American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

August 29, 1862 Friday
A portion of Pope’s command attacked Jackson’s Confederates near Groveton, Virginia in order to prevent their escape ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Bull_Run and http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/se ... smap1.html ). Pope’s Federals were dispersed over northern Virginia and worn from constant marching. He attempted to concentrate his army against Jackson, posted in a railroad cut near Sudley Springs north of Groveton and the Warrenton Turnpike. The drive against Jackson was piecemeal and failed, but Second Bull Run or Manassas had begun. Maj Gen Fitz John Porter ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitz_John_Porter ) was ordered to strike Jackson, but failed to do so. Later Pope and others accused him of disobeying orders, and of dragging his feet. Porter said it was because Longstreet had come up and outnumbered him. The argument has not be stilled to this day. Longstreet did come up around noon. Pope handled his army badly, and at nightfall the Confederates of Lee were strongly posted on their original line of battle. Meanwhile, Halleck, in Washington, urged McClellan to send the bulk of his forces from Alexandria. McClellan claimed he did all possible to comply, but many felt that his opposition to Pope was such that his effort was at best only halfhearted. This day’s action, that of the following day, and the entire campaign of Second Manassas were to bring discredit to many Federal leaders, including Halleck, McClellan, Pope, Porter, and McDowell. On the Confederate side it was one of Jackson’s brightest hours and one of Lee’s greatest achievements. In Washington, three times this day, President Lincoln telegraphed his generals, “What news?”

Forgotten out in Missouri were skirmishes at Bloomfield and Iberia; another near St Charles Court House, Louisiana; as well as an engagement between the Confederate batteries at Port Hudson, Louisiana and USS Anglo-American. In Confederate command changes Beauregard was assigned to the Department of South Carolina and Georgia, relieving John C. Pemberton. For the North, Brig Gen Frederick Steele assumed command of the Army of the Southwest.

In Kentucky Confederate E. Kirby Smith invaded and his advance units fought with a Federal brigade south of Richmond in the afternoon ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Richmond and http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/ri ... ndmap.html ). The Confederates were driven back briefly and the Federals took a position defending Richmond. In Washington, President Lincoln and his cabinet discuss the Chiriqui colonization project and decide to abandon it ( http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/insi ... ubjectID=3 ). John Gregg, CSA, and Godfrey Weitzel, USA, were appointed to Brigadier General.

U.S.S. Pittsburg, commanded by Lieutenant Thompson, escorted steamers White Cloud and Iatan with Army troops embarked to Eunice, Arkansas. The gunboat shelled and dispersed Confederate forces from a camp above Carson's Landing on the Mississippi shore. Landing the troops under cover of Pittsburg's guns for reconnaissance missions en route, Lieutenant Thompson at Eunice seized a large wharf boat, fitted out as a floating hotel. This type of persistent patrolling of the Mississippi and tributaries by the Union Navy in support of Army operations was instrumental in preventing the Confederates from establishing firm positions.

The James River Flotilla having carried out its mission in support of General McClellan's army, the Navy Department ordered Commodore Wilkes to turn the ships over to Rear Admiral L. M. Goldsborough and to proceed to Washington to assume command of the Potomac Flotilla.

_________________
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

August 30, 1862 Saturday
Federal Gen Pope, believing the Confederates had retreated, attacked Jackson’s corps on the Southern left, but Longstreet on the right pushed ahead, taking Bald Hill and attacking Henry House Hill, scene of bitter fighting in 1861. Jackson repulsed Porter’s attack and then drove back the Federal line. At nightfall the primary action of the Battle of Second Manassas or Bull Run was over, with the whipped Federals stubbornly holding Henry House Hill and lines of retreat to Centreville. Pope’s army was beaten but not routed. Lee’s army was victorious but had failed to destroy Pope ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Bull_Run and http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/se ... k-map.html and http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/se ... ugust.html ). In Alexandria McClellan’s feeble efforts to send support to Pope had also failed. There was nothing left for Pope but withdrawal and humiliation. Immediately the charges and countercharges began. For the South Lee had relieved Richmond and taken the offensive. Brigadier General George William Taylor ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Taylor_(general) ), USA, is mortally wounded by a Confederate artillery canister shot during the Battle of Second Manassas (Bull Run), Virginia, while leading his men against an entrenched position, dying September 1, 1862.

