What was the most significant event on August 25 during the U.S. Civil War?

In 1864: During Shenandoah Valley operations, the Battle of Smithfield Crossing began. Two Confederate infantry divisions crossed Opequon Creek at Smithfield and forced back Merritt's Union cavalry division back along the road to Charles Town. Ricketts's infantry division was brought up to stop the Confederate advance. The federals suffered 20 killed, 61 wounded and 100 captured. The confederates suffered 300 killed and wounded.
In 1864, the CSS Tallahassee, Commander Wood, successfully passed through the blockade into Wilmington, after being chased and fired at by several blockading vessels. Rear Admiral Lee issued orders urging “utmost vigilance” to prevent her re-entry onto the high seas. In his cruise, cut short by lack of coal, Wood took some 31 prizes, all but eight of which were destroyed.

Below are a number of journal entries from 1861, 1862 and 1864 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers and civilians – the good, the bad and the ugly. In 1861 General Benjamin Butler sorely missed his beloved wife.
Sunday, August 25, 1861: General Butler Misses His Wife. General Benjamin Butler, in the years following the Civil War, took credit for the conception of an attack upon Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was, said Butler, his idea, his plan and everything moved at his discretion. What the General left out of his Memoirs, however, was his desire in late August to see his wife.
Butler dearly loved and missed her. His letters home are full of sweet, beautiful longing. “I had no idea how necessary you were to me,” wrote Butler on this date, “now with a regular routine of duty I miss you so very much.” Bubbling over with emotion, General Butler expressed disdain at Washington ignoring a leave of absence he requested in order to see his beloved. “I am sick of this inaction and delay,” he wrote his wife, “and as yet I cannot get leave of absence to come home.”
His wife had visited Fortress Monroe, staying with him for a time, and now, when he returned to his quarters at the fort, sat at his table or went anywhere they had been together, he lamented to her that finding “you everywhere gone when you ought to be present, and the mind continually and involuntarily expecting you, makes life very dreary.” He resolved that he “must either leave Fortress Monroe for other scenes where you have not been or come home — that is certain.”
He assured her that he would be “home in time to advise you about Blanche’s school. She cannot at the present time go to Georgetown, but a week or two may change all.”
His closing showed his tenderness: “Kiss the children for me. Take as many as you like for yourself, but give back as many as you take to, Your Husband.”
Through all of his heart-touching words and loving sentiment, one thing militarily was certain: General Benjamin Butler was not in the middle of planning an attack upon Cape Hatteras. He had asked for a leave of absence to visit his wife and expected to be home in a week or two.
Monday, August 25, 1862: Sarah Morgan, receives from her sister a detailed account of how their home in Baton Rouge has been looted and pillaged, and most of their worldly goods destroyed. She records her feelings: “Well! I am beggared! Strange to say, I don’t feel it. Perhaps it is the satisfaction of knowing my fate that makes me so cheerful that Mrs. Carter envied my stoicism, while Mrs. Badger felt like beating me because I did not agree that there was no such thing as a gentleman in the Yankee army. I know Major Drum for one, and that Captain Clark must be two, and Mr. Biddle is three, and General Williams —God bless him, wherever he is! for he certainly acted like a Christian. The Yankees boasted loudly that if it had not been for him, the work would have been done long ago. . . .
Forgot to say Miriam recovered my guitar from the Asylum, our large trunk and father’s papers (untouched) from Dr. Enders’s, and with her piano, the two portraits, a few mattresses (all that is left of housekeeping affairs), and father’s law books, carried them out of town. For which I say in all humility, Blessed be God who has spared us so much.”
Thursday, August, 25, 1864: Siege of Atlanta: Per General Sherman: “The real movement commenced on the 25th, at night. The Twentieth Corps drew back and took post at the railroad-bridge, and the Fourth Corps (Stanley) moved to his right rear, closing up with the Fourteenth Corps (Jeff. C. Davis) near Utoy Creek; at the same time Garrard’s cavalry, leaving their horses out of sight, occupied the vacant trenches, so that the enemy did not detect the change at all.”

Pictures: 1864-08-25 Second and Third Assaults on Reams Station Map; 1864-08-26 Reams Station map; 1863-08-25 George Caleb Bingham-General Order No. 11; CSS Tallahassee Ship Drawing

A. Monday, August 25, 1862: General Sumner’s corps and Hooker’s division of Heintzelman’s corps arrive to reinforce General Pope. Union observers detect Stonewall Jackson’s march in the morning; Pope receives the word around noon but doesn’t change his operations plans or protect his right flank and rear. He does order General McDowell to crossing of the Rappahannock with his corps on the 26th. But for some reason, Pope assumed that the whole Confederate army means to march to the Shenandoah Valley, so he does not, as yet, chase after Stonewall.
