1862 Calendar

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** NEW YEARS EDITION **
December 29 1861 (Sunday)

General McClellan had been quite ill for about a week. He had been expected to testify before the "Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War" but, because of his health, had been unable to testify. As his illness grew worse and the news of his diagnosis of typhoid fever became known, there were persistent rumors that his condition was critical and that he was not expected to live. Fueling the controversy was the news that three homeopathic physicians were rushed in from New York to care for him. In the meantime, testimony was being heard by the Committee, some loyal, some critical, but all unanimous - that whatever plans had been made for the Army of the Potomac, the details were known only by a man who may be laying on his death bed. One thing was certain and that was that, at present, nothing was being done to implement those plans as all was quiet with the Army of the Potomac.

From the O.R.: DECEMBER 29, 1861.--Beckley (Raleigh Court-House), W. Va., occupied by Union forces. Extract from "Record of Events," return of the Department of Western Virginia, for the month of December, 1861.

"On the 28th, Colonel Scammon, Twenty. third Ohio, commanding Schenck's brigade, occupied Beckley, the capital of Raleigh County, a key point, where the route from Lewisburg to Kentucky crosses the turnpike from Great Falls to Wytheville, with four companies of infantry and one of cavalry. The move is one of great importance, stopping communication between the rebels in the central and western portions of the State.

December 30 1861 (Monday)

The situation in Missouri continued to be unsettled as a detachment of the Missouri State Guard "stampeded the Union men of Scott County" and led an attack on the steamer "City of Alton".

From the O.R.:

DECEMBER 29, 1861.--Descent upon Commerce, Mo., and attack on steamer City of Alton. Report of Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson, C. S. Army.

HDQRS. FIRST MIL. DIST., MISSOURI STATE GUARD, New Madrid, Mo., December 30, 1861.

DEAR GENERAL: I left here on Saturday evening, at 9 o'clock, with 40 men, one 6-pounder, and one of my little rifled cannon. I proceeded up the road through Sikeston, but before reaching Hunter's the little cannon was by accident rendered unfit for service, and the team attached to the 6-pounder gave out. I sent the little gun back to this place, and planted the 6-pounder to command Jones' Ford. I then, with 27 men (I making 28), proceeded, by the Hunter's Ford and Sandy Ridge road, to Commerce, which place we dashed into about 10 p.m. The town was completely surprised, and I soon had all the male inhabitants assembled and guarded. I then had the stores of two Federals opened, and allowed my men to select such wearing apparel as they were in need of. About 2.30 o'clock the steamer City of Alton came in sight. I made arrangements to surprise her, not having cannon, but was defeated in my plan by the women of Commerce, whom I could not prevent from giving the alarm. She approached the shore, however, near enough to get a good peppering, and she backed down the river several miles, and had not attempted to pass up when I left, which was nearly sundown. I got muskets, 2 rifles, 6 horses, 15 or 20 suits of clothes, and returned (after stampeding the Union men of Scott County )safely to this post, having marched 106 miles in forty hours. Yours, respectfully, M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

The United States Treasury suspended the practice of redeeming paper money for metal currency. This was a sure sign that the war-driven rate of inflation would continue to climb.

In Baltimore, Md., Mrs. C.V. Baxley was arrested for carrying letters from Jefferson Davis and committed to prison in Washington D.C. She was destined to stay there until April, 1862 when she was allowed to sign a parole and sent south. The following is a letter she wrote to Secretary of State Seward while incarcerated.

