1862

  1862 Calendar

HEADLINES ** HEADLINES ** HEADLINES

THE MAP ROOM

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

March 23 1862 (Sunday)

Turner Ashby and his cavalry brigade are skirmishing with the rear guard of General Shields' division near Kernstown, Virginia. Ashby reports to Stonewall Jackson that the, "Federals (are) sending troops and stores from Winchester" and that only four regiments remain to defend the city.

CAMP NEAR WOODSTOCK, VA., March 1862. DEAR SIR: Having followed the enemy in his hasty retreat from Strasburg on Saturday evening, I came upon the forces remaining in Winchester within a mile of that place and became satisfied that he had but four regiments, and learned that they had orders to march in the direction of Harper's Ferry....I moved my force of cavalry, battery of three guns, and four companies of infantry...to Kernstown...I learned that the enemy was increasing his force and intended making a stand. Respectfully, TURNER ASHBY, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.

Jackson's army marches twenty-five miles on Saturday and, since leaving at dawn, fourteen more miles on Sunday. "Old Jack" plans to rest his army outside Kernstown and strike the Federal position at dawn. But, fearing the Union army may disappear into the night, Jackson quickly determines to launch an attack as soon as his men are in position.

HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT, Near Mount Jackson, Va., 1862. Maj. THOMAS G. RHETT, Assistant Adjutant-General. MAJOR: All the regiments...arrived within a mile or two of Kernstown by 2 p.m. on the 23d, and directions were given for bivouacking. During the march information had reached me from a reliable source that the Federals were sending off their stores and troops from Winchester, and after arriving near Kernstown I learned from a source which had been remarkable for its reliability that the enemy's infantry force at Winchester did not exceed four regiments....After ascertaining that the troops, part of which had marched over 14 miles since dawn...were in good spirits at the prospect of meeting the enemy, I determined to advance at once....Colonel Fulkerson having advanced his brigade...judiciously posted it behind a stone wall toward which the enemy was rapidly advancing, and opened a destructive fire, which drove back the Northern forces in great disorder after sustaining a heavy loss and leaving the colors of one of their regiments upon the field....The enemy's repulsed regiments were replaced by fresh ones from his large reserve. As the ammunition of some of our men became exhausted noble instances were seen of their borrowing from comrades, by whose sides they continued to fight, as though resolved to die rather than give way....Though our troops were fighting under great disadvantages, I regret that General Garnett should have given the order to fall back, as otherwise the enemy's advance would at least have been retarded, and the remaining part of my infantry reserve have had a better opportunity for coming up and taking part in the engagement if the enemy continued to press forward. As General Garnett fell back he was pursued by the enemy, who, thus turning Colonel Fulkerson's right, forced him to fall back. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. J. JACKSON, Major-General.

General Richard Garnett's retreat in the face of overwhelming Union pressure destabilizes the entire Confederate position. Soon Rebel troops are streaming from the battlefield in disorganized retreat. Even Jackson's most emphatic pleas fail to stem the flow of the retreating infantrymen. While the Union triumphs on the battlefield, troops bound for Manassas are turned around and sent scurrying back into the Valley. Both Shields and General Nathaniel Banks believe that Jackson will be reinforced soon for he surely would not have dared to engage a superior Union force, so far from his base, without additional troops close at hand.

HEADQUARTERS SHIELDS' DIVISION, Winchester, Va., March 1862. Maj. R. MORRIS COPELAND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Fifth Corps d'Armee SIR: Here the struggle became desperate, and for a short time doubtful; but Tyler's brigade being soon joined on the left by (elements) of Kimball's brigade, this united force dashed upon the enemy...and though the rebels fought desperately, as their piles of dead attest, they were forced back through the woods by a fire as destructive as ever fell upon a retreating foe. Jackson, with his supposed invincible "Stonewall Brigade" and the accompanying brigades, much to their mortification and discomfiture, were compelled by this terrific fire to fall back in disorder upon their reserve. Here they took up a new position for a final stand, and made an attempt for a few minutes to retrieve the fortunes of the day. But again rained down upon them the same close and destructive fire....A few minutes only did they stand up against it, when they turned dismayed and fled in disorder, leaving us in possession of the field....The enemy retreated about 5 miles, and, judging from his camp-fires, took up a new position for the night....It now appears that I had rightly divined the intentions of our crafty antagonist. On the morning of the 23d a re-enforcement from Luray of 5,000 men reached Front Royal on their way to join Jackson. This re-enforcement was being followed by another body of 10,000 from Sperryville....General Banks, hearing at our engagement on his way to Washington, halted at Harper's Ferry, and with remarkable promptitude and sagacity ordered back Williams' whole division....The general himself returned here forthwith, and, after making me a hasty visit, assumed command of the forces in pursuit of the enemy have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JAS. SHIELDS, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

