American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

May 16, 1862 Friday
Maj Gen Butler added to his stringent measures in New Orleans by suspending publication of the New Orleans Bee, and the Delta was taken over by Federal authorities. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Gen McClellan established his personal headquarters at White House, formerly a Lee family property, on the Pamunkey River.

President Davis wrote his wife of the defeat of the Federal squadron at Drewry’s Bluff, adding, “The panic here has subsided and with increasing confidence there has arisen a desire to see the city destroyed rather than surrendered.” He further said, “The great temporal object is to secure our independence and they who engage in strife for personal or party aggandisement, deserve contemptuous forgetfulness.”

Confederate Brigadier General Joseph Lewis Hogg ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_L._Hogg ) died of dysentery while serving with his brigade in Corinth, Miss.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 17, 1862 Saturday
Gen McDowell on the Rappahannock was ordered to march upon Richmond in cooperation with McClellan’s Army of the Potomac (Orders McDowell to retain separate command, obey orders of McClellan while co-operating with him, and use own judgment in placing troops for greatest protection of capital.). Meanwhile, there was a small Federal expedition up the Pamunkey as McClellan’s army settled in before Richmond ( http://ihm.nlm.nih.gov/luna/servlet/det ... chmond-&-Y ). Near Corinth, Mississippi there was more skirmishing as Halleck’s Federal army also sat in front of a major Confederate center. Today’s action was at Russell’s House. In Arkansas there was a skirmish at Little Red River ( http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/e ... tryID=6647 ).

As President Lincoln conferred with his Secretary of War regarding McClellan’s oft-repeated calls for reinforcements, President Davis wrote Gen Johnston giving various suggestions but, like Lincoln, declined to direct military operations.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 18, 1862 Sunday
The Shenandoah Valley was coming into its own as a scene of battle and marching. Jackson’s Confederates were northward bound from Mount Solon, as Federals fell back in the western valley along the north fork of the Shenandoah River. Union Gen Banks was not sure what Jackson was going to do, but he wanted to be ready. There was a skirmish at Woodstock, Virginia in the valley.

On the Mississippi River Farragut’s fleet arrived at Vicksburg to demand surrender of the city, but Confederate Brig Gen M. L. Smith refused.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 19, 1862 Monday
Still the skirmishing continued on the fringes of the two main Federal offensives, east and west. In Virginia there was fighting at Gaines’ Mill and at City Point, in the West action at Farmington, Mississippi near Corinth. Other skirmishing was at Searcy’s Landing, Arkansas. On the Mississippi River a Federal expedition operated to Fort Pillow May 19-23.

A worried President Davis wrote Mrs Davis of the threat to Richmond, “We are uncertain of everything except that a battle must be near at hand.” An equally concerned President Lincoln disavowed the emancipation proclamation of Maj Gen David Hunter issued in the Department of the South, and reserved for the President the power, if it became necessary in order to maintain the government, to issue such a proclamation ( http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/te ... oln5%3A499 ). President Lincoln again appealed for adoption by the states of his policy of gradual, compensated emancipation.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 20, 1862 Tuesday
President Lincoln signed into law the Homestead Act, which granted a free plot of 160 acres to actual settlers on land in the public domain who would occupy and improve it for five years ( http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=31 ). President Davis was disturbed by the impression of governors and others in Arkansas and elsewhere in the Trans-Mississippi that their cause was being neglected.

Stonewall Jackson moved rapidly in the Shenandoah Valley. Reaching New Market, he suddenly halted his northward march and crossed Massanutten Mountain to Luray in the eastern or Luray Valley of the Shenandoah Valley. He then turned northward again, along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. He was joined by Richard Ewell and his troops, giving Jackson 16,000 men and 48 guns. The intent was to get around Banks’ Federals and perhaps trap them in the main or western portion of the Shenandoah Valley. Along the Chickahominy River there were minor operations near Bottom’s Bridge as McClellan’s Federals and Johnston’s Confederates waited. There was raiding on the Virginia Central Railroad at Jackson’s River Depot, Virginia. On the coast Cole’s Island, South Carolina was bombarded by Federals and there was an affair on Crooked River, Florida. In Tennessee skirmishing broke out on the Elk River. Tucson, New Mexico Territory was occupied by Union troops after a small body of Confederates had retreated.

