Posted on Jun 12, 2016
LTC Stephen F.
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On this day CSA Brig Gen John Hunt Morgan was raiding Kentucky in both 1863 and 1864. In 1863 he was largely successful in taking the war to the north while in 1864 initial success ended in cataclysmic failure.
Lee expresses the utmost confidence in his trusted Lieutenant in 1862: General Robert E. Lee begins plans for his grand strategy, which includes bringing Jackson and his troops east to the Richmond front in an intended move against McClellan. He wrote the following letter to Jackson, he outlines his plan: “To Brigadier General THOMAS J. JACKSON, Commanding Valley District: Your recent successes have been the cause of the liveliest joy in this army as well as in the country. The admiration excited by your skill and boldness has been constantly mingled with solicitude for your situation. The practicability of re-enforcing you has been the subject of earnest consideration. It has been determined to do so at the expense of weakening this army. Brigadier-General Lawton with six regiments from Georgia is on the way to you, and Brigadier-General Whiting with eight veteran regiments leaves here to-day. The object is to enable you to crush the forces opposed to you. Leave your enfeebled troops to watch the country and guard the passes covered by your cavalry and artillery, and with your main body, including Ewell's division and Lawton's and Whiting's commands, move rapidly to Ashland by rail or otherwise, as you may find most advantageous, and sweep down between the Chickahominy and Pamunkey, cutting up the enemy's communications, &c., while this army attacks General McClellan in front.
He will thus, I think, be forced to come out of his intrenchments, where he is strongly posted on the Chickahominy, and apparently preparing to move by gradual approaches on Richmond. Keep me advised of your movements, and, if practicable, precede your troops, that we may confer and arrange for simultaneous attack. I am, with, great respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.”
CSA Quantrill’s raisers attack the Federal mail in 1862: Pink Hill, Missouri. A group of Confederate guerrillas, commanded by Col. William C. Quantrill, attack the Union mail escort at Pink Hill. The Confederates are able to drive away the escort.
“Custer’s First Last Stand” In 1864: Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia was the largest and bloodiest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War. Brig Gen George A. Custer’s cavalry allowed themselves to be cut off from the rest of Sheridan’s force. When Confederate reinforcements arrived, they were quickly surrounded. This clash has become known as “Custer’s First Last Stand.” The four Michigan regiments of Custer’s brigade took fire from all sides, and only Sheridan’s arrival to drive back the Confederate force saved the Boy General and his men from capture or death. By the time night fell on the 11th, Union forces held Trevilian Station.
C.S.S. Alabama arrives in Cherbourg, France 1864: eight days later the C.S.S. Alabama would be sunk off Cherbourg by the USS Kearsarge.
CSA Brig Gen John Hunt Morgan’s last raid in 1864: Although John Hunt Morgan initially defeated two smaller Union forces on June 11, the battle the next day resulted in a Union victory and ended Morgan’s Last Kentucky Raid.
Morgan decided to take a chance the following day on another contest. General Stephen G. Burbridge, with a force of 2,400 men, attacked Morgan at dawn on June 12, driving the Rebels back and causing them to flee. Only a small fraction of Morgan’s men escaped with their lives, including Hunt and some of his officers.
Pictures: 1864-06-11 Battle of Trevilian Station June-11; 1864-06-11 Trevilian Station Rebel Cavalry Charge; 1863-06-11 Morgan’s Invasion of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana; 1864-06-11 CSS Alabama

A. 1863: Morgan's Raid on Kentucky. CSA Brig Gen John Hunt Morgan leaves Alexandria, Tennessee to raid northern states. Morgan harbored a desire to carry the war into the North by invading Indiana and Ohio. Aware of his subordinate's aggressive nature, Bragg strictly forbade him to cross the Ohio River as he did not wish Morgan's command to be lost. Assembling his men at Sparta, TN, Morgan rode out on June 11, 1863. Operating in Tennessee, his forces began moving towards Kentucky late in the month after Major General William Rosecrans' Army of the Cumberland began its Tullahoma Campaign. Seeking to aid Bragg by disrupting Rosecrans' supply lines, Morgan crossed the Cumberland River on June 23 and entered Kentucky on July 2.
Background: in late spring 1863, with Union troops conducting the Siege of Vicksburg and General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia embarking on the Gettysburg Campaign, General Braxton Bragg sought to distract enemy forces in Tennessee and Kentucky.
To accomplish this, he turned to Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. A veteran of the Mexican-American War, Morgan had proven himself a capable cavalry leader during the early part of the war and had led several effective raids into the Union rear. Assembling a select force of 2,462 men and a battery of light artillery, Morgan received orders from Bragg directing him to attack through Tennessee and Kentucky.
B. 1863: Mosby’s Raid on Seneca Mills, Maryland. Mosby crossed the Potomac River and successfully attacked a camp of the 6th Michigan Cavalry at Seneca Mills, Maryland. It was there that Captain Brawner of the Chinquapin Rangers was killed while leading the charge. They destroyed the camp before they retired back across the Potomac River with seventeen Federal prisoners and twenty-three captured horses. It could be said that they were the first Confederate soldiers across the Potomac River during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Background. Captain Brawner and the Chinquapin Rangers were at Rector’s Crossroads in Fauquier County when Mosby formed his first company, Company A of what would become the 43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, on June 10, 1863.
