American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

May 30, 1864 Monday
In Virginia fighting broke out at Matadequin Creek, Old Church, Shady Grove, Armstrong’s Farm, and Ashland. Grant’s main force arrived along the Totopotomoy River and faced Lee’s line north of the Chickahominy River. At White House on the Pamunkey River W.F. Smith brought two corps of reinforcements to Grant. Grant was now nearly as close to Richmond as McClellan had been in 1862 but again the Confederates barred the way. Fighting was heavy as the Federals felt the Confederate line, determining where it lay. Brigadier General James Barbour Terrill ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_B._Terrill ), CSA, is killed during the Battle of Bethesda Church, Virginia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_ ... omoy_Creek ).

In Georgia the lines still held around New Hope Church and Dallas and the skirmishing and sharpshooting continued with action near Allatoona and at Burned Church, Georgia. In Charleston Harbor a minor bombardment of Fort Sumter was opened by the Federals lasting until June 5, and consisting of 319 rounds.

John Hunt Morgan was on his way again – this time into Kentucky to take pressure off Johnston in Georgia by attacking Sherman’s more distant communications. Then too, there were skirmishes on Mill and Honey creeks in Missouri; a Federal expedition until June 5 from Morganza to the Atchafalaya, Louisiana; and a skirmish at Greeneville, Tennessee. Federals under Brig Gen George Crook ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Crook ) started from Meadow Bluff, West Virginia toward Lynchburg, Virginia as part of the Federal move by Hunter against Lynchburg.

President Lincoln writes to a committee from the American Baptist Home Mission Society in response to resolutions presented by them. When those professedly holy men of the South, in semblance of prayer, appealed to the Christian world "to aid them in doing to a whole race of men, as they would have no man do unto themselves," they contemned and insulted God. "But let me forbear, remembering it is also written 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.'"

Mounting evidence pointed to a Confederate naval assault on Union forces in the James River below Richmond. This date, John Loomis, a deserter from C.S.S. Hampton, reported that three ironclads and six wooden gunboats, all armed with torpedoes, had passed the obstructions at Drewry's Bluff and were below Fort Darling, awaiting an opportunity to attack. The ironclads were C.S.S. Virginia II, Flag Officer John K. Mitchell, C.S.S. Richmond, commanded by Lieutenant William H. Parker, and C.S.S. Fredericksburg, Commander Thomas R. Rootes. Two days later, Archy Jenkins, a Negro from Richmond, confirmed this statement and added: "They are putting two barges and a sloop lashed together, filled with shavings and pitch and with torpedoes, which they intend to set on fire, and when it reaches the fleet it will blow up and destroy the fleet. . . . They all say they know 'they can whip you all; they are certain of it.' They believe in their torpedoes in preference to everything." "In view of the novel attack contemplated," Rear Admiral Lee wrote Secretary Welles, ". . . one or more ironclads could be added to my force here, considering the importance of this river to the armies of Generals Grant and Butler."

U.S.S. Keystone State, Commander Crosby, and U.S.S. Massachusetts, commanded by Acting Lieutenant William H. West, captured blockade running British steamer Caledonia at sea south of Cape Fear after a three hour chase in which the steamer's cargo of bacon, leather, and medical supplies was thrown overboard.

_________________
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, 1864 Tuesday
A hectic month came to an end with many changes since May began. Grant shifted part of his lines toward Cold Harbor, still moving to get around Lee’s right. Lee and his Confederates shifted too, and were there in front of him, setting the scene for the horrible days known as Cold Harbor. Fighting occurred at Mechump’s Creek, Shallow Creek, Turner’s Farm, and Bethesda Church, Virginia. When May began Grant had been north of the Rapidan River; now he was knocking on the still locked door of Richmond.

In Georgia Sherman had moved many miles toward Atlanta from far northwest Georgia, but he, too, confronted a determined and skillful foe. Federals and Confederates had each lost about nine thousand men during the May campaign. A bright spot for the Confederates was that John Hunt Morgan was raiding into Kentucky again, and Richmond and Atlanta still held. Nevertheless, the spring had been a rough one for the South.

