stunning victories in the recent Valley Campaign, or possibly due to battle fatigue from that campaign, Jackson's contributions to the Seven Days were marred by slow execution and poor judgment throughout.) Jackson's presence did cause two of Confederate States Army, Brigadier General John Sedgwick's three brigades, which had been defending the Charles City crossroads, to move north as reinforcements. At the same time, the United States Army near Glendale also stumbled in its initial deployment; on the evening of June 29, the Third Division of the V Corps, under command of United States Army, Brigadier General George A. McCall, was ordered to take up a defensive position ahead of the Glendale intersection to head-off any Confederate thrust made in that direction. Moving slowly after dark on inadequate roads, the brigades of McCall's division became lost and overshot the crossroad, only realizing they had missed their objective sometime in the early morning hours of June 30th. Backtracking toward Glendale, the division arrived near dawn, where it halted on its march to rejoin Porter, awaiting new orders. The gap in the United States line created by Sedgwick was noticed and plugged by McCall's three brigades after McCall and his brigadiers soon realized, to their genuine surprise, that nothing stood between them and the advancing divisions of Longstreet and Hill coming from the direction of Richmond. To the south, Holmes's inexperienced troops (from his Department of North Carolina, attached to the Army of Northern Virginia) made no progress against Porter at Turkey Bridge and Malvern Hill and were repulsed by artillery fire and by the Federal gunboats Galena and Aroostook on the James. At 2 p.m., while Longstreet and Hill waited for the sounds of Huger's expected opening assault, Longstreet interpreted distant unidentified cannon fire as the signal to begin the coordinated attack. He opened upon McCall's line with his artillery, and McCall's artillery soon returned counter-battery fire. Nearby, Lee, Longstreet, and visiting (Confederate States) President Jefferson Davis were conferring on horseback when they came under heavy artillery fire (presumably blind fire from the Parrott rifles of McCall's Pennsylvania Artillery units), wounding two men and killing three horses. A. P. Hill, commanding in that sector, ordered the president and senior generals to the rear. Longstreet attempted to silence the batteries of Federal Parrott rifles firing in his direction, but long-range artillery fire proved to be inadequate to the task. He ordered Confederate States Army, Colonel Micah Jenkins to charge the batteries, soon followed by his other brigades mobilizing along the line, which brought about a general fight around 4 p.m. Engraving: Slocum's artillery engages Huger's Although belated and not initiated in the coordinated fashion as Lee planned, the combined assaults by the divisions of A. P. Hill and Longstreet (under Longstreet's overall command) would be the only units to follow Lee's order to attack the main United States concentration. Longstreet's 20,000 men were not joined by the Confederate divisions of Huger or Jackson, despite their concentration within a 3-mile (4.8 km) radius. Longstreet's troops assaulted the disjointed United States line of 40,000 men, arranged in a 2-mile (3.2 km) arc north and south of the Glendale intersection, but the brunt of the fighting centered on the position held by McCall's Pennsylvania Reserves division (Third Division of the V Corps), 6,000 men just west of Frayser's Farm and north of Willis Church. McCall's division consisted of three brigades: United States Army, Brigadier General George G. Meade's Second Brigade deployed on the right, United States Army, Brigadier General Truman Seymour's Third Brigade deployed on the left, with the First Brigade of United States Army, Brigadier General John F. Reynolds (presently commanded by United States Army,Colonel Seneca G. Simmons following Reynolds's capture at Boatswain's Swamp after Gaines' Mill) held in reserve to the rear of center. Also attached to McCall's division of Pennsylvanian volunteer infantry regiments and two batteries of the 1st Pennsylvania Artillery Regiment (United States) were three units of artillery from the United States Army, Colonel Henry Hunt's Army of the Potomac's Artillery Reserve: United States Army, Captain Otto Diederich's Battery A, 1st Battalion, New York Light Artillery Artillery Regiment (United States), United States Army, Captain John Knieriem's Battery C, 1st Battalion, New York Light Artillery, and a Regular Army company, United States Army, Lieutenant Alanson M. Randol's Battery E & G, 1st United States Artillery Artillery Regiment (United States), replacing Captain Henry De Hart's Battery C, 5th United States Artillery Artillery Regiment (United States) which had been overrun at Gaines' Mill. Three Confederate brigades were sent forward in the assault, from north to south: Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Cadmus M. Wilcox, Confederate States Army, Colonel Micah Jenkins (Anderson's Brigade), and Confederate States Army, Brigadier General James L. Kemper. Longstreet ordered them forward in a piecemeal fashion over several hours, and they were greatly hindered additionally by the difficulty of the terrain and overgrown forest. The 14th Alabama Infantry Regiment (Confederate States), was one of the first units to advance and bore the brunt of the Union fire, after which they were "nearly annihilated." The 14th Louisiana Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) also suffered many casualties and would thereafter refer to the battle as "the Slaughterhouse." Kemper's Virginians charged through the thick woods first and emerged in front of five batteries of McCall's artillery. In their first combat experience, Kemper's brigade conducted a disorderly but enthusiastic assault on the Whitlock Farm, which carried them through Seymour's two 1st New York heavy Parrott batteries on McCall's extreme left flank. This sudden disturbance caused McCall to deploy his reserve brigade under Simmons from the center to the left to answer the charge, leaving his right flank weakened. (Colonel Simmons, commanding the counter-charge, was mortally wounded while driving Kemper back into the woods) Soon thereafter, the Confederates emerged opposite Meade's brigade and proceeded to break through the main line with Jenkins's support near the right center, followed up within a few hours by Wilcox's brigade of Alabamians in the center and right. During the course of the battle, fighting gradually shifted from McCall's left (Kemper's assault at the Whitlock Farm) through the center (Jenkins' initial probing assault on United States Army, Captain James H. Cooper and United States Army, Lieutenant Frank P. Amsden's 1st Pennsylvania Artillery batteries) and to his left (Jenkins'/Wilcox's combined assaults on Meade's brigade where McCall's Division met Kearny's in the New Market Road). The Confederate brigades met stiff resistance from Meade and Seymour in bitter hand-to-hand combat where men stabbed each other with bayonets and used rifles as clubs. Officers even took to using their typically ornamental swords as weapons. Jenkins' brigade briefly captured United States Army, Captain James H. Cooper's six 10-pounder Parrott rifles, but were soon repulsed by the supporting infantrymen of the Pennsylvania Reserves Wilcox enjoyed the most successful assault near dusk, when half of his brigade (the 8th and 11th Alabama Infantry Regiments) emerged on McCall's right and found it exposed: to answer the earlier assault against McCall's center, Lieutenant Randol's Battery E & G, 1st Regiment of Artillery (United States) had changed front to the left, facing his six 12-pounder Napoleon guns southward to rake Jenkins' regiments with devastating enfilading fire but exposing his own right flank to the west. When Wilcox's regiments emerged from the woods, Randol changed fire to the west once more, supported by Captain James Thompson's Battery G, 2nd Regiment of Artillery (United States) of Kearny's Division to his right, but his supporting infantry units had shifted toward the center. After successfully repulsing with canister shot the first two Confederate infantry charges made upon the battery, Randol's infantry supports (either the 4th or 7th Pennsylvania Reserves) charged the retreating 8th Alabama Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) to the front of the guns but met an unexpected fresh Confederate regiment, the 11th Alabama Infantry Regiment (Confederate States); they broke toward the rear and retreated through the battery, leading the 11th Alabama infantry Infantry Regiment (Confederate States) right into the guns before they could fire in defense. Intense hand-to-hand fighting resulted around Randol's guns, observed by McCall and described by him as "one of the fiercest bayonet fights that perhaps ever occurred on this continent." Meade was severely wounded in the arm and back during the fighting while attempting to rally his men, and United States Army, Colonel Elisha B. Harvey of the 7th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment (United States) was gravely wounded when he was run down by a runaway caisson. Wilcox's regiments were driven away, but soon returned supported by Confederate States Army, Brigadier Generals Roger A. Pryor and Lawrence Branch before Randol's cannoneers could remove their six artillery pieces from the field. Illustration: Confederate troops charging Randol's battery McCall was captured when he mistakenly rode into the Confederate picket line after nightfall, looking for positions to place his rallied men. Seymour assumed command of the division. Generals Sumner and Heintzelman were both hit by stray bullets in the fighting; the former suffered no serious injury, but the latter was unable to use his right hand for a few