United States Civil War (1861 – 1865) in Real Time

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Day 8 of the United States Civil War, April 19th 1861

District of Columbia

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln issued Proclamation 81—Declaring a Blockade of Ports in Rebellious States.

The proclamation by Lincoln read:

Whereas an insurrection against the Government of the United States has broken out in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, and the laws of the United States for the collection of the revenue cannot be effectually executed therein comformably to that provision of the Constitution which requires duties to be uniform throughout the United States:

And whereas a combination of persons engaged in such insurrection, have threatened to grant pretended letters of marque to authorize the bearers thereof to commit assaults on the lives, vessels, and property of good citizens of the country lawfully engaged in commerce on the high seas, and in waters of the United States: And whereas an Executive Proclamation has been already issued, requiring the persons engaged in these disorderly proceedings to desist therefrom, calling out a militia force for the purpose of repressing the same, and convening Congress in extraordinary session, to deliberate and determine thereon:

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, with a view to the same purposes before mentioned, and to the protection of the public peace, and the lives and property of quiet and orderly citizens pursuing their lawful occupations, until Congress shall have assembled and deliberated on the said unlawful proceedings, or until the same shall ceased, have further deemed it advisable to set on foot a blockade of the ports within the States aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United States, and of the law of Nations, in such case provided. For this purpose a competent force will be posted so as to prevent entrance and exit of vessels from the ports aforesaid. If, therefore, with a view to violate such blockade, a vessel shall approach, or shall attempt to leave either of the said ports, she will be duly warned by the Commander of one of the blockading vessels, who will endorse on her register the fact and date of such warning, and if the same vessel shall again attempt to enter or leave the blockaded port, she will be captured and sent to the nearest convenient port, for such proceedings against her and her cargo as prize, as may be deemed advisable.

And I hereby proclaim and declare that if any person, under the pretended authority of the said States, or under any other pretense, shall molest a vessel of the United States, or the persons or cargo on board of her, such person will be held amenable to the laws of the United States for the prevention and punishment of piracy.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth.

Virginia

Delegates to the Virginia Convention approve authorizing the appointment of a “commander of the military and naval forces of Virginia.” The commander would have the rank of Major General and authority to lead military operations and troop organization under the governor’s overall authority. The convention committee in charge of the decision recommended United States Army, Colonel Robert E. Lee for the position.

Virginia State Militia, Major General William B. Taliaferro, appointed to command the Virginia militia in the Norfolk district on April 18th, met with United States Navy, Captain Charles S. McCauley, United States commander at Gosport Navy Yard, and it was agreed “that none of the vessels should be removed, not a shot fired except in self defense.” Virginia secessionists tried to ensure that no Federal ships could move by sinking hulks in the Elizabeth River to block their escape. They did not fully seal the channel, but the move led McCauley to erroneously conclude that the Navy Yard was in danger of being attacked, and that some of the men under his command would join the attackers.

Maryland

Southern sympathizers in Baltimore cut telegraph lines and bridges to Washington D.C. While passing through the city, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts militiamen belonging to the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment (United States) and 6th Massachusetts Militia Regiment (United States) are attacked by Southern sympathisers in responds they open fire on a crowd. When the dust settles, four militiamen had been killed and thirty-six wounded. The militiamen killed twelve civilian rioters and wounded over a hundred others.

Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper: The sixth regiment of the Massachusetts volunteers firing into the people in Pratt Street, while attempting to pass through Baltimore en route for Washington, April 19, 1861



At Fort McHenry, United States Army, Captain John Cleveland Robinson had armed and secretly supplied his garrison of 60 men to withstand a siege. The pro-Confederate mob which was disrupting United States movements through Baltimore was deterred from attacking the fort.

With Washington D.C. cut off from United States territory by rail because of the interference of Confederate sympathisers in Maryland. Troops embarked on boats to proceed to the relief of the capital (District of Columbia). The steamer BOSTON departed Philadelphia with the 7th New York Infantry Regiment (United States) aboard, while the ferryboat MARYLAND em­barked the 8th Massachusetts Militia Regiment (United States) at Perryville for Annapolis. Washington D.C. was effectively isolated until this relief force could arrive.

New York

The 4th Massachusetts Militia Regiment (United States) and the Providence Rhode Island Artillery (United States) left New York to reinforce the deference of Washington D.C.

The 7th Regiment of the New York Militia, (United States) left New York City under the command of United States Army, Colonel Marshall Lefferts for Washington D.C. for three months United States service.

Painting: a patriotic, flag–festooned scene as the 7th Regiment of the New York Militia passed in review on Broadway



Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Militia, Major General Robert Patterson was assigned to command forces in the states of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, but not those stationed in the District of Columbia.

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Day 9 of the United States Civil War, April 20th 1861

Louisiana

The steamship STAR OF THE WEST, which had been seized by Confederate authorities at Indianola, Texas on April 17th sailed into New Orleans. Governor of Louisiana, Thomas Overton Moore changed its name to CSS ST PHILP.

Maryland

The training ship USS CONSTITUTION moored in the Severn River off Annapolis, was towed by the steamer USS MARYLAND into the Chesapeake Bay with troops of the 8th Massachusetts Infantry regiment aboard. This action prevented the Confederates from seizing the historic warship, usually known as “Old Ironsides”.

