Walter Coffey's Blog, page 2

Restoring the Insurrectionary States

President Andrew Johnson continues efforts to quickly restore the Union by endorsing Abraham Lincoln’s Ten-Percent Plan, recognizing new state governments, and reinstating officials loyal to the U.S. While Radical Republicans seek harsh penalties for the South, Johnson signals leniency toward soldiers and civilians.Continue reading

Taylor Surrenders to Canby

Federal forces accept the paroles of Confederate soldiers from the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, thereby disbanding the last major Confederate force east of the Mississippi River.Continue reading

The Davis Family Reunites

President Jefferson Davis reunites with his family at Dublin, Georgia, after responding to rumors that they were under attack by desperate Confederate troops. Meanwhile, Federal cavalry tightens its dragnet and prepares to intercept Davis near Irwinville, Georgia.Continue reading

The Davis Administration Reaches Sandersville

Jefferson Davis and his small Confederate escort reach the banks of the Oconee River in Georgia, while Federal forces rapidly close in on them.Continue reading

Illinois’ Slain but Glorified Son

President Abraham Lincoln and his son Willie are laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery in their hometown of Springfield, Illinois, nearly three weeks after Lincoln had been assassinated.Continue reading

All is Indeed Lost

Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his dwindling government-in-exile holds what turns out to be their last council of war in their southward flight to avoid Federal capture.Continue reading

Conducing to the Ends of Public Justice

President Andrew Johnson establishes a military commission to try the eight people accused of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. The tribunal is given questionable constitutional powers that could impact the defendants’ rights and future appeals.Continue reading

God Knows Those Who Obey Him

President Jefferson Davis and his Confederate government-in-exile reach South Carolina on their way to regroup in Texas. But Federal patrols are closing in on them.Continue reading

Aftermath of the Booth Manhunt

Federal officials bring the body of John Wilkes Booth back to Washington as the alleged accomplices to his scheme are rounded up and jailed. Federal officials debate whether to use a military tribunal or civilian court, amid concerns about constitutional legality.Continue reading

The Sultana Tragedy

The steamboat Sultana explodes and sinks on the Mississippi River. As many as 1,800 recently released Federal prisoners of war are killed in the worst maritime disaster in American history.Continue reading