weeks. Captain George Hazzard, commanding Battery A, 4th Regiment of Artillery (United States), was also mortally wounded. On McCall's northern flank, the division of United States Army, Brigadier General Philip Kearny held against repeated Confederate attacks with reinforcements of Caldwell's brigade and two brigades from Slocum's division. On the southern flank, United States Army, Brigadier General Joseph Hooker's division repelled and once pursued minor attacks. Sedgwick's division, whose brigades had returned from near White Oak Swamp, came up to fill a gap after a brutal counterattack. Heavy fighting continued until about 8:30 p.m. Longstreet committed virtually every brigade in the divisions under his command, while on the United States side they had been fed in individually to plug holes in the line as they occurred. Map: Path of the Army of the Potomac retreat and order of battle at Glendale, June 30, 1862 Alabama United States Army, Major General Don Carlos Buell’s four divisions were proceeding towards Chattanooga and arrived between the ferry over the Tennessee River at Florence and Huntsville. He had about 35,000 men and had repaired the Memphis & Charleston railroad as far as Decatur. United States Army, Major General Ormsby McKnight Mitchel was awaiting his arrival with a further 11,000 men near Chattanooga. United States Army, Major General George Henry Thomas was not far behind at Iuka with a division of 8,000 men and two more divisions were promised by United States Army, Major General Ulysses Simpson Grant at Corinth. However, Buell did not need reinforcements but supplies. His troops were already running short of supplies as their supply lines extended to breaking point. The destruction of the bridge at Elk River on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad necessitated a forty-mile wagon road past the break and the force was put onto half rations. Ahead of Buell, the Bridgeport Bridge over the Tennessee River had been burned previously by Mitchel on his retreat from Chattanooga and that would require engineers, time, and materials to repair it. ArkansasIncident at Adams Bluff. Confederate troops fired on the timber-clad gunboat USS LEXINGTON under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant James W Shirk, on the White River. Between St Charles and Clarendon. Florida United States Navy, Captain Samuel Francis Du Pont ordered the gunboat USS SOUTH CAROLINA under the command of United States Navy, Commander John J Almy, to join the gunboat USS WYNDOTTE in blockading Mosquito Inlet near New Smyrna. The inlet had become an important unloading point for Confederate blockade runners bringing arms from Nassau. The gunboat USS QUAKER CITY (1 × 20-pounder Parrott rifle and 8 × 32-pounder guns) under the command of United States Navy, Commander James M Frailey, captured the brig MODEL with a cargo of coal in the Gulf of Mexico. KentuckyIncident at Henderson. Tennessee Incident at Powell River. Confederate cavalry captured some wagons from a United States supply train at Rising Sun.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 1, 2024 2:49:30 GMT
Day 447 of the United States Civil War, July 1st 1862District of ColumbiaThe following are appointed Major Generals in the United States Army: - Philip Henry Sheridan. - James Madison Tuttle. The United States Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act authorising the construction of a Trans-Continental railroad across the western territories to California. This route would eventually be traversed by both the rival Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad. (United States) President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that a lien be placed on the real estate of the states in insurrection excepting named counties of Virginia, which included most of present-day West Virginia: Proclamation 91—Concerning the Collection of Taxes in Rebellious States
July 01, 1862
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Whereas in and by the second section of an act of Congress passed on the 7th day of June, A.D. 1862, entitled "An act for the collection of direct taxes in insurrectionary districts within the United States, and for other purposes," it is made the duty of the President to declare, on or before the 1st day of July then next following, by his proclamation, in what States and parts of States insurrection exists:
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, do hereby declare and proclaim that the States of South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee. North Carolina, and the State of Virginia except the following counties--Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor, Pleasants, Tyler, Ritehie, Doddridge, Harrison, Wood, Jackson, Wirt, Roane, Calhoun, Gilmer, Barbour, Tucker, Lewis, Braxton, Upshur, Randolph, Mason, Putnam, Kanawha, Clay, Nicholas, Cabell, Wayne, Boone, Logan, Wyoming, Webster, Fayette, and Raleigh--are now in insurrection and rebellion, and by reason thereof the civil authority of the United States is obstructed so that the provisions of the "Act to provide increased revenue from imports, to pay the interest on the public debt, and for other purposes," approved August 5, 1861, can not be peaceably executed; and that the taxes legally chargeable upon real estate under the act last aforesaid lying within the States and parts of States as aforesaid, together with a penalty of 50 per centum of said taxes, shall be a lien upon the tracts or lots of the same, severally charged, till paid.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this 1st day of July, A.D. 1862, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-sixth.
Abraham Lincoln.
By the President:
F. W. Seward,
Acting Secretary of State.(United States) President Abraham Lincoln issues a Executive Order: Gentlemen: Fully concurring in the wisdom of the views expressed to me in so patriotic a manner by you in the communication of the 28th day of June, I have decided to call into the service an additional force of 300,000 men. I suggest and recommend that the troops should be chiefly of infantry. The quota of your State would be ___________. I trust that they may be enrolled without delay, so as to bring this unnecessary and injurious civil war to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion. An order fixing the quotas of the respective States will be issued by the War Department to-morrow.
Abraham Lincoln.Virginia Skirmishes at Cold Harbor and White Oak Church. Skirmish involving United states Army, Brigadier General John White Geary near Fort Furnace at Powell’s Big Fort Valley. Confederate batteries at Coggins’ Point took United States forces under fire on the James River between Harrison’s Landing and Shirley, sinking two Army transport vessels. The sidewheel double-ended steam gunboat USS CIMARRON immediately opened fire on the battery. (Virginia) Peninsula Campaign - Battle of Malvern HillThe Battle of Malvern Hill, also known as the Battle of Poindexter's Farm, is fought on July 1st 1862, between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, led by Confederate States Army, General Robert E. Lee, and the United States Army of the Potomac under United States Army of Major General George B. McClellan. It is the final battle of the Seven Days Battles, taking place on a 130-foot (40 m) elevation of land known as Malvern Hill, near the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia and just one mile (1.6 km) from the James River. Including inactive reserves, more than fifty thousand soldiers from each side took part, using more than two hundred pieces of artillery and three warships. The Seven Days Battles were the climax of the Peninsula Campaign, during which McClellan's Army of the Potomac sailed around the Confederate lines, landed at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, southeast of Richmond, and struck inland towards the Confederate capital. Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston fended off McClellan's repeated attempts to take the city, slowing Union progress on the peninsula to a crawl. When Johnston was wounded, Lee took command and launched a series of counterattacks, collectively called the Seven Days Battles. These attacks culminated in the action on Malvern Hill. Painting: Union ships launching missiles onto the battlefield at Malvern Hill The United states V Corps, commanded by United States Army, Brigadier Fitz John Porter, took up positions on the hill on June 30th. McClellan was not present for the initial exchanges of the battle, having boarded the ironclad USS GALENA and sailed down the James River to inspect Harrison's Landing, where he intended to locate the base for his army. Confederate preparations were hindered by several mishaps. Bad maps and faulty guides caused Confederate States Army, Major General John Magruder to be late for the battle, an excess of caution delayed Confederate States Army, Major General Benjamin Huger, and Confederate States Army, Major General Stonewall Jackson had problems collecting the Confederate artillery. Harper's Weekly: Confederate attacks repulsed by Unionist artillery The battle occurred in stages: an initial exchange of artillery fire, a minor charge by Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Lewis Armistead, and three successive waves of Confederate infantry charges triggered by unclear orders from Lee and the actions of Confederate States Army, Major General Magruder and D. H. Hill, respectively. In each phase, the effectiveness of the Federal artillery was the deciding factor, repulsing attack after attack, resulting in a tactical United States victory. In the course of four hours, a series of blunders in planning and communication had caused Lee's forces to launch three failed frontal infantry assaults across hundreds of yards of open ground, unsupported by Confederate artillery, charging toward firmly