Posted on Aug 8, 2016
What was the most significant event on July 27 during the U.S. Civil War?
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While the First Battle of Manassas, or Bull Run as it was known in the North was a clear cut victory for the South, the Confederate Army suffered a loss in leadership on the battlefield. “Winning the battle seemed to have shattered the Confederate Army nearly as badly as losing the battle had shattered the Union Army. When the Union Army fled in panic back to Washington, DC, the Confederate Army under CSA Gen Joe Johnston and CSA Gen P.G.T. Beauregard was unable to follow up on its victory by pursuing them.”
In 1861, Maj. Gen. McDowell was relieved of his command of the Army of the Potomac which protected the Washington DC area by President Abraham Lincoln. Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan was handed the command.
In 1862 “It was yet another day of minor skirmishes here and there, but no preparation for, recovery from, or conduct of major battles or operations. Some of these were in connection with what was known as “operations” – more than an exploration but less than a planned battle. One such proceeded from Rienzi to Ripley, Miss.; another one went for a couple of days between Woodville to Guntersville, Ala. One action big enough to be classified as at least a “skirmish” took place at Toone’s Station (also known as Lower Post Ferry), Tennessee.”
In 1862, “CS General French was a New Jersey native, while at about this same time, US General George Thomas, a Virginia native, was leading a division out from Corinth to reinforce General Buell. It shows that you couldn’t always assume somebody’s loyalties during the Civil War based on where they came from.”
Dog meat stew for the confederate troops results in whipping of two negro women with 40 lashes minus one in 1863: The Petersburg Express, of Saturday, has the following paragraph, which will cause a weak feeling in the stomach of many of our soldiers, who have taken "snacks" in that town: “The negro women (two in number) who served cooked dog meat to the soldiers near this city, a day or two since, were caught and a whipping of 39 lashes administered to each. The dish was served in the shape of a Bruns wick stew, in which dog and pork meat were promiscuously mixed, and dealt out to purchasers at the rate of one dollar a snack. Though a singular taste was observed about the meat, the discovery that any portion of it was canine was not made until a considerable part of the stew had been eaten. An examination of the bones was then made, when they were found to be veritable dog bones. We are glad to know that a swift and just punishment was visited upon the women who perpetrated this infamous deception.
The love of money is the root of much evil, and we again advise our soldier friends to be on their guard against eating cheap meat pies, served by irresponsible negro cooks. They know not what they may eat in them.”
By mid-1864 repeating carbines were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen.
In 1864 confederate smuggler sentenced “Mrs. L. G. Pickett did attempt to smuggle several articles of merchandise through the picket line in the vicinity of Memphis; (one pair of citizens boots, and six or eight wool hats). She is sentenced “to be confined in the military prison at Alton, Illinois, for the period of six months; and that she pay a fine to the United States of the sum of one thousand dollars ($1000); and that she be confined in said military prison until said fine be fully paid.” By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.”
Pictures: 1864-07-27 Capture of four guns Harper's Weekly; 1863-07-27 Stoneman's Raid - Small skirmish saved Athens from Sherman's wrath Map; 1864-07-27 First Battle of Deep Bottom map; 1863 gunboat and US soldiers
A. 1861: Mesilla, New Mexico Territory. Confederate Victory. During the pursuit after the battle of Mesilla, the CSA Lieutenant Colonel John R. Baylor’s 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles were able to capture dozens of straggling Federals. Major Isaac Lynde's dehydrated command, reduced to 100 men by this time, was overtaken by the Confederates, some of whom used a pass (later known as Baylor Pass) to intercept them. They were forced to surrender at San Augustine Springs on July 27. The prisoners were paroled, and Baylor concentrated his battalion at Fort Fillmore. He was able to refit his command with the captured Springfield rifles and other captured equipment.
B. 1862: CSA Gen. Robert E. Lee sends General A. P. Hill’s division by rail to reinforce General Jackson at Gordonsville. Meanwhile, CSA General D. H. Hill is ordered to threaten Maj Gen. George B. McClellan’s communication lines by seizing favorable positions below Westover from which to attack transports on the James River. D. H. Hill chooses to take Coggins Point and puts General Samuel French in charge of the expedition.
C. 1864: Stoneman’s Raid in the Atlanta campaign: Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman sends General O. O. Howard’s (US) large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there. Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman sent Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to Flat Rock (12 miles SE) to protect his rear, then left Decatur, crossed the Ocmulgee (Yellow) River near Covington, and turned down the left bank toward Monticello and Macon.
In July, 1864, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman sent Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman, with three brigades (2112 men and 2 guns) of the Army of the Ohio cavalry, supported by Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to cut the Central of Georgia R.R. by which the defenders were supplied. His assignment was to tear up railroad tracks and otherwise wreak whatever havoc on the transportation system he could.
D. 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. The battle resulted from a Union advance north of the James River meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches, crossing the watercourse at a point known to locals as Deep Bottom. The battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
The operation was meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches before Grant ignited a huge mine below the fortifications and launched a new assault. From July 27-29, Union forces under Winfield Scott Hancock engaged in a series of sharp fights with Confederates under Richard H. Anderson as both sides jockeyed for position on the northern bank of the James. Although Hancock’s forces performed well, they were unable to move west from Deep Bottom and gravely threaten Richmond. Nevertheless, the battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
FYI MSG Roy Cheever Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. PO3 Edward Riddle SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Maj William W. 'Bill' Price COL (Join to see) COL Lisandro MurphySSgt David M. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SPC Maurice Evans SPC Jon O. SGT David A. 'Cowboy' GrothSSG Trevor S. 1SG Steven Imerman SSgt Charles AnknerSGT Jim ArnoldRyan CallahanAmn Dale PreisachLTC Keith L Jackson
In 1861, Maj. Gen. McDowell was relieved of his command of the Army of the Potomac which protected the Washington DC area by President Abraham Lincoln. Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan was handed the command.
In 1862 “It was yet another day of minor skirmishes here and there, but no preparation for, recovery from, or conduct of major battles or operations. Some of these were in connection with what was known as “operations” – more than an exploration but less than a planned battle. One such proceeded from Rienzi to Ripley, Miss.; another one went for a couple of days between Woodville to Guntersville, Ala. One action big enough to be classified as at least a “skirmish” took place at Toone’s Station (also known as Lower Post Ferry), Tennessee.”
In 1862, “CS General French was a New Jersey native, while at about this same time, US General George Thomas, a Virginia native, was leading a division out from Corinth to reinforce General Buell. It shows that you couldn’t always assume somebody’s loyalties during the Civil War based on where they came from.”
Dog meat stew for the confederate troops results in whipping of two negro women with 40 lashes minus one in 1863: The Petersburg Express, of Saturday, has the following paragraph, which will cause a weak feeling in the stomach of many of our soldiers, who have taken "snacks" in that town: “The negro women (two in number) who served cooked dog meat to the soldiers near this city, a day or two since, were caught and a whipping of 39 lashes administered to each. The dish was served in the shape of a Bruns wick stew, in which dog and pork meat were promiscuously mixed, and dealt out to purchasers at the rate of one dollar a snack. Though a singular taste was observed about the meat, the discovery that any portion of it was canine was not made until a considerable part of the stew had been eaten. An examination of the bones was then made, when they were found to be veritable dog bones. We are glad to know that a swift and just punishment was visited upon the women who perpetrated this infamous deception.
The love of money is the root of much evil, and we again advise our soldier friends to be on their guard against eating cheap meat pies, served by irresponsible negro cooks. They know not what they may eat in them.”
By mid-1864 repeating carbines were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen.
In 1864 confederate smuggler sentenced “Mrs. L. G. Pickett did attempt to smuggle several articles of merchandise through the picket line in the vicinity of Memphis; (one pair of citizens boots, and six or eight wool hats). She is sentenced “to be confined in the military prison at Alton, Illinois, for the period of six months; and that she pay a fine to the United States of the sum of one thousand dollars ($1000); and that she be confined in said military prison until said fine be fully paid.” By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.”
Pictures: 1864-07-27 Capture of four guns Harper's Weekly; 1863-07-27 Stoneman's Raid - Small skirmish saved Athens from Sherman's wrath Map; 1864-07-27 First Battle of Deep Bottom map; 1863 gunboat and US soldiers
A. 1861: Mesilla, New Mexico Territory. Confederate Victory. During the pursuit after the battle of Mesilla, the CSA Lieutenant Colonel John R. Baylor’s 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles were able to capture dozens of straggling Federals. Major Isaac Lynde's dehydrated command, reduced to 100 men by this time, was overtaken by the Confederates, some of whom used a pass (later known as Baylor Pass) to intercept them. They were forced to surrender at San Augustine Springs on July 27. The prisoners were paroled, and Baylor concentrated his battalion at Fort Fillmore. He was able to refit his command with the captured Springfield rifles and other captured equipment.
B. 1862: CSA Gen. Robert E. Lee sends General A. P. Hill’s division by rail to reinforce General Jackson at Gordonsville. Meanwhile, CSA General D. H. Hill is ordered to threaten Maj Gen. George B. McClellan’s communication lines by seizing favorable positions below Westover from which to attack transports on the James River. D. H. Hill chooses to take Coggins Point and puts General Samuel French in charge of the expedition.