Massachusetts Militia, Brigadier-General Benjamin Franklin Butler brought the 4th Massachusetts Militia Regiment (United States) into Annapolis, ready for transportation to Fort Monroe.

A pro-Confederate mob began a week of burning bridges of the Pennsylvania Northern & Philadelphia Railroad near Baltimore at the instigation of the Mayor, to impede the movement of Union forces across the state.

Missouri

An armed secessionist mob seized the United States Arsenal in Liberty, increasing United States concerns about the security of the state.

New York

Six hundred kegs of gunpowder bound for New Orleans, Louisiana, were seized by the US Marshal before they could be shipped.

Texas

The United States coast survey schooner TWILIGHT was seized by Confederates at Aransas.

Virginia

United States Army, Colonel Robert E. Lee learns of Virginia’s secession, and while friends and family gathered at the Arlington House to discuss the matter, Lee retired alone to the garden to consider what he would do. He later returned home and paced in his room for several hours. Early next morning, Lee wrote his letter of resignation to General-in-Chief Scott, after 32 years of service in the United States Army. It began: “Sir–I have the honour to tender the resignation of my Commission as Colonel of the 1st Regt of Cavalry.” Lee explained: “Since my interview with you on the 18th instant I have felt that I ought not longer retain my commission in the Army. I therefore tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for acceptance. It would have been presented at once, but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted all the best years of my life & all the ability I possessed…”

In Guyandotte, a West Virginia meeting calls for the state to approve the actions of the Virginia legislature.

The screw steamer USS ANACOSTIA under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant Thomas S Fillebrown, with its crew augmented by 20 United States Marines from the Washington Navy Yard, was ordered to patrol off Kettle Bottom Shoals, to prevent the obstruction of the channel by Confederate forces.

United States Navy, Captain Charles S McCauley gave orders to scuttle the ships in the Gosport Navy Yard and destroy its facilities. Receiving ship USS PENNSYLVANIA, sloop USS GERMANTOWN, 54 guns sailing frigate USS COLOMBIA and the brig USS DOLPHIN were burned to the water’s edge. The out of service 74-gun ship of the line USS DELAWARE, out of service 92-gun ship of the line USS COLUMBUS, sloop of war USS PLYMOUTH and the steam frigate USS MERRIMACK were burned and sunk. The old frigate USS UNITED STATES was abandoned. Sloop-of-war USS PAWNEE and the tug YANKEE towing the 50-gun sailing frigate USS CUMBERLAND escaped. The destruction of the navy yard was mostly ineffective; in particular, the large dry dock there was relatively undamaged and was soon restored.

Illustratio: Burning of the U.S. ship of the line PENNSYLVANIA, 140 guns: and other vessels, at the Gosport Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va. on the night of April 20th 1861



Illustration: USS MERRIMACK aflame during the burning of the Norfolk Navy Yard, 20 April 1861

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Day 10 of the United States Civil War, April 21st 1861

District of Columbia

United States Army, Colonel Charles Ferguson Smith placed under guard the steamers BALTIMORE, MOUNT VERNON, PHILADELPHIA and POWHATAN.

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln met with a delegation of influential Baltimoreans which included Baltimore Mayor George W. Brown. The delegation called the firing on civilians by the 6th Massachusetts “a pollution” of Maryland soil. They said that order could be restored in Baltimore only if Federal troops stayed away. Lincoln responded that he must have troops to defend the capital, and even though the shortest route from the northern states was through Baltimore, he would avoid that city to keep peace.

Virginia

Virginia State Militia, Brigadier General Philip St George Cocke was assigned to the command of all Virginia state forces along the Potomac River.

The 4th Massachusetts Militia Regiment (United States) arrived by sea from Annapolis, Maryland, to reinforce Fort Monroe.

Anti-secessionists met in Monongahela County, in a show of support for the United States against the Confederacy.

Governor of Virginia, John Letcher dispatched Judge John Robertson to formally offer a Major General commission to Robert E. Lee in accordance with the ordinance passed on the April 19th 1861. Lee accepted and left Arlington on the morning of the 22nd. He took a train from Alexandria to Gordonsville and then completed his journey to the state capital on the Virginia Central Railroad.

Virginia State Militia occupy Gosport Navy Yard. Surveying the damage, Virginia State Militia, Major General William B. Taliaferro, charged that the attempt to destroy the place was “one of the most cowardly and disgraceful acts which ever disgraced the Government of a civilized people.”

Governor of Virginia, John Letcher ordered the cadets from the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington to come to the state capital of Richmond to become drillmasters for the Virginia State Militia. The cadets were led by the Institute’s senior military officer, Major Thomas J. Jackson. On Sunday the 21st, the pious Jackson held a church service for the cadets before leading them to Staunton, from which they took the train to Richmond.

Connecticut

The manufacturers of Sharp’s rifles & Colt revolvers announce that they will sell no weapons to the South.

Maryland

Governor of Maryland, Thomas H Hicks wrote to United States Army, Brigadier General Benjamin Franklin Butler advising that he should not land his troops at the port of Annapolis. Butler replied that he intended to land there nonetheless and then march onward to Washington D.C. Governor Hicks protested Butler’s forcible possession of the Annapolis & Elkridge railroad. Despite riots and vandalism by pro-Secessionist militants, United States forces began to move with increasing ease across the state.