entrenched United States infantry and artillery defenses. These errors provided United states forces with an opportunity to inflict heavy casualties. Map: Battle of Malvern Hill; Confederate forces are indicated in red, and United states forces are indicated in blue Despite the United States army's victory, the battle did little to alter the outcome of the Peninsula Campaign: after the battle, McClellan and his forces withdrew from Malvern Hill to Harrison's Landing YouTube (Malvern Hill: Richmond Animated Battle Map)West VirginiaUnited States Senator from West Virginia, Waitman T. Willey moved to take up the West Virginia statehood bill Secessionist women arrived in Philippi and were detained by a United States officer. (Florida) Operations Against Tampa - Battle of TampaOn June 30th, the UNADILLA-class gunboat USS SAGAMORE came into Tampa Bay, opened her ports, and turned her broadside on the town. The gunboat then launched a boat with 20 men flying a flag of truce. In his post-action report, Confederate States Navy, Captain John William Pearson, reported to Confederate States Army, General Joseph Finegan, what transpired. “I immediately manned one of my boats with 18 men met them in the bay, determined that they should not land on my shore, and on meeting the boat the lieutenant in command reported he had been sent by Captain Drake to demand an unconditional surrender of the town. My reply to him was that we did not understand the meaning of the word surrender; there was no such letter in our book; we don’t surrender. He then said they would commence shelling the town at 6 o’clock, and I told him to pitch in. We then gave three hearty cheers for the Southern Confederacy and the Federal boat crew said nothing…. At 6 o’clock they promptly opened fire on us with heavy shell and shot, and after two from them we opened from our batteries, consisting of three 24-pounder cannon. Both parties then kept up a regular fire until 7 p.m.” At that point, USS SAGAMORE withdrew. On July 1st, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., the gunboat fired from beyond the range of the Confederate cannon. After a two-hour break for lunch, USS SAGAMORE fired two more rounds, weighed anchor, and sailed away. There were no Confederate casualties. MississippiSkirmish at Holly Springs involving United States troops under the command of United States Army, Brigadier General James William Denver. The fresh-water and salt-water naval fleets of the United states Navy met for the first time on the Mississippi River when eight ships of United States Navy, Captain David Glasgow Farragut’s fleet ascending from New Orleans met those of United States Navy, Captain Charles Henry Davis which had steamed southwards from Memphis. They took a joint station midway between Vicksburg and the mouth of the Yazoo River. (Mississippi) Battle of BoonevilleAfter the United States Army victory at Shiloh, United States Army, Major General Henry W. Halleck moved his forces slowly toward Corinth, an important rail center. By May 25th 1862, after traveling 5 miles (8.0 km) in three weeks, Halleck was positioned to lay siege to the town. But on May 29th, the Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard slipped away undetected and moved toward Tupelo, Mississippi. In late June, Halleck ordered his forces south and learned that the Confederates, by then under Bragg, were advancing toward Corinth. The 31-year-old United States Army, Colonel Philip Sheridan established a fortified position to the south at Booneville on June 28 to await the Confederate attack. Lead elements of 4,700 troops under the Confederate States Army, Brigadier General James R. Chalmers, who was also 31 years old, encountered Sheridan's pickets on the morning of July 1st, three and 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the southwest of Corinth. The pickets fell back and established a sound defensive line at the intersection of the roads from Tupelo and Saltillo. Aided by the superiority of their new Colt revolving rifles, the line withstood the initial Confederate assault before withdrawing to a backup position 2 miles (3.2 km) closer to the town. Chalmers' effort to turn the left flank of this new line was thwarted when Sheridan's main force joined the battle. The bulk of the United States force stayed on the defensive while Sheridan ordered United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Hatch in command of the 2nd Iowa Cavalry Regiment (United States) to select two companies of the 2nd Michigan Cavalry Regiment (United States) under United States Army, Captain Russell Alexander Alger and company "B" and company "F" of the 2nd Iowa Cavalry Cavalry Regiment (United States) to circle around the enemy in secret and attack the rear of Chalmers' forces with saber and pistol while the remainder of the dismounted 2nd Michigan Cavalry Cavalry Regiment (United States) and 2nd Iowa Cavalry Cavalry Regiment (United States) attacked the Confederate forces from the front. The cavalry forces pushed Chalmers to retreat and Sheridan called off the pursuit after 4 miles (6.4 km), when his fatigued troops encountered swampy terrain. Missouri Skirmish with Confederate guerrillas at Cherry Grove in Schuyler County, eight miles from the Iowa state line. United States cavalry from the 2nd Battalion 11th Missouri State Militia engaged a small number of Confederates under Colonel Joseph Chrisman Porter. Porter’s outnumbered force was defeated, with four men killed and several men. The United States forces had one man mortally wounded. Porter retreated rapidly under pursuit and dispersed his force about ten miles west of Newark. Texas The fast wooden-hulled sidewheel steamship USS DE SOTO under the command of United States Navy, Captain William M Walker, captured the British schooner WILLIAM attempting to run the blockade at Sabine Pass. Indian TerritoryUnited States Army, Brigadier General James Gilpatrick Blunt ordered Colonel William Weer (10th Kansas Infantry) to lead an expedition into the Indian Territory. The expedition included five regiments of white soldiers, two Indian regiments, and two artillery battalions, with more than 5,000 men in all. The main objective of the expedition was to escort the Indian refugees who had fled to Kansas back to their homes in the Indian Territory. His secondary objective was to hold the territory for the United States. Weer’s expedition departed from Baxter Springs, Kansas, and headed for Locust Grove in Indian Territory.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 2, 2024 2:46:54 GMT
Day 448 of the United States Civil War, July 2nd 1862
District of Columbia
The testy relationship between field general and commander-in-chief continues as (United States) President Abram Lincoln informs United State Army, General McClellan that there are not fifty thousand men available to reinforce him. “If in your frequent mention of responsibility, you have the impression that I blame you for not doing more than you can, please be relieved of such an impression. I only beg that in like manner, you will not ask impossibilities of me. If you think you are not strong enough to take Richmond just now, I do not ask you to try just now.”
(United States) President Abram Lincoln signs the Morrill Land Grant Act containing a land endowment meant to support higher education. Under the legislation, each state would be permitted to apply 30,000 acres per its number of Congressmen and Senators to be used for establishing or enhancing agricultural and mechanical schools. Former (United States) President James Buchanan had vetoed an earlier bill on Constitutional grounds, based upon his concern regarding the transfer of public lands to the states for sale.
The United States Congress passed the “Ironclad Oath” act, requiring every civilian or military office-holder to make a statement of allegiance to the Constitution. All were required to state that they had never voluntarily borne arms against the Union or aided any rebellion. This was a key element in the post-war reconstruction plans of the radical wing of the Republican Party.
(United States) President Abram Lincoln called for 300,000 new three-year enlistments and followed this up a month later with a call for an equal number of troops to prosecute the war.
Virginia
Operation at White House Landing ended.
United States reconnaissance up Powell’s Big Fort Valley.
United States expedition from Fort Monroe ended.
Skirmish at Malvern Hill.
Skirmish at Haxall’s Landing or Elvington Heights.
Skirmish near New Kent Court House.
Having repelled every Confederate attack at Malvern Hill, United States Army, Major General George Brinton McClellan received generally positive reports from his commanders about the condition of the Army of the Potomac. United States Army, Major General Fitz John Porter felt that a determined advance would throw the Confederates back and revive the campaign to capture Richmond. Brigadier-General Philip Kearny seconded this aggressive proposal vigorously. However, fearing that he still faced a stronger enemy and anxious not to lose the United States’s main army, McClellan over-ruled the protests and arguments of his subordinates and ordered the army to march the eight miles from Malvern Hill to the shelter of the gunboats on the James River at Harrison’s Landing. The army retained its cohesion but many had begun to question McClellan’s leadership. The army high command split between the factions of McClellan’s detractors and advocates became increasingly obvious.
By dawn, only United States cavalry regiment still held the summit of Malvern Hill behind a skirmish line of infantrymen. The ground below was covered with dead and wounded men and an informal truce was agreed to recover the casualties. The Confederates rested and buried their dead. They resumed their pursuit with scouts alone after the Union cavalry detachment had rejoined the army overnight.