President Lincoln says he will not relieve Gen Hunter even on his own request.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 21, 1862 Wednesday
The “foot cavalry” of Jackson were on the march north in the Luray Valley of Virginia, heading toward Front Royal, where a brief Federal reconnaissance went out but found little. Banks in the other branch of the Shenandoah Valley beyond Massanutten Mountain was confused by Jackson’s moves, but he, too, was pulling his Federals north. Over on the Chickahominy there was a Federal advance across Bottom’s Bridge in lowlands just east of Richmond. In the West skirmishing continued near Corinth, Mississippi today at Widow Serratt’s and Phillips’ Creek. Elsewhere there was fighting at Village Creek, Arkansas; Battery Island, South Carolina; and at Paraje, New Mexico Territory.

President Lincoln replied to Gen McClellan’s request for help from McDowell’s corps, which was moving overland to Richmond, saying, “You will have just such control of Gen McDowell and his force as you therein indicate. McDowell can reach you by land sooner than he could get aboard of boats if the boats were ready at Frederick’sburg, - unless his march shall be resisted, in which case, the force resisting him, will certainly not be confronting you at Richmond.”

A boat expedition from U.S.S. Hunchback, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Colhoun, and U.S.S. Whitehead, Acting Master French, captured schooner Winter Shrub in Keel's Creek, North Carolina, with a cargo of fish.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 22, 1862 Thursday
As Jackson moved toward Front Royal in the Luray Valley and McClellan moved into position along the Chickahominy in Virginia, skirmishing continued around Corinth, Mississippi between Halleck’s forces and Beauregard’s defenders. Action was at Farmington, primarily. Elsewhere the fighting was at Winchester, Tennessee; John’s Island, South Carolina; and at the Trenton and Pollocksville Crossroads, North Carolina. Federals carried out a two-day reconnaissance to Burnsville and Iuka, Mississippi. President Lincoln journeyed to Fredericksburg, Virginia to consult with Gen McDowell. U.S.S. Mount Vernon, under Commander Glisson, captured steamer Constitution attempting to run the blockade at Wilmington. U.S.S. Whitehead, Acting Master French, captured sloop Ella D off Keel's Creek, North Carolina, with cargo of salt.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 23, 1862 Friday
Jackson entered Front Royal in the Shenandoah Valley, easily defeating the Federal forces of about 800 men under Col John R. Kenly and capturing many of them ( http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/shenandoah/svs3-3.html ). As a battle or engagement it was not a major one, but the seizure of Front Royal meant that Jackson, with his 16,000 troops, had a splendid opportunity to cut off Banks’ main Federal force, which was pulling north on the valley pike to the northwest of Front Royal. The task was to prevent Banks from reaching Winchester and if possible to destroy him. Jackson’s rapid movement and victory at Front Royal caused fear in Washington of a major northward move by the Confederates, possibly even toward the capital. This distracting diversion took attention from McClellan’s efforts on the Peninsula near Richmond. In that area there were Federal reconnaissances form Bottom’s Bridge to Turkey Island Creek Bridge and toward Richmond, as well as skirmishing at Mechanicsville, Hogan’s, and Buckton Station. Elsewhere the fighting was at Lewisburg, western Virginia ( http://www.battleoflewisburg.org/battlehistory.htm ) and near Fort Craig, New Mexico Territory. Gen McDowell and Col Herman Haupt, aide-de-camp to McDowell and chief of construction and transportation on military railroads, meet President Lincoln and party at Aquia Creek, Va., and accompany them in baggage car to McDowell's headquarters on north side of Rappahannock. President Lincoln reviews various divisions and rides along lines with hat off as men cheer. Leaves headquarters at 9 P.M. Leaves Aquia Creek on return trip at 10 P.M.

