American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

June 8, 1861 Saturday
Tennessee voters approved secession by a large majority – 104,913 for and 47,238 against. The eastern part of the state voted against secession two to one, but the rest was strongly pro-Confederate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Tenne ... on_of_1861 ). The vote approved the previous action of the legislature, although Tennessee already was active in the Confederacy.

Brig Gen Robert S. Garnett was assigned to command Confederate troops in northwestern Virginia in an effort to stiffen defense after the failure of Porterfield at Philippi. Gov John Letcher of Virginia officially transferred the forces of Virginia to the Confederate States. This put Gen Robert E. Lee temporarily out of a regular job, as he had commanded the Virginia troops, but he still acted as adviser to President Davis.

President Lincoln and Sec of War Cameron approved the setting up of the United States Sanitary Commission, which was to do so much to see the health and comfort of the Federal soldiers. U.S.S. Mississippi, commanded by Flag Officer Mervine, set blockade at Key West. U.S.S. Resolute, commanded by Acting Master W. Budd, having captured schooner Somerset at Breton's Bay, towed her close to the Virginia shore and burned her.

_________________
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 9, 1861 Sunday
In the evening Federal troops moved out of Newport News and Fort Monroe against Confederate positions at Big Bethel or Bethel Church, Va. The night march for green troops ran into considerable trouble with Federals firing into their comrades by mistake. U.S.S. Massachusetts, under Commander Melancton Smith, captured British blockade runner Perthshire with cargo of cotton near Pensacola.

_________________
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 10, 1861 Monday
A strong Federal force of 7 regiments from Fort Monroe had marched and blundered through the night to attack Confederate positions at Big or Great Bethel, also known as Bethel Church. The attack was hesitant and confused and after about an hour the Union troops had to retire. Among the Northern losses was Maj Theodore Winthrop, a brilliant young author. Ebenezer W. Pierce was the Northern field commander under Benjamin F. Butler’s direction. The Federals had something over 2500 men with 18 killed, 53 wounded, and 5 missing for 76. Confederates under the general command of Col John Bankhead Magruder numbered about 1200 engaged with 1 killed and 7 wounded. This essentially small engagement gave encouragement to the South and caused some pain to the North. Trophies of the fight were displayed in Richmond store windows. http://civilwar.bluegrass.net/battles-c ... 10610.html and http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va003.html

A Federal expedition under Col Charles P. Stone began its march from the Washington area to Edwards’ Ferry on the Potomac in what became known as the Rockville Expedition. During the period to July 7 there were several small skirmishes but the expedition did protect the Potomac line north and west of Washington.

Meanwhile, Federal captures of blockade-runners were increasing considerably, although a goodly amount of shipping still was getting through. U.S.S. Union, under Commander J. R. Goldsborough, captured brig Hallie Jackson off Savannah with cargo of molasses.

Lieutenant John Mercer Brooke, CSN, was ordered to design the ironclad C.S.S. Virginia (ex-U.S.S. Merrimack).

President Lincoln writes Secretary of War: "Please let Col. Montgomery C. Meigs be appointed Quarter-Master-General." Appoints resident ministers: former Cong. Edward J. Morris (Pa.) to Constantinople, Henry T. Blow of Missouri to Venezuela, Charles N. Riotte of Texas to Costa Rica. At 5 P.M. President and Gen. Scott review 2d Michigan Regiment at White House. In evening group of army chaplains is entertained by President and Mrs. Lincoln. President deposits May salary check for $2,083.34 in Riggs Bank.

Napoleon III proclaims French neutrality.

_________________
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 11, 1861 Tuesday
Delegates representing the pro-Union element in Virginia met at Wheeling for the first session of the Second Wheeling Convention to organize a pro-Union government that eventually became the state of West Virginia. http://www.wvculture.org/history/stateh ... ood07.html

“This means war,” said Gen Nathaniel Lyon after he and Francis Preston Blair, Jr, met with pro-Confederate Gov Claiborne Jackson and Gen Sterling Price at the Planters’ House in St Louis to discuss a possible truce. Lyon declared that he would see the people of Missouri “under the sod” before he would allow the state to dictate Federal troops movements. Jackson and Price hurried back to Jefferson City and ordered the destruction of bridges over strategic rivers. Lyon began issuing troops movement orders.

In the far Southwest Col Edward R.S. Canby took general charge of affairs in the Federal Department of New Mexico upon reports that Col William W. Loring had abandoned his command to join the Confederacy.

President Lincoln informs Gen. Meigs that his appointment as quartermaster general will probably be made tomorrow. He authorizes Commissioner Dole to select superintendent of Indian affairs in Washington Territory. Anson Dart of Wisconsin, former superintendent of Indian affairs in Oregon, is designated. Adverse reports on Dart cause Lincoln to write Dole "that neither you or I could knowingly be for such a man."

