American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

December 8, 1861 Sunday
Three minor skirmishes broke the Sabbath near Romney and Dam No. 5 ( http://blueandgraytrail.com/event/Attac ... m_Number_5 ) on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in western Virginia and at Fishing Creek near Somerset, Kentucky. C.S.S. Sumter under Com Semmes captured the Federal whaler Eben Dodge in mid-Atlantic. U.S.S. Rhode Island, commanded by Lieutenant Trenchard, seized British blockade runner Phantom with cargo of sugar off Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The American Bible Society announced it was distributing 7,000 copies a day of the Scriptures to Northern soldiers. President Lincoln approves idea of telegraph line from Washington to Fortress Monroe, Va.

_________________
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

December 9, 1861 Monday
Following a lengthy discussion of military “disasters,” the U.S. Senate approved 33 to 3 the setting up of what became the famous Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, whose investigations caused great furor and criticism as well as considerable approval. In the course of their work they questioned many generals and other officers in regard to certain battles and campaigns. In some cases they seem to have applied liberal coats of whitewash, and in others they can be charged with being overly critical for political reasons. But their interrogations were revealing in many instances and provide excellent material for historical appraisal and research. Formation of the committee was urged mainly by the “radical” senators who desired an investigation of the Ball’s Bluff fiasco.

Southern planters on the Georgia and South Carolina coasts continued burning cotton to prevent it from falling into Federal hands. The Charleston Courier said that this action deprived the Federals of “the extensive spoils with which they have feasted their imagination, and the obtainment of which was one of their chief objects.”

There was skirmishing at Union Mills, Missouri. In an engagement at Chusto-Talasah (Bird Creek or High Shoal), Indian Territory not far from Tulsey Town (now Tulsa), Confederate forces, mainly Indians, defeated pro-Federal Creek Indians seeking to withdraw into Kansas. But the Southern forces were compelled temporarily to discontinue their drive against the Creeks under Opothleyahola, due to lack of supplies and the tenacious defense ( http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/ok/ok002.html and http://www.wbtsinindianterritory.com.is ... tom_4.html ). U.S.S. New London, commanded by Lieutenant A: Read, captured schooner Delight and sloops Express and Osceola off Cat Island Passage, Mississippi. U.S.S. Harriet Lane, commanded by Lieutenant Robert H. Wyman, and other vessels of the Potomac Flotilla engaged Confederate forces at Freestone Point, Virginia.

President Lincoln transmits to the House of Representatives a report "relative to the intervention of certain European Powers in the affairs of Mexico." He also inquires of Gen McClellan: "Is it true that [Gen. John M.] Schofield is, or is to be ordered East? My expectation & wish was for him to remain in Mo. Please answer."

_________________
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

December 10, 1861 Tuesday
An act of the Confederate Congress in Richmond admitted the state of Kentucky to the Confederacy, thus completing the thirteen states, including Missouri and Kentucky, which were considered by the South members of the Confederate States of America. The Kentucky Confederate government was in exile or shifting continuously, as was that of Missouri, throughout the war. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate resolution for the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, passed the day before. Soon the committee was in full operation. The U.S. Cabinet meets. New York deputation, consisting of Judge Henry E. Davies, New York Court of Appeals, and Messrs. Richard O'Gorman, New York lawyer, and Savage (probably James W.), argues importance of exchange of prisoners. Gen Hunter's application to muster brigade of Indians dropped. Sec Chase to discuss organization of courts at Beaufort, South Carolina with Atty Gen Bates and make recommendation. U.S.S. Isaac Smith, commanded by Lieutenant James W. A. Nicholson, on expedition up Ashepoo River, South Carolina, landed on Otter Island and took possession of abandoned Confederate fort; Nicholson turned over command of the fort to the Army.

_________________
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

December 11, 1861 Wednesday
A disastrous fire swept the business district and destroyed half of Charleston, South Carolina east of King Street and near the Cooper River. Suffering as it was from the blockade and the threat of Federals at Hilton Head Island, this was a new blow to the spiritual center of the Confederacy. There was skirmishing near Bertrand, Missouri and at Dam No. 4 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Virginia. President Lincoln attended the Senate memorial services for Sen Baker of Oregon, killed at Ball’s Bluff. It was unusual at that time for the President to enter either House. President Lincoln receives account of funeral services for Baker in San Francisco by telegraph. President interviews Rabbi Arnold Fischel of New York regarding appointment of Jewish chaplains for army. U.S.S. Bienville, under Commander Steedman, captured schooner Sarah and Caroline off St. John's River, Florida. U.S.S. South Carolina, under Commander Alden, captured Confederate sloop Florida off the lighthouse at Timbalier, Louisiana.