B. Tuesday, August 25, 1863: Confederate deserters [incorrectly] reported that Braxton Bragg had a brigade or two at Bridgeport, Tennessee downriver. The truth was, Bragg had recalled the brigade to the city. Had he left it there, it’s quite probable that they would have spotted Rosecrans’ two remaining corps somewhat hiding across the river. Bragg had effectively lost Rosecrans. In this way, he was most certainly out-generaled. Still, with more troops on their way, he might be fine, especially if Rosecrans didn’t attack any time soon
Tuesday, August 25, 1863: Rebel Deserters Help Out General Rosecrans in Tennessee. Though this day was hardly one for relaxation and reflection, according to Union commander William Rosecrans, there was “no change in position today.” His three corps, which had scaled the Cumberland Mountains and wound up both above and below the Confederate-held city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, were in position. Their artillery had lobbed shells into the wharf, but most of the time was spent scouting the enemy.
The Federals had suspected the Confederate Army of Tennessee, helmed by General Braxton Bragg, contained three corps of infantry under D.H. Hill, Leonidas Polk, and William Hardee. The problem was, however, nobody knew for sure where they were.
From several Rebel deserters, Rosecrans learned that only two brigades, about 3,500 Confederate soldiers, occupied Chattanooga itself. A bit downstream, two more brigades occupied Bridgeport, while a bit upstream, a division or two held the fords. This took care of General D.H. Hill’s Corps, but as for General Leonidas Polk’s Corps they had not a clue, but the other corps, under General Hardee, had left the area two weeks since. It was through yet another deserter that he learned the location of Polk’s Corps – it was “lying in the rear of Chattanooga and along the base of Lookout Mountains.” This more or less correctly outlined the Confederate position.
This was important, but wanting to retain an element of surprise was essential to Rosecrans’ machinations. He was hoping that Bragg knew only of his corps just upriver from Chattanooga (Crittenden’s XXI Corps). This was but a third of his army. The other two corps (Thomas’ XIV Corps and McCook’s XX Corps) were well downriver in hopeful concealment.
When asked why they left the Army of Tennessee, they responded that they “deserted because they became satisfied that Bragg was making preparations to retreat.” Their commander, believed the deserters, wasn’t even in Chattanooga – he was reported to be at Atlanta.
While this wasn’t true at all, Rosecrans learned that his ruse was working. “We have made them believe that our force is at least 10,000 strong,” reported Col. John Wilder, commanding a brigade of mounted infantry across the river from Chattanooga. He led a much smaller number, of course. “They [the Confederates] evidently believe we will try to cross the river in the vicinity of Harrison’s Landing [just upriver from Chattanooga]. I think they will try to defend the line of the river above here, making Lookout Mountain their line on the left, being at the same time prepared to run if outflanked.”
This was some big news for Rosecrans. From the looks of things, Bragg was out-numbered, out-flanked, out-generaled, and about to retreat anyway. Unfortunately for the Federal command, it was a mix of truth, optimism, and old news. Bragg was indeed out-numbered, but not by nearly as many troops as the deserters figured. Not only that, the Confederates at Chattanooga were about to receive reinforcements from Mississippi and East Tennessee.
Joe Johnston was, of course, stingy about letting 9,000 of his men go to Bragg’s aid, even telling him “this is a loan to be promptly returned.” He seemed to forget the fact that half of the men he was sending were from John Breckinridge’s division, which were on loan from Bragg since mid-June. Another 9,000 or so troops under Simon Bolivar Buckner were on their way south from Knoxville, Tennessee. This would bring Bragg’s total to near that of Rosecrans’.
One thing that really bothered Bragg, however, was the reason he was about to get reinforcements from Knoxville. Another Federal column of 20,000 troops, commanded by Ambrose Burnside, was descending from Kentucky to take East Tennessee. Buckner, knowing he couldn’t stop them, decided to fall back towards Bragg’s command at Chattanooga.
On this day, yet another thing was bothering Bragg. Rosecrans’ ruse had worked, though the Confederate commander was just beginning to figure it out. The problem was that he was only just beginning before he found himself completely stumped. Basically, Bragg knew about General Crittenden’s Corps just upriver from Chattanooga as it was in plain sight. He also knew that the two other corps were near, but had no idea where.