For the entire campaign Aug 27-Sep 2, Federals lost 1724 killed, 8372 wounded, 5958 missing for a total of 16,054 casualties. Total engaged is put at 75,000. The Confederates lost 1481 killed, 7627 wounded, and 89 missing for a total of 9197 casualties of 48,500 engaged. Once more Confederate armies stood near Washington and the victories in the West did not look so bright.

In Kentucky, south of Lexington and below the small city of Richmond ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Richmond ), Confederate Gen E. Kirby Smith decided to attack. After attack and counterattack, the Federal right and left began to give way. Federals, unable to disengage, withdrew in considerable confusion, formed a new defense line, were driven from that, and retreated toward Louisville. William “Bull” Nelson ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_%22Bull%22_Nelson ) arrived to command Federals late in the battle. The figures: 206 Federals were killed and 844 wounded. Captured or missing are put officially at 4144 for total losses of 5194, which is probably high considering the 6500 engaged. For the Confederates, of 6800 engaged, 78 were killed, 372 wounded, and 1 missing for a total of 451. The invasion of Kentucky was well under way with a small but impressive Confederate victory. Federal Brigadier General Don Carlos Buell, USA, orders the pursuit of Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg, CSA, and Major General Edmund Kirby Smith, CSA, into Kentucky. Skirmishes this day were near Plymouth, North Carolina; Altamont, Tennessee; and near Marietta, Mississippi. In Washington President Lincoln anxiously awaited news from both Virginia and Kentucky. Per John Hay, President Lincoln’s secretary, "The President is very outspoken in regard to McClellan's present conduct. He said it really seemed to him that McClellan wanted Pope defeated." President Lincoln considers at length an indictment of Gen McClellan prepared by Sec Stanton and signed by Secs Chase and Smith and Atty Gen Bates. He decides not to relieve McClellan of command under accusations. U.S.S. R. R. Cuyler, commanded by Acting Master Simeon N. Freeman, captured schooner Anne Sophia at sea east of Jacksonville. Major General Gustavus W. Smith, CSA, assumes command of the defenses of Richmond, Virginia. Robert Cumming Schenck, USA, was appointed to Major General and John Calvin Brown, CSA, to Brigadier 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

August 31, 1862 Sunday
Gen Pope gathered his defeated Army of Virginia on the Washington side of Bull Run at the heights of Centreville. Finally two fresh Federal corps of the Army of the Potomac reported to Pope, but too late to retrieve the victory. Stuart’s cavalry reviewed the Federal scene and reported to Lee, who planned to turn the Union right. In the afternoon Jackson moved to just west of Chantilly with Longstreet following the next day. There was small skirmishing at various points of the lines.

Fighting also occurred at Little River Bridge, Missouri; Stevenson, Alabama; on the Kentucky River, Kentucky; at Roger’s Gap, Tennessee; and Franklin, Virginia. Fredericksburg, Virginia was evacuated by the Federals with considerable loss of supplies. On the Tennessee River Federal transport W.B. Terry, with a few troops, passengers, and a load of coal for the Union gunboats, grounded on the Duck River Sucks and was attacked by Confederates. After a brief defense the vessel was forced to surrender. Thus the month came to an end with victories for the South and defeats for the North. In the North there was consternation and alarm and preparations for receiving the wounded they knew would come, particularly from Virginia. The Surgeon General of the Army called for women and children to scrape lint for bandages. U.S.S. William G. Anderson, commanded by Acting Master D'Oyley, seized schooner Lily off Louisiana with cargo of gun powder. Samuel Gibbs French, 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

September 1, 1862 Monday
Although President Lincoln was anxious for news, the results of recent action were not clearly discernible. Both the President and the public wondered what was really happening in northern Virginia. How close to Washington was R.E. Lee? If Pope’s Army of Virginia had been beaten, how disastrous was it? In Richmond there was some feeling of relief, for McClellan was gone from the Peninsula and Lee was on the move. But many asked whether the Army of Northern Virginia could carry the war north of the Potomac. The Northern threat to Vicksburg appeared far less ominous now that the Yankee gunboats had moved north to Helena and south to Baton Rouge. But C.S.S. Arkansas had been lost. How long the Confederates cold continue to defend the Mississippi River with such limited river power was a matter for speculation.