_________________
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

December 12, 1861 Thursday
U.S.S. Alabama, under Commander Edward Lanier, captured British ship Admiral off Savannah, attempting to run the blockade. U.S.S. Isaac Smith, commanded by Lieutenant J. W. A. Nicholson, on a reconnaissance in the Ashepoo River, South Carolina, with Marine detachment embarked, scattered Confederate troops by gunfire and landed Marines to destroy their quarters, part of the continuing spread out from Port Royal Sound and investigation of nearby rivers, inlets, and communities. There was also skirmishing at Charleston, Missouri; Gradyville, Kentucky; and on the Greenbrier River in western Virginia. The Confederate Department of Alabama and West Florida is extended westward to include Pasagoula Bay and that portion of Mississippi east of the Pasagoula River. The District of Humboldt is created, consisting of the following northern California counties: Del Norte, Humboldt, Klamath, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Trinity. Colonel Francis J. Lippitt, 2nd California Infantry, USA, is assigned command of the District of Humboldt.

_________________
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

December 13, 1861 Friday
From the Cheat Mountain encampment of the Federal army in western Virginia, Brig Gen R.H. Milroy led Federal troops against the Confederates at Camp Alleghany or Buffalo Mountain. After rather severe fighting the Federals fell back with 137 casualties, the Confederates suffering 146. Both armies retreated, the Federals to Cheat Mountain and the Confederates to Staunton in the Shenandoah. http://www.americancivilwar.com/statepic/wv/wv008.html and http://www.fsu.edu/~ewoodwar/alleghan.html

Arguing with Confederate congressmen over the command in Missouri, President Davis wrote, “I have, long since, learned to bear hasty censure in the hope that justice if tardy is sure, and in any event to find consolation in the assurance that all my ends have been my country’s.” Edward Johnson, CSA, was appointed to Brigadier General.

In the evening, President Lincoln meets with Gen William T. Sherman's brother, U.S. Senator John Sherman, of Ohio. The following day, John Sherman writes to William Sherman's wife, Ellen, and reveals details of the Lincoln meeting. In November, amid controversy, William Sherman resigned his post in Kentucky. Currently, he is on leave from his assignment in Missouri. John Sherman writes, "It was manifest that the President felt kindly" toward Gen Sherman. John Sherman outlines the reasons why William failed in Kentucky, and he notes William's erratic behavior. John writes, "[William wrote] letters & despatches . . . some of which were proven by subsequent events to be entirely erroneous and all were desponding, complaining, and almost insubordinate. He constantly exaggerated the number & resources of the enemy and looked upon all around him with distrust & suspicion." John suggests, "If I was in Cump's place I would . . . quietly perform his duty wherever sent, and justify the President's remark that there was more fighting qualities in Gen Sherman than in any Brigadier he had appointed. But it is idle for him, for you or any of his friends to overlook the fact that his own fancies create enemies & difficulties where none exist."

_________________
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

December 14, 1861 Saturday
His Royal Highness Prince Albert, deeply loved consort of Queen Victoria, died. Two weeks before, ill though he was, he had drafted some of the important diplomatic correspondence of the British government in relation to the capture of the Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell in the Trent Affair. From Windsor Castle Prince Albert had urged moderation but firmness toward the United States, without undue irritation. England and the entire British Empire was in mourning.

Brig Gen H.H. Sibley assumed command of the Confederate forces on the upper Rio Grande and in New Mexico and Arizona territories. Maxcy Gregg, CSA, was appointed to Brigadier General.

President Lincoln writes to Arnold Fischel, with whom he met a few days earlier. A newspaper reported, "Rev. Dr. Fischel, of New York . . . urge[d] the appointment of Jewish chaplains for every military department, they being excluded by an act of Congress from the volunteer regiments." Lincoln writes, "[T]here are several particulars in which the present law . . . is supposed to be deficient, all of which I now design presenting to the appropriate Committee of Congress. I shall try to have a new law broad enough to cover what is desired by you in behalf of the Israelites."

The execution of Pvt William Henry Johnson http://civilwarwashingtondc1861-1865.bl ... f-pvt.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

December 15, 1861 Sunday
U.S.S. Stars and Stripes, commanded by Lieutenant Reed Werden, captured blockade running schooner Charity off Cape Hatteras. U.S.S. Jamestown, under Commander Green, captured Confederate sloop Havelock near Cape Fear, North Carolina. There was a minor affair in Roane County and Dec 15-21 activity around Meadow Bluff, western Virginia. For a couple of days there was patrolling on the lower Potomac in Virginia. Jefferson Columbus Davis, USA, was appointed to Brigadier General.

President Lincoln studies plans prepared by Cyrus W. Field, promoter of Atlantic cable, for laying submarine cables to link Washington with principal forts as far south as Key West, Fla. Sen. Browning (Ill.) and Coleman C. Sympson, Senate clerk, call on President at 5 P.M. Browning remains for tea. Sec. Seward arrives at White House, while Lincoln and friends are having tea, alarmed over news that Great Britain considers capture of Mason and Slidell violation of international law.