United States forces took possession of the Philadelphia & Baltimore Railroad.

Fort Carroll is occupied by United States forces.

New York

The 6th New York Infantry Regiment (United States), 12th New York Infantry Regiment (United States), 71st New York Infantry Regiment (United States), 1st Rhode Island Infantry Regiment (United States), a Massachusetts regiment and a battery of artillery departed from New York to reinforce the defence of Washington D.C.

North Carolina

The United States Mint at Charlotte was seized by North Carolina state forces.

Pennsylvania

(United States) Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles sent orders to the Philadelphia Navy Yard to procure five steamers to be armed for coastal service, and similar orders were sent to the Commandants of the Navy Yards in New York and Boston.

Missouri

The Federal commander in St. Louis, United States Army, Brigadier General William S. Harney, received the following two telegrams from the War Department in Washington, D.C: 

Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, Second Infantry, is detailed to muster in the troops at Saint Louis, and to use them for the protection of public property. You will see that they are properly armed and equipped. By order of Lieutenant-General Scott.

I am directed by the Secretary of War to say that you are hereby relieved from the command of the Department of the West, which will devolve upon the senior officer in the department, and you will repair to this city and report to the General-in-Chief.

United States Army, Captain Nathaniel Lyon received the following telegram from the Adjutant-General of the United States Army: 

General Harney has this day been relieved from his command. The Secretary of War directs that you immediately execute the order previously given to arm the loyal citizens, to protect the public property, and execute the laws. Muster four regiments into the service.

Atlantic Ocean

The sloop-of-war USS SARATOGA (4 × 8 in (200 mm) shell guns and 18 × 32-pounder guns) under the command of United States Navy, Commander Alfred Taylor captured the illegal slave ship NIGHTINGALE with 961 slaves on board.

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Day 11 of the United States Civil War, April 22nd 1861

District of Columbia

United States Navy, Captain Franklin Buchanan, Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard, resigned to join the Confederate State Navy. He was relieved at Washington by United States Navy, Commander John Adolphus Bernard Dahlgren.

(United States) President Abram Lincoln met with members of the Baltimore YMCA. The members asked Lincoln to promote peace in their city by keeping Federal troops out. Assuming that secessionists planned on attacking Washington, D.C. Lincoln told the visitors: “You express great horror of bloodshed, and yet would not lay a straw in the way of those who are organizing in Virginia and elsewhere to capture the city.”. Lincoln also met with another group of Baltimoreans that once again included the Mayor of Baltimore, George W. Brown. The members urged Lincoln to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the Confederacy that was tantamount to recognizing Confederate independence. The president responded: “You would have me break my oath and surrender the Government without a blow. There is no Washington in that–-no Jackson in that-–no manhood nor honor in that, i must have troops for the defense of the capital, our men are not moles, and can’t dig under the earth; they are not birds, and can’t fly through the air. There is no way but to march across, and that they must do. Go home and tell your people that if they will not attack us, we will not attack them; but if they do attack us, we will return it, and that severely.” Lincoln concluded: “Keep your rowdies in Baltimore and there will be no bloodshed.”

Virginia

Robert E Lee met with Governor of Virginia, John Letcher and officially accepted the governor’s appointment. That night, delegates to the Virginia Convention unanimously approved Letcher’s choice of Lee as “Commander-in-Chief of the military and naval forces of the Commonwealth” of Virginia.

The Virginia Military Institute cadet corps that left Lexington on the 21st arrived at the Richmond where Major Thomas J. Jackson turned his students over to state officials.

New York

United States Navy, Commander James Harmon Ward, commanding the receiving ship USS NORTH CAROLINA at the New York Navy Yard, proposed a plan for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay and capital areas. Ward suggested that a “Flying Flotilla” of light draft vessels be formed to operate in the Chesapeake and its tributaries. His superior officer, United States Navy, Captain Samuel Livingston Breese, commandant of the New York Navy Yard, endorsed his plan and it was submitted to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles.

Arkansas

A depot of United States Army stores was seized at Napoleon, by order of Governor of Arkansas, Henry M Rector.

The Governor of Arkansas, Henry M Rector refused to furnish the state’s quota of militia requested for Federal service.

Illinois

Illinois militia troops occupied the vital river port of Cairo, at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

Maryland

The steamer BOSTON arrived at Annapolis with the 7th New York Infantry aboard. They found the steamer USS MARYLAND aground after it had towed USS CONSTITUTION into the Chesapeake Bay and got her off the shallows. Troops from both ships disem­barked in Annapolis. Their arrival contributed to the security of Washington D.C. and the retention of Maryland for the United States.

United States Army, Brigadier-General Benjamin Franklin Butler’s troops began to repair the railroad and reopened communications with Washington D.C., which had been isolated since the Baltimore riots on April 19th.

North Carolina

The United States Arsenal at Fayetteville was seized by North Carolina State troops. They acquired 37,000 stand of arms, 3,000 kegs of gunpowder, and large quantities of artillery ammunition.

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Day 12 of the United States Civil War, April 23rd 1861

District of Columbia

Sloop-of-war USS PAWNEE reached Washington D.C. where United States Navy, Commodore Paulding reported the loss of the Norfolk Navy Yard to the Navy Department. The arrival of the modern warship strengthened the Capital’s defences at a critical time.