With the fall of Sante Fe and Albuquerque, the Confederate conquest of New Mexico Territory is nearly complete. Only Fort Union stands in the way of General Sibley and his next goal.....the valuable gold and silver mines in Colorado. Colonel John P. Slough, commanding the 1st Colorado stationed at Fort Union, is ordered to hold the fort until Colonel Canby can send a relief column from Fort Craig.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Saint Louis, Mo., March 23, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.: SIR: I am organizing a column for New Mexico as rapidly as possible. It, however, will take some days to collect troops, artillery, and horses, and a train. General Brice will be placed in command of this column. I have no personal acquaintance with him, but many officers in whose judgment I have great confidence say he is admirably suited for that duty, having energy and good judgment, and being thoroughly acquainted with every part of New Mexico· I know General Canby well. He is one of the best officers in the service. I am certain that he will do everything possible to hold out until our re-enforcements can reach him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General.

General Don Carlos Buell's march to link up with General U.S. Grant at Savannah, Tennessee is stalled by high water and burned bridges.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Nashville, March 23, 1862. Maj. Gen. U.S. GRANT, Commanding at Savannah: GENERAL: My advance is at Columbia.. Our progress has been retarded by high water and the absence of bridges, almost every one on the road, however small, having been destroyed by the enemy. I shall be at Columbia myself by the time the bridge there is ready for crossing, probably three or four days yet....I do not deem it safe to give detailed information in this way in regard to my force, dispositions, &c. I shall soon be able to communicate more fully on that point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D.C. BUELL, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

March 24 1862 (Monday)

On the North Carolina coastline, Brigadier-General John Parke reports on his efforts to reduce Fort Macon which is located on Bogue Banks. The heavily defended fort, containing fifty-four cannon, protects Beaufort Harbor. Union control of the harbor will allow Ambrose Burnside the use of the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad as a supply line and provide a convenient coaling station for the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, Carolina City, March 24, 1862--11 p.m. General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE. MY DEAR GENERAL: I have been steadily occupied in cutting off all communication with the fort. I have two companies posted in Morehead City, under Major Allen, with orders to cut off' all communication with the fort and Beaufort. To-day I sent to Beaufort for the town authorities. Captain Gardner met them, and informed them that I required them to stop all communication with the fort. They all have a great horror of Colonel White (commander of Fort Macon), and fear that if they communicate with us he will shell their town....I will establish a guard to protect my wagon train until the railroad is in running order. The enemy may send some cavalry in from that side, but I don't think there is much danger. We expect to supply ourselves with fish, &c. Very faithfully, yours, JNO. G. PARKE.

George McClellan instructs General Banks to defeat Jackson before resuming his move to Manassas. Banks' re-entry into the Shenandoah Valley prompts Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, to ask McClellan, "Is there sufficient force along the Baltimore and Ohio road for its protection?"

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 24, 1862--11 a.m. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Fifth Corps, Winchester: As soon as you are strong enough push Jackson hard and drive him well beyond Strasburg, pursuing at least as far as Woodstock, and, if possible, with cavalry to Mount Jackson. Strasburg should then be held in force, and the repairs of the railway bridge over the Shenandoah pushed forward as rapidly as possible. The very moment the thorough defeat of Jackson will permit it, resume the movement on Manassas. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General.

William Quantrill and twenty-six of his men are trapped in a farm house by Major Pomeroy and two companies of the First Battalion Missouri Cavalry.