C. 1864: Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia was the largest and bloodiest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War. Lt Gen Ulysses S. Grant sent Maj Gen Phil Sheridan to strike CSA Maj Gen Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry division and CSA Maj Gen Wade Hampton’s cavalry division, trying to reach Hunter at Charlottesville. In spite of initial success, he is turned back. The two confederate divisions approached the Union position along separate roads, with General Wade Hampton’s men coming from Trevilian Station and CSA Gen Robert E. Lee’s men from nearby Louisa Court House. Hampton’s division clashed with the Union First Division under Brigadier General Alfred Torbert, and vicious dismounted fighting raged while Hampton waited for Fitzhugh Lee’s division to arrive and provide support. However, when Lee’s force encountered Union General George Custer’s men on the road, they fell back after only a brief fight, a dangerous decision that created an opening for Custer to take Hampton’s supply train. Custer’s men immediately took advantage of this gap, driving a wedge between the two Confederate divisions and capturing essential supplies. However, in their haste to claim the spoils of their momentary victory, Custer’s cavalry allowed themselves to be cut off from the rest of Sheridan’s force. When Confederate reinforcements arrived, they were quickly surrounded. This clash has become known as “Custer’s First Last Stand.” The four Michigan regiments of Custer’s brigade took fire from all sides, and only Sheridan’s arrival to drive back the Confederate force saved the Boy General and his men from capture or death. By the time night fell on the 11th, Union forces held Trevilian Station.
D. 1864: Second Battle of Cynthiana. Kentucky. CSA Brig Gen John Hunt Morgan and his 1,200 cavalrymen surrounded Cynthiana and launched an attack and they met resistance from Union soldiers and the 300-man home guard. When the Unionists took cover in buildings, the Confederates ignited several of the structures and destroyed many buildings. Meanwhile, another Union force of 750 men under command of General Edward H. Hobson arrived north of town at Keller’s Bridge. Hobson’s troops fought Morgan’s force for about six hours, eventually trapping them and taking them prisoner.
Union reinforcements arrived by train, but, after a sharp fight, they surrendered. Morgan remained in town. The next morning, more than 2,000 Union troops led by General Stephen G. Burbridge drove off Morgan's command. Many Confederates were captured

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Below are a number of journal entries from 1862, 1863 and 1864 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Wednesday, June 11, 1862: Still in North Carolina, camped near Newberne, Captain William J. Bolton of the 51st Pennsylvania Infantry, writes in his journal: “Company and regimental drills and dress parade. Not feeling very well. The camp is full of green snakes, and the boys are kept busy killing them. the county around the camp abounds in blackberries, mountain plums, grapes and mulberries. There is also plenty of eggs, poultry and milk to be had at fare prices, and consequently we are all living grand.”
Wednesday, June 11, 1862: Young Lt. Josiah Marshall Favill, of the 57th New York Infantry, with McClellan’s Army of the Potomac, writes in his journal of an event that has become much too common: the false alarm: “At three this morning I got up and routed out the company officers, then formed the regiment on the color line, where we remained for two hours. No drums, bugles, or bands are allowed to play, so we are obliged to go amongst the men to wake them up, and give the orders; an adjutant’s duty just now is more arduous than ornamental. Many reports of possible movements, but nothing intelligent. McClellan seems to be afraid.”
Thursday, June 11, 1863: David Schenk of Lincoln County, North Carolina, writes this gloomy entry in his diary, fearful of the recent upsurge in desertions from North Carolina regiments as well as the grim outlook for Vicksburg: "Gloomy Crisis" This crisis in our revolution seems to be the most gloomy, which has yet befallen us – it is true that victory has crowned our arms but but at such fearful loss that like those of Pyrrhus, They would soon destroy us … Gen Lee still stands threatened by a vastly superior force on the Rappahamock and while battle decimates our army! still another alarming element has exhibited itself – Desertion – news from all quarters is that desertion is progressing to an alarming extent and disloyalty is every where increasing and growing bolder – women and mothers advise their brothers and sons to desert; and protect and harbor them at home. There is no power at home to take them – The militia officers have not the force and are not sustained by the people at home. It has almost fallen into disuse and the country is getting full of deserters _ In the disloyal counties formerly Unionist – in Yadkin and Wilkes They number hundreds and are committing depredations on person and property. This evil has been greatly stimulated by the various decisions of Chief Justice Pearson, who has been discharging conscripts and deserters on almost every pretext; until this class of persons expect (and with some reason) protection from him for every offence __ This evil I say is alarming to every patriot __
Misfortune in Mississippi valley has almost ruined us. Grant by a bold and vigorous campaign has driven Genl Pemberton within the walls of Vicksburg where he is closely besieging him on every side. The enemy have laid the country waste and are inciting the negroes to the most atrocious crimes. Our only hope is in the skill and resources of Genl Jos E. Johnston who is collecting his forces to raise the siege __ The struggle for the great river must soon take place; if we are defeated then nothing but endless war or ruinous submission awaits us. God only knows the event … He will decide it according to the inscrutable designs of his own counsel and we must abide the issue
Until now I have never doubted our ultimate success but with heavy heart I confess I feel much doubt as to the result. I shall trust in God whatever may be the event …”
Saturday, June 11, 1864: Charles H. Lynch, of the 18th Connecticut Vol. Infantry, writes in his diary of the campaign in the Valley with Gen. Hunter, after the Battle of Piedmont: Again routed out early. Into line on the march through town to continue our work of destruction. Piling up ties, place the rails on top, set fire to the ties. When the rails become hot in the center, they warp or bend, making them useless. The march out of town, along the railroad, destroying it, makes very hard work for us, as we put in a long day, and not very much food. We manage to pick up some corn meal and a little flour, which we make into pan-cakes, called by the boys, ToeJam. Some of the boys received bruises and jams in the work on the railroad. There is much kicking over the hard work.