C. 1864: Stoneman’s Raid in the Atlanta campaign: Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman sends General O. O. Howard’s (US) large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there. Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman sent Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to Flat Rock (12 miles SE) to protect his rear, then left Decatur, crossed the Ocmulgee (Yellow) River near Covington, and turned down the left bank toward Monticello and Macon.
In July, 1864, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman sent Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman, with three brigades (2112 men and 2 guns) of the Army of the Ohio cavalry, supported by Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to cut the Central of Georgia R.R. by which the defenders were supplied. His assignment was to tear up railroad tracks and otherwise wreak whatever havoc on the transportation system he could.
D. 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. The battle resulted from a Union advance north of the James River meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches, crossing the watercourse at a point known to locals as Deep Bottom. The battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
The operation was meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches before Grant ignited a huge mine below the fortifications and launched a new assault. From July 27-29, Union forces under Winfield Scott Hancock engaged in a series of sharp fights with Confederates under Richard H. Anderson as both sides jockeyed for position on the northern bank of the James. Although Hancock’s forces performed well, they were unable to move west from Deep Bottom and gravely threaten Richmond. Nevertheless, the battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
FYI MSG Roy Cheever Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. PO3 Edward Riddle SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Maj William W. 'Bill' Price COL (Join to see) COL Lisandro MurphySSgt David M. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SPC Maurice Evans SPC Jon O. SGT David A. 'Cowboy' GrothSSG Trevor S. 1SG Steven Imerman SSgt Charles AnknerSGT Jim ArnoldRyan CallahanAmn Dale PreisachLTC Keith L Jackson
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In 1864, a Sherman Bowtie” was “when Union soldiers would dismantle a railroad section, build a fire to heat the rails on, and bend them around a tree, making them useless.”
In 1864 at Petersburg, the early morning “advance began well for Hancock’s expeditionary force. His lead elements managed to scatter a Confederate outpost blocking his route north and even captured four cannons. Hancock exploited this advantage, moving the rest of his men across the James and deploying them for an advance west to Richmond, which was approximately nine miles away.
The Confederates had also reshuffled their line to follow a watercourse known as Bailey’s Creek, which ran north-south between the contending forces. Hancock reacted to this by dispatching Sheridan’s cavalry to Gravel Hill, a position that could be used as a stepping stone around the northern extremity of the creek.
The 10th and 50th Georgia regiments attacked the Union cavalry on Gravel Hill and drove them back after a sharp firefight. Repeating carbines, which by mid-1864 were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen, took a heavy toll on the Georgians. The struggle on Gravel Hill was the last major action of the day, as Hancock chose to conduct further reconnaissance before sending his infantry across Bailey’s Creek.”
Below are a number of journal entries from 1861, 1862 and 1863 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers and civilians – the good, the bad and the ugly. In 1862, President Lincoln writes a note to Gen. Meade concerning the disposition of the ousted Joseph Hooker.
Saturday, July 27, 1861: "Our army does not advance" Rebel war clerk John B. Jones sensed that something wasn't quite right. “A large number of new arrivals are announced from the North. Clerks resigned at Washington, and embryo heroes having military educations, are presenting themselves daily, and applying for positions here. They represent the panic in the North as awful, and ours is decidedly the winning side. These gentry somehow succeed in getting appointments.
Our army does not advance. It is said both Beauregard and Johnston are anxious to cross the Potomac; but what is said is not always true. The capabilities of our army to cross the Potomac are not known; and the policy of doing so if it were practicable, is to be determined by the responsible authority. Of one thing I am convinced; the North, so far from desisting from the execution of its settled purpose, even under this disagreeable reverse, will be stimulated to renewed preparations on a scale of greater magnitude than ever.
This diary entry demonstrates the shrewd insight of John B. Jones. Jones had lived in the North and knew something of the strengths of that section of the country. Jones recognized that the South's failure to follow up its victory--indeed, its inability to follow up that victory--meant that the North would be able to mount attack after attack until the South was unable to defend itself.”
Sunday, July 27, 1862: Lt. Charles Wright Wills, in the 7th Illinois Infantry regiment, writes in his journal of the hazards of garrison duty while deep in enemy territory: “We’re guarding about 100 miles of railroad from Iuka to Decatur, and it promises to be pretty rough work. Day before yesterday a guerilla party swooped down on a station 24 miles east of here where General Thomas had 160 men and captured all but 20 of them. We are relieving General Thomas’ command from duty here, but the Rebels saved us the trouble of relieving that party. We sent out a force yesterday of three companies and the Rebels surprised and killed and captured 20 of them. I have just heard that there has been a fight eight miles south of here to-day, between our cavalry and the Rebels, no particulars yet. ‘Tis the 3d Michigan that has suffered so far. The 7th Illinois are out now after the party that surprised the Michiganders yesterday, but have not heard of them since they started yesterday p.m.”
Monday, July 27, 1863: George Templeton Strong writes in his journal and makes a significant passing remark about the relative racial quality of the blacks, in the wake of successes by black troops in battle: “Both Crane and Mitchell speak highly of the discipline of our new black regiments. . . . The liberated Negroes, now working for wages, behave like Christians, bear no malice, and commit no outrages. Southern Cuffee seems of higher social grade than Northern Paddy. The generous and chivalric sons of Erin are under a cloud just now.”
Monday, July 27, 1863: John Houston Bills, Hardeman County settler, planter, and diarist writes: “The Turnpike Road Bridge is set on fire this afternoon by some unknown persons. Patrick, Ferrell and Smith so far extinguish it as to pass a wagon & horses over. Watson & others of us try to put out the remnant of fire but fail. It continues to smoke & must burn up. We fear harm may result from it & no possible good to either party.”
Monday, July 27, 1863: From President Lincoln to General G. G. Meade. (Private) EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, July 27, 1863. MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE: “I have not thrown General Hooker away; and therefore I would like to know whether it would be agreeable to you, all things considered, for him to take a corps under you, if he himself is willing to do so. Write me in perfect freedom, with the assurance that I will not subject you to any embarrassment by making your letter or its contents known to any one. I wish to know your wishes before I decide whether to break the subject to him. Do not lean a hair’s breadth against your own feelings, or your judgment of the public service, on the idea of gratifying me. Yours truly, A. LINCOLN”
Pictures: 1861-07-27 First Battle of Mesilla – Organ Mountains; 1864-07-27 First Battle of Deep Bottom - Virginia Historical Markers; 7-shot wonder spencer-4; 1864-07 A Sherman Bowtie
A. Saturday, July 27, 1861: Mesilla, New Mexico Territory. Confederate Victory. During the pursuit after the battle of Mesilla, the CSA Lieutenant Colonel John R. Baylor’s 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles were able to capture dozens of straggling Federals. Major Isaac Lynde's dehydrated command, reduced to 100 men by this time, was overtaken by the Confederates, some of whom used a pass (later known as Baylor Pass) to intercept them. They were forced to surrender at San Augustine Springs on July 27. The prisoners were paroled, and Baylor concentrated his battalion at the fort. He was able to refit his command with the captured Springfield rifles and other captured equipment.
B. Sunday, July 27, 1862: CSA Gen. Robert E. Lee sends General A. P. Hill’s division by rail to reinforce General Jackson at Gordonsville. Meanwhile, CSA General D. H. Hill is ordered to threaten Maj Gen. George B. McClellan’s communication lines by seizing favorable positions below Westover from which to attack transports on the James River. D. H. Hill chooses to take Coggins Point and puts General Samuel French in charge of the expedition. (An interesting side light: CS General French was a New Jersey native, while at about this same time, US General George Thomas, a Virginia native, was leading a division out from Corinth to reinforce General Buell. It shows that you couldn’t always assume somebody’s loyalties during the Civil War based on where they came from.)
C. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Stoneman’s Raid in the Atlanta campaign: In July, 1864, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman´s army closed in on Atlanta. Finding its fortifications "too strong to assault and too extensive to invest," he sought to force its fall by sending Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman, with three brigades (2112 men and 2 guns) of the Army of the Ohio cavalry, supported by Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to cut the Central of Georgia R.R. by which the defenders were supplied. His assignment was to tear up railroad tracks and otherwise wreak whatever havoc on the transportation system he could.
On the 27th, Stoneman sent Garrard to Flat Rock (12 miles SE) to protect his rear, then left Decatur, crossed the Ocmulgee (Yellow) River near Covington, and turned down the left bank toward Monticello and Macon.
Alternate details. General Sherman sends General O. O. Howard’s (US) large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there. General John B. Hood (CSA) had replaced Joseph Johnston (CSA) as commander of the Army of Tennessee, just 10 days earlier, because Johnston had failed to keep Sherman away from Atlanta. Upon assuming command of the army, Hood quickly scrapped Johnston’s defensive strategy and attacked Grant’s positions twice. Losing both times. Hood again is determined to attack and sends the two corps of Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee and Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart to intercept and destroy the Union force. General Howard (US) foresees such a maneuver.
D. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. The battle resulted from a Union advance north of the James River meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches, crossing the watercourse at a point known to locals as Deep Bottom. The battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
The operation was meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches before Grant ignited a huge mine below the fortifications and launched a new assault. From July 27-29, Union forces under Winfield Scott Hancock engaged in a series of sharp fights with Confederates under Richard H. Anderson as both sides jockeyed for position on the northern bank of the James. Although Hancock’s forces performed well, they were unable to move west from Deep Bottom and gravely threaten Richmond. Nevertheless, the battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
Details: Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. Early on July 27, Winfield Scott Hancock’s II Corps, along with two divisions of Phil Sheridan’s cavalry, left the lines around Petersburg and moved north, crossing the James River near a sharp bend known locally as Deep Bottom. Their objective was to threaten Richmond and compel Robert E. Lee to dispatch a substantial portion of the Petersburg defenders in order to check the advance.
Lee had no choice but to act to defend the capital city, sending six brigades north to fortify the New Market Heights. From this eminence the Confederates covered the Union army’s likely approaches to Richmond.
In order to threaten Richmond, Grant had outlined two possible scenarios for operational success. The first scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down the Confederate defenders so decisively that Sheridan’s cavalry could wheel around the battle and ransack the city itself. The second scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down enough of the Confederate defenders to allow Sheridan to ride west of Richmond and strike the railroad supply lines from the Shenandoah Valley.
The July 27 advance began well for Hancock’s expeditionary force. His lead elements managed to scatter a Confederate outpost blocking his route north and even captured four cannons. Hancock exploited this advantage, moving the rest of his men across the James and deploying them for an advance west to Richmond, which was approximately nine miles away.
The Confederates had also reshuffled their line to follow a watercourse known as Bailey’s Creek, which ran north-south between the contending forces. Hancock reacted to this by dispatching Sheridan’s cavalry to Gravel Hill, a position that could be used as a stepping stone around the northern extremity of the creek.
The 10th and 50th Georgia regiments attacked the Union cavalry on Gravel Hill and drove them back after a sharp firefight. Repeating carbines, which by mid-1864 were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen, took a heavy toll on the Georgians. The struggle on Gravel Hill was the last major action of the day, as Hancock chose to conduct further reconnaissance before sending his infantry across Bailey’s Creek.
1. Saturday, July 27, 1861: "Our army does not advance" The First Battle of Manassas, or Bull Run as it was known in the North, was a clear cut victory for the South. But winning the battle had shattered the Confederate Army nearly as badly as losing the battle had shattered the Union Army. When the Union Army fled in panic back to Washington, DC, the Confederate Army under Joe Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard was unable to follow up on its victory by pursuing them. Rebel war clerk John B. Jones sensed that something wasn't quite right.
July 27th.—A large number of new arrivals are announced from the North. Clerks resigned at Washington, and embryo heroes having military educations, are presenting themselves daily, and applying for positions here. They represent the panic in the North as awful, and ours is decidedly the winning side. These gentry somehow succeed in getting appointments.
Our army does not advance. It is said both Beauregard and Johnston are anxious to cross the Potomac; but what is said is not always true. The capabilities of our army to cross the Potomac are not known; and the policy of doing so if it were practicable, is to be determined by the responsible authority. Of one thing I am convinced; the North, so far from desisting from the execution of its settled purpose, even under this disagreeable reverse, will be stimulated to renewed preparations on a scale of greater magnitude than ever.
This diary entry demonstrates the shrewd insight of John B. Jones. Jones had lived in the North and knew something of the strengths of that section of the country. Jones recognized that the South's failure to follow up its victory--indeed, its inability to follow up that victory--meant that the North would be able to mount attack after attack until the South was unable to defend itself.”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1861
2. Saturday, July 27, 1861: General McDowell was relieved of his command of Union troops in the Washington DC area by President Lincoln. General McClellan was handed the command.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/the-american-civil-war/american-civil-war-july-1861/
3. Saturday, July 27, 1861: President Lincoln places command of the Federal Army of the Potomac to General George McClelland, who replaces McDowell. Lincoln advises that Union forces push toward Tennessee by seizing Manassas Junction, Virginia, and Strasburg, Kentucky, in the strategically important Shenandoah Valley.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-a/part-fifteen
4. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Gen. John Pope’s Orders: Gen. John Pope has issued orders, on July 10, that the local Virginian populace shall be “held responsible for any injury lone to the track, line, or road, or for any attacks upon trains or straggling soldiers by bands of guerrillas in their neighborhood.” The usual humane rules of warfare for non-coimbatants do not apply to those who “commit outrages disgraceful to civilized people and revolting to humanity.” In addition, for any damage done to these the local populace shall be turned out in mass to repair the damage, and shall, beside, pay to the United States in money or in property, to be levied by military force, the full amount of the pay and subsistence of the whole force necessary to coerce the performance of the work during the time occupied in completing it.” If anyone fires on Union soldiers, the dwellings shall be razed to the ground, and the persons caught “shall be shot, without awaiting civil process.” Further orders on July 23 stipulate that persons who refuse to take the oath of loyalty to the government will be sent into exile behind Confederate lines and, if found again behind Union lines, will be shot as spies. Anyone who takes the oath and then engages in sabotage activity will be summarily shot and their property confiscated. Pope had a habit of concluding dispatches saying that his “headquarters are in the saddle.” Wits in response said that his headquarters were where his hindquarters ought to be. This sort of behavior and rhetoric from Pope leads Gen. Lee to label him a “miscreant.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
5. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Gen. Lee sends the following dispatch to Gen. Stonewall Jackson (whose advance has taken him into central Virginia to thwart Pope) to inform him of substantial reinforcements headed his way, and of the necessity that Pope be “suppressed”: “HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, July 27, 1862. General THOMAS J. JACKSON, Commanding Valley District: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch of 26th instant. I will send A. P. Hill's division and the Second Brigade of Louisiana Volunteers to you. Stafford's regiment (Ninth Louisiana) need not, therefore, be sent here, as directed in Special orders, Numbers 163. These troops will exceed 18,000 men. Your command ought certainly to number that amount. What has become of them? I heard they were coming to you from the valley. Do not let your troops run down if it can possibly be avoided by attention to their wants, comforts, &c., by their respective commanders. This will require your personal attention; also consideration and preparation in your movements. I want Pope to be suppressed. The course indicated in his orders, if the newspapers report them correctly, cannot be permitted and will lead to retaliation on our part. You had better notify him the first opportunity. The order of Steinwehr must be disavowed, or you must hold the first captains from his army for retaliation. They will not be exchanged. A. P. Hill you will, I think, find a good officer, with whom you can consult, and by advising with your division commanders as to your movements much trouble will be saved you in arranging details, as they can act more intelligently. I wish to save you trouble from my increasing your command. Cache your troops as much as possible till you can strike your blow, and be prepared to return to me when done, if necessary. I will endeavor to keep General McClellan quiet till it is over, if rapidly executed. Very respectfully and truly, R. E. LEE, General.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
6. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Lt. Charles Wright Wills, in the 7th Illinois Infantry regiment, writes in his journal of the hazards of garrison duty while deep in enemy territory: “We’re guarding about 100 miles of railroad from Iuka to Decatur, and it promises to be pretty rough work. Day before yesterday a guerilla party swooped down on a station 24 miles east of here where General Thomas had 160 men and captured all but 20 of them. We are relieving General Thomas’ command from duty here, but the Rebels saved us the trouble of relieving that party. We sent out a force yesterday of three companies and the Rebels surprised and killed and captured 20 of them. I have just heard that there has been a fight eight miles south of here to-day, between our cavalry and the Rebels, no particulars yet. ‘Tis the 3d Michigan that has suffered so far. The 7th Illinois are out now after the party that surprised the Michiganders yesterday, but have not heard of them since they started yesterday p.m.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
7. Sunday, July 27, 1862: “It was yet another day of minor skirmishes here and there, but no preparation for, recovery from, or conduct of major battles or operations. Some of these were in connection with what was known as “operations” – more than an exploration but less than a planned battle. One such proceeded from Rienzi to Ripley, Miss.; another one went for a couple of days between Woodville to Guntersville, Ala. One action big enough to be classified as at least a “skirmish” took place at Toone’s Station (also known as Lower Post Ferry), Tennessee.”
https://bjdeming.com/2012/07/23/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-23-29-1862/
8. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Skirmishes erupt across Missouri on this date, in Carroll, Ray, and Livingston counties. There is also skirmishing between Federal troops and Confederates and their Cherokee allies near Fort Gibson in what is now Oklahoma.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
9. Sunday, July 27, 1862: It was yet another day of minor skirmishes here and there, but no preparation for, recovery from, or conduct of major battles or operations. Some of these were in connection with what was known as “operations”--more than an exploration, but less than a planned battle. One such proceeded from Rienzi to Ripley, Miss.; another one went for a couple of days between Woodville to Guntersville, Ala. One action big enough to be classified as at least a “skirmish” took place at Toone’s Station (also known as Lower Post Ferry), Tennessee. Hardeman Countian, John Houston Bills of “The Pillars” in Bolivar writes: “ Attend Episcopal Church. Many Federal soldiers are present. At the end of the Service and before Sermon a general stampede of Soldiers, Confed Cavalry approach to P.T. Jones, and drive in the picketts. A battle eminent.” Across the world from here in Canton, China a hurricane kills 37,000 people.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-sixty-eight
10. Monday, July 27, 1863: John Houston Bills, Hardeman County settler, planter, and diarist writes: “The Turnpike Road Bridge is set on fire this afternoon by some unknown persons. Patrick, Ferrell and Smith so far extinguish it as to pass a wagon & horses over. Watson & others of us try to put out the remnant of fire but fail. It continues to smoke & must burn up. We fear harm may result from it & no possible good to either party.”