The Confederate campaign known as the Seven Days’ Battles was at an end. Tactically inept and marred by poor staff work and execution, the Confederate offensive had nevertheless saved the capital from a siege and near-inevitable capture as a consequence. Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee had risked all to seize the initiative against a more numerous enemy. Each of his outflanking manoeuvres had been delayed, hesitant, or ineffective, and the subseqeuent assaults were costly in men. The United States army had nevertheless been driven from several positions and forced into a change of base. The threat of the larger United States army resuming its advance toward Richmond remained but Lee had achieved a significant operational victory. He and his senior officers had learned from the experience and they used this to good effect for the ensuing campaigns of 1862. The army itself, despite heavy losses, remained resilient and was buoyed up by the sense of having achieved an unexpected victory.
Alabama
Skirmish at Huntsville.
California
Indian attack at Cutterback’s House on Van Dusen Creek involving the 2nd California Cavalry Regiment (United States) and 2nd California Infantry Regiment (United States).
South Carolina
The gunboat USS WESTERN WORLD (one 30-pounder Parrott rifle and two 32-pounder Parrott rifles) under the command of United States Navy, Acting Master Samuel B Gregory, captured the British schooner VOLANTE as it attempted to run the blockade into Winyah Bay.
Mississippi
The Confederate Districts of the Mississippi and of the Gulf are constituted, under the command of Confederate States Army, Major General Van Dorn and Confederate States Army, Brigadier General John H. Forney.
New York
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln called on the northern states to provide 300,000 men for three years service in the United States Army. New York was asked to provide 28,000 men, enough to man 28 volunteer infantry regiments.
Lincoln’s call for the state’s to enlist more troops came in the wake of a June 28 letter in which Governor of New York, Edwin Morgan and other northern governor’s had encouraged the president to ask for more Soldiers.
Prior to this the War Department, thinking it had enough troops on hand to win the war with the South had closed recruiting stations and stopped calling on state’s to provide new regiments.
But soon they realized their mistake, former Governor of New York, William Seward, then the secretary of state organized the letter in which the northern governor’s asked the president to add 300,000 troops to the 700,000 already enlisted.
What they did not count on though, was the presidents demand that the men enlist for three years.
Recruiting for three years was tough, though and on July 14th 1862 Morgan wrote to the administration asking for a draft to fill units.
"Congress should not adjourn without providing by law, if it has the power to do it, for filling up the volunteer regiments in the field and those now organizing by a draft," his letter said.
Deptartment No. 2 (onfederate States)
Confederate Deptartment No. 2, is extended, and Confederate States Army, Major General Leonidas Polk, is announced as 2nd in command TN.
Indian Territory
Incident at Cabin Creek.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 3, 2024 2:47:41 GMT
Day 449 of the United States Civil War, July 3rd 1862
Virginia
Confederate war clerk, John B. Jones, records the personal nature of the misinformation and chaos that permeates Richmond in the aftermath of so much fighting: “So great is the demand for vehicles that the brother of a North Carolina major, reported mortally wounded, paid $100 for a hack to bring his brother into the city. He returned with him a few hours after, and, fortunately, [having] found him to be not even dangerously wounded.”
United States reconnaissance from Harrison’s Landing along the Charles City Road.
Skirmishes at Turkey Bend, Harrison’s Landing, Haxall’s Landing, Herring Creek, and Westover.
The gunboat USS QUAKER CITY under the command of United States Navy, Commander James M Frailey, captured the British brig LILLA as it attempted to run the blockade off Hole-in-the-Wall.
Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee ordered troops under Confederate States Army, Major General James Longstreet, Confederate States Army, Major General Thomas Jonathan Jackson, and Confederate States Army, Major General Ambrose Powell Hill to reinforce the cavalry outpost on Evelington Heights. Longstreet arrived at sunset, but Evelington Heights had been evacuated and was already crowned by United States guns and infantry who had begun to fortify the hill.
Confederate States Army, Brigadier General James Ewell Brown Stuart and his cavalry ascended Evelington Heights. A United States cavalry squadron withdrew from the area and Stuart could observe the United States camps spread out below him along the James River. He sent messages to Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee, advising him of the opportunity to dominate the United States position from the Heights. At 9 am Stuart ordered his artillery, a single howitzer, to open fire on the United States camp below. He also fired some Congreve rockets but they hit the ground and bounced back in the direction of the firers. Use of the unreliable weapons was abandoned for the rest of the war. At 2 pm, six United States guns were moved into range and opened fire while infantry advanced in front and on both flanks. By 2 pm Stuart’s howitzer was down to two rounds of ammunition. These were fired and the crew withdrew before being overrun by the approaching infantry. Stuart learned that the Confederate reinforcements would be delayed and he withdrew entirely from the heights.
After withdrawing from Malvern Hill, United States Army, Major General George Brinton McClellan entrenched the Army of the Potomac at Harrison’s Landing on the James River. The United States position was protected by creeks on both flanks. Gunboats were anchored in the river with their heavy guns trained across open meadows. This concluded McClellan’s unsuccessful campaign to capture Richmond. Caged on the banks of the James River, McClellan sent numerous requests for reinforcements to bring his army up to a strength of 100,000 men before he could resume offensive operations. The army was to maintain this position until the final evacuation of the outpost on 16 August 1862.
Tennessee
Confederate States Army, Major General Sterling Price, assumes the command of the Confederate Army of the West, TN.
A brigade of 3,000 Confederates arrived by rail from Tupelo to strengthen the defence of Chattanooga.
Alabama
Cavalry skirmish at Russellville.
Mississippi
United States mortar boats continued to bombard Vicksburg.
North Carolina
United States Army, Major General Ambrose Everett Burnside was ordered to take 7,500 men from his expeditionary force in North Carolina and to report with them to Fort Monroe in Virginia. The remainder of his command, with a similar number of men under United States Army, Brigadier General John Gray Foster, was left to hold the occupied territory in North Carolina.
Texas
The gunboat USS HATTERAS under the command of United States Navy, Commander George F Emmons, captured the British schooner SARAH as it attempted to run the blockade into Sabine Pass.
Indian Territory
Skirmish at Locust Grove involving pro-Union Indians commanded by United States Army, Colonel William Weer (10th Kansas Infantry).
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 4, 2024 2:49:03 GMT
Day 450 of the United States Civil War, July 4th 1862District of ColumbiaThe following are appointed Brigadier Generals in the United States Army: - Darius Nash Couch. - Philip Kearny. - Alexander McDowell McCook. - George Webb Morrell. - John James Peck. - Fitz John Porter. - Israel Bush Richardson. - John Sedgwick. - Henry Warner Slocum. - William Farrar Smith. (United States) President Abram Lincoln message to Congress Proposing an Act of Compensated Emancipation: July 04, 1862
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
Herewith is the draft of the bill to compensate any State which may abolish slavery within its limits, the passage of which, substantially as presented, I respectfully and earnestly recommend.
Abram Lincoln
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled:
That whenever the President of the United States shall be satisfied that any State shall have lawfully abolished slavery within and through-out such State, either immediately or gradually, it shall be the duty of the President, assisted by the Secretary of the Treasury, to prepare and deliver to each State an amount of six per cent. interest-bearing bonds of the United States equal to the aggregate value at ______ dollars per head of all the slaves within such State, as reported by the census of 1860; the whole amount for any one State to be delivered at once if the abolishment be immediate, or in equal annual instalments if it be gradual, interest to begin running on each bond at the time of delivery, and not before.