While Grant still threatened northern Mississippi and Alabama, and Federals occupied New Orleans, Braxton Bragg and E. Kirby Smith were moving into Tennessee and Kentucky with Smith actually not far from Lexington, Kentucky. This would undoubtedly bring Buell’s Federal command back from northern Alabama. Anxiety began to rise at Louisville among pro-unionists and hope reappeared among others who would welcome the return of the Confederates to the mid-South. In Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, especially, lurid reports of the Sioux uprising in Minnesota brought fear that the trouble would spread into a general Indian revolt. Overall there did appear to be less pressure at the moment on the Confederacy, although probably few believed the tide had fully changed. At the North the word “Copperhead,” popular or unpopular depending upon how one looked at peace advocates, indicated a simmering anti-war feeling in some circles. On the other hand, the cries of the abolitionists increasingly called for action against slavery.

The last scene of fighting in the Second Battle of Bull Run or Manassas was at Chantilly or Ox Hill, Virginia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chantilly ). Lee, maintaining his offensive, sent Jackson’s corps north around the Union right. He was met by Federals under I.I. Stevens ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Stevens ) and Philip Kearny ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Kearny ). After severe fighting in heavy rain that lasted until evening, the Federals withdrew. Stevens and Kearny, two of the most promising Union officers, were killed. The death of the beloved and admired Kearny particularly was mourned both North and South. Pope’s troops had held off the Confederate advance and during the night withdrew closer to Washington from Centreville, Germantown, and Fairfax Court House. Lee kept the pressure on the distraught Federals, but Washington itself was well protected.

There was skirmishing at Putnam, Neosho, and Spring River, Missouri. Maj Gen Ormsby Mitchel, famed astronomer and lecturer who had fought well in Tennessee, was assigned to command the Union Department of the South. For the Confederates, Maj Gen J.P. McCown assumed command of the Department of East Tennessee. Excitement in the North continued to rise; in the east over Second Bull Run, and in the west, particularly at Louisville and Cincinnati; over the nearness of Kirby Smith and his Confederates. The Federal Navy stopped the “spirit ration” of the sailors. C.S.S. Florida, commanded by Lieutenant Maffitt, put into Havana after suffering a yellow fever epidemic on board which was fatal to several crew members. Alfred Holt Colquitt, CSA, and Junius Daniel, CSA, were appointed to Brigadier General.

President Davis was having difficulty with South Carolina authorities over the enforcement of conscription. President Lincoln, McClellan, and Halleck conferred about the military situation in Virginia.

_________________
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

September 2, 1862 Tuesday
Pope ordered his beaten but not routed Federal Army of Virginia to pull back into the Washington area entrenchments. There were skirmishes near Fairfax Court House, Falls Church, Vienna, Flint Hill, and Leesburg, Virginia. The U.S. Cabinet meets at noon. President Lincoln announces his decision placing McClellan in command of troops to defend the Capital. Secs Stanton and Chase express heated disapproval but President Lincoln dissolves all opposition by 4 P.M. President Lincoln had doubts about McClellan, but suppressed them. Pope was left without a command. The victorious Confederates gathered their forces near Chantilly for new adventures. Union forces evacuated Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley.

In Minnesota Sioux Indians besieged a Federal detachment at Birch Coulee ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Birch_Coulee ). H.H. Sibley’s men relieved the siege Sept 3. There was a skirmish near Nashville, Tennessee and Confederates under E. Kirby Smith occupied Lexington, Kentucky. Bragg’s army continued to march north from Chattanooga. There was a skirmish near Memphis, Tennessee and a Federal expedition from Suffolk, Virginia, Sept 2-3. Federal Flag Officer Louis M. Goldsborough ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_M._Goldsborough ) was relieved of command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. U.S.S. Restless, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Conroy, captured sloop John Thompson off South Carolina with cargo of turpentine. Abraham Buford, CSA, was appointed to Brigadier General.

About this time President Lincoln penned a “Mediation on the Divine Will,” in which he stated, “In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, but one must be wrong. God can not be for, and against the same thing at the same time.” Business was suspended and citizens began drilling in Cincinnati, Ohio, Covington and Newport, Kentucky after learning that Confederate forces were nearby. Martial law was declared.