Arkansas

Arkansas state forces take over Fort Smith.

Illinois

Illinois state militia troops occupy Cairo, IL, at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

Virginia

The Virginia Military Institute cadet corps conducted a review on Richmond’s Capitol Square that was attended by Governor of Virginia, John Letcher and other top officials. A spectator noted that the cadets “came prepared for war, are fully armed and equipped,” and they “do not flinch from any duty, and herein they set a noble example—one worthy of all emulation.” Even with the Virginia Military Institute cadet corps there to keep order among all the militiamen pouring into the capital, the Richmond city council ordered early closures of all liquor stores and saloons.

The Clarksburg (present-day West Virginia) Convention calls for a anti-secessionist convention to be held in May, 1861.

Virginia State Militia, Major General Walter Gwynn was directed to take command of forces around Norfolk and the Gosport Navy Yard.

Virginia State Militia, Major General Joseph Eggleston Johnston was directed to take command of the Virginia state forces in and around Richmond.

Virginia State Militia, Major General Robert E. Lee issued General Orders, No.1 announcing that he was assuming command of the military and naval forces of Virginia:

General Orders, No.1

Headquarters,
Richmond, Va., April 23, 1861

In obedience to orders from his excellency John Letcher, governor of the State, Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee assumes command of the military and naval forces of Virginia.

R.E. Lee
Major-General.

Missouri

United States Army Captain Nathaniel Lyon assumed temporary command of the Department of the West in St Louis. He was responding to doubts about the loyalty of United States Army, Brigadier General William Selby Harney who had shown indications of favouring the pro-Confederate factions in Missouri.

Texas

A group of United States Army officers and a Company of the 8th Infantry Regiment (United States) were taken as prisoners of war at San Antonio. United States Army, Colonel Carlos Adolphus Waite was among those captured by Confederate authorities and the presence of free Federal forces in Texas was ended.

Maryland

The Governor of Maryland, Thomas Holliday Hicks calls a session of the Maryland legislature to consider secession.

Brigadier General of the Massachusetts Militia offered assistance to the Governor of Maryland who had expressed anxiety about the risk of a slave insurrection.

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Day 13 of the United States Civil War, April 24th 1861

District of Columbia

With the security of Washington, D.C. as primary concern, the United States Government took over the running of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad Company through an agent in Philadelphia. Trains began running on a new and secure route to the capital filled with troops and supplies.

Virginia

Virginia State Militia, Brigadier General Philip St George Cocke reported from his headquarters at Alexandria that he had only 300 men to defend against an estimated force of 10,000 United States troops rumoured to be facing him across the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. By this time a further 1,300 Virginia State volunteers had gathered at Harper’s Ferry further inland up the Potomac.

The 50-gun sailing frigate USS CUMBERLAND under the command of United States Navy, Captain Garrett J Pendergrast captured the Confederate tug YONG AMERICA and schooner GEORGE M SMITH with their cargo of arms and ammunition in Hampton Roads.

(Confederate States) Vice President Alexander H. Stephens and former (United States) President John Tyler (1841 – 1845), leading the Virginia committee on behalf of Governor of Virginia,John Letcher signed the alliance agreement placing Virginia’s military “under the chief control and direction of the President of the Confederate States.” Delegates to the Virginia State Convention approved the alliance, even though the secession ordinance they had adopted was still under subject to a popular vote to be held in May.

Kentucky

The Governor of Kentucky, Beriah Magoffin called an extra session of the Kentucky state legislature to consider matters related to secession.

Maryland

A special election of ten delegates to the Maryland state legislature took place in Baltimore.

The training ship USS CONSTITUTION, nicknamed “Old Ironsides” under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant G W Rodgers departed under tow by the steamer USS CURLER and escorted by United States Revenue Cutter Service USRCS HARRIET LANE with a crew of midshipmen for New York and then Newport, Rhode Island.

New York

A New York States agent was sent to Europe to purchase twenty-five thousand firearms and a supply of ammunition. The agent carried a $500,000 letter of credit from the state of New York to purchase the weapons.

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Day 14 of the United States Civil War, April 25th 1861

District of Columbia

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln attends the funeral for United States Army, Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, after Ellsworth lay in state at the White House.

The United States garrison of the capital was reinforced by the 7th New York Infantry Regiment (United states), and about 1,200 militiamen each from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They arrived by train after re-laying the damaged track from Annapolis and repairing a wrecked locomotive. Until this point, the available United states garrison of Washington, D.C. beyond ad hoc units, had comprised only the 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (United states) and five companies of Pennsylvanians, quartered in the Senate Chamber and the House of Representatives. This reinforcement ended the isolation of the city from the rest of the North.

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln issue a Executive Order which reads as follows:

Lieutenant-General Scott

My Dear sir: The Maryland legislature assembles to-morrow at Annapolis, and not improbably will take action to arm the people of that State against the United States. The question has been submitted to and considered by me whether it would not be justifiable, upon the ground of necessary defense, for you, as General in Chief of the United States Army, to arrest or disperse the members of that body. I think it would not be justifiable nor efficient for the desired object.

First. They have a clearly legal right to assemble, and we can not know in advance that their action will not be lawful and peaceful, and if we wait until they shall have acted their arrest or dispersion will not lessen the effect of their action.

