American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

June 23, 1861 Sunday
There was a mild skirmish at Righter, western Va. Prof Lowe again went up in his balloon, this time as far as Falls Church, Va, where he observed Confederate troop positions. An artist was sent along to map the terrain. Gen McClellan, in personal command in western Virginia, proclaimed that he would now prosecute the war vigorously. U.S.S. Massachusetts, under Commander M. Smith, captured Mexican schooner Brilliant, with cargo of flour, and Confederate schooners Trois Freres, Olive Branch, Fanny, and Basile in the Gulf of Mexico. Confederate Naval began reconstruction of ex-U.S.S. Merrimack as the ironclad C.S.S. Virginia at Norfolk.

Brig Gen Thomas Jackson destroys 42 engines and nearly 400 cars of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Martinsburg, Virginia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson%27 ... road_(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 24, 1861 Monday
Two U.S. gunboats shelled Confederate positions at Mathias Point, Va, on the Potomac, while on the Rappahannock there was a brief clash of gunboat and Confederates. There was a skirmish at Jackson, Mo. Major fighting for the moment was limited. President Lincoln, along with five Generals and three Cabinet members, showed his interest in military equipment by watching experiments with rifled cannon and the “Coffee Mill,” an early rapid-firing weapon. President interviews Commodore Stringham assigned to Norfolk to prepare expedition to coast of North Carolina. President Lincoln writes to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase regarding a job promotion for William W. Danenhower. Lincoln writes, "The accompanying papers show, as I know to be true, that W. W. Danenhower is most worthy of our consideration. He now has a small clerkship, upon which, with his family, he can not live. He now wishes some place with better pay, leaving the place he now has to some man without a family, or with a smaller one. I sincerely join him in this wish." Tennessee Governor Isham G. Harris declares Tennessee out of the Union, with the vote for separation being: yeas 104,019, neas 47,238.

_________________
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 25, 1861 Tuesday
Many Northern cities, such as New York, were saying goodbye to their regiments as they left for Washington and other points. There was still a great spirit of celebration and exhilaration. The war remained almost a holiday to some. President Lincoln calls conference with Gens. Scott, Meigs, and John A. Dix, and cabinet to consider military situation. "The President expresses a strong desire to bag Gen. Thomas J. Jackson (CSA)." Yesterday, inventor and early member of the military-industrial complex J.D. Mills of New York had demonstrated an awesome new machine for President Abraham Lincoln in the hayloft of Hall’s carriage shop. It was a single barreled gun, but mounted on a two-wheeled artillery carriage to support the ammunition loading mechanism. The operator simply turned a crank and the .58 caliber bullets, in special metal jackets, were fed in one after the other. Today it was demonstrated for three Cabinet members, five generals and the Governor of Connecticut. The commander of the Washington defenses, Gen. Joseph Mansfield, was an immediate convert and begged to get some of the devices. The military bureaucracy, however, was not so impressed and refused to order them. In practical terms they consumed so much ammunition at such a rate as to horrify supply officers. Leonidas Polk, CSA, was appointed to Major General.

_________________
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 26, 1861 Wednesday
Two minor skirmishes recorded – at Frankfort and on Patterson’s Creek, in western Virginia. U.S.S. Minnesota, commanded by Flag Officer Stringham, captured bark Sally Magee off Hampton Roads.

Secretary of State William H. Seward and British foreign minister Lord Lyons visit President Lincoln and present a "Royal letter announcing the death of . . . Queen [Victoria's] mother, the Duchess of Kent." Later, Lincoln writes to Queen Victoria and expresses "my sincere condolence, with that of the whole American people, in this great bereavement." Lincoln asks "God to have Your Majesty and your whole Royal Family constantly under his gracious protection and care." President Lincoln receives honorary degree of LL.D. from Columbia College; Dr. Francis Lieber, president of Columbia, presents award personally. [On July 4, 1860, Lincoln received his first honorary degree, LL.D. from Knox College, Galesburg, Ill.]

_________________
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 27, 1861 Thursday
The chief of police of Baltimore, George P. Kane, was arrested on order of Maj Gen Nathaniel Banks. Kane was alleged to be pro-Confederate. At Dover, Del, a peace convention urged recognition of the Confederacy.