----- GOVERNMENT PRISON, Washington, January 3, 1862. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. SIR: Simply to gratify what I considered a pardonable curiosity--the desire to see Jeff. Davis---I undertook the now difficult and dangerous trip to Virginia by what I am told you are pleased to term the "underground railway." I carried with me nothing in the world but a few friendly letters packed it is true in my bonnet. I was not trusted with state papers. I am not fitted to be, being very nervous, impulsive and frank; in other words I never calculate. I reached Richmond after numerous difficulties and delays on the thirteenth day of my departure from Baltimore City--sick, weary and most heartily wishing myself at home. I was of course introduced to the President, and foolishly asked of him the favor of an appointment to a surgeoncy in the Confederate Army for a friend in Baltimore who was quite innocent of the honor intended him. The President strange to say granted the favor asked, and I very unwisely though urged by friends not to do so left for Baltimore with the commission hidden on my person. I brought with me a large number of letters but the commission was the only one I believe that you would term of treasonable import. I have given you I believe a fair exposition of my quixotic expedition. But it is not so much for myself I would plead but for Dr. Septimus Brown, the gentleman I have gotten into trouble. He had nothing to do with the matter. Why make him responsible for my folly? True I had rather not be confined as I have a child depending on me for guidance and care, just, too, at that age when a child most needs and requires a parent's guiding and restraining hand. Now, sir, I do not ask mercy; I simply ask for justice. I have heard that William H. Seward was a hard and heartless man, permitting nothing to stand in the way of his boundless ambition; sacrificing alike on the altar of that ambition friends as well as foes, acting always upon the principle that the end justifies the means. Now, sir, I do not believe any such doctrine. I believe there is no man without some good impulse, and surely a woman and a mother pleading to you need not plead in vain. The "leopard cannot change its spots;" I cannot to save my neck shriek "Union ;" but I will go home and meddle no more with edged tools. You can fight hereafter without my aid or intervention. Respectfully, C. V. BAXLEY.

When she was finally released she was accompanied by two other "alleged" female spies for the Confederacy: Mrs. Rose O'N. Greenhow and Mrs. Augusta Morris.

HEADQUARTERS, Fort Monroe, Va., June 2, 1862. We, the undersigned, late prisoners in the Old Capitol at Washington, do pledge our word of honor that in consideration of our being set at liberty beyond the lines of the U.S. Army we will not return north of the Potomac River during the present hostilities without the permission of the Secretary of War of the United States. signed C. V. BAXLEY. NOTE.--Mrs. Rose O'N. Greenhow and Mrs. Augusta Morris also signed this parole and were sent South with Mrs. Baxley. ----- COMMISSION RELATING TO STATE PRISONERS, New York, April 8, 1862.

December 31 1861 (Tuesday) New Years Eve

On New Year's Eve near Port Royal Island, S.C., the Union army was in the middle of a three day joint operation leading to an amphibious attack on Confederate positions at Port Royal Ferry and on the Coosaw River. In the action gunboat fire from the Ottawa, Pembina, and the Seneca covered the landing while guns and naval gunners were landed to provide artillery support. Also, in an unusual move, Signal Officers were sent ashore to relay fire adjustments to the naval fleet using signal flags. This action was intended to prevent the Rebels from closing off the Coosaw River and isolating the Federal garrison on Port Royal Island.

January 1 1862 (Wednesday) New Years Day.

The Confederate Congress, in General Orders #1, authorized bounties ($50 per man) and furloughs to men who re-enlisted for three more years. All troops who re-enlisted were also given the power to reorganize themselves into companies and elect their company officers. This had the potential to paralyze the effectiveness of the Confederate Army as many units bypassed strict, Regular Army officers for more popular civilian poliltical appointees. In any event, the one year men who enlisted in April and May of 1861 must be induced to stay in the Army before the expiration of their term of service or the entire Southern cause may collapse.

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 1. ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Richmond, January 1, 1862 I. The following act of Congress, with regulations of the Secretary of War thereupon, are published for the information of the Army: No. 306.--AN ACT providing for the granting of bounty and furloughs to privates and non-commissioned officers in the Provisional Army. SECTION 1. The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That a bounty of $50 be, and the same is hereby, granted to all privates, musicians, and non-commissioned officers in the Provisional Army who shall serve continuously for three years, or for the war, to be paid at the following times, to wit: To all now in the service for twelve months, to be :paid at the time of volunteering or enlisting for the next two ensuing years subsequent to the expiration of their present term of service. To all now in the service for three years, or for the war, to be paid at the expiration of their first year's service. To all who may hereafter volunteer or enlist for three years, or for the war, to be paid at the time of entry into service,

SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That all troops revolunteering or re-enlisting shall, at the expiration of their present term of service, have the power to reorganize themselves into companies and elect their company officers, and said companies shall have the power to organize themselves into battalions or regiments and elect their field officers; and after the first election all vacancies shall be filled by promotion from the company, battalion, or regiment in which such vacancies may occur: Provided, That whenever a vacancy shall occur, whether by promotion or otherwise, in the lowest grade of commissioned officers of a company, said vacancy shall always be filled by election: And provided further, That in the case of troops which have been regularly enlisted into the service of any particular State prior to the formation of the Confederacy, and which have by such State been turned over to the Confederate Government, the officers shall not be elected, but appointed and promoted in the same manner and by the same authority as they have heretofore been appointed and promoted.

Abraham Lincoln began the new year by attempting to fill in for the incapacitated McClellan by communicating directly with his western field commanders: Buell and Halleck. He desperately wanted to get them to cooperate with each other in their operations.

WASHINGTON CITY, January 1, 1862. Brigadier-General BUELL, Louisville: General McClellan should not yet be disturbed with business. I think you better get in concert with General Halleck at once. I write you to-night.(*) I also telegraph and write Halleck. A. LINCOLN.

An identical note was sent to General Halleck. The responses Lincoln received were not encouraging highlighted the frailty of the Union command structure in the west.

LOUISVILLE, KY., January 1, 1862. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President: There is no arrangement between General Halleck and myself. I have been informed by General McClellan that he would make suitable disposition for concerted action. There is nothing to prevent Bowling Green being re-enforced from Columbus if a military force is not brought to bear on the latter place. D.C. BUELL, Brigadier-General.

LOUISVILLE, January 1, 1862--11 p.m. President LINCOLN: I have already telegraphed General Halleck with a view to arranging a concert of action between us and am momentarily expecting his answer. D.C. BUELL, Brigadier-General.

SAINT Louis, Mo., January 1, 1862. To His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President: I have never received a word from General Buell. I am not ready to co-operate with him. Hope to do so in few weeks. Have written fully on this subject to Major-General McClellan. Too much haste will ruin everything. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General.

Mason and Slidell, and their secretaries were turned over to the British minister at Provincetown, Mass as the Trent Affair finally ended with a whimper rather than a bang. They continued on to England aboard the British warship H.M.S. Rinaldo.

In the Shenandoah Valley, Stonewall Jackson began his movement towards Romney in western Virginia. A thoroughly miserable day for marching begat only eight miles. Troubles were also brewing between Jackson and his subordinate Gen. W.W. Loring as mentioned in this letter from Colonel GEORGE A. PORTERFIELD.

I now accompanied Loring's army to Winchester, in the latter part of December,1861, where his (Loring's) force was united with that of Jackson. On the 1st of January,1862, this united force moved towards Hancock, Maryland, on what Jackson intended to be the beginning of a winter campaign. When near Bath, in Morgan county, Maryland, we came upon the enemy's pickets, and there was a halt. During this delay Jackson and Loring met, and soem unpleasant words passed between them. Loring complained that if Jackson should be killed he (Loring) would find himself in command and of an army of the object of whose movements he knew nothing Jackson asked me to move forward a regiment which had halted on the side of a mountain near us. When I returned, Jackson asked me to join his staff, which I declined to do, because I liked Loring and did not wish to leave him.

January 2 1862 (Thursday)

Union Quartermaster-General Montgomery Meigs issued a circular on this date that included the following observations on the proper use of the shelter tent.

QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington City, January 2, 1862.

THE SHELTER-TENT. The shelter-tent is of much use to the soldiers. 1. It serves, buttoned up, as a bag, in which the man sleeps, under the large tent, or anywhere. 2. It serves as a bag to collect provisions and forage. 3. The men, buttoning them together, make of them tents or galleries, under which they are protected from the cold and rain. The more men unite, the better the tent, but eight men together can make an excellent tent. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster. Genial.

The Confederates initiated an artillery duel at Union held Fort Pickens, Florida, much to the discomfort of the commanding general of the C.S. Army of Pensacola --Braxton Bragg.

