Walter Coffey's Blog, page 172

The Civil War This Week: Jan 19-25, 1865

Thursday, January 19

At Savannah, Georgia, Federal Major General William T. Sherman issued marching orders for his army to begin the northward advance into South Carolina. The goal was to reach Goldsboro, North Carolina by March 15.

Sherman planned a feint against Charleston while attacking the state capital of Columbia. The Federals were especially anxious to invade South Carolina since it had been the first state to secede. Meanwhile, Confederate President Jefferson Davis frantically continued coordinating with Generals William Hardee, P.G.T. Beauregard, Richard Taylor, and Braxton Bragg to hurry Confederate troops into the state.

Federal General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant appointed President Abraham Lincoln���s son Robert as a captain and assistant adjutant-general on Grant���s staff. Lincoln had asked Grant to give his son a staff position, if available, as a personal favor. Robert���s main duties were escorting visitors to and from Grant���s City Point headquarters.

On his 58th birthday, Confederate General Robert E. Lee responded to President Davis���s query whether Lee would accept the position of general-in-chief of all Confederate armies: ���I must state that with the addition of the immediate command of this army (the Army of Northern Virginia) I do not think I could accomplish any good. If I had the ability I would not have the time��� I am willing to undertake any service to which you think proper to assign me, but I do not wish you to be misled as to the extent of my capacity.��� However, southern pressure continued mounting on Davis to appoint Lee.

After meeting with Davis, Lee dispatched Confederate cavalry under Brigadier General Matthew Calbraith Butler to South Carolina, ���with the understanding that it is to return to me in the spring in time for the opening of the campaign.���

Federal expeditions began from Myrtle Sound, North Carolina; Donaldsville, Louisiana; and Memphis, Tennessee. Skirmishing occurred in Mississippi.

Friday, January 20

William T. Sherman’s advance units probed into South Carolina, encountering light resistance as they reached Beaufort, 40 miles beyond Port Royal Sound. The Federals occupied Pocotaligo, on the railroad about midway between Savannah and Charleston. The Federal left wing was held up by heavy rain in Savannah.

Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton reported to President Lincoln on his recent��visit to Savannah and Fort Fisher.

Skirmishing occurred in Kansas.

Saturday, January 21

William T. Sherman paused at Hilton Head while moving his headquarters from Savannah to Beaufort, South Carolina. Federal troops left Savannah, leaving an occupation force behind. Sherman ignored War Department orders to force Confederate sympathizers out of the city because he did not want to enhance his reputation as a vandal. However, the Federal occupiers deported many families with Confederate ties after Sherman left.

A Federal expedition began from Brashear City, Louisiana.

Sunday, January 22

Prominent statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. returned to Richmond to deliver President Lincoln���s letter of January 18 to President Davis. In the letter, Lincoln expressed interest in meeting with Confederate agents to discuss a possible peace. But the letters between Davis (���the two countries���) and Lincoln (���our one common country���) reflected the deadlock��between the leaders in peace negotiations.

Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas.

Monday, January 23

The Confederate Congress passed a bill��providing for appointment of a general-in-chief of all Confederate armies. Many expected President Davis to veto the bill because it not only removed the ���commander in chief��� title from him, but it also promoted Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston. Davis pondered whether to approve the bill.

Confederate General Richard Taylor assumed command of the Army of Tennessee, which had dwindled to about 17,000 men after the recent military disasters in Tennessee. A main portion of the army had been sent to the Carolinas to stop William T. Sherman.

A Federal expedition began from Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia and Louisiana.

Tuesday, January 24

Ulysses S. Grant finally accepted a Confederate request to start a prisoner exchange system. Grant had declined earlier requests to deprive the South of manpower. He changed his position now that returning prisoners of war seemed unlikely to stop the Confederacy’s imminent defeat.

General Nathan Bedford Forrest assumed command of the Confederate District of Mississippi, East Louisiana, and West Tennessee. Forrest had just three cavalry divisions to defend this region.

President Lincoln informed Vice President-elect Andrew Johnson at Nashville that he should be in Washington for the inauguration ceremony on March 4.

President Davis conferred with Vice President Alexander Stephens for the first time since the Confederate government moved to Richmond in 1861. Davis showed him Lincoln���s letter from January 18 and asked his opinion. Stephens, an old friend of Lincoln���s, advised Davis to form��a peace commission, ���at least so far as to obtain if possible a conference on the subject.���

A Federal expedition began from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas and Louisiana.

Wednesday, January 25

President Davis summoned John A. Campbell, Robert Hunter, and Vice President Stephens to inform them that they had been chosen to be peace commissioners, despite Stephens’s protest against being included. Campbell was a former U.S. Supreme Court justice and Confederate assistant secretary of war (the highest ranking member of the U.S. government to join the secession), Hunter was the Confederate Senate pro tem and former Confederate secretary of state and U.S. senator, and Stephens was a former U.S. congressman.

Davis issued the commissioners instructions: ���In conformity with the letter of Mr. Lincoln…��you are requested to proceed to Washington City for an informal conference with him upon the issues involved in the existing war, and for the purpose of securing peace to the two countries.���

Confederate cruiser Shenandoah reached Melbourne, Australia and later left for the northern Pacific to harass Federal whaling and fishing fleets.

William T. Sherman’s Federals scouted near Pocotaligo, South Carolina ���to amuse the enemy.��� A Federal expedition began from Irish Bottom, Tennessee. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia and Kentucky.

—–

Primary Sources:

Foote, Shelby, The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox (Vintage Civil War Library, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 2011)
Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 622-26

Honoring Lt Cmdr Edward Lea

This past Saturday, I was honored to have participated in a��memorial service commemorating the 152nd anniversary of the Battle of Galveston, and especially the Federal commander who perished in the fight, Lieutenant Commander Edward Lea, USN.

The service was attended by members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Lt Cmdr Edward Lea Camp 2��from Houston, as well as members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, John B. Hood camp #50 from Galveston.

I am the shortest one, third from the right

Being a member of the Sons of Union Veterans, my camp commander was gracious enough to loan me a coat, kepi, and rifle so that I could join the procession and memorial service with my comrades.

Also attending were members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Sons of Union Veterans, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and��the Masonic Harmony Lodge 6 of Galveston. The story of Edward Lea was presented, along with invocations. After the ceremony, the Masons kindly allowed us to use their lodge for our monthly meeting, during which we initiated new officers for our group.

Inducting the 2015 officers

I am very grateful to have been part of this solemn and important event.

The Civil War This Week: Jan 12-18, 1865

Thursday, January 12

Early this evening, the massive Federal fleet of about 60 vessels and transports carrying 8,000 soldiers arrived off Fort Fisher, North Carolina after battling stormy seas for three days. Inside the fort, Confederate Colonel William Lamb led a garrison of just 800 men. Lamb requested help from his district commander (Major General W.H.C. Whiting) and his department commander (General Braxton Bragg), but no reinforcements came.