_________________
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

September 3, 1862 Wednesday
Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, realizing the futility of attacking Washington, edged toward Leesburg and the crossings of the Potomac. Confederates occupied Winchester and there were skirmishes at Falls Church, Bunker Hill, Edwards’ Ferry, and other points in northern Virginia. There were operations around Harper’s Ferry, Ravenswood, Weston, Charles Town, and Martinsburg, western Virginia, and Lovettsville, Virginia.

Gen Pope conferred with President Lincoln, and then delivered a written report to Halleck charging Gen Porter with disobeying orders and McClellan with failing to support him. Second Manassas or Bull Run was to be refought many times in words.

In Dakota Territory there was action with the Indians at Fort Abercrombie. Joseph Holt of Kentucky was appointed Judge Advocate General of the United States. A skirmish occurred at Geiger’s Lake, Kentucky. In the North Lee’s operations in Virginia kept the citizens in suspense, while Kentucky was aroused over E. Kirby Smith’s invasion. Troops of Smith’s command had occupied the state capital of Frankfort. U.S.S. Essex, Commodore W. D. Porter, in pursuit of C.S.S. Webb, had a landing party fired on at Natchez, Mississippi, from which Union forces had withdrawn on 25 July. Essex bombarded the town for an hour, after which the mayor "unconditionally surrendered" the city to Porter.

_________________
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

September 4, 1862 Thursday
Lee’s army began its principal crossings of the Potomac by fords in the Leesburg area, an operation which continued until the seventh. The Confederates were on their way to Maryland ( http://antietam.aotw.org/maps_campaign.php?map_date=4 ). There was skirmishing at Point of Rocks, Berlin, Poolesville, Monocacy Aqueduct, Maryland. McClellan was reorganizing the Army of the Potomac amid Cabinet discussions in Washington (Brigadier General Alpheus S. Williams, USA, assumes command of the 2nd Army Corps, Army of Virginia; Major General Jesse L. Reno, USA, assumes command of the 9th Army Corps, Army of Virginia; and Major General Ormsby M. Mitchel, USA, assumes command of the newly created 10th Army Corps). Federals were evacuating Frederick, Maryland.

In Minnesota skirmishing with the Indians continued at Hutchinson. There were actions in Callaway County and at Prairie Chapel, Missouri; Shelbyville, Kentucky; Boutte Station and Bayou des Allemands, Louisiana. John Hunt Morgan and his men joined E. Kirby Smith at Lexington, Kentucky. Confederate Brig Gen A.G. Jenkins ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_G._Jenkins ) culminated his raiding in western Virginia by crossing the Ohio River in the Point Pleasant area for a brief excursion into the North. Charles Champion Gilbert, USA, was appointed to Brigadier General.

First session of the Naval Investigating Committee of the Confederate Congress was held in Richmond to examine Secretary Mallory's administration of naval affairs and the causes of the Southern disaster at New Orleans. The final report of the committee was favorable to Mallory.

C.S.S. Florida ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CSS_Florida_(cruiser) ), commanded by Lieutenant Maffitt, ran the blockade into Mobile Bay. Many of the crew were suffering from yellow fever and Maffitt determined to make the bold dash into Mobile. Running past the broadside of U.S.S. Oneida, under Commander Preble, Florida also evaded U.S.S. Winona and Rachel Seaman before coming to anchor under the guns of Fort Morgan in a much damaged condition. This Florida incident brought forth orders for stricter enforcement of the blockade.

U.S.S. William G. Anderson, commanded by Acting Master D'Oyley, captured schooner Theresa in the Gulf of Mexico with cargo including salt. U.S.S. Shepherd Knapp, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Henry S. Eytinge, captured bark Fannie Laurie off South Edisto River, South Carolina.

_________________
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

September 5, 1862 Friday
In response to a query from Federal Gen John Pope about his command, General-in-Chief Halleck replied that the Army of Virginia was being consolidated with the Army of the Potomac under McClellan and that Pope should report for orders. The orders soon came, assigning Pope to a secondary post as head of the Department of the Northwest, where the Sioux depredations were continuing. His uneven career in the main war sector was largely at an end; he remained a partially broken man, though loudly articulate. McClellan, back in full power, gathered together the forces around Washington. Lee continued his move toward Frederick, Maryland ( http://antietam.aotw.org/maps_campaign.php?map_date=5 ), news of which was unsettling to the entire East.

