American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

May 24, 1861 Friday
As stealthily as partially trained troops could move, the Federals advanced across the Potomac at Washington and occupied Alexandria, Va. A small Confederate detachment in the city quickly left as the three regiments, and other units, crossed by the Long Bridge or landed from steamers. The Virginia ends of the bridges were seized and by sunrise fortifications were going up. The Virginia troops retreated in good order; few shots were fired. The North had taken a primary step to defend its capital and set its foot upon the soil of Virginia with 10,000 troops.

Added to the strategy and the thrill of the first advance, was the tragic, dramatic death of youthful Elmer Ellsworth. Twenty-four, organizer of a famous Zouave drill team, Ellsworth led the 1st Zouaves, or 11th New York. Col Ellsworth with a few companions rushing toward the center of Alexandria saw a secession flag flying from the Marshall House. Ellsworth and two others dashed in to haul down the enemy flag. Descending the stairs with the banner Ellsworth was confronted by the hotel keeper, James Jackson. Jackson blasted Ellsworth with his shotgun. Jackson was immediately fatally shot by Pvt Francis E. Brownell. Learning of tragedy through War Dept. telegram, Lincoln weeps openly over death of young friend, Col. Ellsworth.

Ellsworth’s death plunged the North into a patriotic spasm of grief; the body lay in state in the White House. A friend of the President, Ellsworth became a martyr for the Federal cause. As the tears and cries of rage spread through the North, so, too, did Jackson become a martyr to the South. Poems, songs, graphic drawings circulated widely, dramatizing the incident. A beautiful and noble life ended, the Northern press proclaimed; “Jackson perished a’mid the pack of wolves,” the South proclaimed. But as far as the war was concerned, the Federals had gained by force of arms a foothold on Virginia soil to add to that at Fort Monroe, maintained by wisely increased Federal garrisons.

Elsewhere, Gen Benjamin Butler at Fort Monroe refused to give up three Negro slaves who came into his lines, holding them as “contraband” of war, thus raising the whole issue of treatment of slaves by the Federals. In Missouri the state troops of Gov. Jackson and Sterling Price refused to disband.

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Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 25, 1861 Saturday
Funeral services were held in the East Room of the White House for Col Elmer Ellsworth. The President and Mrs. Lincoln were present. The President wrote the parents of young Ellsworth, “So much of promised usefulness to one’s country, and of bright hopes for one’s self and friends, have rarely been so suddenly dashed, as in his fall.” Death in war was yet new – soon it would receive less attention.

President Davis wrote a committee of the Maryland legislature thanking them for their sympathies with the cause of vindicating “the right of Self-Government,” and assuring them of the genuine desire for peace, but pointing out the failure of any peaceful relations with the United States.

Commander Dahlgren, Commandant Washington Navy Yard, reported capture of streamer Thomas Colyer by U.S.S. Pawnee, Commander Rowan, at Alexandria. Also, the U.S.S. Minnesota, commanded by Flag Officer Stringham, seized bark Winfred near Hampton Roads.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 26, 1861 Sunday
Maj Gen George B. McClellan, from Cincinnati, ordered three Federal columns into western Virginia to protect the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and aid the pro-unionists of the area. The main drive was toward Grafton. Forces of Col B.F. Kelley occupied Grafton on May 30, after a successful march across the Ohio. Union General George B. McClellan, from the Department of the Army of the Ohio, is ordered to suppress all attempts of insurrection among Negroes.

Postmaster General Montgomery Blair of the United States ruled that postal ties with the Southern states would end May 31. Agitation continued both North and South over the Alexandria affair, and the deaths of Ellsworth and Jackson, with hot words appearing editorially in many papers. Federal blockades were set up at Mobile by U.S.S. Powhatan, and at New Orleans by U.S.S. Brooklyn.

1861 Gen. Robert E. Lee wrote Georgia governor Joseph E. Brown saying that many Georgia volunteer companies had arrived in Virginia without weapons and asked if Georgia could send any firearms or equipment. Pres. Jefferson Davis left Montgomery to travel to Richmond, Va., the new capital of the Confederacy.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 27, 1861 Monday
Troops of Gen Butler from Fort Monroe were sent eight miles by boats to take Newport News, Va., the operation being completed without opposition by May 29. This gave the Federals at Fort Monroe a larger staging area for future operations.