Already the November presidential election attracted a lot of attention in the North. President Lincoln had been hearing from the politicos. At Cleveland a dissident group of Radical Republicans, unhappy over Lincoln’s emancipation policies and his lack of vindictiveness, met to nominate Gen John Charles Fremont for President and Brig Gen John Cochrane of New York for Vice-President. A splinter group of no great strength or outstanding leaders, it nevertheless caused the President some distress.

Richard Heron Anderson, CSA, and Jubal Anderson Early, CSA, were appointed to Lieutenant General; and the following appointments were made to Brigadier General: William Ruffin Cox, CSA; William Gaston Lewis, CSA; Robert Doak Lilley, CSA; John Caldwell Calhoun Sanders, CSA; James Balbour Terrill, CSA, (killed the day before); William Richard Terry, CSA; Thomas Fentress Toon, CSA; and Zebulon York, CSA.

_________________
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, 1864 Wednesday
As Federal infantry converged on the Cold Harbor area of Virginia near the 1862 Seven Days’ battlefields, they found the Confederates had already arrived and were making dispositions. Confederate infantry of R. H. Anderson’s corps attacked Sheridan’s Federal cavalry near Old Cold Harbor in the morning, and two Southern charges were defeated. Wright’s Federal Sixth Corps passed by the rear of the rest of the Federal army and arrived on the left, relieving Sheridan in midmorning. Meanwhile, W. F. Smith and the Eighteenth Corps of the Army of the James were delayed as they came from White House. Lee’s army saw the arrival of Wright’s corps and shifted to the right accordingly. Not until 6 P.M. were Wright and Smith ready to assault. At first the Federals made some gains, but Confederate resistance stiffened. Both Union corps entrenched in their advanced position. To the north, moderate Confederate attacks o the Federal right were repulsed. During the afternoon Hancock’s Second Corps was ordered to shift to the Union left or south end of the line. Farther off, beyond the Federal right, Yankee and Confederate cavalry clashed at Ashland, with the Union troops falling back toward Hanover Court House. During the night both lines continued to entrench; the Federals planned to renew the offensive in the morning.

In Georgia, where the main armies of Johnston and Sherman faced each other in the New Hope Church – Dallas area, Federal cavalry under George Stoneman captured Allatoona Pass, through which ran the all-important railroad to Chattanooga. With the seizure of this indispensable pass Sherman could advance his railhead closer to the fighting lines. He sidled northward toward the railroad, moving away from the New Hope Church area. Skirmishing occurred near Marietta and Kingston, Georgia.

Still another Federal offensive opened as Federal Brig Gen S. D. Sturgis ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_D._Sturgis ) and about 8,000 men moved out from Memphis to find and destroy the elusive Nathan Bedford Forrest. Sturgis headed toward Ripley, Mississippi. Forrest was now in the vicinity of Tupelo reorganizing after his raid north. Sherman determined to eliminate Forrest’s continual threat to his long supply lines. John Hunt Morgan also had to be considered; on his raid into Kentucky he fought a skirmish near Pound Gap. A skirmish broke out near Arnoldsville and Federals raided near New Market, Missouri. Col Colton Greene’s Confederate raiders, operating along the west bank of the Mississippi River near Columbus, Arkansas, fought an affair with U.S.S. Exchange.

President Davis ordered Maj Gen Robert Ransom, commanding at Richmond, too summon all local forces possible to the Chickahominy River to meet the threat to the capital. Gen Lee urged Beauregard, who commanded south of the James River facing Federal Gen Butler, to move part of his command north of the James if possible. Beauregard would thereby cover the area from the James north to the Chickahominy in front of Richmond.

Stephen Dodson Ramseur, CSA, was appointed to Major General; the following appointments were made to Brigadier General: Rufus Barringer, CSA; James Conner, CSA; and Adam Rankin Johnson, CSA.