And be it further enacted, That if any State, having so received any such bonds, shall at any time afterwards by law reintroduce or tolerate slavery within its limits, contrary to the act of abolishment upon which such bonds shall have been received, said bonds so received by said State shall at once be null and void, in whosesoever hands they may be, and such State shall refund to the United States all interest which may have been paid on such bonds.VirginiaUnited States reconnaissance from Harrison’s Landing. Skirmish at Shirley Skirmish at Westover Landing involving Confederate States Army, Colonel Bradley Tyler Johnson and the 1st Maryland Infantry Regiment (Confederate States). By dawn, Confederate troops under Confederate States Army, Major General James Longstreet and Confederate States Army, Major General Thomas Jonathan Jackson had moved to the base of Evelington Heights and prepared for an advance. However, once the strength of the United states defences had been ascertained the attack was cancelled. Picket lines were established and the main forces withdrew out of contact. ‘The United States army was strongly posted in the neck formed by Herring Creek and James River and batteries occupied the ridge followed by the Charles City Road, northwards to the creek. United States gunboats anchored below the mouth of the creek were able to sweep the ground in front of the field batteries and above the army encampments. The location was so securely covered by the gunboats that there was no prospect of the United States army ever being driven from this position. The United States tug FRED KOPP left the James River towing the submarine ALLIGATOR back to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The ALLIGATOR had been called to oppose the threat of the Confederate States Navy steam-powered ironclad ram CSS VIRGINIA II (1 × 11" Brooke smoothbore, 1 × 8" Brooke rifle and 2 6.4" Brooke rifles), but the civilian crew of the submersible declined the dangerous mission. The gunboat USS MARATANZA under the command of United states Navy, Lieutenant Thomas H Stevens, engaged the CSS TEASER at Haxall’s Landing on the James River as it attempted to lay torpedoes. CSS TEASER had gone downriver with a balloon aboard to launch an aerial reconnaissance of United states positions at City Point and Harrison’s Landing. The balloon ship was abandoned and captured after a shell from USS MARATANZA exploded her boiler. The balloon and a quantity of insulated wire and mine equipment were captured from CSS TEASER. The United States boarding party also discovered detailed schematics of the new Confederate ironclad, CSS VIRGINIA II, which was nearing completion. Drawing: USS MARATANZA captures CSS TEASER Texas The Confederates attempted an attack on United States Navy ships off Velasco. Confederate States Army, Colonel J Bates (13th Texas Infantry) tried unsuccessfully to stop a United States steamer pursuing a schooner carrying cotton, which was burned. The gunboat USS RHODE ISLAND under the command of United states Navy, Commander Stephen D Trenchard, captured the British blockade-running schooner R O BRYAN off the coast of Texas. ArkansasSkirmishes at Grand Glaize and White River. South Carolina Skirmish at Port Royal Ferry involving Confederates from the command of Confederate States Army, Colonel William Stephen Walker. TennesseeIncident at Big Creek Gap. United States Army, Major-General Don Carlos Buell’s Army of the Ohio continued its march towards Chattanooga, Confederate States Army, Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest and Confederate States Army, Colonel John Hunt Morgan prepared to launch cavalry raids against its extended lines of communication in Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. Morgan set out with two cavalry regiments numbering 800 to 900 men from Knoxville. Skirmishes at Knoxville and Sparta.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 5, 2024 6:12:32 GMT
Day 451 of the United States Civil War, July 5th 1862
District of Columbia
The United States Navy Department was reorganised into eight staff bureaux or departments. These were named: Yards and Docks, Equipment and Recruiting, Navigation, Ordnance, Construction and Repairs, Steam Engineering, Provisions and Clothing, and Medicine and Surgery.
The United States Congress resolved that the President may not appoint more than forty Major Generals and one hundred Brigadier Generals.
Virginia
Confederate operations continued against United States shipping on the James River.
West Virginia
Citizens of Tucker County met and passed resolutions regarding handling of guerrillas.
Tennessee
Skirmish at Decatur.
Skirmish at Walden’s Ridge.
Skirmish at Battle Creek.
Mississippi
Confederate States Army, Major General William J. Hardee, is temporarily commanding the Army of the Mississippi.
Skirmish on the Hatchie River involving a United States detachment of the 3rd Michigan Cavalry Infantry Regiment (United States).
Louisiana
The gunboat USS HATTERAS captured the sloop ELIZABETH off the coast of Louisiana.
Expedition began from Ponchatoula to find the suspects accused of murdering two Union soldiers.
New Mexico Territory
United States Forces under United States Army, Brigadier General James Henry Carleton reoccupied Fort Thorn.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 6, 2024 6:03:21 GMT
Day 452 of the United States Civil War, July 6th 1862
District of Columbia
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln departed Washington aboard USS ARIEL to visit United States Army, Major General George Brinton McClellan and the Army of the Potomac at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia.
Virginia
Incidents at Harrison’s Landing, Flat Top Mountain, and Sperryville.
Confederate States Army, Brigadier General James Ewell Brown Stuart led two infantry regiments and six guns along the James River shore to ambush United states gunboats. Five United States transport ships with soldiers on deck passed by and were attacked by the Confederate artillery at close range. One of the transports was sunk. Several soldiers fell overboard and some drowned before being rescued. When Stuart heard that additional warships were heading towards his position, he withdrew to the Confederate lines.
Arkansas
Skirmish at Grand Prairie near Aberdeen involving Colonel Graham N Fitch’s 46th Indiana Infantry.
Skirmish at Bayou Cache between Augusta and Clarendon, involving the 3rd Iowa Cavalry as advance guard of the Union Amy of the Southwest
Devall’s Bluff was a strategically important port on the White River and at the head of the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad. United States Army, Colonel G N Fitch led 2,000 men including the 24th Indiana Infantry Regiment (United States) up the White River and routed 400 Confederates at Devall’s Bluff, causing 84 Confederate casualties for the loss of 22 Union men.
Skirmish at Grand Prairie.
Skirmish at Bayou de View.
kirmish at Hill’s Plantation on the Cache River involving United States Army, Colonel Charles E Hovey’s 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment (United States).
Skirmish at Round Hill involving United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel William F Wood’s 1st Indiana Cavalry Regiment (United States).
Skirmish near Devall’s Bluff involving 46th Indiana Infantry Regiment (United States).
(Arkansas) Battle of Cotton Plant
The Army of the Southwest reached James Ferry on the Cache River, found that the water was low enough to ford, and began to cross. United states Army, Colonel Charles Edward Hovey who led a brigade in Steele's 1st Division sent United States Army, Colonel Charles Harris of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment (United States) with 400 soldiers to scout ahead. Harris's advance force included four companies of the 11th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment (United States), four companies of the 33rd Illinois Infantry Regiment (United States), and a detachment of the 1st Indiana Cavalry Regiment (United States) including one cannon. Harris led his force south to a road intersection at Parley Hill's Plantation which was about 3 mi (4.8 km) northwest of Cotton Plant. Harris directed his troops down the Clarendon road which led toward Cotton Plant. However, Hovey learned that a Federal soldier was captured, recalled Harris, and ordered him to take the Des Arc road that led to the southwest.
Rust's force consisted of five regiments of Texas cavalry, three regiments of Arkansas infantry, and one battery of artillery. Rust ordered Confederate States Army, Colonel William H. Parsons with 1,000 troopers of Parson's own 12th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Confederate States) and Confederate States Army, Colonel William Fitzhugh's 16th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Confederate States) to hold the river crossing at James Ferry. The day before, the 12th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Confederate States) was prepared to advance. But Parsons decided to wait for the 16th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Confederate States)which was slow, so the 12th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Confederate States) camped about 6 mi (10 km) south of the crossing. About 9:00 am, Parsons learned that United States soldiers were crossing the Cache at James Ferry. He turned northeast to follow the Des Arc road and sent 20 horsemen ahead in skirmish formation across a cypress swamp.
Hovey held one Wisconsin company at the intersection and sent Harris forward with the rest. Harris's three Wisconsin companies passed the Hill house, a cornfield, and then entered a forest in skirmish formation. One Illinois company and the cannon backed-up the skirmishers. The other three Illinois companies were farther back. As the Wisconsin skirmishers groped through the underbrush they spotted Parsons's horsemen. The first firing started at 40 yd (37 m) range between the 20 Texas skirmishers and some United States cavalrymen. At least three Texans were hit right away. Harris pressed forward but his skirmishers were hit by a blast of fire when they bumped into the main body of the 12th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Confederate States). Harris was wounded but kept directing his men. The Texas cavalry charged on horseback, driving back the Wisconsin troops. Edward M. Pike won the Medal of Honor for actions that saved the United States cannon from capture. Hovey ordered the three Wisconsin companies, the supporting Illinois company, and the gun to retreat toward the intersection. Hovey sent the remaining three Illinois companies to take cover in the cornfield. As Parsons's horsemen burst from the trees in pursuit of the Wisconsin soldiers, the Federals in the cornfield met them with a shattering volley followed by heavy fire. After many saddles were emptied, the Texas cavalry retreated into the forest. Hovey held his ground and waited for the next Confederate move. Parsons's horsemen pulled back behind the cypress swamp.