Secondly. We can not permanently prevent their action. If we arrest them, we can not long hold them as prisoners, and when liberated they will immediately reassemble and take their action; and precisely the same if we simply disperse them--they will immediately reassemble in some other place.

I therefore conclude that it is only left to the Commanding General to watch and await their action, which, if it shall be to arm their people against the United States, he is to adopt the most prompt and efficient means to counteract, even, if necessary, to the bombardment of their cities and, in the extremest necessity, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.

Your obedient servant,

Abraham Lincoln.

Department of the Pacific

United States Army, General Edwin Vose Sumner relieves Albert Sidney Johnston as Commander, Department of the Pacific.

Arkansas

Arkansas militia led by former United States Senator from Arkansas Solon Borland took possession of Fort Smith and Van Buren. This post and town on the edge of the Indian Territory were important strategic locations as they were the terminus of the overland stage to California. The United States Army garrison of two troops of cavalry under United States Army, Captain Samuel Davis Sturgis (1st US Cavalry) escaped after his junior officers resigned to join the Confederacy. Although the fort was surrounded, Sturgis managed to reach Fort Leavenworth unscathed and safely delivered most of the government property under his care.

Illinois

Arms and military stores were moved to Alton from St Louis, Missouri, to prevent their seizure by pro-Confederate forces in Missouri.

Missouri

United States Army, Captain James H Stokes removed 12,500 muskets from the Federal arsenal in St Louis and transported them to equip pro-United States Militia troops in Illinois. The main aim was to remove them from the threat of capture by pro-Confederate militants.

New York

The transport EMPIRE CITY arrived from Texas, carrying 600 men of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (United states) and 2nd Cavalry Regiment (United states), who had been withdrawn from the state after secession.

Texas

United states Army posts at Indianola and Saluria surrendered to the Texas authorities. Fort Stockton surrendered to the Texas authorities. Confederate States Army, Colonel Earl Van Dorn claimed 450 United States Army prisoners at Saluria under the command of United States Army, Major Caleb C Sibley.

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Day 15 of the United States Civil War, April 26th 1861

District of Columbia

(United States) Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, of the United States Supreme Court, issues a writ of habeas corpus. His opinion is in the matter of Prisoner John Merryman, who was arrested by United States Army, Major General George Cadwalder, while trying to recruit Confederate soldiers. Taney orders that Mr. Merryman be set free.

Lincoln's 1st Postmaster, Francis Preston Blair, Jr, announces postal services will be cut with the Confederate States on May 31st, Washington, D.C.

Alabama

(Confederate States) Secretary of the Navy Stephen Russell Mallory reported: “I propose to adopt a class of vessels hitherto unknown to naval services. The perfection of a warship would doubtless be a combination of the greatest known ocean speed with the greatest known floating battery and power of resistance.”. Mallory also proposed to introduce rifled guns to arm the Confederate Navy because their range and accuracy exceeded those of existing naval ordnance. He proposed also that small propeller-driven ships with great speed, and lightly armed with rifled guns would become the “most destructive element of naval warfare.” Mallory had always advocated innovation and technological change while in the US Navy Department but his appointment to lead the nascent Confederate Navy gave him new opportunities to test out new methods and equipment.

Georgia

Governor of Georgia, Joseph E Brown issued a proclamation ordering the repudiation by the citizens of Georgia of all debts due to creditors in United States states.

Maryland

Governor of Maryland, Thomas Holliday Hicks called the state legislature into special session at Frederick, a largely Pro-United states town 50 miles west of Baltimore and 18 miles northeast of Harpers Ferry on the vital Baltimore & Ohio line. Hicks told the legislators that “the only safety of Maryland lies in preserving a neutral position between our brethren of the North and of the South.” Many of the lawmakers were inclined to agree.

Annapolis was occupied by troops under Massachusetts Militia (United States, Brigadier General of Massachusetts Benjamin Franklin Butler.

USS COMMERCE, under the command of United States Navy, Lieutenant Peirce Crosby, captured the steamer LANCASTER at Havre de Grace. Peirce-Crosby also pursued a steam tug but failed to catch up.

Maryland

Pro-Confederate forces burned the bridges over Gunpowder Creek and Bush Creek on the Philadelphia & Baltimore Railroad.

Virginia

Joseph Eggleston Johnston was appointed Major General of Virginia Volunteers to command the state forces gathering around Richmond.

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Day 16 of the United States Civil War, April 27th 1861

District of Columbia

United States Army, General-in-Chief Major-General Winfield Scott announces the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C, by the direction of (United States) President Lincoln:

April 27, 1861

The Commanding General of the Army of the United States

You are engaged in suppressing an insurrection against the laws of the United States. If at any point on or in the vicinity of any military, line which is now or which shall be used between the city of Philadelphia and the city of Washington you find resistance which renders it necessary to suspend the writ of habeas corpus for the public safety, you personally, or through the officer in command at the point where resistance occurs, are authorized to suspend that writ.

Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at the city of Washington, this 27th day of April, 1861, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth.

Abraham Lincoln.

By the President of the United States.

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.

United States Army, Colonel Joseph K. F. Mansfield, is assigned to the command of the Department of Washington, D.C.

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln re-asserted the naval blockade of the South and extended it to the ports of North Carolina and Virginia since those states had joined the Secession.