In camp tonight, talking over the events of the day, wondering what the morrow has in store for us. Many buildings and much property in town have been destroyed by fire, by order of General Hunter. Many of the women look sad and do much weeping over the destruction that is going on. We feel that the South brought on the war and the State of Virginia is paying dear for her part. The loss of our good boys brings us many sad hours. We cannot help think, and wonder who will be the next one to give his life for our country.
Thursday, June 11, 1863 --- Jenkin Lloyd Jones, an artilleryman in the 6th Battery, Wisconsin Artillery, writes in his journal of the daily life of the artillery units in besieging Vicksburg: Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 11. Pleasant day. The air light and balmy. Dust settled by the rain of yesterday. Very steady and heavy cannonading all day. A nine-inch gun was brought into position on our right to-day and busily engaged in battering down the rebel wall. Its huge missiles would bury deep in the earth, then explode, tearing up many trees.
Saturday, June 11, 1864: In Georgia, as part of Sherman’s campaign to take Marietta on the way to Atlanta, Sergeant Alexander Downing, of the 11th Iowa Infantry, writes in his journal: Wednesday, 8th—We moved forward early this morning, marching twelve miles to the little town of Ackworth, where we went into camp. We are now with Sherman’s army, our corps being placed on the left in front of Atlanta. Our front is about twenty-five miles north of the city, while my division is back about ten miles farther. Sherman’s forces now number about one hundred and fifty thousand men and it is thought that the rebels under Johnston have seventy-five thousand. Our army, in the main, is lying still today, though there is some skirmishing in the front. The rebels have fallen back about ten miles. The health of our men is excellent; they are in fine spirits and anxious for a fight.

Pictures: 1864-06-11 The Second Battle of Cynthiana; 1864 rebel raid; 1864-06-11 Cynthiana battle map; Sergeant Alexander G Downing-1865
Since RallyPoint truncates survey selection text I am posting events that were not included and then the full text of each survey choice below:

A. Thursday, June 11, 1863: Morgan's Raid on Kentucky. CSA Brig Gen John Hunt Morgan leaves Alexandria, Tennessee to raid northern states. Morgan harbored a desire to carry the war into the North by invading Indiana and Ohio. Aware of his subordinate's aggressive nature, Bragg strictly forbade him to cross the Ohio River as he did not wish Morgan's command to be lost. Assembling his men at Sparta, TN, Morgan rode out on June 11, 1863. Operating in Tennessee, his forces began moving towards Kentucky late in the month after Major General William Rosecrans' Army of the Cumberland began its Tullahoma Campaign. Seeking to aid Bragg by disrupting Rosecrans' supply lines, Morgan crossed the Cumberland River on June 23 and entered Kentucky on July 2.
Background: in late spring 1863, with Union troops conducting the Siege of Vicksburg and General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia embarking on the Gettysburg Campaign, General Braxton Bragg sought to distract enemy forces in Tennessee and Kentucky.
To accomplish this, he turned to Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. A veteran of the Mexican-American War, Morgan had proven himself a capable cavalry leader during the early part of the war and had led several effective raids into the Union rear. Assembling a select force of 2,462 men and a battery of light artillery, Morgan received orders from Bragg directing him to attack through Tennessee and Kentucky.
B. Thursday, June 11, 1863: Mosby’s Raid on Seneca Mills, Maryland. Captain Brawner and the Chinquapin Rangers were at Rector’s Crossroads in Fauquier County when Mosby formed his first company, Company A of what would become the 43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, on June 10, 1863. After Mosby formed Company A there, the Chinquapin Rangers rode with Mosby and crossed the Potomac River with him attacking a camp of the 6th Michigan Cavalry at Seneca Mills, Maryland on June 11, 1863. It was there that Captain Brawner was killed while gallantly leading the charge. The attached tribute written shortly after Captain Brawner’s death seems to eloquently say it all. Their mission was a success. They routed the Yankees and destroyed their camp before they retired back across the Potomac River with seventeen Federal prisoners and twenty-three captured horses. It could be said that they were the first Confederate soldiers across the Potomac River during the Gettysburg Campaign. After Captain Brawner’s death, First Lieutenant James Cornelius Kincheloe took command of the Company.