In Washington, the Blockade Strategy Board met under the chairmanship of Captain Du Pont and included as members Commander Charles H. Davis, USN, Major John G. Barnard, USA Corps of Engineers, and Professor Alexander D. Bache, Superintendent U.S. Coast Survey, to consider and report on the major problems of the blockade and to plan amphibious operations to seize vital bases on the Southern coast. Recommendations made by the Blockade Strategy Board, in early example of a "'Joint Staff," had a profound effect on the course of the conflict and pointed the way to the successful naval actions at Hatteras Inlet, Port Royal, and New Orleans. The broad policies the Board early set forth were essentially followed to their culmination at Appomattox.

U.S.S. Resolute, commanded by Acting Master W. Budd, burned a Confederate supply depot on Virginia shore of the Potomac River.

U.S.S. Thomas Freeborn, under Commander Ward, U.S.S. Reliance, under Acting Lieutenant Jared P. K. Mygatt, with two boats under Lieutenant James C. Chaplin, from U.S.S. Pawnee, under Commander Rowan, attacked Confederate forces at Mathias Point, Virginia. Commander Ward was killed in the action. Naval actions at Mathias Point, Aquia Creek, and elsewhere caused Admiral D. D. Porter to observe of these early operations on the Potomac and Chesapeake: ". . . the country was too busy watching the black clouds gathering in the South and West to note the ordinary events that were taking place on the Potomac, yet they formed the small links in the chain, which in the end, shackled the arms of the great rebellion."

_________________
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 28, 1861 Friday
At Sacramento, Calif, the Central Pacific Railroad Company of California was incorporated for the purpose of aiding in completing a trans-continental railroad line. Midsummer brought minor but nasty hit-and-run incidents involving naval vessels and shore batteries in the lower Potomac and along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. On the night of June 28 a group of Confederates led by George N. Hollins boarded the side-wheeler St Nicholas, a commercial vessel operating in Chesapeake Bay. Hollins, disguised as a woman, led his band in seizing the vessel. They then set out to search for U.S.S. Pawnee, but managed only to take three small commercial vessels on the 29th. Daring, dashing, adventurous, the incident meant little, but did sting the North’s sensitivities.

The former U.S. Treasury Dahlonega Mint was no more. It had been 23 years, 2 months, and 11 days exactly since the first beautiful coin was minted there ( http://boards.collectors-society.com/ub ... er=4108200 ).

_________________
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 29, 1861 Saturday
President Lincoln summons military officers to special cabinet meeting on state of Union. Gen. Irvin McDowell presents plan for attacking Confederates under Gen. Beauregard at Manassas. Gen. Scott proposes sending an expedition down the Mississippi, establishing blockade, and starving South into submission as best way to suppress rebellion. Thinks troops too raw for battle and disagrees with military authorities. President and cabinet believe public wants action and further delay might cool Northern zeal. At the moment, though, the men were still streaming into Washington; the 11th Massachusetts Infantry had 25 baggage wagons for 950 men and on the White House grounds the 12th New York formed a hollow square during a flag raising by the President. In western Virginia there was a skirmish at Bowman’s Place on Cheat 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

June 30, 1861 Sunday
Below New Orleans, C.S.S. Sumter, commanded by Raphael Semmes, ran the blockade and with three lusty cheers from the crew began a spectacular career as a commerce raider, causing consternation to Federal shipping. U.S.S. Brooklyn gave chase but soon lost her. U.S.S. Reliance, commanded by Lieutenant Mygatt, seized and destroyed sloop Passenger in the Potomac River.

A brilliant comet crossed the skies. With a fiery head and along streamer of light the dazzling comet cut across the midevening in a sudden, unexpected visit. Was it just an astronomical phenomenon or was it prophetic of something more? One paper said the scientists were astonished, the timid, frightened, and that it had “taken the country by storm.”



Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
June 30, 1861
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Wheeling Intelligencer
July 3, 1861
An Expedition To Weston – Twenty-Seven Thousand Dollars In Gold Captured – Capt. John List returned to this city last evening, having in charge twenty-seven thousand dollars in gold, taken from the bank at Weston, Va., where it had been placed to the credit of the Western Lunatic Asylum, by the State authorities. Capt. List was commissioned by Gov. Peirpoint to go and take charge of this money, the work on the Asylum having been stopped, and there being reasonable apprehension that the gold might fall into the hands of Letcher’s government. The Captain proceeded to Grafton, and upon making known his object to General McClellan, in less than twenty-four hours a regiment of men under Col. Tyler were on the march. The expedition left Clarksburg on Sunday evening, and marching all night, reached Weston on Sunday morning about 5 o’clock. The people were all asleep, but the fine band which accompanied the expedition aroused the drowsy population by playing the Star Spangled Banner. Col. Tyler took possession of the place, and Capt. List went down and demanded the money in the name of the State of Virginia. No resistance was made, and the money was soon forked over. Some of the bank men thought the amount ought to have been taken in currency, but Capt. List said he didn’t think so, and that was all of it. The troops captured some twenty odd prisoners, all of whom were released upon examination, except the following who were brought up to Grafton and placed under guard; Jas. T. Jackson, Geo. J. Butcher, W. E. Lively, John Kearns, Jr., and J. Summitt. Against these there are special charges. A guard of six men accompanied the money to this city, and last night it was safely deposited in the Northwestern Bank, and will be used by those to whom it truly belongs – the true State government.

_________________
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

July 1, 1861 Monday
Four members of the Baltimore Police Board were arrested by Federal authorities for alleged pro-Confederate activities in the city.

President Lincoln spends time in temporary quarters as his office in the White House is being remodeled. Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull notes that Lincoln's office, "which is upstairs over the room where the President receives company at the Levees . . . was just being . . . fitted up with papering . . . ,&c. The papering was done & looked very prettily. Mrs. L. was up taking a look at it." Trumbull meets with Lincoln for about an hour in the evening, and the two men discuss the war: "He said to me that he did not know of any law to authorize some things which he had done; but he thought there was a necessity for them, & that to save the constitution & the laws generally, it might be better to do some illegal acts, rather than suffer all to be overthrown. He seemed to think there was just as much law for increasing the regular army & the Navy as for calling out the three years' men. Every body seems anxious for a forward movement, & indications are not wanting that it will soon be made."

_________________
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

July 2, 1861 Tuesday
The Commanding General of the U.S. Army, Winfield Scott, was authorized by the President to suspend the writ of habeas corpus on or near any military line between the city of New York and Washington, presaging further suspension of the privilege.

Troops of Federal Brig Gen Robert Patterson crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, Md into the Shenandoah Valley. Gen Scott and Gen Patterson, two aged warriors, argued over operations until finally on a bright midsummer day Patterson moved. It was part of the Federal plan to have Patterson march into the Shenandoah Valley to hold Confederate troops there while the main Union Army carried out a major attack toward Manassas. Meanwhile, the Confederates under Joseph E. Johnston had much the same idea – to hold Patterson in the valley and then shift their forces quickly to join Beauregard for offensive action toward Washington. Moving toward Martinsburg, western Va, the Federals pushed Confederate outposts before them, and there was a brisk skirmish at Falling Waters or Hoke’s Run, western Va, a Union success ( http://www.battleoffallingwaters.com/newbattle.htm ).

In Washington President Lincoln reviewed troops and conferred with Maj Gen John Charles Fremont, who was slowly heading west to take command in Missouri, source of much worry to Federal authorities.


Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
July 2, 1861

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Official Records of the War of the Rebellion
Series 1, Volume 2, p. 160-161

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Martinsburg, Va., July 6, 1861.

SIR: I telegraphed my intention to cross the Potomac on the 1st instant. I now have the honor to report my movements since that date. I left Hagerstown on the afternoon of the 30th ultimo, the earliest day my command could take the field in a proper condition for active service, intending the following morning to enter Virginia with two columns at Dam No. 4 and Williamsport, to be united the same day at Hainesville, the known location of the rebels. Owing to the danger and difficulty attending the fording at Dam No. 4, I placed all the force at Williamsport. My order of march for the 2d instant is given in the accompanying circular.

The advance crossed the Potomac at 4 a m., all taking the main road to Martinsburg, with the exception of Negley’s brigade, which, about one mile from the ford, diverged to the right, to meet the enemy should he come from Hedgesville, to guard our right, and to rejoin at Hainesville. About five miles from the ford the skirmishers in front and on the flank suddenly became engaged with the enemy, posted in a clump of trees. At the same time their main force appeared in front, sheltered by fences, timber and houses. Abercrombie immediately deployed his regiments (First Wisconsin and Eleventh Pennsylvania) on each side of the road, placed Hudson’s section, supported by the First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry, in the road, and advanced to the attack against a warm fire before him. The enemy, being supported by artillery, resisted for twenty-five minutes with much determination. Lieutenant Hudson after getting into position soon silenced their guns.