In an attempt to separate Hovey's force from Curtis's main body, Rust accompanied Confederate States Army, Colonel James R. Taylor's 17th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Confederate States), in a wide sweep to the northeast. The horsemen circled through Cotton Plant and neared the road intersection. But as they approached, the Confederates heard the tap of a drum and a large number of United States soldiers rose to their feet. The Texas regiment withdrew. These United States troops were the four Wisconsin companies, the Illinois company, and the one gun which had rallied. Not long afterward, 200 United States reinforcements from the 1st Indiana Cavalry Regiment (United States) arrived plus two additional 3-inch Ordnance rifles. After an artillery barrage, Hovey organized another attack and after about 20 minutes of fighting, the Confederates fell back. Later, United states Army, General William P. Benton's brigade from the 1st Division reached the battlefield and continued the pursuit. The Confederate retreat toward Des Arc became a rout. That evening, the Confederates got across the lower crossing of the Cache River and destroyed their boats, preventing further pursuit.
Kentucky
Incident at Bardstown.
Maryland
Incident at Hagerstown.
Mississippi
Incident at the Hatchie River.
Missouri
Reconnaissance to Big Piney and Waynesville began.
Reconnaissance to Blackwater Creek and Chapel Hill began.
Skirmish at Salem.
North Carolina
United States Army, Major General Ambrose Everett Burnside left Cape Hatteras, taking troops from his North Carolina expeditionary force to reinforce the Army of the Potomac at Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. United States Army, Brigadier-General John Gray Foster was left in command of United States forces in North Carolina.
Tennessee
Skirmish at Walden’s Ridge.
Confederate States Army, Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest commenced a cavalry raid in Tennessee to coincide with that of Confederate States Army, Colonel John Hunt Morgan who was heading into Kentucky at the same time. Forrest departed Chattanooga with about 1,000 men in the two regiments he had gathered to defend that town and moved north through McMinnville. He collected further forces on the way until within a few days his numbers had reached 1,400. His first objective was the United States supply depot at Murfreesboro.
The Confederate Army of Mississippi began to move toward Chattanooga. Confederate States Army, Major General William Joseph Hardee assumed temporary command of the movement, deputising for Confederate States Army, General Braxton Brag. The Army of the West was assigned to Confederate States Army, Major General Sterling Price, who remained behind in Mississippi with responsibility for operations in western Tennessee and northern Mississippi.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 7, 2024 7:18:16 GMT
Day 453 of the United States Civil War, July 7th 1862
Virginia
Reconnaissance to Gloucester County, King and Queen County, and Matthews County began.
Incident at Middletown.
United States Navy, Commander John Rodgers established the regular procedures for convoying Army transports on the James River. Each day a convoy of gunboats travelled from Harrison’s Bar to near the mouth of the Chickahominy River. All transportation was to sail downriver at 9 am, convoyed by four gunboats selected for the task. At about 3 pm all the army transportation upriver would be convoyed back by the same force.
Following the United States bombardments of their battery at Aquia Creek, the Confederates had strengthened their defences in the area by constructing a third battery on the bluff at Aquia and a fourth across the mouth of Aquia Creek at Brent Point. They had also placed torpedoes (naval mines) off Aquia Creek in the Potomac River, marking the first such use in the war. The mines were 80-gallon casks supporting a boiler-iron torpedo and enough gunpowder to blow up a ship. United States sailors aboard the sloop-of-war USS PAWNEE spotted the devices floating toward them and they were later removed from the river by sailors from the gunboat USS RESOLUTE. One of the torpedos sank into the river and could not be recovered.
West Virginia
United States Senator from West Virginia, Waitman T. Willey moved to take up the West Virginia statehood bill.
Texas
Operations at Aransas Pass.
South Carolina
United States forces completed the evacuation of James Island.
Boats from the gunboat USS FLAG under the command of United States Navy, Commander James H Strong, and gunboat USS RESTLESS (four 32-pounder guns) under the command of United States Navy, Acting Lieutenant Conroy captured the British blockade-running schooner EMILIE in Bull’s Bay.
Missouri
Skirmish at Inman Hollow involving United States Army, Major Henry A Gallup and the 3rd Missouri Cavalry Regiment (United States).
Skirmish near Newark involving detachments from the 2nd Missouri Cavalry Regiment (United States).
Oregon
Operations begin in Oregon.
Tennessee
Operations around Cumberland Gap began and continued until July 11th 1862.
United States Army, Major General, William Tecumseh Sherman continues to rail against the press, admitting nostalgically that his prejudice predates the current war: “I conceived a terrible mistrust of the Press in California because these men are less reserved and the secret operations of the wire pullers are more open to the common man; and when this war broke out and [swarms] of the same genus hung around our camps, publishing items as unlike the truth as possible, writing up this General and down that, my mind was forced to the conclusion that a great change has come over our country since the days of our youth.”
Bermuda
United States Consul at Bermuda, Charles Allen remains vigilant, thwarting blockade-running efforts wherever he finds them. In the case of the Lodona, carrying a load of “salt-petre . . . [as well as] other contraband goods besides spirits, among which are some Enfield rifles,” he has enjoyed some success in detaining the vessel. The master of the ship initially denies the presence of any such cargo, then argues that it was taken on-board by mistake, all while flying a United States flag and insisting upon his loyalty to the Union. Consul Allen remains resolute:“Every scheme human ingenuity could invent has been resorted to induce me to let him have coal. He went as far as to offer me $1000 if I would go to the other end of the islands and remain two days and leave my business in the hand of a merchant there.”
Bahamas
The gunboat USS QUAKER CITY under the command of United States Navy, Commander James M Frailey, and USS HUNTSVILLE captured the British blockade running schooner Adela off the Bahamas Islands.
Mexico
The UNADILLA-class gunboat USS TAHOMA under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant John C Howell, captured the schooner UNCLE MOSE off Yucatan Bank with a cargo of cotton.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 8, 2024 2:46:04 GMT
Day 454 of the United States Civil War, July 8th 1862
District of Columbia
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln travels aboard the USS ARIEL to visit United States Army, Major General George B. McClellan at Harrison's Landing, VA.
Virginia
Incident at Harrison’s Landing.
Confederate bureaucrat Josiah Gorgas notes of recent developments: “The papers (one of them at least) grumble that McClellan has ‘slipped thro’ our fingers.’ We should have gladly compromised for such a ‘Situation’ [only] two weeks ago.”
Arkansas
Incident at Orient Ferry.
The 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment (United States) under the command of newly promoted United States Army, Brigadier General Cadwallader Colden Washburn, pursued the Confederate blocking forces to the Cache River, where they destroyed two ferry boats and captured several prisoners. Confederate States Army, Major General Samuel Ryan Curtis’ Army of the Southwest proceeded onward to Clarendon, only to find that the flotilla of United States supply vessels had departed the previous day. He turned east toward Helena in search of supplies and support.
Missouri
Reconnaissance to Big Piney and Waynesville ended.
Skirmish at Black Run on the Black River.
United States troops attacked and dispersed a Confederate guerrilla camp commanded by Captain William Clarke Quantrill at Pleasant Hill.
Tennessee
Operation at Cumberland Gap.
United States Army, Major General Henry Wager Halleck received reports that Confederate States Army, General Braxton Bragg’s army had begun to move from Tupelo, Mississippi, either in the direction of Memphis or Corinth, Mississippi.
From Tennessee, United States Army, Major General, William Tecumseh Sherman observes: “Tis folly to talk about this war approaching its end—The Enemy has this day a force in arms superior to ours. Their people embracing Kentucky & Tennessee are more united in feeling than ours. They burn their cotton, their houses anything cheerfully at the order of a Single Southern Dragoon, but if our men burns a rail, steals a chicken, robs a Garden, (All our men have turned thieves& pilferers in spite of all efforts to the Contrary) they raise a hue & cry.”