HDQRS. SECOND REGIMENT KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Camp Blair, March 24, 1862. Maj. W. E. BLAIR, Comdg. Leavenworth, Kans. MAJOR: Quantrill, with a part of his gang, had burned the bridge between Kansas City and Independence, and it was contemplated...to surround and entrap Quantrill. I...sent Major Pomeroy...with instructions to arrest one David Tate, whom I had reason to believe was connected with Quantrill. When Major Pomeroy reached the house he demanded entrance, and a gun was immediately fired through the door. He then called upon them to surrender, and to send out their women and children if they had any in the house. After waiting some time, while shots were fired from the house, he ordered a volley to be fired into the house. The cries of women were then heard, when he ordered the men to cease firing. The women and children then came out and firing was resumed on both sides. Two of the men then came out of one of the windows and surrendered. They stated to Major Pomeroy that Quantrill was in the house with 26 men. Major Pomeroy then threatened to fire the house, and upon their continued refusal to surrender he ordered the house to be fired, and an attempt was made to fire it, but without success.....Captain Moore...ordered the house to be again set on fire, and this time the flames rapidly enveloped the house. The men in the house who were not wounded then burst out the weather-boarding at the back of the house and ran for the timber immediately in the rear. Two were shot down as they ran--1 killed instantly and I mortally wounded, who died about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The others escaped, and though the woods were carefully scoured, no traces of them were found.....Five bodies could be distinctly seen in the burning house.....The command being without provisions, and being satisfied that Quantrill and those of his gang who had been in the locality had undoubtedly fled...I started back to camp I have the honor to be, major, your very obedient servant, ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Colonel Second Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry.

The War Department in Richmond cancels all leaves and furloughs ordering all officers and men to return to their respective command.

General ORDERS No. 16. WAR DEPARTMENT, A. & I. G. O., Richmond, March 24, 1862. All leaves of absence and furloughs, from whatever source obtained, are revoked; and officers and men absent from duty, except on surgeon's certificate of disability, will return at once to their respective commands. It is with extreme reluctance that the Department adopts a measure which deprives our patriotic soldiers of the relaxation they have so well earned; but the enemy presses on every side, and the necessities of the service demand new illustrations of that noble self-denial which has been so many times evinced since the commencement of our struggle for independence. By order of the President: S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

The Native Guards, a militia unit comprised of freed blacks in New Orleans, is ordered to "hold themselves prepared" to help defend the city and protect "Southern rights."

HEADQUARTERS LOUISIANA MILITIA, Adjutant-General's Office, March 24, 1862. I. The Governor and commander-in-chief, relying implicitly upon the loyalty of the free colored population of the city and State for the protection of their homes, their property, and for Southern rights from the pollution of a ruthless invader...calls upon (the Native Guards) to maintain their organization and to hold themselves prepared for such orders as may be transmitted to them. II. The colonel commanding will report without delay to Major-General Lewis, commanding State militia. By order of Thomas O. Moore, Governor: M. GRIVOT,Adjutant-General.

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

March 25 1862 (Tuesday)

Albert Sidney Johnston arrives in Corinth, Mississippi. His wing of the western army is concentrated in Iuka and Tuscumbia a short distance from General P.G.T. Beauregard's army centered at Corinth.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Corinth, March 25, 1862. The PRESIDENT, Richmond, Va.: I arrived here yesterday and conferred with Generals Beauregard, Polk, and Bragg. General Beauregard returned to Jackson. General Van Dorn is at Van Buren...I ordered him to Memphis....The enemy is advancing today in some force from Pittsburg toward Corinth....My force is now united, holding Burnsville, Iuka, and Tuscumbia, with one division here. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army.

A tardy paymaster hampers Brigadier-General Robert Schenck's efforts to seal off the northern passes of the Allegheny mountains.

CUMBERLAND, March 25, 1862. Capt. GEORGE L. HARTSUFF, Assistant Adjutant-General: There is nothing to prevent the bold rebel Ashby, with 1,000 cavalry, followed by Jackson's infantry, dashing across from Woodstock to Moorefield, yet my Connecticut cavalry are not sent in this emergency because they are not paid. Why in God's name cannot a paymaster follow them. ROBT. C. SCHENCK.

Family physicians in Virginia are showing too much leniency in granting certificates of disability. A certificate exempts the bearer from service in the Confederate army.

March 25, 1862. GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF DELEGATES: The number exempt on account of physical disability indicates that family physicians are not the proper persons to grant certificates. Family associations and friendships induce too much leniency....One thing that has tended more than all others to produce these results is that each man who desires to procure exemption is permitted to seek the physicians he deems most facile to grant certificates, and by paying them fees for examination a mere nominal and verbal examination is made, instead of a thorough medical inspection. In some places the fee is $5, in others $10, and in some cases...the applicant was not even required to appear before the board in person....There is another serious objection to the law as it now stands. By far the greater proportion of the burden of the military service is thrown upon the farming and planting interests of the State....The mechanics--tanners, shoemakers, blacksmiths, wagon makers, lumbermen--and manufacturers, who are realizing large profits, the employees on railroads, canals, telegraphs, and various other branches of industry are exempted....The exemptions in some places have been equivalent to the dismissal of almost the whole militia in those counties. JOHN LETCHER, Governor of Virginia.