C. Saturday, June 11, 1864: Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia. Maj Gen Phil Sheridan strikes CSA Maj Gen Fitzhugh Lee and CSA Maj Gen Wade Hampton, trying to reach Hunter at Charlottesville. In spite of initial success, he is turned back.
In the summer of 1864, hoping to draw attention away from his own movement across the James River toward Petersburg, Union commander Ulysses S. Grant sent Major General Phillip Sheridan on an ambitious cavalry raid toward Charlottesville. Sheridan hoped to destroy as much of the Virginia Central railroad as possible, interrupting crucial Confederate supply lines, and then press on and join forces with General David Hunter in Charlottesville.
When Robert E. Lee became aware of this Union movement, he sent the cavalry divisions of General Wade Hampton and General Fitzhugh Lee to attack the Federals near Trevilian Station, Virginia. What resulted was the largest and bloodiest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War. The two divisions approached the Union position along separate roads, with General Wade Hampton’s men coming from Trevilian Station and CSA Gen Robert E. Lee’s men from nearby Louisa Court House. Hampton’s division clashed with the Union First Division under Brigadier General Alfred Torbert, and vicious dismounted fighting raged while Hampton waited for Fitzhugh Lee’s division to arrive and provide support. However, when Lee’s force encountered Union General George Custer’s men on the road, they fell back after only a brief fight, a dangerous decision that created an opening for Custer to take Hampton’s supply train.
Custer’s men immediately took advantage of this gap, driving a wedge between the two Confederate divisions and capturing essential supplies. However, in their haste to claim the spoils of their momentary victory, Custer’s cavalry allowed themselves to be cut off from the rest of Sheridan’s force. When Confederate reinforcements arrived, they were quickly surrounded. This clash has become known as “Custer’s First Last Stand.” The four Michigan regiments of Custer’s brigade took fire from all sides, and only Sheridan’s arrival to drive back the Confederate force saved the Boy General and his men from capture or death. By the time night fell on the 11th, Union forces held Trevilian Station.
D. Saturday, June 11, 1864: Second Battle of Cynthiana. Kentucky. CSA Brig Gen John Hunt Morgan and his 1,200 cavalrymen surrounded Cynthiana and launched an attack and they met resistance from Union soldiers and the 300-man home guard. When the Unionists took cover in buildings, the Confederates ignited several of the structures and destroyed many buildings. Meanwhile, another Union force of 750 men under command of General Edward H. Hobson arrived north of town at Keller’s Bridge. Hobson’s troops fought Morgan’s force for about six hours, eventually trapping them and taking them prisoner.
Union reinforcements arrived by train, but, after a sharp fight, they surrendered. Morgan remained in town. The next morning, more than 2,000 Union troops led by General Stephen G. Burbridge drove off Morgan's command. Many Confederates were captured, but Morgan escaped. Less than three months later he was killed at Greeneville, Tennessee.
While considered part of the Second Battle of Cynthiana, this engagement with Hobson is also known as the Battle of Keller’s Bridge.


1. Monday, June 11, 1860: Southern delegates hold a National Democratic convention in Richmond. Party leaders urge a "wait and see" approach.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/date/June_11
2. Tuesday, June 11, 1861: First session of the Second Wheeling Convention
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186106
3. Wednesday, June 11, 1862: Pink Hill, Missouri - On June 11, a group of Confederate guerrillas, commanded by Col. William C. Quantrill, attack the Union mail escort at Pink Hill. The Confederates are able to drive away the escort.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1862s.html
4. Wednesday, June 11, 1862 --- In the Valley, Fremont, in Harrisonburg, decides without orders to withdraw farther northward, due to rumors about Jackson’s reinforcements. Fremont pulls back to Mount Jackson. Shields, also wary of Jackson’s growing power, retreats up the Luray Valley, asking for more supplies from Gen. McDowell.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1862
5. Wednesday, June 11, 1862 --- General Robert E. Lee begins plans for his grand strategy, which includes bringing Jackson and his troops east to the Richmond front in an intended move against McClellan. In a letter written today to Jackson, he outlines his plan: “HEADQUARTERS, Near Richmond, Va., June 11, 1862. To Brigadier General THOMAS J. JACKSON, Commanding Valley District: GENERAL: Your recent successes have been the cause of the liveliest joy in this army as well as in the country. The admiration excited by your skill and boldness has been constantly mingled with solicitude for your situation. The practicability of re-enforcing you has been the subject of earnest consideration. It has been determined to do so at the expense of weakening this army. Brigadier-General Lawton with six regiments from Georgia is on the way to you, and Brigadier-General Whiting with eight veteran regiments leaves here to-day. The object is to enable you to crush the forces opposed to you. Leave your enfeebled troops to watch the country and guard the passes covered by your cavalry and artillery, and with your main body, including Ewell's division and Lawton's and Whiting's commands, move rapidly to Ashland by rail or otherwise, as you may find most advantageous, and sweep down between the Chickahominy and Pamunkey, cutting up the enemy's communications, &c., while this army attacks General McClellan in front.