Prominent U.S. statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. met with Confederate President Jefferson Davis in Richmond to discuss a possible peace between North and South. Blair proposed suspending the war while the armies of North and South join forces to oust the French puppet regime from Mexico for violating the Monroe Doctrine. Blair even intimated that Davis himself could lead the expeditionary force and become Mexican ruler.

Although U.S. President Abraham Lincoln had not endorsed Blair’s proposal, Davis wrote a letter for Blair to deliver to Lincoln agreeing to “enter into a conference with a view to secure peace to the two countries.” This indicated that Davis still refused to discuss peace without southern independence.

Debate continued in the U.S. House of Representatives over the proposed amendment abolishing slavery. Samuel S. Cox of Ohio spoke out against the amendment because he was “opposed to compounding powers in the Federal Government.” Future President James A. Garfield of Ohio declared that “we shall never know why slavery dies so hard in this Republic… till we know why sin outlives disaster, and Satan is immortal…” Radical leader Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania called slavery “the worst institution upon earth, one which is a disgrace to man and would be an annoyance to the infernal spirits.”

President Davis wrote to Lieutenant General Richard Taylor, “(Major General William T.) Sherman’s campaign has produced bad effect on our people, success against his future operations is needful to reanimate public confidence. (General William) Hardee requires more aid than (General Robert E.) Lee can give him, and (General John Bell) Hood’s army is the only source to which we can now look.” Davis suggested that Taylor keep some troops near Nashville to hold Major General George H. Thomas at bay, but the main part of the western forces should be sent “to look after Sherman.”

Federal expeditions began from Morganza, Louisiana, and from Camp Grover and Warrensburg in Missouri. Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas.

Friday, January 13

Rear Admiral David D. Porter’s Federal naval fleet opened fire on Fort Fisher. This became the largest bombardment in naval history, as 627 guns on 59 vessels fired nearly 20,000 rounds. Meanwhile, Major General Alfred H. Terry’s 8,000 Federal troops landed north of Fisher and constructed defenses against a possible attack from Braxton Bragg’s Confederates to the north. Fort Fisher was now isolated except by boat on the Cape Fear River side.

As the Federals prepared to advance south, Confederate General Whiting arrived at Fisher to inform the commander, “Lamb, my boy, I have come to share your fate. You and your garrison are to be sacrificed.” When Lamb disagreed, Whiting told him that Bragg was sending no reinforcements.

General John Bell Hood, commanding the Confederate Army of Tennessee, wired Secretary of War James Seddon, “I respectfully request to be relieved from command of this army.” Hood had originally been given the command to stop William T. Sherman’s Federal advance into Georgia, but Hood had shattered his own army in several major defeats. President Davis accepted Hood’s resignation and replaced him with Richard Taylor. The Army of Tennessee had dwindled to about 17,000 men after the recent military disasters at Franklin and Nashville in Tennessee.

Saturday, January 14

The naval bombardment of Fort Fisher resumed at dawn, as Alfred Terry’s Federals secured their positions on the peninsula north of Fisher and completed defenses south of Braxton Bragg’s Confederates. Confederate casualties in the fort reached 200 by day’s end, with the rest huddling in bombproofs. W.H.C. Whiting and William Lamb increased calls for Bragg to help and bitterly denounced Bragg’s failure to attack the Federals.

General P.G.T. Beauregard temporarily assumed command of the Confederate Army of Tennessee at Tupelo, Mississippi until Richard Taylor could arrive. Beauregard was en route to Tupelo from Charleston.

William T. Sherman’s Federals moved from Beaufort, South Carolina to Pocotaligo, South Carolina amid fighting.

Federals operated against Native Americans in the Colorado Territory.

Sunday, January 15

Alfred Terry launched a two-pronged Federal assault on the eastern and western sides of Fort Fisher. When Federals captured the western parapets, surrender was inevitable. Fort Fisher fell by nightfall, with Federals suffering 1,341 casualties while Confederates lost some 500, mostly taken prisoner (including both W.H.C. Whiting and William Lamb).

Braxton Bragg wired General Robert E. Lee, “I am mortified at having to report the unexpected capture of Fort Fisher, with most of its garrison, at about 10 o’clock tonight. Particulars not known.” Bragg countered charges of failing to attack by arguing the Federal defenses on the peninsula were too strong.

The Federal capture of Fort Fisher closed the Confederacy’s last major seaport. This prevented the South from trading cotton for badly needed food and supplies. The loss also shattered southern morale. Vice President Alexander Stephens wrote, “The fall of this Fort was one of the greatest disasters which had befallen our cause from the beginning of the war–not excepting the loss of Vicksburg and Atlanta…”

President Lincoln wrote to Major General Grenville Dodge, commanding the Department of Missouri, expressing concern about “so much irregular violence in northern Missouri as to be driving away the people and almost depopulating it.” Lincoln asked Dodge to appeal to the people to “let one another alone.”

Prominent statesman and orator Edward Everett died in Boston at age 71. Everett had been a vice presidential candidate in the 1860 election and the main speaker at the dedication of Gettysburg National Cemetery in November 1863.

President Davis wrote to General William Hardee in South Carolina, “I hope you will be able to check the advance of the enemy” and added that he was seeking all possible reinforcements to oppose William T. Sherman. Davis wrote to Georgia Governor Joseph E. Brown requesting troops.

U.S. General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant issued orders detaching Major General John A. Schofield’s Corps from George H. Thomas’s army at Nashville and hurried northeast for an attack on Wilmington, the port city no longer guarded by Fort Fisher. Schofield would then move into inland North Carolina and join forces with William T. Sherman at Goldsboro. The combined force would then advance northward into Virginia.

P.G.T. Beauregard reached Tupelo and found the Confederate Army of Tennessee in deplorable condition. Secretary of War John Seddon responded to John Bell Hood’s request to be removed as army commander two days ago: “Your request is complied with… Report to the War Department in Richmond.”

Monday, January 16

President Davis urged Braxton Bragg to retake Fort Fisher if possible. A main magazine in the fort accidentally exploded, killing or wounding 104 Federals. Outnumbered Confederates in the region soon abandoned nearby Fort Caswell, Smithville, and Reeves’ Point to advancing Federals.

Francis P. Blair, Sr. returned to Washington to report the results of his January 12 discussion with President Davis. He submitted a lengthy report on his plan for joining forces to conquer Mexico. President Lincoln took the matter under advisement.

The Confederate Senate approved appointing Robert E. Lee as general-in-chief of all Confederate armies, 14 to 2. The bill included assigning P.G.T. Beauregard command of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and assigning General Joseph E. Johnston command of the Department of Tennessee. President Davis disliked Johnston and resisted approving his reinstatement.

William T. Sherman issued Field Order No. 15, empowering Federal authorities to seize abandoned lands on the Sea Islands and inland tracts in Georgia and South Carolina. These lands would then be redistributed to local slaves, with each family receiving “a plot of not more than 40 acres of tillable ground” and a mule. Families were also to be given seed and farm equipment. Whites were barred from the region.