In the mean time Thomas brigade rapidly advanced, and deployed to the left to turn the right flank of the enemy. The enemy, seeing this movement, and being pressed by Abercrombie, retired, hotly pursued for four miles by artillery and infantry. The cavalry could not be employed, on account of numerous fences and walls crossing the country.

In the enemy’s camp were found camp equipage, provisions, grain, &c. This brush was highly creditable to our arms, winning as we did the day against a foe superior in number to those engaged on our side. They were well posted, sheltered by timber, and sustained by artillery and cavalry. Our men advanced over open ground against a warm fire of artillery and infantry. I present the reports of Colonels Abercrombie and Thomas and Lieutenants Perkins and Hudson, and take much pleasure in bearing testimony as an eye-witness to the admirable manner in which their commands were handled and their commendations earned.

I also bear testimony to efficient service in posting portions of the troops and conducting them to the front and into action rendered by the members of my staff present on the field of battle - Col. F. J. Porter, Capt. John Newton, and Lieutenant Babcock, and Majors Price and Biddle - who were employed conveying orders; also Surgeon Tripler in attention to the wounded.

The loss of the enemy was over sixty killed. The number of wounded cannot be ascertained, as a large number were carried off the field.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. PATTERSON,
Major- General, Commanding.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. Army, Washington City.

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Official Records of the War of the Rebellion
Series 1, Volume 2, p. 179-186
No. 2.

Report of Capt. James H. Simpson, TA S. Topographical Engineers.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA,
Martinsburg, Va., July 4, 1861.

MAJOR: I have to report that the column under General Patterson crossed the Potomac from Williamsport into Virginia on the morning of the 2d, and encamped the same night at Hainesville, on Hoke’s Run, twelve miles distant. The main column, under General Patterson, consisting of probably three-fourths of the command, took the most direct route. The balance of the command, under the command of General Negley, and which I accompanied, took a more circuitous route, the object being to sweep the whole country. We met the enemy on both routes, but they could not withstand the force of our array, and, after exchanging some shots, fled precipitately. The next morning we started for this city, which we reached yesterday before noon, our entry being of the most gallant character, and the citizens generally receiving us with cheers of gratulations and sweet smiles of approbation. The enemy in a small body is posted, or were yesterday, about two and one- half miles from us on the Winchester road, but they will not be permitted to remain there long. To-day our train has gone to Williamsport to obtain supplies. The main body of the enemy is represented as being intrenched about seven miles from us on the Winchester road. They are variously estimated by the citizens of the country from 7,000 to 20,000 strong. We probably are about 10,000 strong.

I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. SIMPSON,
Captain, Topographical Engineers.

Maj. HARTMAN BACHE,
Comdg. Corps Topographical Engineers, Washington, D. C.

_________________
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

July 3, 1861 Wednesday
Federal troops of Gen Robert Patterson advanced to Martinsburg, western Va, with Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederate outposts falling back toward Winchester, Va. In New Mexico Territory, Union forces abandoned Fort McLane. Galveston, Tex was now blockaded as the Northern Navy extended its operations. President Lincoln conferred with his Cabinet on his message for Congress, due to convene the next day in special session.