_________________
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, 1864 Thursday
Grant’s planned attack upon Lee at Cold Harbor was set for early morning but troop movements, ammunition problems, and fatigue necessitated postponement until five in the afternoon. Sharp skirmishes erupted during the morning of a very hot day that ended with rain in the evening. Once more the attack was put off – until the morning of the third. Preparations continued. Many of the privates fashioned crude “dog tags.” Lee, who since Spotsylvania had received some reinforcements from the Shenandoah Valley and southern Virginia, also made readjustments in his well-entrenched lines. On the Confederate left Early had made an abortive attack. The stage was set on the flat lowlands along the Chickahominy River for one of the bloodiest battles of history.

Sherman, with Allatoona Pass firmly in his hands, slowly shifted his three armies northeastward by the left flank from New Hope Church toward Allatoona and Raccoon Bottom, Georgia. Colton Green, still waging his private war with Union shipping on the Mississippi River, engaged U.S.S. Adams and U.S.S. Monarch near Columbus, Arkansas. U.S.S. Louisville was also severely damaged in the same encounter.

Federal troops under David Hunter fought at Covington, Virginia in what would become known as the Lynchburg Campaign ( http://www.shenandoahatwar.org/The-Hist ... paign-1864 ). Some 16,000 Federals opposed about half that number under W.E. “Grumble” Jones. The Federals were aiming toward Staunton.

Brigadier General George Pierce Doles ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_P._Doles ), CSA, is killed instantly by a Federal sharpshooter, while inspecting his troops' entrenchment lines near Bethesda Church, Virginia.

U.S.S. Wamsutta, commanded by Acting Master Charles W. Lee, chased blockade running British steamer Rose aground at Pawley's Island, South Carolina, with small cargo including liquor and destroyed her.

U.S.S. Victoria, commanded by Acting Master Alfred Everson, chased blockade running steamer Georgiana McCaw aground near Wilmington and destroyed her with large cargo of provisions.

_________________
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, 1864 Friday
The rain ceased and dawn approached. A sudden crash of cheers and the drumming of musket fire signaled the attack by Grant, Meade, and the Army of the Potomac. With Richmond scarcely beyond the horizon, Grant hoped a surprise shift in tactics would split, possibly crush, Lee’s army. The Army of Northern Virginia was lined up behind strong fortifications from the Chickahominy River on the south to the swamps along the Totopotomoy River on the north. Disposition of units was mixed, but basically A.P. Hill’s corps was on the right, Anderson’s in the center, and Early’s on the left. Grant planned to use the three corps of Hancock, Wright, and Smith, on the left and center, for the main assault. Warren and Burnside to the north would join in later.

At 4:30 A.M. the blow came. For both sides it was a crisis, but for the Confederates it was crucial; a serious breakthrough by Grant might end the war in Virginia. Listing units and their movements is of little import. For this was a smashing, headlong attempt to ram through regardless of cost. Immediately the cost was great, As the three Federal corps made some early gains, Confederate guns and infantry enfiladed various units; the issue was determined in an incredibly short time. Just how long that ferocious storm lasted is disputed, as is the number of fallen assailants. But it failed, and Grant later regretted that it was ever made. It was a great victory for Lee – if the stemming of a tide by a human wall can be called victory – and was his last major triumph in all out battle ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cold_Harbor and http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/cold-harbor.html ). Nevertheless, Richmond and his army were still in danger.

Federal killed and wounded for the June 3 assault may be put at around 7000 in well under an hour, with perhaps 5000 more for June 1-2. Confederate losses June 3 were probably under 1500. The North utilized perhaps 50,000 out of around 117,000 present for duty; the South about half of the less than 60,000 available. Around noon Grant called off his entire attack; the day was spent strengthening lines and caring for the casualties of the futile assault of Cold Harbor, though countless wounded went unsuccored. To the north, on the fringes of the main battle, Federal cavalry were beaten off at Haw’s Shop and near Via’s House.

Charles Francis Adams, Jr while he had great faith in Grant, wrote that the army “has literally marched in blood and agony from the Rapidan to the James.” Eight miles away in Richmond the people listened to the sounds of the struggle.

Federal cavalry entered Acworth, Georgia pushing out a few Confederate vedettes. Johnston realized that with Sherman’s main force moving off north of New Hope Church, the Confederates could no longer hold their position in the New Hope area and must once more respond to a Federal move.

