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re: 150 years ago today...August 20th, 1863...
Posted on 7/28/13 at 5:31 pm to windhammontanatigers
Posted on 7/28/13 at 5:31 pm to windhammontanatigers
Thanks...It's pretty much down hill for the south after Gettysburg. The war was a defining moment in U.S. history & I hope this presents it in a factual manner without glorifying either side. It helped define who we are as a people & country. I enjoy seeing it played out a little bit day by day a little more in depth vs. a book you had to read in H.S....
1
Posted on 7/28/13 at 7:34 pm to dallasga6
Its really great how you are breaking down each day and I am enjoying so much reading. Like the poster above that lost his great great great grandfather at Gettysburg in the North Carolina regiment, my great great great grandfather fought for the Confederacy in Hoskins Battery out of Lincoln county Mississippi. They played a minor role in Vicksburg and a little more in the Battle of Jackson and then I did some research and they were later transferred to outside of Atlanta during Sherman's march and according to what I found out , they silenced some of the big guns from the North for a little while. You are so right, July of 1863 was not a good month for the South with the loss of Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Port Hudson etc. Again thanks for your posts . Its nice to see the breakdown that you are doing for each day. Certainly for me, its much appreciated and enjoyable reading. 
This post was edited on 7/29/13 at 8:43 am
Posted on 7/29/13 at 3:54 pm to windhammontanatigers
July 29, 1863
One of the earliest expectations of the Confederate States government had been diplomatic recognition from Europe, and particularly regarding Great Britain. As the main foreign consumer of Southern cotton, the logic seemed inescapable. It had evaded Queen Victoria's government, though, which had declared neutrality in the dispute. Today, in yet another blow to the beleaguered Rebellion, the Queen renewed the statement and delivered a speech to Parliament this morning, containing the following: "The civil war between the Northern and Southern States of the American Union still unfortunately continues, and is necessarily attended with much evil, not only to the contending parties, but also to nations which have taken no part in the conflict. Her Majesty, however, has seen no reason to depart from the strict neutrality which Her Majesty has observed from the beginning of the contest."
Rear Admiral David G. Farragut recalled Commodore H. H. Bell from blockade duty on the Texas coast to assume command of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during his absence. Bell hoisted his broad pennant on board USS Pensacola.
The USS Rosalie, under Acting Master Peter F. Coffin, seized the blockade running British schooner Georgie in the Caloosahtchee River, near Fort Myers, Florida. The schooner had been abandoned and carried no cargo.
The USS Niphon, Acting Master Joseph B. Breck in charge, seized the British blockade runner Banshee at New Inlet, North Carolina.
The USS Shawsheen, piloted by Acting Master Henry A. Phelon, captured the schooner Telegraph in Rose Bay, North Carolina. She had been abandoned after a chase of some 16 miles.
Numerous sorties and acts of sabotage having been committed against the occupying Federals by citizens and Confederate soldiers-harbored and concealed by citizens residing on the route of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in Virginia-orders were issued by General Henry Halleck authorizing the arrest of every resident against whom there was sufficient evidence of his having been engaged in these practices. The railroad extended from Alexandria to Gordonsville, with another section running from Charlottesville to Lynchburg.
A skirmish took place at St. Catherine's Creek, near Natchez, Mississippi, between a party of Confederates belonging to the command of General Logan, and the Seventy-second Illinois regiment, under the command of Captain James, in which the former were defeated with a loss of fifty prisoners and seventy-five horses.
A force of Confederate troops, numbering about two thousand, under the command of General John Pegram, made an attack upon the entire garrison of Federal troops at Paris, Kentucky, and after a severe engagement, lasting over two hours, were unable to make any more headway and retreated.
Brigadier General Innis N. Palmer was ordered to the command of the Eighteenth army corps at Newbern, North Carolina, and of the posts and districts occupied by that corps.
At Lynchburg, Virginia, Confederate government officials were busily engaged in pressing horses for artillery service in General Robert E. Lee's army. The pressure was general, exempting only the horses in the employment of the government and those belonging to countrymen.
Colonel Richardson, the Confederate partisan guerrilla, issued an order requiring all men of west Tennessee, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, to report to his camp under the Confederate conscription law. The following instructions were issued to govern them in carrying out the order: If a man should absent himself from home to avoid the order, burn his house and all his property, except such as may be useful to this command. If a man resists this by refusing to report, shoot him down and leave him dying. If a man takes refuge in his house and offers resistance, set the house on fire, and guard it, so he may not get out.
William L. Yancey, who died yesterday, was buried at Montgomery this morning.
One of the earliest expectations of the Confederate States government had been diplomatic recognition from Europe, and particularly regarding Great Britain. As the main foreign consumer of Southern cotton, the logic seemed inescapable. It had evaded Queen Victoria's government, though, which had declared neutrality in the dispute. Today, in yet another blow to the beleaguered Rebellion, the Queen renewed the statement and delivered a speech to Parliament this morning, containing the following: "The civil war between the Northern and Southern States of the American Union still unfortunately continues, and is necessarily attended with much evil, not only to the contending parties, but also to nations which have taken no part in the conflict. Her Majesty, however, has seen no reason to depart from the strict neutrality which Her Majesty has observed from the beginning of the contest."
Rear Admiral David G. Farragut recalled Commodore H. H. Bell from blockade duty on the Texas coast to assume command of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during his absence. Bell hoisted his broad pennant on board USS Pensacola.
The USS Rosalie, under Acting Master Peter F. Coffin, seized the blockade running British schooner Georgie in the Caloosahtchee River, near Fort Myers, Florida. The schooner had been abandoned and carried no cargo.
The USS Niphon, Acting Master Joseph B. Breck in charge, seized the British blockade runner Banshee at New Inlet, North Carolina.
The USS Shawsheen, piloted by Acting Master Henry A. Phelon, captured the schooner Telegraph in Rose Bay, North Carolina. She had been abandoned after a chase of some 16 miles.
Numerous sorties and acts of sabotage having been committed against the occupying Federals by citizens and Confederate soldiers-harbored and concealed by citizens residing on the route of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in Virginia-orders were issued by General Henry Halleck authorizing the arrest of every resident against whom there was sufficient evidence of his having been engaged in these practices. The railroad extended from Alexandria to Gordonsville, with another section running from Charlottesville to Lynchburg.
A skirmish took place at St. Catherine's Creek, near Natchez, Mississippi, between a party of Confederates belonging to the command of General Logan, and the Seventy-second Illinois regiment, under the command of Captain James, in which the former were defeated with a loss of fifty prisoners and seventy-five horses.
A force of Confederate troops, numbering about two thousand, under the command of General John Pegram, made an attack upon the entire garrison of Federal troops at Paris, Kentucky, and after a severe engagement, lasting over two hours, were unable to make any more headway and retreated.
Brigadier General Innis N. Palmer was ordered to the command of the Eighteenth army corps at Newbern, North Carolina, and of the posts and districts occupied by that corps.
At Lynchburg, Virginia, Confederate government officials were busily engaged in pressing horses for artillery service in General Robert E. Lee's army. The pressure was general, exempting only the horses in the employment of the government and those belonging to countrymen.
Colonel Richardson, the Confederate partisan guerrilla, issued an order requiring all men of west Tennessee, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, to report to his camp under the Confederate conscription law. The following instructions were issued to govern them in carrying out the order: If a man should absent himself from home to avoid the order, burn his house and all his property, except such as may be useful to this command. If a man resists this by refusing to report, shoot him down and leave him dying. If a man takes refuge in his house and offers resistance, set the house on fire, and guard it, so he may not get out.
William L. Yancey, who died yesterday, was buried at Montgomery this morning.