Lafayette McLaws, CSA, was appointed to Major General. The following appointments were made to Brigadier General: Daniel Weisiger Adams, CSA; Turner Ashby, CSA; Samuel Garland, Jr., CSA; Wade Hampton, CSA; and Robert Hopkins Hatton, CSA.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 24, 1862 Saturday
There was significant skirmishing at Berryville, Strasburg, Middletown, and elsewhere in the Shenandoah Valley. Stonewall Jackson, after his victory at Front Royal, attempted to cut off Banks’ retreat route to Winchester on the valley pike. It was a very near thing for the Federals, but most of them got away just in time. Failing to trap the enemy, Jackson moved on Winchester itself. Meanwhile, in Winchester Banks ordered his wagon trains north toward Williamsport on the Potomac. After months of defeat and withdrawal, or at best stalemate, the tide seemed to be bringing Confederate victories.

In Washington, early in the morning, President Lincoln conferred with Stanton and others and issued new orders. Fremont in western Virginia was instructed to head for the Shenandoah Valley to cut off Jackson from retreat. To McDowell near Fredericksburg the President sent orders to lay aside the movement on Richmond and send 20,000 men toward the Shenandoah: “Your object will be to capture the forces of Jackson & Ewell.” In two messages to McClellan, Lincoln explained that the defeat in the valley was due to thinning the line to get troops for elsewhere. And later the President reluctantly wrote, “In consequence of Gen. Banks’ critical position I have been compelled to suspend Gen. McDowell’s movement to join you …” Diversion of McDowell gave McClellan another excuse to blame the Administration for his delays and failures on the Peninsula, and to say he was undermanned, despite his more than 100,000 troops.

At New Bridge, Seven Pines, Mechanicsville, and Hanover Court House, Virginia there was fighting as a part of the main campaign against Richmond. To the west the skirmishing was closer to Corinth, Mississippi and there was action near Spring Hill, Missouri and Winchester, Tennessee.

U.S.S. Bienville, under Commander Mullany, captured British blockade runner Stettin off Charleston. U.S.S. Amanda, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Nathaniel Goodwin, and U.S.S. Bainbridge, under Commander Brasher, captured steamer Swan west of Tortugas with a cargo of cotton and rosin.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 25, 1862 Sunday
Despite religious scruples, Jackson fought on Sunday, attacking Banks’ retreating Federals at Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley ( http://www.americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va104.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_Winchester and http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/shenandoah/svs3-4.html ). For a time Federals held off Jackson on the right and Ewell on the left, but eventually they broke and then pulled back in hasty confusion toward Harper’s Ferry. Jackson’s pursuit was feeble. The Confederate total: 16,000 men and 400 casualties – 68 killed, 329 wounded, 3 missing. Banks lost 2019 of his 8000 Federal troops – 62 killed, 243 wounded, 1714 missing or captured. A Federal soldier described the battle as “hell – or at least about as good an imitation as is often produced in the ‘upper world.’” Substantial amounts of supplies, munitions, and a number of wagons fell into Jackson’s hands. The name of “Stonewall” was becoming legendary. The Confederates now had cleared all but a small portion of the Shenandoah Valley, to the consternation of Washington and the North. But Fremont from the west and McDowell from the east were moving toward the area south of Winchester to get in Jackson’s rear and cut off his retreat.

Down near Richmond there was a Union expedition from Bottom’s Bridge on the Chickahominy to James River; in South Carolina where a Confederate gunboat under command of Captain F. N. Bonneau, guarding the bridge between James and Dixon Islands, Charleston harbor, exchanged fire with Union gunboats. Captain Bonneau claimed several hits on the gunboats. There were several days of operations about Miami and Waverly, Missouri until May 28. Federal forces under Major General Henry Halleck, USA, arrive at Corinth, Mississippi, after a 26-day, twenty mile advance.