Federal Brig Gen W.W. Averell’s cavalry set out from Bunger’s Mills in Greenbrier County, West Virginia to aid Hunter’s main effort in the Shenandoah Valley aimed at Lynchburg. Skirmishes occurred at Searcy, Arkansas and Neosho, Missouri. A three-day Union scout moved from Sedalia to the Blackwater Creek, Missouri.

A Confederate boat expedition of some 130 officers and men under the command of Lieutenant Thomas P. Pelot, CSN, surprised and captured U.S.S. Water Witch, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Austin Pendergrast, in an early morning raid off Ossabaw Island, Georgia. In pitch darkness at 2 o'clock in the morning, Pelot silently guided his party to the anchored blockaders' and was within 50 yards of her when discovered. Before the Union sailors could man their stations, the Confederates had boarded Water Witch and a wild hand-to-hand melee ensued. "The fight," Rear Admiral Dahlgren recorded in his diary after learning of the incident, "was hard, but brief." Though the Southerners overwhelmed the defenders, Pelot and five others were killed and 17 were wounded in taking the prize.

President Lincoln approved an act of Congress calling for a national currency secured by pledges of government bonds and establishing a Bureau of Currency with an office of Comptroller of the Treasury. This act replaced a similar act of Feb 25, 1863. President Lincoln wrote a New York political gathering, “My previous high estimate of Gen. Grant has been maintained and heightened by what has occurred in the remarkable campaign he is now conducting….”

_________________
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, 1864 Saturday
In a rainstorm Joseph E. Johnston shifted his Confederate Army of Tennessee during the night from the New Hope Church area outside Atlanta northward to an already prepared position along Lost, Pine, and Brush mountains. Once again he got in front of Sherman before the Federals could complete their move and once more he was in an immensely strong defensive position. Fighting broke out near Big Shanty and Acworth, Georgia during the day.

At Cold Harbor the armies of Grant and Lee lay entrenched, often only yards apart, and each appeared so strong that no further assault seemed possible. The dead and some wounded still lay between the lines. As Hunter’s Federals advanced in the Shenandoah Valley there was fighting at Port Republic and Harrisonburg, Virginia and a skirmish took place at Panther Gap, West Virginia. Elsewhere, the guns were heard at Ossahaw Sound, Georgia; Hudson’s Crossing on the Neosho River in Indian Territory; and near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Federal scouts operated from Huntersville and Clinton, Arkansas. Gen John Hunt Morgan and his raiders, in Kentucky for what proved to be the last time, headed toward Lexington. Meanwhile, the Federal column of S.D. Sturgis from Memphis marched slowly into northern Mississippi toward Forrest’s Confederates.

U.S.S. Fort Jackson, commanded by Captain Sands, captured blockade running steamer Thistle at sea east of Charleston. Her cargo, except for a cotton press, was thrown overboard during the six hour chase.

_________________
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, 1864 Sunday
Confederates under W.E. “Grumble” Jones moved to stop Hunter’s destructive raid in the Shenandoah Valley. With about 5600 men in all, Jones met Hunter’s main force of around 8500 at Piedmont, about seven miles southwest of Port Republic. Charges and countercharges lasted until midafternoon, when Federal infantry and cavalry routed the Southern troops ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Piedmont and http://www.shenandoahatwar.org/The-Hist ... f-Piedmont ). Jones ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_E._Jones ) was killed in the engagement. Hunter moved on into Staunton to continue his raids on civilian property, which made his name anathema to the people of the Shenandoah Valley. Federals lost around 780 men and Confederates about 1600, of which around 1000 were captured. One of the secondary prongs of Grant’s over-all offensive appeared to be working at last.

In Georgia Sherman was shifting more rapidly northeast toward the Atlanta-Chattanooga rail line and Johnston’s new position on the mountains in front of Marietta. Skirmishing broke out at Pine Mountain and Acworth. On the quietly entrenched lines around Cold Harbor, Grant proposed to Lee an arrangement for tending to the wounded and burying the dead. On the seventh a truce was agreed. In the Trans-Mississippi a skirmish flared at Worthington’s Landing, Arkansas and Federals scouted in Missouri. At Charleston a minor bombardment against Fort Sumter by Federal guns ended with 319 rounds fired and only four casualties.