Sherman issued the directive at Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton’s insistence, who hoped to stop freed slaves from streaming into the Federal ranks seeking subsistence and protection. Stanton also aimed to soften Sherman’s reputation of hostility toward blacks. Sherman had argued that slaves entering his ranks impeded his military progress. This order prompted blacks to note “the time Tecumsey was here,” referring to Sherman’s middle name of Tecumseh.

Federal expeditions began from Waynesville, Missouri; Brasher City, Louisiana; and Franklin, Tennessee.

Tuesday, January 17

President Davis told South Carolina Governor A.G. Magrath at Charleston, “I am fully alive to the importance of successful resistance to Sherman’s advance, and have called on the Governor of Georgia to give all the aid he can furnish.”

Davis received a dispatch from A. Dudley Mann, the Confederacy envoy in Brussels: “From the Emperor of the French, we never had nor have now, anything favorable to expect. His Imperial Majesty is deaf to international justice and blind to its usages when he conceives that Mexico may possibly be involved in danger…”

The Richmond Enquirer urged the assembly of a convention to abolish the Confederate Constitution and remove Davis from office, seeking a return to the principles of individual liberty and limited government that Davis had betrayed.

The Virginia General Assembly approved a resolution calling on Davis to appoint Robert E. Lee commander of all Confederate armies to promote their efficiency, reanimate their spirit, and “inspire increased confidence in the final success of our arms.”

Rain and high water delayed William T. Sherman’s plans to advance into South Carolina. News of the Federal victory at Fort Fisher spread throughout North and South.

Wednesday, January 18

President Lincoln unknowingly thwarted famed actor John Wilkes Booth’s plan to kidnap him when he decided not to attend a play at Ford’s Theater tonight.

President Davis wrote to Robert E. Lee, asking if Lee sought to become commander of all Confederate armies. Davis then wrote to the Virginia General Assembly, thanking the members for the “uncalculating, unhesitating spirit with which Virginia has…” Davis expressed support for promoting Lee if he could do it “without withdrawing from the direct command of the Army of Northern Virginia.”

President Lincoln consulted with Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, then conveyed a message to President Davis through Francis P. Blair, Sr. “that I have constantly been, am now, and shall continue, ready to receive any agent whom he, or any other influential person now resisting the national authority, may informally send to me, with the view of securing peace to the people of our one common country.” Blair returned to Richmond to deliver Lincoln’s message.

William T. Sherman transferred Federal command of the Savannah region to Major General John G. Foster and the Department of the South.

Federal expeditions began from Napoleonville, Louisiana and Warrensburg, Missouri. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia and Arkansas.

—–

Primary Sources:

Foote, Shelby, The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox (Vintage Civil War Library, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 2011)
Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 622-26

The Civil War This Week: Jan 5-11, 1865

Thursday, January 5

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln dispatched Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton to consult with Major General William T. Sherman, who was regrouping his Federal Army of the West at Savannah on the Atlantic Coast. Lincoln stated, “While General Sherman’s ‘get a good ready’ is appreciated, and is not to be overlooked, time, now that the enemy is wavering, is more important than ever before. Being on the down-hill, & some what confused, keeping (keep) him going…”

U.S. General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant wrote to Stanton requesting the removal of Major General Benjamin F. Butler as commander of the Federal Army of the James. Grant wrote, “I do this with reluctance, but the good of the service requires it. In my absence General Butler necessarily commands, and there is a lack of confidence in his military ability, making him an unsafe commander for a large army. His administration of the affairs in his department is also objectionable.”

President Lincoln issued a pass through enemy lines to James W. Singleton as an unofficial envoy to negotiate a possible peace with the Confederacy.

Friday, January 6

Radical Republican Congressman James Ashley of Ohio introduced a constitutional amendment in the U.S. House of Representatives permanently abolishing slavery. The amendment had passed the Senate last year but had failed in the House. President Lincoln strongly supported passing this amendment before the new Congress took over in December in a display of bipartisanship.

Debate over the proposed amendment dominated House business this month. Ashley said, “Mr. Speaker, if slavery is wrong and criminal, as the great body of enlightened Christian men admit, it is certainly our duty to abolish it, if we have the power.” Democrat James Brooks of New York replied, “Is the abolition of slavery the only object for which this war is hereafter to be prosecuted, or is now prosecuted? I do not believe it.”

Ulysses S. Grant wired President Lincoln: “I wrote a letter to the Secretary of War, which was mailed yesterday, asking to have General Butler removed from command. Learning that the Secretary left Washington yesterday, I telegraph asking you that prompt action may be taken in the matter.”

Confederate President Jefferson Davis wrote a bitter letter to Vice President Alexander Stephens, who had publicly criticized the president, “I am aware that I was unfortunate enough to incur your disapproval of my policy… I assure you that it would be to me a source of the sincerest pleasure to see you devoting your great and admitted ability exclusively to upholding the confidence and animating the spirit of the people to unconquerable resistance against their foes.”

A new Missouri constitutional convention assembled in St. Louis to consider abolishing slavery. Delegates to an earlier convention had approved gradual emancipation by 1870 along with an apprenticeship program for freed slaves. But the abolitionists, led by convention president Charles Drake, sought immediate emancipation without apprenticeships. Delegates also considered amendments prohibiting men from voting who did not openly support the state or federal government.

Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas.

Saturday, January 7

Maj Gen B.F. Butler | Image Credit: Flickr.com

President Lincoln issued General Order Number 1, “by direction of the President of the United States,” via wire: “Maj. Gen. B.F. Butler is relieved of command of the Department of North Carolina and Virginia… (He) will repair to Lowell, Mass., and report by letter to the Adjutant General of the Army.” Butler had recently presided over two military fiascos: 1) failing to capture Fort Fisher on the North Carolina coast last month, and 2) failing to complete a canal on the James River that could have allowed Federal ships to attack Richmond.

Command had originally been given to Butler for political reasons, and he had become one of the most controversial Federal commanders of the war. Now that the November elections were over, the Lincoln administration deemed Butler expendable. This ended his military career and resumed his equally controversial political career.

The Danish ironclad Sphinx left Copenhagen for Quiberon Bay, France. She had been secretly purchased by the Confederates and later became C.S.S. Stonewall.

The Richmond Dispatch featured an editorial accusing William T. Sherman of duplicity in pretending to show mercy to the coastal region: “Sherman seems to have changed his character as completely as the serpent changes his skin with the approach of spring. His repose, however, is the repose of the tiger. Let him taste blood once more and he will be as brutal as ever.”

More Federal troops were transferred out of the Shenandoah Valley. Federal expeditions began from Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Fort Ellsworth, Kansas. Federals clashed with Native Americans in the Colorado Territory. Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas.