He will thus, I think, be forced to come out of his intrenchments, where he is strongly posted on the Chickahominy, and apparently preparing to move by gradual approaches on Richmond. Keep me advised of your movements, and, if practicable, precede your troops, that we may confer and arrange for simultaneous attack.
I am, with, great respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1862
6. Wednesday, June 11, 1862 --- Gen. Lee sends word to Jackson that a six-regiment brigade of Georgians under Brig. Gen. Lawton are headed his way, in addition to eight more regiments under Gen. Whiting. It is with these reinforcements Lee hopes that Jackson will be able to finish driving Shields and Fremont northward, not being aware that the Federals are retreating on their own.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1862
7. Wednesday, June 11, 1862 --- Gen. Lee also confers with Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, his Chief of Cavalry, to discuss the idea of a mounted raid around the Union right flank as an a heavy reconnaissance, to find out the Union lines of supply, troop placements, reserve placements and other information. Stuart, apparently, begins planning the raid with greater ambitions in mind.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1862
8. Wednesday, June 11, 1862 --- Still in North Carolina, camped near Newberne, Captain William J. Bolton of the 51st Pennsylvania Infantry, writes in his journal: “Company and regimental drills and dress parade. Not feeling very well. The camp is full of green snakes, and the boys are kept busy killing them. the county around the camp abounds in blackberries, mountain plums, grapes and mulberries. There is also plenty of eggs, poultry and milk to be had at fare prices, and consequently we are all living grand.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1862
9. Wednesday, June 11, 1862 --- Young Lt. Josiah Marshall Favill, of the 57th New York Infantry, with McClellan’s Army of the Potomac, writes in his journal of an event that has become much too common: the false alarm: “At three this morning I got up and routed out the company officers, then formed the regiment on the color line, where we remained for two hours. No drums, bugles, or bands are allowed to play, so we are obliged to go amongst the men to wake them up, and give the orders; an adjutant’s duty just now is more arduous than ornamental. Many reports of possible movements, but nothing intelligent. McClellan seems to be afraid.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1862
10. Wednesday, June 11, 1862 --- Near Montgomery, Kentucky, there is a sharp skirmish between Southern bushwhackers and a small party of Union troops.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1862
11. June 11, 1863. Operating in Tennessee, his forces began moving towards Kentucky late in the month after Major General William Rosecrans' Army of the Cumberland began its Tullahoma Campaign. Seeking to aid Bragg by disrupting Rosecrans' supply lines, Morgan crossed the Cumberland River on June 23 and entered Kentucky on July 2.
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/CivilWarWest1863/p/American-Civil-War-Morgans-Raid.htm
12. Thursday, June 11, 1863 --- Siege of Vicksburg, Day 20
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1863
13. Thursday, June 11, 1863 --- Siege of Port Hudson, Day 15
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1863
14. Thursday, June 11, 1863 --- David Schenk of Lincoln County, North Carolina, writes this gloomy entry in his diary, fearful of the recent upsurge in desertions from North Carolina regiments as well as the grim outlook for Vicksburg: "Gloomy Crisis" This crisis in our revolution seems to be the most gloomy, which has yet befallen us – it is true that victory has crowned our arms but but at such fearful loss that like those of Pyrrhus, They would soon destroy us … Gen Lee still stands threatened by a vastly superior force on the Rappahamock and while battle decimates our army! still another alarming element has exhibited itself – Desertion – news from all quarters is that desertion is progressing to an alarming extent and disloyalty is every where increasing and growing bolder – women and mothers advise their brothers and sons to desert; and protect and harbor them at home. There is no power at home to take them – The militia officers have not the force and are not sustained by the people at home. It has almost fallen into disuse and the country is getting full of deserters _ In the disloyal counties formerly Unionist – in Yadkin and Wilkes They number hundreds and are committing depredations on person and property. This evil has been greatly stimulated by the various decisions of Chief Justice Pearson, who has been discharging conscripts and deserters on almost every pretext; until this class of persons expect (and with some reason) protection from him for every offence __ This evil I say is alarming to every patriot __
Misfortune in Mississippi valley has almost ruined us. Grant by a bold and vigorous campaign has driven Genl Pemberton within the walls of Vicksburg where he is closely besieging him on every side. The enemy have laid the country waste and are inciting the negroes to the most atrocious crimes. Our only hope is in the skill and resources of Genl Jos E. Johnston who is collecting his forces to raise the siege __ The struggle for the great river must soon take place; if we are defeated then nothing but endless war or ruinous submission awaits us. God only knows the event … He will decide it according to the inscrutable designs of his own counsel and we must abide the issue