_________________
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

July 4, 1861 Thursday
Independence Day. The great national holiday had come again and saw a country divided and at war. Patriotism was supreme as always, on both sides. In Washington the special session of the 37th Congress gathered after being called by the President to deal with war measures. Many felt it should have been called sooner. Galusha A. Grow of Pennsylvania was elected Speaker of the House. In the message sent to Congress (dated July 4 but read to Congress July 5) the President outlined events since March 4, including the suspension of functions of the Federal government in areas of secession. Mr. Lincoln said he had exhausted all peaceful measures to solve the difficulties, and the Administration vowed to hold all public places and property. The President reviewed the Fort Sumter crisis and pointed out that to “abandon that position, under the circumstances, would be utterly ruinous …” He denied that the South needed to assault Fort Sumter, as it was not an aggressive threat to them. He put the entire blame for opening the war upon the South. The issue “presents to the whole family of man, the question, whether a constitutional republic, or a democracy – a government of the people, by the same people – can, or cannot, maintain its territorial integrity, against its own domestic foes.” And thus war came. The President then outlined the action instituted to mobilize and fight the war. He indicated that some measures taken were perhaps beyond the power of the President but since they were a public necessity he trusted that Congress would ratify them. Mr. Lincoln then recommended “that you give the legal means for making this contest a short, and a decisive one; that you place at the control of the government, for the work, at least four hundred thousand men, and four hundred millions of dollars.” The President went on to make a strong case for the indivisibility of the Union and denied that secession was possible. “It was with the deepest regret that the Executive found the duty of employing the war-power, in defense of the government, forced upon him. He could but perform this duty, or surrender the existence of the government.”

President Lincoln signed a temperance declaration (also signed by ten previous Presidents). There was a small skirmish at Harper’s Ferry, Va, as part of the Federal advance into the Shenandoah, and another in Missouri at Farmington, south of St Louis. Six blockade runners were taken off Galveston. Leonidas Polk is put in charge of the Confederate Department Number 2. The Kansas Flag is introduced (http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-1861.html ).

_________________
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

July 5, 1861 Friday
Gov Claiborne Jackson, Confederate, in southwest Missouri with the itinerant government, was concerned about Nathaniel Lyon and the Federal troops in his rear. Now he discovered that Franz Sigel and his Germans were near Carthage in front of him. The governor’s force, largely in civilian clothes, formed a line of battle and awaited Sigel’s attack. The nondescript Missouri Southerners were hard pressed at first until their cavalry flanked both ends of Sigel’s line. This forced the Federals judiciously to retreat, although the Northerners used their artillery to advantage. The Germans retired through Carthage and the Confederate pursuit ended at dark. The Federals had around 1100 men to some 4000 partly unarmed Confederates. Union losses were put at 13 killed and 31 wounded, and Confederates reported 40 to 50 killed and 120 wounded. At any rate, the Federal advance into southwest Missouri had received a setback. Sigel moved back to join Lyon at Springfield (http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/mo/mo002.html ). At Neosha, Missouri, a company of eighty Federals, one hundred rifles, and seven wagons loaded with provisions was captured ( http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ances ... wton1.html ). Gov Jackson marched southward to meet Sterling Price’s army. In Virginia there was a small skirmish near Newport News. Two more blockade runners were taken off Galveston.

Although officially dated July 4, the President’s message was actually read to Congress on July 5. For the most part it met with enthusiastic approval of congressmen.

_________________
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

July 6, 1861 Saturday
The campaign in western Virginia became active again with skirmishing at Middle Fork Bridge east of Buckhannon. At a Cuban port C.S.S. Sumter deposited seven prizes taken in the first major commerce raiding foray of the Confederates. They were later released by Cuba.

_________________
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

July 7, 1861 Sunday
There was skirmishing for several days at Bellington and Laurel Hill, western Va, and also one day of fighting at Glenville, where Federal troops were continuing their pressure on Confederate forces in the western counties of Virginia. There was a skirmish at Great Falls, Md. The pattern of frequent skirmishes and affairs was now becoming evident, nearly three months after war began. Clement L. Vallandigham, already known as favoring peace, visited Ohio regiments in Virginia and was greeted at one camp by a shower of stones, shouts, and anger which almost precipitated a riot. Marshal Lamon reports to President on conditions at Gen. Patterson's headquarters.

U.S.S. South Carolina, under Commander Alden, captured schooner Sam Houston off Galveston.
Confederate privateer Jefferson Davis captured American schooner S. J. Waring about 150 miles off Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

U.S.S. Pocahontas, under Commander Benjamin M. Dove, fired on and damaged C.S.S. George Page in Aquia Creek, Virginia.

Two floating torpedoes (mines) in the Potomac River were picked up by U.S.S. Resolute, commanded by Acting Master W. Budd--the earliest known use of torpedoes by the Confederates. During the course of the war a variety of ingenious torpedoes destroyed or damaged some 40 Union ships, forecasting the vast growth to come in this aspect of underwater naval warfare.

_________________
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