Confederate deserters reported that Bragg had a brigade or two at Bridgeport, downriver. The truth was, Bragg had recalled the brigade to the city. Had he left it there, it’s quite probable that they would have spotted Rosecrans’ two remaining corps somewhat hiding across the river. Bragg had effectively lost Rosecrans. In this way, he was most certainly out-generaled. Still, with more troops on their way, he might be fine, especially if Rosecrans didn’t attack any time soon.
C. Tuesday, August 25, 1863: In retaliation for of the Quantrill raid on Lawrence, Kansas Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr., Federal commander of the military district in western Missouri, issues the infamous General Order No. 11, which depopulates four counties in order to deprive the Rebel guerillas of sympathy, shelter, and supplies: “All persons living in Jackson, Cass, and Bates counties, Missouri, and in that part of Vernon included in this district, except those living within one mile of the limits of Independence, Hickman's Mills, Pleasant Hill, and Harrisonville, and except those in that part of Kaw Township, Jackson County, north of Brush Creek and west of Big Blue, are hereby ordered to remove from their present places of residence within fifteen days from the date hereof.” Union soldiers burn the homes, barns and crops. This was an attempt to create a free-fire zone where anybody found will be assumed to be a Confederate and shot on sight. Some 20,000 people lose their homes.
D. Thursday, August, 25, 1864: Second Battle of Ream’s Station. CSA Maj. Gen. Henry Heth attacked and overran the faulty Union position at Ream’s Station, capturing 9 guns, 12 colors, and many prisoners. The old Second Corps was shattered. Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock withdrew to the main Union line near the Jerusalem Plank Road, bemoaning the declining combat effectiveness of his troops.

1. Sunday, August 25, 1861: General Butler Misses His Wife, Does Not Plan an Attack
General Benjamin Butler, in the years following the Civil War, took credit for the conception of an attack upon Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was, said Butler, his idea, his plan and everything moved at his discretion. What the General left out of his Memoirs, however, was his desire in late August to see his wife.
Butler dearly loved and missed her. His letters home are full of sweet, beautiful longing. “I had no idea how necessary you were to me,” wrote Butler on this date, “now with a regular routine of duty I miss you so very much.” Bubbling over with emotion, General Butler expressed disdain at Washington ignoring a leave of absence he requested in order to see his beloved. “I am sick of this inaction and delay,” he wrote his wife, “and as yet I cannot get leave of absence to come home.”
His wife had visited Fortress Monroe, staying with him for a time, and now, when he returned to his quarters at the fort, sat at his table or went anywhere they had been together, he lamented to her that finding “you everywhere gone when you ought to be present, and the mind continually and involuntarily expecting you, makes life very dreary.” He resolved that he “must either leave Fortress Monroe for other scenes where you have not been or come home — that is certain.”
He assured her that he would be “home in time to advise you about Blanche’s school. She cannot at the present time go to Georgetown, but a week or two may change all.”
His closing showed his tenderness: “Kiss the children for me. Take as many as you like for yourself, but give back as many as you take to, Your Husband.”
Through all of his heart-touching words and loving sentiment, one thing militarily was certain: General Benjamin Butler was not in the middle of planning an attack upon Cape Hatteras. He had asked for a leave of absence to visit his wife and expected to be home in a week or two.
Later that day, Butler’s plans had to change. In his Memoirs, Butler insisted that after a consultation with General Wool (recently placed in charge of Fortress Monroe and over Butler), “an order was drawn up, which he signed.”
In reality, Union Naval Flag-Officer Silas Stringham and General Wool had been discussing a joint Army-Navy assault upon Fort Hatteras for several days. The orders that Butler referenced were real, of course, and were issued to both General Butler and Commodore Stringham.