U.S.S. Keystone State, Commander Crosby, seized blockade running British steamer Siren off Beaufort harbor, North Carolina, with cargo including hoop iron and liquor.

At Washington and other political discussion centers the question was what President Lincoln would do about a vice-presidential candidate. Many held that Hannibal Hamlin would be dropped in favor of a war-minded Democrat to create the atmosphere of a united political ticket.

_________________
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, 1864 Monday
Sherman continued shifting position in Georgia to face Johnston’s entrenchments, although there was action at Big Shanty and Raccoon Creek. Grant and Lee were largely quiet about Cold Harbor except for an abortive movement by Early toward Burnside on the Federal right. Federal troops under Hunter occupied Staunton, an important operational center in the Shenandoah Valley. A skirmish occurred near Moorefield, West Virginia; and out in Arkansas fighting broke out at Lake Chicot or Old River Lake, and at Bealer’s Ferry on the Little Red River. For most of the rest of June there was desultory firing by Federal guns against Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. U.S.S. Metacomet, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Jouett, captured blockade running steamer Donegal off Mobile with large cargo of munitions.

_________________
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, 1864 Tuesday
Delegates to the National Union Convention, representing most Republicans and some War Democrats, gathered in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for President of the United States. Their support for Lincoln was almost unanimous. Open to possible question was the vice-presidential nomination. The day was devoted to the usual preliminaries, with the nominations set for June 8. President Lincoln had John Hay and others that he wanted to keep hands off the vice-presidency and the platform. The Radical Republicans conceded the nomination of Lincoln but hoped for a drastic hard-war platform. Plans to postpone the convention had dissipated.

Federal troops under S.D. Sturgis skirmished with Confederates at Ripley, Mississippi as the Union expedition headed into Mississippi in search of Forrest. In Missouri there was action at Sikeston and New Frankfort, and in Arkansas a skirmish at Sunnyside Landing.

Grant and Lee remained poised in the Cold Harbor area, but clearly Grant would have to cross the James River. For diversion, prior to this momentous shift, Sheridan and two divisions of his cavalry were to join Hunter at Charlottesville, Virginia and operate against the railroads. Sheridan moved west between the North Anna and the Mattapony rivers on what became known as the Trevilian Raid.

Grenville Mellen Dodge, USA, and John Gibbon, USA, were appointed to Major General; Byron Root Pierce, USA, to Brigadier General. Confederate transport steamer Etiwan grounded off Fort Johnson and was sunk by Union batteries on Morris Island, Charleston harbor.

_________________
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 8, 1864 Wednesday
In Georgia Sherman’s troops sloshed through mud and rain to the Western & Atlantic Railroad, preparing to face Johnston once more in front of Marietta. Francis P. Blair came up with a reinforcing corps, although Sherman had his force depleted by the necessity of garrisoning the railroad back to Chattanooga. There was action near Acworth and a skirmish at Lost Mountain. In Virginia troops of Crook and Averell augmented Hunter’s Federal force aiming at Lynchburg, bringing his total to 18,000.

Morgan, on what proved to be his last raid, captured Mount Sterling, Kentucky and its Federal garrison ( http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM2E ... t_Sterling ). Some of Morgan’s unruly men robbed the local bank of $18,000. Morgan’s share of the blame has never been determined. Some speculated that the money was to go to Canada to help the Northwest Conspiracy or that Morgan’s command was so tenuous that he could not prevent the looting. Morgan blocked investigation and never explained.

Elsewhere, action included an engagement at Simsport, Louisiana and an affair at Indian Bayou, Mississippi. Until Aug 9 Federal troops operated from Fort Churchill to the Humboldt River in Nevada Territory.