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 9, 2024 2:44:23 GMT
Day 455 of the United States Civil War, July 9th 1862
Virginia
Interview Between (United States) President Abraham Lincoln and United States Army, General McClellan and Other Officers During a Visit to the Army of the Potomac at Harrison's Landing, Virginia:
July 09, 1862
The President: What amount of force have you now?
General McClellan : About 80,000, can't vary much, certainly 75,000.
The President:[to the corps commanders] What is the whole amount of your corps with you now.
General Sumner: About 15,000.
General Heintzelman: 15,000 for duty.
General Keyes: About 12,500.
General Porter: About 23,000--fully 20,000 fit for duty.
General Franklin: About 15,000.
The President: What is likely to be your condition as to health in this camp?
General McClellan: Better than in any encampment since landing at Fortress Monroe.
The President:[to the corps commanders] In your present encampment what is the present and prospective condition as to health?
General Sumner: As good as any part of Western Virginia.
General Heintzelman: Excellent for health, and present health improving.
General Keyes: A little improved, but think camp is getting worse.
General Porter: Very good.
General Franklin: Not good.
The President: Where is the enemy now?
General McClellan: From four to five miles from us on all the roads --I think nearly the whole army--both Hills, Longstreet, Jackson, Magruder, Huger.
The President: [to the corps commanders] Where and in what condition do you believe the enemy to be now?
General Sumner: I think they have retired from our front; were very much damaged, especially in their best troops, in the late actions, from superiority of arms.
General Heintzelman: Don't think they are in force in our vicinity.
General Keyes: Think he has withdrawn, and think preparing to go to WASHINGTON.
General Porter: Believe he is mainly near Richmond. He feels he dare not attack us here.
General Franklin: I learn he has withdrawn from our front and think that is probable.
The President: [to the corps commanders] What is the aggregate of your killed, wounded, and missing from the attack on the 26th ultimo till now?
General Sumner: 1175.
General Heintzelman: Not large 745.
General Keyes: Less than 500.
General Porter: Over 5000.
General Franklin: Not over 3000.
The President: If you desired could you remove the army safely?
General McClellan: It would be a delicate and very difficult matter.
The President: [to the corps commanders] If it were desired to get the army away, could it be safely effected?
General Sumner: I think we could, but I think we give up the cause if we do.
General Heintzelman: Perhaps we could, but I think it would be ruinous to the country.
General Keyes: I think it could if done quickly.
General Porter: Impossible--move the army and ruin the country.
General Franlin: I think we could, and that we had better--think Rappahannock the true line.
The President: [to the corps commanders] Is the army secure in its present position?
General Sumner: Perfectly so, in my judgment.
General Heintzelman: I think it is safe.
General Keyes: With help of General B. [Burnside] can hold position.
General Porter: Perfectly so. Not only, but we are ready to begin moving forward.
General Franklin: Unless river can be closed it is.
Reconnaissance to Gloucester County, King and Queen County, and Matthews County ended.
United States reconnaissance along the Long Bridge Road.
Confederate States Army, General Robert Edward Lee reported that he was unable to move against the United States forces at Harrison’s Landing on the James River because of the presence of the United States Navy. All efforts to engage the United States transport ships or the United States army’s fortified camps were expected to be repelled by the heavy guns of the protective flotilla of gunboats.
Arkansas
Skirmish near Aberdeen.
California
Skirmish at the Weaverville Crossing of the Mad River involving the 2nd California Infantry Regiment (United States) and 3rd California Infantry Regiment (United States).
Kentucky
Confederate States Army, Colonel John Hunt Morgan and two cavalry regiments from Knoxville attacked a United States post held by four companies of cavalry at Tomkinsville commanded by United States Army, Colonel Sanders D Bruce (20th Kentucky Infantry). The Confederates surrounded the post, fired four shells, and then charged in. The United States garrison surrendered after a short engagement. The Confederates destroyed a baggage train that was at the camp. The United Stateslost 22 men killed, 30 wounded, and about 300 captured.
Missouri
Reconnaissance to Blackwater Creek and Chapel Hill ended.
Operation in Cass County began.
Skirmish at Lotspeach (or Lotspeich) Farm near Wadesburg. Confederate States Army, Captain William Clarke Quantrill and over 200 Confederate guerrillas made camp overnight on Sugar Creek near Wadesburg. A United States force under United States Army, Major James O Gower sent a detachment of the 1st Iowa Cavalry Regiment (United States) from Clinton and 90 men ahead under United States Army, Lieutenant R M Reynolds to make a surprise attack on the camp. At sunrise, the head of the United States patrol charged Quantrill’s Confederates but they were outnumbered and fell back until they rejoined the rest of the patrol. A second cavalry charge was made but, finding themselves still outnumbered, the Union cavalry broke off the engagement and returned to Clinton.
North Carolina
The gunboat USS COMMODORE PERRY under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant Charles W Flusser, gunboat USS SHAWSHEEN under the command of United States Navy, Acting Master Woodward, and gunboat USS CERES under the command of United States Navy, Acting Master John MacDiarmid, embarked on an expedition up the Roanoke River. They landed a field gun and a force of soldiers and sailors at Hamilton. They occupied the town and captured the steamer WILSON.
South Carolina
United States demonstration at Pocotaligo.
Confederate expedition to Fenwick Island.
Tennessee
Operation at Cumberland Gap.
Confederate States Army, Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest left Chattanooga with his two newly raised cavalry regiments. He was joined by other units on the way to Nashville, which raised his total force to about 1,400 men. His primary objective was Murfreesboro, an important United States supply depot on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad.
Texas
The gunboat USS ARTHUR (six 32-pounder smoothbore guns) under the command of United States Navy, Acting Lieutenant John W John W Kittredge, captured the schooner REINDEER with a cargo of cotton near Aransas Pass.
The schooner MONTO CHRISTO was burned by the Confederates at Lamar to prevent her from falling into United States hands.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 10, 2024 2:36:31 GMT
Day 456 of the United States Civil War, July 10th 1862
Virginia
United States reconnaissance from Harrison’s Landing towards the White Oak Swamp.
West Virginia
At a meeting in the Randolph County community of Huttonsville, citizens passed a resolution stating they were willing to live under the laws of the United States government and would provide information on Confederate guerrillas to Federal commanders.
Texas
USS ARCHER Archer captured the sloop BELLA ITALIA at Aransas Pass.
The Confederates burned the schooner MONTO CHRISTO at Lamar to prevent the ship from falling into United States hands.
Kentucky
Confederate raiders under Confederate States Army, Colonel John Hunt Morgan were in training between Gallatin and Hartsville when United States troops discovered them. They charged the Confederate formation and captured 90 men. Meanwhile, other elements of Morgan’s command captured a United States depot at Glasgow.
Kentucky
Skirmish at Lebanon.
Skirmish at Horse Cave.
Mississippi
Expedition to Guntown began.
South Carolina
Demonstration at Pocotaligo.
Tennessee
Operation at Cumberland Gap.
Confederate States Army, Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest’s cavalry raiders camped on Cumberland Mountain on their way from Chattanooga toward Murfreesboro.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 11, 2024 2:47:14 GMT
Day 457 of the United States Civil War, July 11th 1862
District of Columbia
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln issued Executive Order — Making Henry W. Halleck General-in-Chief:
July 11, 1862
Ordered, That Major-General Henry W. Halleck be assigned to command the whole land forces of the United States as General in Chief, and that he repair to this capital as soon as he can with safety to the positions and operations within the department under his charge.
Abraham Lincoln.