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/part-120
11. Monday, July 27, 1863 --- President Lincoln writes a note to Gen. Meade concerning the disposition of the ousted Joseph Hooker: To GENERAL G. G. MEADE. (Private) EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, July 27, 1863. MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE: “I have not thrown General Hooker away; and therefore I would like to know whether it would be agreeable to you, all things considered, for him to take a corps under you, if he himself is willing to do so. Write me in perfect freedom, with the assurance that I will not subject you to any embarrassment by making your letter or its contents known to any one. I wish to know your wishes before I decide whether to break the subject to him. Do not lean a hair’s breadth against your own feelings, or your judgment of the public service, on the idea of gratifying me. Yours truly, A. LINCOLN”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
12. Monday, July 27, 1863 --- George Templeton Strong writes in his journal and makes a significant passing remark about the relative racial quality of the blacks, in the wake of successes by black troops in battle: “Both Crane and Mitchell speak highly of the discipline of our new black regiments. . . . The liberated Negroes, now working for wages, behave like Christians, bear no malice, and commit no outrages. Southern Cuffee seems of higher social grade than Northern Paddy. The generous and chivalric sons of Erin are under a cloud just now.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
13. Monday, July 27, 1863 --- The Richmond Daily Dispatch reprints an article from the Petersburg Express about enterprising black women in the town who have made a lively business of selling dog meat stew to Confederate soldiers: The Petersburg Express, of Saturday, has the following paragraph, which will cause a weak feeling in the stomach of many of our soldiers, who have taken "snacks" in that town: “The negro women (two in number) who served cooked dog meat to the soldiers near this city, a day or two since, were caught and a whipping of 39 lashes administered to each. The dish was served in the shape of a Bruns wick stew, in which dog and pork meat were promiscuously mixed, and dealt out to purchasers at the rate of one dollar a snack. Though a singular taste was observed about the meat, the discovery that any portion of it was canine was not made until a considerable part of the stew had been eaten. An examination of the bones was then made, when they were found to be veritable dog bones. We are glad to know that a swift and just punishment was visited upon the women who perpetrated this infamous deception.
The love of money is the root of much evil, and we again advise our soldier friends to be on their guard against eating cheap meat pies, served by irresponsible negro cooks. They know not what they may eat in them.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
14. Monday, July 27, 1863: "What Soldiers' 'Snacks' are made of" The Petersburg Express, of Saturday, has the following paragraph, which will cause a weak feeling in the stomach of many of our soldiers, who have taken "snacks" in that town: “The negro women (two in number) who served cooked dog meat to the soldiers near this city, a day or two since, were caught and a whipping of 39 lashes administered to each. The dish was served in the shape of a Bruns wick stew, in which dog and pork meat were promiscuously mixed, and dealt out to purchasers at the rate of one dollar a snack. Though a singular taste was observed about the meat, the discovery that any portion of it was canine was not made until a considerable part of the stew had been eaten. An examination of the bones was then made, when they were found to be veritable dog bones. We are glad to know that a swift and just punishment was visited upon the women who perpetrated this infamous deception.
The love of money is the root of much evil, and we again advise our soldier friends to be on their guard against eating cheap meat pies, served by irresponsible negro cooks. They know not what they may eat in them.”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
15. Monday, July 27, 1863: Tennessee operations: From Chattanooga, CS General Nathan Bedford Forrest orders Colonel G. G. Dibrell and his regiment to Sparta, where they will watch a US corps based at McMinnville.
https://bjdeming.com/2013/07/22/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-22-28-1863/
16. Monday, July 27, 1863: Confederate William Lowndes Yancey dies of kidney disease in Montgomery, Alabama. His ambition was always to be President of a Southern Confederacy, but he was too radical even for them and was passed over in favor of Jefferson Davis. When the war broke out, Yancey headed a diplomatic mission to Great Britain and France to secure recognition of the Confederate States of America. These efforts were unsuccessful. His sudden death silenced one of the strongest voices of states' rights.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/part-120
17. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Mrs. L. G. Pickett did attempt to smuggle several articles of merchandise through the picket line in the vicinity of Memphis; (one pair of citizens boots, and six or eight wool hats). She is sentenced “to be confined in the military prison at Alton, Illinois, for the period of six months; and that she pay a fine to the United States of the sum of one thousand dollars ($1000); and that she be confined in said military prison until said fine be fully paid.” By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-172
18. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Sherman sent large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/the-american-civil-war/american-civil-war-july-1864/
19. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Atlanta campaign: Stoneman’s Raid: Latimer’s Crossroad to Clinton and the Oconee River.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
20. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Atlanta campaign: Per General Sherman: “Promptly, and on time, all got off, and General Dodge’s corps (the Sixteenth, of the Army of the Tennessee) reached its position across Proctor’s Creek the same evening.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
21. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Early’s raid in Virginia “Cypher” United States Military Telegraph, To Major Gen. Hunter War Department. Washington, Harper’s Ferry, Va July 27. 1864 [8:30 A. M.] Please send any recent news you have—particularly as to movements of the enemy. A. LINCOLN
Hunter to Lincoln, 10 a.m.: Earlys force is still . . . near Winchester. We can hear nothing of the enemy east of the Blue ridge. If you have any information of the enemy in that direction please inform me. I have sent out in several directions for information and will keep you posted. . . . In the present state of affairs I think it much more important to make Washn & Balto perfectly secure than to atte[m]pt to interrupt the rebels in gathering their crops in the valley. Is this the view of the Government.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
A Saturday, July 27, 1861: Mesilla, New Mexico Territory - On July 26, during the night through the early morning on July 27, Maj. Isaac Lynde, 7th U.S. Infantry, abandoned Fort Fillmore near Mesilla, New Mexico Territory, in the face of Confederates under the command of Capt. John R. Baylor. Although Lynde's troops outnumbered the Confederates by a 2-to-1 margin, Lynde pulled out. He took his army and headed for Fort Stanton. Baylor pursued Lynde and caught up with his army later that day. After giving up Fort Fillmore without a fight, Lynde surrendered his 10 companies to Baylor at San Augustine Springs without firing a shot. The surrender left a large part of New Mexico open to Confederate invasion.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1861s.html
A+ At sunset June 26, Baylor ordered his artillery and more cavalry to reinforce him, while the rest of his command moved into position to attack the fort the next day. During the same night, the Confederates captured 85 of the fort's horses, which formed most of the fort's transportation. Fearing an attack, the next day, Lynde abandoned Fort Fillmore after destroying the ammunition and supplies in the citadel. He retreated northeast towards Fort Stanton across the dry Organ Mountains via San Augustine Pass. Many Union troops apparently had filled their canteens with the fort's medicinal whiskey instead of water, hardly wise for a summertime march across desert country.
During the pursuit the following day, the Confederates were able to capture dozens of straggling Federals. Lynde's dehydrated command, reduced to 100 men by this time, was overtaken by the Confederates, some of whom used a pass (later known as Baylor Pass) to intercept them. They were forced to surrender at San Agustine Springs on July 27. The prisoners were paroled, and Baylor concentrated his battalion at the fort. He was able to refit his command with the captured Springfield rifles and other captured equipment.
The Confederate victory at Mesilla actualized local overtures towards secession, which had been ratified by two conventions in March 1861. On August 1 Baylor declared the establishment of an organized Confederate Arizona Territory, consisting of the portion of the New Mexico Territory south of the 34th parallel north. Baylor installed himself as the new territory's military governor, and declared martial law. Baylor's success at Mesilla led to Henry Hopkins Sibley's ambitious New Mexico Campaign the following February. The Second Battle of Mesilla was a skirmish fought in the desert near Mesilla on June 1, 1862 between Arizona rebels and New Mexican militia. The engagement ended with a Union victory and prompted the rebels to withdraw from Mesilla a few days later on June 7.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_Mesilla
B Sunday, July 27, 1862: General Lee sends General A. P. Hill’s division by rail to reinforce General Jackson at Gordonsville. Meanwhile, General D. H. Hill is ordered to threaten McClellan’s communication lines by seizing favorable positions below Westover from which to attack transports on the James River. D. H. Hill chooses to take Coggins Point and puts General Samuel French in charge of the expedition. (An interesting side light: CS General French was a New Jersey native, while at about this same time, US General George Thomas, a Virginia native, was leading a division out from Corinth to reinforce General Buell. It shows that you couldn’t always assume somebody’s loyalties during the Civil War based on where they came from.)
https://bjdeming.com/2012/07/23/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-23-29-1862/
C Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Stoneman’s Raid in the Atlanta campaign: In July, 1864, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman´s army closed in on Atlanta. Finding its fortifications "too strong to assault and too extensive to invest," he sought to force its fall by sending Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman, with three brigades (2112 men and 2 guns) of the Army of the Ohio cavalry, supported by Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to cut the Central of Georgia R.R. by which the defenders were supplied. On the 27th, Stoneman sent Garrard to Flat Rock (12 miles SE) to protect his rear, then left Decatur, crossed the Ocmulgee (Yellow) River near Covington, and turned down the left bank toward Monticello and Macon.
http://www.lat34north.com/HistoricMarkers/CivilWar/EventDetails.cfm?EventKey=18640727
C+ Wednesday, July 27, 1864: General Sherman sends General O. O. Howard’s (US) large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there. General John B. Hood (CSA) had replaced Joseph Johnston (CSA) as commander of the Army of Tennessee, just 10 days earlier, because Johnston had failed to keep Sherman away from Atlanta. Upon assuming command of the army, Hood quickly scrapped Johnston’s defensive strategy and attacked Grant’s positions twice. Losing both times. Hood again is determined to attack and sends the two corps of Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee and Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart to intercept and destroy the Union force. General Howard (US) foresees such a maneuver.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-172
D Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom begins. General Grant is present.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
D+ Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. Early on July 27, Winfield Scott Hancock’s II Corps, along with two divisions of Phil Sheridan’s cavalry, left the lines around Petersburg and moved north, crossing the James River near a sharp bend known locally as Deep Bottom. Their objective was to threaten Richmond and compel Robert E. Lee to dispatch a substantial portion of the Petersburg defenders in order to check the advance.