Politics diverted attention even from the military operations in Georgia and Virginia. At Baltimore, on the second day of the National Union party convention, Lincoln was nominated for President as expected. Andrew Johnson ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Johnson ), military governor of Tennessee, became the vice-presidential candidate in place of the incumbent Hannibal Hamlin. The party platform called for the integrity of the Union, quelling of the rebellion, no compromise with the rebels, and a constitutional amendment ending slavery. The vote for President was 484 for Lincoln, 22 for Grant. Then Missouri changed its vote to make it unanimous. Upon the nomination, “the long pent up enthusiasms burst forth in a scene of wildest confusion.” “Hail, Columbia” from the band increased the racket. For Vice-President, Democrat Johnson received 200 votes; Hamlin 150; and Democrat Daniel S. Dickinson of New York 108. Most delegates changed to Johnson and then it was made unanimous. The President’s role in dropping Hamlin and selecting Johnson has never been entirely clear. On the surface President Lincoln indicated he wanted an open choice. That evening a Union League council differed from the convention and favored, as did the Cleveland Radical convention, confiscation of rebel property.

_________________
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, 1864 Thursday
Crowds of delegates from the Baltimore convention rushed to the White House to congratulate the President on his nomination. Convention president William Dennison formally notified Lincoln. The President expressed his gratitude and approved the call for a constitutional amendment prohibiting slavery; “such (an) amendment of the Constitution as (is) now proposed became a fitting, and necessary conclusion to the final success of the Union cause.” He pointed out that those in revolt had been given the opportunity to desist without “the overthrow of their institution” but had failed to do so. In the evening President Lincoln was serenaded by a brass band.

Federals drove Morgan’s men out of Mount Sterling, Kentucky and they retreated toward Winchester. A smaller fight took place near Pleasureville, Kentucky.

Sherman was just about ready for the next act of the Atlanta Campaign against Johnston at the Lost, Pine, and Brush mountains position. Skirmishing broke out near Big Shanty and near Stilesborough, Georgia.

Gen Benjamin Butler sent an expedition out to capture Petersburg but it was poorly managed and Beauregard halted it successfully. An affair occurred near Breckinridge, Missouri. For five days Federals scouted from Cassville, Missouri to Cross Hollow, Arkansas. At La Fayette, Tennessee there was yet another skirmish. Near Cold Harbor orders went out to build fortifications to cover the proposed Federal march to the James River.

President Davis warned Lee that “The indications are that Grant despairing of a direct attack is now seeking to embarrass you by flank movements.” He also worried about the threats at Petersburg and was concerned that Johnston had not yet struck the enemy in Georgia.

U.S.S. Proteus, Commander Robert W. Shufeldt, captured blockade running British schooner R. S. Hood at sea north of Little Bahama Bank.

U.S.S. New Berne, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Thomas A. Harris, chased blockade running steamer Pevensey aground near Beaufort, North Carolina, with cargo including arms, lead, bacon, and clothing. She blew up shortly thereafter.

U.S.S. Rosalie, commanded by Acting Master Peter F. Coffin, captured steamer Emma at Marco Pass, Florida, with cargo of blacksmith's coal.

_________________
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, 1864 Friday
Gen Samuel D. Sturgis’ Federals from Memphis found Forrest near Brice’s Crossroads, south of Corinth, Mississippi. Forrest abandoned his plan to move on Sherman’s communications and concentrated near Guntown not far from Brice’s Crossroads. The Confederates vigorously attacked the Federals, exhausted by a rapid march and the hot weather. The Union lines fell back from the crossroads and withdrew over Tishomingo Creek. The bridge was blocked, creating panic. The retreat much of the way to Memphis was a near rout. Forrest garnered most of the enemy artillery, 176 wagons, and supplies, plus over 1500 prisoners. It was one of the cavalry master’s greatest moments and a classic of its kind. Sturgis had about 8000 men and lost 223 killed, 394 wounded, and 1623 missing or captured for a total of 2240. Forrest lost 96 killed and 396 wounded for 492, and he had only about 3500 men ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_ ... Crossroads and http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/br ... roads.html ).

Morgan’s somewhat riotous raiders entered Lexington, Kentucky after a “slight engagement and burned the Federal depot and stables, taking about 7000 horses. At once Morgan moved on to Georgetown, Kentucky and a smaller band headed toward Frankfort, Kentucky carrying out a demonstration.

In Georgia Sherman’s three armies moved forward cautiously toward Johnston’s mountainous positions northwest of Marietta. Action occurred at Acworth, Pine Mountain, Roswell, Lost Mountain, and Calhoun. Muddy roads and swollen streams still hampered operations.