Posted on 7/30/13 at 2:50 pm to dallasga6
July 30, 1863
Ever since the Union army had started allowing the enlistment of black soldiers, there had been general confusion as to their exact status in the ranks. Paid far less than white troops and segregated into Colored only units, the rumor was common that if any were captured they would be returned to slavery even if they were freed men. This may have been a ploy by Federal commanders to keep them in line and discourage desertion. President Abraham Lincoln ruled today that the Union would stand by all her troops, and if any were enslaved or sold due to their color there would be retaliatory punishment of Confederate POW's. But he still refused to raise their pay grades or integrate their regiments.
Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren advised Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles that "the position of affairs" at Morris Island had not "materially changed" in the last 5 days. He reported that the Army's advanced batteries, 600 yards from Fort Wagner, were in operation and that "...every day two or three of the ironclads join in and sweep the ground between Wagner and Cummings Point, or else fire directly into Wagner...It is to be remembered,'' he added, "that Wagner is the key to Sumter, wherefore the enemy will spare no effort for the defense, and will protect any result to the last.'' Dahlgren also observed that one of the "many little things" which would be of assistance to him would be "the electric light which Professor Way exhibited here, and which Professor Henry (Smithsonian Institution) knows of; it would either illuminate at night, if needed, or would serve to signal. . . ." As a man of science as well as an operational commander, the Admiral was quick to seek the advantages offered by new developments. The calcium light was brought down and enormously assisted in the capture of Fort Wagner by slowing down and halting Confederate repairs to the fort which previously were made under cover of night.
The Fifty-second regiment of Massachusetts volunteers, under the command of Colonel Greenleaf, arrived at Cairo, Ill., en route to Boston, to be mustered out of the service.
In Saline County, Missouri, Captain Cannon, with about seventy-five men of the Fourth enrolled Missouri militia, attacked a small band of partisan guerrillas, under Captain Blunt, and supposed to belong to Quantrill's command. The militia lost two men killed and one wounded, and a horse killed. The Rebels had several men wounded, and Blunt's horse received a fatal shot. The militia then retreated, and the enemy fell back to the brush, cheering for Quantrill as they retired. The Confederates next attacked a smaller party of militia, fifteen in number, belonging to the First enrolled Missouri militia, acting as a guard to a paymaster, who had about fifty thousand dollars. The money escaped observation, but two militiamen were captured and paroled, and seven of the best horses belonging to their comrades taken. The enrolled Missouri militia squad finally got safe within a brick church, and were not again attacked.
Partisan guerrilla John Singleton Mosby entered Fairfax Court House this evening with only 27 men and captured a number of sutlers' wagons, together with stores and other property valued at nearly ninety thousand dollars.
General Hiram U. Grant, from his headquarters at Vicksburg, Miss., issued a general order regulating the transportation on the river steamboats.
The bombardment of Fort Wagner was continued today, by the Ironsides and two monitors. Two men were killed in the Fort.
Ever since the Union army had started allowing the enlistment of black soldiers, there had been general confusion as to their exact status in the ranks. Paid far less than white troops and segregated into Colored only units, the rumor was common that if any were captured they would be returned to slavery even if they were freed men. This may have been a ploy by Federal commanders to keep them in line and discourage desertion. President Abraham Lincoln ruled today that the Union would stand by all her troops, and if any were enslaved or sold due to their color there would be retaliatory punishment of Confederate POW's. But he still refused to raise their pay grades or integrate their regiments.
Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren advised Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles that "the position of affairs" at Morris Island had not "materially changed" in the last 5 days. He reported that the Army's advanced batteries, 600 yards from Fort Wagner, were in operation and that "...every day two or three of the ironclads join in and sweep the ground between Wagner and Cummings Point, or else fire directly into Wagner...It is to be remembered,'' he added, "that Wagner is the key to Sumter, wherefore the enemy will spare no effort for the defense, and will protect any result to the last.'' Dahlgren also observed that one of the "many little things" which would be of assistance to him would be "the electric light which Professor Way exhibited here, and which Professor Henry (Smithsonian Institution) knows of; it would either illuminate at night, if needed, or would serve to signal. . . ." As a man of science as well as an operational commander, the Admiral was quick to seek the advantages offered by new developments. The calcium light was brought down and enormously assisted in the capture of Fort Wagner by slowing down and halting Confederate repairs to the fort which previously were made under cover of night.
The Fifty-second regiment of Massachusetts volunteers, under the command of Colonel Greenleaf, arrived at Cairo, Ill., en route to Boston, to be mustered out of the service.
In Saline County, Missouri, Captain Cannon, with about seventy-five men of the Fourth enrolled Missouri militia, attacked a small band of partisan guerrillas, under Captain Blunt, and supposed to belong to Quantrill's command. The militia lost two men killed and one wounded, and a horse killed. The Rebels had several men wounded, and Blunt's horse received a fatal shot. The militia then retreated, and the enemy fell back to the brush, cheering for Quantrill as they retired. The Confederates next attacked a smaller party of militia, fifteen in number, belonging to the First enrolled Missouri militia, acting as a guard to a paymaster, who had about fifty thousand dollars. The money escaped observation, but two militiamen were captured and paroled, and seven of the best horses belonging to their comrades taken. The enrolled Missouri militia squad finally got safe within a brick church, and were not again attacked.
Partisan guerrilla John Singleton Mosby entered Fairfax Court House this evening with only 27 men and captured a number of sutlers' wagons, together with stores and other property valued at nearly ninety thousand dollars.
General Hiram U. Grant, from his headquarters at Vicksburg, Miss., issued a general order regulating the transportation on the river steamboats.
The bombardment of Fort Wagner was continued today, by the Ironsides and two monitors. Two men were killed in the Fort.
This post was edited on 7/30/13 at 7:17 pm
Posted on 7/30/13 at 3:30 pm to dallasga6
Somehow missed this thread before. Love the way you break it down day by day yet throughout all the various states. I will have to go back to page 1 and start fresh. Good read.
Posted on 7/30/13 at 4:59 pm to reedus23
Quantrill's guerillas got some airplay play today. Quantrill's Raid, a revenge raid on Lawrence, Kansas happens in 3 weeks. This is at the root of the Mizzou-KU rivalry if I'm not mistaken... 
Posted on 7/30/13 at 9:17 pm to dallasga6
Been reading this everyday. Thank you.
Posted on 7/31/13 at 3:15 pm to dallasga6
July 31, 1863
The commerce raiders of the Confederacy, although capturing or sinking relatively little of the commerce directed at all Northern ports, had one rather curious effect. By driving insurance rates so high, the Southern sailors caused Yankee owners to re-register their vessels under the flags of other countries; they actually reduced United States' flag shipping to levels that were never restored, not even to this day. One of the fiercest of the Rebel fleet, the CSS Florida, was now two days out of Bermuda on course for the repair yards of Brest, France. Her skipper, Commander John Newland Maffitt, was ill and had requested that a replacement be sent over.
The CSS Tuscaloosa, commanded by Lieutenant John Low-born in Aberdeen, Scotland, but at age 20 settled in Savannah, Georgia-captured the ship Santee, bound from Akyab to Falmouth a with cargo of rice. The Santee was later released on bond.
A party of Confederate partisans captured Stanford, Kentucky, but soon after re-supplying left towards the Cumberland River.
Major General Henry Halleck having ordered that "...every guerrilla and disloyal man be driven out of the country between the Potomac, Rappahannock, and Blue Ridge," Major General Alfred Pleasanton directed that, under that order, "...every man takes the oath of allegiance or be arrested and sent in."
The Confederate steamer Kate was captured while endeavoring to elude the blockade of Charleston, South Carolina, by the Union gunboat Iroquois.
General Ambrose E. Burnside issued an order placing Kentucky under martial law and commanded the military to aid the constituted authorities of the State in the support of Federal laws and the practice of suffrage.