(United States) Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles issued orders for United States ships to seize Confederate privateers upon the high seas. Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles also authorised United States Navy, Captain Samuel Livingston Breese and United States Navy, Commander James Harmon Ward to form a “flying flotilla” of light draft vessels to patrol the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Illinois

The steamer HELMICK loaded with powder and munitions intended for the Confederacy, was seized at Cairo.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Militia, Major General, Robert Patterson is assigned to the command of the Department of Pennsylvania.

Maryland

Massachusetts Militia, Brigadier General Benjamin F. Butler is assigned to the command of the Department of Annapolis, Maryland.

Virginia

The Virginia State Convention offers Richmond to the Confederacy as its capitol, in lieu of Montgomery, which is strategically too far away from the events of the day.

Virginia State Militia, Brigadier General Philip St George Cocke moved his headquarters to Culpeper to oversee the defence of the Potomac River and to muster in volunteer troops for the Alexandria line.

Virginia State Militia, Major General Robert E. Lee issued General Orders, Virginia State Militia, Colonel Thomas J. Jackson to take command of Harpers Ferry, Virginia:

Headquarters Virginia Forces,
Richmond, Va., April 27, 1861.

Col. Thomas J. Jackson,
Virginia Volunteers,
Camp near Richmond, Va.:

Colonel: You will proceed, without delay, to Harpers Ferry, Va., in execution of the orders of the governor of the State, and assume command of that post. After mustering into the service of the State such companies as may be accepted under your instructions, you will organize them into regiments or battalions, uniting, as far as possible, companies from the same section of the State. These will be placed under their senior captains, until the field officers can be appointed by the governor. It is desired that you expedite the transfer of the machinery to this place, ordered to the Richmond Armory, should it not have been done, and that you complete, as fast as possible, any guns or rifles partially constructed, should it be safe and practicable. Your attention will be particularly directed to the safety of such arms, machinery, parts of arms, raw material, etc., that may be useful, to insure which they must be at once sent into the interior, if in your judgment necessary. If any artillery companies offer their services, or are mustered into the service of the State, and are without batteries, report the facts.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

R. E. Lee,
Major-General, Commanding.

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Day 17 of the United States Civil War, April 28th 1861

District of Columbia

United States Army, Colonel Joseph King Fenno Mansfield (Inspector-General) arrived to assume command of the Department of Washington, succeeding Pennsylvania State militia, Major General Robert Patterson.

New York

The training ship USS CONSTITUTION, nicknamed “Old Ironsides” arrived in New York under tow from Annapolis.

The 5th New York State Militia (United States) left New York City under the command of United States Army, Colonel Christian Schwarzwaelder for Washington, D.C. for three months United States service.

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Day 18 of the United States Civil War, April 29th 1861

Alabama

(Confederate States) President Jefferson Finis Davis proposed to Congress that the Confederate Regular Army should create a new grade of General, in addition to the existing grade of Brigadier-General. This would enable the Confederate officer to outrank the Brigadier Generals and Major Generals of State Militias, whose credentials may not be as appropriate as those of the Confederate Brigadier-Generals. The grade of “full” General had never existed in the United States Army and independence presented an opportunity for the new Army to appoint a number of the highest-ranking commanders for each likely theatre of operations.

Maryland

The House of Delegates of Maryland rejects secession with a strong 53-13 vote, while the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States of America receives President Jefferson Davis’s formal message on the state of affairs as he sees them, “We feel that our cause is just and holy; we protest solemnly in the face of mankind that we desire peace at any sacrifice save that of honor and independence; we seek no conquest, no aggrandizement, no concession of any kind from the States with which we were lately confederated; all we ask is to be let alone; that those who never held power over us shall not now attempt our subjugation by arms.” Jefferson Davis.

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive proclamation asserting martial law in the state of Maryland. Governor of Maryland, Thomas H Hicks sent a message of protest to the state legislature communicating to them the correspondence between himself and Massachusetts Militia, Brigadier General Benjamin F. Butler and (United States) Secretary of War Simon Cameron about the landing of United States troops at Annapolis.

Communications between Baltimore and Philadelphia were reinstated by United States forces.

Ohio

Ohio Militia, Brigadier General, Jacob Dolson Cox began the construction of a major camp of instruction for Midwestern volunteers at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati.

Virginia

The old warship USS UNITED STATES was captured at the Norfolk Navy Yard and commissioned as the first vessel of the Virginia State Navy.

A force of about 8,000 Virginia State Militia troops had already gathered in Harper’s Ferry under Virginia State Militia, Brigadier General Kenton Harper when Confederate Colonel Thomas Jonathan Jackson arrived to take over the command. A further 15,000 men were accumulating near Alexandria under Virginia State Militia, Brigadier General Philip St George Cocke. In comparison, the United States garrison of Washington, D.C, had now risen to about 10,000 men.

Department of the West

United States Army, Colonel Edmund Brooke Alexander (10th US Infantry) assumed temporary command of the Department of the West, succeeding United States Army, Captain Nathaniel Lyon.

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Day 19 of the United States Civil War, April 30th 1861

District of Columbia

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln issues a Executive Order which reads as:

April 30, 1861
General Orders, No. 13.