At Washington President Lincoln wired McClellan, “I think the time is near when you must either attack Richmond or give up the job and come to the defence of Washington.” He also told his general of the troubles in the Shenandoah, and that the government was sending “such regiments and dribs” as could be found. The Administration called for all troops available anywhere and declared that all railroads were to be used when needed for transport of troops and munitions. Sec of War Stanton called upon the states for help in furnishing men.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 26, 1862 Monday
As Jackson occupied Winchester and prepared to continue north toward Harper’s Ferry, Banks kept pulling back with what little he had left after the Shenandoah Valley campaigning. Fremont and McDowell marched to intercept Jackson’s line of retreat. McClellan still failed to take action along the Chickahominy near Richmond. There was a skirmish near Franklin, western Virginia; at Calico Rock, Arkansas; at Crow’s Station near Licking, Missouri; and at Grand Gulf, Mississippi where U.S.S. Brooklyn, Captain T. T. Craven, and gunboats U.S.S. Kineo, commanded by Lieutenant George M. Ransom, and U.S.S. Katahdin, commanded by Lieutenant Preble, shelled Grand Gulf, Mississippi. The Confederates extended their Trans-Mississippi Department to include Arkansas, the Indian Territory, Missouri, west Louisiana, and Texas.

President Lincoln told McClellan that Banks was apparently safe at Williamsport on the Potomac and asked, “What impression have you, as to intrenchments – works – for you to contend with in front of Richmond? Can you get near enough to throw shells into the city?”

Lieutenant Isaac N. Brown, CSN, ordered to take command of C.S.S. Arkansas and "finish the vessel without regard to expenditure of men or money." Captain Lynch after inspecting the unfinished ram reported to Secretary of the Navy Mallory that: "the Arkansas is very inferior to the Merrimac[k] in every particular. The iron with which she is covered is worn and indifferent, taken from a railroad track, and is poorly secured to the vessel; boiler iron on stern and counter; her smoke-stack is sheet iron." Nevertheless, with great energy to overcome shortages and difficulties of every nature, Lieutenant Brown completed Arkansas, reinforced her bulwarks with cotton bales, and mounted a formidable armament of 10 guns. Lieutenant George W. Gift, CSN, who served in the ship later recorded that "within five weeks from the day we arrived at Yazoo City, we had a man-of-war (such as she was) from almost nothing--the credit for all of which belongs to Isaac Newton Brown, the commander of the vessel." A number of Army artillerists volunteered to act as gunners on board the ram.

U.S.S. Huron, commanded by Lieutenant Downes, captured British blockade runner Cambria off Charleston. U.S.S. Pursuit, commanded by Acting Lieutenant Cate, captured schooner Andromeda near the coast of Cuba with cargo of cotton.

Ambrose Powell Hill, CSA, was appointed to Major General and Louis Hébert, CSA with John Creed Moore, CSA, were appointed 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

May 27, 1862 Tuesday
As Banks crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, Jackson began to push northward again, toward Harper’s Ferry. He skirmished at Loudoun Heights. Near Richmond there was fighting at Slash Church, White Oaks, and Hanover Court House (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_ ... ourt_House and http://www.americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va013.html ). Near Corinth, Mississippi minor fighting continued, with skirmishing on Bridge Creek. In Missouri there was a skirmish at Monagan Springs near Osceola, and in Arkansas at Big Indian Creek in White County. An expedition operated from Searcy Landing to West Point, Searcy, and Bayou des Arc, Arkansas. Excitement continued high in the North, particularly in New York, over Jackson’s successes in the Shenandoah.

U.S.S. Bienville, under Commander Mullany, seized blockade running British steamer Patras off Bull's Island, South Carolina, from Havana with a cargo of powder and arms. U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba, under Commander Ridgely, captured schooner Lucy C. Holmes off Charleston with a cargo of cotton.

Picture of Grapevine Bridge over the Chickahominy built 27-28 May http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cwp.4a40088/ .

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 28, 1862 Wednesday
Skirmishing occurred in front of Corinth, Mississippi and at Charles Town, western Virginia as a part of Jackson’s campaign. Confederate supplies at Ashland, Virginia were destroyed, as was a bridge on the Virginia Central Railroad on the South Anna. Meanwhile all eyes looked toward Corinth and to the Shenandoah and Richmond for more news.

President Davis wrote his wife, “We are steadily developing for a great battle, and under God’s favor I trust for a decisive victory.” He was disappointed that a planned offensive by Joseph E. Johnston’s army had not been launched against McClellan.