The commerce raiders of the Confederacy, although capturing or sinking relatively little of the commerce directed at all Northern ports, had one rather curious effect. By driving insurance rates so high, the Southern sailors caused Yankee owners to re-register their vessels under the flags of other countries; they actually reduced United States' flag shipping to levels that were never restored, not even to this day. One of the fiercest of the Rebel fleet, the CSS Florida, was now two days out of Bermuda on course for the repair yards of Brest, France. Her skipper, Commander John Newland Maffitt, was ill and had requested that a replacement be sent over.
The CSS Tuscaloosa, commanded by Lieutenant John Low-born in Aberdeen, Scotland, but at age 20 settled in Savannah, Georgia-captured the ship Santee, bound from Akyab to Falmouth a with cargo of rice. The Santee was later released on bond.
A party of Confederate partisans captured Stanford, Kentucky, but soon after re-supplying left towards the Cumberland River.
Major General Henry Halleck having ordered that "...every guerrilla and disloyal man be driven out of the country between the Potomac, Rappahannock, and Blue Ridge," Major General Alfred Pleasanton directed that, under that order, "...every man takes the oath of allegiance or be arrested and sent in."
The Confederate steamer Kate was captured while endeavoring to elude the blockade of Charleston, South Carolina, by the Union gunboat Iroquois.
General Ambrose E. Burnside issued an order placing Kentucky under martial law and commanded the military to aid the constituted authorities of the State in the support of Federal laws and the practice of suffrage.
Posted on 7/31/13 at 4:10 pm to dallasga6
quote:
Quantrill's guerillas got some airplay play today. Quantrill's Raid, a revenge raid on Lawrence, Kansas happens in 3 weeks. This is at the root of the Mizzou-KU rivalry if I'm not mistaken...
Absolutely correct.
Posted on 8/1/13 at 3:29 pm to dallasga6
August 1, 1863
As it was in the beginning of the Gettysburg campaign, way back in early June, so it was today--a cavalry action in the often fought over area of Brandy Station, Virginia, south of the Rappahannock River. In the earlier battle, the Union cavalry had staged a raid, which turned into a major battle. The Yankees didn't win, but they didn't lose either, and departed in good order at the end of the day, rather than being routed as had usually been the case. This morning was a much smaller affair, more a feeling-out of the retreating Army of Northern Virginia and trying to determine Confederate General Robert E. Lee's future plans. The loss of the Federals was one hundred and forty, sixteen of whom were killed. This fight officially marked the conclusion of the Gettysburg Campaign.
In South Carolina, the Federals began another build-up for the continuing attack on Battery Wagner and Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
The Federal War Department formally disbanded the Fourth and Seventh Army Corps.
Rear Admiral David D. Porter assumed naval command on the Mississippi River, where the major problems were now Confederate raids and firings upon Federals. Porter encouraged legal river trade.
Prior to departing for the North on the board USS Hartford, Rear Admiral David G. Farragut wrote Porter from New Orleans: "I congratulate you upon your arrival at this city and rejoice that we have been able to meet here to make the transfer of the charge of the Mississippi River from New Orleans to the headwaters, and at the same time to receive the announcement from you that the entire Mississippi to St. Louis is free from the annoyances of the rebels, and that I can carry with me the glad tidings that it is open to commerce. . . . I hope that it will not be closed or interrupted again, but that peace and tranquility will soon follow these glorious events."
The Confederate steamer Chesterfield-landing troops and ammunition at Cummings Point, Morris Island, and Charleston Harbor-was taken under fire by a Union gunboat. She was forced to seek safety at Fort Sumter before she completed the landing of her stores. Brigadier General Ripley noted that the Union was "...for the first time, attempting to interrupt our communication with Morris Island." Urging that some measures be taken to protect the Confederate transports, Ripley observed that if such actions continued, "...our transportation, which is already of the weakest kind, will soon be cut up, and when that is gone our first requisite for carrying out the defense of Charleston is taken from us." General Beauregard asked Flag Officer Tucker on 2 August to provide "...at least one of the ironclad rams. . .to drive away such vessels as disturbed and interrupted our means of transportation last night."
The USS Yankee, under Acting Ensign Turner, captured the sloop Clara Ann near the Coan River, Virginia, with a cargo including whiskey.
President Jefferson Davis issued an address to the people of the Confederate States, calling upon them to hasten to the camps of the Rebel armies, all persons who had absented themselves without leave, and granting an amnesty to all who should return to duty before the expiration of twenty days.
The English steamer Peterhoff was condemned at New York, by the United States Prize Court, for carrying contraband of war at the time of capture.
The funeral of Brigadier General George C. Strong, who fell in the attack on Fort Wagner, July 18th, took place at New York City.
The monitor Canonicus was successfully launched from the works of Harrison Loring, at East Boston, Massachusetts.
The Richmond Sentinel published the following this day: "A lecture at the Bethel meeting-house, Union Hill, tomorrow forenoon, is announced. The subject is, 'The Northern States of America the most likely location of the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, in which the Beast and the False Prophet will be tormented.' The lecturer will have the prejudices of his audience on his side."
As it was in the beginning of the Gettysburg campaign, way back in early June, so it was today--a cavalry action in the often fought over area of Brandy Station, Virginia, south of the Rappahannock River. In the earlier battle, the Union cavalry had staged a raid, which turned into a major battle. The Yankees didn't win, but they didn't lose either, and departed in good order at the end of the day, rather than being routed as had usually been the case. This morning was a much smaller affair, more a feeling-out of the retreating Army of Northern Virginia and trying to determine Confederate General Robert E. Lee's future plans. The loss of the Federals was one hundred and forty, sixteen of whom were killed. This fight officially marked the conclusion of the Gettysburg Campaign.
In South Carolina, the Federals began another build-up for the continuing attack on Battery Wagner and Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
The Federal War Department formally disbanded the Fourth and Seventh Army Corps.
Rear Admiral David D. Porter assumed naval command on the Mississippi River, where the major problems were now Confederate raids and firings upon Federals. Porter encouraged legal river trade.
Prior to departing for the North on the board USS Hartford, Rear Admiral David G. Farragut wrote Porter from New Orleans: "I congratulate you upon your arrival at this city and rejoice that we have been able to meet here to make the transfer of the charge of the Mississippi River from New Orleans to the headwaters, and at the same time to receive the announcement from you that the entire Mississippi to St. Louis is free from the annoyances of the rebels, and that I can carry with me the glad tidings that it is open to commerce. . . . I hope that it will not be closed or interrupted again, but that peace and tranquility will soon follow these glorious events."
The Confederate steamer Chesterfield-landing troops and ammunition at Cummings Point, Morris Island, and Charleston Harbor-was taken under fire by a Union gunboat. She was forced to seek safety at Fort Sumter before she completed the landing of her stores. Brigadier General Ripley noted that the Union was "...for the first time, attempting to interrupt our communication with Morris Island." Urging that some measures be taken to protect the Confederate transports, Ripley observed that if such actions continued, "...our transportation, which is already of the weakest kind, will soon be cut up, and when that is gone our first requisite for carrying out the defense of Charleston is taken from us." General Beauregard asked Flag Officer Tucker on 2 August to provide "...at least one of the ironclad rams. . .to drive away such vessels as disturbed and interrupted our means of transportation last night."
The USS Yankee, under Acting Ensign Turner, captured the sloop Clara Ann near the Coan River, Virginia, with a cargo including whiskey.
President Jefferson Davis issued an address to the people of the Confederate States, calling upon them to hasten to the camps of the Rebel armies, all persons who had absented themselves without leave, and granting an amnesty to all who should return to duty before the expiration of twenty days.
The English steamer Peterhoff was condemned at New York, by the United States Prize Court, for carrying contraband of war at the time of capture.
The funeral of Brigadier General George C. Strong, who fell in the attack on Fort Wagner, July 18th, took place at New York City.
The monitor Canonicus was successfully launched from the works of Harrison Loring, at East Boston, Massachusetts.