War Department

Adjutant-General's office

The President directs that all officers of the Army, except those who have entered the service since the 1st instant, take and subscribe anew the oath of allegiance to the United States of America, as set forth in the tenth article of war.

Commanding officers will see to the prompt execution of this order, and report accordingly.

By order:

L. Thomas,

Adjutant-General.

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln ordered the evacuation of United States troops from the Indian Nations’, leaving the Five Civilised (or slaveholding) Tribes exposed to Confederate influence. The main aim was to make more efficient use of the Regular Army and to reduce commitments to Frontier garrisons:

Cherokee Indian Nation
Chickasaw Indian Nation
Choctaw Indian Nation
Creek Indian Nation
Seminole Indian Nation

Alabama

Robert Selden Garnett is appointed Brigadier-General in the Confederate States Army.

Indian Territory

Fort Washita, the Indian Territory, is abandoned by United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel William H. Emory 1st Cavalry Regiment (United States), as he Marches his troops north toward Fort Leavenworth.

Louisiana

The sidewheel steam frigate USS POWHATAN arrived off the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River with the first elements of a blockading fleet. The arrival of these vessels occurred much earlier than had been anticipated in New Orleans, and neutral shipping rushed to vacate the port after a fifteen-day grace period was announced.

Texas

United States Army, Major Caleb C Sibley’s detachment of paroled United States troops set sail from Texas for New York.

Tennessee

The Tennessee State Legislature has convened in secret session. Rumors say they have adopted a secession ordinance, which they will announce after an attack on Washington that is expected to take place on May 4th.

Missouri

United States Army, Captain Nathaniel Lyon received the following authorization from the United States War Department: The President of the United States directs that you enroll in the military service of the United States the loyal citizens of Saint Louis and vicinity, not exceeding, with those heretofore enlisted, ten thousand in number, for the purpose of maintaining the authority of the United States; for the protection of the peaceable inhabitants of Missouri; and you will, if deemed necessary for that purpose by yourself and by Messrs. Oliver T. Filly, John How, James O. Broadhead, Samuel T. Glover, J. Wilzie, and Francis P. Blair, jr., proclaim martial law in the city of Saint Louis.

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Day 20 of the United States Civil War, May 1st 1861

Alabama

Joseph Eggleston Johnston is appointed Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army.

Massachusetts

Funeral services are held in Boston, for the United States soldiers killed in the Baltimore riots.

Virginia

United States garrison of Fort Monroe was reinforced by the 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment (United States) under United States Army, Colonel John Wolcott Phelps. Several more volunteer regiments quickly followed to secure its defence.

Virginia State Militia, Major General Robert Edward Lee sent specialist officers and troops to the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal to dismantle the weapons manufacturing machinery and ordnance stores which had escaped destruction by the United States garrison.

Governor of Virginia, John Letcher called for volunteers to join the state forces.

United States Navy vessels established a blockade of the James River and Hampton Roads.

Maryland

USS COMMERCE under the command of Lieutenant Pierce Crosby, seized the steam tug LIONESS off the mouth of the Patapsco River.

New York

The first vessels were acquired by the United States for assignment to the “Flying Flotilla” or Potomac Flotilla planned to patrol the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

North Carolina

An extra session of the North Carolina state legislature met at the request of Governor of North Carolina, John Willis Ellis. On the same day the legislature passed a Convention Bill, ordering an election of delegates on May 13th 1861.

Tennessee

The Tennessee legislature sends Governor of Tennessee, Isham Harris authority to send representatives from the state to confer with Confederate officials.

The United States blockade takes hold in the lower Chesapeake Bay.

Kentucky

The Louisville Journal reports a speech by former (United States) Vice President John Breckinridge urging Kentucky to join with the seceded states, saying the United States is “wholly broken up.”

Massachusetts

The bodies of three men of the 6th Massachusetts Militia Regiment (United States) killed in the the rioting in Baltimore two weeks before returned to Boston. Governor of Massachusetts, Andrew and the state adjudant-general met the caskets at the railway station and led a military parade to the King's Chapel on the corner of School Avenue and Tremont Street. There the remains were placed in the crypt where family members officially identified the bodies the next day.

Missouri

United States Army, Captain Nathaniel Lyon receive a telegram from Washington, D.C. authorizing him to raise an additional 10,000 Federal volunteers “for the purpose of maintaining the authority of the United States [and] for the protection of the peaceable inhabitants of Missouri.” The telegram also authorized Captain Lyon to declare martial law in St. Louis if he and the Safety Committee thought it was necessary.

Indian Territory

Fort Washita, the Indian Territory, and near Texas, is occupied by the Texas militia.

Nebraska Territory

Governor of Nebraska Territory, Samuel W Black called out the Territorial Militia for United States service.

New Mexico Territory

Colonel William Wing Loring resigned his command of the United States Department of New Mexico, leaving the post temporarily vacant, in order to join the Confederacy.

Utah Territory

Frank Fuller succeeded Alfred Cumming as Acting Governor of Utah Territory.