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

March 26 1862 (Wednesday)

Brigadier-General Thomas Sherman is directed to focus his efforts on the reduction of Fort Pulaski. This brick and masonry fort is located at the mouth of the Savannah River.

Port Royal, S.C., March 26, 1862. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.: GENERAL: I (have) been directed by Major-General McClellan to abstain from my preparations for the siege of Savannah and confine myself to...the siege of Fort Pulaski....I humbly bow to the decisions of my superiors in Washington....(T)he preparations for the bombardment of Pulaski are being made as fast as the material arrives. The mortar and columbiad batteries are all constructed, mortars mounted, and all the shot and shell yet arrived in position. We are still waiting for the columbiad carriages and a considerable portion of the shot and shell. The work is of such a character, you are well aware, that we must be in a state of perfect preparation before opening fire....The batteries on the mud flats of the Savannah River work like a charm, and, what is remarkable, our men there are in perfect health. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

J.P. McCown is relieved of command of Island #10 on the Mississippi River. Brigadier-General W.W. Mackall is appointed as successor to the post.

HDQRS. 1ST GR'D DIV., ARMY OF THE MISS., Corinth, Miss., March 26, 1862. Brig. Gen. W. W. Mackall is hereby ordered to proceed to Madrid Bend forthwith, and relieve Maj. Gen. J.P. McCown of the command of all the Confederate forces there and at Island No. 10. By order of Major-General Polk: GEORGE WILLIAMSON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

In New Mexico Territory, Major John Chivington, leading an advance detachment of Colonel Slough's "Pikes Peakers", skirmishes with a Confederate force commanded by Major Pryon in a narrow valley at the western end of Glorieta Pass called Apache Canyon. After the days' fighting, both Chivington and Pryon call for reinforcements. Colonel Scurry and the 4th Texas march through the night to reach Apache Canyon while Slough's main column links up with Chivington at Kozlowski's Ranch six miles away.

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

March 27 1862 (Thursday)

John Pope informs General Halleck that he "will take Island #10 within a week", despite Flag-Officer Andrew Foote's refusal to run his gunboats past the Confederate batteries.

NEW MADRID, March 27, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Will take Island 10 within a week. Trust me. As Commodore Foote is unable to reduce and unwilling to run his gunboats past it, I would ask, as they belong to the United States, that he be directed to remove his crews from two of them and turn over the boats to me. I will bring them here. I can get along without them, but will have several days delay....I am confident of success, and shall carefully provide against any danger in crossing the river. JNO. POPE, Major-General.

Joe Johnston is ordered to begin sending troops to the Peninsula to counter the growing Union presence near Fortress Monroe.

HEADQUARTERS, Radian, March 27, 1862. General R. E. LEE, Richmond: SIR: I received yesterday a letter...in which you give me the President's orders to be prepared to move to Richmond, on the way to the Peninsula or Norfolk, with all the force I can....This afternoon I received by telegraph an order to send 10,000 men instead of the effective force named in your letter. I beg leave, with all deference, to suggest to the President the expediency of transferring to the point about to be attacked the whole available force of this department. In making such a movement I would leave only such a line of outposts as would serve to mask it....For the sake of expedition I have ordered about 7,500 men from this vicinity by railroad to move to-morrow and 2,500 to be transported in the same manner from Fredericksburg. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON, General.

Secretary of War Edwin Stanton instructs Engineer Charles Ellet, jr., "You will please proceed immediately to Pittsburg, Cincinnati, and New Albany and take measures to provide steam rams for the defense of ironclad vessels on the Western waters...The rebels have a ram at Memphis. Lose no time." Later, Stanton describes the Ellet rams to General Halleck: "They are the most powerful steamboats, with upper cabins removed, and bows filled in with heavy timber."

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

March 28 1862 (Friday)

After spending a tense day waiting for an expected Union attack at Apache Canyon, Colonel Scurry orders an advance up the canyon. To speed up the attack, Scurry leaves his supply train, guarded by a few troops under Major Pryon, behind at Johnson's Ranch.