In the West Sept 5-10 there was a Union expedition from Fort Donelson to Clarksville, Tennessee with several skirmishes. Other action included a skirmish at Neosho, Missouri; near Madisonville, Kentucky; Burnt Bridge, near Humboldt, Tennessee; and a scout toward Holly Springs, Mississippi Sept 5-6. Gov Morton of Indiana called upon citizens to form military companies in areas along the Ohio River, believed to be threatened by E. Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg. At Sparta, Tennessee Bragg proclaimed that Alabama “is redeemed. Tennesseans! Your capital and State are almost restored without firing a gun. You return conquerors. Kentuckians! The first great blow has been struck for your freedom.” Meanwhile, Buell had already pulled out of northern Alabama, withdrawing to Murfreesboro, southeast of Nashville.

The following appointments are made to Brigadier General: Herman Haupt, USA; Charles Edward Hovey, USA; and Gabriel Rene Paul, USA.

C.S.S. Alabama, commanded by Captain Semmes, seized and burned ship Ocmulgee near the Azores, the first of many Union whalers and merchant vessels to fall prey to the feared commerce raider.

_________________
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

September 6, 1862 Saturday
Stonewall Jackson’s men occupied Frederick, Maryland as the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia established their base of operations north of the Potomac. Federal cavalry kept in contact with the enemy in Maryland; fighting occurred every day from the sixth to the fifteenth. The Confederates had expected to pick up recruits in Maryland, but as they entered Frederick, all stores were shut, no flags flew, and an observer wrote, “everything partook of a churchyard appearance.” The Southerners treated Frederick courteously as a rule, with little or no pillaging or looting.

Back in Virginia the Union evacuated Aquia Creek, near Fredericksburg, leaving much property destroyed at the important rail and port facility. John Pope ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pope_ ... ry_officer) ) formally was assigned to the Department of the Northwest, newly created out of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska and Dakota territories. His main job was to cope with the Sioux uprising. On this day the Indians unsuccessfully assailed Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory for the second time. Other fighting was near Roanoke, Missouri; Washington, North Carolina (U.S.S. Louisiana, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Richard T. Renshaw, joined with Union troops in repelling the Confederate attack on Washington, North Carolina. Major General John G. Foster reported that Louisiana "rendered most efficient aid, throwing her shells with great precision, and clearing the streets, through which her guns had range." U.S. Army gunboat Picket was destroyed by an accidental magazine explosion during engagement.); on the Gallatin Road, Tennessee; and there were operations in the Kanawha Valley of western Virginia.

_________________
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

September 7, 1862 Sunday
The Federal Army of the Potomac under Gen McClellan moved slowly northward from Washington, protecting the capital and Baltimore, not knowing the enemy’s whereabouts or plans. Much of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia was concentrating now at Frederick, Maryland. Union garrisons at Harper’s Ferry and Martinsburg were virtually cut off from Washington. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Hagerstown, Maryland; Baltimore; and other cities were scenes of “tremendous excitement.” Streets were thronged, rumors rampant, citizens armed; some fled the reported coming of Southern troops. President Lincoln, concerned over two fronts, east and west, asked “Where is Gen. Bragg?” and “What about Harper’s Ferry?” Gen Heintzelman finds Lincoln at Gen McClellan's headquarters in the morning before McClellan awakes. Major General Irvin McDowell ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irvin_McDowell ), USA, is relieved of command of the 3rd Army Corps, Federal Army of Virginia and Major General Joseph Hooker, USA, assumes command of the 3rd Army Corps. The following appointments were made to Brigadier General: Joseph Bradford Carr, USA; Thomas Leiper Kane, USA; Gershom Mott, USA; and Nelson Taylor, USA.