Sunday, January 8

The 60-ship Federal naval fleet seeking to capture Fort Fisher arrived at its rendezvous point at Beaufort, North Carolina along with Brigadier General Alfred Terry’s expeditionary force on transports. Colonel William Lamb, commanding Confederates at Fort Fisher, notified General Braxton Bragg, commanding all Confederates in the area, of the Federal fleet’s arrival.

Ulysses S. Grant replaced Benjamin F. Butler with Major General E.O.C. Ord as commander of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, as well as the Army of the James. Ord’s command included Terry’s expeditionary force preparing for the renewed campaign against Fort Fisher at Beaufort.

Remnants of General John Bell Hood’s Confederate Army of Tennessee began arriving at Tupelo, Mississippi after its disastrous invasion of Tennessee. Army strength now stood at less than 18,000 following defeats at Franklin and Tennessee, plus mass desertions.

Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas and Texas.

Monday, January 9

Delegates to the Tennessee constitutional convention approved submitting a constitution to a popular vote that included abolishing slavery. Pro-U.S. voters ratified the new constitution on 22 February.

Democratic Congressman Moses Odell of New York indicated he would change his vote from rejecting the proposed Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery to approving it: “The South by rebellion has absolved the Democratic party at the North from all obligation to stand up longer for the defense of its ‘cornerstone.'” President Lincoln later rewarded Odell with an important political job. In opposition, Robert Mallory of Kentucky said that “the Constitution does not authorize an amendment to be made by which any State or citizen shall be divested of acquired rights of property or of established political franchises.”

General P.G.T. Beauregard, commanding the Confederate Military Division of the West, received a message from John Bell Hood that downplayed his army’s casualties and denied there was a high volume of desertions. Hood also stated, “Our exact loss in prisoners I have not been able to ascertain, but do not think it great.”

A Federal expedition began from Eastport, Mississippi. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia and Missouri.

Tuesday, January 10

Debate continued over the proposed Thirteenth Amendment in the U.S. House. John A. Kasson of Iowa said “you will never, never, have reliable peace in this country while that institution (slavery) exists, the perpetual occasion of moral, intellectual, and physical warfare.” Fernando Wood of New York said, “The Almighty has fixed the distinction of the races; the Almighty has made the black man inferior, and sir, by no legislation, by no partisan success, by no revolution, by no military power, can you wipe out this distinction. You may make the black man free, but when you have done that what have you done?”

President Lincoln wrote to Ulysses S. Grant requesting a staff position for his son Robert, if available, as a personal favor: “My son… having graduated from Harvard, wishes to see something of the war before it ends. I do not wish to put him in the ranks, nor yet to give him a commission… Could he… go into your military family with some nominal rank, I, and not the public, furnishing his necessary means?…” Grant soon appointed Robert captain and assistant adjutant-general, mainly escorting visitors to and from Grant’s headquarters at City Point, Virginia.

Storms and raging seas delayed the Federal attack on Fort Fisher. Skirmishing occurred in Missouri.

Wednesday, January 11

Delegates to the Missouri constitutional convention approved an ordinance immediately abolishing slavery, 62 to 4. Governor Thomas Fletcher approved the measure the same day.

Thomas L. Rosser led about 300 Confederates across the Alleghenies into West Virginia and attacked Federals guarding supplies at Beverly. The Confederates inflicted 28 casualties while capturing 580 prisoners and many supplies. Federal officials considered this a disaster due to lack of vigilance and discipline, resulting in the dismissal of two lieutenant colonels from the service.

President Davis continued trying to build up an army to oppose William T. Sherman. He planned to bring the remnants of the Army of Tennessee to the east coast, and to gather all available reserves, militia, and recruits.

U.S. statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. arrived in Richmond as an unofficial envoy to discuss a possible peace with Confederate officials.

Federal expeditions began from Helena, Arkansas and Fort Wingate in the New Mexico Territory. Skirmishing occurred in Missouri.

—–

Primary Sources:

Foote, Shelby, The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox (Vintage Civil War Library, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 2011)
Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 619-22

The Civil War This Week: Dec 29, 1864-Jan 4, 1865

Thursday, December 29

In Tennessee, Major General George H. Thomas called off the Federal pursuit of the Confederate Army of Tennessee after the Confederates’ severe defeat at Nashville on 16 December. By this time, the Federals were still at the Duck River, some 70 miles from the retreating Confederates.

Thomas declared the Confederate army “had become a disheartened and disorganized rabble of half-naked and barefooted men, who sought every opportunity to fall out by the wayside and desert their cause to put an end to their sufferings. The rear guard, however, was undaunted and firm, and did its work bravely to the last.” Thomas reported capturing 13,189 prisoners and 72 artillery pieces since 20 November.

Skirmishing occurred in northern Alabama.

Friday, December 30

At a cabinet meeting, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln discussed the last week’s failed attempt to capture Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Lincoln indicated that Major General Benjamin F. Butler, who had led Federal army troops during the failed attempt, would be removed from command.

U.S. General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant also intimated that Butler would be removed by requesting that Rear Admiral David D. Porter (commanding Federal naval forces opposing Fort Fisher) stay near the fort, “and I will endeavor to be back again with an increased force and without the former commander.”

Prominent U.S. statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. wrote to Confederate President Jefferson Davis requesting to visit Richmond and “explain the views I entertain in reference to the state of the affairs of our Country.” Blair, who had advised every U.S. president since Andrew Jackson, would be “wholly unaccredited” by the Lincoln administration, but he hoped to offer “suggestions” in the way of negotiating for peace.

Skirmishing occurred in Alabama and Missouri.

Saturday, December 31

General P.G.T. Beauregard, commanding the Confederate Military Division of the West, left Charleston to inspect the demoralized Confederate Army of Tennessee. Meanwhile, U.S. Chief of Staff Henry W. Halleck responded to George Thomas’s report two days ago ending his pursuit of the defeated Confederates: “General Grant does not intend that your army shall go into winter quarters. It must be ready for active operations in the field.”

New York merchants presented U.S. Rear Admiral David G. Farragut with $50,000 in government bonds and a letter: “The citizens of New York can offer no tribute equal to your claims on their gratitude and affection. Their earnest desire is to receive you as one of their number, and to be permitted, as fellow citizens, to share in the renown you will bring to the Metropolitan City.”

Skirmishing occurred in Alabama and Kentucky.

Most southerners dreaded what the new year would bring, as prospects for Confederate independence were now extremely bleak. Major General William T. Sherman’s Federals had laid waste to Georgia, the Army of Tennessee was almost destroyed, the Shenandoah Valley was in Federal hands, and General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia slowly starved while under siege outside Richmond and Petersburg.

Sunday, January 1

In Virginia, Benjamin F. Butler abandoned a Federal project to complete a canal at Dutch Gap on the James River. The canal could have bypassed a bend in the river that would allow Federal warships to attack Richmond. The explosion to open the final pass in the canal failed, prompting Butler to end the project after months of labor.

Federal officials listed 620,924 soldiers “present for duty,” while the Confederates reported just 125,994 with 198,494 listed as absent from the ranks.

Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas as Federals operated against guerrillas in the state.

Monday, January 2

The traditional New Year’s Day reception at the White House took place today because yesterday was a Sunday. Prominent administration officials attended, but members of Congress were not invited. The mood was more cheerful than in previous years because the Federal military outlook was brighter than ever before.

A group of Kentuckians lobbied President Lincoln to assign Benjamin F. Butler to command Federals in their state. Lincoln replied, “You howled when Butler went to New Orleans. Others howled when he was removed from that command. Somebody has been howling ever since at his assignment to military command. How long will it be before you, who are howling for his assignment to rule Kentucky, will be howling to me to remove him?”

Confederate President Jefferson Davis told P.G.T. Beauregard that if necessary, he should replace General John Bell Hood as commander of the Army of Tennessee with General Richard Taylor.

Skirmishing occurred in Virginia, Mississippi, and Missouri.

Tuesday, January 3

A Federal expedition prepared for another attack on Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Guarding the port of Wilmington, this was the last major Confederate seaport still open for commerce.

Arriving at Macon, Georgia on his way to inspect the Confederate Army of Tennessee, P.G.T. Beauregard received messages from army commander John Bell Hood minimizing the defeat at Nashville. Hood admitted losing “fifty pieces of artillery, with several ordnance wagons” but asserted, “Our loss in killed and wounded is very small.” Hood also wired the Confederate War Department that he was laying pontoon bridges for his army to cross the Tennessee River.

William T. Sherman began transferring part of his Federal army under Major General Oliver O. Howard from Savannah, Georgia to Beaufort, South Carolina in preparation for a northward invasion of South Carolina.

Skirmishing occurred in South Carolina and Mississippi.

Wednesday, January 4

Federals embarked at Bermuda Hundred for a new attack on Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Major General Alfred H. Terry replaced Benjamin F. Butler as the infantry commander, while the naval forces remained under the command of Rear Admiral David D. Porter.

Federal expeditions began from Bloomfield, Missouri and Poplar Bluff, Arkansas. Skirmishing occurred in Alabama and Mississippi.

—–

Primary Sources:

Foote, Shelby, The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox (Vintage Civil War Library, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 2011)
Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 616-19

The Civil War This Week: Dec 22-28, 1864

Thursday, December 22

Major General William T. Sherman wired a message to U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, “I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about 25,000 bales of cotton.”

The fall of Savannah ended Sherman’s march to the sea, as Federal forces now bisected the South horizontally. Sherman’s Federals had advanced 275 miles through the southern heartland while sustaining less than 2,000 casualties. In the process, Sherman had destroyed large tracts of southern property and inflicted harsh depredations upon civilians that would never be forgotten.

General William Hardee’s Confederates continued retreating northward from Savannah into South Carolina.

Federals pursued Confederates in Tennessee, with fighting on the Duck River. Skirmishing occurred in Mississippi.

Friday, December 23

William T. Sherman began regrouping his Federals in Savannah in preparation for a northern advance into South Carolina.

A joint Federal army-navy force attacked Fort Fisher, North Carolina, which was the last Confederate seaport open to blockade-runners. Major General Benjamin F. Butler commanded the 6,500-man army force, while Rear Admiral David D. Porter commanded the massive fleet of warships and transports. Butler planned to land and detonate a scuttled ship filled with over 200 tons of explosives at Fort Fisher, hoping it would destroy the 500-man Confederate garrison.

General John Bell Hood’s Confederate rear guard and Major General George H. Thomas’s Federal pursuers skirmished near Columbia, Tennessee. A Federal expedition began from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Saturday, December 24

At Fort Fisher, the explosive ship caused no damage upon detonation. David D. Porter’s 60 ships then launched a fierce bombardment on the fort in preparation for a Federal troop landing. The Confederate defenders held under heavy fire.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis wrote to General E. Kirby Smith, commander of the Trans-Mississippi District, expressing great disappointment that Smith had not sent troops east to aid John Bell Hood in Tennessee. Davis requested more men once again.

The pursuit in Tennessee continued with fighting at various points. A Federal expedition began from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas.

Sunday, December 25

In North Carolina, Federal troops landed two miles north of Fort Fisher and began advancing. However,  Confederates closed in from the north, and Benjamin F. Butler ordered the Federals to return to their naval transports. The two-day Federal bombardment had resulted in over 20,000 rounds fired on the fort.

President Lincoln released the text of William T. Sherman’s 22 December message to the public. Sherman was generally praised throughout the North, but some criticized him for allowing William Hardee’s Confederates to escape.

General Sterling Price’s Confederates continued retreating from Missouri, reaching Laynesport, Arkansas. John Bell Hood’s Confederates reached the Tennessee River, with fighting at various points. Skirmishing occurred in Georgia and Mississippi.

Monday, December 26

After determining the Fort Fisher campaign was too costly in men and supplies, the Federal fleet began returning Benjamin F. Butler’s Federal troops to Fort Monroe, Virginia.

John Bell Hood’s Confederate army began crossing the Tennessee River at Bainbridge, with fighting at various points.

President Lincoln told William T. Sherman he had been “anxious, if not fearful” when Sherman left Atlanta. He congratulated Sherman for his victorious campaigns, including George H. Thomas’ destruction of Hood at Nashville.

A Federal expedition against Native Americans began in the central Arizona Territory.

Tuesday, December 27

John Bell Hood’s Confederates completed crossing the Tennessee River at Bainbridge en route for Tupelo, Mississippi. Skirmishing occurred in Alabama and Mississippi.

Wednesday, December 28

President Lincoln wired General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant requesting “what you now understand of the Wilmington (Fort Fisher) expedition, present & prospective.” Grant informed Lincoln, “The Wilmington expedition has proven a gross and culpable failure… Who is to blame I hope will be known.” This failed Federal campaign led to charges and countercharges between Benjamin F. Butler and nearly every other commander involved.

Skirmishing occurred in Alabama and Mississippi.

—–

Primary Source: Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 614-16

The Civil War This Week: Dec 15-21, 1864

Thursday, December 15

The Battle of Nashville occurred, as Major General George H. Thomas’s Federal Army of the Cumberland attacked General John Bell Hood’s depleted Confederate Army of Tennessee outside the city. Thomas had been under tremendous pressure from Washington to attack Hood, but days of freezing rain had delayed him. Thomas attacked the Confederate right first, which diverted attention from the main attack on the left. Hood’s ragged army fought valiantly but withdrew two miles by day’s end. They formed new defensive positions in anticipation of a renewed Federal attack tomorrow.

Federal General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant ordered Major General William T. Sherman to bring his Federal Army of the West north to help defeat General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia at Petersburg, Virginia. Sherman furiously pleaded to continue operations against Savannah, and then proposed to advance northward to capture the Carolinas before joining against Lee. Grant agreed to Sherman’s plan.