Hunter and his combined force moved toward Lexington and Lynchburg in the Valley of Virginia. Confederates under Breckinridge again gathered to oppose him, with action at Middlebrook, Brownsburg, and Waynesborough. Grant at Cold Harbor refined his plans for the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the James River. Fighting erupted at Old Church and Newport, Virginia and Kabletown, West Virginia. In the West the day was marked with an affair near St James, Missouri; another at Lewisburg, Arkansas; and considerable scouting in Missouri. Lieutenant General Richard Taylor ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Taylor_(general) ), CSA, is relieved of command of the Confederate District of West Louisiana and Major General John G. Walker ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_George_Walker ), CSA, is assigned the command.

The Confederate Congress in Richmond authorized military service for men between seventeen and eighteen years of age and between forty-five and fifty. John Smith Preston, CSA, was appointed to Brigadier General.

U.S.S Elk, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Nicholas Kirby, captured blockade running sloop Yankee Doodle at the middle entrance of the Pearl River, Mississippi Sound, with cargo of cotton.

U.S.S. Union, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Edward Conroy, took sloop Caroline attempting to run the blockade at Jupiter Inlet, Florida.

_________________
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, 1864 Saturday
The beaten Federals, struggling back toward Memphis from Brice’s Crossroads, fought rearguard actions at Ripley and Salem, Mississippi. Morgan’s raiders entered Cynthiana, Kentucky after action at nearby Keller’s Bridge.

The principal fighting was in Virginia, where Sheridan’s cavalry attempted to join Hunter at Charlottesville. Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee went to block his way. In the confused, twisted engagement at Trevilian Station, Federal horse under Custer had some success getting in the Confederate rear, but Hampton recovered. Fitzhugh Lee had less luck and was driven back. By nightfall Hampton was entrenching across Sheridan’s route. The battle was a Federal victory so far, but the achievement was not encouraging (http://www.trevilianstation.org/battle.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_ ... an_Station ). Sheridan said he decided that night to give up trying to meet Hunter. Farther west and north, in the Valley of Virginia, Hunter’s men skirmished at Lexington, as the Federals entered the historic college town and burned the Virginia Military Institute ( http://www.vmi.edu/archives.aspx?id=4669 ). Hunter also raided Arrington’s Depot. Hunter’s name was fast becoming a hated one in Virginia. To combat him Lee detached Jubal Early from the battle lines. Down on the Peninsula preparations neared completion for the grand movement of the Army of the Potomac, to begin on the morrow.

As Sherman’s men pressed forward in Georgia toward Johnston’s positions fighting broke out at McAffee’s Crossroads and skirmishing near Lost and Pine mountains lasted several days. Other minor actions were reported at Ridgeley, Missouri and Midway, Virginia. An expedition by Federals from Point Lookout, Maryland to Pope’s Creek, Virginia lasted until the twenty-first. Selden Connor, USA, was appointed to Brigadier General. The Federal 13th Army Corps ( http://www.ranger95.com/civil_war_us/ci ... corps.html ) is discontinued. It was last stationed in the Federal Department of Missouri.

C.S.S. Alabama, commanded by Captain Semmes, badly in need of repairs, arrived at Cherbourg, France. Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair, CSN, an officer on board the Confederate raider, later recorded his impressions upon entering this, her last port: "We have cruised from the day of commission, August 24, 1862, to June 11, 1864, and during this time have visited two-thirds of the globe, experiencing all vicissitudes of climate and hardships attending constant cruising.. We have had from first to last two hundred and thirteen officers and men on our payroll, and have lost not one by disease, and but one by accidental death." The Confederate Commissioner in France, John Slidell, assured Semmes that he anticipated no difficulty in obtaining French permission for Alabama to use the docking facilities. William L. Dayton, U.S. Minister to France, immediately protested the use of the French port by a vessel with a character "so obnoxious and so notorious". Intelligence of the material condition and strength of Alabama was relayed by the American Vice-Consul at Cherbourg to Captain Winslow of U.S.S. Kearsarge at Flushing.