Chief Justice William B. Taney ruled that the military arrest of John Merryman in Maryland had violated the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and that the President did not have the authority to suspend this privilege. The case arose out of the arrest of Merryman for allegedly recruiting for a Confederate regiment and his imprisonment by Gen Cadwalader in Baltimore. Ex Parte Merryman became a highly debated case, Cadwalader claimed that the President had authorized him to suspend the writ in such cases. President Lincoln later held he had the power of such suspension in certain cases and continued to execute it. His grounds were that the Constitution provided for suspension in cases of rebellion or invasion where public safety required it.

The President was concerned about events in Missouri and informed Gen W.S. Harney that the reported mistreatment of citizens loyal to the Union should be stopped. Mr. Lincoln said that the professions of loyalty of the state authorities could not be relied upon. Robert Lincoln was visiting at the White House, on vacation from Harvard.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 28, 1861 Tuesday
Brig Gen Irvin McDowell assumed command of the Department of Northeastern Virginia, which included Federal troops in and around Alexandria. U.S.S. Union set up a blockade of the Confederate port of Savannah, Ga. In the British House of Commons debate opened on relations with both the United States and Confederate States. Robert Anderson assumes command of the Department of Kentucky. Confederates seize the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Point of Rocks to Cumberland.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 29, 1861 Wednesday
President Jefferson Davis arrived in the newly designated Confederate capital of Richmond, Va. A large assemblage led by Gov. John Letcher and military and civil dignitaries greeted him. The President had been ill on his trip from Montgomery, but had responded to the frequent stops when crowds called for “Jeff Davis.” “The old Hero!” The trip was one continuous ovation.

In Washington the organization of nurses for the Army was well under way. Sec. of War Cameron had accepted the aid of Miss Dorothea Dix in establishing hospitals and caring for sick and wounded. For three days a trio of Federal vessels bombarded enemy batteries at Aquia Creek, Va. In afternoon Sec. Seward and Lincoln visit several encampments on Virginia side of Potomac. President reviews 14th New York Regiment. William H. Carryl and brother, "Importers and Dealers in Curtain Materials and Trimmings of Every Description," Philadelphia, submits bill for $7,500 for purchases made by Mrs. Lincoln to refurnish Executive Mansion.

Confederate privateer J. C. Calhoun captured American brig Panama, which she took to New Orleans with two earlier prizes, American schooners Mermaid and John Adams.

U.S.S. Powhatan, commanded by Lieutenant D. D. Porter, captured schooner Mary Clinton attempting to run the blockade near Southwest Pass, Mississippi River.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 30, 1861 Thursday
Federal troops under Col B.F. Kelley occupied Grafton, western Va., in order to guard the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and help protect pro-Union citizens in the western counties of Virginia. Appointment of officers and recruitment of troops continued both North and South and received most of the martial attention. Sec. of War Simon Cameron informed Gen Butler at Fort Monroe that he should retain such fugitive slaves as came within his lines, employ them, and keep records of their services. The question of what to do about slaves within Federal lines had been raised by Butler and caused a great deal of correspondence and debate in Federal government circles, with Lincoln himself pondering the proper policy. Cabinet meets to discuss procedures relative to Negro volunteers. Now the decision was that refugees should be cared for and given work in Federal military installations. At Norfolk, Va., the Confederates raised U.S.S. Merrimack, which had been burned when the Federals evacuated the navy yard. U.S.S. Quaker City, under Acting Master S. W. Mather, seized schooner Lynchburg, en route to Richmond with cargo of coffee. Albert Sidney Johnston, CSA, was appointed to General.

Maryland district attorney consults with President concerning John Merryman in prison at Fort McHenry, Md., without benefit of writ of habeas corpus. [On May 25, 1861, John Merryman of Maryland was arrested by military authorities in Pennsylvania, charged with treason, and sent to prison in Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md. Chief Justice Taney issued writ of habeas corpus to be heard before him on May 27, 1861 in Baltimore. Gen. George Cadwalader, in command at Fort McHenry, refused to execute writ. Taney issued writ for person of Cadwalader, who refused to accept service. Taney realized that neither writ could be executed by force, so he referred case to President Lincoln with admonition that laws of U.S. be respected and enforced. Taney contended that: 1. according to Constitution President had no right to suspend writ of habeas corpus; and 2. military can arrest only persons subject to rules and articles of war.] Lincoln asks Atty. Gen. Bates to present argument for suspension of writ of habeas corpus.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 31, 1861 Friday
The Federal Potomac Flotilla of three vessels shelled the Confederate batteries at Aquia Creek, Va., as part of the continuing small war going on along the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. The Confederates named Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard to command the Alexandria Line, which meant all the Southern troops in northern Virginia. He previously had commanded at Charleston. In a major Federal shift Brig Gen Nathaniel Lyon superceded William S. Harney in command of the Department of the West. Francis P. Blair and Lyon had finally exercised their authority, given them in mid-May, to relieve Harney when Blair thought necessary. The Harney-Price agreement to allow state authorities control, and the general’s attempt to resolve things peaceably, had aroused great controversy. Harney felt the complaints of Union citizens in Missouri exaggerated, while Blair and Lyon were violently opposed to his pact with Price. U.S.S. Perry, commanded by Lieutenant Enoch G. Parrott, captured Confederate blockade runner Hannah M. Johnson.