The U.S. Senate confirmed President Abraham Lincoln’s nomination of Salmon P. Chase as the new U.S. chief justice. Chase had been Lincoln’s rival for the presidency and some viewed the appointment as a shrewd political move because Chase would serve on the Court for life. Lincoln explained he based his decision on Chase’s efforts in securing rights for blacks.

A Federal expedition began from Fort Monroe, Virginia. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia.

Friday, December 16

Confederate General John Bell Hood | Image Credit: Flickr.com

The Battle of Nashville continued as Federals advanced at 6 a.m. through rain and snow. The Confederate right slowly withdrew, and a new assault in late afternoon broke the Confederate left. This was an inevitable Federal victory, as George H. Thomas reported that John Bell Hood’s army was “hopelessly broken” and it “fled in confusion.” President Lincoln wired Thomas his congratulations. Federals suffered 3,061 casualties while Confederates lost some 6,000. Hood reported, “I beheld for the first and only time a Confederate army abandon the field in confusion.”

Thomas scored one of the most decisive victories of the war, even though Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant had nearly replaced him before the battle. This ended Confederate hopes for a northern invasion, and it effectively finished the Army of Tennessee as a fighting force.

William T. Sherman resupplied his Federal forces from the sea. A Federal expedition began from Morganza, Louisiana. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia, Georgia, and Arkansas.

Saturday, December 17

James H. Wilson’s Federal cavalry began pursuing the broken Confederate Army of Tennessee toward Mississippi. John Bell Hood concentrated his remaining forces at Columbia, Tennessee, and a firm stand enabled the Confederates to withdraw through Franklin.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis informed General William Hardee, commanding Confederates in the Savannah area, that no reinforcements were available, and that Hardee should make arrangements “needful for the preservation of your Army.” Federals began surrounding Savannah, and William T. Sherman demanded Hardee’s surrender.

Skirmishing occurred in southwestern Virginia.

Sunday, December 18

Federal cavalry continued pursuing the withdrawing Confederate Army of Tennessee. News of the Battle of Nashville spread, and people in both North and South realized it was destructive to Confederate hopes.

William Hardee refused William T. Sherman’s surrender demand, but it was clear the Confederates needed to evacuate Savannah before Federals closed the northern escape routes across the Savannah River. Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, who was in Savannah with Hardee, urged immediate evacuation but Hardee expressed reluctance to leave so quickly.

A massive Federal naval fleet left Fort Monroe, Virginia bound for Fort Fisher and Wilmington in North Carolina. This was the last major Confederate seaport open to blockade-runners.

President Lincoln met with members of Congress to determine how to restore the Confederate states to the Union once the war ended. The rift between Lincoln and the Radical Republicans in Congress widened.

President Davis wrote to Confederate Secretary of War James Seddon opposing the secretary’s plan to abolish conscription, arguing the Confederacy had no time for experimentation.

Skirmishing occurred in Missouri.

Monday, December 19

Major General Philip Sheridan dispatched A.T.A. Torbert and 8,000 Federal cavalry on a four-day expedition along the Virginia Central Railroad to Gordonsville. Skirmishing occurred at Madison Court House, Liberty Mills, and Gordonsville as Confederates repulsed the Federal advance.

President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 300,000 more volunteers to replace casualties and make one final push to end the war.

Federals continued pursuing retreating Confederates in Tennessee, with fighting erupting at various points. A Federal expedition began from Kernstown, Virginia. Skirmishing occurred in Arkansas.

Tuesday, December 20

William Hardee’s Confederates evacuated Savannah across a pontoon bridge made of rice flats, just before the surrounding Federals closed the last escape route. About 10,000 troops were left, along with large quantities of cotton and artillery.

President Davis expressed alarm to P.G.T. Beauregard, noting that Federals could capture Fort Fisher and Wilmington in North Carolina. Davis had left the decisions to evacuate Savannah and Charleston to Beauregard.

Federals continued pursuing Confederates in Tennessee, with fighting at various points. Federal expeditions began from Cape Girardeau and Dallas in Missouri. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia and North Carolina.

Wednesday, December 21

William T. Sherman’s Federals entered Savannah unopposed. Mayor Richard Arnold surrendered the city, and most of the 20,000 weary residents approved the surrender. Hardee’s escape greatly disappointed Sherman.

The U.S. Congress enacted a measure creating the rank of vice-admiral in the U.S. Navy. Rear Admiral David G. Farragut was considered the first nominee for the new rank.

John Bell Hood’s Confederate army continued withdrawing from Columbia toward Pulaski, Tennessee. Fatigue and swollen streams hampered the pursuing Federals. A Federal expedition began from Memphis, Tennessee. Skirmishing occurred in Mississippi.

—–

Primary Source: Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 610-14

The Civil War This Week: Dec 8-14, 1864

Thursday, December 8

Federal General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant expressed concern that Major General George H. Thomas’ Federals at Nashville had not yet attacked General John Bell Hood’s Confederate Army of Tennessee outside the city. Grant informed Federal Chief of Staff Henry W. Halleck, “If Thomas has not struck yet, he ought to be ordered to hand over his command to (General John) Schofield.” Halleck replied that the decision to remove Thomas was Grant’s. Grant again ordered Thomas to attack, but Thomas answered his cavalry would not be ready until 11 December.

In Georgia, Major General William T. Sherman’s Federal Army of the West skirmished at various points as the troops approached the Atlantic Coast. Other skirmishing occurred in Virginia and Missouri.

Friday, December 9

Ulysses S. Grant prepared an order replacing George H. Thomas with John A. Schofield, but suspended the order when Thomas informed him he would attack the Confederates outside Nashville tomorrow.

In Georgia, William T. Sherman’s Federals advanced directly south of Savannah, with fighting erupting at various points. Confederate torpedoes sunk U.S.S. Otsego and a tug on the Roanoke River near Jamesville, North Carolina. Fighting erupted near Hatcher’s Run outside Petersburg, Virginia.

Saturday, December 10

A driving snowstorm struck Nashville, preventing George H. Thomas from launching his attack on Confederate positions.

In Georgia, William T. Sherman’s Federal vanguard reached Savannah, defended by some 18,000 Confederates under General William Hardee. Confederates had also flooded the surrounding rice fields to block the main approaches. As Sherman prepared to besiege Savannah, he sent Federal troops to probe nearby Fort McAllister, which guarded the Ogeechee River.

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln appointed Major General William F. Smith and Henry Stanbery as special commissioners to investigate civil and military affairs on and west of the Mississippi River.

Federal expeditions began from Core Creek, North Carolina; central Arizona Territory; and Knoxville, Tennessee. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia.

Sunday, December 11

In Georgia, Federals began rebuilding King’s Bridge leading to Fort McAllister, which guarded the Ogeechee River. William T. Sherman’s forces did not cut off the escape route from Savannah north to Charleston, South Carolina.

Signal station overlooking the Ogeechee River from Fort McAllister | Image Credit: Flickr.com

Ulysses S. Grant again urged George H. Thomas to attack. Thomas replied he would attack when the weather improved.