SANTE FÉ, N. MEX., March 1862. Maj. A.M. JACKSON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of New Mexico. MAJOR: At about 6 miles from our camp the advance guard gave notice that the enemy were near in force....The infantry was rapidly deployed into line, extending across the canon from a fence on our left up into the pine forest on our right....Crossing the fence on foot, we advanced over the clearing some 200 yards under a heavy fire from the foe, and dashed into the gulch in their midst, pistol and knife in hand. For a few moments a most desperate and deadly hand-to-hand conflict raged along the gulch, when they broke before the steady courage of our men and fled in the wildest disorder and confusion....I took command of the right and immediately attacked the enemy who were at the ranch....Here the conflict was terrible. Our men and officers, alike inspired with the unalterable determination to overcome every obstacle to the attainment of their object, dashed among them....Inch by inch was the ground disputed, until the artillery of the enemy had time to escape with a number of their wagons. The infantry also broke ranks and fled from the field....The pursuit was kept up until forced to halt from the extreme exhaustion of the men, who had been engaged for six hours in the hardest contested fight it had ever been my lot to witness....I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. SCURRY, Colonel, Commanding Army of New Mexico.

Colonel Slough divides his command by sending Major Chivington and 490 men, more than one-third of his total force, over the mountains to a short cut to the western end of Apache Canyon with orders to harass the enemy's rear. After marching sixteen miles and lowering themselves down a 200 foot bluff with ropes and leather straps, Chivington's men capture and burn all eighty Confederate supply wagons and kill 500 horses and mules left behind by the dismounted Texas cavalry. When news of this disaster reaches Colonel Scurry, he quickly sends out a white flag and requests a truce, ostensibly to bury the dead, until noon the next day. With no food and little ammunition, Scurry leaves his wounded and quickly retreats to Sante Fe.

CAMP LEWIS, NEAR PECOS CHURCH. N. MEX., March 28, 1862. GENERAL: I left Camp Lewis at 8.30 o'clock a.m., and at 9.30 o'clock a.m. we left the main road and took the trail leading to Gallisteo, which we kept for 8 miles, and then without road we traveled about 8 miles, and about 1.30 o'clock p.m. we reached an eminence overlooking Johnson's Ranch. After reconnoitering the position it was ascertained that there were corraled in the canon 80 wagons and one field piece, all in charge of some 200 men. The command was given to charge, and the troops started upon double-quick. Captain Wynkoop, with 30 of his men, were deployed to the mountain side to silence their guns by picking off their gunners, which they did effectually, Captain Lewis capturing and spiking the gun after having five shots discharged at him. The remainder of the command surrounded the wagons and buildings, killing 3 and wounding several of the enemy. The wagons were all heavily loaded with ammunition, clothing, subsistence, and forage, all of which were burned upon the spot or rendered entirely useless. I am, general, with much respect, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Major, First Regiment Colorado Volunteers.

General Orders No. 41, issued by General Halleck, requires every voter to take the oath of allegiance before voting in any election.

CIRCULAR.

DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Saint Louis, March 28, 1862. By General Orders, No. 41, current series, issued from headquarters of the Department of the Missouri by Major-General Halleck, commanding, every voter will be required to take the oath of allegiance prescribed in article 6 of the ordinance of the Convention, dated October 16, 1861. This applies to all elections, whether for State, municipal, county, or town officers. BERNARD G. FARRAR, Provost- Marshal- General.

U.S. Grant wires General Halleck that numerous persons are going north from Savannah, Tennessee on leaves and passes without proper authority.

Savannah, March 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: I have caused boats leaving here to be visited and all persons leaving on them to be required to show their passes. This course led to the discovery that a number of persons were going North without my authority, on leaves and passes given, in one instance, by a brigadier-general, in one by a captain, and all the others by regimental commanders. As this course of procedure is in violation of my orders, I have ordered the arrest of all the parties, and will prefer charges against them. U.S. GRANT, Major-General.