Federal troops arrived at Fort Leavenworth, Kas,, from the Indian Territory after abandoning posts there. The course they followed became known as the Chisholm Trail, named for Jesse Chisholm, one of their guides.

Robert Lincoln, John Hay, assistant secretary to President, and John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President, obtain passes to cross Long Bridge and visit Custis mansion, home of Gen. Robert E. Lee (CSA), in Arlington.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

June 1, 1861 Saturday
Minor skirmishes occurred in northern Virginia at Arlington Mills and Fairfax Court House ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_ ... (June_1861) ). Federal cavalry moved out to Fairfax, entered, and then pulled out. The insignificant affair attracted more attention than it deserved because serious fighting had not yet begun. Capt. John Q. Marr of the Confederacy was killed, one of the first Confederate battle deaths ( http://www.fairfaxrifles.org/marr.html ). Federal navy vessels comprising the June Potomac Flotilla, consisting of U.S.S. Thomas Freeborn, Commander Ward, U.S.S. Anacostia, Lieutenant Napoleon Collins, and U.S.S. Resolute, Acting Master William Budd, engaged Confederate batteries at Aquia Creek, Virginia. Flotilla joined by U.S.S. Pawnee, Commander Rowan, evening of 31 May. U.S.S. Union, Commander J. R. Goldsborough, captured Confederate schooner F. W. Johnson with cargo of railroad iron off the coast of North Carolina. The Federal blockade of the City of Fernandina started today with the arrival of the Union ship, U.S.S. Perry, under the command of Lieutenant Enoch G. Parrott. At Cairo, Ill., junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, the first 32 pound ball was fired down the Mississippi as the big guns were planted in position.

In Richmond President Davis was serenaded and gave a patriotic address to the crowd, saying, “Upon us is devolved the high and holy responsibility of preserving the constitutional liberty of a free government.” He claimed the North was “stripped of the liberty to which they were born” by “an ignorant usurper.”

Great Britain, followed by other nations, proclaimed a policy of preventing belligerents from carrying prizes into any British ports or territorial waters.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

June 2, 1861 Sunday
P.G.T. Beauregard took command of the Confederate forces in northern Virginia on the Alexandria Line. He succeeded Milledge L. Bonham. The force was known variously as the Department of Alexandria, the Potomac Department, and the Army of the Potomac. Federal forces moved out from Grafton, western Va., this night, heading southward in a heavy rain. For a good account of Stonewall Jackson’s operations against the B&O Railroad during this period, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson%27 ... road_(1861) .

At 6 p.m., at Washington D. C.'s Navy yard, President Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward board the "Freeborn." The day before, the Freeborn received fire from enemy guns at Aquia Creek, Va. A newspaper reports, "The President shook the hands of the gunners with great cordiality, and complimented them for their bravery. The enemy's rifled cannon shot were handed him for examination at his request. . . . One [man] of the Seventy-first [Regiment], through his eagerness to watch the movements of the President from the pier, fell over-board, but being an excellent swimmer, soon reached terra firma."

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

June 3, 1861 Monday
The “Little Giant” was dead. In Chicago the 48 year old senator from Illinois and former presidential candidate succumbed in the Tremont House of possible typhoid fever, following physical exhaustion. Personal financial difficulties, long campaigning, the war he sought to avoid, the rallying of strong support for the Union, and illness had finally downed one of the nation’s prominent leaders. His last message to his two sons said, “Tell them to obey the laws and support the Constitution of the United States.” In Washington President Lincoln denied himself to visitors in sorrow for the man who had beaten him for the U.S. Senate, and whom, in turn, he had beaten for the presidency. A Democrat, Douglas had long been the Northern leader of his party, the developer of popular sovereignty, and an advocate of western expansion. But Douglas had been all Union, as proved by the 1860 split in the Democratic Party when he headed the ticket of the Northern wing against the South. Many disliked him politically but no one could deny his essential dedication to the country. The Union lost one of its strongest supporters and noblest soldiers with the death of the short, volatile, aggressive little man with the valiant spirit.