Lee had no choice but to act to defend the capital city, sending six brigades north to fortify the New Market Heights. From this eminence the Confederates covered the Union army’s likely approaches to Richmond.
In order to threaten Richmond, Grant had outlined two possible scenarios for operational success. The first scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down the Confederate defenders so decisively that Sheridan’s cavalry could wheel around the battle and ransack the city itself. The second scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down enough of the Confederate defenders to allow Sheridan to ride west of Richmond and strike the railroad supply lines from the Shenandoah Valley.
The July 27 advance began well for Hancock’s expeditionary force. His lead elements managed to scatter a Confederate outpost blocking his route north and even captured four cannons. Hancock exploited this advantage, moving the rest of his men across the James and deploying them for an advance west to Richmond, which was approximately nine miles away.
The Confederates had also reshuffled their line to follow a watercourse known as Bailey’s Creek, which ran north-south between the contending forces. Hancock reacted to this by dispatching Sheridan’s cavalry to Gravel Hill, a position that could be used as a stepping stone around the northern extremity of the creek.
The 10th and 50th Georgia regiments attacked the Union cavalry on Gravel Hill and drove them back after a sharp firefight. Repeating carbines, which by mid-1864 were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen, took a heavy toll on the Georgians. The struggle on Gravel Hill was the last major action of the day, as Hancock chose to conduct further reconnaissance before sending his infantry across Bailey’s Creek.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/first-deep-bottom.html?tab=facts
FYI SPC Deb Root-WhiteLt Col Charlie Brown GySgt Jack Wallace CWO4 Terrence Clark SPC Michael Oles SR SPC Michael Terrell PO1 John Johnson SPC (Join to see) SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SGT Paul RussoA1C Pamela G RussellLTC Trent KlugMSG Roy CheeverPO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln SFC Bernard Walko SFC Stephen King SFC Ralph E Kelley SSG Franklin Briant Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth MSgt Robert C AldiSGT Paul Russo
In 1864 at Petersburg, the early morning “advance began well for Hancock’s expeditionary force. His lead elements managed to scatter a Confederate outpost blocking his route north and even captured four cannons. Hancock exploited this advantage, moving the rest of his men across the James and deploying them for an advance west to Richmond, which was approximately nine miles away.
The Confederates had also reshuffled their line to follow a watercourse known as Bailey’s Creek, which ran north-south between the contending forces. Hancock reacted to this by dispatching Sheridan’s cavalry to Gravel Hill, a position that could be used as a stepping stone around the northern extremity of the creek.
The 10th and 50th Georgia regiments attacked the Union cavalry on Gravel Hill and drove them back after a sharp firefight. Repeating carbines, which by mid-1864 were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen, took a heavy toll on the Georgians. The struggle on Gravel Hill was the last major action of the day, as Hancock chose to conduct further reconnaissance before sending his infantry across Bailey’s Creek.”
Below are a number of journal entries from 1861, 1862 and 1863 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers and civilians – the good, the bad and the ugly. In 1862, President Lincoln writes a note to Gen. Meade concerning the disposition of the ousted Joseph Hooker.
Saturday, July 27, 1861: "Our army does not advance" Rebel war clerk John B. Jones sensed that something wasn't quite right. “A large number of new arrivals are announced from the North. Clerks resigned at Washington, and embryo heroes having military educations, are presenting themselves daily, and applying for positions here. They represent the panic in the North as awful, and ours is decidedly the winning side. These gentry somehow succeed in getting appointments.
Our army does not advance. It is said both Beauregard and Johnston are anxious to cross the Potomac; but what is said is not always true. The capabilities of our army to cross the Potomac are not known; and the policy of doing so if it were practicable, is to be determined by the responsible authority. Of one thing I am convinced; the North, so far from desisting from the execution of its settled purpose, even under this disagreeable reverse, will be stimulated to renewed preparations on a scale of greater magnitude than ever.
This diary entry demonstrates the shrewd insight of John B. Jones. Jones had lived in the North and knew something of the strengths of that section of the country. Jones recognized that the South's failure to follow up its victory--indeed, its inability to follow up that victory--meant that the North would be able to mount attack after attack until the South was unable to defend itself.”
Sunday, July 27, 1862: Lt. Charles Wright Wills, in the 7th Illinois Infantry regiment, writes in his journal of the hazards of garrison duty while deep in enemy territory: “We’re guarding about 100 miles of railroad from Iuka to Decatur, and it promises to be pretty rough work. Day before yesterday a guerilla party swooped down on a station 24 miles east of here where General Thomas had 160 men and captured all but 20 of them. We are relieving General Thomas’ command from duty here, but the Rebels saved us the trouble of relieving that party. We sent out a force yesterday of three companies and the Rebels surprised and killed and captured 20 of them. I have just heard that there has been a fight eight miles south of here to-day, between our cavalry and the Rebels, no particulars yet. ‘Tis the 3d Michigan that has suffered so far. The 7th Illinois are out now after the party that surprised the Michiganders yesterday, but have not heard of them since they started yesterday p.m.”
Monday, July 27, 1863: George Templeton Strong writes in his journal and makes a significant passing remark about the relative racial quality of the blacks, in the wake of successes by black troops in battle: “Both Crane and Mitchell speak highly of the discipline of our new black regiments. . . . The liberated Negroes, now working for wages, behave like Christians, bear no malice, and commit no outrages. Southern Cuffee seems of higher social grade than Northern Paddy. The generous and chivalric sons of Erin are under a cloud just now.”
Monday, July 27, 1863: John Houston Bills, Hardeman County settler, planter, and diarist writes: “The Turnpike Road Bridge is set on fire this afternoon by some unknown persons. Patrick, Ferrell and Smith so far extinguish it as to pass a wagon & horses over. Watson & others of us try to put out the remnant of fire but fail. It continues to smoke & must burn up. We fear harm may result from it & no possible good to either party.”
Monday, July 27, 1863: From President Lincoln to General G. G. Meade. (Private) EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, July 27, 1863. MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE: “I have not thrown General Hooker away; and therefore I would like to know whether it would be agreeable to you, all things considered, for him to take a corps under you, if he himself is willing to do so. Write me in perfect freedom, with the assurance that I will not subject you to any embarrassment by making your letter or its contents known to any one. I wish to know your wishes before I decide whether to break the subject to him. Do not lean a hair’s breadth against your own feelings, or your judgment of the public service, on the idea of gratifying me. Yours truly, A. LINCOLN”
Pictures: 1861-07-27 First Battle of Mesilla – Organ Mountains; 1864-07-27 First Battle of Deep Bottom - Virginia Historical Markers; 7-shot wonder spencer-4; 1864-07 A Sherman Bowtie
A. Saturday, July 27, 1861: Mesilla, New Mexico Territory. Confederate Victory. During the pursuit after the battle of Mesilla, the CSA Lieutenant Colonel John R. Baylor’s 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles were able to capture dozens of straggling Federals. Major Isaac Lynde's dehydrated command, reduced to 100 men by this time, was overtaken by the Confederates, some of whom used a pass (later known as Baylor Pass) to intercept them. They were forced to surrender at San Augustine Springs on July 27. The prisoners were paroled, and Baylor concentrated his battalion at the fort. He was able to refit his command with the captured Springfield rifles and other captured equipment.
B. Sunday, July 27, 1862: CSA Gen. Robert E. Lee sends General A. P. Hill’s division by rail to reinforce General Jackson at Gordonsville. Meanwhile, CSA General D. H. Hill is ordered to threaten Maj Gen. George B. McClellan’s communication lines by seizing favorable positions below Westover from which to attack transports on the James River. D. H. Hill chooses to take Coggins Point and puts General Samuel French in charge of the expedition. (An interesting side light: CS General French was a New Jersey native, while at about this same time, US General George Thomas, a Virginia native, was leading a division out from Corinth to reinforce General Buell. It shows that you couldn’t always assume somebody’s loyalties during the Civil War based on where they came from.)
C. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Stoneman’s Raid in the Atlanta campaign: In July, 1864, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman´s army closed in on Atlanta. Finding its fortifications "too strong to assault and too extensive to invest," he sought to force its fall by sending Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman, with three brigades (2112 men and 2 guns) of the Army of the Ohio cavalry, supported by Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to cut the Central of Georgia R.R. by which the defenders were supplied. His assignment was to tear up railroad tracks and otherwise wreak whatever havoc on the transportation system he could.
On the 27th, Stoneman sent Garrard to Flat Rock (12 miles SE) to protect his rear, then left Decatur, crossed the Ocmulgee (Yellow) River near Covington, and turned down the left bank toward Monticello and Macon.
Alternate details. General Sherman sends General O. O. Howard’s (US) large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there. General John B. Hood (CSA) had replaced Joseph Johnston (CSA) as commander of the Army of Tennessee, just 10 days earlier, because Johnston had failed to keep Sherman away from Atlanta. Upon assuming command of the army, Hood quickly scrapped Johnston’s defensive strategy and attacked Grant’s positions twice. Losing both times. Hood again is determined to attack and sends the two corps of Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee and Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart to intercept and destroy the Union force. General Howard (US) foresees such a maneuver.
D. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. The battle resulted from a Union advance north of the James River meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches, crossing the watercourse at a point known to locals as Deep Bottom. The battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
The operation was meant to draw Confederates away from the Petersburg trenches before Grant ignited a huge mine below the fortifications and launched a new assault. From July 27-29, Union forces under Winfield Scott Hancock engaged in a series of sharp fights with Confederates under Richard H. Anderson as both sides jockeyed for position on the northern bank of the James. Although Hancock’s forces performed well, they were unable to move west from Deep Bottom and gravely threaten Richmond. Nevertheless, the battle successfully diverted Robert E. Lee’s men and attention in the days before the mine was blown.
Details: Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. Early on July 27, Winfield Scott Hancock’s II Corps, along with two divisions of Phil Sheridan’s cavalry, left the lines around Petersburg and moved north, crossing the James River near a sharp bend known locally as Deep Bottom. Their objective was to threaten Richmond and compel Robert E. Lee to dispatch a substantial portion of the Petersburg defenders in order to check the advance.
Lee had no choice but to act to defend the capital city, sending six brigades north to fortify the New Market Heights. From this eminence the Confederates covered the Union army’s likely approaches to Richmond.
In order to threaten Richmond, Grant had outlined two possible scenarios for operational success. The first scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down the Confederate defenders so decisively that Sheridan’s cavalry could wheel around the battle and ransack the city itself. The second scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down enough of the Confederate defenders to allow Sheridan to ride west of Richmond and strike the railroad supply lines from the Shenandoah Valley.
The July 27 advance began well for Hancock’s expeditionary force. His lead elements managed to scatter a Confederate outpost blocking his route north and even captured four cannons. Hancock exploited this advantage, moving the rest of his men across the James and deploying them for an advance west to Richmond, which was approximately nine miles away.
The Confederates had also reshuffled their line to follow a watercourse known as Bailey’s Creek, which ran north-south between the contending forces. Hancock reacted to this by dispatching Sheridan’s cavalry to Gravel Hill, a position that could be used as a stepping stone around the northern extremity of the creek.
The 10th and 50th Georgia regiments attacked the Union cavalry on Gravel Hill and drove them back after a sharp firefight. Repeating carbines, which by mid-1864 were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen, took a heavy toll on the Georgians. The struggle on Gravel Hill was the last major action of the day, as Hancock chose to conduct further reconnaissance before sending his infantry across Bailey’s Creek.
1. Saturday, July 27, 1861: "Our army does not advance" The First Battle of Manassas, or Bull Run as it was known in the North, was a clear cut victory for the South. But winning the battle had shattered the Confederate Army nearly as badly as losing the battle had shattered the Union Army. When the Union Army fled in panic back to Washington, DC, the Confederate Army under Joe Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard was unable to follow up on its victory by pursuing them. Rebel war clerk John B. Jones sensed that something wasn't quite right.
July 27th.—A large number of new arrivals are announced from the North. Clerks resigned at Washington, and embryo heroes having military educations, are presenting themselves daily, and applying for positions here. They represent the panic in the North as awful, and ours is decidedly the winning side. These gentry somehow succeed in getting appointments.
Our army does not advance. It is said both Beauregard and Johnston are anxious to cross the Potomac; but what is said is not always true. The capabilities of our army to cross the Potomac are not known; and the policy of doing so if it were practicable, is to be determined by the responsible authority. Of one thing I am convinced; the North, so far from desisting from the execution of its settled purpose, even under this disagreeable reverse, will be stimulated to renewed preparations on a scale of greater magnitude than ever.
This diary entry demonstrates the shrewd insight of John B. Jones. Jones had lived in the North and knew something of the strengths of that section of the country. Jones recognized that the South's failure to follow up its victory--indeed, its inability to follow up that victory--meant that the North would be able to mount attack after attack until the South was unable to defend itself.”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1861
2. Saturday, July 27, 1861: General McDowell was relieved of his command of Union troops in the Washington DC area by President Lincoln. General McClellan was handed the command.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/the-american-civil-war/american-civil-war-july-1861/
3. Saturday, July 27, 1861: President Lincoln places command of the Federal Army of the Potomac to General George McClelland, who replaces McDowell. Lincoln advises that Union forces push toward Tennessee by seizing Manassas Junction, Virginia, and Strasburg, Kentucky, in the strategically important Shenandoah Valley.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-a/part-fifteen
4. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Gen. John Pope’s Orders: Gen. John Pope has issued orders, on July 10, that the local Virginian populace shall be “held responsible for any injury lone to the track, line, or road, or for any attacks upon trains or straggling soldiers by bands of guerrillas in their neighborhood.” The usual humane rules of warfare for non-coimbatants do not apply to those who “commit outrages disgraceful to civilized people and revolting to humanity.” In addition, for any damage done to these the local populace shall be turned out in mass to repair the damage, and shall, beside, pay to the United States in money or in property, to be levied by military force, the full amount of the pay and subsistence of the whole force necessary to coerce the performance of the work during the time occupied in completing it.” If anyone fires on Union soldiers, the dwellings shall be razed to the ground, and the persons caught “shall be shot, without awaiting civil process.” Further orders on July 23 stipulate that persons who refuse to take the oath of loyalty to the government will be sent into exile behind Confederate lines and, if found again behind Union lines, will be shot as spies. Anyone who takes the oath and then engages in sabotage activity will be summarily shot and their property confiscated. Pope had a habit of concluding dispatches saying that his “headquarters are in the saddle.” Wits in response said that his headquarters were where his hindquarters ought to be. This sort of behavior and rhetoric from Pope leads Gen. Lee to label him a “miscreant.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
5. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Gen. Lee sends the following dispatch to Gen. Stonewall Jackson (whose advance has taken him into central Virginia to thwart Pope) to inform him of substantial reinforcements headed his way, and of the necessity that Pope be “suppressed”: “HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, July 27, 1862. General THOMAS J. JACKSON, Commanding Valley District: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch of 26th instant. I will send A. P. Hill's division and the Second Brigade of Louisiana Volunteers to you. Stafford's regiment (Ninth Louisiana) need not, therefore, be sent here, as directed in Special orders, Numbers 163. These troops will exceed 18,000 men. Your command ought certainly to number that amount. What has become of them? I heard they were coming to you from the valley. Do not let your troops run down if it can possibly be avoided by attention to their wants, comforts, &c., by their respective commanders. This will require your personal attention; also consideration and preparation in your movements. I want Pope to be suppressed. The course indicated in his orders, if the newspapers report them correctly, cannot be permitted and will lead to retaliation on our part. You had better notify him the first opportunity. The order of Steinwehr must be disavowed, or you must hold the first captains from his army for retaliation. They will not be exchanged. A. P. Hill you will, I think, find a good officer, with whom you can consult, and by advising with your division commanders as to your movements much trouble will be saved you in arranging details, as they can act more intelligently. I wish to save you trouble from my increasing your command. Cache your troops as much as possible till you can strike your blow, and be prepared to return to me when done, if necessary. I will endeavor to keep General McClellan quiet till it is over, if rapidly executed. Very respectfully and truly, R. E. LEE, General.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
6. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Lt. Charles Wright Wills, in the 7th Illinois Infantry regiment, writes in his journal of the hazards of garrison duty while deep in enemy territory: “We’re guarding about 100 miles of railroad from Iuka to Decatur, and it promises to be pretty rough work. Day before yesterday a guerilla party swooped down on a station 24 miles east of here where General Thomas had 160 men and captured all but 20 of them. We are relieving General Thomas’ command from duty here, but the Rebels saved us the trouble of relieving that party. We sent out a force yesterday of three companies and the Rebels surprised and killed and captured 20 of them. I have just heard that there has been a fight eight miles south of here to-day, between our cavalry and the Rebels, no particulars yet. ‘Tis the 3d Michigan that has suffered so far. The 7th Illinois are out now after the party that surprised the Michiganders yesterday, but have not heard of them since they started yesterday p.m.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
7. Sunday, July 27, 1862: “It was yet another day of minor skirmishes here and there, but no preparation for, recovery from, or conduct of major battles or operations. Some of these were in connection with what was known as “operations” – more than an exploration but less than a planned battle. One such proceeded from Rienzi to Ripley, Miss.; another one went for a couple of days between Woodville to Guntersville, Ala. One action big enough to be classified as at least a “skirmish” took place at Toone’s Station (also known as Lower Post Ferry), Tennessee.”