General Butler would command a detail of 860 infantrymen, which he was ordered to prepare immediately. When they were ready, he was to report to Stringham, who had been informed that, since the idea of the operation originated with the Navy, it would be a Naval operation.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/general-butler-misses-his-wife-does-not-plan-an-attack/
2. Sunday, August 25, 1861: In these relatively early days of the War, some days just went by without major battles, and some were even lacking in minor skirmishes. Sundays in particular were still largely respected as days of rest rather than raiding. This is not to say that peace prevailed entirely in the land however. There were some scuffles near Piggot’s Mill in western Virginia. The remaining war-related hostilities were in New Mexico Territory, and tended to involve Confederate forces battling with Indians rather than Yankees. This was not pleasing to the Confederate high command, which hoped to recruit native forces as allies, who had at least as much reason to hate Washington as the Southerners did.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-a/part-nineteen-1
3. Monday, August 25, 1862: Lincoln selects Senator Samuel C. Pomeroy of Kansas for commissioner of African colonization. The US Secretary of War authorizes General Rufus Saxton to arm 5,000 slaves, thus 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the first official black regiment would be formed.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/part-seventy-two
4. Monday, August 25, 1862: On this date, U.S. Sec. of War Edwin Stanton authorizes the recruiting of free men of color for service in the Army. After Gen. Hunter had been told, in the South Carolina coastal theater, to disband the regiment of black troops he had raised, now Gen. Rufus Saxton insists that he must raise 5,000 troops from among the male "contrabands" under Federal control. Stanton finally relents and allows Saxton to recruit these troops.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+25%2C+1862
5. Monday, August 25, 1862: Men of African Descent Finally Allowed Enlistment in The Federal Army! Secretary of War Edwin Stanton knew that it was because of slavery that the South was able to wage a large scale war. The slaves constituted a large portion of their military strength. Of course, black men, free or slave, were not allowed to join either army. There were no black Confederates, just as there were no black Federals. The laws of both governments made sure of it.
Nevertheless, the Rebels greatly benefited from slavery, as it enabled the white masters to fill the ranks of the Confederate army. While the slaves toiled in the field, took care of the children, etc., it freed up more white males to pick up a musket and fight.
President Lincoln understood this, too. The Confiscation Acts were written and enforced because of this truth. Secretary Stanton, however, wanted to take it a bit farther. He had proposed on August 4th that freed slaves be enlisted into the Federal army. Lincoln, who did not believe he could keep the border states in the Union if their slaves were suddenly given guns, was flatly against it.
In South Carolina, General David Hunter had already begun doing just that, but was stopped by Lincoln.
Then came General Rufus Saxton. He had been sent by Washington to oversee the newly freed slaves in Hunter’s Department of the South. After a tour of the area, he came to the only logical conclusion. He saw that the black population along the southern coasts was in extreme danger from the whites in the area. The Federal Army in the department wasn’t large enough to protect them, therefore, what other choice was there but to arm them?
Saxton put this in writing and asked Secretary of War Stanton to allow him to raise “5,000 able-bodied men from among the contrabands in this department…to be uniformed, armed, and officered by men detailed from the Army.” On this day, Edwin Stanton wrote the reply that would change the war.
While the letter to Stanton was en route, Confederate President Jefferson Davis issued a barbaric call, ordering the execution of any Union officer “employed in drilling, organizing, or instructing slaves with a view to their armed service in this war….” When Stanton received Saxton’s letter asking to do just that, he had probably seen Davis’ order. Perhaps it was that order that finally pushed him to go against Lincoln and call for the freed slaves to be armed.
In view of the small force under your command and the inability of the Government at the present time to increase it, in order to guard the plantations and settlements occupied by the United States from invasion and protect the inhabitants thereof from captivity and murder by the enemy, you are also authorized to arm, uniform, equip, and receive into the service of the United States such number of volunteers of African descent as you may deem expedient, not exceeding 5,000, and may detail officers to instruct them in military drill, discipline, and duty, and to command them. The persons so received into service and their officers to be entitled to and receive the same pay and rations as are allowed by law to volunteers in the service.
It would take time for the letter to reach Saxton and another couple of months for the troops to be raised, drilled and armed.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/men-of-african-descent-finally-allowed-enlistment-in-the-federal-army/
6. Monday, August 25, 1862: Sarah Morgan, receives from her sister a detailed account of how their home in Baton Rouge has been looted and pillaged, and most of their worldly goods destroyed. She records her feelings: “Well! I am beggared! Strange to say, I don’t feel it. Perhaps it is the satisfaction of knowing my fate that makes me so cheerful that Mrs. Carter envied my stoicism, while Mrs. Badger felt like beating me because I did not agree that there was no such thing as a gentleman in the Yankee army. I know Major Drum for one, and that Captain Clark must be two, and Mr. Biddle is three, and General Williams —God bless him, wherever he is! for he certainly acted like a Christian. The Yankees boasted loudly that if it had not been for him, the work would have been done long ago. . . .