On the York Peninsula, "Prince John" Magruder readies his defensive position along the Warwick River.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE PENINSULA, Lee's Farm, near Lee's Mill, March 28, 1862. The enemy is at length advancing. We shall fight him on the line of Warwick River. Already he is about to occupy Young's Mill.....Each man will take care to aim well, fire low, and bring his man. When fighting in the woods regimental and company officers will see that the men are extended at considerable intervals and so kept, taking advantage of natural obstacles....Commanding officers when retreating must look particularly to their rear and to the artillery there stationed. As the enemy is clothed with more uniformity than our men, and generally in darker clothes, and as many of our regiments may come to whom badges cannot be issued, it is ordered that all badges now worn by our men be abolished, and none will hereafter be worn unless further ordered....The men are reminded that, our forces not being equal to the enemy's, it will be necessary to remove them from the front to the rear and from the right to the left, withdrawing them from battle in one place to engage them in battle at another, and therefore their movements in withdrawing from battle should be deliberate and calm, holding themselves in readiness to repel any attack that may be made upon them while withdrawing to the rear, marching to the front, or moving to the right or left. By command of Major-General Magruder: A. S. DICKINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

The Vanderbilt is ready for action and joins Commodore Goldsborough's ramming squadron stationed at the mouth of the James River

. CHERRYSTONE, VA., March 28, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Yesterday afternoon I visited the Vanderbilt, and found her preparations are far advanced and that she is at any moment ready for action Her steam is kept constantly up. There are seven steamers here, all ready to act as rams, with more or less efficiency, but by their combined operations abundantly able to destroy the Merrimac. In my judgment it is impossible for the Merrimac to come down to Fort Monroe without being sunk by the rams. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War.

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

March 29 1862 (Saturday)

The 28th Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel John Geary, skirmishes with an outpost of Stonewall Jackson's Valley army in Middleburg, Virginia. During the fighting Geary unleashes a machine gun, known as a "coffee mill gun", which is being used in action for the first time. Captain Bartlett describes the result: "One of these guns was brought to bear on a squadron of cavalry at 800 yards, and it cut them to pieces terribly, quickly forcing them to fly."

Albert Sidney Johnston consolidates the Army of Kentucky with P.G.T. Beauregard's forces camped near Corinth, Mississippi creating the Army of the Mississippi. Command of the three Corps. are given to Generals Polk, Bragg, and Hardee.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE FORCES, Corinth, Miss., March 29, 1862. I. The undersigned assumes the command and immediate direction of the Armies of Kentucky and of the Mississippi, now united, and which in military operations will be known as the Army of the Mississippi. II. General G. T. Beauregard will be second in command to the commander of the forces. III. The Army of the Mississippi will be subdivided into three army corps, and reserves of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, as follows: 1. The First Corps, under command of Maj. Gen. L. Polk, to consist of the grand division under his command as originally organized....2. The Second Corps, under Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, to consist of the second grand division of the Army of the Mississippi....3. The Third Corps, under Maj. Gen. W. J. Hardee, to consist of the Army of Kentucky....4. The infantry reserve, under command of Maj. Gen. G. B. Crittenden, shall be formed of a division of not less than two brigades.... Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, in addition to his duties as commander of the Second Army Corps, is announced as chief of the staff to the commander of the forces. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army.

Rumors are swirling about General George Crittenden who had been reported to have been drunk during the Mill Springs battle. General Hardee is sent to Burnsville to investigate and finds Crittenden and his chief of staff, Brigadier-General William H. Carroll, in a state of intoxication. Both are arrested for drunkeness and relieved of command.

Three hundred pound Brigadier-General William "Bull" Nelson is given permission to attempt to ford the Duck River with his Fourth Division of Buell's army. Prior to the crossing, Nelson issues some unique instructions: "On reaching the ford, the men will strip off their pantaloons, secure their cartridge boxes about their necks, and load knapsacks on the wagons; bayonets will be fixed, and the pantaloons, in a neat roll, will be carried on the point of the bayonet. A halt will be ordered on the other side of the ford, to allow the men to take off their drawers, wring them dry, and resume their clothing and knapsacks." Nelson's division makes it across and the rest of Buell's army soon follows. It has taken Buell's army exactly two weeks to find a way to cross the two hundred yard wide Duck River. Savannah, and a junction with Grant's army is now eighty miles away.

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

REFERENCES

LAST WEEK IN THE CIVIL WAR

NEWS FROM THE REAR

[ Previous Two | List | Join | Random | Next Five ]
This Civil War Virtual Archives Ring site is owned by Rienzi/Zollicoffer

Sign My Guestbook View My Guestbook

According to You Are the To This Page Since DEC 1^st,1861

NETSCAPE Sound Control

Page Updated 03/23/98

March 3rd 1998  "THIS WEEK IN THE CIVIL WAR" sets new record with 250 unique hits!
THANK YOU READERS!