_________________
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, 1864 Sunday
With secrecy, efficiency and rapidity the Army of the Potomac, over 100,000 strong, began one of the great army movements in military history. Pulling out of the positions near Cold Harbor, Grant and Meade directed four corps toward the James River. W.F. Smith’s corps was to go by water down the Pamunkey and York rivers and up the James River. Light skirmishing did occur at Long Bridge and White House Landing. The movement had begun at dark. Warren’s corps was left behind to cover the passage of the rest of the army, taking position near Long Bridge. This move, intended to deceive Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia, did so for some days.

At Trevilian Station the battle begun the day before continued. Sheridan and his cavalry unsuccessfully attacked the entrenched Confederates under Wade Hampton. The frustrated assault forced Sheridan to give up his planned rout of retreat and confirmed his decision not to try to join Hunter in the Valley. He gradually pulled back the way he had come and eventually joined Grant on the James River late in June. Sheridan had about 8000 men and lost 102 killed, 470 wounded, and 435 missing for 1007. The Confederates had possibly 5000 men; partial reports of losses are 612, but they undoubtedly were larger.

In Kentucky Morgan, who had captured about 300 Federals at Cynthiana the day before, was attacked by Yankees and severely beaten ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cynthiana ). He retreated to Abingdon, Virginia in the far southwestern part of the state, arriving June 20.

Meanwhile, in Mississippi the shambles of Sturgis’ command continued their post-Brice’s Crossroads retreat with Forrest following. Skirmishing took place at Davis’ Mill, Mississippi. In Missouri fighting broke out at Montevallo, Calhoun, and Kingsville. In Georgia skirmishing erupted near Acworth once more, as Sherman’s Federals carefully inched forward against Johnston. Meanwhile, supplies for the Union Army were being brought in from Chattanooga and the communication lines strengthened.

U.S.S. Flag, Commander James C. Williamson, captured blockade running sloop Cyclops shortly after she ran out of Charleston with cargo of cotton.

U.S.S. Lavender, commanded by Acting Master John H. Gleason, struck a shoal off North Carolina in a severe squall. The 175-ton wooden steamer was destroyed and nine crewmen lost before the survivors were rescued on 15 June by Army steamer John Farron.

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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

June 13, 1864 Monday
What was to become the final campaign for Richmond got under way. The bulk of the Army of the Potomac moved rapidly from Cold Harbor toward the James River. Lee learned that the Federals had left Cold Harbor and had reports they were aiming at Richmond from the Long Bridge area of the Chickahominy River. So the Army of Northern Virginia shifted southward, taking position from Malvern Hill to White Oak Swamp, blocking the road to Richmond, a road Grant did not intend to take. Grant repeated his order to Butler to obstruct navigation in the James River by sinking old hulks in the river. By late afternoon Hancock’s Second Corps reached the James River at Wilcox’s Landing. A lengthy pontoon bridge was still under construction and vessels had been assembled to carry part of the army across the wide river. There was skirmishing at White Oak Swamp and Riddell’s Shop. Lee, unaware of the magnitude of Grant’s move and impressed with the threat in the Valley of Virginia, moved Early’s corps toward the Valley to halt Hunter’s Federals. In the Valley action included a skirmish near Buchanan and Union scouting from Lexington to around Lynchburg. Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell, who had been ailing, was assigned to command the Confederate Department of Richmond. He replaced Major General Robert Ransom, Jr who went to the Department of Western Virginia.

In Georgia the pressure against Johnston by Sherman mounted and there was a skirmish at Burnt Hickory. Sturgis’ ill-fated Union expedition returned to Tennessee and fought a skirmish near Collierville. Federal troops from Morristown, Tennessee operated for a month into North Carolina. And farther west a four-day Federal scout moved from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to Weston, Missouri.

President Davis, replying to complaints of neglect from the Trans-Mississippi commander E. Kirby Smith, said, “my ability to sustain you will be the measure of the assistance rendered to you.” More than ever, President Davis could only equivocate when called upon for help.

U.S.S. Kearsarge, commanded by Captain Winslow, sailed from Dover, England, to blockade C.S.S. Alabama at Cherbourg.

_________________
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