Forgot to say Miriam recovered my guitar from the Asylum, our large trunk and father’s papers (untouched) from Dr. Enders’s, and with her piano, the two portraits, a few mattresses (all that is left of housekeeping affairs), and father’s law books, carried them out of town. For which I say in all humility, Blessed be God who has spared us so much.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+25%2C+1862
7. Tuesday, August 25, 1863: In response to Quantrill's raid on Lawrence, Kansas, Brigadier General Thomas Ewing (US) issued one of the most amazing orders of the War today, but since he did it in Kansas City it received little attention. He orders civilians out of their homes in 3 Missouri counties (Jackson, Cass and Bates) and parts of a fourth (Vernon). Union soldiers burn all the houses, barns and other outbuildings to eliminated shelter. Some 20,000 people were affected by the order and lost their homes. His intent was to create what a later day would call a “free-fire zone,” where anyone found would be assumed to be a Confederate and shot on sight.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/week-124
8. Tuesday, August 25, 1863: Battle of Brownsville, Arkansas – West of Helena, Gen. Davidson’s 5,000 mounted Federals advance and clash with Gen. John Marmaduke’s 1,100 troopers at this place just east of Little Rock. Marmaduke is defeated and driven off, but keeps Davidson at bay regardless.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+25%2C+1863
9. Thursday, August, 25, 1864: Georgia operations, Siege of Atlanta: Per General Sherman: “The real movement commenced on the 25th, at night. The Twentieth Corps drew back and took post at the railroad-bridge, and the Fourth Corps (Stanley) moved to his right rear, closing up with the Fourteenth Corps (Jeff. C. Davis) near Utoy Creek; at the same time Garrard’s cavalry, leaving their horses out of sight, occupied the vacant trenches, so that the enemy did not detect the change at all.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/25/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-25-31-1864/
10. Thursday, August, 25, 1864: Shenandoah Valley operations: Battle of Smithfield Crossing begins.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/25/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-25-31-1864/
11. Thursday, August 25, 1864: August 25-29, 1864 at Smithfield Crossing in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, West Virginia - On August 29, 2 Confederate infantry divisions crossed Opequon Creek at Smithfield and forced back Merritt's Union cavalry division back along the road to Charles Town. Ricketts's infantry division was brought up to stop the Confederate advance. The federals suffered 20 killed, 61 wounded and 100 captured. The confederates suffered 300 killed and wounded. This was part of Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1864s.html
12. Thursday, August, 25, 1864: After Hancock’s loss at Ream’s Station on the 25th, Grant will spend the week visiting with his wife – or perhaps Julia will be at his side during a tense time when the temptation of liquor might be high? That’s just my guess. The general will also have to testify at the court of inquiry about the disastrous Battle of the Crater. This will all play out against the background of the Democratic convention up in Chicago – and General Grant knows he cannot give Lincoln a battlefield victory in Virginia.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/25/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-25-31-1864/
13. Thursday, August, 25, 1864: President Lincoln is in conference with Secretaries Seward, Stanton, Fessenden, and Henry J. Raymond on the subject of a peace mission to President Davis, which they all decide against. “The 2nd Battle of Reams’ Station,” on the Weldon Railroad is fought, as Lieut. General Ambrose P. Hill (CSA) attacks the US Army Corps II under Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, (US) who are in the process of destroying the Weldon Railroad. A Confederate victory, still the railroad was lost to the Union again. But again it cost the Union in heavy casualties. They were 2,747 (the II Corps lost 117 killed, 439 wounded, 2,046 missing/captured; the cavalry lost 145); Confederate casualties were 814 (Hampton’s cavalry lost 16 killed, 75 wounded, 3 missing; Hill’s infantry 720 total.) Hill’s victory is empty. Destruction of the Weldon Railroad continues and the program to extend the Union lines further right are not disrupted.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-176
14. Thursday, August, 25, 1864: CSS Tallahassee, Commander Wood, successfully runs the blockade into Wilmington, after being chased and fired at by several blockading vessels. Rear Admiral Lee (US) issues orders urging “utmost vigilance” to prevent her re-entry onto the high seas. In his cruise, cut short by lack of coal, Wood took some 31 prizes, all but eight of which were destroyed.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-176

A Monday, August 25, 1862: Gen. Pope gets wind from his scouts of Jackson’s march around his flank, but is still unclear on where exactly Stonewall is going, nor why. But for some reason, Pope assumes that the whole Confederate army means to march to the Shenandoah Valley, so he does not, as yet, chase after Stonewall.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+25%2C+1862
A+ Monday, August 25, 1862: Manassas/Second Manassas Campaign: General Sumner’s corps and Hooker’s division of Heintzelman’s corp arrive to reinforce General Pope. Union observers detect Jackson’s march in the morning; Pope receives the word around noon but doesn’t change his operations plans or protect his right flank and rear. He does order General McDowell to crossing of the Rappahannock with his corps on the 26th.