Until now I have never doubted our ultimate success but with heavy heart I confess I feel much doubt as to the result. I shall trust in God whatever may be the event …”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1863
15. Thursday, June 11, 1863 --- Jenkin Lloyd Jones, an artilleryman in the 6th Battery, Wisconsin Artillery, writes in his journal of the daily life of the artillery units in besieging Vicksburg: Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 11. Pleasant day. The air light and balmy. Dust settled by the rain of yesterday. Very steady and heavy cannonading all day. A nine-inch gun was brought into position on our right to-day and busily engaged in battering down the rebel wall. Its huge missiles would bury deep in the earth, then explode, tearing up many trees.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1863
16. Thursday, June 11, 1863: Salem, Virginia - On June 11, at 8:00 P.M., a Union detachment of the 1st New York Cavalry entered the town of Salem, having come from Berryville. They had been informed that Col. John S. Mosby and his wife were hiding out in the Hathaway home. Capt. William J. Hathaway, commanding the detachment, ordered his men to search the farmhouses in the area to look for Mosby and his Confederate raiders. The Federals managed to capture 2 raiders and also captured 20 horses. http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1863s.html
17. Thursday, June 11, 1863 --- The Richmond Daily Dispatch publishes today this remarkable editorial—not only for the keen awareness the Southerners had of the social turmoil caused by massive immigration in the North, but the stupendous lack of awareness demonstrated by their own lack of self-awareness when it comes to race and creed The editorial essay comments upon the recriminations heaped upon the Federal XI Army Corps, having a large percentage of German regiments in it, and their having given way in the face of Stonewall Jackson’s flank attack at Chancellorsville: “A suggestive item of Yankee news has been published in this paper, which states that the Germans of New York have held a meeting and passed resolutions declaring "the continued abuse of the 11th Army corps, composed of Germans, which stampeded at Chancellorsville, to be chiefly attributed to the feeling of Know Nothingism, which prevails to a great extent in both Northern and Southern States."
The Germans of the North, like the Irish, are beginning to find out that, at the bottom of their hearts, their Yankee taskmasters have no love for them, but only desire to use them for their own base purposes, and would have no hesitation in making them and other foreigners the victims of their intolerance and bigotry if the South were only out of their way. The ridicule heaped upon the retreating Germans at Chancellorsville is a significant indication of the real estimation which they are held in the North. Why is nothing said of the retreating Yankees? Were the Germans the only soldiers whom the resistless charge of our gallant troops drove from the field? So far from this is the fact, that in that battle, as well as every other Yankee defeat, from Manassas down, the Yankees have run not only faster than the Germans, but than any other people under the sun. The German and Irish troops have been the very best in their service, and if these were once out of the way, the Yankees would never be able to make another fair and square stand-up fight with the Southern Confederacy.
The Germans of New York are quite right in attributing the attack upon their soldiery to the feeling of Know Nothingism in the North; but they do not know what they are talking about when they say that it prevails to a great extent in the South as well as the North. It was the South which gave Know Nothingism its quietus, and, which saved the Germans and Irish from political and religious subjugation. That they should permit themselves to be made the instruments of subjugating their deliverers was both a crime and a blunder, and we trust their eyes will, ere long, be awakened to the fact. The South, which they are invading, has never proscribed any man on account of his creed or race; it has never rode priests on rails, or sacked churches or convents; nor does it intend to permit itself to be visited with impunity with outrages and wrongs from which it has protected others.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1863
18. Saturday, June 11, 1864: Following the battle of Brice's Crossroads, Forrest's men pursue the federal retreat and take hundreds of prisoners.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186406
19. Saturday, June 11, 1864 --- Charles H. Lynch, of the 18th Connecticut Vol. Infantry, writes in his diary of the campaign in the Valley with Gen. Hunter, after the Battle of Piedmont: Again routed out early. Into line on the march through town to continue our work of destruction. Piling up ties, place the rails on top, set fire to the ties. When the rails become hot in the center, they warp or bend, making them useless. The march out of town, along the railroad, destroying it, makes very hard work for us, as we put in a long day, and not very much food. We manage to pick up some corn meal and a little flour, which we make into pan-cakes, called by the boys, ToeJam. Some of the boys received bruises and jams in the work on the railroad. There is much kicking over the hard work.