https://bjdeming.com/2012/07/23/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-23-29-1862/
8. Sunday, July 27, 1862 --- Skirmishes erupt across Missouri on this date, in Carroll, Ray, and Livingston counties. There is also skirmishing between Federal troops and Confederates and their Cherokee allies near Fort Gibson in what is now Oklahoma.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1862
9. Sunday, July 27, 1862: It was yet another day of minor skirmishes here and there, but no preparation for, recovery from, or conduct of major battles or operations. Some of these were in connection with what was known as “operations”--more than an exploration, but less than a planned battle. One such proceeded from Rienzi to Ripley, Miss.; another one went for a couple of days between Woodville to Guntersville, Ala. One action big enough to be classified as at least a “skirmish” took place at Toone’s Station (also known as Lower Post Ferry), Tennessee. Hardeman Countian, John Houston Bills of “The Pillars” in Bolivar writes: “ Attend Episcopal Church. Many Federal soldiers are present. At the end of the Service and before Sermon a general stampede of Soldiers, Confed Cavalry approach to P.T. Jones, and drive in the picketts. A battle eminent.” Across the world from here in Canton, China a hurricane kills 37,000 people.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-sixty-eight
10. Monday, July 27, 1863: John Houston Bills, Hardeman County settler, planter, and diarist writes: “The Turnpike Road Bridge is set on fire this afternoon by some unknown persons. Patrick, Ferrell and Smith so far extinguish it as to pass a wagon & horses over. Watson & others of us try to put out the remnant of fire but fail. It continues to smoke & must burn up. We fear harm may result from it & no possible good to either party.”
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/part-120
11. Monday, July 27, 1863 --- President Lincoln writes a note to Gen. Meade concerning the disposition of the ousted Joseph Hooker: To GENERAL G. G. MEADE. (Private) EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, July 27, 1863. MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE: “I have not thrown General Hooker away; and therefore I would like to know whether it would be agreeable to you, all things considered, for him to take a corps under you, if he himself is willing to do so. Write me in perfect freedom, with the assurance that I will not subject you to any embarrassment by making your letter or its contents known to any one. I wish to know your wishes before I decide whether to break the subject to him. Do not lean a hair’s breadth against your own feelings, or your judgment of the public service, on the idea of gratifying me. Yours truly, A. LINCOLN”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
12. Monday, July 27, 1863 --- George Templeton Strong writes in his journal and makes a significant passing remark about the relative racial quality of the blacks, in the wake of successes by black troops in battle: “Both Crane and Mitchell speak highly of the discipline of our new black regiments. . . . The liberated Negroes, now working for wages, behave like Christians, bear no malice, and commit no outrages. Southern Cuffee seems of higher social grade than Northern Paddy. The generous and chivalric sons of Erin are under a cloud just now.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
13. Monday, July 27, 1863 --- The Richmond Daily Dispatch reprints an article from the Petersburg Express about enterprising black women in the town who have made a lively business of selling dog meat stew to Confederate soldiers: The Petersburg Express, of Saturday, has the following paragraph, which will cause a weak feeling in the stomach of many of our soldiers, who have taken "snacks" in that town: “The negro women (two in number) who served cooked dog meat to the soldiers near this city, a day or two since, were caught and a whipping of 39 lashes administered to each. The dish was served in the shape of a Bruns wick stew, in which dog and pork meat were promiscuously mixed, and dealt out to purchasers at the rate of one dollar a snack. Though a singular taste was observed about the meat, the discovery that any portion of it was canine was not made until a considerable part of the stew had been eaten. An examination of the bones was then made, when they were found to be veritable dog bones. We are glad to know that a swift and just punishment was visited upon the women who perpetrated this infamous deception.
The love of money is the root of much evil, and we again advise our soldier friends to be on their guard against eating cheap meat pies, served by irresponsible negro cooks. They know not what they may eat in them.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
14. Monday, July 27, 1863: "What Soldiers' 'Snacks' are made of" The Petersburg Express, of Saturday, has the following paragraph, which will cause a weak feeling in the stomach of many of our soldiers, who have taken "snacks" in that town: “The negro women (two in number) who served cooked dog meat to the soldiers near this city, a day or two since, were caught and a whipping of 39 lashes administered to each. The dish was served in the shape of a Bruns wick stew, in which dog and pork meat were promiscuously mixed, and dealt out to purchasers at the rate of one dollar a snack. Though a singular taste was observed about the meat, the discovery that any portion of it was canine was not made until a considerable part of the stew had been eaten. An examination of the bones was then made, when they were found to be veritable dog bones. We are glad to know that a swift and just punishment was visited upon the women who perpetrated this infamous deception.
The love of money is the root of much evil, and we again advise our soldier friends to be on their guard against eating cheap meat pies, served by irresponsible negro cooks. They know not what they may eat in them.”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=July+27%2C+1863
15. Monday, July 27, 1863: Tennessee operations: From Chattanooga, CS General Nathan Bedford Forrest orders Colonel G. G. Dibrell and his regiment to Sparta, where they will watch a US corps based at McMinnville.
https://bjdeming.com/2013/07/22/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-22-28-1863/
16. Monday, July 27, 1863: Confederate William Lowndes Yancey dies of kidney disease in Montgomery, Alabama. His ambition was always to be President of a Southern Confederacy, but he was too radical even for them and was passed over in favor of Jefferson Davis. When the war broke out, Yancey headed a diplomatic mission to Great Britain and France to secure recognition of the Confederate States of America. These efforts were unsuccessful. His sudden death silenced one of the strongest voices of states' rights.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/part-120
17. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Mrs. L. G. Pickett did attempt to smuggle several articles of merchandise through the picket line in the vicinity of Memphis; (one pair of citizens boots, and six or eight wool hats). She is sentenced “to be confined in the military prison at Alton, Illinois, for the period of six months; and that she pay a fine to the United States of the sum of one thousand dollars ($1000); and that she be confined in said military prison until said fine be fully paid.” By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-172
18. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Sherman sent large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/the-american-civil-war/american-civil-war-july-1864/
19. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Atlanta campaign: Stoneman’s Raid: Latimer’s Crossroad to Clinton and the Oconee River.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
20. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Atlanta campaign: Per General Sherman: “Promptly, and on time, all got off, and General Dodge’s corps (the Sixteenth, of the Army of the Tennessee) reached its position across Proctor’s Creek the same evening.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
21. Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Early’s raid in Virginia “Cypher” United States Military Telegraph, To Major Gen. Hunter War Department. Washington, Harper’s Ferry, Va July 27. 1864 [8:30 A. M.] Please send any recent news you have—particularly as to movements of the enemy. A. LINCOLN
Hunter to Lincoln, 10 a.m.: Earlys force is still . . . near Winchester. We can hear nothing of the enemy east of the Blue ridge. If you have any information of the enemy in that direction please inform me. I have sent out in several directions for information and will keep you posted. . . . In the present state of affairs I think it much more important to make Washn & Balto perfectly secure than to atte[m]pt to interrupt the rebels in gathering their crops in the valley. Is this the view of the Government.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
A Saturday, July 27, 1861: Mesilla, New Mexico Territory - On July 26, during the night through the early morning on July 27, Maj. Isaac Lynde, 7th U.S. Infantry, abandoned Fort Fillmore near Mesilla, New Mexico Territory, in the face of Confederates under the command of Capt. John R. Baylor. Although Lynde's troops outnumbered the Confederates by a 2-to-1 margin, Lynde pulled out. He took his army and headed for Fort Stanton. Baylor pursued Lynde and caught up with his army later that day. After giving up Fort Fillmore without a fight, Lynde surrendered his 10 companies to Baylor at San Augustine Springs without firing a shot. The surrender left a large part of New Mexico open to Confederate invasion.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1861s.html
A+ At sunset June 26, Baylor ordered his artillery and more cavalry to reinforce him, while the rest of his command moved into position to attack the fort the next day. During the same night, the Confederates captured 85 of the fort's horses, which formed most of the fort's transportation. Fearing an attack, the next day, Lynde abandoned Fort Fillmore after destroying the ammunition and supplies in the citadel. He retreated northeast towards Fort Stanton across the dry Organ Mountains via San Augustine Pass. Many Union troops apparently had filled their canteens with the fort's medicinal whiskey instead of water, hardly wise for a summertime march across desert country.
During the pursuit the following day, the Confederates were able to capture dozens of straggling Federals. Lynde's dehydrated command, reduced to 100 men by this time, was overtaken by the Confederates, some of whom used a pass (later known as Baylor Pass) to intercept them. They were forced to surrender at San Agustine Springs on July 27. The prisoners were paroled, and Baylor concentrated his battalion at the fort. He was able to refit his command with the captured Springfield rifles and other captured equipment.