https://bjdeming.com/2012/10/03/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-20-26-1862/
B Tuesday, August 25, 1863: Rebel Deserters Help Out General Rosecrans in Tennessee. Though this day was hardly one for relaxation and reflection, according to Union commander William Rosecrans, there was “no change in position today.” His three corps, which had scaled the Cumberland Mountains and wound up both above and below the Confederate-held city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, were in position. Their artillery had lobbed shells into the wharf, but most of the time was spent scouting the enemy.
The Federals had suspected the Confederate Army of Tennessee, helmed by General Braxton Bragg, contained three corps of infantry under D.H. Hill, Leonidas Polk, and William Hardee. The problem was, however, nobody knew for sure where they were.
From several Rebel deserters, Rosecrans learned that only two brigades, about 3,500 Confederate soldiers, occupied Chattanooga itself. A bit downstream, two more brigades occupied Bridgeport, while a bit upstream, a division or two held the fords. This took care of General D.H. Hill’s Corps, but as for General Leonidas Polk’s Corps they had not a clue, but the other corps, under General Hardee, had left the area two weeks since. It was through yet another deserter that he learned the location of Polk’s Corps – it was “lying in the rear of Chattanooga and along the base of Lookout Mountains.” This more or less correctly outlined the Confederate position.
This was important, but wanting to retain an element of surprise was essential to Rosecrans’ machinations. He was hoping that Bragg knew only of his corps just upriver from Chattanooga (Crittenden’s XXI Corps). This was but a third of his army. The other two corps (Thomas’ XIV Corps and McCook’s XX Corps) were well downriver in hopeful concealment.
When asked why they left the Army of Tennessee, they responded that they “deserted because they became satisfied that Bragg was making preparations to retreat.” Their commander, believed the deserters, wasn’t even in Chattanooga – he was reported to be at Atlanta.
While this wasn’t true at all, Rosecrans learned that his ruse was working. “We have made them believe that our force is at least 10,000 strong,” reported Col. John Wilder, commanding a brigade of mounted infantry across the river from Chattanooga. He led a much smaller number, of course. “They [the Confederates] evidently believe we will try to cross the river in the vicinity of Harrison’s Landing [just upriver from Chattanooga]. I think they will try to defend the line of the river above here, making Lookout Mountain their line on the left, being at the same time prepared to run if outflanked.”
This was some big news for Rosecrans. From the looks of things, Bragg was out-numbered, out-flanked, out-generaled, and about to retreat anyway. Unfortunately for the Federal command, it was a mix of truth, optimism, and old news. Bragg was indeed out-numbered, but not by nearly as many troops as the deserters figured. Not only that, the Confederates at Chattanooga were about to receive reinforcements from Mississippi and East Tennessee.
Joe Johnston was, of course, stingy about letting 9,000 of his men go to Bragg’s aid, even telling him “this is a loan to be promptly returned.” He seemed to forget the fact that half of the men he was sending were from John Breckinridge’s division, which were on loan from Bragg since mid-June. Another 9,000 or so troops under Simon Bolivar Buckner were on their way south from Knoxville, Tennessee. This would bring Bragg’s total to near that of Rosecrans’.
One thing that really bothered Bragg, however, was the reason he was about to get reinforcements from Knoxville. Another Federal column of 20,000 troops, commanded by Ambrose Burnside, was descending from Kentucky to take East Tennessee. Buckner, knowing he couldn’t stop them, decided to fall back towards Bragg’s command at Chattanooga.
On this day, yet another thing was bothering Bragg. Rosecrans’ ruse had worked, though the Confederate commander was just beginning to figure it out. The problem was that he was only just beginning before he found himself completely stumped. Basically, Bragg knew about General Crittenden’s Corps just upriver from Chattanooga as it was in plain sight. He also knew that the two other corps were near, but had no idea where.