The Richmond Sentinel published the following this day: "A lecture at the Bethel meeting-house, Union Hill, tomorrow forenoon, is announced. The subject is, 'The Northern States of America the most likely location of the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, in which the Beast and the False Prophet will be tormented.' The lecturer will have the prejudices of his audience on his side."
Posted on 8/2/13 at 2:52 pm to dallasga6
August 2, 1863
It was not a joyful time in Richmond, Virginia. Gettysburg was lost, Vicksburg had fallen, the nation was cut in half with the Union control of the Mississippi. And today came an escalation of the threat in a new quarter: Charleston, South Carolina, the hotbed and originator of the secession crisis that created the Confederacy. In Charleston Harbor, near Cummings Point on Morris Island, Federal gunboats came to call. They assaulted the Confederate steamer Chesterfield. Although the attack was indecisive and not pursued, it was considered an omen of new attacks to come.
The day after assuming command of the entire Mississippi River, Rear Admiral David D. Porter wrote Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles: "The wharves of New Orleans have a most desolate appearance, and the city looks less thriving than it did when I was last here, a year since. It is to be hoped that facilities will be afforded for the transportation of produce from above. Almost everything is wanted, and provisions are very high. . . . I think we have arrived at a stage . . . when trade and commerce should be encouraged. With trade, prosperity will again commence to enter this once flourishing city, and a better state of feeling be brought about."
In a letter dated July 31, 1863, and received this afternoon, General Robert Edward Lee wrote Confederate President Jefferson Davis that the adverse turn of events at Gettysburg for the South cannot be blamed on anyone but himself. "No blame can be attached to the army for its failure to accomplish what was projected by me, nor should it be censured for the unreasonable expectations of the public. I am alone to blame, in perhaps expecting too much of its prowess & valour..." In the same letter, Lee added: "Our loss has been heavy, that of the enemy's proportionally so." And he concluded that his plan could have worked if all the elements of his war strategy had come together as expected: "I still think if all things could have worked together it would have been accomplished." Many letters were going back and forth between Davis and Lee at this point in the war, with the Southern Commander-in-Chief at the time promising to rapidly furnish more fighters for the badly depleted Army of Northern Virginia.
It was not a joyful time in Richmond, Virginia. Gettysburg was lost, Vicksburg had fallen, the nation was cut in half with the Union control of the Mississippi. And today came an escalation of the threat in a new quarter: Charleston, South Carolina, the hotbed and originator of the secession crisis that created the Confederacy. In Charleston Harbor, near Cummings Point on Morris Island, Federal gunboats came to call. They assaulted the Confederate steamer Chesterfield. Although the attack was indecisive and not pursued, it was considered an omen of new attacks to come.
The day after assuming command of the entire Mississippi River, Rear Admiral David D. Porter wrote Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles: "The wharves of New Orleans have a most desolate appearance, and the city looks less thriving than it did when I was last here, a year since. It is to be hoped that facilities will be afforded for the transportation of produce from above. Almost everything is wanted, and provisions are very high. . . . I think we have arrived at a stage . . . when trade and commerce should be encouraged. With trade, prosperity will again commence to enter this once flourishing city, and a better state of feeling be brought about."
In a letter dated July 31, 1863, and received this afternoon, General Robert Edward Lee wrote Confederate President Jefferson Davis that the adverse turn of events at Gettysburg for the South cannot be blamed on anyone but himself. "No blame can be attached to the army for its failure to accomplish what was projected by me, nor should it be censured for the unreasonable expectations of the public. I am alone to blame, in perhaps expecting too much of its prowess & valour..." In the same letter, Lee added: "Our loss has been heavy, that of the enemy's proportionally so." And he concluded that his plan could have worked if all the elements of his war strategy had come together as expected: "I still think if all things could have worked together it would have been accomplished." Many letters were going back and forth between Davis and Lee at this point in the war, with the Southern Commander-in-Chief at the time promising to rapidly furnish more fighters for the badly depleted Army of Northern Virginia.
Posted on 8/3/13 at 8:27 am to dallasga6
August 3, 1863
As the casualties from the Second Battle of Brandy Station had their wounds and injuries tended to, a general calm settled over the Rappahannock valley. General Robert E. Lee was hard at work getting resupplied for his Army of Northern Virginia, including the army itself. The problem of straggling was becoming a serious matter, as troops would take informal leave to tend to family emergencies, then not come back. Confederate President Jefferson Davis had recently issued one of his offers of amnesty to any who returned within 20 days.
The exigencies under which one hundred thousand militia-for six months service-from the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and what had now become West Virginia were called out by President Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation 102 of June fifteenth, 1863; having passed, it was this morning ordered by the President that those enlistments under that call be discontinued.
In response to the New York City draft riots last month, Horatio Seymour, Governor of New York, addressed a letter to President Lincoln, requesting him to suspend the draft for troops in New York to avoid more trouble, and elaborately setting forth his reasons therefore.
The lighthouse on Smith's Island, in the Chesapeake Bay, was destroyed by a party of Confederate partisans.
Skirmishing occurred in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
As the casualties from the Second Battle of Brandy Station had their wounds and injuries tended to, a general calm settled over the Rappahannock valley. General Robert E. Lee was hard at work getting resupplied for his Army of Northern Virginia, including the army itself. The problem of straggling was becoming a serious matter, as troops would take informal leave to tend to family emergencies, then not come back. Confederate President Jefferson Davis had recently issued one of his offers of amnesty to any who returned within 20 days.
The exigencies under which one hundred thousand militia-for six months service-from the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and what had now become West Virginia were called out by President Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation 102 of June fifteenth, 1863; having passed, it was this morning ordered by the President that those enlistments under that call be discontinued.
In response to the New York City draft riots last month, Horatio Seymour, Governor of New York, addressed a letter to President Lincoln, requesting him to suspend the draft for troops in New York to avoid more trouble, and elaborately setting forth his reasons therefore.
The lighthouse on Smith's Island, in the Chesapeake Bay, was destroyed by a party of Confederate partisans.
Skirmishing occurred in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Posted on 8/4/13 at 12:37 pm to dallasga6
August 4, 1863
Fort, or Battery, Wagner as it was called in the South, was a mere spit of land with an installation of cannons on it. This establishment was essential to the defense of Charleston Harbor and both sides knew it. The Union called it "Fort Wagner" because it was a little embarrassing to admit that a wall that didn't even go all the way around the guns could keep the attackers out for so long. Under either name, it underwent yet another naval bombardment today as they prepared a huge new gun called the Swamp Angel, which was expected to blow the recalcitrant Wagner to little bits.
Four boat crews under Lieutenants Alexander F. Warley and John Payne from the CSS Chicora and Palmetto State and a Confederate Army detachment captured a Union picket station and an unfinished battery at Vincent's Creek, Morris Island. The sharp engagement took place at night, after the Confederates discovered that the Union men, under Acting Master John Haynes, USN, had been observing Southern movements at Cummings Point and signaling General Gillmore's batteries so that effective artillery fire could be thrown on transports moving to the relief of Fort Wagner.
The draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Oswego, New York, was completed this day.
The launch of the Federal steamer Wabash, containing a crew of twenty-two men, under the command of Acting Master E. L. Haines, of the gunboat Powhatan, and carrying a twelve-pound howitzer, was captured by the Confederate blockade runner Juno, near Cummings Point, in Charleston Harbor.
A small force of Confederate cavalry attacked General John Buford's pickets, near the Rappahannock Station, but were repulsed and forced to retreat beyond Brandy Station, with slight loss. The Federal loss was one killed and two wounded.
The steamer Ruth, with two million five hundred thousand dollars in funds, belonging to the United States, was burned on the Mississippi River by Confederate partisan guerrillas.