Report of Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery, commanding Department of Florida. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Picken's, January 2, 1862. GENERAL: Yesterday afternoon, about 3 o'clock, a steamer came to the wharf at the navy-yard within range of our guns. The enemy having, under similar circumstances, fired into a small yawl-boat (which, desirous of avoiding continuous desultory warfare, leading to no results, I did not notice, although four shots were fired), and this being the first instance of a boat of any kind coming to the navy-yard or within the range of my guns since the last bombardment, I could only view it as bravado, or as done with an intention of drawing my fire. I therefore ordered her to be fired into, which was done three times while she lay at the wharf and was leaving it. A gun was fired from a neighboring battery at ours, which was returned, it being directly in range of the departing steamer, and here, as I supposed, the affair would rest; but in about three- quarters of an hour the enemy opened on me from most of his batteries which was promptly returned, and a regular bombardment ensued, and which continued in our front until too dark to see...I am impressed with the belief that General Bragg was not present, and that a less experienced and more hot-headed officer commanded. If he was, he certainly did not in this affair display his usual prudence and caution.

Report of Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Pensacola. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF PENSACOLA, Near Pensacola, Fla., January 3, 1862.

SIR: On my way to this point from Mobile on the first instant I was privately advised by telegraph that firing was going on between our batteries and Fort Pickens. I hastened as rapidly as possible, and reached here at 4 a.m. the 2d. It appears a small private steamer had been imprudently allowed to run to the navy-yard, and was fired on by the enemy at Fort Pickens. This fire was returned by order of Brigadier-General Anderson, in temporary command, and a brisk canonnade was kept up on both sides until dark, when the enemy ceased. Ours was continued irregularly and apparently without effect or an object until stopped by my order. No casualty is reported on our side, and we can see no damage to the enemy. A large and valuable store-house, with considerable property, in the navy-yard, was burned by the enemy's shells I regret exceedingly to add that the concurrent testimony of many officers of rank represent Brigadier-General Anderson as so much intoxicated as to be entirely unfit for duty, and that his conduct was very reprehensible. It is being investigated, and I fear that an arrest and prosecution will be necessary. Holding juniors to a rigid accountability, I shall not overlook a similar offense in a commanding general under such aggravating circumstances. Not the least cause of regret was the large and criminal waste of means so necessary for our defense, and which we cannot replace.

Despite Bragg's charges, James Patton Anderson continued to serve in the Confederate Army and fought at Shiloh, Murfeesboro, Perryville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Ezra Church and Jonesboro. He was promoted to Major-General from 2/17/64 and eventually surrendered with the army in North Carolina at Greensboro. He was the first of many to feel the wrath of Braxton Bragg.

January 3 1862 (Friday)

More skirmishing took place in near Huntersville, Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