Confederate deserters reported that Bragg had a brigade or two at Bridgeport, downriver. The truth was, Bragg had recalled the brigade to the city. Had he left it there, it’s quite probable that they would have spotted Rosecrans’ two remaining corps somewhat hiding across the river. Bragg had effectively lost Rosecrans. In this way, he was most certainly out-generaled. Still, with more troops on their way, he might be fine, especially if Rosecrans didn’t attack any time soon.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/rebel-deserters-help-out-general-rosecrans-in-tennessee/
C Tuesday, August 25, 1863: As a direct result of the Quantrill raid on Lawrence, Kansas, and directly in retaliation, Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr., Federal commander of the military district in western Missouri, issues the infamous General Order No. 11, which depopulates four counties in order to deprive the Rebel guerillas of sympathy, shelter, and supplies: “All persons living in Jackson, Cass, and Bates counties, Missouri, and in that part of Vernon included in this district, except those living within one mile of the limits of Independence, Hickman's Mills, Pleasant Hill, and Harrisonville, and except those in that part of Kaw Township, Jackson County, north of Brush Creek and west of Big Blue, are hereby ordered to remove from their present places of residence within fifteen days from the date hereof.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+25%2C+1863
C + Tuesday, August 25, 1863: In response to Quantrill's raid on Lawrence, Kansas, Brigadier General Thomas Ewing [US] orders civilians out of their homes in 3 Missouri counties (Jackson, Cass and Bates) and parts of a fourth (Vernon). Union soldiers burn the homes, barns and crops.
https://bjdeming.com/2013/08/19/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-19-25-1863/
C++ Tuesday, August 25, 1863: “In response to Quantrill’s raid on Lawrence, Kansas, Brigadier General Thomas Ewing [US] orders civilians out of their homes in 3 Missouri counties (Jackson, Cass and Bates) and parts of a fourth (Vernon). Union soldiers burn the homes, barns and crops.” This was Ewing’s controversial General Orders 11, an attempt to create a free-fire zone where anybody found will be assumed to be a Confederate and shot on sight. Some 20,000 people lose their homes.
https://bjdeming.com/2013/08/19/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-19-25-1863/
Thursday, August, 25, 1864: Virginia operations, Siege of Petersburg: Second Battle of Ream’s Station.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/25/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-25-31-1864/
D Thursday, August, 25, 1864: Second Battle of Ream’s Station. CSA Maj. Gen. Henry Heth attacked and overran the faulty Union position at Ream’s Station, capturing 9 guns, 12 colors, and many prisoners. The old Second Corps was shattered. Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock withdrew to the main Union line near the Jerusalem Plank Road, bemoaning the declining combat effectiveness of his troops.
D+ Thursday, August, 25, 1864: Second Battle of Ream’s Station. Hancock was alone. Reports had come in that “large bodies” of Confederate infantry were moving around the left flank of the Union Army before Petersburg. It was two divisions of Hancock’s Second Corps – separated by several miles of railroad – that held that flank.
They had been tasked with tearing up the Weldon Railroad at Reams Station, south of the Globe Tavern where the Fifth Corps was entrenched. Though technically behind Union lines, they were greatly exposed to the west and south, and even the east, should the Rebels be so bold.
Through the night, the reports were clarified. There were perhaps as many as 10,000 Rebels moving south from Petersburg. They were last seen before dark, which would place them in Hancock’s front by dawn. Hancock could field maybe 7,000 men, still fairly exhausted from the past week of fighting near Bermuda Hundred. But neither Generals Meade nor Grant seemed to consider ordered Hancock to withdraw. Neither were plans made to reinforce him.
And at 5am, A.P. Hill issued the orders to his Confederates, who had encamped near Holly Point Church. Wade Hampton, leading the cavalry, was to divide his force. One portion was to screen the infantry as they advanced toward Reams Station, approaching it from the west. The other was to swing south and hit the Federals from the south and east.
By 8am, the skirmishers were already clashing near Malone’s Bridge, a few miles southwest of Reams. When they pushed their way across Rowanty Creek, word was sent back to Hancock that the Rebels were advancing in great force. This, Hancock felt, was only cavalry, but still too much for his own to handle. He ordered one of his divisions, under John Gibbon, to postpone their work at wrecking the railroad and meet the Rebel cavaliers head on; to push them back over the Rowanty.
When the first Union infantry brigade arrived, the cavalry was in retreat, leaving them to face down the Rebel threat on their own. But something didn’t feel right to Hancock, still at Reams Station. He had dispatched nearly half of his available force to battle cavalry to the south.
Still, to the front (west) of the Reams Station position was an extra line of entrenchments, so that if a force attacked from that direction, they would have to roll over two Union lines rather than one. But if they came from the south, the entire position would be taken in flank. So through the morning, work had commenced on a southern-facing set of works jutting east from the railroad. The Union position now formed a giant “U” – the base of which lay parallel to the tracks, with two legs projecting east, one facing north, the other south.