Fort, or Battery, Wagner as it was called in the South, was a mere spit of land with an installation of cannons on it. This establishment was essential to the defense of Charleston Harbor and both sides knew it. The Union called it "Fort Wagner" because it was a little embarrassing to admit that a wall that didn't even go all the way around the guns could keep the attackers out for so long. Under either name, it underwent yet another naval bombardment today as they prepared a huge new gun called the Swamp Angel, which was expected to blow the recalcitrant Wagner to little bits.
Four boat crews under Lieutenants Alexander F. Warley and John Payne from the CSS Chicora and Palmetto State and a Confederate Army detachment captured a Union picket station and an unfinished battery at Vincent's Creek, Morris Island. The sharp engagement took place at night, after the Confederates discovered that the Union men, under Acting Master John Haynes, USN, had been observing Southern movements at Cummings Point and signaling General Gillmore's batteries so that effective artillery fire could be thrown on transports moving to the relief of Fort Wagner.
The draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Oswego, New York, was completed this day.
The launch of the Federal steamer Wabash, containing a crew of twenty-two men, under the command of Acting Master E. L. Haines, of the gunboat Powhatan, and carrying a twelve-pound howitzer, was captured by the Confederate blockade runner Juno, near Cummings Point, in Charleston Harbor.
A small force of Confederate cavalry attacked General John Buford's pickets, near the Rappahannock Station, but were repulsed and forced to retreat beyond Brandy Station, with slight loss. The Federal loss was one killed and two wounded.
The steamer Ruth, with two million five hundred thousand dollars in funds, belonging to the United States, was burned on the Mississippi River by Confederate partisan guerrillas.
Posted on 8/5/13 at 3:10 pm to dallasga6
August 5, 1863
Major General Robert Sanford "Sandy" Foster, with the ironclad Sangamon and the gunboats Commodore Barney, General Jessup, and Cohasset made an expedition up the James River. At a point seven miles from Fort Darling, near Dutch Gap, a torpedo was exploded under the bows of the Commodore Barney, by an electric lock-string connected with the shore. The explosion was terrific. It lifted the gunboat's bow full ten feet out of the water, and threw a great quantity of water high into the air, which, falling on the deck, washed overboard fifteen of the crew. Among them was Lieutenant Cushing, the Commander of the Commodore Barney. Two sailors were drowned. All the rest were saved. Foster was on board the boat when the explosion took place. The Confederates then opened upon them from the shore with a twelve-pound field piece. The Barney was penetrated by fifteen shots, beside a great number of musket-balls; but not a man was injured except the paymaster, who was slightly wounded by splinters. The gunboat Cohasset received five twelve-pound shots, one of which passed through her pilot-house and instantly killed her Commander, Acting Master Sylvanus W. Cox, striking him in the back.
Another report on the Barney: The USS Commodore Barney, piloted by Acting Lieutenant Samuel Hose, was severely damaged when a 1,000-pound electric torpedo was exploded near her above Dutch Gap, Virginia. The explosion, reported Captain Guert Gansevoort, senior officer present, produced "a lively concussion" and washed the decks "with the agitated water." "Some 20 men," he added, "were either swept or jumped overboard, two of whom are missing and may have been drowned." Had the anxious Confederate torpedo-man waited another few moments to close the electrical circuit, the Commodore Barney surely would have been destroyed. The incident took place during a joint Army-Navy reconnaissance of the James River which had begun the previous day. "This explosion..," wrote Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, CSN, in charge of the Submarine Battery Service, "effectively arrested their progress up the river..." On 6 August the USS Sangamon, Cohasset, and Commodore Barney were taken under fire by Confederate shore artillery and the Commodore Barney was again disabled, this time by a shot through the boilers. Returning downstream, the expedition was subjected to a heavy shore fire, the Commodore Barney receiving more than 30 hits.
The CSS Juno, under the leadership of Lieutenant Philip Porcher, captured a launch, commanded by Acting Master Edward Haines, from the USS Wabash in Charleston Harbor. The launch was a part of the night patrol on guard duty; Haines, hearing the report that a Confederate steamer was coming out into the harbor, went to investigate. "Soon after getting underway," he reported, 'I made out a steamer standing down the channel close to Morris Island." He opened on her with the launch's howitzer. The Juno, reconnoitering the harbor with a 65-pound torpedo attached to her bow in the event that she should meet a Union ship, was otherwise unarmed, for she had been trimmed down to become a blockade runner, and her only means of defense was to run the launch down. Engineer James H. Tomb, CSN, reported: "We immediately headed for her, striking her about amidships; but not having much headway on the Juno, the launch swung around to port, just forward of the wheel. . ." Haines' men then tried to carry Juno by boarding despite heavy musket fire but were overwhelmed by superior numbers.
Rear Admiral David D. Porter praised the work of the Coast Survey men assigned to him in a letter to A. D. Bache, Superintendent of the Coast Survey. The charts prepared by the Survey were of great value to the Navy in its efforts on the western waters, for they "...have added a good deal to the geographical knowledge already procured." Because of the charts, Porter added, "...gunboats have steamed through where the keel of a canoe never passed, and have succeeded in reaching points in the enemy's country where the imagination of man never dreamed that he would be molested by an enemy in such a shape. You will see by the charts that what was once considered a mere ditch, capable of passing a canoe, is really a navigable stream for steamers. . . I have found them [officers of the Coast Survey] always prompt and ready to execute my orders, never for a moment taking into consideration the dangers and difficulties surrounding them."
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A detachment of Marines arrived at Charleston Harbor to augment Union forces. Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren quickly cut the number of Marines on board the ships of his squadron to a minimum and sent the resulting total of some 500 Marines, under Major Jacob Zeilin, ashore on Morris Island. Dahlgren ordered that the Marines be ready "to move on instant notice;" rapidity of movement is one of the greatest elements of military power.
The fabled CSS Alabama, under the command of her famed captain, Raphael Semmes, captured the bark Sea Bride off Table Bay, Cape of Good Hope, with a cargo of provisions. The capture took place within view of encouraging crowds ashore. A local newspaperman wrote: "They did cheer, and cheer with a will, too. It was not, perhaps, taking the view of either side, Federal or Confederate, but in admiration of the skill, pluck and daring of the Alabama, her Captain, and her crew, who afford a general theme of admiration for the world all over." Semmes subsequently sold the bark to an English merchant.
Major General Robert Sanford "Sandy" Foster, with the ironclad Sangamon and the gunboats Commodore Barney, General Jessup, and Cohasset made an expedition up the James River. At a point seven miles from Fort Darling, near Dutch Gap, a torpedo was exploded under the bows of the Commodore Barney, by an electric lock-string connected with the shore. The explosion was terrific. It lifted the gunboat's bow full ten feet out of the water, and threw a great quantity of water high into the air, which, falling on the deck, washed overboard fifteen of the crew. Among them was Lieutenant Cushing, the Commander of the Commodore Barney. Two sailors were drowned. All the rest were saved. Foster was on board the boat when the explosion took place. The Confederates then opened upon them from the shore with a twelve-pound field piece. The Barney was penetrated by fifteen shots, beside a great number of musket-balls; but not a man was injured except the paymaster, who was slightly wounded by splinters. The gunboat Cohasset received five twelve-pound shots, one of which passed through her pilot-house and instantly killed her Commander, Acting Master Sylvanus W. Cox, striking him in the back.
Another report on the Barney: The USS Commodore Barney, piloted by Acting Lieutenant Samuel Hose, was severely damaged when a 1,000-pound electric torpedo was exploded near her above Dutch Gap, Virginia. The explosion, reported Captain Guert Gansevoort, senior officer present, produced "a lively concussion" and washed the decks "with the agitated water." "Some 20 men," he added, "were either swept or jumped overboard, two of whom are missing and may have been drowned." Had the anxious Confederate torpedo-man waited another few moments to close the electrical circuit, the Commodore Barney surely would have been destroyed. The incident took place during a joint Army-Navy reconnaissance of the James River which had begun the previous day. "This explosion..," wrote Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, CSN, in charge of the Submarine Battery Service, "effectively arrested their progress up the river..." On 6 August the USS Sangamon, Cohasset, and Commodore Barney were taken under fire by Confederate shore artillery and the Commodore Barney was again disabled, this time by a shot through the boilers. Returning downstream, the expedition was subjected to a heavy shore fire, the Commodore Barney receiving more than 30 hits.