Skirmishing occurred in Virginia.

Monday, December 12

William T. Sherman positioned Federals between the Ogeechee and Savannah rivers, and Admiral John A. Dahlgren’s Federal naval fleet awaited contact with Sherman while moving along the coast. Confederate President Jefferson Davis frantically sought reinforcements without weakening other Confederate armies.

George H. Thomas informed Henry W. Halleck that his Federals were poised to attack as soon as the sleet melted because it was nearly impossible to advance on the icy ground.

President Lincoln wrote to General E.R.S. Canby, commanding Federals in the Gulf region, explaining that the policy in Louisiana, such as seizing cotton from Confederates was “a worthy object to again get Louisiana into proper practical relations with the nation…”

Skirmishing occurred in Tennessee and Louisiana.

Tuesday, December 13

William T. Sherman’s Federals charged through mines and obstructions and captured Fort McAllister guarding the Ogeechee River outside Savannah. This enabled Sherman to link with the Federal naval fleet on the Atlantic and reestablish contact with Washington. Federal vessels could now steam up the Ogeechee, which made the fall of Savannah inevitable.

At Nashville, both John Bell Hood and George H. Thomas waited out the sleet storm. Ulysses S. Grant ordered General John Logan to go to Nashville and replace Thomas as Federal commander if Thomas had not attacked by the time Logan arrived. Grant then prepared to leave Virginia and go to Nashville himself.

General George Stoneman’s Federals advanced across the Holston River in Tennessee and defeated remnants of John Hunt Morgan’s old Confederate command.

Federal expeditions began from Barrancas, Florida; Morganza, Louisiana; and Devall’s Bluff, Arkansas. Skirmishing occurred in Tennessee.

Wednesday, December 14

George H. Thomas wired that the weather had improved, and he would attack John Bell Hood’s Confederates  tomorrow. Thomas issued field orders.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis deferred to General Robert E. Lee’s judgment as to whether troops could be spared from the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under siege at Petersburg and Richmond to operate against William T. Sherman.

Federals operated near Morganza, Louisiana. Skirmishing occurred in Tennessee and Missouri.

—–

Primary Source: Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 607-10

The Civil War This Week: Dec 1-7, 1864

Thursday, December 1

In Tennessee, Confederate General John Bell Hood prepared to launch another attack on Federal positions at Franklin after yesterday’s devastating repulse. Hood informed Confederate officials at Richmond he had won a great victory at Franklin, prompting southern celebrations. However, those celebrations quickly ended when southerners learned of the enormous casualties. It soon became clear that Franklin had been another terrible Confederate defeat. Federals claimed to have captured 33 battle flags and documented 22.

Major General John Schofield’s Federals at Franklin withdrew north to join Major General George H. Thomas’ main force at Nashville. Hood ordered a pursuit despite Nashville being one of the most heavily fortified cities on the continent. Federals formed a semicircle of defenses south of town, with both ends anchored on the Cumberland River.

In Georgia, Major General William T. Sherman’s Federal Army of the West approached Millen, more than halfway between Atlanta and Savannah. Millen was the site of a Federal prisoner-of-war camp, and rumors spread that Federals were moving south to liberate the notorious prison camp at Andersonville.

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln appointed James Speed to become the new attorney general. Speed was the brother of Lincoln’s longtime friend Joshua Speed of New Salem, Illinois. Speed would replace Edward Bates, who had resigned last month.

Skirmishing occurred in Virginia, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Friday, December 2

John Bell Hood’s Confederates began approaching the Federal lines outside Nashville. Federal General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant wired George H. Thomas at Nashville: “You should attack before he (Hood) fortifies. You will now suffer incalculable injury upon your railroads if Hood is not speedily disposed of. Put forth, therefore, every possible exertion to attain this end. Should you get him to retreating, give him no peace.”

Major General Grenville M. Dodge was given command of the Department of Missouri, replacing Major General William S. Rosecrans. Like previous commanders, Rosecrans had been unable to effectively administer the department due to the contentious political factions in Missouri.

Saturday, December 3

John Bell Hood’s Confederates dug trenches in front of Federal defenses outside Nashville. Federal officials urged George H. Thomas to attack, but he waited for reinforcements to arrive.

William T. Sherman’s Federals began advancing toward Savannah on the Atlantic Coast. As the Federals advanced further into Georgia, Confederate opposition diminished and Federals’ reckless destruction of property continued. Late tonight, Confederate General Joseph Wheeler’s cavalry attacked troops guarding railroad wreckers at Waynesboro.

President Lincoln prepared his annual message to Congress and discussed the possibility of appointing former Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase to become Supreme Court chief justice.

Skirmishing occurred in Missouri and Arkansas.

Sunday, December 4

In Georgia, Joseph Wheeler’s Confederate cavalry fought Federal cavalry led by Judson Kilpatrick at Waynesboro until dismounted Federals finally drove Wheeler off.

At Nashville, George H. Thomas prepared to attack and awaited reinforcements. Thomas planned a massive assault intended to destroy John Bell Hood’s Confederate army.

Federals clashed with Native Americans in Kansas. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

Monday, December 5

The second session of the Thirty-eighth U.S. Congress assembled in Washington. The Radical Republican majority in the House of Representatives barred elected legislators from Arkansas and Louisiana from taking their seats. The southerners had been sent to Washington according to the terms of President Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction issued in December 1863.

In Tennessee, John Bell Hood sent General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederate cavalry and an infantry division to Murfreesboro, carrying out three days of fighting and demonstrating.

William T. Sherman’s men skirmished at the Little Ogeechee River in Georgia.

Tuesday, December 6

President Lincoln submitted his annual message to Congress. He noted that higher taxes were needed to finance the $1.74 billion war debt. Lincoln also pointed to growing immigration and industry by stating, “The important fact remains demonstrated that we have more men now than we had when the war began… that we are gaining strength, and may, if need be, maintain the contest indefinitely…”

According to Lincoln, the November elections indicated that the war must continue until the Union was restored. He requested that Congress reconsider passing the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery; the amendment had passed the Senate but failed in the House of Representatives.

The message also included a satisfactory assessment of the restoration of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee to the U.S. The Radical Republican majority had refused to seat congressmen from these states because they were restored according to Lincoln’s reconstruction plan, which had not been approved by Congress. Lincoln acknowledged he had no authority to decide the legitimacy of congressional membership.

Lincoln concluded, “In stating a single condition of peace I mean simply to say that the war will cease on the part of the Government whenever it shall have ceased on the part of those who began it.”

Lincoln nominated political rival and former Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase of Ohio to become U.S. chief justice. Chase would replace Roger B. Taney, who had died in October.

Ulysses S. Grant issued new orders to George H. Thomas at Nashville: “Attack Hood at once and wait no longer for remount of your cavalry. There is great danger of delay resulting in a campaign back to the Ohio River.” Thomas replied that attacking would be dangerous without sufficient cavalry.