Brooklyn’s first Civil War death was a 12-year old Drummer Boy http://www.dvidshub.net/news/71763/broo ... ne-11-1861

_________________
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 12, 1861 Wednesday
Pro-Confederate Gov Claiborne Jackson of Missouri called for 50,000 state militia to protect citizens against what he termed Federal efforts to overthrow the state government.

The steamer City of Alton moved down the Mississippi about 5 miles below Columbus, Ky, from Cairo, Ill, and seized a Confederate flag on shore despite the proclaimed “neutrality” of Kentucky.

_________________
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 13, 1861 Thursday
After a fatiguing march, some 500 men of the Union command of Col Lew Wallace entered Romney, western Virginia, after a brief fight. Following the raid, Wallace returned to Cumberland, Md. The intention had been to prevent alleged oppression of pro-Northern citizens by Confederates. At Harper’s Ferry Gen Joseph E. Johnston was pessimistic about holding that vital post because of lack of men. In the Confederacy a fast day was observed by proclamation of President Davis, to dramatize the needed war effort.

Secs. Chase and Cameron accompany President Lincoln in carriage with cavalry escort on trip to entrenchments on Virginia side of Potomac. Review troops at 7 P.M. Recross Long Bridge on foot because of damaged sleepers.

U.S.S. Mississippi, commanded by Flag Officer Mervine, captured schooner Forest King at Key West.

_________________
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 14, 1861 Friday
In what was called the Rockville Expedition the Federal troops of Col Charles P. Stone fought a light skirmish near Seneca Mills, Md. Out in Missouri the pro-Confederates of Gov Jackson evacuated the state capital at Jefferson City as Federal troops under Nathaniel Lyon drew near. Robert Edward Lee, CSA, was appointed to General and Stephen Augustus Hurlbut, USA, to Brigadier General. American schooner Christiana Keen, grounded and was burned by Confederates near Upper Machodoc Creek, Virginia.

President Lincoln orders secretary of war: "Let Hon. John A. Dix be a Major General of Volunteers. Let Captain John Pope of the U.S.A. and Hon. Stephen A. Hurlbut of Ills. each be a Brigadier General, of (Illinois) volunteers."

_________________
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 15, 1861 Saturday
Federal forces advanced in several areas. Confederates under Joseph E. Johnston evacuated Harper’s Ferry, falling back in the Shenandoah Valley to Bunker Hill, north of Winchester. Johnston pulled out of the strategic point on the Potomac, burning the railroad bridge, due to the Federal raid on Romney and fear that troops of McClellan of western Virginia and Robert Patterson from the north might pinch off his small command. Patterson began to move forward cautiously upon the news of Johnston’s withdrawal. On the Potomac Federals under C.P. Stone occupied Edwards’ and Conrad’s ferries. In Missouri Federals of Nathaniel Lyon entered Jefferson City. Pro-Confederate Gov. Jackson and his supporters moved westward to Boonville. Army engineers blasted a hundred-ton boulder which obstructed the Baltimore & Ohio track at Point of Rocks, Md. Although it was assumed that this misdeed had been perpetrated by retreating Confederates, no one has ever figured out how they did it.

General Robert E. Lee wrote Virginia Governor John Fletcher regarding preparations for the defense of the state: "The frigate United States has been prepared for a school ship, provided with a deck battery of nineteen guns, 32-pounders and 9-inch Columbiads, for harbor defense. The frigate Merrimack has been raised and is in for the dry dock, and arrangements are made for raising the Germantown and Plymouth. " Lee, showing his understanding of the serious threat posed by Union naval operations on the rivers, reported that: "Six batteries have been erected on the Elizabeth River, to guard the approaches to Norfolk and the Navy Yard . . . to prevent ascent of the Nansemond River and the occupation of the railroad from Norfolk to Richmond, three batteries have been constructed . . . Sites for batteries on the Potomac have also been selected, and arrangements were in progress for their construction, but the entire command of that river being in the possession of the U.S. Government, a larger force is required for their security than could be devoted to that purpose. The batteries at Aquia Creek have only been prepared . . . On the Rappahannock River a 4-gun battery has been erected."

President Lincoln writes to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase and asks him to "issue a Warrant" for $7,500 worth of merchandise that First Lady Mary Lincoln bought "for the purpose of furnishing the President's House, in accordance with the act of Feb. 20. 1861." Mary Lincoln purchased items including "Lace Curtains . . . 1 Rosewood Bedstead . . . 2 Arm Chairs . . . 4 Wall Chairs . . . [and] 1 Rich Rosewood Center Table" from William H. Carryl and Brother, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

_________________
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 16, 1861 Sunday
The summer days of the early weeks of the war were active with enlistment, drilling after a fashion, equipping, shipment of troops, and all that goes into organizing for war. President Lincoln lent his moral support by often visiting camps along the Potomac, writing encouraging letters to governors, and carrying out the public relations aspects of his presidential post. There was of course confusion, waste, and ineptitude, but the job was being done on both sides.

President Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward visit New York regiments' camps, located north of Washington. A newspaper reports, "The President shook hands with each member of the Cayuga Regiment. I have seen nearly all of our great men . . . go through the 'pump-handle movement,' but there certainly never was a man who could do it with the celerity and abandon of President Lincoln. He goes it with both hands, and hand over hand, very much as a sailor would climb a rope. What is to the satisfaction of all is, that he gives a good honest, hearty shake, as if he meant it."

_________________
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 17, 1861 Monday
After capturing the state capital at Jefferson City on June 15 with no opposition and raising the Union flags to the strains of national airs, Nathaniel Lyon and his forces pressed on deeper into Missouri, following retreating Gov. Claiborne Jackson. Moving mainly by boat up the Missouri, Lyon landed about 1700 men below Boonville, advanced on the town, and after a short fight occupied the place. Casualties were light on both sides, but it was in a sense a serious Confederate defeat. Not only were pro-Confederates in the area dispersed, but it helped the Union control the Missouri River and seriously hindered efforts to hold the pro-Southern part of Missouri north of the river. One Federal soldier wrote that in Missouri “We were both missionaries and musketeers. When we captured a man we talked him nearly to death; in other respects we treated him humanely. The Civil War was a battle of ideas interrupted by artillery.” Following the loss of Boonville, pro-Southern Gov Jackson, his small armed force, and his government “in transit” had to retire to the southern part of Missouri. http://www.goboonville.com/1861details.pdf

In Virginia there were several actions. Stone’s Federals skirmished at Conrad’s Ferry, Md, along the Potomac as part of the Rockville Expedition. There was also action near Vienna and New Creek, Va. At Vienna some Ohio troops were sent to repair and guard the Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad about fifteen miles from Alexandria when Confederates ambushed and captured the train. A brilliant little achievement by Col Maxcy Gregg and his 1st South Carolina that meant little, but brought chagrin to the Federals. http://dclawyeronthecivilwar.blogspot.c ... rview.html and http://historicviennainc.org/?p=279

At Washington balloonist Prof Thaddeus S.C. Lowe and others ascended a short distance in the air to demonstrate the observation usefulness of balloons. Connected with the War Department by a telegraph wire, Prof Lowe communicated with the President. President Lincoln asks Sec Cameron to furnish "Navy-revolvers and Sabre" so that Mrs. Lincoln may send them to John Fry of Boyle County, Ky., "an acquaintance of hers, and a good & brave man."

At Greeneville in east Tennessee a group of pro-unionists gathered to try to take action to keep their section of the state in the United States. U.S.S. Massachusetts, under Commander M. Smith, captured schooner Achilles near Ship Island, Mississippi.

The government of Spain proclaimed its neutrality, but recognized the Confederacy as a belligerent, following the standard pattern of European powers.

The following appointments were made to Brigadier General (CSA): Barnard Elliott Bee, Richard Stoddert Ewell, William Joseph Hardee, Benjamin Huger, Thomas Jonathan Jackson, David Rumph Jones, James Longstreet, John Bankhead Magruder, John Clifford Pemberton, Henry Hopkins Sibley, and Edmund Kirby Smith.

The following appointment was made to Brigadier General (USA): Frederick West Lander.

_________________
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 18, 1861 Tuesday
Skirmishing continued along the Potomac, this time at Edwards’ Ferry, Md. Occasional captures of blockade-runners still occurred – such as one taken this day by U.S.S. Union off Charleston, SC. At Boonville, Missouri, Gen Lyon issued another of his several proclamations warning Missourians against what he called “treason.” President Lincoln interviews Gen. Butler, Democrat who is dissatisfied with recognition given him by Gen. Scott.

_________________
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 19, 1861 Wednesday
Francis H. Pierpoint was named provisional governor of Federal Virginia, or what was to become West Virginia, by a convention meeting in Wheeling. A lawyer who had made a fortune in the railroad business, he had never before held public office. In Missouri pro-secessionists attacked pro-union home guards, largely Germans, at Cole Camp. Accounts vary widely, but apparently the unionists were badly beaten with a minimum of 15 killed and possibly many more ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cole_Camp_(1861) ). Chief John Ross of the Cherokees reminded his people in the Indian Territory of obligations to the United States under their treaties. U.S.S. Massachusetts, under Commander M. Smith, captured blockade running brig Nahum Stetson off Pass a l'Outre, Louisiana.