The CSS Juno, under the leadership of Lieutenant Philip Porcher, captured a launch, commanded by Acting Master Edward Haines, from the USS Wabash in Charleston Harbor. The launch was a part of the night patrol on guard duty; Haines, hearing the report that a Confederate steamer was coming out into the harbor, went to investigate. "Soon after getting underway," he reported, 'I made out a steamer standing down the channel close to Morris Island." He opened on her with the launch's howitzer. The Juno, reconnoitering the harbor with a 65-pound torpedo attached to her bow in the event that she should meet a Union ship, was otherwise unarmed, for she had been trimmed down to become a blockade runner, and her only means of defense was to run the launch down. Engineer James H. Tomb, CSN, reported: "We immediately headed for her, striking her about amidships; but not having much headway on the Juno, the launch swung around to port, just forward of the wheel. . ." Haines' men then tried to carry Juno by boarding despite heavy musket fire but were overwhelmed by superior numbers.
Rear Admiral David D. Porter praised the work of the Coast Survey men assigned to him in a letter to A. D. Bache, Superintendent of the Coast Survey. The charts prepared by the Survey were of great value to the Navy in its efforts on the western waters, for they "...have added a good deal to the geographical knowledge already procured." Because of the charts, Porter added, "...gunboats have steamed through where the keel of a canoe never passed, and have succeeded in reaching points in the enemy's country where the imagination of man never dreamed that he would be molested by an enemy in such a shape. You will see by the charts that what was once considered a mere ditch, capable of passing a canoe, is really a navigable stream for steamers. . . I have found them [officers of the Coast Survey] always prompt and ready to execute my orders, never for a moment taking into consideration the dangers and difficulties surrounding them."
+-
A detachment of Marines arrived at Charleston Harbor to augment Union forces. Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren quickly cut the number of Marines on board the ships of his squadron to a minimum and sent the resulting total of some 500 Marines, under Major Jacob Zeilin, ashore on Morris Island. Dahlgren ordered that the Marines be ready "to move on instant notice;" rapidity of movement is one of the greatest elements of military power.
The fabled CSS Alabama, under the command of her famed captain, Raphael Semmes, captured the bark Sea Bride off Table Bay, Cape of Good Hope, with a cargo of provisions. The capture took place within view of encouraging crowds ashore. A local newspaperman wrote: "They did cheer, and cheer with a will, too. It was not, perhaps, taking the view of either side, Federal or Confederate, but in admiration of the skill, pluck and daring of the Alabama, her Captain, and her crew, who afford a general theme of admiration for the world all over." Semmes subsequently sold the bark to an English merchant.
Posted on 8/5/13 at 4:20 pm to dallasga6
Thanks for keeping this thread up. I love checking in and reading the daily entry.
Posted on 8/6/13 at 1:58 pm to Lima Whiskey
August 6, 1863
John Singleton Mosby was very nearly the definition of a colorful Southern cavalier. A brief stint at the University of Virginia turned into a prison term after he shot a fellow student. Logically becoming interested in law, he took it as a profession (after his release, of course). Then joining a cavalry unit near his home in Bristol, Virginia, he became a complete and utter terror to the North. This morning, at a point between Washington, D. C., and Fairfax Court House, Virginia, he and his small band of partisan guerrillas grabbed an entire Union wagon train consisting of eight sutlers' wagons returning from the front and escaped with the wagons and their contents, leaving the Yankees red-faced in fury behind him.
The USS Fort Henry, under Lieutenant Commander McCauley, captured the sloop Southern Star at St. Martin's Reef, Florida, with a cargo of turpentine.
The CSS Florida, Commander John Newland Maffit in charge, captured and released on bond the Francis B. Cutting in the mid-North Atlantic at latitude 41 degrees, 10 minutes and longitude 44 degrees, 20 minutes.
The USS Antona, Acting Master Lyman Wells piloting, seized the blockade running British schooner Betsy some 16 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas, flying British colors and purportedly en route from Matamoras to New Orleans with a general mercantile cargo.
The USS Paw Paw, led by Acting Master Augustus F. Thompson, struck a hidden snag in Walnut Bend on the Mississippi River and sank within 15 minutes near Hardin's Point, Arkansas.
Thanksgiving was celebrated throughout Union States; business was generally suspended and religious exercises were held in the various churches.
NOTE:...In 1863, President Lincoln declared not one, but two separate Thanksgiving celebrations. The first was on Thursday, August 6, 1863 following the Union’s victory at Gettysburg. The second was Lincoln’s official declaration of Thanksgiving as a nationwide holiday, to be observed on the last Thursday of every November.
At Richmond, Virginia, "...enough of companies composed of youths below the conscript age will speedily be formed to take the place of veteran troops now doing guard duty in Richmond. Captain Figner is enrolling a company of youth between the ages of fifteen and eighteen for Major Munford's battalion, and they are specially designed to take the place of a North Carolina company stationed here. The enrolling quarters of the company are at the corner of Third and Broad streets. Only a few more youths are wanted to complete the organization."
A disturbance between a party of Secessionists and the Federal soldiers stationed at the place, occurred at Visalia, a town in Tulare County, California, during which one soldier was killed and several secessionists were reportedly wounded.
John Singleton Mosby was very nearly the definition of a colorful Southern cavalier. A brief stint at the University of Virginia turned into a prison term after he shot a fellow student. Logically becoming interested in law, he took it as a profession (after his release, of course). Then joining a cavalry unit near his home in Bristol, Virginia, he became a complete and utter terror to the North. This morning, at a point between Washington, D. C., and Fairfax Court House, Virginia, he and his small band of partisan guerrillas grabbed an entire Union wagon train consisting of eight sutlers' wagons returning from the front and escaped with the wagons and their contents, leaving the Yankees red-faced in fury behind him.
The USS Fort Henry, under Lieutenant Commander McCauley, captured the sloop Southern Star at St. Martin's Reef, Florida, with a cargo of turpentine.
The CSS Florida, Commander John Newland Maffit in charge, captured and released on bond the Francis B. Cutting in the mid-North Atlantic at latitude 41 degrees, 10 minutes and longitude 44 degrees, 20 minutes.
The USS Antona, Acting Master Lyman Wells piloting, seized the blockade running British schooner Betsy some 16 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas, flying British colors and purportedly en route from Matamoras to New Orleans with a general mercantile cargo.
The USS Paw Paw, led by Acting Master Augustus F. Thompson, struck a hidden snag in Walnut Bend on the Mississippi River and sank within 15 minutes near Hardin's Point, Arkansas.
Thanksgiving was celebrated throughout Union States; business was generally suspended and religious exercises were held in the various churches.
NOTE:...In 1863, President Lincoln declared not one, but two separate Thanksgiving celebrations. The first was on Thursday, August 6, 1863 following the Union’s victory at Gettysburg. The second was Lincoln’s official declaration of Thanksgiving as a nationwide holiday, to be observed on the last Thursday of every November.
At Richmond, Virginia, "...enough of companies composed of youths below the conscript age will speedily be formed to take the place of veteran troops now doing guard duty in Richmond. Captain Figner is enrolling a company of youth between the ages of fifteen and eighteen for Major Munford's battalion, and they are specially designed to take the place of a North Carolina company stationed here. The enrolling quarters of the company are at the corner of Third and Broad streets. Only a few more youths are wanted to complete the organization."
A disturbance between a party of Secessionists and the Federal soldiers stationed at the place, occurred at Visalia, a town in Tulare County, California, during which one soldier was killed and several secessionists were reportedly wounded.