Federals threatened the Charleston & Savannah Railroad. Skirmishing occurred in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

Wednesday, December 7

Ulysses S. Grant informed Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton that if George H. Thomas did not attack immediately, Thomas should be removed from command.

Troops, supplies, and ships began gathering at Fort Monroe, Virginia in preparation for an expedition to Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Fisher was the last major Confederate seaport open to blockade-runners. Major General Benjamin F. Butler commanded the army, and Rear Admiral David D. Porter commanded the navy.

William T. Sherman’s Federals moved closer to Savannah and skirmished at various points. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederates skirmished at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Other skirmishing occurred in Alabama and Missouri.

—–

Primary Source: Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 604-07

The Civil War This Week: Nov 24-30, 1864

Thursday, November 24

In Tennessee, Major General John Schofield’s Federal Army of the Ohio arrived at Columbia ahead of General John Bell Hood’s Confederate Army of Tennessee, beating the Confederates to the important river crossing on the main road to Nashville. The Federals took a strong position south of the Duck River.

In Georgia, Major General William T. Sherman’s Federal Army of the West continued southeast from Milledgeville. Confederate President Jefferson Davis told General William Hardee, commanding Confederates at Savannah, about Sherman, “When the purpose of the enemy shall be developed, every effort must be made to obstruct the route on which he is moving, and all other available means must be employed to delay his march, as well to enable our forces to be concentrated as to reduce him to want of the necessary supplies.”

U.S. Attorney General Edward Bates resigned from President Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet. Bates, a conservative Republican, had been a target of Radicals who urged Lincoln to dismiss him.

Northerners observed a national day of thanksgiving according to President Lincoln’s proclamation. In the siege lines outside Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia, the 120,000-man Federal Army of the Potomac enjoyed feasts of turkey, chicken, fruits, and pies. Despite their lack of food, the 57,000-man Confederate Army of Northern Virginia ceased firing out of respect for the Federal holiday.

Skirmishing occurred in Virginia, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

Friday, November 25

Lieutenant John W. Headley and five Confederate agents attempted to burn New York City. They rented several rooms at various hotels and set fire to them, hoping the fires would spread and destroy the city in “one dazzling conflagration.” Fires were set in 19 hotels along with Barnum’s Museum, but all were quickly extinguished. Authorities caught only one saboteur, who was hanged for setting fire to Barnum’s. The plot made sensational headlines but did little to either damage New York or affect the war.

In Georgia, William T. Sherman’s Federals moved toward Sandersville, with General Henry Slocum’s wing of the Federal army clashing with General Joseph Wheeler’s Confederate cavalry.

In Tennessee, John Schofield’s Federals entrenched north and south of the Duck River at Columbia.

Federals clashed with Native Americans in the Nebraska and New Mexico territories. Skirmishing occurred in Louisiana.

Saturday, November 26

Henry Slocum’s Federals entered Sandersville, Georgia.

John Bell Hood’s main Confederate force arrived in front of Federal positions south of the Duck River at Columbia, Tennessee.

Joseph Holt refused President Lincoln’s offer to serve as attorney general.

A Federal expedition began from Lewisburg, Arkansas. Skirmishing occurred in the Virginia, Missouri, and the Nebraska Territory.

Sunday, November 27

In Tennessee, John Schofield learned that John Bell Hood’s Confederates intended to flank him and withdrew across the Duck River to defenses at Spring Hill. This guarded the main road (and potential escape route) to Franklin and Nashville. Schofield received incorrect reports that General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederate cavalry had crossed the Duck to the east above Columbia.

In Georgia, Joseph Wheeler’s Confederates clashed with Federal cavalry under General Judson Kilpatrick in two days of fighting at Waynesboro.

Saboteurs allegedly destroyed the Federal steamer Greyhound on the James River in Virginia. Greyhound was the headquarters of Major General Benjamin F. Butler, commanding the Army of the James. Butler was unharmed.

Federal expeditions began from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Little Rock, Arkansas. Skirmishing occurred in West Virginia.

Monday, November 28

In Tennessee, Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederates crossed the Duck River above Columbia, with the rest of John Bell Hood’s army ready to follow. Fighting ensued between the armies.

Skirmishing increased in Georgia, with cavalry clashing near Davisboro and Waynesboro.

Thomas L. Rosser’s Confederate cavalry moved to New Creek, west of Cumberland, Maryland, and captured many prisoners and supplies on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. This proved the Confederates were not yet ready to admit defeat in the Shenandoah Valley.

Skirmishing occurred in Virginia and Kansas.

Tuesday, November 29

Early this morning, John Bell Hood’s Confederates crossed the Duck River and tried cutting John Schofield off at Spring Hill from the main road to Franklin and Nashville. The armies skirmished until halted by darkness. During the night, Schofield withdrew his entire force to Franklin without Confederate detection. This failure to notice Schofield’s withdrawal prompted charges and countercharges of dereliction of duty among the Confederate high command. The “Spring Hill Affair” became one of the most controversial non-combat events of the war.

Colonel John M. Chivington and about 900 Federal troops attacked a camp of some 500 Arapaho and Cheyenne Natives at the Sand Creek Reserve in the Colorado Territory. Ignoring claims that the Natives were peaceful, the Federals murdered some 450 men, women, and children. Chivington reported, “It may perhaps be unnecessary for me to state that I captured no prisoners.” Among those killed was Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle, who had previously surrendered to Federals and quit the warpath.

The U.S. press initially celebrated the Sand Creek incident as a great victory to end the Colorado War. However, officials were horrified upon learning of the mass genocide. After three separate investigations, U.S. officials condemned the massacre and paid indemnities to the victims’ families.

In Georgia, William T. Sherman’s Federals continued advancing, skirmishing near Louisville. Skirmishing also occurred in West Virginia, South Carolina, and Louisiana.

Wednesday, November 30

The Battle of Franklin occurred, as John Bell Hood’s Confederates launched a massive assault on Federal positions in late afternoon. Despite heavy losses, Confederates captured outer defenses before being repulsed by Federal reinforcements. Hood finally pulled back late this evening. Federals suffered 2,326 casualties while Confederates lost 6,252. Among the Confederate dead were six generals, including Patrick Cleburne (the “Stonewall” Jackson of the West) and S.R. “States’ Rights” Gist.

In Georgia, William T. Sherman’s Federals continued advancing, skirmishing at Louisville.

President Jefferson Davis wrote to General P.G.T. Beauregard, commanding the Confederate Military Division of the West (east of the Mississippi River), that Sherman “may move directly for the Coast.” He urged Beauregard to concentrate all nearby Confederates to destroy Sherman’s army before it reached the coast. Davis, unaware of Hood’s defeat at Franklin today, thought Hood would have an impact on Federal strategy.

Confederates repulsed Federals from Hilton Head attacking Grahamville near the South Carolina coast. Skirmishing occurred in Virginia, West Virginia, and Georgia.

—–

Primary Source: Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 600-04