Bragg in Tennessee moved steadily north toward Kentucky, bypassing the main Federal force under Buell at Murfreesboro and Nashville. Skirmishing occurred at Murfreesboro and Pine Mountain Gap, Tennessee and Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Clarksville, Tennessee was retaken by Federal forces after its ignominious fall. On the Mississippi River U.S.S. Essex dueled the Port Hudson batteries. Essex was struck with heavy shot 14 times. C.S.S. Alabama, commanded by Captain Semmes, captured and burned schooner Starlight near the Azores. Other action was at Lancaster, Missouri and St Charles Court House, Louisiana.

President Davis wrote his advancing generals, Lee, Bragg, and E. Kirby Smith, that they should make clear to the people “That the Confederate Government is waging this war solely for self-defence, that it has no design of conquest or any other purpose than to secure peace and the abandonment by the United States of its pretensions to govern a people who have never been their subjects and who prefer self-government to a Union with them.”

_________________
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

September 8, 1862 Monday
Apprehension became more intense in Maryland and Pennsylvania under the threat of Lee’s invasion ( http://antietam.aotw.org/maps_campaign.php?map_date=8 ). To the inhabitants of Maryland Lee proclaimed, “The people of the Confederate States have long watched with the deepest sympathy the wrongs and outrages that have been inflicted upon the citizens…. We know no enemies among you, and will protect all, of every opinion. It is for you to decide your destiny freely and without constraint. This army will respect your choice, whatever it may be.” In Washington President Lincoln asked McClellan at Rockville, Maryland “How does it look now?” and telegraphed Buell with a message that exemplified the fear and confusion within Washington ( http://www.classicreader.com/book/3767/161/ ).

There was fighting at Poolesville, Maryland and elsewhere on the fringes of the two armies in Virginia. Maj Gen N.P. Banks assumed command of the defenses of Washington. In Kentucky there was a skirmish at Barboursville and an affair known as Kentucky Line. In Tennessee a skirmish occurred at Pine Mountain. From this day to the thirteenth there was a Union expedition to the Coldwater River and Hernando, Mississippi; and Sept 8-13 from Fort Leavensworth, Kansas through Jackson, Cass, Johnson, and La Fayette counties, Missouri.

Commodore Wilkes ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wilkes ) was ordered to command a "Flying Squadron"--including U.S.S. Wachusett, Dacotah, Cimarron, Sonoma, Tioga, Octorara, and Santiago de Cuba. The squadron was originated specifically to seek out and capture commerce raiders C.S.S. Alabama and Florida. Though the squadron seized several vessels engaged in blockade running, the two noted raiders eluded Wilkes' force. Meanwhile, C.S.S. Alabama, commanded by Captain Semmes, captured and burned whaling ship Ocean Rover near the Azores.

A landing party from U.S.S. Kingfisher destroyed salt works at St. Joseph's Bay, Florida, that could produce some 200 bushels a day. Three days later, similar works at St. Andrew's Bay were destroyed by a landing party from U.S.S. Sagamore.

_________________
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

September 9, 1862 Tuesday
At Frederick, Maryland Gen Lee issued field orders for future operations. Special Orders No 191 ( http://civilwarwiki.net/wiki/Lee%27s_Sp ... er_9,_1862 ) called for Jackson to march on Harper’s Ferry thus splitting the Army of Northern Virginia; other troops were to be sent to Crampton’s Gap ( http://antietam.aotw.org/maps_campaign.php?map_date=9 ). Much of Longstreet’s corps was to go to Boonsborough, Maryland and a rear guard was provided for as well. There were skirmishes at Monocacy Church and Barnesville, Maryland. On the Peninsula a small-scale Confederate attack failed at Williamsburg.

Federal Maj Gen Samuel P. Heintzelman was put in command of the defenses of Washington south of the Potomac. Other action was at Big Creek, Missouri; on the Franklin and Scottsville roads, Kentucky; Columbia, Tennessee; and Cockrum Cross Roads and Rienzi, Mississippi. William Rufus Terrill, USA, was appointed to Brigadier General.

C.S.S. Alabama, commanded by Captain Semmes, captured and burned whaling ships Alert and Weather Gauge near the Azores.

_________________
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

September 10, 1862 Wednesday
Cavalry reports informed McClellan that Lee had fallen back across the Monocacy away from Frederick, and he speeded up his hitherto extremely cautious pursuit of the Confederates ( http://antietam.aotw.org/maps_campaign.php?map_date=10 ). There were skirmishes near Boonesborough, Frederick, and Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland.