The Confederate victory at Mesilla actualized local overtures towards secession, which had been ratified by two conventions in March 1861. On August 1 Baylor declared the establishment of an organized Confederate Arizona Territory, consisting of the portion of the New Mexico Territory south of the 34th parallel north. Baylor installed himself as the new territory's military governor, and declared martial law. Baylor's success at Mesilla led to Henry Hopkins Sibley's ambitious New Mexico Campaign the following February. The Second Battle of Mesilla was a skirmish fought in the desert near Mesilla on June 1, 1862 between Arizona rebels and New Mexican militia. The engagement ended with a Union victory and prompted the rebels to withdraw from Mesilla a few days later on June 7.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_Mesilla
B Sunday, July 27, 1862: General Lee sends General A. P. Hill’s division by rail to reinforce General Jackson at Gordonsville. Meanwhile, General D. H. Hill is ordered to threaten McClellan’s communication lines by seizing favorable positions below Westover from which to attack transports on the James River. D. H. Hill chooses to take Coggins Point and puts General Samuel French in charge of the expedition. (An interesting side light: CS General French was a New Jersey native, while at about this same time, US General George Thomas, a Virginia native, was leading a division out from Corinth to reinforce General Buell. It shows that you couldn’t always assume somebody’s loyalties during the Civil War based on where they came from.)
https://bjdeming.com/2012/07/23/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-23-29-1862/
C Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Stoneman’s Raid in the Atlanta campaign: In July, 1864, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman´s army closed in on Atlanta. Finding its fortifications "too strong to assault and too extensive to invest," he sought to force its fall by sending Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman, with three brigades (2112 men and 2 guns) of the Army of the Ohio cavalry, supported by Garrard´s division, Army of the Cumberland cavalry, to cut the Central of Georgia R.R. by which the defenders were supplied. On the 27th, Stoneman sent Garrard to Flat Rock (12 miles SE) to protect his rear, then left Decatur, crossed the Ocmulgee (Yellow) River near Covington, and turned down the left bank toward Monticello and Macon.
http://www.lat34north.com/HistoricMarkers/CivilWar/EventDetails.cfm?EventKey=18640727
C+ Wednesday, July 27, 1864: General Sherman sends General O. O. Howard’s (US) large cavalry units south of Atlanta to cut off the railways there. General John B. Hood (CSA) had replaced Joseph Johnston (CSA) as commander of the Army of Tennessee, just 10 days earlier, because Johnston had failed to keep Sherman away from Atlanta. Upon assuming command of the army, Hood quickly scrapped Johnston’s defensive strategy and attacked Grant’s positions twice. Losing both times. Hood again is determined to attack and sends the two corps of Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee and Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart to intercept and destroy the Union force. General Howard (US) foresees such a maneuver.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-172
D Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom begins. General Grant is present.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/07/20/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-july-21-27-1864/
D+ Wednesday, July 27, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: First battle of Deep Bottom. Early on July 27, Winfield Scott Hancock’s II Corps, along with two divisions of Phil Sheridan’s cavalry, left the lines around Petersburg and moved north, crossing the James River near a sharp bend known locally as Deep Bottom. Their objective was to threaten Richmond and compel Robert E. Lee to dispatch a substantial portion of the Petersburg defenders in order to check the advance.
Lee had no choice but to act to defend the capital city, sending six brigades north to fortify the New Market Heights. From this eminence the Confederates covered the Union army’s likely approaches to Richmond.
In order to threaten Richmond, Grant had outlined two possible scenarios for operational success. The first scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down the Confederate defenders so decisively that Sheridan’s cavalry could wheel around the battle and ransack the city itself. The second scenario was for Hancock’s infantry to pin down enough of the Confederate defenders to allow Sheridan to ride west of Richmond and strike the railroad supply lines from the Shenandoah Valley.
The July 27 advance began well for Hancock’s expeditionary force. His lead elements managed to scatter a Confederate outpost blocking his route north and even captured four cannons. Hancock exploited this advantage, moving the rest of his men across the James and deploying them for an advance west to Richmond, which was approximately nine miles away.
The Confederates had also reshuffled their line to follow a watercourse known as Bailey’s Creek, which ran north-south between the contending forces. Hancock reacted to this by dispatching Sheridan’s cavalry to Gravel Hill, a position that could be used as a stepping stone around the northern extremity of the creek.
The 10th and 50th Georgia regiments attacked the Union cavalry on Gravel Hill and drove them back after a sharp firefight. Repeating carbines, which by mid-1864 were in the hands of many Northern cavalrymen, took a heavy toll on the Georgians. The struggle on Gravel Hill was the last major action of the day, as Hancock chose to conduct further reconnaissance before sending his infantry across Bailey’s Creek.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/first-deep-bottom.html?tab=facts
FYI SPC Deb Root-WhiteLt Col Charlie Brown GySgt Jack Wallace CWO4 Terrence Clark SPC Michael Oles SR SPC Michael Terrell PO1 John Johnson SPC (Join to see) SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SGT Paul RussoA1C Pamela G RussellLTC Trent KlugMSG Roy CheeverPO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln SFC Bernard Walko SFC Stephen King SFC Ralph E Kelley SSG Franklin Briant Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth MSgt Robert C AldiSGT Paul Russo
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LTC Stephen F.
You are very welcome my friend PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln I am glad you enjoy reading my civil war history posts.
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PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln
LTC Stephen F. I do, just wish I had more time for them. Sometimes I am unable to finish all the material that you post. What I am able to read is great.
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LTC Stephen F. Thanks for including me today on your Civili War Post - how are you doing today? Better I hope!
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LTC Stephen F.
Thanks for asking COL Mikel J. Burroughs. While it is still challenging God is still using me to encourage and prophesy. Each Monday I evening I close out the men's ministry meeting at our church. Frequently God guides my prayers and I have seen HIM heal an erring wife of stage-4-cancer which encouraged her to reconcile with her husband, etc. so far this year.
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Another good post of our history. I found the part about the women being caught mixing dogmeat in with the stew interesting. It's sort of a small story about how people attempted to profit off the war, although theirs was a much smaller offense when compared to large scale contractors. The Provost Marshalls of the Army were always busy keeping an eye on people who did business with the soldiers. Pretty much every single one who provided a service made a huge profit based simply on supply and demand.
As far as contracting goes one of the worse scammers was a gentleman named Phillip Justice ( Ironic isnt it) . He was an Arms dealer who bought obsolete arms both forien and domestic and was contracted to repait and refurbish them for the Union Army. When the Union Army finally was able to get some quality control they found out a large number of the weapons he provided were unreliable and unsafe, and his contracts were eventuallky vioded, however the Union Army had already accepted a few thousand of his muskets. They eventually put an order out to all the ordnance officers to pul aall of the Muskets stamped with his mark to be pulled and surveyed, Top no ones surprise the vast majority were defficient.
As far as contracting goes one of the worse scammers was a gentleman named Phillip Justice ( Ironic isnt it) . He was an Arms dealer who bought obsolete arms both forien and domestic and was contracted to repait and refurbish them for the Union Army. When the Union Army finally was able to get some quality control they found out a large number of the weapons he provided were unreliable and unsafe, and his contracts were eventuallky vioded, however the Union Army had already accepted a few thousand of his muskets. They eventually put an order out to all the ordnance officers to pul aall of the Muskets stamped with his mark to be pulled and surveyed, Top no ones surprise the vast majority were defficient.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thanks for sharing the background on the corrupt Phillip Justice 1stSgt Eugene Harless. I hope his defective muskets did not blow up when fired or cause other injuries to the soldiers they were issued to.
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1stSgt Eugene Harless
LTC Stephen F. - I dug out my book that mentioned Phillip S Justice "Civil War Guns" by William B Edwards. It had a few pages dedicated to Justice's role in bith aquiring and manufacturing firearms. During the war he imported some English Rifles (Enfields) that were well above standard. He had contracted to provide about 6,000 more at the rate of 1,000 a month to the Army ( all Pa regiments). One of the chief complaints is he never met the mnontly quota. The initial inspection of his weapons had abouthe same rejection rate as other subcontractors, perthaps a tad bit higher. Justice had aquired many components from other manufacterrs and dealers, some of these components had been condemned by the govt already. He covered or ground off the "C" stamps and said he had fixed the errors. several of the parts he made in house were of low quality, especially the barrel bands,A lot of his work was refitting smoothbore flintlocks to rifled percussion. The rifling was almost unnoticable and in some cases only extended 6 to 8 inches in the barrel. He used uncured wood for the stocks and after a few months the sweating of the wood caused internal parts to rust badly. As the wood cured several Stocks Split or broke. These were defects that were not noticed until in use. There were cases of barrels bursting, uncluding one that was only using a blank charge. The Ordnance Department cancel his contract, and only paid him 75% of the agreed price of delivered muskets. Justice argued that the initial inspection had accepted his work and that much of the problems with his muskets after being issued was due to Officers and men deliberately damagiing them tobe able to get issued the newer Springfield Muskets. The payment was a compromise to simply get rid of Justice.
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LTC Stephen F.
1stSgt Eugene Harless - Your last line is great "The payment was a compromise to simply get rid of Justice." I am glad that nobody seems to have been killed by Justice's extremely shoddy work and it seems typical that he would blame the officers and soldiers instead of owning up to his own responsibilities.
FYI SrA Christopher Wright SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL TSgt Joe C.
FYI SrA Christopher Wright SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL TSgt Joe C.
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