In camp tonight, talking over the events of the day, wondering what the morrow has in store for us. Many buildings and much property in town have been destroyed by fire, by order of General Hunter. Many of the women look sad and do much weeping over the destruction that is going on. We feel that the South brought on the war and the State of Virginia is paying dear for her part. The loss of our good boys brings us many sad hours. We cannot help think, and wonder who will be the next one to give his life for our country.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1864
20. Saturday, June 11, 1864 --- In Georgia, as part of Sherman’s campaign to take Marietta on the way to Atlanta, Sergeant Alexander Downing, of the 11th Iowa Infantry, writes in his journal: Wednesday, 8th—We moved forward early this morning, marching twelve miles to the little town of Ackworth, where we went into camp. We are now with Sherman’s army, our corps being placed on the left in front of Atlanta. Our front is about twenty-five miles north of the city, while my division is back about ten miles farther. Sherman’s forces now number about one hundred and fifty thousand men and it is thought that the rebels under Johnston have seventy-five thousand. Our army, in the main, is lying still today, though there is some skirmishing in the front. The rebels have fallen back about ten miles. The health of our men is excellent; they are in fine spirits and anxious for a fight.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1864
21. Saturday, June 11, 1864: The C. S. S. Alabama arrives in Cherbourg, France.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186406
22. Saturday, June 11, 1864: Lexington, Kentucky - On June 11, Col. John H. Morgan and his Confederate raiders entered the town of Lexington. After driving off a small number of Federals, they proceeded to torch the Federal horse stables and let about 7,000 Union horses loose.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1864s.html
23. Saturday, June 11, 1864 --- The National Union Party, a coalition party of Republicans and pro-war Democrats, convened in Baltimore yesterday. Today, by a large majority, they nominate Abraham Lincoln for President. In an unusual move, however, they do not re-nominate Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, but Andrew Johnson of Tennessee (currently governor of Tennessee) for Vice President.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1864
24. Saturday, June 11, 1864 --- Gen. Sherman strengthens his position on the Western and Atlantic railroad, but feels restrained by the vast resources he must expend to guard his ever-lengthening supply line. Still smarting from large losses at the battles of Dallas, Ezra Church, and Pickett’s Mill, the Federals use maneuver and the weight of numbers to outflank the Rebels; in nearly every case, it has failed.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+11%2C+1864
25.

A Thursday, June 11, 1863: General John Hunt Morgan leaves Alexandria, Tennessee to raid Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186306
A+ Thursday, June 11, 1863: Morgan's Raid on Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana in late spring 1863, with Union troops conducting the Siege of Vicksburg and General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia embarking on the Gettysburg Campaign, General Braxton Bragg sought to distract enemy forces in Tennessee and Kentucky.
To accomplish this, he turned to Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. A veteran of the Mexican-American War, Morgan had proven himself a capable cavalry leader during the early part of the war and had led several effective raids into the Union rear. Assembling a select force of 2,462 men and a battery of light artillery, Morgan received orders from Bragg directing him to attack through Tennessee and Kentucky.
Though he happily accepted these orders, Morgan harbored a desire to carry the war into the North by invading Indiana and Ohio. Aware of his subordinate's aggressive nature, Bragg strictly forbade him to cross the Ohio River as he did not wish Morgan's command to be lost. Assembling his men at Sparta, TN, Morgan rode out on
B Thursday, June 11, 1863: Mosby’s Raid on Seneca Mills, Maryland. Captain Brawner and the Chinquapin Rangers were at Rector’s Crossroads in Fauquier County when Mosby formed his first company, Company A of what would become the 43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, on June 10, 1863. After Mosby formed Company A there, the Chinquapin Rangers rode with Mosby and crossed the Potomac River with him attacking a camp of the 6th Michigan Cavalry at Seneca Mills, Maryland on June 11, 1863. It was there that Captain Brawner was killed while gallantly leading the charge. The attached tribute written shortly after Captain Brawner’s death seems to eloquently say it all. Their mission was a success. They routed the Yankees and destroyed their camp before they retired back across the Potomac River with seventeen Federal prisoners and twenty-three captured horses. It could be said that they were the first Confederate soldiers across the Potomac River during the Gettysburg Campaign. After Captain Brawner’s death, First Lieutenant James Cornelius Kincheloe took command of the Company.
http://www.serpentina.khosravi.net/?tag=kincheloe
C Saturday, June 11, 1864: Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia. Phil Sheridan strikes Fitzhugh Lee and Wade Hampton, trying to reach Hunter at Charlottesville. In spite of initial success, he is turned back.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186406
C+ Saturday, June 11, 1864: Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia. In the summer of 1864, hoping to draw attention away from his own movement across the James River toward Petersburg, Union commander Ulysses S. Grant sent Major General Phillip Sheridan on an ambitious cavalry raid toward Charlottesville. Sheridan hoped to destroy as much of the Virginia Central railroad as possible, interrupting crucial Confederate supply lines, and then press on and join forces with General David Hunter in Charlottesville.
When Robert E. Lee became aware of this Union movement, he sent the cavalry divisions of General Wade Hampton and General Fitzhugh Lee to attack the Federals near Trevilian Station, Virginia. What resulted was the largest and bloodiest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War. On June 11, the two divisions approached the Union position along separate roads, with Hampton’s men coming from Trevilian Station and Lee’s men from nearby Louisa Court House. Hampton’s division clashed with the Union First Division under Brigadier General Alfred Torbert, and vicious dismounted fighting raged while Hampton waited for Fitzhugh Lee’s division to arrive and provide support. However, when Lee’s force encountered Union General George Custer’s men on the road, they fell back after only a brief fight, a dangerous decision that created an opening for Custer to take Hampton’s supply train.