_________________
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

December 16, 1861 Monday
A resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Clement Vallandigham of Ohio, commending Capt Charles Wilkes for capturing Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell. It was referred to committee. Henry Constantine Wayne, CSA, was appointed to Brigadier General. Platte, Missouri was mostly burned to the ground in retaliation for a Rebel commander that came from the area http://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/38503 .

_________________
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

December 17, 1861 Tuesday
T.J. “Stonewall” Jackson continued his operations along the Potomac near Harper’s Ferry, particularly against Dam No. 5 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. There was a skirmish on Chisolm’s Island, South Carolina and Confederates evacuated Rockville, South Carolina threatened by Federals from Hilton Head. There was action at Rowlett’s Station near Woodsonville, Grenn River, Kentucky ( http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/ky004.htm and http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/engag ... index.html ). Federals sank seven old hulks loaded with stones at the entrance to Savannah Harbor in an effort to halt shipping.

British newspapers began arriving in the United States. Their belligerent outcries over the apprehension of Mason and Slidell on the high seas caused consternation throughout the North and hope of recognition in the South.

Flag Officer Foote, commanding U.S. Naval Forces, Western Waters, issued General Order regarding observance of Sunday on board ships of his flotilla: "'It is the wish that on Sunday the public worship of Almighty God may be observed and that the respective commanders will either themselves, or cause other persons to pronounce prayers publicly on Sunday Foote added: "'Discipline to be permanent must be based on moral grounds, and officers must in themselves, show a good example in morals, order, and patriotism to secure these qualities in the men." Since 1775 Navy Regulations have required that religious services be held on board ships of the Navy in peace and war.

_________________
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

December 18, 1861 Wednesday
The British minister in Washington, Lord Lyons, received his instructions from London, which included a firm demand for the release of the captive Confederate commissioners, Mason and Slidell. President Lincoln and his Cabinet discussed the Trent Affair informally.

Union scouting and reconnaissance was carried out at Blackwater Creek, Shawnee Mound or Milford, Missouri, and from Rolla toward Houston, Missouri; in Virginia toward Pohick Church; and from Somerset to Mill Springs, Kentucky.

In Washington President Lincoln at 9:30 P.M. with John Hay walks to Seward's residence for conference, then with Seward to Gen McClellan's house, where they discuss war until midnight.

_________________
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

December 19, 1861 Thursday
Lord Lyons, British minister to the United States, conferred with Sec of State Seward and acquainted him with the tenor and demands of the British government for the release of Southern commissioners Mason and Slidell. There were to be seven days in which to answer after the message was officially communicated.

There was a skirmish at Point of Rocks, Maryland, part of the nearly continuous action and probing along the Potomac. In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) converses with President Lincoln and they call on Gen McClellan. Confederate forces demolished the lighthouse on Morris Island, Charleston, South Carolina. Sec of State Seward issued a letter for the arrest of former Sen George W. Jones ( http://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/38523 ).

_________________
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

December 20, 1861 Friday
From Britain two troop vessels sailed for Canada; bands played “Dixie” and “The British Grenadiers.” Their purpose – to have soldiers available in case of need arising out of the Trent Affair. Sixteen year old whaling vessels were sunk in the main ship channel off Charleston to impede blockade-runners. These methods, often applied, generally had little effect. There was a sharp fight at Dranesville, Virginia ( http://www.americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va007.html and http://greg-schroeder.suite101.com/batt ... 61-a316198 ). William High Keim, USA, and John McCauley Palmer, USA, were appointed to Brigadier General.

President Davis wrote Sterling Price, Missouri commander, that “the welfare of Missouri is as clear to me as that of other States of the Confederacy,” in answer to charges that the Richmond government was neglecting the Trans-Mississippi, and Missouri in particular.

_________________
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

December 21, 1861 Saturday
Lord Lyons, representing Britain, conferred again with Sec of State Seward over the demands for the release of Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell. As a result of that interview Lyons wrote to Lord Russell, Foreign Minister, Dec 23, “I am so convinced that unless we give our friends here a good lesson this time, we shall have the same trouble with them again very soon … Surrender or war will have a very good effect on them.” Southern papers were enthusiastically commenting on possibilities of war between the United States and the British Empire. For the Confederates, Brig Gen Henry A. Wise, after his difficulties in western Virginia, was assigned to duty in North Carolina, where it was thought a new threat would come. The United States Congress enacts legislation providing for the Medal of Honor.

_________________
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

December 22, 1861 Sunday
There was a light skirmish near New Market, Virginia not far from Newport News. Federal Maj Gen H.W. Halleck cracked down on bridge burning and destruction of railroads and the telegraph in Missouri by ordering that anyone so caught would be immediately shot.

_________________
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