Posted on 8/7/13 at 2:05 pm to dallasga6
August 7, 1863
General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard is not usually regarded as a pioneer of naval strategy, but he put in an odd request today. He was stationed at Charleston, South Carolina, which was under continual, heavy attack by combined Union forces, and he sent word back to his old command in Mobile, Alabama, asking that the CSS H.L. Hunley be sent to his location. Beauregard was referring to the submarine constructed at Mobile on plans furnished by Horace L. Hunley, James R. McClintock, and Baxter Watson writing that "...transportation of Whitney's submarine boat from Mobile here..." be expedited. "It is," he added, "much needed." The Hunley, a true submersible and one of the world's first attack submarines, was fashioned from a cylindrical iron steam boiler, which comprised her main center section, and a tapered bow and stern sections. Designed for a crew of nine--one to steer her and eight to turn her hand-cranked propeller--the Hunley, according to McClintock, was 40 feet in length, 3 1/2 feet in breadth at her widest point, and 4 feet in depth. Her speed was about 4 knots. The vessel had already sunk once, killing the hapless crew on board, but Beauregard was desperate for anything that might help break the Union blockade. In the next 6 months, this little craft would become famous and her gallant crews would launch a new era in war at sea.
Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory sent Lieutenant John Newland Maffitt his appointment as a commander in the Confederate States Navy, effective 29 April 1863. He congratulated the intrepid "...captain of the CSS Florida and the officers and men under your command upon the brilliant success of your cruise, and I take occasion to express the entire confidence of the Department that all that the skill, courage, and coolness of a seaman can accomplish with the means at your command will he achieved." The value of Maffitt's exploits in Florida, as well as those of Confederate captains in other commerce raiders, was far greater than even the large number of merchant ships that were captured and destroyed, for their operations required the Union to use many ships and men and expend huge sums of money in attempts to run them down that could otherwise have been diverted to the war effort in coastal waters and the rivers.
The USS Mound City, under Lieutenant Commander Wilson, fired on and dispersed Confederate cavalry making a raid on an encampment at Lake Providence, Louisiana.
The Twenty-first and Twenty-fifth regiments of Maine volunteers, passed through Boston, Massachusetts, on their return from the seat of war.
President Abraham Lincoln declined to suspend the draft in the State of New York, in accordance with the request given by Governor Horatio Seymour in his letter of August 3.
General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard is not usually regarded as a pioneer of naval strategy, but he put in an odd request today. He was stationed at Charleston, South Carolina, which was under continual, heavy attack by combined Union forces, and he sent word back to his old command in Mobile, Alabama, asking that the CSS H.L. Hunley be sent to his location. Beauregard was referring to the submarine constructed at Mobile on plans furnished by Horace L. Hunley, James R. McClintock, and Baxter Watson writing that "...transportation of Whitney's submarine boat from Mobile here..." be expedited. "It is," he added, "much needed." The Hunley, a true submersible and one of the world's first attack submarines, was fashioned from a cylindrical iron steam boiler, which comprised her main center section, and a tapered bow and stern sections. Designed for a crew of nine--one to steer her and eight to turn her hand-cranked propeller--the Hunley, according to McClintock, was 40 feet in length, 3 1/2 feet in breadth at her widest point, and 4 feet in depth. Her speed was about 4 knots. The vessel had already sunk once, killing the hapless crew on board, but Beauregard was desperate for anything that might help break the Union blockade. In the next 6 months, this little craft would become famous and her gallant crews would launch a new era in war at sea.
Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory sent Lieutenant John Newland Maffitt his appointment as a commander in the Confederate States Navy, effective 29 April 1863. He congratulated the intrepid "...captain of the CSS Florida and the officers and men under your command upon the brilliant success of your cruise, and I take occasion to express the entire confidence of the Department that all that the skill, courage, and coolness of a seaman can accomplish with the means at your command will he achieved." The value of Maffitt's exploits in Florida, as well as those of Confederate captains in other commerce raiders, was far greater than even the large number of merchant ships that were captured and destroyed, for their operations required the Union to use many ships and men and expend huge sums of money in attempts to run them down that could otherwise have been diverted to the war effort in coastal waters and the rivers.
The USS Mound City, under Lieutenant Commander Wilson, fired on and dispersed Confederate cavalry making a raid on an encampment at Lake Providence, Louisiana.
The Twenty-first and Twenty-fifth regiments of Maine volunteers, passed through Boston, Massachusetts, on their return from the seat of war.
President Abraham Lincoln declined to suspend the draft in the State of New York, in accordance with the request given by Governor Horatio Seymour in his letter of August 3.
Posted on 8/8/13 at 2:43 pm to dallasga6
August 8, 1863
"I, therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measures to supply my place..." the telegram read. It was from General Robert E. Lee and it was a letter of resignation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The season that started with the amazing triumph of Chancellorsville had ended in the futility of Gettysburg, contributing to a deep depression in Lee. His physical health had not been good either, with a possible heart attack and repeated assaults of digestive disorders. Davis declined the resignation.
The gunboat USS Sagamore, under Lieutenant Commander English, seized the British sloop Clara Louisa off of Indian River, Florida. Later the same day he captured the British schooners Southern Rights and Shot and the Confederate schooner Ann off Gilbert's Bar.
To secure and preserve discipline, provide against disaster from the elements or attack by the enemy, an older was issued from the Federal War Department, compelling the organization of troops on board government transports, and regulating their transportation.
Governor Horatio Seymour, of New York, replied to the letter of President Abraham Lincoln, relative to his declining to suspend the the draft in the State.
This morning, the Confederate side-wheel steamer Robert Habersham, which had been occupied in watching the Union advance movement up the Savannah River, was entirely destroyed by an explosion of her boiler, while lying off Screven's Ferry Landing. The entire crew were either killed or mortally injured.
A special order was issued by Brigadier General Hugh W. Mercer, in command at Savannah, Georgia, impressing into the Confederate service, one fifth of the able bodied male slaves in eastern, southern, and southwestern Georgia for the purpose of erecting additional fortifications for the defense of Savannah. "Transportation will be furnished them and wages paid at the rate of twenty-five dollars per month. The Government will be responsible for the value of such Negroes as may be killed by the enemy or may in any manner fall into his hands."
"I, therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measures to supply my place..." the telegram read. It was from General Robert E. Lee and it was a letter of resignation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The season that started with the amazing triumph of Chancellorsville had ended in the futility of Gettysburg, contributing to a deep depression in Lee. His physical health had not been good either, with a possible heart attack and repeated assaults of digestive disorders. Davis declined the resignation.
The gunboat USS Sagamore, under Lieutenant Commander English, seized the British sloop Clara Louisa off of Indian River, Florida. Later the same day he captured the British schooners Southern Rights and Shot and the Confederate schooner Ann off Gilbert's Bar.
To secure and preserve discipline, provide against disaster from the elements or attack by the enemy, an older was issued from the Federal War Department, compelling the organization of troops on board government transports, and regulating their transportation.
Governor Horatio Seymour, of New York, replied to the letter of President Abraham Lincoln, relative to his declining to suspend the the draft in the State.
This morning, the Confederate side-wheel steamer Robert Habersham, which had been occupied in watching the Union advance movement up the Savannah River, was entirely destroyed by an explosion of her boiler, while lying off Screven's Ferry Landing. The entire crew were either killed or mortally injured.
A special order was issued by Brigadier General Hugh W. Mercer, in command at Savannah, Georgia, impressing into the Confederate service, one fifth of the able bodied male slaves in eastern, southern, and southwestern Georgia for the purpose of erecting additional fortifications for the defense of Savannah. "Transportation will be furnished them and wages paid at the rate of twenty-five dollars per month. The Government will be responsible for the value of such Negroes as may be killed by the enemy or may in any manner fall into his hands."