Other action included an engagement at Fayetteville, western Virginia a Federal defeat; on the Kilkenny River, South Carolina; Rogers’ and Big Creek gaps and Columbia, Tennessee; Fort Mitchel near Covington, Woodburn, and Log Church, Kentucky. Edward Ferraro, USA, and James Nagle, USA, were appointed to Brigadier General.

Tension rode high in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and along the Ohio. A thousand “squirrel hunters” from the Ohio Valley volunteered their services in Cincinnati as home guards. No one was quite sure how far the Confederate invasions east or west would go.

_________________
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

September 11, 1862 Thursday
Confederate forces entered Hagerstown, Maryland and the turmoil at the North increased. There were more skirmishes between the two armies as the Federals moved north from Washington ( http://antietam.aotw.org/maps_campaign.php?map_date=11 ). Gov Andrew G. Curtin of Pennsylvania called for 50,000 men. Militia were gathering. Here were some comments made on this day by relevant commanders - http://jarosebrock.wordpress.com/2011/0 ... r-11-1862/ .

Other action was from Clarendon to Lawrenceville and St Charles, Arkansas; at Bloomfield, Missouri; Smith’s, Kentucky; and in western Virginia’s Kanawha Valley at Gauley. Maysville, Kentucky was occupied by forces under E. Kirby Smith. Confederate units pushed to within about seven miles of Cincinnati with considerable skirmishing. U.S.S. Patroon, commanded by Acting Master William D. Urann, and U.S.S. Uncas, commanded by Acting Master Crane, engaged Confederate batteries at St. John's Bluff, Florida. Uncas suffered damage, but temporarily forced the abandonment of the batteries.

President Lincoln approved provisional contract between A. W. Thompson for Chiriqui Improvement Company and Sec Smith for U.S. providing for colonization by Negroes of land in Chiriqui.

_________________
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

September 12, 1862 Friday
The Army of the Potomac, marching northward, groping for the Confederate army, began to move into Frederick, Maryland as the Confederates were dispersing to their assigned tasks. Jackson was converging on Harper’s Ferry ( http://antietam.aotw.org/maps_campaign.php?map_date=12 ). There was skirmishing at Frederick, Maryland and at Hurricane Bridge, western Virginia. Near Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia there was scattered fighting Sept 12-17.

In Kentucky Confederates occupied Glasgow and there was skirmishing at Brandenburg and near Woodburn. A mild fight broke out at Coldwater Railroad Bridge, Mississippi.

The First, Second, and Third Corps of the Army of Virginia were designated the Eleventh, Twelfth, and First Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac. The Federal Army of Virginia was no more. The following appointments were made to Brigadier General: James Fleming Fagan, CSA; Allison Nelson, CSA; William Read Scurry, CSA; Francis Ashbury Shoup, CSA; and William Steele, CSA.

In the North the archives, bonds, and treasure of the state of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg and Philadelphia were sent to New York. The mayor of Philadelphia was given full power to defend the city and President Lincoln writes to Mayor Henry (Philadelphia): "Please do not be offended when I assure you that, in my confident belief, Philadelphia is in no danger. . . . and could not be reached by the rebel Army in ten days, if no hinderance was interposed.". The Confederate Congress debated the propriety of the invasion of the North. A sleepless and worried President Lincoln wired McClellan at 4AM, “How does it look now?” and was told by the general that he was concerned that Lee would recross the Potomac before he could get to him. Turning to the threat in Kentucky, President Lincoln replied to a statement by Gen Boyle who reports withdrawing of troops from Louisville, Kentucky is causing panic, by asking: “Where is the enemy which you dread in Louisville? How near to you?” Gen Horatio G. Wright is responsible for Louisville and "for us here, to control him there on the ground would be a Babel of confusion." E. Kirby Smith’s main body was less than fifty miles away, while Bragg’s command was about a hundred miles to the south. President Jefferson Davis wrote to the governors of Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Arkansas, attempting to reassure them that he was not neglecting the Trans-Mississippi area. John Ross, chief of Cherokee Nation, confers with President Lincoln about treaty relations.

Thank you, Lt Col Martin and I’m glad that you are enjoying it, but it is a labor of love.

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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