President Lincoln told Gen McDowell that his move toward the Shenandoah to hit Jackson was “You say Gen. [John W.] Geary's scouts report they find no enemy this side of the Blue Ridge. Neither do I. Have they been to the Blue Ridge looking for them? . . . I think the evidence now preponderates that [Gen. Richard S.] Ewell [(CSA)] and Jackson are still about Winchester. Assuming this, it is, for you a question of legs. Put in all the speed you can. I have told Fremont as much, and directed him to drive at them as fast as possible. By the way, I suppose you know, Fremont has got up to Moorefield, instead of going to Harrisonburg.” President Lincoln stops by Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW, where Mrs Lincoln and party are attending a concert by opera star Clara Louise Kellogg.

U.S.S. State of Georgia, under Commander Armstrong, and U.S.S. Victoria, commanded by Acting Master Joshua D. Warren, captured steamer Nassau near Fort Caswell, North Carolina.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Fox wrote Senator Grimes: "I beg of you for the enduring good of the service, which you have so much at heart, to add a proviso [to the naval bill] abolishing the spirit ration and forbidding any distilled liquors being placed on board any vessel belonging to, or chartered by the U. States, excepting of course, that in the Medical Department. All insubordination, all misery, every deviltry on board ships can be traced to rum. Give the sailor double the value or more, and he will be content." Congressional Act approved 14 July 1862 abolished the spirit ration in the Navy.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 29, 1862 Thursday
Jackson’s men demonstrated near Harper’s Ferry. Behind Jackson, the Federals mustered Fremont’s 15,000, McDowell’s 20,000, and, to the north, Banks’ remnant of about 5,000. Other Federals gathered around Harper’s Ferry. On the Chickahominy there was skirmishing near Seven Pines, and farther north some operations along the South Anna. In western Virginia there was a skirmish near Wardensville; in South Carolina at Pocataligo; in Arkansas at Kickapoo Bottom and Whitesburg; and in Mississippi near Booneville.

During the night Beauregard, finally seeing there was no hope against Halleck’s huge Federal army near Corinth, Mississippi gave orders to pull out toward Tupelo. To give the impression of reinforcements, however, he had trains and troops make loud noises in an effort to fool the waiting Federals.

President Davis was carrying on a lengthy mail discussion with Georgia governor Joseph E. Brown over matters of States’ rights and Confederate government rights. President Lincoln still held in close rein the direction of operations against Jackson in the northern Shenandoah.

U.S.S. Keystone State, under Commander LeRoy, captured British blockade runner Elizabeth off Charleston. U.S.S. Bienville, under Commander Mullany, captured blockade runners Providence, with cargo of salt and cigars, Rebecca, with cargo of salt, and La Criolla, with cargo of provisions, off Charleston.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

May 30, 1862 Friday
Commencing the night of May 29 Beauregard, with great skill and efficiency, pulled his Confederate army out of besieged Corinth, Mississippi and headed south toward Tupelo. The immense Federal army under Halleck sat a few miles outside the town to the north, oblivious to the strategy going on so short a distance away, though there were those who were aware that the Confederates planned a move. On this day Halleck’s troops cautiously moved into the important rail and road center after more than a month’s campaigning. The Federals had been successful but the evacuation by Beauregard, the slowness of the campaign, and the general lack of battle or results tarnished Halleck’s victory. Nearby Booneville, Mississippi was captured by Federals and the Cypress Creek Bridge, Tennessee and Tuscumbia Bridge, Mississippi destroyed.

In the Shenandoah McDowell’s forces under James Shields reached Front Royal, where there was a skirmish as Jackson began to fall back from near Harper’s Ferry to avoid the trap being set by Fremont’s and McDowell’s converging forces. Other fighting in Virginia was at Fair Oaks and Zuni; in North Carolina at Tranter’s Creek; in western Virginia at Lewisburg and Shaver’s River. Heavy rains fell on the Virginia Peninsula, inundating bottom lands.

President Lincoln continued to urge his commanders in the Shenandoah – Banks, Fremont, and McDowell – to press on to capture or destroy Jackson.

_________________
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