There were two main lines of attack through the mountains of western Virginia, and eventually the Federals utilized them both – one from Grafton, Philippi, and Beverly and the other from the Ohio River up the Great Kanawha Valley to Charleston. Brig Gen T.A. Morris of McClellan’s command advanced from Grafton in two columns. Through the pitchy darkness and drenching rain over tortuous mountain roads the Federals filed. About daylight they struck at Philippi, completely surprising the sleeping Confederates. Col G.A. Porterfield’s command made no defense whatsoever, most of them fleeing, with the Federals in rapid pursuit. What few pickets there were failed. A joint report called the Confederate rout “disgraceful.” A minor action, blown up in the press until it became known as the “Philippi Races,” this skirmish did have some influence on the breaking away of western Virginia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Philippi_(1861)

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

June 4, 1861 Tuesday
Southern papers suggested that slaves be employed on Confederate fortifications in place of the volunteer troops. Delegates to the Second Wheeling Convention in western Virginia are selected (http://blueandgraytrail.com/event/Secon ... Convention ).

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

June 5, 1861 Wednesday
The Federal steamer (revenue cutter) Harriet Lane , commanded by Captain Faunce, USRM, threw a few shells at the Pig Point batteries on the James River, Va., typical of the secondary actions of the period. U.S.S. Niagara, Captain McKean, captured schooner Aid at Mobile. Flag Officer Pendergrast reported the capture of bark General Green by U.S.S. Quaker City, commanded by Commander Overton Carr, at the Capes of the Chesapeake.

At Manassas Gen Beauregard issued a proclamation to the people of northern Virginia, saying, “A reckless and unprincipled tyrant has invaded your soil. Abraham Lincoln, regardless of all moral, legal, and constitutional restraints, has thrown his abolition hosts among you, who are murdering and imprisoning your citizens, confiscating and destroying your property, and committing other acts of violence and outrage too shocking and revolting to humanity to be enumerated.” He added that the Federal “war cry is ‘Beauty and booty,’” and called for citizens to rally to their state and country. Earl Van Dorn, Theophilus Hunter Holmes, and Henry Alexander Wise were appointed to CSA Brigadier General. North Carolina transfers the arsenal, magazines, etc. at Fayetteville to the Confederate Government.

In Baltimore the U.S. marshal took possession of the gun factory of Merrill & Thomas. Federal authorities also seized powder from the Hazard Powder Co, Lower Canton, Conn, and from the Du Pont powder works in Delaware.



..................................................................................The Wheeling Intelligencer

Arrest of Maj. A. Loring—The Community Astonished—The people of this city were greatly astounded … upon learning that Major A. Loring, the sheriff of this county, had been arrested by U.S. officers, and was about being removed to Grafton. His arrest was made about 2 o’clock, A. M., while the Major was in his bed at the M’Lure House. He was taken to the Baltimore & Ohio Depot, where he remained until seven o’clock, when the train left for Grafton. Maj. Loring’s arrest is said to have been occasioned by certain papers found upon the person of W. J. Willey, who was captured after the skirmish at Phillippi [sic], and who is charged with leading the par[t]y who destroyed the bridges on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, between this city and Grafton. Nothing, however, is positively known in regard to this.—Maj. Loring has recently returned from Richmond, and it is surmised by his friends that he may have brought some papers to Mr. Willey, in which his own name is mentioned as bearer or otherwise. We sincerely hope it may appear that the Maj[o]r’s arrest is the resolute of a mistake, and that he has had no complicity whatever in the rebellious movements of the secessionists. We believe it will so turn out when the proper examination is had.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

June 6, 1861 Thursday
Confederate Brig Gen Henry A. Wise, former governor of Virginia, was ordered to take command of troops in the Kanawha Valley of western Virginia. The Federal Cabinet decided that war expenses should be paid by the national government, except those of the states for mobilization prior to swearing in of the men.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

June 7, 1861 Friday
Confederate troops carried out a minor reconnaissance from Yorktown to Newport News, Va. Federals blockaded Apalachicola, Fla. During the funeral of Sen Douglas, President Lincoln received no visitors. Government departments and many public schools in the North were closed, honoring the late senator from Illinois. The White House was draped in black.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00