Custer’s men immediately took advantage of this gap, driving a wedge between the two Confederate divisions and capturing essential supplies. However, in their haste to claim the spoils of their momentary victory, Custer’s cavalry allowed themselves to be cut off from the rest of Sheridan’s force. When Confederate reinforcements arrived, they were quickly surrounded. This clash has become known as “Custer’s First Last Stand.” The four Michigan regiments of Custer’s brigade took fire from all sides, and only Sheridan’s arrival to drive back the Confederate force saved the Boy General and his men from capture or death. By the time night fell on the 11th, Union forces held Trevilian Station.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/trevilian-station.html?tab=facts
D Saturday, June 11, 1864: Second Battle of Cynthiana. Kentucky. Nearly two years later, Morgan again attacked Cynthiana in what proved to be his last Kentucky raid. Morgan's men advanced into the state from southwestern Virginia. On June 11, 1864, they met resistance from Union soldiers and home guard at Cynthiana. When the Unionists took cover in buildings, the Confederates ignited several of the structures. Union reinforcements arrived by train, but, after a sharp fight, they surrendered. Morgan remained in town. The next morning, more than 2,000 Union troops led by General Stephen G. Burbridge drove off Morgan's command. Many Confederates were captured, but Morgan escaped. Less than three months later he was killed at Greeneville, Tennessee.
http://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/99
D+ Saturday, June 11, 1864: Second Battle of Cynthiana. Kentucky. The Second Battle of Cynthiana consisted of three separate engagements on June 11 and 12, 1864, in and near the town of Cynthiana, Kentucky. Although John Hunt Morgan initially defeated two smaller Union forces on June 11, the battle the next day resulted in a Union victory and ended Morgan’s Last Kentucky Raid.
On June 11, Morgan and his 1,200 cavalrymen surrounded Cynthiana and launched an attack against the 300-man home guard, setting fire to the town and destroying many buildings. Meanwhile, another Union force of 750 men under command of General Edward H. Hobson arrived north of town at Keller’s Bridge. Hobson’s troops fought Morgan’s force for about six hours, eventually trapping them and taking them prisoner. While considered part of the Second Battle of Cynthiana, this engagement with Hobson is also known as the Battle of Keller’s Bridge.
Morgan decided to take a chance the following day on another contest. General Stephen G. Burbridge, with a force of 2,400 men, attacked Morgan at dawn on June 12, driving the Rebels back and causing them to flee. Only a small fraction of Morgan’s men escaped with their lives, including Hunt and some of his officers.
The following article is from the June 25, 1864, issue of The Polk County Press.
Rebel Raid into Kentucky.
CINCINNATI, June 11.—Further reports of the fight yesterday represent the rebel loss at 300 killed and wounded and about 700 prisoners. Burbridge is supposed to be pursuing the remnant of Morgan’s command.
The loss to the Kentucky Central Railroad is estimated at about $2,000,000. There were five locomotives and seventy-five cars at Lexington which were reported uninjured.
CINCINNATI, June 12.—Morgan, with about 3,000 men, attacked a force under Gen. Hobson, at Cynthiana yesterday, and after a very severe fight compelled Hobson to surrender on condition that his men should be immediately exchanged.
The fighting took place in the streets of Cynthiana and some of our troops took refuge in the Court House, and in order to dislodge them the stables were set fire. About twenty buildings were consumed.
Our loss—killed 15, wounded 50. Col. Berry, Provost Marshal of Covington, mortally wounded. The Colonel of the 108th Ohio is severely wounded. It is also reported that Hobson is wounded.
Our loss in prisoners is from 1,200 to 1,500 men. This morning Gen. Burbridge, who left Paris last night fell upon Morgan while his men were at breakfast. After heavy fighting he completely defeated the rebels.—About 150 prisoners were taken.—Burbridge followed closely the fleeing rebels.
LOUISVILLE, June 12.—Col. Carrington has just received a telegram from Gen. Burbridge’s A. A. G. at Lexington, who says that the rebels left yesterday for Georgetown, and went east from there. Burbridge started in pursuit with fresh horses last night, and will push them rapidly.
https://thecivilwarandnorthwestwisconsin.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/1864-june-25-the-second-battle-of-cynthiana/
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CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
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LTC Stephen F. Morgan's raid across Southern Ohio did indeed frighten the populace. I have walked across a bridge at Bidwell, OH in the same location as one that was burned to hinder Morgan. Morgan's reaching Columbiana County, OH East of Akron, OH was significant penetration of the North.
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LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
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CSM Charles Hayden - Thanks for sharing the Historical marker and your personal experiences in that area.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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LTC Stephen F. great read from the Civil War: I am going with this: huge impact that had bigger implications on the war.
1864: Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia was the largest and bloodiest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War. Lt Gen Ulysses S. Grant sent Maj Gen Phil Sheridan to strike CSA Maj Gen Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry division and CSA Maj Gen Wade Hampton’s cavalry
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TSgt Joe C.
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Lots of great Civil War history in here LTC Stephen F., appreciate the share.
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