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Day 21 of the United States Civil War, May 2nd 1861

District of Columbia

United States Army, General-in-Chief Major-General Winfield Scott presented his so-called “Anaconda Plan” to subdue the Confederacy by a process of blockade and territorial dismemberment along the line of the Mississippi River. He proposed the imposition of a naval cordon capable of enveloping the seceded states with a total maritime blockade. He also proposed an offensive movement down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, in order to extend the blockade and envelop the insurgent states. He stated that this strategy would bring the secessionists to terms “with less bloodshed than by any other plan.” The key to the Anaconda Plan was control of the sea and inland waterways by the Union Navy. The strategy of victory was (a) to strengthen the blockade, (b) to split the Confederacy along the line of the Mississippi River, and (c) to support land operations by amphibious assault, naval gunfire and river transportation.

Maryland

The Maryland Committee on United States Relations, “in view of the seizure of the railroads by the General Government and the erection of fortifications,” presented resolutions appointing commissioners to (United States) President Abraham Lincoln to ascertain whether any suitable arrangements with the United States government were practicable for the maintenance of the peace, the honour of the state and the security of its inhabitants. The appointed commissioners were: Otho Scott, Robert M McLane, and William J Ross.

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Day 22 of the United States Civil War, May 3rd 1861

District of Columbia

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln called for 42,000 volunteers for three years’ service and directed an increase in the United States Regular Army by the formation of eight new three-battalion regiments of infantry (24 companies each) (11th-18th US Infantry), and one regiment of Regular Army Artillery (5th US Artillery). This raised the Regular Army’s nominal strength to 22,714 men. He also authorised the enlistment of 18,000 seamen for the United States Navy.

Proclamation 83—Increasing the Size of the Army and Navy by Lincoln read:

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation
Whereas existing exigencies demand immediate and adequate measures for the protection of the National Constitution and the preservation of the National Union by the suppression of the insurrectionary combinations now existing in several States for opposing the laws of the Union and obstructing the execution thereof, to which end a military force in addition to that called forth by my proclamation of the 15th day of April in the present year appears to be indispensably necessary:

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy thereof and of the militia of the several States when called into actual service, do hereby call into the service of the United States 42,034 volunteers to serve for the period of three years, unless sooner discharged, and to be mustered into service as infantry and cavalry. The proportions of each arm and the details of enrollment and organization will be made known through the Department of War.

And I also direct that the Regular Army of the United States be increased by the addition of eight regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and one regiment of artillery, making altogether a maximum aggregate increase of 22,714 officers and enlisted men, the details of which increase will also be made known through the Department of War.

And I further direct the enlistment for not less than one or more than three years of 18,000 seamen, in addition to the present force, for the naval service of the United States. The details of the enlistment and organization will be made known through the Department of the Navy.

The call for volunteers hereby made and the direction for the increase of the Regular Army and for the enlistment of seamen hereby given, together with the plan of organization adopted for the volunteer and for the regular forces hereby authorized, will be submitted to Congress as soon as assembled.

In the meantime I earnestly invoke the cooperation of all good citizens in the measures hereby adopted for the effectual suppression of unlawful violence, for the impartial enforcement of constitutional laws, and for the speediest possible restoration of peace and order, and with these of happiness and prosperity, throughout our country.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of May, A. D. 1861, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth.

Abraham Lincoln

By the President:

William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

United States Army, General-in-Chief Major-General Winfield Scott orders troops to seize Arlington Heights, overlooking Washington D.C.

(United States) President Abraham Lincoln creates the Department of the Ohio, consisting of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, and assigns Major General of Ohio Militia, George Brinton McClellan to its command.

Missouri

Governor Claiborne of Missouri, Fox Jackson sent a message to the legislature, advising the arming of the state and recommending a sympathetic attitude with the Confederate slave-holding states.

Virginia

Governor of Virginia, John Letcher of Virginia issued a call for additional volunteers to strengthen the defence of the state.

Virginia State Militia, Major General Robert Edward Lee appointed Virginia State Militia, Colonel William B. Taliaferro commander of defenses at Gloucester Point, Virginia on the York River opposite Yorktown, Virginia. Major General Robert Edward Lee instructed the colonel to cooperate with Virginia State Navy, Captain William C. Whittle in the construction and defense of a shore battery to cover the York River at that location.

Department of the Ohio

Issued by the United States War Department, General Orders No. 14 created the Department of the Ohio:

General Orders N0. 14

War Dep’t, Adjutant General’s Office,

Washington, May 3, 1861.

The States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois will constitute a new Military Department, (soon to be subdivided into several others,) to be called the Department of the Ohio.

Major General George B. McClellan, Ohio Volunteers, is assigned to its command; Headquarters at Cincinnati.

By Order:

L. Thomas, Adjutant General

United Kingdom

(United Kingdom) Foreign Minister Lord John Russell met informally with a delegation from the Confederate States comprising of William L Yancey, Pierre A Rost, and A Dudley Mann. The Confederate diplomats were seeking diplomatic recognition of the Confederate government but no commitment was made by the British government which labeled this meeting unofficial, even though United States diplomats protested it being held at all. Russell told the Confederates at the outset that “under present circumstances, I shall have but little to say.”

The Confederate States delegation during this meeting explained that the Confederacy stood for peace, and that secession had been a legally proper action to counter Federal infringement on states’ rights. Russell asked if the Confederates planned to reopen the international slave trade, something that Britain and most other nations opposed. Yancey, who had advocated reopening it in the past, assured Russell that it would not be a Confederate policy (in fact, it was outlawed in the Confederate Constitution).