President Lincoln writes to Ninian W. Edwards, who is married to Elizabeth Todd, Mary Lincoln's sister. Edwards, of Springfield, Illinois, wrote to Lincoln seeking a government position. Lincoln explains, "I thought I would inquire into the thing and write you, but the extraordinary pressure upon me diverted me from it, and soon it passed out of my mind. . . . I am unwilling, of course, that you should be deprived of a chance to make something, if it can be done without injustice to the Government, or to any individual."

_________________
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 20, 1861 Thursday
The governor of Kansas issued a proclamation calling on citizens to organize military companies to repel attacks from pro-secessionists in Missouri. President Lincoln authorizes suspension of writ of habeas corpus in case of Maj. William H. Chase, charged with treason.



WHEELING INTELLIGENCER
June 22, 1861
ATTACK ON A SCOUTING PARTY - TWO OHIO SOLDIERS KILLED

On Thursday night last a squad of some ten men from a Company of the 20th Ohio Regiment, under Col. Morton, and stationed at Benton's Ferry about four miles east of Fairmont, were out scouting when they came upon a lot of secessionists in the house of one Pete Righter, on Coon river, five miles in a westerly direction from the Ferry. - The squad was fired upon from the house, when one of them was killed instantly and another received a shot in the breast from which he cannot recover. The balance of the soldiers returned to camp and Col. Morton immediately sent forward a company of sixty men to dislodge the rascals. It was feared in Fairmont that there would be a great slaughter if the secessionists were still visible, for the soldiers were much enraged at the loss of their companions. This Righter is a notorious character and has been the right hand man of Fletch Vincent.

The letter which conveys the above information also makes the gratifying announcement that Tom and Sam Vincent, brothers of Fletch, have been taken prisoners and are now in possession of the Federal soldiers. Fletch cannot be found. Col. Morton's 20th Ohio Regiment are scattered along the railroad at different stations between this point and Grafton.

_________________
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 21, 1861 Friday
There was criticism in Washington and elsewhere that the War Department had not prevented erection of Confederate batteries on the Potomac River. The convention of eastern Tennesseans meeting at Greeneville declared their preference for the Union and the Constitution.

North Carolina Secession Convention votes to unfurl a new flag, a blue field with red and white bars with an insignia and two dates: May 20th, 1775 (Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence) and May 20th, 1861 (Secession from the United States).

_________________
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 22, 1861 Saturday

Wheeling Intelligencer
June 24, 1861

CAPTURE OF ARMS AT BETHANY. – On Saturday night a squad of eighteen men from Capt. Owens’ Plummer Guards, under command of the first sergeant of the company, went up to Bethany and took possession of fifty stand of arms in the charge of a disbanded military company some of whom are secessionists. Each member of the company had possession of his own musket, so that the U. S. soldiers, after taking possession of the town and guarding its streets had to go around to the different houses and take the guns. – No resistance was offered, and the squad returned to Camp Carlile the same evening with the muskets. Some of the secessionists had repeatedly averred that they would die before they would give up their arms. The people of Bethany were at first greatly surprised at the unexpected visit, but the matter was soon explained and nearly all were well satisfied.


Wheeling Daily Intelligencer
June 29, 1861
From Ritchie County.
[For the Wheeling Intelligencer]

Messrs. Editors: - Pursuant to previous notice, a large crowd assembled at Harrisville, Va., on Saturday, 22d inst., for the raising of a flag pole. From early in the morning until noon, large crowds could be seen coming from every direction, into town, men, women and children, all seeming interested in seeing and assisting to hoist the "stars and stripes" aloft to the breeze - that ensign which floated so proudly over our forefathers who fought hand in hand in the death struggle for liberty. A dinner was prepared by the Union ladies of our county, who, not unlike the matrons and maids of the revolution, were more patriotic, if possible, than the men. After dinner the pole was raised, (being a very nice one upward of 100 feet long,) all hands taking hold and making light work of it. After which the "stars and stripes," a beautiful flag made by those patriotic ladies, was run up to the height of about 100 feet, and everything being favorable, it unfurled itself and fluttered at full length in the air, when three cheers were given for the flag, in which every man joined with a hearty good will, causing the hills to reverberate with the shouts that went up in hornor of that flag, under which they had so long lived so peacefully, so happily, and so harmoniously. There were then three cheers, long and loud, given for the ladies who made it.

The assembly was then addressed by Rev. J. F. Terry and Dr. M. S. Hall in very able and patriotic speeches. After which the various companies of Home Guards were paraded in the streets, and an offer made for volunteers for three years service in the United States army, whereupon there were sixty-three who came forward and enrolled their names. Ritchie county is all right and will send a full company into the service.

Yours, &c., F. P. P.
RITCHIE C. H., June 24, 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