Hancock recalled most of Gibbon’s men who were not yet engaged, and filed them into the southern-faced works. One brigade remained near Malone’s Bridge, falling back against the Rebel tide. All around the Federal position, reports were coming in of Rebel cavalry, and Hancock dispatched a regiment here and there to plug a possible gap.
It was around noon when the real threat came. West of Reams the Federal cavalry was overrun by mounted Rebels. At first, it seemed again like only cavalry, but after the Union pickets got a better look, it was seen that the Confederate infantry had arrived.
Unsure what was actually coming, General Nelson Miles, commanding the division holding Hancock’s front and right, sent a regiment west to investigate. They were met by retreating comrades, and things looked grim indeed.
“The enemy have been feeling all around me and are now cheering in my front, advancing and driving my skirmishers,” wrote Hancock to Meade at 2pm. “I think they will next move across the road between Warren [at Globe Tavern to the north] and myself as they press my lines. Two prisoners taken at different times say that all of Hampton’s cavalry and a part of Hill’s corps, or all of it, are in my front – one prisoner said Heth’s division.”
All this time, Hill’s Rebel infantry had moved from the west, crossing the Rowanty at Monk’s Neck Bridge. The road from there turned northeast, and they followed it until in position. And then they came.
Storming upon the Federal skirmishers, they easily threw them back on their own lines. But the Federals were ready, they were eager, and unleashed a hellish volley of musketry and artillery that decimated much of the Rebel attack. Those who remained were beaten back with bayonets and canister.
Hill was not wounded, but had quickly taken ill. Unable to ride, he had to prostrate himself in the grass, turning over command to Cadmus Wilcox. A lull fell over the field as Wilcox shifted his force a touch to the south.
Hancock now grew increasingly worried that the Rebels would slip between his position and that of Warren’s. “There is no great necessity of my remaining here,” he wrote to Meade at 2:45pm, “but it is more important that I should join Warren; but I do not think, closely engaged as I am at present, I can withdraw safely at this time. I think it will be well to withdraw tonight, if I am not forced to do so before.”
Meade promised reinforcements and encouragement: “I hope you will be able to give the enemy a good thrashing.”
Through much of the afternoon, small attacks were launched by the Rebels and driven back by Hancock’s men. But something larger seemed to be in store. As the hours slipped by, General Meade was told by a staff officer that Hancock had repulsed the enemy. In light of that, he gave Hancock leave to “withdraw tonight if you deem it best for the security of your command.”
But Meade’s information was faulty, and at 5pm, the Rebel artillery opened. The rumor that Heth’s division was also on the field was true. Fifteen minutes after the bombardment began, the final assault came.
When they emerged from the words before the Federals, the northern guns spoke and again the Rebel attack seemed to be halted. But this was not so. The Rebels did not stop, carrying on and to the Union works. There, three regiments of Federals gave way, retreating to the rear in confusion and panic. This gap was now filled with Confederates.
The Union line was severed in the northwest corner, and the northern leg of the “U” in desperate struggle to remain. A reserve brigade had been stationed nearby, and the order was given to attack into the swirling gap, but it was met with silence and further retreat.
While the northern leg was crumbling, the west-facing portion running parallel to the railroad, however, was holding. There, the fighting devolved into a bloody cauldron of hand-to-hand combat.
“For God’s sake do not run!” shouted Hancock at his fleeing command, as he tried to form them for a counterattack. Seeing that this was impossible, he called upon Gibbon’s troops, holding the south-facing leg, to lend some assistance. Gibbon sent two brigades, but the chaotic fury which had consumed both the Rebels and the retreating Yankees, too consumed the reinforcements.
The tide was not exactly turning, but some units to the north held, or at least were not routed. Some Rebels were turned back, but most merely slowed. Still, it was enough to convince Hancock that some sort of counterattack could be launched just before dark. Just as he was about to give the orders, a message came in from his cavalry to the east. For not much longer could the line of retreat remain open. The entire corps was in serious danger of being wholly enveloped.
And then the order to retreat was given, darkness fell and the battle was over. Hancock’s Corps lost 117 killed, 439 wounded and 2,046 missing – a total of 2,600 out of 7,000. The Rebels, able to field more men, faired better, suffering nearly 800 in killed, wounded and missing.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/for-gods-sake-do-not-run-union-defeat-at-reams-station/
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All of the above is my selection today LTC Stephen F., good read as well.

Thanks for posting the inside to the Civil War LTC Stephen F..