Posted on 8/9/13 at 2:44 pm to dallasga6
August 9, 1863
The debate had gone on since long before the commencement of hostilities about what the proper role for Negroes should be in American society. Almost no one, North or South, advocated full equality with whites. Even this far into the War Between the States, there was dispute as to whether blacks could, would or should be allowed to enlist as regular soldiers in the U.S. Army. Despite earlier disparagement of Negro troops, President Abraham Lincoln wrote today to General Hiram U. Grant suggesting that colored soldiers "...if applied vigorously, will soon close the contest..." and win the conflict.
A reconnaissance under Major Warden, of General T.E. Ransom's staff, departed Natchez, Mississippi, toward Woodville, about seventy miles away, destroyed five locomotives, forty-three platform and twelve passenger cars, then burned a Southern cotton factory at Woodville, and also cotton and manufacturing goods to the value of two hundred thousand dollars. There was no militia left to oppose them.
John L. Chatfield, Colonel of the Sixth Regiment of Connecticut volunteers, died at Waterbury from wounds received in the assault on Charleston's Fort Wagner, on July eighteenth.
The USS Catskill, a single-turreted, Passaic class monitor, Commander George Washington Rodgers in charge, spotted the stranded blockade runner Prince Albert near Fort Moultrie at Charleston and destroyed her.
In Tennessee, a cavalry force from the Army of the Cumberland, engaged Confederate troops at Sparta. After heavy fighting, Union forces sustain 6 killed and 25 wounded while Southern casualty losses are unavailable.
Colonel Eppa Hunton II--whose regiment was part of Nathan G. Evans' brigade at Leesburg, Virginia, where he led his command against a Union force at Ball's Bluff, driving it into the Potomac River--is promoted to Brigadier General.
The debate had gone on since long before the commencement of hostilities about what the proper role for Negroes should be in American society. Almost no one, North or South, advocated full equality with whites. Even this far into the War Between the States, there was dispute as to whether blacks could, would or should be allowed to enlist as regular soldiers in the U.S. Army. Despite earlier disparagement of Negro troops, President Abraham Lincoln wrote today to General Hiram U. Grant suggesting that colored soldiers "...if applied vigorously, will soon close the contest..." and win the conflict.
A reconnaissance under Major Warden, of General T.E. Ransom's staff, departed Natchez, Mississippi, toward Woodville, about seventy miles away, destroyed five locomotives, forty-three platform and twelve passenger cars, then burned a Southern cotton factory at Woodville, and also cotton and manufacturing goods to the value of two hundred thousand dollars. There was no militia left to oppose them.
John L. Chatfield, Colonel of the Sixth Regiment of Connecticut volunteers, died at Waterbury from wounds received in the assault on Charleston's Fort Wagner, on July eighteenth.
The USS Catskill, a single-turreted, Passaic class monitor, Commander George Washington Rodgers in charge, spotted the stranded blockade runner Prince Albert near Fort Moultrie at Charleston and destroyed her.
In Tennessee, a cavalry force from the Army of the Cumberland, engaged Confederate troops at Sparta. After heavy fighting, Union forces sustain 6 killed and 25 wounded while Southern casualty losses are unavailable.
Colonel Eppa Hunton II--whose regiment was part of Nathan G. Evans' brigade at Leesburg, Virginia, where he led his command against a Union force at Ball's Bluff, driving it into the Potomac River--is promoted to Brigadier General.
Posted on 8/10/13 at 3:26 pm to dallasga6
August 10, 1863
The campaign to surround and the ultimate siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, had been a long and grueling undertaking. General Hiram U. Grant's brilliant generalship and dogged persistence were vital ingredients, but these were of little value without an army to carry them out or a navy to lend assistance whenever needed, which was often. Ever since the end of the siege, however, it seemed like the strength of this massive force was being nibbled to death by ducks. Washington, DC ducks in this case. Today, the formidable 15th Corps, commanded by General William T. Sherman, was peeled off and sent to Louisiana for garrison duty.
Grant, in his headquarters at Vicksburg, issued an order establishing concentration camps "...for such freed people of color as are out of employment at all military posts within his department, where slavery had been abolished by the proclamation of the President of the United States..." and setting forth rules for their government.
Rear Admiral David G. Farragut arrived at New York this morning. In a message of welcome, Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles said: "I congratulate you on your safe return from labors, duties, and responsibilities unsurpassed and unequaled in magnitude, importance, and value to the country by those of any naval officers. I will not enumerate the many signal achievements you have accomplished from that most splendid one which threw open the gates of the Mississippi and restored the Crescent City again to the Union to the recent capture of Port Hudson, the last formidable obstruction to the free navigation of the river of the great central valley." Three days later, a group of leading New York citizens sent a letter of tribute to the Admiral: "The whole country, but especially this commercial metropolis, owes you a large debt of gratitude for the skill and dauntless bravery with which, during a long life of public duty, you have illustrated and maintained the maritime rights of the nation, and also for the signal ability, judgment, and courtesy with which, in concert with other branches of the loyal national forces, you have sustained the authority of the government, and recovered and defended national territory."
The USS Princess Royal, under Commander Melancthon B. Woolsey, seized the brig Atlantic off the mouth of the Rio Grande River with a large cargo of cotton. Sent to New Orleans for adjudication, she was recaptured by her master and crew and taken to Havana, Cuba.
The USS Cayuga, Lieutenant Commander W. H. Dana in charge, captured the blockade running schooner J. T. Davis off the mouth of the Rio Grande River with a full cargo of cotton.
At Chicago, Illinois, the City Council unanimously passed an ordinance providing for an appropriation for raising bounties for volunteers, to act as substitutes for the drafted men who were unable to leave their homes or raise three hundred dollars for exemption.
The campaign to surround and the ultimate siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, had been a long and grueling undertaking. General Hiram U. Grant's brilliant generalship and dogged persistence were vital ingredients, but these were of little value without an army to carry them out or a navy to lend assistance whenever needed, which was often. Ever since the end of the siege, however, it seemed like the strength of this massive force was being nibbled to death by ducks. Washington, DC ducks in this case. Today, the formidable 15th Corps, commanded by General William T. Sherman, was peeled off and sent to Louisiana for garrison duty.
Grant, in his headquarters at Vicksburg, issued an order establishing concentration camps "...for such freed people of color as are out of employment at all military posts within his department, where slavery had been abolished by the proclamation of the President of the United States..." and setting forth rules for their government.
Rear Admiral David G. Farragut arrived at New York this morning. In a message of welcome, Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles said: "I congratulate you on your safe return from labors, duties, and responsibilities unsurpassed and unequaled in magnitude, importance, and value to the country by those of any naval officers. I will not enumerate the many signal achievements you have accomplished from that most splendid one which threw open the gates of the Mississippi and restored the Crescent City again to the Union to the recent capture of Port Hudson, the last formidable obstruction to the free navigation of the river of the great central valley." Three days later, a group of leading New York citizens sent a letter of tribute to the Admiral: "The whole country, but especially this commercial metropolis, owes you a large debt of gratitude for the skill and dauntless bravery with which, during a long life of public duty, you have illustrated and maintained the maritime rights of the nation, and also for the signal ability, judgment, and courtesy with which, in concert with other branches of the loyal national forces, you have sustained the authority of the government, and recovered and defended national territory."
The USS Princess Royal, under Commander Melancthon B. Woolsey, seized the brig Atlantic off the mouth of the Rio Grande River with a large cargo of cotton. Sent to New Orleans for adjudication, she was recaptured by her master and crew and taken to Havana, Cuba.
The USS Cayuga, Lieutenant Commander W. H. Dana in charge, captured the blockade running schooner J. T. Davis off the mouth of the Rio Grande River with a full cargo of cotton.
At Chicago, Illinois, the City Council unanimously passed an ordinance providing for an appropriation for raising bounties for volunteers, to act as substitutes for the drafted men who were unable to leave their homes or raise three hundred dollars for exemption.
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