Report of Maj. George Webster, Twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry. HUTTONSVILLE, W. VA., On the morning of January 3, finding the road at the base of Elk Mountain, and for a distance of 1 mile, so obstructed by felled trees as to render the farther progress of teams impossible, I left my wagons and detached Captain Johnson, of the Twenty-fifth Ohio, with 50 of the most disabled men, to guard them. Avoiding the obstructions by a detour to the left, I pushed forward to Greenbrier River, and ascertained that a considerable number of militia were gathered at the bridge, I mile below, on their way to Huntersville. I directed Lieutenant Del-zell with his detachment of cavalry to ford the river, and by a rapid movement across the river bottom to gain possession of the road in rear of the bridge. This he did in most gallant style, and cut off from Huntersville the entire militia force at the bridge, except a few mounted scouts. The balance fled back into the country, evidently in great confusion and dismay. Hastily detaching Captain Williams, of the Twenty-fifth Ohio, with 50 men, to hold the bridge, I pushed forward, and when 2 miles from town the enemy's pickets fired upon my advanced guard--Companies E and G, of the Twenty-fifth Ohio--but after a few shots retired...After a few minutes' rest I formed my command into two columns, the Twenty-fifth Ohio to move upon the right and the Second West Virginia and cavalry upon the left of the town. In this order the troops rushed forward, cheering, into town as the enemy, after a few inefficient shots, fled from the rear. We found the place deserted, the houses broken open, and goods scattered, the cause of which was soon stated by a returned citizen. The rebel commander had ordered the citizens to remove all their valuable property, as he intended, if beaten, to burn the town. We found large quantifies of rebel stores, consisting in part of 350 barrels of flour, 300 salted beeves, (about 150,000 pounds), 30,000 pounds of salt, and large amounts of sugar, coffee, rice, bacon, clothing, &c, all of which I caused to be destroyed by burning the building in which they were stored, having no means to bring them off. The value of the property thus destroyed I estimated at $30,000. Our forces captured and brought home a large number of Sharp's carbines, sabers, horse-pistols, and some army clothing. The enemy had in the action 400 regular cavalry armed with Sharp's carbines, and several hundred mounted militia assembled from Pocahontas County the night before. There were also two companies of infantry quartered in town, but fled without making a stand. The enemy's loss is believed to have been considerable. It was reported by a citizen who returned at 1 killed and 7 wounded. Private Oliver P. Hershee, of Company E, Twenty-fifth Ohio, was seriously wounded in the arm. No other casualties occurred on our side. I nailed the Stars and Stripes to the top of the court-house and left them flying. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, &c., GEO. WEBSTER, Maj. 25th Reg't Ohio Vols., Comdg. Huntersville Expedition.

POST MONTEREY, VA., January 4, 1862. COLONEL: Yesterday about 1 o'clock the enemy advanced and took possession of Huntersville. Our forces offered but little resistance, their numbers, as I understand from a member of the Tennessee cavalry, being only about some 200 men, while that of the enemy could not be correctly estimated, but supposed to be about 4,500. Our command at Huntersville is now on its road to this place and will be in to-night. I cannot give you an account of the fight, but sure it is that the town and all our stores are in the hands of the enemy, unless it be that a barn, in which some of the commissary stores were placed, was burned, as fire was communicated to it; but it might have been extinguished by the enemy, who were near at the time of setting fire to it. Nothing new from Alleghany. Very respectfully, yours, GEO. W. HULL, Colonel, Commanding Post. Col. JOHN B. BALDWIN,

January 4 1862 (Saturday)

The Confederates considered their position in Indian Territory to be solid following their smashing victory last week over the Loyalist Indians at Chustenahlah.

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, Fort Smith, Ark., January 4, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: The night I arrived in Fort Gibson, C. N., John Ross, the Chief of the Cherokees, held a council, and in the most emphatic language expressed his determination to stand firm to the Government of the Confederate States. He stated that he had made treaties with them and he would live and die by them. A day or two before my arrival serious fears were entertained that all was not right, and what gave grounds for this fear was that the flag of the Confederacy which floated over Fort Gibson had been reversed. I think the march of our force into the nation has had a most happy effect. It has shown them that we are able and willing to act in their behalf, and the result of our short campaign has intimidated many who probably meditated mischief. I think John Ross is sincere and is too far committed now to recede. Colonel Cooper has a force of nearly 3,000 Indians. He is sufficiently strong to protect the Territory against any combination of Indians hostile to us. Trouble may arise in the Cherokee Nation between the full-bloods and half-breeds, but with a little determination this can be nipped in the bud. Mr. Frank C. Armstrong will inform you fully upon the state of affairs here and in the Indian Territory. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES McINTOSH, Colonel, Commanding.

Maneuvering continued in Kentucky between the Confederate forces under General Zollicoffer and the Union forces under General Thomas.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, Somerset, Ky., (Received January 4, 1862.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding First Kentucky Division: GENERAL: I have received your instructions of 30th instant. Have heard of Zollicoffer's contemplated move to-day, but doubt whether he will move towards Columbia; he not having had the courage to accept the invitation of my small force, would barely place himself in the unsafe position between our combined forces. I have scouts out on the Harrison road, and as soon as he attempts to move I will be apprised of it in time to act in concert with you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHOEPF, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols., Commanding First Brigade.

And thats the way it was 136 years ago this week.

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