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln issued Executive Order Concerning the Southwest Branch of the Pacific Railroad:
July 11, 1862
Whereas, in the judgment of the President, the public safety does require that the railroad line called and known as the Southwest Branch of the Pacific Railroad in the State of Missouri be repaired, extended, and completed from Rolla to Lebanon, in the direction to Springfield, in the said State, the same being necessary to the successful and economical conduct of the war and to the maintenance of the authority of the Government in the Southwest:
Therefore, under and in virtue of the act of Congress entitled "An act to authorize the President of the United States in certain cases to take possession of railroad and telegraph lines, and for other purposes," approved January 31, 1862, it is--
Ordered , That the portion of the said railroad line which reaches from Rolla to Lebanon be repaired, extended, and completed, so as to be made available for the military uses of the Government, as speedily as may be. And inasmuch as, upon the part of the said line from Rolla to the stream called Little Piney a considerable portion of the necessary work has already been done by the railroad company, and the road to this extent may be completed at comparatively small cost, it is ordered that the said line from Rolla to and across Little Piney be first completed, and as soon as possible.
The Secretary of War is charged with the execution of this order. And to facilitate the speedy execution of the work, he is directed, at his discretion, to take possession and control of the whole or such part of the said railroad line, and the whole or such part of the rolling stock, offices, shops, buildings, and all their appendages and appurtenances, as he may judge necessary or convenient for the early completion of the road from Rolla to Lebanon.
Done at the city of Washington, July 11, 1862.
Abraham Lincoln
(United States) President Abraham Lincoln message to Congress Recommending Thanks to Certain Officers of the United States Navy:
July 11, 1862
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I recommend that the thanks of Congress be given to the following officers of the United States Navy:
Captain James L. Lardner, for meritorious conduct at the battle of Port Royal and distinguished services on the coast of the United States against the enemy.
Captain Charles Henry Davis, for distinguished services in conflict with the enemy at Fort Pillow, at Memphis, and for successful operations at other points in the waters of the Mississippi River.
Commander John A. Dahlgren, for distinguished services in the line of his profession, improvements in ordnance, and zealous and efficient labors in the ordnance branch of the service.
Commander Stephen C. Rowan, for distinguished services in the waters of North Carolina, and particularly in the capture of Newbern, being in chief command of the naval forces.
Commander David D. Porter, for distinguished services in the conception and preparation of the means used for the capture of the forts below New Orleans, and for highly meritorious conduct in the management of the mortar flotilla during the bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
Captain Silas H. Stringham, now on the retired list. for distinguished services in the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark.
Abraham Lincoln
Virginia
United States reconnaissance from Harrison’s Landing beyond Charles City Court House and towards Williamsburg.
West Virginia
A Soldiers' Aid Society was organized in Wheeling, which included Governor Pierpont on the Board of Directors.
Alabama
United States Army, Major General Don Carlos Buell defended himself against criticism that his advance towards Chattanooga was progressing too slowly. He argued that he faced insurmountable difficulties with supplies and in repairing railroads and bridges. He also reported that the occupation of Chattanooga with insufficient or unsupplied forces would be more dangerous than not arriving at all. Buell’s command passed Stevenson, Alabama, where the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad made a junction with the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and this offered the opportunity to open an additional supply line by rail.
Kentucky
Confederate States Army, Colonel John Hunt Morgan and two cavalry regiments advanced towards Lebanon. At Rolling Fork River, they were fired upon from across the river. Morgan brought up his artillery and forced the Union pickets to retreat back to Lebanon. Morgan surrounded and captured 200 United States prisoners and the supply depot. Actions also occurred at Mackville and Glasgow.
Kentucky
Skirmish at the Greenbrier River involving troops under Confederate Brigadier-Geenral John Stuart Williams.
Mississippi
Expedition to Guntown ended.
Operation in Cass County ended.
Skirmishes at Sears’ Hosue and Pleasant Hill. A detachment of Missouri state troops was ordered to drive local Confederate guerrillas from around Pleasant Hill. The Confederates stood their ground at Sears’ House and forced a detachment of the 1st Missouri Cavalry Regiment (United States) to withdraw.
Missouri
Skirmish at Big Creek Bluffs involving the Union 1st Iowa Cavalry Regiment (United States) and 7th Missouri Cavalry Regiment (United States).
Tennessee
Operation at Cumberland Gap.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Member is Online
Posts: 67,980
Likes: 49,385
|
Post by lordroel on Jul 12, 2024 7:01:53 GMT
Day 458 of the United States Civil War, July 12th 1862
Virginia
The field forces of the Middle Department were designated as VIII Corps (Middle) under the command of United States Army, Major General John Ellis Wool. The main function of the corps was the administration, recruitment, and training of troops north of the Potomac, and it never existed as a sizeable or stable fighting force.
United States reconnaissance to Culpeper Court House, Madison Court House, and Orange Court House began.
Incident at Culpeper Court House.
Forces from United States Army, Major General John Pope’s Army of Virginia began to move forwards after reorganising and concentrating and occupied Culpeper Court House. Union troops also moved to Madison Court House and Orange Court House. This advance posed a serious threat to Gordonsville, only thirty miles away, at the junction of the Virginia Central Railroad and the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Retention of this junction was essential for the Confederates to permit the transportation of supplies and provisions from the Shenandoah Valley to Richmond.
Tennessee
United States Army, Brigadier General Thomas Leonidas Crittenden (5th Division, Army of the Ohio) arrived to command the garrison of Murfreesboro. His force was encamped in three locations around town and included detachments of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. They prepared to oppose the approach of Confederate cavalry raiders from Chattanooga led by Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Repairs to the railroad from Nashville to Stevenson were now complete and trainloads of vital supplies were waiting to be sent to replenish United States Army, Major General Don Carlos Buell’s column advancing towards Chattanooga.
Mississippi
The Confederate ironclad ram CSS ARKANSAS, which had escaped in an incomplete state from the shipyard at Memphis, Tennessee, was completed at Yazoo City. Its armour was applied and it was armed with seven assorted guns. The workmen were put ashore and a crew of 175 men took the ship down to Sartartia Bar on the Yazoo River.
Confederate States Army, General Braxton Bragg had raised the Army of Mississippi at Tupelo to a new level of fighting efficiency and discipline, and he considered the options for an offensive. An advance into northern Mississippi and western Tennessee would face strong forces under United States Army, Major-General Ulysses Simpson Grant and difficulties would arise from a drought of water. The United States Army of the Ohio under United States Army, Major General Don Carlos Buell was at Bridgeport, but moving so slowly that it was unclear whether their objective was Chattanooga or even Atlanta. To deter such an advance, Bragg had already detached a brigade of 3,000 men to help defend eastern Tennessee on June 27th 1862. He briefed United States Army, Colonel Joseph Wheeler and United States Army, Brigadier General Frank Crawford Armstrong to make a raid with two cavalry brigades to disrupt Buell’s tenuous supply lines in northern Alabama and western Tennessee.
Kentucky
Skirmish at Harrodsburg.
Confederate Colonel John Hunt Morgan’s raiders occupied Lebanon.
Alabama
United States reconnaissance from Decatur began.
Skirmish near Davis’ Gap involving Union Colonel Abel D Streight’s 51st Indiana Infantry and part of the 1st Ohio Cavalry.
Arkansas
Skirmish at Bentonville.
Arkansas
United States forces from United States Army, Major General Samuel Ryan Curtis’ Army of the Southwest advanced from Jacksonport and captured Helena. United States forces controlled the town for the duration of the war. It became a major supply base for further operations in Arkansas.
Indian Territory
Confederate States Army, Brigadier General Albert Pike resigned, resenting the imposition of the authority of Confederate States Army, Major General Thomas Carmichael Hindman over himself and the Indian Territory. After Pea Ridge, Pike was faced with charges that his troops had scalped soldiers in the field. Hindman also charged Pike with mishandling money and military material and ordered his arrest. Both charges were later found to be lacking in evidence, but Pike escaped into the hills of Arkansas and tendered his resignation from the Confederate Army. He was later arrested on November 3rd 1862 under charges of insubordination and treason. His resignation was formally accepted on November 11th 1862 before he could face a military trial and he was allowed to return to Arkansas. Official command in the District of the Indian Territory remained in the hands of Confederate States Army, Colonel Douglas Hancock Cooper.
Bahamas
The gunboat USS MERCEDITA (8 × 32-pounder guns) under the command of United states Navy, Commander Henry S Stellwagen, captured the blockade-running schooners VICTORIA and IDA off Hole-in-the-Wall, Abaco. The former ship was laden with cotton, and the latter carried a cargo including cloth, shoes, needles, and salt.
|
|
